Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device (1) for a robotic surgical system, said holding device having a clamping device (11?) for removably holding a surgical object (12), said clamping device comprising at least two clamping jaws (14, 15) and a bearing part (8) on which at least one of the clamping jaws (10, 15) is movably mounted, and having at least one actuation element (18, 19) for actuating at least one of the clamping jaws (14, 15). The holding device (11) can be provided with a sterile encasement (13) in an intended use. According to the invention, the actuation element (18, 19) is guided in an axially movable manner on the bearing part (8).

Abstract: System and method for controlling a surgical manipulator to apply an energy applicator to a patient. The surgical manipulator cooperates with a navigation system to position the energy applicator with respect to a boundary so that the energy applicator is constrained from moving outside the boundary. The boundary is generated based on implant parameters measured after manufacture of the implant.

Abstract: A force transducer is coupled to a distal portion of a shaft of a surgical instrument. The force transducer includes proximal and distal portions, radial ribs, and a plurality of strain gauges. The radial ribs form a plurality of through passages. The surgical instrument further includes a flush manifold that receives a liquid from a proximal portion of the shaft, and that directs the liquid along a first subset of through passages of the plurality of through passages toward the distal portion of the force transducer. A plenum at the distal portion of the force transducer collects the liquid from the first subset of through passages and redirects the liquid back toward the proximal portion of the shaft along a second subset of through passages of the plurality of through passages different from the first subset of through passages.

Abstract: A probe having a contact force sensor is inserted into a cardiac chamber and an image of the blood pool is generated. A portion of the blood pool is removed from the image to retain a remaining portion of the blood pool. A determination is made that the distal segment of the probe is within the remaining portion of the blood pool, and responsively to the determination the contact force sensor is manually zeroed.

Abstract: A force transmitting assembly of an adapter assembly includes a rotatable drive shaft, a strain sensor, and a drive member. The drive shaft includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a flange. The distal portion includes a threaded portion. The strain sensor is coupled to the drive shaft and disposed adjacent the flange such that longitudinal movement of the drive shaft imparts a force on the strain sensor via the flange. The distal drive member has a proximal end rotatably coupled to the threaded portion of the drive shaft and a distal end configured to be operatively coupled to a driven member of a surgical loading unit. Rotation of the drive shaft longitudinally moves the drive member relative to the drive shaft to actuate the surgical loading unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the manufacture of shaped biomaterial-based implants via three-dimensional printing technology.

Abstract: A mesoscopic imaging and surgical guidance apparatus. The apparatus includes an image capturing path, including a telecentric lens which receives backscattered light from a light which illuminates tissue in vivo with diffused light or collimated light and transforms the received light into an orthographic view, an image capturing device which captures the orthographic view, a processing unit configured to process the captured orthographic view to thereby generate a guidance image, and a projection path, including a light source configured to project the generated guidance image through the telecentric lens on to the tissue to guide surgical operations.

Abstract: A projection system includes an imaging unit, a projector, a distance detector, and a controller. The imaging unit captures an image of an object. The projector generates a projection image based on the captured image to project the projection image onto the object. The distance detector detects a distance to the object. The controller controls operations of the imaging unit and the projector. The controller determines whether the distance detected by the distance detector falls within a predetermined interval range. When the detected distance falls within the predetermined interval range, the controller causes the projector to project the projection image onto the object based on the captured image.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a robotic manipulator and a surgical instrument mounted to the robotic manipulator. The surgical instrument comprises an elongate arm including an actively controlled bendable region including at least one joint region and an end effector and a passively bendable region including a distal end coupled to the actively controlled bendable region. An actuation mechanism extends through the passively bendable region and is coupled to the at least one joint region to control the actively controlled bendable region. A channel extends through the elongate arm, and an optical fiber is positioned in the channel. The optical fiber includes an optical fiber bend sensor in at least one of the passively bendable region or the actively controlled bendable region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental apparatus for a dental treatment within a mouth. The dental apparatus comprises a gripping body, a functional device which is adapted for a treatment into the mouth and an acceleration sensor which is arranged within the gripping body. The acceleration sensor is adapted for measuring at least one component of an acceleration of the gripping body. The dental apparatus further comprises a control unit which is arranged within the gripping body, wherein the control unit is coupled to the acceleration sensor for receiving an acceleration signal which is indicative of the acceleration of the at least one component of the gripping body. The control unit is further coupled to the functional device for controlling the functional device on the basis of the acceleration signal.

