Abstract: A handheld device for repeated local puncture of human or animal skin, comprising a housing having a handle, a drive device in the housing supplied with a rotating movement about an axis of rotation by a driveshaft, a conversion mechanism coupled to the driveshaft to convert rotating movement into a driving movement along a driving movement direction, and a puncture device which is arranged in the housing and as a puncture needle, which is arranged on a needle shaft that can be moved back and forth repeatedly along a path of movement together with the puncture needle and is connected to the conversion mechanism, wherein the conversion mechanism has a rod crank device, and the stroke executed by the puncture element in moving back and forth is adjustable by altering a relative position between an axial direction of the axis of rotation and the direction of the driving movement.

Abstract: A medical needle location device (10) is disclosed. The device (10) has a housing (12) arranged to be gripped by a user and a needle (20) supported by the housing (12). The needle (20) depends from the housing (12) towards a needle tip (14B). The housing (12) comprises an excitation mechanism (28) for applying an oscillatory motion to the needle (20) during location within the body.

Abstract: A pericardium puncture needle assembly comprises a puncture needle (12) and a guide wire (13) capable of sliding in the puncture needle (12); or comprises an outer sleeve (22) and a guide wire (13) capable of sliding in the outer sleeve (22); or comprises an outer sleeve (22) and a puncture needle (12) and a guide wire (13) capable of sliding in the outer sleeve (22), wherein after the puncture needle (12) is pulled out of the outer sleeve (22), the guide wire (13) is capable of sliding in the outer sleeve (22). The guide wire (13) is made of a highly elastic material and comprises a far-end bent segment (32). The far-end bent segment (32) is formed by bending the guide wire (13) and has a preset bending shape, and is suitable for being recovered from a stretching state to the preset bending shape. The tip of the far-end bent segment has a pointed structure.

Abstract: An arthroscopic joint surgery device and method of use. The device has a tube and a knob with a hole that has an inner diameter matching the inner diameter of the tube and mates with the inner diameter of the tube. The tube and knob can be permanently attached or the knob can be configured to enable the knob to be unattached from the tube. The utilization of the device in this method enables surgeons to safely and efficiently locate the joint portals for the placement of the arthroscope and for a separate inflow portal. The arthroscope is in the proper position to visualize the whole joint. Damage to the joint surface cartilage is minimized. After needle localization of the joint under fluoroscopic guidance, the method uses the device to dilate a joint portal opening, such as an anteromedial ankle portal in preparation for the placement of the arthroscope or the posterolateral portal for the introduction of the inflow cannula. The method is performed under fluoroscopic guidance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for facilitating access to the left atrium, and specifically the left atrial appendage. The apparatus may comprise a sheath with first and second curved sections that facilitate location of the fossa ovalis and left atrial appendage. The apparatus may further comprise tissue piercing and dilating structures. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity is adapted to tissues having different thicknesses. The surgical apparatus includes an anchor member and a flexible sleeve integrated with the anchor member. The anchor member defines at least one longitudinal port for reception of a surgical instrument. The surgical apparatus defines an adjustable length to accommodate tissues with different thicknesses.

Abstract: A trocar comprising: a housing; an insertion tube that is integral with the housing and is inserted into a subject; a power transmission coil that is disposed inside of the housing and generates AC magnetic field to be applied to an insertion hole into which a treatment tool is to be inserted; a radiator that transmits heat generated from the power transmission coil; and a heat insulator disposed on a side of the subject between the radiator and the subject, the heat insulator having lower thermal conductivity than the radiator.

Abstract: A cervical transfer catheter (10) for transferring a therapeutic substance to an endocervix or other internal mucosal surfaces of a recipient, the catheter (10) comprising: a catheter body (12) having first and second lumens (14) and (16), the second lumen (16) being adapted, in use, to allow passage and retention of a structure containing the therapeutic substance that will be released slowly and continuously. The catheter (10) also comprises an inflatable balloon (20) provided at a distal end of the first lumen (14), the inflatable balloon (20) being designed to be as small as possible in its inflated condition whilst still being retained in the uterus by virtue of its shape.

