Abstract: An x-ray calibration apparatus includes a radiolucent knee alignment jig configured to receive a knee of a patient and a radiolucent cushion configured to hold a patient's knee at a fixed angle of flexion. The x-ray calibration apparatus also includes a number of radio-opaque fiducial markers positioned within the radiolucent knee alignment jig.

Abstract: A medical data processing method for determining the spatial relationship of a first medical device relative to a second medical device, the method being constituted to be executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: d) acquiring first medical device position data comprising first medical device position information describing the position of the first medical device, wherein the first medical device position data is acquired based on reading, from a marker device having for example a fixed spatial relationship relative to the first medical device, the first medical device position information or information which allows access to the first medical device position information; e) acquiring second medical device position data comprising second medical position information describing the position of the second medical device; f) determining, based on the first medical device position data and the second medical device position data, relative position data comprising relative position information d

Abstract: The present invention involves a surgical site monitoring system and associated method of use employing passive vectorized tracking markers attached to a surgical implement, an intra-oral mapping device and/or a scan-visible passive vectorized fiducial reference fixed to a surgical site. A non-stereo optical tracker obtains image information about the tracking markers and uses either markings on or shapes of the tracking markers to determine from the image information the relative 3D locations and orientations of the surgical implement, mapping device and/or fiducial reference. A scan of the surgical site prior to a surgical procedure with the fiducial reference attached is used to obtain scan data. The system and method allow the scan data and intra-oral maps of the surgery site by the mapping device to be three-dimensionally superimposed and, in some embodiments, allows surgery to be tracked. In some embodiments, the superimposition may be done in real time during surgery.

Abstract: A robotic surgical station is described. The robotic surgical station has a base configured to be fixed to the ground, a ring-shaped structure to which a patient bed and a plurality of robot arms are restrained at respective first and second mounts and a remote control unit that may be used by a surgeon to carry out a surgical intervention on a patient.

Abstract: A computer assisted surgery apparatus (1) comprises a surgical instrument (12) having an intervention member (31) for cutting tissue of a body part (2) of a patient; a control unit (16) arranged to control a position and orientation of the intervention member of the surgical instrument (12) in relation to the body part (2) of the patient with regard to a pre-defined osteotomic line (21) on the body part (2) of the patient; and a tracking device (14) arranged to track a position and orientation of the body part (2) of the patient.

Abstract: Provided is a joint mechanism including two spur gears and; a support member that supports the two spur gears and so as to be rotatable about two joint shafts and that are disposed in a skew-lines positional relationship with a space between each other; and a rotational-force transmitting mechanism that transmits a rotational force between the spur gears and, wherein the rotational-force transmitting mechanism is provided with a transmission member formed of a rigid piece that is supported so as to be movable only in a direction parallel to a line of intersection between planes and that are respectively orthogonal to the two joint shafts and cam mechanisms or linkage mechanisms that are disposed between the transmission member and the two spur gears and, respectively, and that convert rotational motions of the spur gears and to a linear motion of the transmission member.

Abstract: A manipulator system including a manipulator that includes an insertion part having a main section and a bending section, a bending-section driving portion, and a linear member inserted through a sheath fixed to the main section at one end thereof, the linear member connecting the bending section and the bending-section driving portion through the main section and transmitting a driving force generated by the bending-section driving portion to the bending section; an operation input unit via which an operation instruction to the bending section is input; a sheath-tension detecting portion that detects the tension in the sheath; a compensation-value setting portion that sets a compensation value for a bending control signal on the basis of the tension in the sheath, and a control unit that generates the bending control signal and sends the bending control signal corrected with the compensation value to the bending-section driving portion.

Abstract: There is provided a medical system that includes a multi-joint slave arm; a master arm having a joint structure structurally similar to the slave arm; and a control unit that can switch between a first control mode for controlling the rotational motion of each joint of the slave arm on the basis of the amount of rotation of each joint of the master arm so that the slave arm takes a shape similar to the master arm and a second control mode for controlling the rotational motion of each joint of the slave arm on the basis of a displacement of a predetermined region of a distal end section of the master arm so that a predetermined region of a distal end section of the slave arm follows the movement of the predetermined region of the distal end section of the master arm.

