Abstract: A condylar fracture fixation system for use with an intramedullary nail includes a longitudinally extending rod having first and second ends, each end having outwardly extending threads or ridges. The rod extends along a first longitudinal axis which extends in a medial-lateral direction in use. A first and second nut is provided each nut having first and second ends. The second end of each nut having an opening formed by a plurality of resilient legs for respectively receiving the first and second ends of the rod. The second end of the first and second nuts include ridges or threads extending into the opening in each nut. The inwardly extending ridges of nuts respectively engaging the outwardly extending threads or ridges of the rod. A flexible washer is connected to the first end of each nut.

Abstract: An implant, a method for production thereof, and use thereof for growing patients are disclosed, containing a Mg—Zn—Ca-based alloy. In order to meet extremely strict requirements with regard to compatibility, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength, it is proposed that the alloy contain 0.1 to 0.6 wt % zinc (Zn), 0.2 to 0.6 wt % calcium (Ca), and a remainder of magnesium (Mg), as well as impurities that are an inevitable part of the manufacturing process, which each total no more than 0.01 wt % and altogether total at most 0.1 wt %, with the quotient of the percentages by weight of Zn and Ca being less than or equal to 1.

Abstract: A bone screw and method of inserting the same is disclosed. In one example, the bone screw includes an awl tip for creating a pilot hole in the pedicle of a vertebra without having to predrill a starter hole. One or more threads located adjacent to the awl tip engage the wall of the pilot hole and draw the screw into the bone, thereby eliminating the need to drill and tap a hole in the bone prior to implantation of the screw.

Abstract: An apparatus for bone cement delivery comprising, a proximal nozzle portion having a proximal end configured to couple to a bone cement source and a first distal delivery end having a circular cross section, a distal nozzle augment having a proximal end configured to slideably couple to the first distal delivery end and a second distal delivery end having an oblong cross section, that can be slanted, and an attachment mechanism configured to slideably retain the distal nozzle augment to the proximal nozzle portion.

Abstract: A surgical system including an expandable device is provided, including an inflatable body, an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The inflatable body has at least one folded segment, which are housed in a distal portion of the outer shaft. The inflatable body is tethered to a portion of the outer shaft. The inner shaft is affixed to a portion of the inflatable body, and is configured to control an axial and/or a radial inflation pattern of the folded inflatable body.

Abstract: A first tool is configured to cut a polymer implant, and includes a handle, a cutting portion, and a bending portion. A second tool is configured to cut a polymer implant, and includes a handle, a first cutting portion, and a second cutting portion. The cutting portions contain a cutter that is preferably a blade. In the second tool, the blades are preferably angled with respect to each other between about 45°. The tools can be used to reshape an implant that is to be used to replace a portion of a skull.

Abstract: Various torque-limiting screwdrivers, systems, and methods are disclosed. The screwdriver can include a body supporting a motor configured to rotate a screw engaged with the screwdriver. The screwdriver can include a controller configured to implement torque-limiting functionality, such as by monitoring the amount of torque applied to the screw and reducing or stopping rotation of the screw when certain torque-limiting criteria are met. Some embodiments include a threshold point, after which the torque-limiting functionality can be engaged. Some embodiments include a slowdown point, after which the rotational speed of the screw is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a device that performs ablation of tissue. The device has a catheter with a shaft through which an ablative agent can travel, a first positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a first position and a second positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a second position. The shaft also has ports through which the ablative agent can be released.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bipolar forceps. The bipolar forceps includes a housing having a handle assembly including a movable handle and one or more shafts. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. A solenoid is in operative communication with the movable handle and operatively couples to a drive rod operatively coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members for causing movement thereof. One or both of the first and second jaw members includes one or more teeth configured to engage one or more teeth located on the drive rod such that rotation of the solenoid imparts one of longitudinal and rotational movement of the drive rod such that at least one of the first and second jaw members moves between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for the selective positioning of an intravascular neuromodulation device are disclosed herein. Such systems can include, for example, an elongated shaft and a therapeutic assembly carried by a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The therapeutic assembly is configured for delivery within a blood vessel. The therapeutic assembly can include one or more energy delivery elements configured to deliver therapeutic energy to nerves proximate a vessel wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for, and a method of, accurate positioning of endoscopic instruments. Accurate positioning of the instruments is accomplished through the inclusion of a steering ability within the device. After the endoscopic instrument is properly positioned, the present invention may use rapid exchange technology, soft locks, and mechanical locks to maintain the position of the endoscopic instrument. Rapid exchange technology is used to minimize displacement forces present on the guidewire or catheters. Soft locks and mechanical locks resist movements caused by displacement forces.