Abstract: Exfoliation involves the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface. It can be achieved through mechanical or chemical means. The mechanical process involves physically scrubbing the skin with abrasive exfoliates. It has been discovered that a wetted panel of silk material exhibits abrasive qualities and may be used as a hand-held product for exfoliating skin.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a first member including a surface that extends between a first portion and a second portion. The first member defines a first implant cavity adjacent the first portion and a second implant cavity adjacent the second portion. The first implant cavity is spaced from the second implant cavity. The surface defines a medial cavity. A second member is movable relative to the first member. The second member includes a first end aligned with the medial cavity and a second end configured to penetrate tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for treating an intervertebral space. A device is provided that extends from the middle of at least one vertebral body to the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae. The device allows nutrients, such as bone marrow, blood, etc., to migrate from the vertebral body to the disc space to help promote fusion of the two adjacent vertebral bodies. The device can be tubular, perforated and can be made of an absorbent or wicking material that is able to promote the nutrients to travel through the apparatus.

Abstract: A surgical kit for placing an access tube (4) in the intervertebral disc of a patient, including a stylet (1), a cannula (2), a guiding wire (3) and an access tube (4) to be placed. In order to create access to the surgical site in a way that is easy and less stressful for the patient, an obturator (5) is provided for the access tube (4), the outside diameter of which corresponds to the inside diameter of the access tube (4) and which has a lumen of a diameter that corresponds to the diameter of the guiding wire (3).

Abstract: An extension device for a bone anchor is provided, wherein the bone anchor comprises an anchoring section and a receiving part connected to the anchoring section, the receiving part having a central axis, the extension device comprising a first sleeve with a first sleeve axis that is coaxial to the central axis and being configured to be coupled to and decoupled from the receiving part; a second sleeve with a second sleeve axis coaxial to the central axis, being positioned within the first sleeve and positionable relative to the first sleeve along the central axis, and being configured to be coupled to and decoupled from the receiving part; a locking member that, in a first configuration, inhibits decoupling of the first sleeve or the second sleeve from the receiving part when the other one of the first sleeve or the second sleeve is coupled to the receiving part.

Abstract: An instrument for attaching a driver shaft to a screw assembly using a thrusting motion. The instrument has a main shaft, a locking tube, and a driver shaft. The locking tube is slidably mounted within the main shaft and the driver shaft is slidably mounted within the locking tube. The locking tube is configured to urge a jaw assembly of the instrument into a tensioned engagement with a body member of the screw assembly. A locking mechanism is also included and is configured to lock the driver shaft in a fixed position relative to the locking tube. The locking mechanism may be configured to lock the driver shaft with respect to the locking tube after a distal end of the main shaft engages the screw assembly using the single action.

Abstract: Compression screw systems for stabilizing and/or compressing bones of the extremities, characterized by a compression screw component and a hook component. The hook component is received on the compression screw component in any rotational position relative to the compression screw component in order to orient the hook component relative to a bone or bones requiring stabilization and/or compression. The hook component includes an anti-rotation feature, while a configured flange thereof provides a hook that extends about and overhangs a part of the bone. The compression screw component and the hook component may include cooperating structures that allow the hook component to attach to the compression screw component or allow the compression screw component to self-orientate with respect to the hook component upon compressing engagement of the compression screw head with the hook component. The configured flange of the hook component may terminate with a single, double or multiple tined prong.

Abstract: A polyaxial fastener is secured within an implant with a retaining ring. The ring is assembled onto a circumferential groove formed in the fastener head. The groove and ring are positionable, when the fastener is installed into an implant, at a wide portion of the mating polyaxial aperture in the implant. The ring is compressible into the groove to form a narrowed diameter, which is passable into a narrow diameter of the aperture, near an entrance to the aperture. The ring is released to expand and increase an overall diameter of the head and ring assembly, thereby rending the assembly too wide to pass by the narrow entrance to the aperture, thereby securing the assembly within the implant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical bone screw comprising a shaft which has a bone thread and comprising a blocking means for interacting with a bone plate or for directly anchoring in the bone, in particular in the cortical bone. The surgical bone screw also comprises a screw head which has a rotationally symmetrical enveloping contour. The blocking means has a rib structure with at least one flank structure portion extending in the circumferential direction. According to the invention, the lateral surface of the enveloping contour has a constant or stepped concave progression, and the rib structure flank portion which extends in the circumferential direction is interrupted at least once in the circumferential direction, in particular multiple times, such that at least one elevation, in particular a plurality of elevations which are spaced in the circumferential direction, is produced in order to interact with the bone plate or with the bone in a blocking manner.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus for the fixation of proximal humerus fractures includes an implantable humerus plate having a proximal portion adapted to be positioned at a head and medial calcar of the humerus, a distal portion adapted to be positioned along a shaft of the humerus, and a plurality of calcar openings provided through the proximal portion adapted to receive calcar fasteners that extend into the medial calcar.

