Abstract: An implantable device for body tissue, including an electrical subsystem that flexes within and interfaces with body tissue and a carrier that operates in the following two modes: provides structural support for the electrical subsystem during implantation of the device in body tissue and allows flexing of the electrical subsystem after implantation of the device in body tissue. The implantable device is preferably designed to be implanted into the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, muscle, or any other suitable anatomical location. The implantable device, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.

Abstract: A prosthetic device including a column of resilient material that has a central region between the proximal and distal ends. The central region has a reduced diameter relative to the proximal and distal ends. Discs protrude from the central region.

Abstract: A medical implant assembly and method having a medical implant, e.g. a breast prostheses, attached to a biological interface. The biological interface is comprised of a dermal material with capsular contracture inhibiting properties so that once the medical assembly is inserted into the host, the biological interface, which is intimately coupled to the implant, prevents/reduces capsular contracture formation around the implant. The biological interface comprises a plurality of apertures along its periphery, and attaches to the medical implant by receiving a plurality of attachment flaps or appendages located on the exterior surface of the medical implant within or through the apertures. The attachment of the biological interface is such that the assembly remains intact even where the attachment flaps loosen upon expansion of the implant after insertion into a host, as where the implant is therein injected to a desired dimension.

Abstract: A method of inducing bone formation in a subject in need of such inducement comprises the steps of mechanically inducing an increase in osteoblast activity in the subject and elevating blood concentration of at least one bone anabolic agent in the subject. The method steps may be performed in any order, but in sufficient time proximity that the elevated concentration of the anabolic agent and the mechanically induced increase in osteoblast activity overlaps. The method may additionally comprise providing the subject with an elevated blood concentration of at least one antiresorptive agent, wherein the elevated concentration is sufficient to prevent resorption of new bone growth produced due to the osteoblast activity. Use of the method permits targeting of specific bones of the subject for bone production and preservation, faster bone production and earlier discontinuation of bone anabolic pharmaceuticals. Kits adapted for performing the method are provided.

Abstract: A medical device system includes a manipulator including a plurality of joints, a parameter storing portion for storing joint parameters, including a largest available force, of each joint of the plurality of joints, a trajectory inputting portion for inputting, as a trajectory plan, trajectories for moving a distal end of the manipulator from a current position and attitude to a target position and attitude, a trajectory setting portion for setting a joint angle trajectory for each joint providing a largest available force from among joint angle trajectories which allow movement to the target position and attitude with a minimum number of driven joints based on a largest available force parameter for the each joint stored in the parameter storing portion and the trajectory plan.

Abstract: Medical implants, such as orthopedic implants of the type used in partial or total joint replacement procedures, for example. The implants include a porous substrate, and a bearing portion of a polymeric material, for example, which is at least partially molded within the porous substrate. The bearing portion includes a bearing surface that is exposed to an articulating component of another medical implant, and the porous metal substrate contacts the bone for osseointegration of the bone tissue into the porous substrate to anchor the implant. The porous substrate may include biodegradable carrier materials, in the form of one or more layers, that carry biologically active agents such as antibiotics and bone growth factors, for example.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced, polymeric implant material useful for tissue engineering, and method of making same are provided. The fibers are preferably aligned predominantly parallel to each other, but may also be aligned in a single plane. The implant material comprises a polymeric matrix, preferably a biodegradable matrix, having fibers substantially uniformly distributed therein. Inorganic particles may also be included in the implant material. In preferred embodiments, porous tissue scaffolds are provided which facilitate regeneration of load-bearing tissues such as articular cartilage and bone. Non-porous fiber-reinforced implant materials are also provided herein useful as permanent implants for load-bearing sites.

Abstract: Methods of changing a phenotype of a cell are provided. The methods comprise increasing an amount of an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to an amino acid sequence encoding an LMP protein or a fragment thereof in a cell. The cells may be contacted by either a composition comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to the amino acid sequence encoding an LMP or its fragment or by a composition comprising acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to the amino acid sequence encoding an LMP or its fragment or any combination thereof. The cells may be contacted either in vivo or ex-vivo.