Abstract: A method of controlling the medical master/slave system comprising a bendable master apparatus operated by an operator and a slave apparatus inserted through the body. The control method includes an ordinary actuation mode (Step S101) in which, based on a bending state of the master apparatus, the slave apparatus is actuated in such a way as to become similar in operation to the master apparatus, a reversal actuation mode (Step S105) in which, based on a bending state of the master apparatus, the slave apparatus is actuated in such a way as to be reversed relative to the operation of the master apparatus, and a transition mode (Step S103, S104, S107, S108) for transition between the ordinary actuation mode and the reversal actuation mode.

Abstract: A treatment manipulator including an inserted-portion main unit; at least one arm provided so as to protrude forward from a distal-end surface of the inserted-portion main unit and that has an end effector at the distal end; and an endoscope provided in the inserted-portion main unit that has a viewing-field area in which the end effector at the distal end of the arm can be observed, wherein the arm having, sequentially from the distal-end side, a first flexing joint that can pivot the end effector about a first axis orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the arm, an intermediate roll joint that can be rotated about the longitudinal axis, and a second flexing joint that can be pivoted about a second axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and the first flexing joint can be flexed 90° or more, at least on one side, with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical system includes one or more arms defining a passageway therethrough. The arm includes a proximal portion configured for positioning externally of a patient's body and a distal portion configured for positioning within an internal body cavity. The distal portion includes first and second articulatable segments spaced apart from one another and capable of independent articulation between a substantially straight configuration and an articulated configuration. A first articulation assembly is coupled to the proximal portion of the one arm and is transitionable between a first state and a second state for articulating the first articulatable segment between the substantially straight configuration and the articulated configuration. A second articulation assembly is coupled to the proximal portion of the arm and is configured to move between a plurality of positions for articulating the second articulatable segment between the substantially straight configuration and the articulated configuration.

Abstract: Provided is a manipulator including a distal-end joint group and a proximal-end joint group that are arranged adjacent to each other in a distal-end section of an insertion part in a longitudinal axis direction and that are configured to bend the distal-end section. The proximal-end joint group includes a plurality of proximal-end bending joints bendable about axes that are lined-up side-by-side to bend the distal-end section through 180° or more. The distal-end joint group includes first distal-end bending joints disposed on a distal side of the proximal-end joint group and bendable about axes crossing a plane including the axes of the proximal-end bending joints and the longitudinal axis; and a second distal-end bending joint disposed in the longitudinal axis direction relative to the axes of the first distal-end bending joints and bendable about an axis that is lined-up side-by-side with the axes of the proximal-end bending joints.

Abstract: A medical manipulator comprising a distal end side and a proximal end side, comprising a distal unit including an end effector on the distal end side, a joint assembly located on a proximal end side of the end effector and a first power transmission assembly for transmission in a longitudinal direction of a linear motion force for actuation of the end effector or the joint assembly, and a proximal unit including a driver on the proximal end side for generating power for actuating the end effector or the joint assembly and a second power transmission assembly for transmission of power generated from the driver to the distal end side. The distal unit includes a first linear motion force conversion mechanism linked to the first power transmission assembly to convert power from the second power transmission assembly to a linear motion force.

Abstract: A medical drape has at least one suction port disposed. By one approach the medical drape includes a fenestration and the suction port is disposed within the fenestration. By one approach the fenestrated area includes an incise film (which may itself be fenestrated if desired) and the suction port is disposed through that incise film. Suction applied to this suction port facilitates maintaining the incise film in place on the patient. This suction port can have a first end configured to attach to suction tubing. The medical drape can include a patient-side spacer and this spacer can comprise a compressible, resilient material that is substantially permeable to liquids. If desired, such a spacer can be disposed over a patient-side suction opening of the suction port.