Abstract: A linear member for medical use having stretchability and flexibility while maintaining sufficient strength includes: an inner helical body including a plurality of helically wound wires, the inner helical body including a space portion inside, gap portions being provided in an axial direction between each wire; and an outer helical body provided outside of the inner helical body including a plurality of wires helically wound in such a manner as to form a layer along an axis of the helical body and a helical direction of the outer helical body is opposite to that of the inner helical body with gap portions being provided between each of the wires, the outer helical body being disposed to provide a multilayer structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for immobilizing a synovial joint, such as a sacroiliac (SI) joint are disclosed. In one form, a multipiece fixation device, such as a dowel, includes multiple expandable fasteners that are configured to fix adjacent bones of a synovial joint with respect to one another. The expandable fasteners include expansion portions that are expanded radially via insertion of another expandable fastener or an expansion device to fix the expandable fasteners to the bone. The fixation device may be configured to provide for compression or distraction of the bones of the synovial joint while at the same time stabilizing the joint.

Abstract: A high pressure bone cement delivery device includes a delivery adapter having an input port, an output port and cavity having bone cement disposed therein. A pressure intensifier is coupled to the delivery adapter and includes a first chamber containing a gas, a second chamber containing a fluid. The pressure intensifier includes a piston having a first end movably disposed within the first chamber and a second end movably disposed in the second chamber. The pressure intensifier includes a second output port in communication with the second chamber and the input port. The first end of the piston includes a first end surface having a first surface area and the second end of the piston comprises a second end surface having a second surface area that is less than the first surface area. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an alignment guide apparatus, system, and method. The alignment guide apparatus includes a body, a fixation insert, a guide pin, and a screw. The body may include an arm with a first end and a second end, an attachment portion at the first end, and an alignment portion at the second end. The fixation insert may be configured to pass through the attachment portion and the guide pin may be configured to pass through the alignment portion. The screw may be configured to engage the guide pin. The alignment system may include a bone plate, an alignment guide, a screw, at least one first fastener, and at least one second fastener. A method for moving a joint is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrocautery unit for connecting to a handle of an electrocautery device, the unit comprises a body, a light unit and an electrode. The body has a body proximal end and a body distal end, and a body axis extending lengthwise along the center of the body. The body's proximal end comprises a connecting element for connecting said body to a handle having a handle axis extending lengthwise along the center of the handle, so that said body axis is coaxial with said handle axis when said body is connected to said handle. The light unit may be constructed and arranged to emit a light having a central axis coaxial with said body axis. The electrode comprises a proximate end connected to the body distal end, and an electrode tip at a distal said. When the electrode is connected to the body, the electrode lays outside of the body axis and extends into said body axis such that the electrode tip is within said body axis, wherein said light and said electrode tip are coaxial to said body axis and said handle axis.

Abstract: Devices and methods for efficiently and reproducibly heating fluid for use in fluid enhanced ablation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an ablation device is provided having an elongate body, at least one wire extending through an inner lumen of the elongate body, and at least one spacer disposed within the inner lumen. The at least one wire extends through the at least one spacer such that the at least one spacer is effective to maintain an adjacent portion of the at least one wire in a substantially fixed geometric relationship with the inner lumen, thereby preventing electrical shorts and providing for the consistent and uniform heating of fluid flowing through the inner lumen of the elongate body.