Abstract: A system for performing perivascular electroporation of a blood vessel may include a tissue treatment device configured to contact and surround at least part of a circumference of an outer surface of a blood vessel wall and a control device coupled with the tissue treatment device. The control device may include an electric pulse generator and a tissue impedance modulator. A method for performing perivascular electroporation of a blood vessel may involve coupling a tissue treatment device of a perivascular electroporation system with an outer surface of a wall of the blood vessel and delivering electric pulses to an outermost layer of the blood vessel wall, while limiting a depth of penetration of the electric pulses such that they do not reach an innermost layer of the blood vessel wall.

Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes an energy source adapted to generate microwave energy and a plurality of energy delivery devices having a first energy delivery device configured to be inserted into tissue and to generate a non-directional ablation volume and a second energy delivery device configured to be positioned relative to the tissue and to generate a directional ablation volume. The system also includes a power dividing device having an input adapted to connect to the energy source and a plurality of outputs configured to be coupled to the plurality of energy delivery devices. The power dividing device is configured to selectively divide energy provided from the energy source between the plurality of energy delivery devices.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure is directed to an integrated apparatus for delivering energy to a tissue. The integrated apparatus included a housing having a distal end and a tubular structure located within the housing forming a first annulus between the tubular structure and the housing. The tubular structure is configured to accept an energy delivery component and is configured to form a second annulus between the tubular structure and the energy delivery component. The first annulus and the second annulus are configured to communicate with each other proximate to the distal end of the housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to barriers for use with anesthesia machines. In certain aspects, the present disclosure provides unique medical devices, systems, and methods that can effectively provide a clean touch surface on medical equipment without inhibiting function of the medical equipment. In accordance with certain embodiments, such medical devices are configured as barriers adapted for placement over a portion of an anesthesia machine. Accordingly, in one embodiment the present disclosure demonstrates a system for providing clean touch surfaces on anesthesia equipment, the system including: one or more touchscreen barriers configured to securely adhere to and substantially cover the touchscreen of an anesthesia machine, and one or more control member barriers configured to securely adhere to and substantially cover a control member portion of an anesthesia machine.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for pre-operatively planned shoulder surgery guides and implants. Pre-operative planning methods for designing glenoid placement guides and depth-control pins based on considerations of multiple factors affecting the outcome of shoulder surgery. Methods of using surgery guides and implants, including glenoid placement guides and depth-control pins, in patients undergoing shoulder surgery.

Abstract: A data processing method for generating a compensation information for hacking or for determining the position and/or orientation of an object in space, the method comprising the following steps performed by a computer: a) acquiring a predetermined constraint information defining one or more relative or absolute positions and/or orientations of the object in space; b) acquiring position and/or orientation data of the object while the object is positioned or moved while fulfilling the predetermined constraint; and c) determining the compensation information based on the predetermined constraint information and the acquired position and/or orientation data of the object.

Abstract: A method for determining the location of a medical device within a body is provided. The method includes transmitting from the medical device an acoustic signal; receiving with the medical device a reflected acoustic signal; advancing the medical device based on a first algorithm, the first algorithm including a first weighting factor and a first feature extracted from the reflected acoustic signal; determining a first location of the medical device based on the first algorithm; and moving the medical device to a second location based on a second algorithm, the second algorithm based on the determined first location and including at least one of a second weighting factor and a second feature extracted from the reflected acoustic signal. Also disclosed are systems and devices for performing the methods described herein.

Abstract: Devices, Systems, and Methods for detecting a 3-dimensional position of an object, and surgical automation involving the same. The surgical robot system may include a robot having a robot base, a robot arm coupled to the robot base, and an end-effector coupled to the robot arm. The end-effector, surgical instruments, the patient, and/or other objects to be tracked include active and/or passive tracking markers. Cameras, such as stereophotogrammetric infrared cameras, are able to detect the tracking markers, and the robot determines a 3-dimensional position of the object from the tracking markers.

Abstract: An articulated probe assembly comprises a base, an outer support rod extending through the base, an articulating control portion at a proximal end of the outer support rod, and a steerable portion comprising a plurality of outer links coupled to a distal end of the outer support rod. The steerable portion is manipulated in response to the articulating control portion.

