Ionized radiation-absorbed, dose sensitive, highly flexible polymeric compositions are provided that exhibits multidirectional changes in refractive index. Also provided are methods of producing a precision multi-directional nanogradient of refractive index in a polymeric composition.

A prosthetic heart valve includes a base and a plurality of polymeric leaflets. Each leaflet has a root portion coupled to the base, and each leaflet has an edge portion substantially opposite the root portion and movable relative to the root portion to coapt with a respective edge portion of at least one of the other leaflets of the plurality of leaflets. Each leaflet includes) at least two polymers along at least one portion of the leaflet, and each leaflet has a composition gradient of each of the at least two polymers along at least one portion of the leaflet.

A capsular ring for insertion into a capsular bag of a patient's eye includes an anterior ring defining a first opening and having a first cross-sectional width and a posterior ring defining a second opening and having a second cross-sectional width. A diameter of the first opening is greater than a diameter of the second opening, and the second cross-sectional width is greater that the first cross-sectional width. The capsular ring further includes a sidewall connecting the first ring and the second ring, the sidewall comprising a plurality of orifices spaced circumferentially around the sidewall.

A stent includes a high radial force segment and a highly flexible segment, where the diameters of the high radial force segment and the highly flexible segment are different. For example, the stent may be formed from a tube having varying diameters as it extends distally combined with increased strut density to achieve increased flexibility distally while reducing loss of radial stiffness. The stent may further be placed with an additional stent segment, where the additional stent segment has a radial force similar to the radial force of the highly flexible force segment.

Methods, compositions, and systems are provided for characterization of modified nucleic acids. In certain preferred embodiments, single molecule sequencing methods are provided for identification of modified nucleotides within nucleic acid sequences. Modifications detectable by the methods provided herein include chemically modified bases, enzymatically modified bases, abasic sites, non-natural bases, secondary structures, and agents bound to a template nucleic acid.

The present invention relates to an innovative biological prostheses, equipped with a drainage system, designed for all surgical applications where there is any risk of hematomas or seromas, which not only allows to minimize adverse events arising from its application, but allows also to improve the effectiveness of the functional reconstruction. The prosthesis of the present invention is a surgical prosthesis made of animal derived collagen having a peripheral outline and a drainage portion comprising a plurality of drainage holes which are located in one or more independent groups each of which has a regular body-centered polygon layout.

An annuloplasty device is provided comprising first and second support rings having a coiled configuration in which the first and second support rings are arranged as a coil around a central axis, the first and second support rings are configured to be arranged on opposite sides of native heart valve leaflets of a heart valve, the first and/or second support ring comprises a plurality of sides forming a non-circular cross-section of the first and/or second support ring, wherein the cross-section varies along a longitudinal direction of the first and/or second support ring.

Nasal implants are provided that have a planar type profile with open spaces through portions of the planar type profile. The nasal implant can be compressible along one or more dimensions of the nasal implant, such as the width and length of the planar type profile. Delivery tools for deploying the nasal implants within the nasal tissue are also provided. Methods for deploying the nasal implants within the nasal tissue of the patient are also provided.

Methods, compositions, and systems are provided for characterization of modified nucleic acids. In certain preferred embodiments, single molecule sequencing methods are provided for identification of modified nucleotides within nucleic acid sequences. Modifications detectable by the methods provided herein include chemically modified bases, enzymatically modified bases, abasic sites, non-natural bases, secondary structures, and agents bound to a template nucleic acid.

A heart valve prosthesis for replacing a native mitral valve includes a self-expanding frame with a plurality of anchoring members disposed along the lower region. A valve body is positioned within the self-expanding frame and includes a plurality of leaflets configured to allow blood flow through the self-expanding frame in only one direction. A skirt surrounds the self-expanding frame and is spaced apart therefrom for contacting surrounding tissue and impeding blood flow around the self-expanding frame. The skirt may be reinforced with wires to help maintain a desired shape. The leaflets in the valve body are preferably connected to the self-expanding frame through one or more intermediate components such that the valve body is spaced radially inwardly from an inner surface of the self-expanding frame.