Abstract: Image-guided therapy of a tissue can utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or another medical imaging device to guide an instrument within the tissue. A workstation can actuate movement of the instrument, and can actuate energy emission and/or cooling of the instrument to effect treatment to the tissue. The workstation and/or an operator of the workstation can be located outside a vicinity of an MRI device or other medical imaging device, and drive means for positioning the instrument can be located within the vicinity of the MRI device or the other medical imaging device. The instrument can be an MRI compatible laser probe that provides thermal therapy to, e.g., a tissue in a brain of a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and method for the removal of diseased cells during surgery.

Abstract: A protective sheath of the type used to protect a scope during insertion of a fiber into the scope includes marks on an outer diameter that enable positioning of the sheath relative to a scope with the need for a locking connector. The sheath can be held in the correct position by a physician's choice of leakage prevention device. A simplified miniature connector may be used to hold the fiber in position relative to the sheath.

Abstract: A surgical stand has a support post in a substantially vertical orientation. A frame extends from the support post in a substantially horizontal orientation. A disposable tray has a first deck that rests on and is supported by the frame. A second deck is connected to and transversely spaced apart from the first deck, such that at least lateral access to both the first and second support surfaces is provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a composite material of nonwoven fabric and polyurethane produced without use of an adhesive and a method for producing the same. The composite material comprises a nonwoven fabric and a nonporous or porous polyurethane film, wherein the polyurethane film is laminated on the nonwoven fabric. The disclosure provides a method for producing the composite material as described above, comprising the steps of: firstly casting a polyurethane solution on a substrate so as to form a film, then laminating the film and a nonwoven fabric by flexibly adjusting the lamination process so as to form a composite material comprising the nonporous or porous polyurethane film and the nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: A device for selectively grasping a part of a separate elongated body extending through the device, includes at least three partially mobile jaw members defining between them a through hole of variable diameter depending on their mutual relative positioning, supporting and driving elements to which the jaw members are mounted and which are adapted to provide a coordinated motion to the members around the elongated body situated in the variable through hole, resulting in a closing or opening of the through hole. The jaw members have an elongated shape with two opposed ends and the supporting and driving elements include a circular or annular support body to which a first end of each jaw member is connected and a mobile annular driving body to which a second opposed end of each jaw member is connected.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and methods of use. The surgical instrument can include a control portion having a plurality of tubular shaft portions and a plurality of control rods. Each of the plurality of tubular shaft portions can have a diameter of less than or equal to about 2.5 mm. At least one of the plurality of control rods can extend through each of the plurality of shaft portions. The surgical instrument can also include a tool portion having a plurality of tool rods and a plurality of tool cables. Each of the plurality of tool cables can be connected to one of the plurality of control rods. Further, each of the tool rods can be removably connected to one of the plurality of control rods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transfer system for a patient care apparatus, the transfer system including: a transfer device including a first docking cup and a second docking cup, each of the first docking cup and the second docking cup sized to accept a receiver; and a security mechanism enclosed within the transfer device and including a first security lever and a second security lever, the first security lever positioned to disengage a first receiver in the first docking cup when a second receiver is received within the second docking cup, and the second security lever positioned to disengage the second receiver in the second docking cup when the first receiver is received within the first docking cup.

Abstract: An endoscopic system may include a catheter or tubing and at least one optical sensor disposed along the catheter or tubing and configured to capture image information from a body lumen when disposed within the body lumen and activated. The system may further include an untethered module operatively arranged with the at least one optical sensor and configured to store or transmit image information captured by the at least one optical sensor. The catheter or tubing, at least one optical sensor and module may be portable during use.

Abstract: An adapter device for use in a reprocessing device for reprocessing surgical instruments. The adapter device including: at least one first fluid attachment, on an inlet side for connection to a coupling device of the reprocessing device; at least one second fluid attachment, on an outlet side for connection to the surgical instrument, the at least one second fluid attachment being adapted geometrically to an attachment of the surgical instrument; and an adapter identification feature that is detectable by the reprocessing device. Also provided is a reprocessing system having a reprocessing device for reprocessing surgical instruments and having the adapter device. The reprocessing device including: the coupling device for connecting to the adapter device; and a detection device which detects, with the adapter device connected to the reprocessing device, the adapter identification feature of the adapter device.

Abstract: A urethral stricture treatment method is disclosed for inhibiting recurrence of urethral stricture by imparting an epithelial function to a treatment portion formed by treating scar tissue. The urethral stricture treatment method can include an insertion step of transurethrally inserting a predetermined protective tool into urethra and disposing the protective tool in a treatment portion formed by treating scar tissue, and a maintenance step of maintaining a state in which at least a portion of the protective tool comes into contact with the treatment portion and imparting an epithelial function to the treatment portion.