Abstract: A penile prosthetic device comprising a column formed of resilient material. The prosthetic device comprises multiple malleable cores arranged inside the column. The multiple malleable cores are spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: Described herein are implantable medical devices comprising a biocompatible polymer comprising a triggerable bioadhesive property that allows the device to adhere to body tissue. The triggerable bioadhesive property of the polymer can be triggered or activated by exposure to a stimulus. Also, the present invention pertains to methods of making an implantable medical device comprising a biocompatible polymer comprising a triggerable bioadhesive property that allows the device to adhere to body tissue.

Abstract: A dynamic nasal molding device for presurgical molding of cleft lip deformities, the device having a pair of rotation assemblies each having an internal shaping member for insertion in a nostril and an external shaping member to be positioned external to the nostril, wherein the internal and external shaping members are progressively pivoted about the rotation assemblies, while simultaneously the separation distance between the rotation assemblies is decreased, to mold the nasal anatomy into the desired shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a spongy material for the production of an implant (10) designed to obstruct a cyst neck (3). As spongy material especially the polyvinyl alcohol Ivalon can be employed. The invention furthermore relates to a set of instruments for the introduction of such an implant (10) made of a spongy material into a cyst neck (3) with said set of instruments consisting of a puncture needle (5) for the insertion of a guide wire (6), a guide wire (6) the distal end of which can be introduced into the cyst neck (3), an implant needle (7) provided at its proximal end with a connection element, a feeding unit (8) that can be attached via the connection element to the implant needle (7), and the implant (10) proper which consists of a spongy material and can be introduced via said feeding unit (8) through the implant needle (7) into the cyst neck (3). The inventive set of instruments may in particular be used for the treatment of Baker's cysts.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus comprising a lacrimal implant insertable at least partially into a lacrimal punctum. The lacrimal implant comprises an implant core, and an implant body. The implant body includes a cavity sized and shaped to receive the implant core. At least one of the implant core and the implant cavity includes a detection device configured to allow automatic detection of the lacrimal implant with a separate detector device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyurethane or polyurethane/urea composition which has a tensile strength greater than 10 MPa, a modulus of elasticity greater than 400 MPa and an elongation at break greater than 30% at a temperature of between 0° C. and 60° C. and at a relative humidity of between 0% and 100%. The invention further provides uses of the compositions of the invention in biomedical vascular stents, an orthopaedic implant, a drug delivery coating or in tissue engineering.

Abstract: A medical implant, such as a cochlear implant, comprising a fixating point which is located remotely from the medical implant. This arrangement can reduce the risk of post operative infection in a patient in which the medical implant is implanted.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a medical implant with implant surfaces that are exposed to body tissue when the medical implant is inserted into a body of a recipient. The implant has a micro- or a nano-sized pattern on at least a portion of the implant surfaces. Optionally, the micro- or nano-sized pattern may be a periodic (or “repeating”) pattern. Further, the micro- or nano-sized pattern may have geometric features, such as grooves, circles, triangles, rectangles, pentagons and hexagons.

Abstract: Medical implants are formed at least in part from porous metal wherein the pores of the metal are filled with a hardenable material. The hardenable material can be used to assist in the manufacture of the implant, permitting detailed machining of the implant. Further, the hardenable material can be a resorbable material that strengthens the implant during implantation but is resorbed, once implanted, to permit bone growth and infiltration. Further, in an alternate embodiment, the hardenable material can be a thermoplastic material that can be heated by ultrasonic energy to create an adhesive bond between a fastener and bone structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to alloys of titanium, tantalum, and oxygen that include from greater than 0 to about 60 weight % tantalum, from greater than or equal to about 0.10 weight % oxygen, and the balance titanium and other impurities. Also disclosed are methods of making such alloys. In addition, articles of manufacture including such alloys, such as biomedical implants, are disclosed.

