Abstract: A tissue resection apparatus includes a pair of grasping members that holds a tissue; and a cartridge that is replaceably attached to the pair of grasping members. The cartridge includes a cartridge body that has a longitudinal axis and a slot extending along the longitudinal axis, guides a cutting member cutting a tissue by the slot, and defines a movement range of the cutting member; a pair of sealing portions that are provided on both sides of the slot so as to sandwich the slot and extend parallel to the slot, respectively; and a tissue sealing portion that is located closer to a distal end side than the slot and is provided on an extension line of the slot.

Abstract: The current invention concerns systems, devices and methods for the ablation of a ablation of the wall of one or more pulmonary veins (PV) from the inside, preferably transmural ablation and preferably at the level of the antrum. Hereby, one or more implant devices can be implanted in the vessels and can subsequently be heated by external energy-providing means.

Abstract: A system for treating uterine tissue having a seal assembly configured for positioning in a patient's cervical canal and uterine cavity; an expandable distal balloon portion; an expandable elongate medial balloon portion configured for movement between a first transversely expanded shape for engaging a cervical canal and a second transversely non-expanded shape for trans-cervical insertion; and a fluid source in communication with distal balloon portion and medial balloon portion for expansion of said balloon portions.

Abstract: A method of using electrosurgical instrument for removal of tissue from a patient. The electrosurgical instrument includes a pair of lever members each of which having an associated end effector associated. One of the end effectors includes a cutting element forming a loop on the end of the end effector. The cutting element is also configured to receive electrical energy from an electrical energy source. The other of the end effectors includes a pad that can be brought into a position generally opposing the cutting element during relative movement of the end effectors toward one another. When electrical energy is discharged from the cutting element and the end effectors moved toward one another, dissection and cauterization of tissue from a patient is facilitated.

Abstract: An RF catheter includes a catheter shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end and defining at least one lumen extending therein. An inflatable balloon is attached to the distal end of the catheter shaft and in fluid communication with the at least one lumen for inflation and deflation of the inflatable balloon. At least one electrically conductive element is positioned on at least a portion of an outer surface of the inflatable balloon. The at least one electrically conductive element is electrically connected to at least one electrical connector adjacent the shaft proximal end.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for applying an fragment of a neurotoxin such as the active light chain (LC) of the botulinum toxin (BoNT), such as one of the serotype A, B, C, D, E, F or G botulinum toxins, via permeabilization of targeted cell membranes to enable translocation of the botulinum neurotoxin light chain (BoNT-LC) molecule across the targeted cell membrane to the cell cytosol where a therapeutic response is produced in a mammalian system. The methods and apparatus include use of catheter based delivery systems, non-invasive delivery systems, and transdermal delivery systems.

Abstract: A first spacing structure is provided at a distal end of a first catheter. The first spacing structure is configured to position at least one arterial electrode at a predefined distance away from a wall of the renal artery. A second spacing structure is provided at the distal end of the first catheter or at a distal end of a second catheter. The second spacing structure is configured to position at least one aortal electrode at a predefined distance away from a wall of the aorta. The arterial and aortal electrodes are operable as a bipolar electrode arrangement. The first and second spacing structures respectively maintain the arterial and aortal electrodes at a predefined distance away from the renal artery and aortal walls while electrical energy sufficient to ablate perivascular nerve tissue adjacent the renal artery and aortal walls is delivered by the bipolar electrode arrangement.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical device, one or more temperature sensors associated with the electrosurgical device, a fluid-flow path leading to the electrosurgical device, and a flow-control device disposed in fluid communication with the fluid-flow path. The electrosurgical device includes a probe for directing energy to tissue. The electrosurgical system includes circuitry for detecting bending of the probe. The circuitry alerts the user of excessive bending by activating an alarm, such as an audible alarm, lighting one or more LEDs or other light sources, tactile feedback, or any other means. The electrosurgical system further includes a processor unit communicatively-coupled to the one or more temperature sensors and communicatively-coupled to the flow-control device. The processor unit is configured to control the flow-control device based on determination of a desired fluid-flow rate using one or more electrical signals outputted from the one or more temperature sensors.