Abstract: The various robotic medical devices include robotic devices that are disposed within a body cavity and positioned using a support component disposed through an orifice or opening in the body cavity. Additional embodiments relate to devices having arms coupled to a device body wherein the device has a minimal profile such that the device can be easily inserted through smaller incisions in comparison to other devices without such a small profile. Further embodiments relate to methods of operating the above devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interventional system (1) for performing an interventional procedure. An interventional instrument (5) like a catheter comprises a bendable portion (12), which is bendable by a bending element (11), and an OSS fiber (10) for generating OSS signals being indicative of the degree of bending of the bendable portion. The actual degree of bending of the bendable portion is determined based on the generated OSS signals and the bending element is controlled depending on the actual determined degree of bending. By using OSS, the actual real degree of bending of the bendable portion of the interventional instrument can very accurately be determined. Moreover, since the bending element is controlled based on this very accurately determined degree of bending, the control of the bending element and, thus, of the interventional instrument can be very accurately.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical instrument with a robotics system, a memory device and an end effector having an elongate channel, knife position sensor(s) and a firing bar coupled to a knife. In response to drive motions initiated by the robotics system, the firing bar may translate within the elongate channel. As the firing bar translates, the sensor(s) transmit a signal to the memory device. The position of the knife may be determined from the output signals and may be communicated to the robotics system or instrument user. The sensors may be Hall Effect sensors.

Abstract: What is described is a minimally invasive surgical instrument comprising an elongate flexible body, a plurality of conduits, a plurality of tendons, and a steerable tube. The elongate flexible body includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. Each conduit includes a lumen and extends through the elongate flexible body from the proximal portion into the distal portion. The tendons extend from the proximal portion to the distal portion of the elongate flexible body, and each tendon is actuatable to bend the steerable tube. The steerable tube is coupled to the distal portion of the elongate flexible body, and the steerable tube includes an inner surface, an outer surface, a wall having a thickness extending between the inner surface and the outer surface, and a plurality of channels in the wall configured to receive the tendons.

Abstract: A master manipulator for operating a driving of a slave manipulator includes a grip portion that is positioned in a clean area, gripped by an operator, and provided with a predetermined operating member; and an arm portion that is positioned in an unclean area, and with which the grip portion is directly or indirectly connected. The grip portion has a movable member that moves in conjunction with displacement of the operating member and the arm portion has a position detection portion that detects the position of the movable member.

Abstract: A parallel kinematic mechanism apparatus includes a frame, a handle and an input joint that connects having at least two independent and functionally parallel paths for transmission of motion coupling the handle to the frame. A first path includes a first intermediate body connected to the frame by a first connector and to the handle by a third connector while the second path that is independent from the first path includes a second intermediate body that is connected to the frame by a second connector and to the handle by a fourth connector. The first connector and the fourth connector both allow rotation in a first rotational direction and restrict rotation in a second rotational direction and the second and third connectors allow rotation in the second rotational direction and restrict rotation in the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A trajectory guide frame for use with an image-guided interventional system includes a base, an elongate device guide support, a device guide, and a locking device. The base has a patient access aperture formed therein. The elongate device guide support is secured to the base and has opposite proximal and distal ends. The distal end is positioned proximate the patient access aperture. The device guide support includes a device guide support bore therethrough that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The device guide is configured to be removably inserted in the device guide support bore. The device guide includes a device guide lumen configured to removably receive an interventional device therethrough. The locking device is configured to secure the interventional device to the device guide and/or the device guide support.

Abstract: A system for illuminating a surgical site includes a surgical tool having a tubular shaped body with an outer wall that extends from a proximal end to a distal end of the tubular shaped body. An opening extends through the outer wall. The system includes an illumination device coupled with the surgical tool for providing light inside the tubular shaped body. The illumination device includes a proximal end having a housing with a power source, a distal end including a distal tip, an LED disposed inside the distal tip, and a flexible power line extending between the housing and the distal tip for interconnecting the LED with the power source. The distal tip is inserted into the opening extending through the outer wall of the tubular shaped body for providing light inside the tubular shaped body.