Abstract: An implant system for imparting vibratory massage to tissue of a patient from within the body of the patient is disclosed. The system comprises an implant device configured to produce and communicate a vibration to body tissue located adjacent to the implant device. The device may include a case forming at least a portion of an exterior of the device, and a vibration generator configured to vibrate the portion of the exterior. The device may include a power supply to supply power to the vibration generator and a switch to selectively permit power from the power supply to be supplied to the vibration generator. The device may include a power receiver to receive electrical energy from a location external to the body of the patient and a signal receiver to receive signals from a location external to the body of the patient when the receiver is located in the body of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A double-structured tissue implant (DSTI) and a method for preparation and use thereof for implantation into tissue defects. The double-structured tissue implant for differentiation, growth and transformation of cells, stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells and bone marrow stem cells. DSTI comprising a primary scaffold and a secondary scaffold consisting of a soluble collagen solution in combination with a non-ionic surfactant generated and positioned within the primary scaffold.

Abstract: An implantable device includes an implantable housing having an outer surface and providing a hermetically sealed interior volume. A flexible electric lead is mechanically connected to the housing and electrically connected to circuitry within the interior volume. An impact protector overlies at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing and shields the underlying housing surface from the force of a mechanical impact.

Abstract: A surgical implant has a mesh-like base structure (2) and a film (4). The film (4) extends over at least part of the base structure (2), is connected to the base structure (2) in partial regions, and has a coefficient of kinetic friction, relative to rat skin, of not more than 0.25. The film (4) is preferably absorbable.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for treating vertebral diseases and injuries, and more particularly to devices, systems and methods of delivering therapy to the spine within or in close proximity to the intervertebral disc space or vertebral endplate. The method involves positioning an implant having an internal passageway with a proximal and distal opening into a vertebra such that the distal opening is adjacent a delivery site such as an intervertebral disc space or a vertebral endplate. The method also involves delivery a therapeutic substance through the proximal opening and through the internal passageway to the delivery site while the implant is positioned in the vertebra. The devices, systems and methods can be performed with and without spinal fixation.

Abstract: A system includes an adjustable implant configured for implantation internally within a subject, the adjustable implant having a permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis of rotation, the permanent magnet operatively coupled to a drive transmission configured to alter a dimension of the adjustable implant. The system further includes an external adjustment device configured for placement on or adjacent to the skin of the subject comprising at least one magnet configured for rotation, the external adjustment device further comprising a motor configured to rotate the at least one magnet, whereby rotation of the at least one magnet of the external adjustment device effectuates rotational movement of the permanent magnet of the adjustable implant and alters the dimension of the adjustable implant. The system includes drive control circuitry configured to drive the motor of the external adjustment device to achieve a target dimension of the adjustable implant.

Abstract: A medical device with metal parts to be introduced into animal or human bodies is rendered visible during RMN imaging by covering the exterior surface of the metal parts with a layer comprising Nickel monoxide. When placed within the electromagnetic field generated by a NMR apparatus, the layer reduces disturbances induced in this field in the vicinity of the metal part. This improvement is chiefly related to endoprostheses for subjects or patients who will be submitted to NMR imaging. In particular, the invention is aimed at luminal endoprostheses comprising a metal frame, as stents.

Abstract: An implant of a biocorrodable metallic material comprising a coating having a biocorrodable polyphosphazene.

Abstract: A multi-lamellar tissue-adhesive sheet comprises a structural layer or laminate conjoined to a tissue-contacting layer. The structural layer or laminate comprises one or more synthetic polymers having film-forming properties, and the tissue-contacting layer of material contains tissue-reactive groups. The synthetic polymers having film-forming properties are preferably biodegradable polyesters, and the tissue-reactive groups are most preferably NHS-ester groups.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a housing and a coating disposed on the housing. The coating includes a conductive carrier and a therapeutic agent, e.g. an anti-infective agent such as silver particles. The conductive carrier can be any suitable conductive material, such as iridium oxide, titanium nitride, diamond-like carbon, graphite, polyaniline, platinum, carbon nanotubes, carbon black, platinum black, or poly 3,4,-ethylenedioxythiophene. Coatings containing iridium oxide and metallic silver particles are effective in inhibiting bacterial growth in vitro.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and kits for reducing the risk of fracturing a bone. A device is provided comprising an implantable pad for absorbing, deflecting, and/or diffusing an exterior impact force on a bone. A device is provided for strengthening and/or reinforcing a bone at typical fracture sites prior to fracture and/or along lines of tension and compression forces. The devices may comprise a coil adapted to be implanted in the bone. The device may comprise a rod adapted to be implanted in the bone. The devices may comprise a deployable element adapted to be deployed in the bone. The device may comprise a scaffold adapted to be implanted in the bone. The device may comprise a reinforcing material and/or means for reinforcing and/or strengthening the bone at typical fracture sites prior to fracture and/or along lines of tension and compression forces.

