Abstract: A device and method of using the device to detect the presence and composition of clots and other target objects in a circulatory vessel of a living subject is described. In particular, devices and methods of detecting the presence and composition of clots and other target objects in a circulatory vessel of a living subject using in vivo photoacoustic flow cytometry techniques is described.

Abstract: A foldable sleeve for retaining a surgical instrument is presented. The foldable sleeve includes a first panel having a first set of lock tabs, a second panel hingedly connected to the first panel, the second panel having a first pair of openings and a second pair of openings, and a third panel hingedly connected to the second panel, the third panel having a second set of lock tabs. The first panel and the third panel are each selectively movable over a portion of the second panel to retain the surgical instrument within the foldable sleeve.

Abstract: A device may include a three-dimensional image sensor configured to scan an area including a closed or partially closed container, an output display, and a controller. The controller may be configured to: recognize an instrument that is detected by the three-dimensional image sensor, where a first section of the instrument is located inside of the container and a second section of the instrument is located outside of the container, and represent, on the output display, three-dimensional positions and orientations of the instrument, where a first position and a first orientation of the first section of the instrument is inferred from a second position and a second orientation of the second section of the instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tracking the position of one or more connected rigid bodies using markers attached to the rigid bodies by flexible connectors. Systems based on this method are comprised of flexible connectors, a position tracking system and a data processing algorithm to determine the positions and orientations of the rigid bodies. Variations in the methods of attachment of the flexible connectors, the means by which flexibility in the connector is produced, and in the layout of the markers are presented.

Abstract: A system and method for rapid entry of past medical diagnoses allows for development of specific, clinically relevant diagnoses from a simple input medication through use of a developed database that maps an input medication to a specific medical diagnosis through an intermediate indications data set. Input medications are normalized to their generic or chemical name and the normalized medication data is associated to an intermediate diagnosis through a medications indications listing contained in a database. Each medication develops a short list of possible specific and/or macro-diagnoses (indications) consistent with the medications and a selected indication is concept-matched to a specific medical diagnosis in order to develop a proper diagnosis in clinically meaningful terms, from a concept-mapped portion of the database.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing treatment planning information for a neurology procedure, including neurosurgical procedures. A database containing historical data about historical procedures is accessed. Historical data relevant to a neurology procedure is determined, based on a determination of similarity to a set of data characterizing the neurology procedure. Historical instances of procedure parameters relevant to the neurology procedure are determined and displayed.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided, for measuring an actual length of a fractured bone based on 2D fluoroscopic images of proximal and distal sections of the bone, each of the images including a reference body. Based on the images, a spatial position of a first end point and a spatial position of a second end point are determined, taking into account dimensions taken from a bone model of a bone corresponding to the imaged bone and the spatial positions of the reference bodies. The actual length of the fractured bone is defined as the distance between the two end points.

Abstract: One example method to determine an actual surgical pathway of a patient based on a planned surgical pathway may include retrieve a first two-dimensional image of the patient associated with information collected at a first point in time. A first coordinate system describes a spatial relationship between the patient and an apparatus in an operating room. The method further includes modifying a three-dimensional model of the patient including the planned surgical pathway with a first set of modification parameter values. A second coordinate system describes the three-dimensional model constructed by information collected at a second point in time earlier than the first point in time.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating a virtual venous image. The methods and systems utilize an intravascular mapping tool configured to be inserted into a venous structure of an object of interest. The methods and systems further acquire a plurality of position data points at predetermined intervals corresponding to a position of the intravascular mapping tool within the venous structure, and adjust each position data point based on at least one of a cardiac motion or a respiratory motion of the object of interest. The methods and systems also display a travelled path of the intravascular mapping tool on the display based on the adjusted position data points.