Abstract: A dental scaler apparatus includes a low power transformer that is timed to the operating frequency of a detachable scaler insert connected to the handle of the scaler apparatus by selectively connecting corresponding banks of parallel adjustment capacitors by engaging corresponding switches coupled to each of the adjustment capacitors.

Abstract: Ablation probe tips (108, 148, 320, 360) and physical and virtual stents (110) for use in tooth bud ablation procedures that result in tooth agenesis as well as tooth bud ablation methods are described herein.

Abstract: Ablation probe tips (108, 148, 320, 360) and physical and virtual stents (110) for use in tooth bud ablation procedures that result in tooth agenesis as well as tooth bud ablation methods are described herein.

Abstract: A hand-held tool for moving an endodontic instrument is provided, for preparing a root canal for filling. The tool comprises a chuck for holding the instrument, a rotational driver mechanism for rotating the chuck alternately in forward and reverse directions, and an axial driver mechanism for reciprocating the chuck axially.

Abstract: A method is for manufacturing a cartridge (10, 27, 30) for containing and meterably dispensing a reservoir (11) contained flowable dental material (36). The reservoir (11) is connected to a cannula section (14) for dispensing the dental material (36). A separate functional element (15) is connected to the cannula section (14). The cartridge (10, 27, 30) is manufactured together with the functional element (15) according to a multicomponent injection molding method. The functional element (15) is designed as a detachable closing element. The functional element (15) and the cartridge (10, 27, 30) are positioned during the manufacture such that the functional element (15) is mounted at least partially in the cannula section (14). The functional element (15) has a plug part (16) for closing the cannula section (14) and a cannula duct (24) of the cannula section (14) is filled at least partially with the plug part (16).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed enabling an orthodontist or a user to create an unified three dimensional virtual craniofacial and dentition model of actual, as-is static and functional anatomy of a patient, from data representing facial bone structure; upper jaw and lower jaw; facial soft tissue; teeth including crowns and roots; information of the position of the roots relative to each other; and relative to the facial bone structure of the patient; obtained by scanning as-is anatomy of craniofacial and dentition structures of the patient with a volume scanning device; and data representing three dimensional virtual models of the patient's upper and lower gingiva, obtained from scanning the patient's upper and lower gingiva either (a) with a volume scanning device, or (a) with a surface scanning device. Such craniofacial and dentition models of the patient can be used in optimally planning treatment of a patient.

Abstract: Dental archwires of single-crystal shape memory alloys, methods of fabrication and apparatus for fabrication. A dental archwire is provided of a hyperelastic, single-crystal shape memory CuAlX alloy, where X is Ni, Mn, Nb, or Be. The dental archwire has a shape-set curved length and either a round diameter of between about 0.013 to about 0.026 inches or a rectangular cross-section with dimensions of between about 0.016 by 0.016 inches and about 0.020 by 0.030 inches.

Abstract: This invention discloses a physical gateway that goes directly through gum or other soft tissues inside the oral cavity, to access inside body. The physical gateway has parts acting as external access points that have terminals for cables, wires, fiber optics, or tubes that go through said gateways to implanted medical systems and devices to facilitate transmission of signals or materials to or from said implanted systems or devices. This feature can be used for powering implanted systems and devices with high functionality and computation power, securely communicating with implanted systems and devices with vital duties, and transferring materials for refilling the tanks in implanted systems and devices or for transferring some material from inside body to outside without requiring invasive operations.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing custom crown coping and infrastructures is provided.

Abstract: Polymeric shells which fit over natural teeth to change the perceived color of the teeth, and optionally to provide orthodontic support. The shells are prepared by thermoforming selected polymeric sheets which contain optical additives; the optical additives cause the combination of the shell and the teeth to have a desired appearance. The shell preferably has transparency of greater than 75%, particularly greater than 85%.