Abstract: System, methods and apparatus related to surgical sponges and surgical sponge counting and detection systems. The system, methods and apparatus may include features such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) scanner adapted to detect entry and exit of a surgical sponge RFID identifier associated with each of a plurality of surgical sponges. In addition, an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) scanner may be included that is adapted to detect the presence of a surgical sponge having an EAS identifier associated with each of the plurality of surgical sponges. A control circuit may be configured to determine and provide an indication that all the sponges have been removed from the patient, or that one or more sponges still remain in the patient.

Abstract: A template for orthopaedic bone implants formed from bio-compatible steel using photo chemical machining and etching. The template is processed on both faces to form right and left guides for implant fasteners and length indicators. Indicia are etched on opposite faces so that it does not overlie one another and presents sufficient contrast to be observed in an x-ray. The manufacturing cost is sufficiently low that the template may be provided in a single use form.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for diagnosis or treatment of a vessel or organ. The apparatus includes a deformable body such as a catheter having a tissue ablation end effector and an irrigation channel in fluid communication therewith. At least two sensors are disposed within a distal extremity of the deformable body, the sensors being responsive to a wave in a specified range of frequency to detect deformations resulting from a contact force applied to the distal extremity. A microprocessor can be operatively coupled with the sensors to receive outputs therefrom, the microprocessor being configured to resolve a multi-dimensional force vector corresponding to the contact force. In one embodiment, the sensors are fiber Bragg grating sensors, and the wave is injected into the fiber Bragg grating strain sensors from a laser diode.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a device for recording the location, size, and shape of anomalies and skin landmarks, such as scars, mass clusters, and the like. The device may include a substantially sector-shaped semitransparent marking base having a plurality of transparent regions and a removable backing. The marking base may include a plurality of semitransparent marking scales that define the transparent regions, wherein the entire device is configured to allow a user to trace anomalies and skin landmarks thereon, creating a permanent, accurate, and actual-size mapping of the subject's skin. In some embodiments, the marking base may be made of a vinyl material.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding device is proposed, for determining a location on a bone surface and for performing a simulation of an insertion of an implant based on the determined location. The simulation may comprise the steps of identifying an implantation axis of the bone in the first image, and aligning a visualization of the implant with the implantation axis, with respect to the determined location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining meniscal size and shape for use in designing therapies for the treatment of various joint diseases. The invention uses an image of a joint that is processed for analysis. Analysis can include, for example, generating a thickness map, a cartilage curve, or a point cloud. This information is used to determine the extent of the cartilage defect or damage and to design an appropriate therapy, including, for example, an implant. Adjustments to the designed therapy are made to account for the materials used.

Abstract: The present teaching relates to surgical procedure assistance. In one example, a first set of positions of a plurality of sensors are obtained in an image captured prior to a surgical procedure. The plurality of sensors are coupled with a patient's body. One or more second sets of positions of the plurality of sensors are obtained based on information from a tracking device associated with the plurality of sensors. The one or more second sets of positions change in accordance with movement of the patient's body. One or more similarity measures are calculated between the first set of positions and each of the one or more second sets of positions of the plurality of sensors. A timing at which the surgical procedure initiates is determined based on the one or more similarity measures.

Abstract: A procedure can be assisted by a processor system, such as a computer system. A trajectory can be used to identify a selected trajectory or path of an instrument to reach a tumor within a brain of a subject, reach a selected portion of the anatomy (e.g. sub-thalamic nucleus (STN) or spinal cord), or other appropriate target. The planning algorithm can include both inputted data and learned rankings or ratings related to selected trajectories. The planning algorithm can used the learned ratings to rate and later determined trajectories.

Abstract: Described herein generally are surgical pencils which define a channel to enable suctioning of materials and methods of operating the surgical pencils. In one example embodiment, the surgical pencils perform cutting and coagulation. In one example embodiment, the surgical pencils include a lighting device.

Abstract: A system with integrated tracking includes a procedure-specific hardware component (112 or 116) disposed at or near a region of interest. A field generator (114) is configured to generate a field with a field of view covering the region of interest. A mounting device (115) is connected to the field generator and is coupled to the procedure-specific hardware. The field generator is fixedly positioned by the mounting device to permit workflow access to the region of interest without interfering with the field generator and to provide a known position of the field generator relative to the region of interest. A tracking device (110) is configured to be inserted in or near the region of interest to be tracked within the field of view of the field generator to generate tracking data.