Abstract: A surgical instrument navigation system is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient. The surgical instrument navigation system includes: a surgical instrument; an imaging device which is operable to capture scan data representative of an internal region of interest within a given patient; a tracking subsystem that employs electro-magnetic sensing to capture in real-time position data indicative of the position of the surgical instrument; a data processor which is operable to render a volumetric, perspective image of the internal region of interest from a point of view of the surgical instrument; and a display which is operable to display the volumetric perspective image of the patient.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a printed sensor, a surface, at least one non-conductive material, and at least one pair of contacts. The sensor has at least one coil formed on a conductive material. The surface is suitable for receiving the printed sensor and can be placed in an EM field. The at least one non-conductive material covers the at least one coil of the sensor. The medical instrument contains multiple conductive and nonconductive layers. The at least one pair of contacts are electrically connected to the at least one coil and connectable to the conductive layer, the conductive layer coupled to a measurement device, which senses an induced electrical signal based on a magnetic flux change of the EM field. The location of the medical instrument in a coordinate system of the EM filed is identified based on the induced electrical signal in the sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems used with surgical navigation systems that enable a user to generate an optimized anatomical dataset for a spine level of interest. The systems and methods allow users to determine a target geometry for a spinal level targeted for spinal surgery. Additionally, the user can project loads across the spinal orthopedic implants and determine a projected subsidence over time.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the drilling control system and the drilling control method for surgical applications. The drilling control system may comprise a drilling device, a spatial sensor system and a control unit. The control unit may receive and store biomechanical information, mechanical information and spatial information to generate control output. With the present disclosure, the accuracy and safety of drilling process is greatly improved.

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

Abstract: A surgical system includes: a medical device; a measuring portion that measures a three-dimensional position of an organ in the interior of a body cavity; a setting portion that sets, on the basis of the three-dimensional position of the organ, a non-interference region, which is a space in the interior of the body cavity excluding the organ; a detecting portion that detects a three-dimensional position of the medical device in the interior of the body cavity; a calculating portion that calculates, on the basis of the three-dimensional position of the medical device, a medical-device occupying region of the medical device in the interior of the body cavity; a predicting portion that predicts interference between the medical device and the organ on the basis of the positional relationship between the non-interference region and the medical-device occupying region; and an alerting portion that alerts an operator when interference is predicted.

Abstract: Provided is a service-provision management system with which the requirements of a large number of users can be fulfilled by a small number of assistants, and with which all of the users can receive services very easily as a result of implementing the highly flexible provision of care and assistance services. The present is provided with: an experience-information data-base which manages experience information related to users (5); and service-provision robots which provide services adapted for the users.

Abstract: A robot guiding system employing a robot unit (10) including an endoscope (12) and a robot (11), and a control unit (20) including an endoscopic image controller (22) and a robot controller (21). In operation, the endoscope (12) generate an endoscopic image of an anatomical region as the robot (11) move the endoscope (12) within the anatomical region in response to robot actuator commands. The endoscopic image controller (22) controls a display of the endoscopic image (14) of the anatomical region and generates endoscope pose commands to maintain a visibility of two or more interventional instruments within the display of the endoscopic image (14) relative to a center of the endoscopic image (14). The robot controller (21) generates the robotic actuator commands responsive to the endoscope pose commands.

Abstract: A vibration actuator suitable for use in a magnetic field environment. Vibration is excited in a vibration element in pressure contact with a driven element, for causing relative movement of the driven element and the vibration element. The vibration element includes an elastic body of which a main ingredient is electrically insulating, dielectric, or semi-conductive, and an electromechanical energy conversion element. A first electrode having an open loop structure is provided on a surface of a piezoelectric body of the electromechanical energy conversion element via which surface the piezoelectric body is joined to the elastic body. Second electrodes are provided on the piezoelectric body in a manner opposed to the first electrode via the piezoelectric body. A conduction path electrically connects the first electrode and at least one of the second electrodes. A gap is formed between each adjacent ones of the second electrodes.