Abstract: A method of determining the size and/or placement of a prosthetic disc in a disc space between adjacent endplates of two vertebrae in a selected spinal area, comprising: using a computer to identify the disc space parameters of height, width, depth and lordosis between the adjacent vertebral endplates; using a computer to create an artificial volume corresponding to an actual prosthetic disc that can be positioned in the disc space in accordance with a manufacturer's size and lordosis specifications for prosthesis; using a computer to determine the center of the disc space and the center of rotation of the prosthetic disc volume; using a computer to position the prosthetic disc volume in the disc space such that the center of rotation of the prosthetic disc volume is positioned posterior to the center of the disc space; and using a computer to determine the prosthetic disc volume that fits within the disc space in accordance with a surgeon's or manufacturer's specification for prosthesis.

Abstract: Drug eluting coating compositions are composed of at least one therapeutic agent dispersed in modified, biologically active binders. The therapeutic agents included in the coating composition are paclitaxel, sirolimus, tacrolimus, everolimus, actinomycin-D, dexamethasone, mycophenolic acid, cyclosporins, estradiol, and derivatives and analogs thereof. These therapeutic agents are applied to the surface of the medical device by a modified, biologically active binders. By using these biologically active binders, the therapeutic agents can be applied to at least one surface of a medical implant without using inert polymer carriers.

Abstract: Permanent magnets are implanted in bone to unload compressive forces at joints using the repulsive force therebetween. A porous metal container is implanted first and becomes fixed in place by bone growth. The permanent magnet is then inserted in the container and retained in place. A magnet prescription system includes a display and input device which enables a user to alter parameters such as magnet size, strength and placement and calculate and display the repulsive force that will result.

Abstract: Systems and methods employ implants attached to the hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, or both the thyroid and cricoid cartilages and a source of magnetic force to move the hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, or both the thyroid and cricoid cartilages in the treatment of sleep disordered breathing, using attracting, repelling or a combination of attracting and repelling magnetic forces.

Abstract: An implant for deployment in select locations or select tissue for regeneration of tissue is disclosed. The implant includes collagen and or other bio-resorbable materials, where the implant may also be used for therapy delivery. Additionally, the implant may include, or have blended in, an additive, such as an osteoinductive factor, for example biocompatible ceramics and glass.

Abstract: Disclosed are implantable tissue augmentation devices, methods, and associated tools. The devices include an inflatable body, having an inner layer and an outer layer. A valve is provided for permitting the introduction of and retaining inflation media. At least one pull tab is provided on an end of the implant, to assist in positioning the implant. Kits and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to devices and methods for respiration therapy, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a system for providing respiration therapy to a patient, including an implantable device comprising a chronically implanted respiration sensor, the respiration sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of respiration rate of the patient; and an external interface device in communication with the implantable device, the external interface device comprising an output device and configured to deliver respiration therapy to the patient, the respiration therapy comprising one or more breathing prompts generated by the output device. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for providing respiration therapy to a patient. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of monitoring a heart failure patient for decompensation events. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are implantable tissue augmentation devices, methods, and associated tools. The devices include an inflatable body, having an inner layer and an outer layer. A valve is provided for permitting the introduction of and retaining inflation media. At least one pull tab is provided on an end of the implant, to assist in positioning the implant. Kits and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are implantable tissue augmentation devices, methods, and associated tools. The devices include an inflatable body, having an inner layer and an outer layer. A valve is provided for permitting the introduction of and retaining inflation media. At least one pull tab is provided on an end of the implant, to assist in positioning the implant. Kits and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are implantable tissue augmentation devices, methods, and associated tools. The devices include an inflatable body, having an inner layer and an outer layer. A valve is provided for permitting the introduction of and retaining inflation media. At least one pull tab is provided on an end of the implant, to assist in positioning the implant. Kits and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical prostheses and methods of manufacturing those devices. In particular, the prostheses are temporarily stiffened meshes with particular coatings to provide initial stiffness and thereby permit easier surgical handling for treatment or reconstruction of soft tissue defects. Preferred embodiments include surgical meshes coated with one or more biodegradable polymers that can act as a stiffening agent by coating the filaments or fibers of the mesh to temporarily immobilize the contact points of those filaments or fibers and/or by increasing the stiffness of the mesh by at least 1.1 times its original stiffness. The devices of the invention can also provide relief from various post-operative complications associated with their implantation, insertion or surgical use.