Abstract: Blanks for dental purposes are described which have at least two layers, bonded to one another, of lithium silicate glasses and glass ceramics, wherein the layers differ in colour and the layers are monolithic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tooth implant analog 10 with an elongated cylindrical body 11, of which the distal end 12 has a connection interface 20 for an abutment and of which the proximal end 16 has an outer thread 28, with an indexing element 22, which is attached to the outer face of the body, and with a depth stop element 18, which is provided on the outer face of the body.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided. The toothbrush includes an elongated shaft having a brushing head removably attached thereon configured to extend and retract the brushing head from a handle portion. The handle portion is configured to support the brushing head, a rotating assembly, and an antimicrobial assembly. The rotating assembly is configured to rotatably drive the brushing head in either clockwise rotation or counterclockwise rotation. The antimicrobial assembly is configured to sterilize the brushing head and the elongated shaft shaft when retracted within the handle portion. The handle portion further includes a control panel on an exterior face of the handle portion configured to allow a user to operate the rotating assembly and/or the antimicrobial assembly. In this way, the toothbrush allows a user to achieve optimal cleaning of his teeth without introducing harmful microorganisms into his oral cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments are described wherein a system for brushing the teeth of a person comprises a master input device; a flexible teeth tray configured to at least partially encapsulate one or more of the teeth in a flexible substrate material, the flexible teeth tray comprising one or more vibratory transducers removably coupled to one or more brushing panels; and a controller operatively coupled to the master input device and the one or more vibratory transducers; wherein subject to an input from the master input device, the controller is configured to cause reciprocating brushing motion of the one or more brushing panels against a surface of the one or more encapsulated teeth, to clean the one or more teeth.

Abstract: An oral cavity measuring device driven by a battery includes a sensing unit that includes one or more sensors which detect an occlusion state of teeth of a subject, a transmission timing setting unit that sets a data transmission timing based on the occlusion state detected by the sensing unit, and a transmission unit that transmits the occlusion state detected by the sensing unit based on the data transmission timing set by the transmission timing setting unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a system to kill bacteria on surfaces of teeth, gums, cheeks, and the tongue. The present invention is a system of creating and applying heat within the oral cavity to kill bacteria. As taught herein, the invention also applies heat within the oral cavity to kill bacteria underneath surface layers. Applying heat to a tooth penetrates to elevate temperature and thereby kill bacteria on and within tooth layers including enamel, dentin, pulp, nerve, apical foramen, periodontal ligament, cementum, and root nerve as well as in gun and bone tissues surrounding the tooth. The invention uses conductive heat energy and radiant heat energy.

Abstract: A method and a device for treating dental caries using microwave energy applied directly to teeth at frequencies that are lethal to the bacteria in caries, without being destructive to tooth tissues. The method and a device will have a significant economic and health impact, leading to a reduction in traditional surgical interventions, as well by improving access to care for those with health disparities.

Abstract: A pet or human care management system and method are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a portable electronic device carried by a care service provider to scan a care customer bar code at the location of a care visit to indicate the start and/or end of the care visit. The portable electronic device also includes a GPS component and transmits its location at a plurality of times during the care visit, such as to indicate the path of a scheduled walk. A website is employed to administrate the care management system, including scheduling walks, licensing care providers, and creating customer and care provider accounts.

Abstract: An implant or sling device is provided with a tension adjustment system. The adjustment system can include one or more fluid reservoirs to facilitate tension adjustment. Various conduits, balloons, introduction tools, ports and fluid adjustment components and mechanisms can be included to provide selective adjustment of the tension of the implant relative to the supported tissue or organ.

Abstract: A vaginal support device, vaginal positioning system and associated method of treating pelvic prolapse is presented herein. Vaginal support device contains flat superior and inferior surfaces to facilitate affixing of mesh to vagina. Vaginal support device may be used as part of a system in conjunction with a manipulation device to support the vaginal walls. Mesh retention system may also include a holding device and retention mechanism such as a catheter or shaft and corresponding catheter balloon to hold mesh in place.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an expandable mesh comprising a first coupling element, a second coupling element, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first coupling element and the second coupling element. Proximal retraction of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element causes the intermediate portion to flare out to an enlarged width. In one embodiment, the first coupling element comprises a first tube and the second coupling element comprises a second tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monofilament with a segmented pie structure formed by conjugated spinning of degradable polymers and non-degradable polymers, a hernia mesh having improved flexibility and biocompatibility, and a preparation method of the monofilament. More specifically, the hernia mesh of the present invention having improved flexibility and biocompatibility is prepared using the monofilament obtained by conjugated spinning of degradable polymers and non-degradable polymers into a segmented pie form, to control it to be gradually degraded in the body, whereby the stiffness of the early stage is removed, and thereby the foreign body sensation is also removed.

