A joint stabilization (reduction) system and associated methods and tools for placement of the system in an open or minimally invasive technique. The joint stabilization system includes a flexible prosthetic band for stabilizing the bones in proper position and a connector mechanism for joining the two ends of the prosthetic band around the bones. One end of the prosthetic band can be permanently attached to the connector.

A device for use in bariatric surgery includes a flexible hollow tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end and defines a channel therebetween. A series of openings is defined in a distal portion of the tube allowing for fixation of tissue using suction. A flexible member has an initial position disposed alongside the tube and is deployable to a subsequent position in which the flexible member engages a greater curvature of a stomach. The flexible member is configured to be deployable to automatically assume a shape of a greater curvature of a stomach. The flexible member includes a bulging region and a tapering region when deployed. The flexible member is releasably attached to the distal end of the tube.

A method for affixing a fundus portion of the stomach of a human patient to the patient's esophagus is disclosed. The method comprises folding the fundus portion towards the esophagus such that the fundus portion rests against the esophagus, from the angle of His and upwards along the esophagus, and affixing the fundus portion to the esophagus by means of fasteners arranged along a first line and a second line. The first line and the second line extend along the esophagus and are arranged such that a distance between the first line and the second line increases with an increasing distance from the angle of His. The method can be used for invaginating a movement restriction device by the fundus, a position between the diaphragm and the cardiac sphincter to hinder the cardia from sliding through the diaphragm opening into the patient's thorax.

Disclosed are systems and methods of correction of spinal deformity that overcome current limitations by utilizing a dynamic, multi-segment torso orthosis that allows motion during wear. The disclosed embodiments utilize a series of elastically coupled segments that conform to the circumference of the torso of a patient. Adjustable elastic coupling mechanisms are utilized to create and alter forces and moments that are applied to the torso through the segments. These elastic coupling mechanisms also allow each circumferential segment to move relative to the other segments giving the brace dynamic capability.

A base plate and/or a sensor assembly part for an ostomy appliance is disclosed, the base plate and/or the sensor assembly part comprising a first adhesive layer with a proximal side configured for attachment of the base plate and/or the sensor assembly part to the skin surface of a user, the first adhesive layer having a stomal opening with a center point; and a plurality of electrodes including a ground electrode, a first electrode, and a second electrode, the ground electrode comprising a ground connection part, the first electrode comprising a first connection part, and the second electrode comprising a second connection part; wherein the ground electrode forms a ground for the first electrode and the second electrode.

A method of using an implantable device provides an implantable device including a plurality of links (113, 115, 117, 119), a device closure pin (111), a lock-in unit (103) attached and located between two links, and a quick release unit (105) attached and located between two links. The plurality of links (113, 115, 117, 119), lock-in unit (103) and release unit (105) are constructed in a closed contour. The closed contour of the implantable device, in a rigid state (151), is a figure eight comprised of two arcs (125, 127) and two connected interconnecting sections (131, 133).

A plurality of structures that resiliently attract one another are provided for implanting in a patient around a body tissue structure of the patient. For example, the body tissue structure may be the esophagus, and the plurality of structures may be implanted in an annulus around the outside of the esophagus, the annulus being substantially coaxial with the esophagus. The attraction may be between annularly adjacent ones of the structures in the annulus, and it may be provided, for example, by magnets or springs. The array of structures is preferably self-limiting with respect to the smallest area that it can encompass, and this smallest area is preferably large enough to prevent the apparatus from applying excessive pressure to tissue passing through that area.

Devices and methods of endolumenal formation of gastric sleeves are described. Some embodiments allow templating of a gastric sleeve by a gastric bougie, exposing a selected amount of tissue for suturing access, while maintaining sufficient internal working space for suturing within the template lumen.

A mandibular advancement device having a first frame and a second frame, the first frame having a first occlusal surface and a first generally U-shaped groove, the second frame having a second occlusal surface and second generally U-shaped groove, the mandibular advancement device having a first rib protruding from the first occlusal surface of the first frame, a first upstanding sidewall protruding from the first occlusal surface of the first frame, a first inner surface of the first upstanding sidewall, the first inner surface generally parallel to, offset from, and facing the first rib, a first set of teeth on the inner surface of the first upstanding wall, the first set of teeth facing the first rib and orthogonal to the first occlusal surface, a first channel of the second occlusal surface of the second frame, the first channel in relative position to interface with the first rib, an opening of the first channel, the opening of the first channel having a width that is narrower than a width of the first rib, a second upstanding sidewall protruding from the second occlusal surface of the second frame, a first outside wall of the second upstanding sidewall, the outside wall in relative position to interface with the first inner surface of the upstanding first sidewall, and a second set of teeth on the outside wall of the second upstanding sidewall, the second set of teeth orthogonal to the second occlusal surface.

A rear-entry ankle brace includes an elastomeric component defining an inside elbow channel configured to span an ankle joint. A channel opening extends the length of the elastomeric component for direct insertion on top of a leg. One or more leg straps are used to adjustably tension first and second rear edges of the channel opening toward one another and secure the brace to the lower leg. Two foot straps are used to adjustably tension first and second bottom edges of the channel opening toward one another and secure the brace to the mid-foot. The foot straps overlap on the bottom to define a plantar surface of the brace and cross over each other on the topside of the elastomeric component and are secured to a leg strap. A pair of stabilizing stirrups optionally are included on the inside surfaces of the elastomeric component and receive the malleoli.