Abstract: A system for providing feedback during an electrosurgical procedure on a target tissue is provided. The system includes an electrosurgical energy source; an electrode probe assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein the electrode probe assembly includes at least one electrode assembly having a needle configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue; at least one thermal feedback assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein each thermal feedback assembly includes at least one temperature sensor assembly; and a hub configured to selectively support the electrode probe assembly and each thermal feedback assembly such that the needle of the electrode probe assembly and each temperature sensor assembly of each thermal feedback assembly are proximate one another when disposed proximate the target tissue.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems can be provided for resurfacing of skin that include formation of a plurality of small holes, e.g., having widths greater than about 0.2 mm and less than about 0.7 mm or 0.5 mm, using ablative electromagnetic radiation, e.g., optical energy. An optically transparent plate or window can be pressed over a surface of the skin tissue as the holes are ablated to disrupt formation of a thermal cuff around the holes. Compressive or tensile forces can then be applied to the treated region of the skin tissue as the damage heals to facilitate hole closure and provide enhanced and/or directional shrinkage of the treated skin area.

Abstract: A disposable holder for wires, stents and other materials used in conjunction with specialized medical devices such as endoscopic, angiographic or angioplastic tools generally comprised of a panel having a plurality of pouches for storing and organizing the wires/stents/catheters associated with respective surgical tools. Preferably, the back side of the panel is equipped with a fastener for removably fastening the panel to a surgical cart or table. The surgical tools, when not in use, are wound and stored within the pouches thereby alleviating the possibility of entanglement of wires/stents/catheters or having the wires/stents/catheters touch or rest on the surgical room floor. In an alternative embodiment, each holder has a stand-alone pouch having a fastener.

Abstract: The present invention presents an apparatus and methods to guide insertion of invasive devices to a tissue target of a living body. The apparatus comprises a positioning guide control assembly and a positioning guide assembly that is operably detachable from the control assembly, and rotationally adjustable and lockable. The positioning guide control assembly releasably houses a ultrasound transducer head and measures an insertion length and an insertion angle of an invasive device placed in the positioning guide assembly to reach the tissue target.

Abstract: A support mechanism for a medical device may include an adjustable support that includes a plurality of elongate members movable relative to one another. The support mechanism may also include a bracket coupled to the adjustable support. The bracket may be adapted to be coupled to a first medical device that extends along a longitudinal axis. The support mechanism may also include an instrument holder that extends along a central axis. The instrument holder may be movably coupled to the bracket and adapted to be coupled to a second medical device. The bracket and the instrument holder may be oriented such that central axis of the instrument holder intersects the longitudinal axis at an angle.

Abstract: A surgical tool comprises an elongated first assembly and an elongated second assembly. The second assembly comprises an elongated support element, an elongated activation element moveable relative to the support element, and a functional mechanism coupled to the activation element. A movement of the functional mechanism is in response to a movement of the activation element. A force imparted by the movement of the activation element is isolated from the first assembly by the support element.

Abstract: A medical system includes an insertion part inserted into an inside of a body; an arm part provided on the insertion part and capable of moving with respect to the insertion part; a device disposed in the inside of the body; a holding part provided on the arm part and holding the device; and a part to be held provided on the device and held by the holding part.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes a tool shaft, and end effector and a wrist that couples the end effector to the tool shaft. The tool includes a drive mechanism configured to effect movement of one or both of the wrist and the end effector in yaw and pitch via independent actuation of four independent cable ends of two or more independent cables that extend between the drive mechanism and the wrist.

Abstract: Minimally invasive instrument for robotic surgery including a functional element, a force, torque and/or pressure transmission device for transmitting force, torque and/or pressure from a drive to the functional element, a coupling device for coupling the instrument to a medical robot such that the functional element can be actuated by the drive, wherein an operating element for manually operating the functional element in a state in which the instrument is uncoupled from the medical robot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical manipulator equipped with a fail-safe mechanism capable of protecting a manipulator in an emergency. A medical manipulator includes a supporting section; a driving section supported by the supporting section and including a vibrating body in which vibration waves are excited by application of an alternating voltage, a movable body that moves relative to the vibrating body by receiving the vibration waves, and a pressurization unit configured to exert pressure between the vibrating body and the movable body; a manipulator section supported by the driving section; an emergency detecting unit configured to detect an emergency; and an interruption unit configured to interrupt transmission of torque between the manipulator section and the supporting section on the basis of an emergency detection signal transmitted from the emergency detecting unit.