Abstract: Medical devices are disclosed having improved visualization of a portion of the medical device insertable into a patient's body while minimizing obstruction of fluid flow through a lumen of the device and while minimizing an increase in the outer diameter of the device attributable to the feature providing improved visualization. The device can include, for example, an imaging marker distal to lumen openings (exit ports), or, where the device comprises a tube, such as a metallic tube, an imaging marker embedded into a wall of the tube. Another embodiment includes attaching a marker to the surface on the inside of a lumen of a medical device without embedding the marker. Various alternative embodiments, methods and applications of using such devices are disclosed as well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for registering images from two medical imaging modalities in a six-degree-of-freedom coordinate space, for the purpose of providing real time registered imagery for optimization of medical procedures. The system and method uses fiducial that is visible to the first imager and in a fixed position and orientation relative to the second imager. The first imager may be an X-ray device such as a C-arm fluoroscope, and the second imager may be a Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) device.

Abstract: An ergonomically optimized, in-line water valve assembly for use with a dental handpiece comprises a body having a plurality of channels to accommodate the flow of water and/or air to drive and cool the dental handpiece. A portion of one such channel, the channel that supports the flow of coolant water to the dental handpiece, comprises a resilient collapsible tube. The water valve assembly further comprises an actuation screw that, when rotated in a first direction, drives down upon and collapses the resilient collapsible tube, thereby enabling an operator of the water valve assembly to disable or decrease the flow rate of coolant water to the dental handpiece. Rotating the actuation screw in the opposite direction enables the operator to enable or increase the flow rate of coolant water to the dental handpiece.

Abstract: A reciprocating endodontic hand tool in which the torque applied to an instrument such as a debriding file can be set at or below an endurance limit of the file below which failure of the instrument will not occur. In preferred embodiments the tool can switch between settings in which the torque applied to the instrument is between the endurance limit of the file and an elastic limit of the file, by setting forward and reverse angles of rotation within specified limits. This reduces or eliminates opportunities for plastic distortion, fatigue and breakage of the file during the canal debriding/cleaning/shaping process in a root canal treatment or retreatment. In some embodiments the torque may be set to at or below a durability limit of the file below which failure of the instrument will not occur through repetitive strain over the course of a particular root canal treatment or retreatment.

Abstract: A rotatable endodontic file for cleaning/shaping a tooth root canal, comprising: an elongated shaft having a proximal end portion, a distal end and a tapered working portion having a rotational axis, the working portion extending from said proximal portion to said distal end; the external surface of said shaft working portion having a plurality of at least two spirals, a parallelogram-shaped cross section that has an axis of rotation that is centered such that the cross section center of mass (centroid) is located at the axis of rotation where the acute angle of the parallelogram is different along the length of the file.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device for retaining a matrix band about at least a portion of a periphery of a tooth to be treated, the device comprising: a first lug to fit on one side of a proximal contact between two teeth; a second lug to fit on the other side of said proximal contact, and a resilient body member connecting between the first lug and said second lug. The body member applies a restorative or clamping force biasing the lugs together against opposed sides of the proximal contact and holds the lugs such that they must be separated to fit over the proximal contact. The first and second lugs are pivotally coupled to the resilient body member to allow the resilient body member to rotate relative to the lugs while providing the clamping force biasing the lugs together.

Abstract: Dental attachments used with a series of transparent dental aligners are secured to the teeth in their desired locations before the transparent aligners are made. The attachments are pre-made and applied to the teeth as one of the first steps in the process of realigning the teeth. A computer model of the teeth, including the attachments secured to the teeth, is then made. The movements of the teeth are designated in the computer model. The series of individual transparent aligners are then designed and made for eventual application to the teeth in sequence to realign the teeth. The attachments may be made at any time in advance of their use and may contain removable handles for fast and easy placement on the teeth.