Abstract: A medical system comprises a power supply coupled to an implant assembly, the power supply configured for detecting an energy delivery type of the implantable assembly and delivering electrical energy to the implant assembly in a mode corresponding to the detected energy delivery type, thereby electrolytically severing the joint. In another embodiment, a power supply is provided for use with a medical device having an elongated member and a terminal disposed on a proximal end of the elongated member. The power supply including power delivery circuitry, an electrical contact coupled to the power delivery circuitry, a port configured for receiving the proximal end of the elongated member, and an electrically insulative compliant member configured for urging the electrical terminal into contact with the electrical contact when the proximal end of the elongated member is received into the port.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cultured, stratified cartilage tissue that comprises a tissue-engineered, cohesive cartilage construct comprised of two or more cartilage layers, wherein each cartilage layer comprises chondrogenic cells having a chondrocytic phenotype corresponding to chondrocytes present in: a superficial-tangential zone of natural cartilage; a middle-transitional zone of natural cartilage; a deep-radial zone of natural cartilage; or a calcified cartilage zone of natural cartilage.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical implant device or component thereof comprising a metal substrate, an intermediate coating, and an outer coating of aluminum oxide, as well as a method of making such a medical implant device or component thereof.

Abstract: Medical devices and related methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a medical device or a medical device component includes contacting a non-fluid first member and a second member, the first member comprising a first polymer and an alignable material different from the first polymer; aligning the alignable material; and bonding the first and second members together.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to implantable bioabsorbable non-woven self-cohered web materials having a high degree of porosity. The web materials are very supple and soft, while exhibiting proportionally increased mechanical strength in one or more directions. The web materials often possess a high degree of loft. The web materials can be formed into a variety of shapes and forms suitable for use as implantable medical devices or components thereof.

Abstract: A prosthesis having an oxidized zirconium surface and a porous textured surface is described. A major advantage of the prosthesis is increased service life. Additionally, a process of manufacturing the prosthesis is described.

Abstract: An orthopedic coupling device is used for simultaneous attachment of multiple heterogeneous orthopedic components, such as a spacer and plate, for implantation in the body. The device coupler includes a coupling base, at least one coupling member configured to attach to one an orthopedic spacer while also trapping or clamping an orthopedic fixation plate between the coupling base and the orthopedic spacer. The orthopedic coupler device may have a detachable handle to facilitate access and visibility of the spacer and plate after initial implantation.

Abstract: This invention provides, in certain aspects, unique devices and methods for treating fistulae. In one embodiment, an inventive device includes an elongate graft body having a proximal end and a distal end. The graft body is configurable to a first condition and a second condition, the second condition including the distal end deflected laterally relative to its position in the first condition of the body. The device also includes a tether, which is connected to the graft body, and is configured to traverse proximally along the body. The tether is manipulable to convert the graft body from the first condition to the second condition. Such a device may also include one or more additional tethers connected to the graft body. For instance, a second tether can be configured to extend distally from the distal end of the graft body, and may be effective in pulling the graft body along a fistula tract.

Abstract: Devices and treatments for a joint include a resilient elongate orthopedic device inserted into a joint space using a delivery instrument. The orthopedic device is housed in a delivery cavity of the delivery instrument delivered to an implantation site using a push mechanism. The delivery instrument optionally comprises a guide or tongue structure to facilitate positioning of the delivery instrument about the implantation site.