Abstract: One aspect of the robotic surgery system according to the invention relates to a robot assembly comprising at least one robot and an instrument assembly comprising at least one instrument that is guided by said robot assembly. Said instrument assembly comprises at least one instrument housing having at least one drive unit housing part containing a cavity designed to hold the drive unit, said drive unit housing part having a seal for the sterile sealing of an insertion opening of the cavity in addition to a dynamic sterile barrier which delimits the cavity in a sterile manner and across which the drive train arrangement can be actuated; and/or the drive unit is offset laterally in relation to a longitudinal axis of the instrument shaft towards a connection between the instrument housing and the robot assembly.

Abstract: A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with articulated instruments extending out of its distal end. A controller is configured to command manipulation of one of the articulated instruments towards a state commanded by operator manipulation of an input device while commanding sensory feedback to the operator indicating a difference between the commanded state and a preferred pose of the articulated instrument, so that the sensory feedback serves to encourage the operator to return the articulated instrument back to its preferred pose.

Abstract: A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. The device features a clearance member in the form of a loop. The loop desirably has a diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the medical tube. Also desirably, the loop presents a substantially unobstructed pathway therethrough for the flow of material from a location in the medical tube distal to the loop to a location in the medical tube proximal to the loop regardless whether the clearance member is being translated or is at rest in the medical tube. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A three-dimensional position and orientation tracking system comprises one or more pattern tags, each comprising a plurality of contrasting portions, a tracker for obtaining image information about the pattern tags, a database with geometric information describing patterns on pattern tags; and a controller for receiving and processing the image information from the tracker, accessing the database to retrieve geometric information, and comparing the image information. The contrasting portions are arranged in a rotationally asymmetric pattern and at least one of the contrasting portions on a pattern tag has a perimeter that has a mathematically describable curved section. The perimeter of the contrasting portion may comprise a conic section, including for example an ellipse or a circle. The pattern tags may be borne on tracking markers that have a three-dimensional shaped surface.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses, devices, and procedures for unsedated in-office tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) using transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) and a measurement cannula, referred to as a TEP measurement and insertion device (MAID or TEP MAID). In some embodiments, a MAID is configured for use with a mini-tracheostomy kit; in other embodiments, a MAID is configured to be carried and automatically or semi-automatically deployed, for instance, by a handheld mechatronic device or an automated device such as a medical robot that carries an automated tracheoesophageal puncture and voice prosthesis insertion end effector. In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a MAID has a body that carries or includes indicators, indicia, or markings that facilitate or enable substantially direct and/or immediate estimation, identification, or measurement of a tissue extent or thickness corresponding to or across a tracheoesophageal fistula (e.g.

Abstract: Methods, system, and media for identifying one or more ablation locations in an atrial tissue region in an atrial fibrillation (AF) patient with atrial fibrosis are disclosed. Three-dimensional imaging data representing the atria of the patient may be received. A patient-specific model of the atria may be generated from the three-dimensional imaging data. Simulation of the AF on the patient-specific model may be conducted to identify AF-perpetrating regions. One or more ablation locations in the atria may be identified from the AF-perpetrating regions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical cutting guide for guiding a surgical instrument along a cutting path located on a biological tissue. The surgical guide includes a contact surface that conforms to a surface associated with the tissue and at least one guide for restricting movement of a surgical instrument in a first direction and for allowing the movement of the surgical instrument in a second direction along a cutting path across the surface of the tissue. The guide further contains a stop for restricting movement of the surgical instrument in the second direction along the cutting path. The stop is based at least, in part, on patient specific information.

Abstract: A method for sampling surface points on the surface of an object using a medical navigation system and a light beam source, wherein the light beam source generates a light beam which creates a light spot on the surface, and a camera of the medical navigation system records image data from which the location of the light spot is determined as the location of a sample point, said method comprising the steps of: generating a quality measure for a sample point using a quality measurement device which is at least partially attached to the light beam source and used to determine quality measurement data from which the quality measure is determined; and processing the sample point on the basis of the quality measure.