Abstract: A digital five-in-one implant surgery auxiliary locator of the invention comprises a massive body formed with a penetrating first guide hole. The massive body has an edge side, on which at least one first fitting portion correspondingly resting against neighboring teeth is disposed, and a bottom portion, on which a second fitting portion having a shape capable of correspondingly embedding with the alveolar bone, is disposed. Thus, the first and second fitting portions can be indeed mounted and fixed onto an edentulous site of a dental implant patient, and the first guide hole prevents a dental implant drill from skidding, so that the dental implant drill can be rapidly and precisely drilled into the alveolar bone and positioned to enhance a proper rate of an implant surgery.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a dental drill including a guide body having a drill guide through hole including a longitudinal axis, a pair of guide pincer axes orthogonal to and symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and a pair of outer pincer axes orthogonal to and symmetrical about the longitudinal axis, a pair of opposed outer pincers, each outer pincer having an outer engagement protrusion, and each outer pincer is rotatable about a respective one of the pair of outer pincer axes, and a pair of opposed guide pincers, each guide pincer having gear teeth and a guide engagement protrusion, and each guide pincer is rotatable about a respective one of the pair of guide pincer axes. The gear teeth of each guide pincer engage the gear teeth of the other, guide pincer, rotation of one of the pair of guide pincers causes rotation of the other of the pair of guide pincers and the pair of opposed outer pincers rotate independent of each other.

Abstract: An endodontic file with improved fatigue resistance comprising a conical body made of a metal alloy and an amorphous titanium-zirconium-boron film deposited on a surface of the conical body.

Abstract: A set of rules to design an orthodontic appliance for generating an aesthetic smile is maintained in a computational device, where the set of rules is associated with an application that executes in the computational device. At least one measured value is computed from one or more features extracted by processing dental information of a patient. The application generates a parameter to design an orthodontic appliance based on the at least one measured value and the set of rules for generating the aesthetic smile.

Abstract: A mouth guard assembly for includes a teeth protection apparatus that may be worn within a mouth of a user while the user engages in athletic activity. The teeth protection apparatus covers an upper row of teeth of the user and the teeth protection apparatus surrounds an upper surface and a lower surface of an orthodontic device on the upper row of teeth. The teeth protection apparatus protects the orthodontic device from impact damage.

Abstract: Direct 3D-printed orthodontic aligners with torque, rotation, and full-control anchors are provided. In an implementation, an orthodontic system uses 3D-printed aligners to perform orthodontic treatment of teeth. Manufacturing the aligners by 3D-printing or additive manufacturing processes imparts novel geometries to the aligners for applying torque, rotation, and full 3D control forces to the teeth in novel ways. The 3D-printed aligners may contain multiple different plastic or metal materials with different orthodontic properties. In an implementation, divot anchors can be strategically applied to teeth to work in conjunction with a 3D-printed aligner fitted over the divot anchors and teeth. The divot anchors may include a depression, channel, groove, or notch providing an attachment point for the aligner to apply a force to the tooth through the divot anchor, such as a torque, rotational force, leverage, push, pull, or 3D control force.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an orthodontic appliance are provided. In one embodiment, an orthodontic appliance is provided, the appliance comprising: a body; at least one ring-shaped member connected to the body via at least one connecting portion; wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member are oriented adjacent to one another; and wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member are not coplanar when in an unloaded state.

Abstract: An orthodontic article is provided for bonding to a tooth structure comprising an orthodontic appliance, a layer of partially hardened hardenable composition adjacent the appliance, and a bonding adhesive adjacent the partially hardened hardenable composition. A method of making an orthodontic article for orthodontic bonding is provided, comprising partially hardening a hardenable composition adjacent the base of an orthodontic appliance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a coated orthodontic wire, in which the surface of a coated orthodontic wire, that is installed to connect teeth to each other to correct the alignment of the teeth, is etched, then plated with silver, and then coated with a polymer compound, so as to remarkably increase manufacturing speed and also allow the coating to be maintained for a long time due to the superior durability thereof. It may be expected from the above-mentioned configuration of the present invention and from the clinical results that there may be effects according to a method for manufacturing a coated orthodontic wire in that: a plurality of metal wires are fixed by using a jig, the metal wires are etched and plated in a state of being spaced apart from each other while only a required portion thereof is dipped into a container.

Abstract: A dental instrument and method for imaging the three-dimensional topography of one or more teeth in the oral cavity of an individual is provided. The instrument includes a probe insertable into the oral cavity to receive the image of these surfaces which can then be processed. Combined with the probe is an auxiliary which projects an air stream toward the surface to be imaged by the probe and acts to evaporate and remove from these surfaces a liquid film coating formed by saliva and other fluids present in the oral cavity, to render these surfaces dry and to enhance their reflectivity and in doing so, provide clearer images.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tip for an optical scanner, where said tip comprises a framework and an optical element. For some configurations the optical element is releasable attaching to the framework by a holding means of the tip. For some configurations the tip framework is formed in two materials of different thermal conductivities.

