Abstract:
L'invention concerne un dispositif médical comprenant : - un boîtier étanche (1), adapté pour être implanté dans un corps d'un patient humain ou animal, - un élément gonflable (3), - un circuit fluidique comprenant un réservoir de fluide (5) présentant un volume de fluide variable agencé dans le boîtier et une tubulure (2) entre ledit réservoir et ledit élément gonflable, - un actionneur agencé dans le boîtier pour faire varier sélectivement le volume de fluide dans ledit réservoir, - une unité de contrôle (100) configurée pour commander l'actionneur, - au moins un capteur adapté pour mesurer une pression absolue de fluide dans le circuit fluidique, une force exercée sur le réservoir, une pression de gaz dans le boîtier, une pression atmosphérique ou une valeur relative à une altitude du patient, ladite unité de contrôle (100) étant configurée pour : - à partir d'une mesure dudit capteur alors que l'actionneur est inactif, détecter un écart entre une valeur relative à une altitude du patient et une valeur de référence et - déterminer, en fonction dudit écart, une commande de l'actionneur de sorte à contrôler la pression de fluide dans le circuit fluidique.
Abstract:
Various embodiments are described herein for an ocular device implantable in a user's eye and which has an adjustable optical element for varying one or more optical properties for the eye such as, but not limited to, providing a dynamically adjustable aperture stop to control the amount of incoming light, filtering incoming light, polarizing incoming light, varying a depth of field for the eye, etc.
Abstract:
Various embodiments of an adjustable implant are disclosed herein. The adjustable implant comprises a hydraulic mechanism disposed within the shell, which includes a first component and a second component that is moveable with respect to the first component, and a band with a first and second end disposed within the shell in a round (e.g., elliptical) configuration having a second diameter in the plane that is less than the first diameter. In some embodiments, the first end of the band may be connected to the first component and the second end of the band may be connected to the second component. In some embodiments, the mechanism may include a fluid and a pump that has a first actuator comprising a first chamber and a second actuator comprising a second chamber. Depressing the first actuator causes the first component to move in a first direction, which reduces the diameter of the band and increases the height of the implant. Depressing the second actuator causes the first component to move in a direction opposite the first direction, which increases the diameter of the band and decreases the height of the implant.
Abstract:
A bending actuator and methods for making and using the same. A beam of anisotropic polymer material, such as nylon, characterized by a greater degree of molecular orientation along a longitudinal axis than transverse to the longitudinal axis, has a heating element in thermal contact with at least one of a pair of opposing faces parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam. The heating element in certain embodiments provides for photothermal activation of the bending actuator.
Abstract:
Devices to improve lung function in a patient having restricted ventilation from chest hyperinflation and related pulmonary conditions. A bronchoscopically delivered implantable airway bypass device (150) may relieve trapped air. The device comprises an expandable structure (164) comprising a distal region with a basket (160) for placement within lung parenchyma (106), and a proximal region comprising a neck connectable to a conduit (161) extending through the wall of a patient airway (214). minimally invasive methods may include procedures that reduce the time required by the overall healing process.
Abstract:
A prosthesis device can include a socket or a kit for forming a socket having a lanyard suspension system. In one example, the lanyard suspension system includes a tightening device having a housing, and tightening the lanyard gathers a tensioning line portion of the lanyard into an interior of the housing.
Abstract:
Implant apparatus and methods directed toward treating conditions involving the knee joint are disclosed. Full range of motion of the knee joint and tissue integrity are maintained in treatment approaches. In one particular approach, osteoarthritis of the knee joint is addressed by unloading one or more of the lateral and medial compartments.
Abstract:
An exoskeleton bracing system includes: a trunk support for affixing to the trunk of a disabled person and leg braces for connecting to the legs of the person, each leg brace including limb segment braces. Motorized joints are adapted to provide relative angular movement between the limb segment braces of the leg braces and between the leg braces and the trunk support. One or more ground force sensors are designed to sense ground force exerted on each of the leg braces. The system also includes a controller for receiving sensed signals from said one or more ground force sensors, with an algorithm for identifying a stance from the sensed signals and, based on the identified stance, actuating the motorized joints to perform an action relating to a mode of locomotion selected from a set of predefined actions corresponding to the identified stance.
Abstract:
A system and method for prosthetic/orthotic (PO) device and/or PO system communication. PO devices of the present invention preferably employ common communication modules that allow for wireless communication between PO devices and other devices, such as remote controls and data transfer devices. The present invention also provides for a methodology of determinant and non-interfering simultaneous communication between multiple PO devices of a PO system.
Abstract:
Connector assemblies for use with implantable medical devices having easy to assemble contacts are disclosed. The connector assemblies are generally formed by coupling a plurality of ring contacts, sealing rings, and spring contact elements together with at least one holding ring to form a connector having a common bore for receiving a medical lead cable. Contact grooves or spring chambers for positioning the spring contact elements are formed in part by assembling multiple components together. A further aspect is a provision for encasing each connector assembly or stack inside a thermoset layer or a thermoplastic layer before over-molding the same to a sealed housing.