Abstract: Improved orthodontic appliances, along with related systems and methods, are provided. In one aspect, an appliance includes a shell having a plurality of cavities shaped to receive teeth, and a discontinuity formed in the shell. The appliance also includes an elastic member having a first portion directly coupled to the shell at a first attachment point and a second portion directly coupled to the shell at a second attachment point. The elastic member can be positioned to interact with the discontinuity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for orthodontic treatment is disclosed. The orthodontic apparatus comprises a bracket configured for attachment to a tooth in a set of brackets configured for attachment to a set of teeth and configured to be engaged by an archwire installed in the set of brackets to facilitate orthodontic treatment. A bracket comprises a base for attachment to the tooth and at least one slot for the archwire with a ridge and a depression and a chamfer. The ridge of the slot is configured to engage in contact with the archwire so that force from the archwire is applied by contact at the ridge to the bracket. The method of providing orthodontic treatment uses a set of brackets for a set of teeth connected by an archwire. The method comprises configuring each bracket in the set of brackets with a ridge-depression arrangement providing a ridge in a slot, attaching each bracket to a tooth and connecting the set of brackets with an archwire inserted in the slot.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket that having a clip angulated toward the lingual direction in a diagonal orientation for active seating of archwires. The bracket having a lingual vertical slot, a pair of gingival tie wings and a pair of occlusal tie wings. An archwire slot extending mesiodistally across the body. A locking shutter with a pair of resilient arms connected by a guide bar and moveable between an open position allowing placement of the archwire and a closed position inhibiting removal of the archwire. A pair of tracks on each of the outer lateral surfaces of the body, extending from the occlusal tie wings and into the gingival tie wings. The tracks dimensioned to receive the resilient arms therein. The tracks extend in a substantially occlusal-gingival direction, angled lingually by an angle ? with respect to a plane parallel to a vertical that is perpendicular to the occlusal plane.

Abstract: A method of forming an implant to be implanted into living bone is disclosed. The method comprises the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to produce a microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of immersing the microscale roughened surface into a solution containing hydrogen peroxide and a basic solution to produce a nanoscale roughened surface consisting of nanopitting superimposed on the microscale roughened surface. The nanoscale roughened surface has a property that promotes osseointegration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a palatal implant for an overdenture. The palatal implant for an overdenture according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an implant insertion body which is inserted in a predetermined insertion position of the palatal by means of operation of a screw portion formed on the outer surface of an overdenture; and a head which has a cuff connected to the upper portion of the implant insertion body, and which is externally exposed from the insertion position.

Abstract: A package (1) for a dental implant (2) comprising a housing (5) with a compartment (51), closable liquid-tight by cover (4) and for receiving a first section (2?) of the implant (2), and an area (19) for a second section (3) of the implant (2). The area is separated rated from the compartment (51) by housing wall (8). A passage (35) in wall (8) connects the compartment (51) and area (19). The housing wall (8) comprises a removal slot (9, 36) for removal of the implant when the cover (4) is open without separating the sections (2, 3). The package (1) has a fluid cartridge (12) and an associated release element (18) and the fluid cartridge (12) can be opened by way of the release element (18) when the cover (4) is closed such that fluid located in the fluid cartridge (12) can flow out into the compartment (51).

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual arch anterior dental impression tray including a generally opened C-shaped mouthpiece (10) and an insert (12). The mouthpiece (10) having a front side (16), a back side (18), an upper rim (38), a lower rim (42), a left end and a right end, the back side (18) having a concave surface (26) extending from the left end to the right end, the concave surface (26) including a generally longitudinally extending curved groove (28), the left end and right end each include a connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for dispensing a dental material. The device (10) comprises a body (12) having at least one compartment (14) for receiving the dental material, at least one piston for extruding the dental material from the compartment (14) and a drive for moving the piston and the compartment (14) relative to one another. The device (10) further comprises a stand (36) which is mounted to the body (12) such that the body (12) and the stand (36) are pivotally moveable relative to one other.

Abstract: A blank is provided for producing a dental prosthesis (tooth crown) comprising a mechanically processable material block and a holder connected thereto for clamping in an automatic processing tool. Said block is provided with a subgingival anatomic implant connecting part which is protrusively arranged thereon and in which an implant fixture for fixing it to the implant head is formed. The holder is arranged on the surface of the block arrangement side and the implant fixture to a surface on the implant side, thereby making it possible to work the blank by means of a computer-controlled conventional tool.

Abstract: A blank material to be cut for dentistry includes: Co as a main component; Cr at a ratio equal to or higher than 26 mass % and equal to or less than 35 mass %; Mo at a ratio equal to or higher than 5 mass % and equal to or less than 12 mass %; Si at a ratio equal to or higher than 0.3 mass % and equal to or less than 2.0 mass %; and N at a ratio equal to or higher than 0.09 mass % and equal to or less than 0.5 mass %. The blank material is formed of a sintered body of a metal powder.