Abstract: The technology relates to modelling a prepared tooth for fitting a prosthetic thereon. A die, representative of a prepared tooth, may be modelled as a positive virtual three-dimensional die model. An impression of a set of teeth surrounding and including the prepared tooth may be modelled as a negative virtual three-dimensional impression model. The negative virtual three-dimensional impression may be inverted to create a positive virtual three-dimensional impression model. The positive virtual three-dimensional impression model and the positive virtual three-dimensional die model may then be merged to create a virtual three-dimensional dentition model.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental transfer template arrangement with a transfer template and a prosthesis base, both of which are produced using the same CAD/CAM device in particular, wherein both have a number of recesses for teeth, incisal and/or occlusal tooth regions fitting into the transfer template recesses and cervical tooth regions fitting into the prosthesis base recesses, and each tooth is to be adhered into a prosthesis base recess.

Abstract: A dental model and related systems and methods, including a first component representing a portion of a patient's jaw and a second component that is demountably attachable to the first component, and a second component representing a dental structure of interest, such as the remaining portion of a tooth or a dental implant.

Abstract: An electrical system having an underlying structure having a helical shape is used to produce useful electromagnetic effects for agricultural applications, including promoting growth of animals.

Abstract: The method for the prevention of incontinence during a prostatectomy, by means of a textile implant comprises a support portion of the urethra fitted with at least 2 arms, a method according to which: after performing the prostatectomy, the implant is positioned, at the time of reconstruction of the urinary contiguity, without tension in the surgical area; the rectovesical fascia is reconstructed to create an anatomical barrier/separation between the implant and the ureterovesical anastomosis; anastomosis is performed and an indwelling catheter is inserted; the arms are tensioned and fixed to the Cooper ligament and/or the psoas muscles; a balloon catheter is inflated and the surgical procedure is conventionally completed.

Abstract: Pelvic or other types of implants are provided that can include tensioning feedback components or portions, such as color changing polymer materials, such as polyacetylene. The color changing polymer can be included with, coated on or otherwise provided with a portion of slings or implant devices to provide targeted feedback to the user or physician of the tension applied to a particular device. A first color can be used to indicate a first (initial) tension or compression stage, and a second color can be used to indicate tensioning of the device beyond a predefined threshold.

Abstract: Provided is a mesh assembly inserted to a soft tissue or a human tissue for lifting the soft tissue, the mesh assembly including: a mesh member inserted into the soft tissue or human tissue and supporting the tissue; a fixed member provided at the mesh member and adopted to increase a coupling force in the soft tissue or the body; and a hook member formed on an upper surface or a lower surface or both of the fixed member to protrude in a diagonal direction, so that fixation of the soft tissue or human tissue can be firmly conducted, thereby allowing the soft tissue and the like to be fixed at a normal position without undergoing an influence by shaking or an external shock.

Abstract: An endoscopic system for winding and inserting a mesh into an abdominal cavity of a patient is provided. The endoscopic system includes an introducer having an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft includes a split portion that defines an opening therealong. The split portion is configured to support the mesh within the opening. A furler defining a lumen is engageable with the split portion of the shaft and configured to exert a radial force onto the mesh that is supported by the split portion. Rotation of one of the furler and introducer with respect to the other winds the mesh inside the furler to a diameter smaller than a diameter of the lumen of the furler.

Abstract: Systems for delivering a sheet-like implant including a means of deploying and orienting the sheet-like implant within the body.

Abstract: A mechanical thrombectomy device system is disclosed that is made from a single piece of biocompatible material, including a proximal flow block portion/feature, and/or, a flow block feature in the device body portion, a guidewire like delivery portion and an expandable, treatment portion. The construction of the device from a single piece allows for a seamless transition from the delivery portion to the treatment portion, thus removing any joints or bonding of the two portions together as separate pieces. This improves the strength of the system as a whole and greatly reduces the possibility of the two parts unintentionally detaching from each other.

Abstract: A blood filter includes a hub, a plurality of legs, and a plurality of arms. Each of the legs includes a hook at a distal end thereof, a first linear segment extending substantially parallel to a hub longitudinal axis, a second linear segment extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis at a first angle, and an intermediate linear segment coupled to the first and second segments, the intermediate segment extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis at a second angle less than the first angle. Each of the arms has a free end closer to the longitudinal axis than the hook of each of the legs. The free ends of the arms are spaced radially transverse to the longitudinal axis at substantially the same radial distance.