Abstract: Methods and devices for manipulating an articulating arm of an ultrasound therapy system are provided. In one embodiment an articulating arm comprises a first articulating arm link, a second articulating arm link, a rotating joint configured to rotationally connect the first articulating arm link to the second articulating arm link so that the first and second articulating arm links are substantially perpendicular, and an arm limiter attached to the second articulating arm link, the arm limiter being configured to limit rotation of the second articulating arm link along the rotating joint with respect to the first articulating arm link. An ultrasound therapy transducer and imaging system can be mounted on the articulating arm. Methods for performing manipulating the arm and system are also provided.

Abstract: A method of providing RF energy to a wireless transponder device includes outputting primary RF energy in a form wherein the primary RF energy comprises a plurality of RF bursts, with each consecutive pair of the RF bursts being separated by an associated time interval, and outputting secondary continuous wave RF energy in between each of the RF bursts of the primary RF energy during at least a portion of each of the associated time intervals. Also, a reader device implementing this method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medicine ingestion state management method capable of objectively managing medicine ingestion states of patients. The medicine ingestion state management method involves an operation of prescribing medicine (10) encapsulating, together with a medicament, a medicine information transmitting unit (20) having a function of transmitting medicine information capable of specifying a type and a quantity of the medicament to each individual patient, and an operation of grasping the medicine ingestion state of each patient by collecting the medicine information from each medicine information transmitting unit (20) in each patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medicine ingestion state management method capable of objectively managing medicine ingestion states of patients. The medicine ingestion state management method involves an operation of prescribing medicine (10) encapsulating, together with a medicament, a medicine information transmitting unit (20) having a function of transmitting medicine information capable of specifying a type and a quantity of the medicament to each individual patient, and an operation of grasping the medicine ingestion state of each patient by collecting the medicine information from each medicine information transmitting unit (20) in each patient.

Abstract: A combination of a guide sleeve for a surgical template, a drill, and a thread forming tool is disclosed. The guide sleeve has a guide surface for guiding the thread forming tool. The drill has at least one cutting edge for cutting a recess in bone. The thread forming tool has a thread forming section for forming at least one thread in bone, and a guide section for guidance by the guide surface of the guide sleeve, the thread forming section comprising an apical portion, and a coronal portion. A maximum diameter of the apical portion of the thread forming section is smaller than or equal to a maximum diameter of the cutting edge of the drill.

Abstract: A dental tool is disclosed that includes an operational unit, a neck region and a handle region, in which the neck region is S-shaped. The operational unit can further include a tongue retractor, a flap retractor or a combination thereof. A suction mechanism may be added for eliminating fluids. The neck region may further contain a lateral bend, a rotation of the working end or both. The proximal end of the handle region, opposite the operational unit, may further include any useful apparatus, such as a periosteal elevator or periosteal retractor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to glotto-mandibular arches devices for the relaxation and rebalancing of the muscles and skin tissues of the face and for the therapy of TMJ dysfunction and skull-cervico-mandibular disorders, by means of the change of the posture of the tongue and a different positioning of the jaw and condyles producing a change in force vectors of masticatory and skull-cervical-mandibular muscles.

Abstract: A method for preparing a primary crown by using lithium disilicate used for restoring the primary crown of children, and a primary crown using the preparation method comprises the steps of: three-dimensionally modeling the shape of a primary crown by using a computer program; processing a wax model by using a milling machine; drawing out the wax model; embedding the wax model together with an embedding material into an embedding material frame; drying the embedding material; evaporating a wax constituting the wax model by heating the embedding material; inserting lithium disilicate into the internal space of the embedding material and melting the same; cooling lithium disilicate; drawing out a primary crown model comprising lithium disilicate by cutting the embedding material; and polishing the primary crown model.

Abstract: A method includes to receive, via a computing device, data representing a plurality of teeth, identify data indicating which of the plurality of teeth are unerupted or erupting, predict at least one characteristic of a tooth of the unerupted or erupting teeth after they have fully erupted using one or more tooth eruption prediction factors, generate new data representing the unerupted or erupting teeth in multiple states of eruption based upon the predicted at least one characteristic of the fully erupted teeth, and generate a series of incremental tooth arrangements with the new data to define a proposed orthodontic treatment based on the new data representing the unerupted or erupting teeth in multiple states of eruption.

Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting a future dental or orthodontic condition(s) are provided. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for calculating a future position of an intraoral object of a patient's intraoral cavity is provided. The method can comprise receiving first and second digital data representative of an actual state of the intraoral cavity at first and second time points. The method can comprise processing data including the first and second digital data so as to determine a velocity of an intraoral object of the intraoral cavity over the first and second time points. A future position of the intraoral object at a future time point can be determined based on the velocity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instruction for producing all orthodontic apparatuses and/or orthodontic aids which are required during the entire duration of an orthodontic treatment, wherein the arrangement comprises a device for digitally recording a tooth region to be treated orthodontically, a data processing unit and at least one 3D printer unit, wherein the data processing unit controls the at least one 3D printer unit and is or can be connected to the device for digital recording of a tooth region to be treated orthodontically. The invention further relates to a device for producing all orthodontic apparatuses and/or orthodontic aids, in particular a rapid prototyping printer. The invention further relates to a method for producing all orthodontic apparatuses and/or orthodontic aids which are required during the entire duration of an orthodontic treatment. The invention further relates to a device for indirect adhesion of orthodontic apparatuses.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for digital dental modeling. One method embodiment includes receiving a three-dimensional data set including a first jaw and a second jaw of a three-dimensional digital dental model and receiving a two-dimensional data set corresponding to at least a portion of the first jaw and the second jaw. The method includes mapping two-dimensional data of the two-dimensional data set to the three-dimensional digital dental model by transforming a coordinate system of the two-dimensional data to a coordinate system of the three-dimensional data set. The method includes positioning the first jaw with respect to the second jaw based on the two-dimensional data mapped to the three-dimensional data set. The method includes using at least a portion of the two-dimensional data mapped to the three-dimensional data set as a target of movement of the first jaw with respect to the second jaw in the three-dimensional digital dental model.

Abstract: A force module is interconnected between upper and lower dental arches of an orthodontic patient in order to move the positions of the arches relative to each other. The force module includes at least two sliding members that move relative to each other along with a link for connecting one of the sliding members to one of the dental arches. The link is pivotally movable about two spaced apart, parallel reference axes that are generally perpendicular to the axis of sliding movement of the members. The link enables the force module to be readily shifted in a lingual direction as the patient's jaws are closed.

Abstract: A self-ligating bracket include a bracket body with an arch wire slot. A mesial recess is located at a mesial side of the bracket body and extends into the bracket body from the arch wire slot. A distal recess is located at a distal side of the bracket body and extends into the bracket body from the arch wire slot. A central ridge defines a ridge surface separated from the lateral ledges respectively by mesial and distal walls. A clip includes a first arm and a second arm connected by a U-shaped portion. The first arm terminates in a mesial arm, a distal arm, and a middle arm. The clip is moveable between an open position in which the arch wire slot is accessible and a closed position in which the arch wire slot is occluded.

Abstract: Dental implant comprising an implant adapter and a suprastructure, in which the implant adapter is coronally arched in at least some sections and the suprastructure is apically arched in at least some sections, the apical curvature of the suprastructure being convex and the coronal curvature of the implant adapter being concave, or the apical curvature of the suprastructure being concave and the coronal curvature of the implant adapter being convex, with the concave curvature.

Abstract: The present application describes a method for designing and manufacturing an implant-supported denture device for a patient. A method is described for designing a virtual denture and manufacturing an implant-supported functional fitting replica denture from the virtual denture. An apparatus comprising a functional fitting replica denture is prepared having denture teeth having a fit substantially similar to the final denture. The methods and apparatus described herein reduce the number of visits required to manufacture the final denture.

Abstract: An interdental cleaner has a rod-shaped carrier formed of plastic, which has a structuring with structural elements radially protruding from the carrier on at least one section of an axial length thereof. The carrier is twisted in at least one part of the section having the structuring together with the structuring about a carrier longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A dental floss apparatus for cleaning the gaps between adjacent teeth which is comprised of a pair of handles which are configured for engagement with the fingers and having one or a plurality of strands of flossing substrate extending therebetween. The flossing substrate extends within an opening formed between the ends of the two handles, during tensioned employment of the handles by a user. A dissolvable component may be positioned within the opening through an engagement with one or both of the handles or the flossing substrate. The dissolvable component dissolves to a solution during use to deposit a residue on the surface of the teeth. The solution from the dissolving component may be colorized or fluorescent, and have an additive material such as mouthwash, breath freshener, cooling agent, or flavor.

