Abstract:
An annuloplasty prosthesis comprises: a frame; and wherein at least a portion of the frame is capable of reversibly transitioning between a rigid mode and a flexible mode, thereby allowing the device to change its shape.
Abstract:
Certain embodiments described herein relate to expandable, reversible implants. In an embodiment, the implants are controllable by way of at least one biochemical, chemical, or physical means. In an embodiment, the implants are programmable and/or pre-programmed for a particular level of expansion and/or contraction. In an embodiment, the implants are controlled remotely from a control source that is external to the subject's body.
Abstract:
An incontinence treatment device includes a urethral support and first and second connectors. The urethral support extends between a first end and a second end and has porosity that is configured to allow tissue in-growth through the urethral support. The first connector is attached to the first end of the urethral support and the second connector is attached to the second end of the urethral support. At least one of the first connector and the second connector is a cross- linked polymer connector having a glass transition temperature between 40-70 degrees Celsius. The cross-linked polymer connector has an initial length that is elongated to an implant length that is greater than the initial length. Means for heating the cross-linked polymer connector from an extracorporeal location through intact skin is provided, thereby shortening the cross-linked polymer connector.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an optical element for correcting refractive error in an eye. The optical element includes a first portion having a first volume that remains substantially constant when exposed to an energy, and a second portion having a second volume that is adapted to change when exposed to the energy. This optical element results in a device that can correct severe ametropic conditions, without ablating any portion of the element itself or the cornea.
Abstract:
A catheter assembly comprises a catheter shaft (12, 14), a balloon (16) and a pair of collars (30, 32). The collars may be fixed or rotatable about a catheter shaft prior to exposure to an electric current. Where the collars are fixed to the shaft, the balloon is rotatable about the collars. When exposed to the electric current the collars expand to engage the waists of the balloon thereby sealing the balloon. Where the collars are rotatable about the shaft, the each waist of the balloon is engaged to a respective collars. When the rotatable collars are exposed to the electric current the collars expand to engage the shaft of the catheter thereby sealing the balloon.
Abstract:
A spinal disc nucleus pulposus implant is provided which includes a biocompatible material that is injectable into an intradiscal space in a fluid state below physiological temperatures, and that is curable by temperature alone via a reversible phase shift to form a gel at physiological temperatures.
Abstract:
An implantable ophthalmic device with flexible, fluid-filled membranes provide dynamically variable optical power to restore lost accommodation in individuals suffering from presbyopia or aphakia without moving parts or reducing the amount of transmitted light. Actuating the device causes the fluid-filled membrane to change curvature, which produces a corresponding change in optical power. For instance, squeezing the edge of the membrane causes the center of the membrane to bulge by an amount proportional to the squeezing force. Alternatively, heating or applying a voltage to the membrane may cause the liquid in the membrane to undergo a phase transition accompanied by a corresponding change in volume that causes the membrane to inflate so as to change the optical power of the device.
Abstract:
Tissue implants prepared for the repair of tissues, especially avascular tissues such as cartilage. One embodiment presents an electric potential capable of receiving and accumulating desirable factors or molecules from surrounding fluid when exposed to dynamic loading. In another embodiment the implant promotes tissue conduction by retarding, restricting and controlling cellular invasion through use of gradients until competent tissue forms. Further embodiments of the tissue implants may be formed into a multi-phasic device that provides deep tissue mechanical stimulus by conduction of mechanical and fluid forces experienced at the surface of the implant.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an optical element for correcting refractive error in an eye. The optical element includes a first portion having a first volume that remains substantially constant when exposed to an energy, and a second portion having a second volume that is adapted to change when exposed to the energy. This optical element results in a device that can correct severe ametropic conditions, without ablating any portion of the element itself or the cornea.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an artificial nucleus pulposus implant that is injected minimally invasively into the nucleus cavity of the annulus fibrosus to restore the normal anatomical and physiological function of the spine in the affected disc segment. In one aspect of the invention, a device is disclosed for delivering a phase changing biomaterial to a tissue site, the device comprising a dispenser including (i) a plunger having a proximal portion and a distal portion, an inlet end and an outlet end, (ii) a dispensing actuator attached to the proximal portion of the plunger, and (iii) a cartridge adapted to be inserted into the inlet end of the plunger for containing the phase changing biomaterial in a fluid state. The dispenser may be mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically actuated. The dispenser may further comprise a nozzle attached to the cartridge for dispensing the biomaterial to the tissue site. In another aspect, the device may further comprise a tissue cavity access unit providing a conduit having an inlet end in fluid communication with the nozzle, and an outlet end adapted to deliver the biomaterial to the tissue site. The biomaterial may transition from the fluid state to a solid state after a set amount of time, a temperature change or an exposure to an external stimuli such as radiation, UV light or an electrical stimuli. The cartridge may be a dual-chambered cartridge for storing different fluid biomaterials in the two chambers. In another aspect of the invention, a process for producing the artificial nucleus pulposus implant in the nucleus cavity of the annulus fibrosus is disclosed, the process comprising the steps of (a) obtaining access to the nucleus cavity; (b) injecting the artificial nucleus pulposus into the nucleus cavity; and (c) permitting the biomaterial to transition from a fluid state to a solid state in-situ after a given condition.