Abstract: A method for making a polymer with a porous layer from a solid piece of polymer is disclosed. In various embodiments, the method includes heating a surface of a solid piece of polymer to a processing temperature and holding the processing temperature while displacing a porogen layer through the surface of the polymer to create a matrix layer of the solid polymer body comprising the polymer and the porogen layer. In at least one embodiment, the method also includes removing at least a portion of the layer of porogen from the matrix layer to create a porous layer of the solid piece of polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting prosthesis implants into a patient pocket. The apparatus includes a universal bellow, prosthesis, and a retractor. The apparatus prevents infection; eases insertion and placement; and reduces complications. In use, the retractor anchors the universal bellow to the patient while allowing the bellow to be manipulated to force the prosthesis into a surgical pocket of a patient.

Abstract: A system for removing obstructions from a blood vessel comprises a clot retrieval device and a catheter. The clot retrieval device comprises a clot engaging element attached to the distal end of an elongate shaft. The elongate shaft has a shaft proximal section, a shaft distal section and a shaft intermediate section between the shaft distal and proximal sections. The catheter has a catheter proximal section, a catheter distal section, and a catheter intermediate section between the proximal and distal sections. The maximum diameter of a shaft proximal section is greater than an inner distal lumen of the catheter distal section.

Abstract: Systems and devices with an implantable, intravascular filter for preventing emboli from traveling into brain and causing a stroke or transient ischemic attack are disclosed. In particular, an implantable, intravascular device having a filter element, a pressure sensor, and a valve is disclosed. The valve is biased into a closed configuration and changes into an open configuration upon a predetermined pressure drop across the filter. Systems comprising an external device at least one implantable device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vena cava filter includes a plurality of filter legs with distal ends. Each distal end is a tip which curves radially outwardly and ends in a spherical or part spherical enlarged head element. A biodegradable barb is attached to the enlarged head element and is made of a biodegrade material, such that after degradation the enlarged head element also is left embedded in the vessel wall. The degradation of the barb will prevent further penetration of the distal end of the filter legs into the vessel wall and avoid any risk of piercing through the vessel wall. The enlarged head element also ensures that the distal ends of the filter legs remain firmly attached into the vessel wall in order to ensure correct long term placement of the filter in the vessel.

Abstract: A vena cava filter is described, having one or more frame members or an elongated member arranged in helical fashion. A plurality of filaments connect frame members or portions of the elongated member. The filaments may be made of suture material. Hooks may be placed on a free end of the filaments, along the length thereof, or on one or more frame members to engage the blood vessel wall and anchor the filter. A retrieval member may be positioned on the filter to facilitate withdrawal of the filter from the blood vessel.

Abstract: Vascular treatment devices and methods include a woven structure including a plurality of bulbs that may be self-expanding, a hypotube, for example including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs, and a bonding zone between the woven structure and the hypotube. The woven structure may include patterns of radiopaque filaments measureable under x-ray. Structures may be heat treated to include various shapes at different temperatures. The woven structure may be deployable to implant in a vessel. A catheter may include a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs and optionally a balloon. Laser cutting systems may include fluid flow systems.

Abstract: An endoscopic stent for implantation in a patient after sleeve gastrectomy or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch comprising a stent portion, the stent portion comprising a proximal end portion, the proximal end portion defined by a length of about 50 mm to about 200 mm, an enlarged middle portion, a middle portion having an enlarged diameter relative to the proximal end portion and the distal end portion and defined by a length of about 20 mm to about 80 mm, and a distal end portion and a polymeric sleeve portion engaged to and extending distally from the distal end portion of the stent.

Abstract: Various embodiments for an endovascular device (and variations thereof) that prevents focalized edge (or end) restenosis. In particular, these improvements would mitigate or prevent focalized restenosis at the ends of the device. The designed-in restenotic regions would be circumferentially and axially distributed so that graft patency is not compromised.