Abstract: A dental component is formed from a sintered body of a metal powder having particles containing Co, Cr, Mo, and Si as constituent components. In the particles, Co is contained as a main component, the content of Cr is 26% by mass or more and 35% by mass or less, the content of Mo is 5% by mass or more and 12% by mass or less, and the content of Si is 0.3% by mass or more and 2.0% by mass or less. The dental component has excellent proof stress and corrosion resistance. It is preferred that a part of Si in the sintered body is contained as silicon oxide, and the ratio of the content of Si contained as the silicon oxide to the content of Si in the sintered body is 20% or more and 80% or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to a denture, made of teeth, in particular prefabricated teeth, and of a denture base made of a gingival material, comprising cavities for teeth in which cavities for the teeth are mounted, in particular attached by bonding, characterized in that the denture base (12) is produced by a CAD/CAM process forming the cavities (20) for the teeth (14), and in that cervical areas (40a) of the teeth (14) extending through the basal surface (16, 18) of the denture base (12) are removed, in particular abraded or milled.

Abstract: A powered dental and interdental cleaning tool includes a body, an interdental cleaning member, and a drive member. The drive member extends from the body at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. The drive member is connected to the interdental cleaning member. A neck extends from the body and defines a drive member shaft for containing and supporting the drive member.

Abstract: A powered dental and interdental cleaning tool may include a body, an interdental cleaning member, and a drive member. The drive member may extend from the body at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. The drive member may be connected to the interdental cleaning member. A neck may extend from the body and define a drive member shaft for containing and supporting the drive member.

Abstract: A new method to measure and study in situ the chemical and mechanical stress of the orthodontic fixtures and to protect them by creating a feedback system for the patient that provides a warning on each exposure to an associated hazard. The device is an individual orthodontic protection cover applied over the arch wire and fixed on the orthodontic fixture by an elastic clamp and set over the tooth with a solid filler material to seal all the inner exposed surface of the tooth. Inside the shell some electronics, powered by a micro-battery, is embedded to measure the pH, temperature, vibration, movement, force on the tooth, etc. using specialized transducers such as piezoelectric and pH transducers attached on the protective cover. The measured value is transmitted outside via radio frequency, or modulated light, or other signal protocol, to a specialized receiver that stores and analyzes it.

Abstract: A tooth whitening apparatus is an apparatus that whitens a tooth surface with light. The tooth whitening apparatus includes a sheet member attachable to the tooth surface, a color tone sensor disposed on the sheet member and detecting a color tone of a portion of the tooth surface adjacent to the color tone sensor, and a light-emitting device disposed at a position on the sheet member corresponding to a position at which the color tone sensor is disposed, the light-emitting device irradiating the portion of the tooth surface adjacent to the color tone sensor with the light in accordance with a detection result of the color tone sensor.

Abstract: An animal anesthetization device facilitates anesthetization of an animal, or simultaneous anesthetization of a litter of animals, prior to a procedure such as tail docking, castration, or the like. The device includes a box having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall defining an interior space. A lid is coupled to the box wherein the interior space is selectively enclosed. A valve is coupled to the box. A canister has a dispensing nozzle which is selectively engageable to the valve wherein contents of the canister are dispensed into the interior space of the box. An anesthetizing agent is positioned in the canister and dispensed into the box to anesthetize one or more animals in the box.

Abstract: Method and system for treating a patient using a compressible, pressure-attenuating device. According to one embodiment, the system is used to treat urinary tract disorders and can include one or more of an access device, a delivery device, a pressure-attenuating device, and a removal device. The access device may be used to create a passageway to an anatomical structure, such as the patient's bladder. The delivery device may be inserted through the passageway created by the access device and may be used to deliver the pressure-attenuating device to the anatomical structure. The removal device may be inserted through the passageway created by the access device and may be used to view the bladder and/or to capture, to deflate and to remove the pressure-attenuating device.

Abstract: An implant is provided for maintaining the position of pelvic organs, such as components of the urinary tract. The implant contacts the anterior surface of the urethra and is anchored to the pelvic fascia and the periurethral fascia. A method of anchoring the pelvic organs is also provided, involving inserting the implant via an anterior approach, avoiding complications and side effects that result when implants are inserted through the wall of the vagina.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods, compositions, devices and kits which pertain to the attachment of surgical slings to tissue by application of an energy source to the slings and tissue in the presence of a bonding material.

Abstract: Medical implant delivery devices and systems are disclosed. In general, an exemplary delivery device comprises a shaft and a handle. An exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in trans-obturator approaches are disclosed.

Abstract: A system, method and fabric having a dimensionally stabilized pore. The system has a mesh fabric having a pore, such pore having a first pore perimeter. The system has a support having a support outer perimeter. The support is received into the pore so that the pore perimeter is in contact with the outer support perimeter. When the fabric is thermoset, the pore permanently assumes the shape of the outer support perimeter.