An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.

An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.

A method and apparatus for spinal fusion at the facet joint using an irregularly shaped implant where the orientation of the implant can be preselected before implantation.

Implantable valve for treating venous insufficiency having a self-expanding frame encased in polymer having a distal section for blood in-flow, a bulbous center section and a proximal section for blood out-flow. Polymeric leaflets have proximal ends forming a valve outlet which opens and closes in response to venous blood flow and distal portions integral with the inner polymer surface of the distal end of said bulbous section. The leaflets define a predominantly biomimetic sinus region with the bulbous section. Opening of the valve induces flushing of blood from the sinus region for smooth non-traumatic blood flow through said valve.

A surgical instrument and method for inserting a spinal implant in the intervertebral disc space between two adjacent vertebrae and an anchor engageable with the implant and an adjacent vertebra are provided. The instrument includes an inserter having an engagement portion including a distal engagement surface for interfacing with the implant and a handle portion. The engagement portion includes a track for slidably translating the anchor toward the engagement surface. A kit is provided including the inserter and a tamp to force the anchor into engagement with the implant and the adjacent vertebra. The kit may also include a cutter for piercing the adjacent vertebra.

Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation plate and spacer having a retaining structure within the screw holes of the fixation plate to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation plate to the bone is provided. A movable joint may be provided between the fixation plate and spacer. In some embodiments, a screw hole insert is also provided to resist shear forces acting between the screw and fixation plate. In some embodiments, an integrated fixation plate and spacer system is provided, comprising two or more integrated fixation plate and spacer implants, wherein the fixation plates of each implant has a complementary configuration to allow attachment of the implants at adjacent intervertebral spaces. Alternative fixation systems are also contemplated.

Selected diabetic patients reveal significant glycemic control after bariatric surgical or endoscopic duodenal bypass. This controlling effect appears to occur partly because of an enhanced Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP1) release from intestinal L-cells. These procedures may also cause complications such as nutritional deficiencies. The present invention provides a stent. The method that places this stent in the ileum to activate the endogenous GLP1 release is a safer alternative to control the diabetes mellitus. However, the less mobile wall of the ileum next to the proximal stent rim can trigger an unwanted telescoping of the intestine, which is known as intussusception. An embodiment of this invention illustrates the characteristics of a stent that can prevent a likely intussusception and consequently be more confidently applied in the ileum to maintain or restore the ileal patency in general or for its anti-hyperglycemic effect in particular.

An implant device is provided that is configured for implantation at multiple locations between adjacent vertebrae. The implant device comprises an implant body, a first portion of the implant body, and a second portion of the implant body adjustably interconnected with the first portion. The implant body has a compact orientation and an extended orientation to allow the implant body to be shifted from one orientation to the other orientation for being positioned in any one of areas between the spinous processes of the adjacent vertebrae, between laminar regions of the adjacent vertebrae, spanning an opening in the annulus between the adjacent vertebrae, and in the intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae.

Prosthetic heart valve devices and associated methods for percutaneous heart valve replacement are disclosed herein. A transcatheter valve prosthesis configured in accordance herewith includes a frame having a valve support and one or more support arms coupled thereto. The one or more support arms are configured to extend from the second end of the valve support toward the first end when the valve prosthesis is in an expanded configuration. When deployed in the expanded configuration, the one or more support arms have a curvilinear shape, such as a substantially S-shape, that at least partially engages tissue at the native heart valve.

Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation plate and spacer having a retaining structure within the screw holes of the fixation plate to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation plate to the bone is provided. A movable joint may be provided between the fixation plate and spacer. In some embodiments, a screw hole insert is also provided to resist shear forces acting between the screw and fixation plate. In some embodiments, an integrated fixation plate and spacer system is provided, comprising two or more integrated fixation plate and spacer implants, wherein the fixation plates of each implant has a complementary configuration to allow attachment of the implants at adjacent intervertebral spaces. Alternative fixation systems are also contemplated.