Abstract: A device includes a first end portion, a second end portion, an intermediate portion, and a graft material. The first end portion has a first end diameter. The second end portion has a second end diameter smaller than the first end diameter. The first end portion comprises a first material. The second end portion comprises a second material different than the first material. The intermediate portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion. The intermediate portion tapers between the first end portion and the second end portion. The graft material is coupled to at least the intermediate portion.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis comprises a prosthetic trunk having a trunk lumen and a trunk wall, a first prosthetic branch having a first branch lumen and a branch wall, and a second prosthetic branch having a second branch lumen. The first branch lumen and the second branch lumen are both in fluid communication with the trunk lumen through the trunk wall and the second branch lumen is in fluid communication with the first branch lumen through the branch wall. Additional devices, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for single tunnel, double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction includes implant constructs and instruments. The implant constructs provide a combination of cortical fixation and bone tunnel aperture fixation. The implant constructs separate a graft into distinct bundles. The instruments are used to prepare shaped bone tunnels to receive the implant constructs and graft bundles. Methods for reconstructing the antero-medial and postero-lateral bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament may rely on single femoral and tibial tunnels and a single strand of graft.

Abstract: A prosthesis for eyelash replacement, restoration, or augmentation includes an implantable base serving a substrate at a ciliary implant site in proximity to a native eyelash line, and a plurality of artificial eyelash hairs secured to the implantable base at intervals along and extending from the implantable base to mimic the look of real human eyelashes. The implantable base may be composed of an absorbable material or a non-reactive, non-absorbable substance and may be curvilinear, rectangular, or round with an annular cross-section in shape. The plurality of artificial eyelash hairs are of a flexible material, preferably composed of a keratin-base or inert fiber, secured, knotted, permanently fixed to the implantable base to mimic native eyelash.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes an annular frame that is adapted for (1) delivery into a patient's native heart valve annulus in a circumferentially collapsed condition, and (2) circumferential re-expansion when in the annulus, the frame, in an expanded condition. The frame having a longitudinal axis, an inflow end and an outflow end, a first portion of the frame adjacent the inflow end inclining radially outwardly in a direction toward the inflow end, and a second portion of the frame between the first portion and the outflow end bulging radially outwardly, the second portion of the frame being positioned between a first axial distance from the inflow end and a second axial distance from the inflow end. The frame also includes a plurality of commissure members. The heart valve further includes a flexible leaflet structure disposed in the frame.

Abstract: A method of preventing ingress of material into the left atrium of a heart includes providing a delivery sheath, advancing the sheath distal end through an opening between the right atrium and the left atrium of the heart, providing an expandable cage, delivering the expandable cage to the left atrium, and expanding the expandable cage within the left atrium. The expandable cage includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of supports extending therebetween. The expandable cage also includes a first membrane provided at its proximal end and a second membrane provided at its distal end. The expandable cage has a collapsed configuration so that it can be received within the lumen of the delivery sheath, and an expanded configuration for deployment within the heart. When expanded, the first membrane is positioned at an opening between the left and right atria of the heart, and the second membrane is positioned at the ostium of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A system for delivering a collapsible and re-expandable prosthetic heart valve into a patient includes a valve support structure around which the valve is disposed in a collapsed condition. A sheath structure surrounds the collapsed valve, but can be moved relative to the valve to uncover it for expansion at the desired implant site in the patient. The sheath structure may be variously mounted and moved to deploy the valve in various ways. For example, the sheath structure may include multiple parts, each of which can be moved separately to separately deploy various parts of the valve. The apparatus may have other aspects, such as the ability to reverse deployment of the valve, the ability to pass other instrumentation through the valve delivery apparatus, the ability to be smoothly withdrawn from the patient after deployment of the valve, etc.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the repair of the functioning of heart valves are provided. A device may comprise a ventricular winding having a generally spiral shape, wherein the device is free of any atrial stabilizing section. A method involves positioning the device such that chords associated with the heart valve are positioned within the path of the generally spiral shape of the ventricular winding and turning the ventricular winding such that the chords move closer to the center of the ventricular winding. The ventricular winding draws the chords closer together, thereby pulling the valve leaflets closer together in order to facilitate their coaptation and proper closing. A delivery system for maneuvering and releasing a heart valve repair device comprises an applicator tube and internal rod.

Abstract: Papillary muscle position control devices, systems, and methods are provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, a papillary muscle position control device generally comprises a first anchor, a second anchor, and a support structure. The first anchor can be configured to fixedly connect to an in situ valve of a heart ventricle. The second anchor can be configured to fixedly connect to a muscle wall of the valve. The support structure can be configured to have an adjustable length and be coupled to the first anchor and second anchor such that adjusting the length of the support structure varies a distance between the first anchor and the second anchor. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.