Abstract: High-voltage pulses ablation systems and methods are used to ablate tissue and form lesions. A variety of different electrophysiology devices, such as catheters, surgical probes, and clamps, may be used to position one or more electrodes at a target location. Electrodes can be connected to power supply lines and, in some instances, the power to the electrodes can be controlled on an electrode-by-electrode basis. High-voltage pulse sequences provide a total amount of heating that is typically less than that which is observed with thermally-based radiofrequency energy ablation protocols.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting faults in a shield of an electrosurgical instrument is described. The device has a relay configured to selectively interrupt power to the electrosurgical instrument, monitoring circuitry configured to monitor a shield in the electrosurgical instrument, control circuitry to control the relay, and a battery power source. The monitoring circuitry has an envelope detector and an detected average shield current detector. The monitoring circuitry is configured to compare a shield current peak value to a shield current peak threshold value, and to compare an detected average shield current value to an detected average shield current threshold value. The device is further configured to operatively couple an active electrode of an electrosurgical instrument and a return electrode to an electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: Apparatus for tissue separation and/or modification. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a tip comprising a plurality of protrusions and at least one lysing element positioned between at least two adjacent protrusions. The apparatus may further comprise a spot coagulator comprising a spot coagulator tip for delivering energy for coagulating a blood vessel during a surgical procedure. The spot coagulator tip may be movable with respect to the plurality of protrusions to allow a surgeon to selectively deliver coagulating energy as desired.

Abstract: A target-treating system treats a target disposed within a bone of a patient. The system comprises a probe configured to be inserted into the bone and navigated therethrough toward the target. The probe comprises a shaft that includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a main body extending between and interconnecting the proximal end and the distal end. The distal end is configured to engage the target such that, upon activation of the probe, the target is treated.

Abstract: A cover for an electrosurgical instrument having a wrist structure and an end effector is provided. The cover includes a hollow elongated structure, which includes a tip cover portion and a base cover portion integrally connected to the tip cover portion. The tip cover portion has a distal end with an opening therethrough sized to receive the end effector of the electrosurgical instrument and is composed of a first, electrically insulative material having a flexibility sufficient to allow the end effector to be manipulated while the end effector is received in the opening. The base cover portion is composed of a second material having a higher tear strength than the first material. The tip cover portion and the base cover portion overlap at an overlap region configured to receive the wrist structure of the electrosurgical instrument when the end effector is received in the opening.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft module and a handle module selectively separable from one another. The elongated shaft module includes an elongated shaft member and a pair of jaw members supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft member, at least one of the jaw members moveable relative to the other jaw member between open and closed positions. The handle module includes a housing including an opening extending longitudinally therethrough. The opening is dimensioned to permit passage of the pair of jaw members in the closed position. The handle module also includes a movable handle movable relative to the housing to move the pair of jaw members between open and closed positions, and a lock to secure the elongated shaft module in place within the housing.

Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving neuromodulation by intravascular access. A treatment device has a pre-formed helical therapeutic assembly with spaced-apart proud portions that are offset with respect to the pre-formed helical shape when in a deployed configuration. The therapeutic assembly includes a plurality of energy delivery elements carried by and associated with the proud portions such that, in the deployed configuration, the proud portions are configured to position the energy delivery elements in apposition with an inner wall of a target blood vessel. The energy delivery elements can deliver energy across the inner wall of a renal artery, for example, to heat or otherwise electrically modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function.

Abstract: An example of an implantable neuromodulation device includes a bioabsorbable electrode and an elongate bioabsorbable support structure carrying the electrode. The support structure is configured to expand in a direction perpendicular to its length so as to move the electrode into contact with a wall of a naturally occurring lumen of a human patient. The electrode is electrically activatable to modulate a nerve within tissue at or otherwise proximate to the wall of the lumen. An example of a neuromodulation method using the neuromodulation device includes locating the neuromodulation device at a treatment site within the lumen and deploying the neuromodulation device into an expanded treatment state at the treatment site. The method further includes reducing obstruction of blood flow through the lumen after deploying the neuromodulation device and then wirelessly energizing the electrode from an extracorporeal energy source.

Abstract: A method for controlling the firing of an energy device when placed in contact with skin tissue includes providing an energy apparatus having a distal portion and configured to be fired; a controller configured to initiate the firing of the energy apparatus; providing a tip device having a proximal portion in contact with the distal portion of the energy apparatus and a distal portion for contacting the skin tissue; and, providing at least one sensor, the at least one sensor being normally unactivated but being activated when the tip device comes into contact with the skin tissue; and, activating the sensor by pressing the tip device onto the skin tissue, the activation causing the controller to fire the energy apparatus.