Abstract: A single use flexible disposable oral device, which is operated either by the tongue or by a chewing action, for cleaning the entire mouth cavity. The oral device contains a dentifrice and is made of a spongy material. It is formed as a cube having faces and is provided with voids at its external envelope. The edges and vertexes of the external envelope may be harder than the faces and an internal core of the cube. The oral device is contained within a package that may be flat and may contain flushing liquid.

Abstract: An air syringe for dentistry includes a nozzle portion, a head portion connected to the nozzle portion, a handle connected to the head portion, an air tube and a water tube positioned in the handle, and a heating module positioned in the handle. The head portion defines a tube channel inside which is configured to selectively connect the nozzle portion to the air tube or the water tube. The heating module includes a heating bar, a temperature controller, and a heat storage member. The air tube and the water tube pass through the heat storage member. The heating bar is embedded in the heat storage member. The temperature controller is positioned on the heat storage member and is electrically coupled to the heating bar.

Abstract: A tooth bleaching device provided with: a production device that produces an active component for bleaching a tooth; a mouthpiece in which a supply opening, through which the active component produced by the production device is supplied inside the oral cavity, is formed; and a connecting part that connects the production device and the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A method of making a calcium-fluoride layer formed on an object surface for more wear resistance includes the steps of coating sodium fluoride to a surface of an object having calcium, whereby the calcium fluoride and the calcium are inverted to become a calcium-fluoride layer on the surface of the object after a chemistry reaction; preparing a CO2 laser device having a CO2 laser emitter for emitting CO2 laser; and applying irradiation of the CO2 laser via the CO2 laser emitter to the calcium-fluoride layer for at least five seconds. In light of this, the wear resistance of the calcium-fluoride layer is enhanced for at least 34%, the absorption rate of the fluoride is increased for at least 23%, and the surface of the object has aesthetic and integral appearance.

Abstract: An artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) system that includes a reservoir to hold a fluid, a cuff that includes a pre-shaped spiral tube to be wrapped around a urethra, and a control device to be fluidically coupled to the reservoir and the cuff. The control device regulates transfer of the fluid between the reservoir and the cuff. The cuff receives and dispatches the fluid to expand and contract the pre-shaped spiral tube and to coapt the urethra for continence and open the urethra for voiding.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments herein describe a medical textile having a first segment having a first density, a second segment having a second density, and a third segment having a third density. The first, second and third segments converge and whereby the first, second and third densities are substantially the same. Methods of making the article are also described.

Abstract: Elongated and high aspect ratio tissue treatment products are provided. Methods of making and using the tissue treatment products are also provided. The tissue treatment products can be used as implants that conform to the site of implantation and resist migration away from their implantation site in vivo.

Abstract: A tissue lumen stent is provided with a body having an elongated tubular configuration and a foreshortened configuration. In the foreshortened configuration, downstream and upstream ends of the body expand radially into downstream and upstream flange structures, leaving a generally cylindrical saddle region therebetween. In some embodiments, the flange structures are non-symmetrical with respect to one another. Systems and methods of using the stents are also disclosed.

Abstract: Device and method for correcting urinary incontinence and urinary retention, by implanting a urinary flow control device for elective user control of urinary function in male and female patients. The device is a mechanical valve to a natural or artificial bladder, and includes a to reach the abdominal wall of the patient. Preferably a bladder anti-prolapse skirt is attached between the bladder and control valve. The device provides a urine flow channel that passes through the valve from one side to the other of a valve seat where an actuator with a mating stopper is controlled to open and close the valve at the election of the user with an external controller. The valve is an occlusion type (seat with stopper), or a pinch type. The flow channel may be an artificial urethra passing through a pinch valve.

