The invention refers to the area of control of a limb device in the form of an artificial limb for a human or a robot limb. In particular, the invention is related to a control unit for electrically controlling an electrically controllable limb device, the limb device comprising a plurality of actuators, the control unit comprising a first interface for connecting the control unit to the limb device, the control unit comprising a second interface for connecting the control unit to a data gathering device comprising one or more sensing devices, the control unit comprising a processing unit which is arranged for controlling the limb device at least based on data gathered by the data gathering device, wherein the control unit is arranged for outputting one single control action step to the actuators of the limb device calculated by the processing unit based on a first data or data combination received from the data gathering device, and the control unit is arranged for outputting a plurality of control action steps to the actuators of the limb device calculated by the processing unit based on a second data or data combination received from the data gathering device, the second data or data combination being different from the first data or data combination, the plurality of control action steps inducing a more complex automatic movement of the limb device that the one single control action step. The invention further refers to a system comprising such a control unit, a method for controlling an electrically controllable limb device and a computer program.

An electronically assisted artificial vertebral disc having an upper disc plate and a lower disc plate is disclosed. An actuator imparts movement to at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. A control device controls the actuator and the amount of movement between the disc plates. The actuator includes a plurality of either linear actuators or rotary actuators that are driven by electric motors in response to the control device. The control device includes at least a first sensor for detecting the position of the actuator and at least a second sensor for detecting the spatial orientation of at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. The control device also preferably includes a microprocessor that calculates the desired positions of the upper and lower disc plates and provides a control signal to the actuator to drive the upper and lower disc plates to their desired positions.

A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.

An artificial bladder system including an implantable bladder, a valve, a number of sensors, and an alert mechanism. The implantable bladder includes an outer wall forming a chamber for collecting urine of a user, the outer wall including inflow openings and an outflow opening. The valve is integrated with the outflow opening to selectively allow urine to flow from the chamber through the outflow opening. The sensors are configured to detect a urine level in the chamber. The alert mechanism is configured to generate a sensory output to alert the user that the bladder should be emptied upon detection of the urine level in the chamber by one of the sensors.

A spacer for a knee replacement prosthesis. The spacer may include a lower surface, which has a locking component adapted to interlock with a tibial tray, an upper surface, the upper surface having a pair of condyle support platforms; and a frame positioned therebetween for anchoring the upper and lower surfaces thereto, the frame having a hollowed center defined by internal cavities. In some exemplary embodiments, the spacer may further include a fluid delivery system for localized antibiotic treatment to the surrounding joint. The delivery system may include a reservoir disposed within the internal cavity, a septum operatively connected to the reservoir, and fluid delivery element for dispensing a liquid medicament from the reservoir to the surrounding infection. The fluid delivery system may interact with external components to refill, communicate with, and control the system.

A spacer for a knee replacement prosthesis. The spacer may include a lower surface, which has a locking component adapted to interlock with a tibial tray, an upper surface, the upper surface having a pair of condyle support platforms; and a frame positioned therebetween for anchoring the upper and lower surfaces thereto, the frame having a hollowed center defined by internal cavities. In some exemplary embodiments, the spacer may further include a fluid delivery system for localized antibiotic treatment to the surrounding joint. The delivery system may include a reservoir disposed within the internal cavity, a septum operatively connected to the reservoir, and fluid delivery element for dispensing a liquid medicament from the reservoir to the surrounding infection. The fluid delivery system may interact with external components to refill, communicate with, and control the system.

A control assembly for implantation in a patient comprises a first unit adapted for subcutaneous implantation at a first side of a body tissue of said patient, a second unit adapted for implantation in a body cavity of said patient at a second side of said body tissue, wherein at least one of the first and the second unit is adapted to control an implanted powered medical device, and an interconnecting device adapted for mechanical interconnection of the first and second units to keep the assembly in place by the body tissue, the interconnecting device having a cross-sectional area which is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first unit and the second unit in a plane parallel to the extension of the body tissue.

A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.

Medical devices coupled to a sensor, and systems including such devices, can generate data and analysis based on that data, which may be used to identify and/or address problems associated with the implanted medical device, including incorrect placement of the device, unanticipated degradation of the device, and undesired movement of the device. Also provided are medical devices coupled to a sensor, and devices and methods to address problems that have been identified with an implanted medical device.

A device and method for managing obstructive sleep apnea in patients. The device includes a first implantable member and a second implantable member, both configured to generate a magnetic field. The first implantable member is implanted in a base of a tongue and the second implantable member is implanted in a soft palate such that like magnetic poles of the first implantable member and the second implantable member face each other resulting in repulsion between the first implantable member and the second implantable member. The repulsive force between the first implantable member and the second implantable member can open the respiratory airway and keep it open.