A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes upper and lower plates, a core disposed between the plates, and at least one projection extending from at least one of the upper and lower curved surfaces of the core into at least one recess of one of the inner surfaces of the plates. The recess is oversize with respect to the projection to allow sliding movement of the plate over the core while retaining the core between the plates during such sliding movement. The projection(s) may include a rod extending through an axial hole in the core, multiple surface features of the core, or the like.

A total artificial expansile disc and a method for posterior insertion between a pair of vertebral endplates are disclosed. The total artificial expansile disc includes at least one pair of substantially parallel plates that move apart along a first axis, in order to occupy a space defined by the vertebral endplates. In another embodiment, each of substantially parallel plates includes a first plate and a second sliding plate. An expansion device or tool is used to move the substantially parallel pair of plates apart along the first axis. A core is disposed between the pair of plates, and the core permits the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another. A ball limiter or ball extender prevents the core from being extruded from between the substantially parallel plates.

Prosthetic heart valve devices for percutaneous replacement of native heart valves and associated systems and method are disclosed herein. A prosthetic heart valve device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an anchoring member having an upstream portion configured to engage with tissue on or near the annulus of the native heart valve and to deform in a non-circular shape to conform to the tissue. The device can also include a mechanically isolated valve support coupled to the anchoring member and configured to support a prosthetic valve. The device can further include an atrial extension member extending radially outward from the upstream portion of the anchoring member and which is deformable without substantially deforming the anchoring member. In some embodiments, the upstream portion of the anchoring member and the extension member may be deformed while the valve support remains sufficiently stable.

Prosthetic heart valve devices for percutaneous replacement of native heart valves and associated systems and method are disclosed herein. A prosthetic heart valve device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an anchoring member having an upstream portion configured to engage with tissue on or near the annulus of the native heart valve and to deform in a non-circular shape to conform to the tissue. The device can also include a mechanically isolated valve support coupled to the anchoring member and configured to support a prosthetic valve. The device can further include an atrial extension member extending radially outward from the upstream portion of the anchoring member and which is deformable without substantially deforming the anchoring member. In some embodiments, the upstream portion of the anchoring member and the extension member may be deformed while the valve support remains sufficiently stable.

Prosthetic heart valve devices for percutaneous replacement of native heart valves and associated systems and method are disclosed herein. A prosthetic heart valve device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an anchoring member having an upstream portion configured to engage with tissue on or near the annulus of the native heart valve and to deform in a non-circular shape to conform to the tissue. The device can also include a mechanically isolated valve support coupled to the anchoring member and configured to support a prosthetic valve. The device can further include an atrial extension member extending radially outward from the upstream portion of the anchoring member and which is deformable without substantially deforming the anchoring member. In some embodiments, the upstream portion of the anchoring member and the extension member may be deformed while the valve support remains sufficiently stable.

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of cardiac anchors configured to be inserted into a heart wall of a patient to anchor a suture as an artificial chordae under an appropriate tension for proper valve function. Such cardiac anchors are particularly suitable for use in intravascular, transcatheter procedures.

A testicular implant device and method is provided. The testicular implant device comprises a generally spherical, hollow body configured to be implanted within a scrotum and a cavity sized to receive a testis. The spherical, hollow body has one or more layers of net sheeting, which provides structural rigidity to the implant and facilitates suturing of the implant to the patient. The cavity also has a cavity edge, which defines a means of ingress into the cavity. The method comprises the steps of administering one or more anesthetic agents to a patient having at least one testis and a scrotum; cutting an at least 1.5-inch longitudinal incision in the scrotum to expose the tunica vaginalis; cutting an at least 1.5-inch longitudinal incision in the tunica vaginalis; providing a testicular implant having a generally spherical, hollow body and one or more layers of net sheeting; placing the testicular implant over the at least one testis; closing the at least 1.5-inch longitudinal incision in the tunica vaginalis; connecting the testicular implant to the tunica vaginalis; and closing the scrotum.

A method for creating a surgical mesh includes heat treating a plurality of fibers; knitting the plurality of fibers into a mesh; and heat treating the mesh by applying heat at a temperature that falls within a range of 65 degrees Celsius to 110 degrees Celsius while subjecting the mesh to a tension that falls in a range of 4.0 Newtons per centimeter (N/cm) to 32.0 N/cm for a period of time that falls in a range of 1 hour to 9 hours.

A total artificial expansile disc and a method for posterior insertion between a pair of vertebral endplates are disclosed. The total artificial expansile disc includes at least one pair of substantially parallel plates that move apart along a first axis, in order to occupy a space defined by the vertebral endplates. In another embodiment, each of substantially parallel plates includes a first plate and a second sliding plate. An expansion device or tool is used to move the substantially parallel pair of plates apart along the first axis. A core is disposed between the pair of plates, and the core permits the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another. A ball limiter or ball extender prevents the core from being extruded from between the substantially parallel plates.

A holder for a prosthetic mitral heart valve that attaches to an inflow end of the valve and includes a simple tensioning mechanism that flexes the heart valve commissure posts inward to help prevent suture looping. The tensioning mechanism may include relatively movable rings of the holder or a generally unitary holder with a tensor, or rotatable knob. Connecting sutures thread through internal passages in the holder and travel in the outflow direction along valve commissure posts, emerging at the post tips and mutually crossing over the outflow side of the valve. A handle attaches off-center on the holder to increase visualization of and access to the heart valve through a central window for enhanced access to the commissure posts and leaflets. The holder is constructed of non-metallic materials so as to avoid interfering with imaging devices, and the handle is ergonomically curved and shaped to facilitate manipulation.