Abstract: One embodiment describes a handheld, sterile input device to control one or more devices in the operating room. The embodiment's disposable component contains no electronics while its removable sensing module can be autoclaved and recharged for multiple procedures. Another embodiment describes a fully autoclaveable sterile input device with a detachable control assembly that enables thorough cleaning and disinfecting prior to steam sterilization in an autoclave.

Abstract: Dental tool comprising a hand piece and a head piece, the hand piece comprising a drive, a controller, a first interface and a transmitter which is connected to the controller, the head piece comprising a distal portion and a proximal portion with a second interface configured to connect the head piece to the hand piece via the first interface, the distal portion comprising a tip, which is configured to be driven by the drive, said drive being controlled by the controller. The headpiece comprises a layer whereby the layer comprises an electroresponsive material which is configured to react to a first signal from the transmitter.

Abstract: An electrically safe treatment system for use in treating a patient includes two or more sections coupled with a joint that permits any one section to rotate relative to another coupled section. At least one of the sections includes an electrical component. An electrical contact associated with the joint is designed to maintain an electrical connection between a pair of sections throughout an angular range of motion of one of the sections relative to the other, coupled section. The electrical contact can also maintain a total resistance of a series connection including the two sections and the contact below a specified threshold. Alternatively, one or more insulator joints may be employed to meet safety requirements.

Abstract: In an apparatus for directing a laser beam to a dental treatment area, where the apparatus includes a hand piece having an optical subsystem including a turning mirror for directing a laser beam to a treatment area via an orifice of the hand piece, a fluid supply subsystem creates a fluid flow within the hand piece proximate the turning mirror so as to mitigate contamination thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for cleaning or disinfecting a target region. A fluid including a plurality of gas bubbles is placed into an interaction zone. The interaction zone is a volume that extends into the target region or that is adjacent to the target region. The fluid in the interaction zone is exposed to electromagnetic radiation, where the electromagnetic radiation has a wavelength that is substantially absorbed by the fluid. The fluid in the interaction zone substantially absorbs the electromagnetic radiation to create an acoustic shock wave and a pressure wave. The acoustic shock wave and the pressure wave cause a movement of the fluid and cavitation effects that are configured to clean or disinfect the target region.

Abstract: A dental wedge for inserting into the interproximal space between adjacent teeth comprises a first and second sidewall comprised of a shape memory material, including a nickel-titanium alloy, wherein the dental wedge is in a first, resting state when outside of the interproximal space and transforms to a second, operational state when the dental wedge is interested into the interproximal space between adjacent teeth and exposed to a first transformation stimulus, namely exposure to the higher temperature in the interproximal space. The expansion force generated by the dental wedge when in the second, operational stage is sufficient to secure a dental matrix against the tooth being restored and to separate the tooth being restored and adjacent tooth to expand the interproximal space.

Abstract: Dental implant including a threaded shaft fitted with external threads (1) and a central tubular passage (2) fitted with an internal threaded portion (3), a fixing screw (5), complementary to it, which supports a dental crown or any other type of connection (6), and, in the end portion of the central tubular passage (2), there is a housing (7) to contain the medicament.

Abstract: A system for increasing organic cell regeneration in a cellular medium includes an electromagnetic (EM) field generating device adapted to produce a constant EM field of less than 1 mT at a radiation frequency of substantially 7.69 Hz, which comprises at least one coil and is adapted to generate the EM field so that the cellular medium is substantially within the generated EM field. A resonance medium is also provided for locating substantially at or adjacent the cellular medium, wherein the resonance medium comprises a composition which is adapted to resonate at the frequency of the EM field generated by the device, wherein the composition is a biologically active composition containing at least a composition comprising crystalline structure minerals.