Abstract: The present application relates to a cutting head for a device for cutting hair. The cutting head has a laser generator (2) and an optical system (3). The optical system is configured to focus a laser beam (4) generated by the laser generator and direct the laser beam along an optical axis (16) across a cutting zone (8) in the cutting head. The laser generator and optical system are configured such that, in a focus spot (15) of the laser beam, a dimension of the focus spot, a power density of the laser beam and the numerical aperture of the laser beam are such that, when a hair is received in the cutting zone, the power output of the laser generator is minimised whilst ensuring that, for a predetermined exposure time, the hair received in the cutting zone is cut by optical absorption. The present application also relates to a device for cutting hair and a method of controlling a cutting head for a device for cutting hair.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for providing laser energy through a catheter towards a second end portion of the catheter. Based on a characteristic of the laser energy multiple types of ablation therapy may be implemented. A first ablation therapy is directed at the target site when the laser energy at the second end portion of the laser energy delivery system has a first characteristic. A second ablation therapy is directed at the target site when the laser energy at the second end portion of the laser energy delivery system has a second characteristic. The first ablation therapy may be an optical ablation therapy wherein the laser energy is directed at the target site as optical energy and the second ablation therapy may be a pressure wave ablation therapy wherein pressure waves are directed at the target site as pressure wave energy.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, according to some embodiments, methods and systems for selectively reducing, blocking or inhibiting at least part of the neural activity in an organ of a subject. In preferred embodiments, the method and system are used for selectively blocking at least part of the neural activity in a duodenum of a subject in need thereof. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking occurs through use of laser radiation. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking comprises causing damage to at least part of sensory nerves located within a target area while maintaining functional activity of tissue surrounding the sensory nerves. According to some embodiments, the sensory nerves include neurons configured to transmit signals triggered by food passing through the duodenum, such as, but not limited to, neurohormonal signals.

Abstract: A hybrid catheter device for performing cutting action on a region of a tissue, using sequential laser and mechanical cutting processes, and incorporating an acoustic sensor on the end of the device, such that if a pulsed laser beam is used for the laser cutting, the absorption of that beam in the tissue being cut can provide information about the progress of the cut by means of the opto-acoustic effect. Other hybrid catheter devices incorporate blunt protrusions on the end of said device, but having sharp lateral edges, such that rotation of the catheter device generates mechanical cutting action in the tissue. The blunt protrusion ends prevents uncontrolled cutting in the forward motion. Other hybrid catheter devices enable controlled incisions into an organ wall, such as the duodenum, and held in place by means of an inflatable balloon. A dual-wavelength nail fungus treatment hybrid catheter is also shown.

Abstract: The present invention is a fenestration drape and a method for providing skin-to-skin contact of a newborn with the mother immediately after birth during a Cesarean delivery. The novel fenestration drape comprises a portal which may be opened and reclosed without compromise to the sterile barrier. The novel method facilitates the critical contact without interruption and with continuity of sterile field throughout the procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a robot system (1) for minimally invasive surgery, which comprises at least two robots (2, 3). According to the invention a port (7), which serves to provide access into the body of a patient (5), is operated by means of a first robot (2), and a surgical instrument (10), which is designed to be introduced into the body of the patient (5) through the port (7), is operated by means of a second robot (3). The separate operation of the port (7) and the surgical instrument (10) makes it possible to guide the port (7) synchronously to a movement of the surgical instrument (10), to damp the movement of the surgical instrument (10) or to block the movement by fixing the port (7).

Abstract: Instrument for stretching the skin for closing wounds, having a skin expander, having at least two jaws mechanically adjustable relative to each other in a tension direction on the skin expander, having barbs associated with the jaws the barbs being anchorable in the skin in the area of the edges of the wound, wherein a tensile force is exerted on the skin by means of the barbs by adjusting the jaws, the force stretching the skin and drawing the edges of the wound toward each other, wherein one or more barbs are each disposed on a carrier extending transverse to the tension direction, wherein the carriers are releasably mounted on the jaws, and wherein the carriers can be fixed in position relative to each other by attachable fixing elements.

Abstract: A cleaning fixture for cleaning a medical device comprising a shaft receiving portion configured to receive a shaft and end effector assembly of the medical device, the shaft receiving portion including at least one nozzle disposed towards a distal end of the shaft receiving portion such that the at least one nozzle is positioned adjacent the end effector assembly of the medical device upon receipt of the shaft and end effector assembly of the medical device within the shaft receiving portion, and a handle receiving portion configured to receive the housing and handle of the medical device, the handle receiving portion releasably securable with the shaft receiving portion to enclose the medical device therein, the handle receiving portion including at least one lever activation assembly positioned adjacent the handle and operable to selectively actuate the handle to manipulate the end effector assembly.