Abstract: Implantable medical grafts fabricated of metallic or pseudometallic films of biocompatible materials having a plurality of microperforations passing through the film in a pattern that imparts fabric-like qualities to the graft or permits the geometric deformation of the graft. The implantable graft is preferably fabricated by vacuum deposition of metallic and/or pseudometallic materials into either single or multi-layered structures with the plurality of microperforations either being formed during deposition or after deposition by selective removal of sections of the deposited film. The implantable medical grafts are suitable for use as endoluminal or surgical grafts and may be used as vascular grafts, stent-grafts, skin grafts, shunts, bone grafts, surgical patches, non-vascular conduits, valvular leaflets, filters, occlusion membranes, artificial sphincters, tendons and ligaments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a body lumen graft base that is a thin film, has adequate flexibility and low permeability, and can be inserted in a catheter with a small diameter. The body lumen graft base of the present invention is obtained by subjecting at least one surface of a woven fabric comprising a fiber having a total fineness of 1 to 80 decitex and a single fiber fineness of less than 0.1 decitex to press treatment using a calender machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the treatment of diseases in the vasculature, and more specifically, devices and methods for treatment of aneurysms found in blood vessels. In one embodiment, a system for treating an aneurysm is disclosed. The system comprises a catheter delivery system, an expandable foam configured to pass through the catheter delivery system, and a stent having a first end and a second end. The stent is configured to extend across the aneurysm. The expandable foam is configured to expand in the aneurysm when exposed to a fluid.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing an artificial skin preparation which requires no suturing or the like when treating a wound area with a dried collagen vitrigel membrane material as an artificial skin, and also is less likely to cause contamination or the like with an exudate, and is free from the risk of secondary damage by replacement thereof.

Abstract: A fracturable mask for treating presbyopia is disclosed. The fracturable mask can include an aperture for improving depth of focus. The fracturable mask can be embedded in an intraocular lens. The intraocular lens can include a lens body and the fracturable mask. The fracturable mask can be configured to fracture along a plurality of fracture pathways when the intraocular lens is manipulated. For example, fractures can be created in the mask during the process of injecting the intraocular lens through a cartridge tip into a patient's eye. The fractures can allow the resilient lens body to restore the fractured mask to its original, pre-injection optical performance specifications.

Abstract: A medical treatment system and method of treatment is described having an implant that can be positioned and deployed, then undeployed to allow repositioning of the implant. The system includes a self-expanding medical implant that longitudinally foreshortens upon radially expanding from a radially compacted state, a distal interface configured to attach the implant to a distal mount of a delivery device, and a proximal interface configured to attach the implant to a proximal mount of the delivery device. Moving the distal mount longitudinally away from the proximal mount applies a longitudinal tension to the implant causing the implant to expand longitudinally and contract radially, and moving the distal mount toward the proximal mount reduces a longitudinal tension in the implant allowing the implant to expand radially toward a fully expanded state.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to valvuloplasty devices which include a first outer shaft, a second inner shaft, a plurality of elongate members disposed therebetween and adapted to be expanded radially by relative motion between the first outer shaft and second inner shaft and a circumferential member disposed about the central portions of the plurality of elongate members, wherein the circumferential member is urged by radial expansion of the plurality of elongate members to contact the valve to be treated thereby effecting a valvuloplasty and methods of use therefor.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves, which are collapsible to a relatively small circumferential size for less invasive delivery into a patient and which then re-expand to operating size at an implant site in the patient, include a collapsible/expandable stent-like supporting structure and various components of flexible, sheet-like material that are attached to the supporting structure. For example, these sheet-like other components may include prosthetic valve leaflets, layers of buffering material, cuff material, etc. Improved structures and techniques are provided for securing such other components to the stent-like supporting structure of the valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve, including: a delivery catheter having a diameter of 21 french or less; an expandable anchor disposed within the delivery catheter; and a replacement valve disposed within the delivery catheter. The invention also includes a method for endovascularly replacing a heart valve of a patient. In some embodiments the method includes the steps of: inserting a catheter having a diameter no more than 21 french into the patient; endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve through the catheter; and deploying the anchor and the replacement valve.