Abstract: An implant fixture of the present invention comprises an upper and lower dual hybrid outer surface treated by: blasting alumina, titanium oxide, calcium oxide and the like at a high pressure at an outer lower portion of the fixture so as to have a surface roughness of 1.5-3.0 ?m; dipping the entire outer surface of the fixture of which the lower portion was blasted, into an etchant comprising hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and water so as to have a surface roughness of 0.2-1.0 ?m, thereby allowing a surface upper section (Ua) to have a surface roughness of 0.2-1.0 ?m from the upper end of the fixture to a downward position of 2.5 mm; and allowing a lower section (La) below the upper section (Ua) of the fixture to have a surface roughness of 1.5-3.0 ?m by blasting and a surface roughness of 0.2-1.0 ?m by etching.

Abstract: A method for determining a quality feature of a dental treatment comprises the detection of a patient's radiographic image data set before the creation of a drill hole for a dental implant, the detection of a patient's non-radiographic image data set after the creation of the drill hole for a dental implant by means of a drilling tool, the correlation of the radiographic image data set and the intraoral non-radiographic image data set, and the determination of the quality feature from the correlation of the radiographic image data set and the non-radiographic image data set. A device (1) that comprises a computer (10), an interface (11) for detection of a radiographic image data set, and an interface (12) for detection of a non-radiographic image data set is equipped to carry out this method. This detection of the quality feature can take place during implantation, after it is concluded, or after mounting of a dental treatment on the implant(s) is concluded.

Abstract: Fixation pin (1) for fixing a dental drill template. The fixation pin (1) has a head (5) having a bearing surface (10) that is intended to bear at least partially on the drill template, or a sleeve provided in the drill template. The fixation pin (1) has a rod (15) having a shape of an essentially circular cylinder and which extends from the bearing surface (10) at an essentially right angle. The rod (15) is intended to be inserted into the drill template or the sleeve provided in the drill template.

Abstract: An impression tray set for edentulous jaw, including a pair of a maxillary impression tray and a mandibular impression tray for use in taking an intraoral impression of an patient including an edentulous patient, and capable of simultaneously recording bite position and height when taking the impression, is provided.

Abstract: A reusable dental impression tray having a reusable rigid tray holder with opposing sidewalls spaced apart substantially a first distance, the opposing sidewalls extend longitudinally in a curved manner, a connector located at a distal end of the tray holder couples the sidewalls together, the sidewalls and connector define an inward facing surface, a channel formed in and extends along the inward facing surface, and a handle located at a mesial end of the tray holder, and a disposable mesh bite tray having a generally U-shaped frame having an open end and a closed end, the U-shaped frame is made of a flexible material wherein the U-shaped frame has a generally static shape having a width at the closed end substantially similar to the first distance and a width at the open end which is greater than the first distance, and wherein with the U-shaped frame received in the channel, the open end of the U-shaped frame is held in a compressed state with the open end having a compressed width substantially the same a

Abstract: The system has a form of a movable and fixable structure node, equipped with hinges and/or pins. It consists of a head bush adapted to be fixed in an articulator, said head bush consisting of the dish (1), the lid (2), of the hub (3) with an internal through-orifice, of the ball pin (4), of the cylinder (5), of the plate (6), and of the control element (7). In case the fixation is required, the control element (7) contacts the plate (6) which pushes on the cylinder (5). Said cylinder (5) acts on the ball pin (4) and the force from the ball pin (4) is transferred further on the hub (3) to ensure its fixation against the dish (1). In a variant it can be completed with a counterpart having shape of the structure element (9) which contains the disk plate (109) on the opposite side of which two pairs of movable plates (104) are fixed and equipped with an internal longitudinally-shaped opening. The arrested screw (105) passes through the internal openings of the movable plates (104).

Abstract: A method of designing a virtual 3D model of a dental restoration for a target site of a patient's set of teeth, the method including-obtaining a digital 3D representation of the set of teeth, the digital 3D representation comprising a section corresponding to the target site; determining an insertion path for the dental restoration to the target site; and designing the virtual 3D model of the dental restoration based on the digital 3D representation of the set of teeth, where the designing includes generating an outer surface of the virtual 3D model, where the determined insertion path and the outer surface of the designed virtual 3D model provide that a dental restoration manufactured from the designed virtual 3D model can be moved along the insertion path to the target site.