Abstract: A stethoscope disinfection system comprising a guide member comprising a body member, a rotation-imparting member, a slide guide track, a spring guide track, and a trolley guide track, and a trolley comprising a lower housing member, a cam member, a lock head, a spring apparatus, a brush member, an upper housing member configured to receive at least a portion of a head of a stethoscope, and a dispersing member positioned in the dispersing mechanism chamber. The system may further comprise a slide guide configured to engage with each of the arm of the lock head and the slide guide track and to translate along a length of the slide guide track.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-invasive assessment of an arterial stenosis, comprising include segmenting a plurality of mesh candidates for an anatomical model of an artery including a stenosis region of a patient from medical imaging data. A hemodynamic index for the stenosis region is computed in each of the plurality of mesh candidates. It is determined whether a variation among values of the hemodynamic index for the stenosis region in each of the plurality of mesh candidates is significant with respect to a threshold associated with a clinical decision regarding the stenosis region.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for the administration of ablation profiles during refractive surgery treatments. Basis data framework techniques enable the implementation of ablation profiles having various shapes, resulting in increased ablation accuracy when treating certain vision conditions. Exemplary basis data architecture approaches are configured to efficiently operate with annular, elliptical, and slit laser beam shapes.

Abstract: A focused-ultrasound or other procedure for treating a target within a tissue region can be planned iteratively by creating a treatment plan specifying a treatment location pattern and stimuli applied thereto, simulating the treatment, computationally predicting an effect of the simulated treatment, comparing the predicted effect against one or more treatment constraints (such as efficacy and/or safety thresholds), and, if a constraint is violated, repeating the simulation for an adjusted treatment plan.

Abstract: A surgical tool adapted for identifying an incision site is disclosed. The surgical tool includes an intra-urethral probe and a transmitter. The intra-urethral probe has a distal end opposite of a proximal end. A distal end portion of the intra-urethral probe is insertable into a urethra of a patient and is sized and configured to prevent the distal end of the intra-urethral probe from entering a bladder of the patient. The transmitter is located at the distal end portion of the intra-urethral probe and is configured to transmit a signal from inside of the urethra to an exterior surface of skin of the patient where the signal is sensed. The signal transmitted is one of a magnetic field, a vibratory pulse, a sound, or light in a visible wavelength.

Abstract: An ultrasound-detectable marker, ultrasound system, and methods for monitoring vascular flow and patency are disclosed. The ultrasound-detectable marker comprises one or more resorbable polymers, one or more non-resorbable polymers, one or more non-polymeric materials, or any combinations thereof. The ultrasound-detectable marker is adapted for placement underneath, adjacent to, or above one or more vessels at a postoperative site, such as a vascular anastomosis site. Further, the ultrasound imaging system includes certain user guiding software and/or health analysis software for use with the ultrasound-detectable marker.

Abstract: A dental system comprises a dental prophy angle and an adjustable angle adapter. The prophy angle includes a housing and a guard with a concave inner surface. The adapter is configured to drive the prophy angle and the adapter includes a body, a nose, and an outer joint. The nose is configured to receive a portion of a prophy angle. The body is adjustably connected to the nose. The outer joint includes a ball portion connected to the nose, and a ball receiver positioned on the body. The ball receiver includes a first portion coupled to a first end of the body and a second portion attachable to the first portion. The nose is rotatable relative to the body into at least a first configuration and a second configuration. The concave inner surface of the guard engages a convex outer surface of the ball receiver.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a shaft of a dental tool comprising a distal end region, a cylindrical shaft region adjoining the distal end region, and a proximal end region which lies opposite the distal end region and which is provided with a polygonal profile that tapers conically in the direction of the distal end region and adjoins a tool part.

Abstract: An improved rotary endodontic file includes a multi-planar pre-curved apical portion having a first and a second curvature. The pre-curved apical portion begins at about one-third to one-quarter of the working length as measured from the tip end of the endodontic instrument. The first and second curvature permit the file to continually search and engage the walls of a tooth root canal in a forced inside-forced outside manner. As the file works its way down, it breaks free of any ledges encountered, probes lateral- and delta-type openings, and does not allow the file to stray from the curvature of the canal.