Abstract: A process for making a dental restoration includes forming a dental restoration base, selecting a decal representing a natural oral cavity characteristic, and attaching the selected decal to the base. Thereafter, the decal and the dental restoration base are conditioned to create a finished dental restoration having desired oral cavity color and characteristics such as teeth, enamel, dentin, crazing lines, stains, veins, blood vessels, bony coloration, hyper-calcification, mucosal tissue or gum tissue. In an alternative embodiment, the process may include placing a sealant over the decal and at least a portion of the dental restoration base. Additionally, a secondary decal may be attached over the sealant, followed by glazing the secondary decal.

Abstract: A tool head for an electric toothbrush has at least one tool carrier movably supported on a base part by means of a bearing device. The bearing device includes rotational support means for rotatably supporting the tool carrier about an axis of movement and axial support means for axially movably supporting the tool carrier along the axis of movement, and drive means for driving the tool carrier in an oscillating manner to rotationally oscillate about said axis of movement and to axially oscillate along said axis of movement. The drive means include a cam surface for transforming a rotation of said tool carrier into axial movement of the tool carrier relative to the base part along the axis of movement.

Abstract: A toothbrush handle part of an electric toothbrush has a handle part neck connectable to an attachment, at least one drive element for driving the attachment, said drive element being supported movably relative to said handle part neck, and a retarding element for retarding and/or locking and/or blocking and/or slowing down the drive element. The retarding element is movable relative to said drive element from a retarding position preventing movement of said drive element to an unretarding position allowing free movement of said drive element. The retarding element is accommodated between the handle part neck and the drive element to be slidable along said drive element in the longitudinal direction thereof from said retarding position in which said retarding element is in engagement with both the drive element and the handle part neck, to said unretarding position in which the retarding element is in engagement with not more than one of the drive element and the handle part neck.

Abstract: A spring mechanism for attaching to a power device drive unit includes a housing connectable to a portion of the power device and a shaft extending through the housing. One end of the shaft is coupled to a workpiece and a bottom member extends from the other end and is positioned adjacent the drive unit. The bottom member includes at least one of a ferromagnetic material and a permanent magnet. The bottom member, shaft and workpiece move upon actuation of the drive unit, and a spring extends laterally outwardly from the shaft between the shaft and the housing. The spring is affixed to one of the shaft and the housing, wherein the spring bends between a deformed position and a return position upon the movement of the bottom member.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing a therapeutic agent to an animal comprising a housing including first and second sections coupled together, the first and second sections defining a channel therebetween that includes at least one outlet; a hub integral with the first section and extending therefrom, the hub defining a conduit; and a bent path connecting the conduit to the channel. In accordance with this embodiment, the conduit, the bent path and the channel are fluidly connected.

Abstract: A ridged cylinder is fused to a sheet of filter material that extends to form a pouch. When the cylinder is placed into the opening of a vessel of a matched diameter, it creates a barrier via the filter material, through which all materials must pass to reside in the vessel. The mammal's penis is directed to ejaculate into the cylinder, and the ejaculate plug is retained by the filter material, while the semen passes through the filter and into the vessel. When the collection is complete, the cylinder and attached filter material are removed from the vessel and disposed of.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for efficient and cost-effective provision of mouse colony management services to customers. Described herein is a novel integrated approach to provide a plurality of mouse colony management services by utilizing a common core process shared by the plurality of services.

Abstract: A urological device comprises a urological valve for location in the bladder of a patient and a valve support stem for location in the urethra of a patient. The valve has a normally closed configuration to prevent flow from the bladder and an open configuration for fluid flow through the valve. The valve is automatically movable from the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to a pre-set hydrodynamic pressure applied for a pre-set time. In one case the valve has a plurality of valve leaflets with a region of co-aption between the valve leaflets. In the normally closed configuration the valve leaflets are engaged at the region of co-aption and in the open configuration the leaflets are separated at the co-aption region for fluid flow through the valve.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a device and a method for controlling fecal incontinence. The device of this invention is easily inserted into the anal canal, and is designed for remaining where required in the anal canal or rectum, above the dentate line and hemorrhoidal vein area, despite the peristaltic movements of the intestine.