Abstract: A robotic system for performing an arthroplasty procedure of a patient is provided. The robotic system includes a robotic mechanism including an adaptive arm, an oscillating saw coupled to the robotic mechanism and configured to resect a portion of a bone of the patient. The robotic mechanism is configured to control movement of the saw during the resection. The system also includes a computer coupled to the robotic mechanism which is configured to control the robotic mechanism. The robotic mechanism is configured to position a prosthetic implant relative to the bone. The system also includes an electric motor coupled to the robotic mechanism and the computer. The electric motor is configured to facilitate movement of the robotic mechanism. The system also includes a position sensor configured to provide movement information of the prosthetic implant relative to the bone.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a base, a grounding arm, a working arm, and one or more sensors. The grounding arm extends from the base and is configured to be coupled to a fixed structure within the mouth of the patient for establishing an origin for the robotic system. The working arm extends from the base and is configured to be coupled with one or more tools for use during an installation of a dental implant in the mouth. The one or more sensors are for monitoring positions of the grounding arm and/or the working arm and to generate positional data that is used to create a post-operative virtual three-dimensional model of at least a portion of the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical manipulator system including: a manipulator provided with a treatment tool having at least one joint and a drive portion that is attached to the treatment tool to drive the treatment tool; a manipulation input portion with which manipulation for causing, by driving the drive portion, the treatment tool to perform a desired operation is input; and a control portion that controls the drive portion on the basis of the manipulation that has been input via the manipulation input portion, wherein the treatment tool is provided with an identification-information retaining portion that retains identification information of the treatment tool, the manipulation input portion is provided with a manipulation-side reading portion that performs short-distance communication with the identification-information retaining portion, thus reading the identification information of the treatment tool, and the control portion controls the drive portion based on the read identification information of the treatm

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of preparing antimicrobial elastomeric articles that include an elastomeric article having an antimicrobial coating provided thereon. The antimicrobial elastomeric articles exhibit enhanced ability to reduce or eliminate microbes that come in contact with the article. Certain aspects of the invention are further directed to methods of packaging the antimicrobial elastomeric articles, where the packaged antimicrobial articles exhibit antimicrobial effectiveness for an extended period of time as compared to unpackaged antimicrobial articles. Antimicrobial elastomeric articles and packaged antimicrobial elastomeric articles prepared in accordance with the methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of preparing antimicrobial elastomeric articles that include an elastomeric article having an antimicrobial coating provided thereon. The antimicrobial elastomeric articles exhibit enhanced ability to reduce or eliminate microbes that come in contact with the article. Certain aspects of the invention are further directed to methods of packaging the antimicrobial elastomeric articles, where the packaged antimicrobial articles exhibit antimicrobial effectiveness for an extended period of time as compared to unpackaged antimicrobial articles. Antimicrobial elastomeric articles and packaged antimicrobial elastomeric articles prepared in accordance with the methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: An instrument sterile drape includes a plastic sheet and an instrument sterile adapter (ISA) coupled to the plastic sheet. The ISA includes a bottom plate located on a first side of the plastic sheet and a top plate located on a second side of the plastic sheet and joined to the bottom plate. The bottom plate includes a mounting surface that provides a first datum plane for mounting the ISA on a carriage that includes actuators and a plurality of landing pads that extend through the top plate to provide a second datum plane for a surgical instrument coupled to the ISA such that a distance between the carriage and the surgical instrument is controlled only by the bottom plate. The instrument sterile drape may include a pouch shaped to fit around the carriage with the ISA capturing the pouch between the top and bottom plates.

Abstract: A wireless strain sensing device uses a plurality of wireless sensors to obtain individual local strain data on the spot (area) where the wireless sensor is disposed on a stress member using a specific frequency response that is scanned externally. The resonance frequency shifts accordance with the locally applied strain on the specific point of the stress member. The change in the resonance frequency in response to the local strain can then be allocated within a limited spectral range for each of the wireless sensors. This permits a plurality of wireless sensors, each having a different initial resonance frequency, to be read concurrently and distinguished.

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

Abstract: A loading unit includes an elongated body, an end effector, and a lighting unit. The elongated body defines a longitudinal axis and has a distal end portion. The end effector is supported on the distal end portion of the elongated body. The lighting unit is disposed in the distal end portion of the elongated body and has a distal surface that is configured to emit light about the end effector to provide illumination of the end effector and an area distal to the end effector.

Abstract: Markers, microwave probes, and related systems and methods are provided for localizing lesions within a patient's body, e.g., within a breast. The marker includes an energy converter e.g., one or more photodiodes, for transforming energy pulses striking the marker into electrical energy, a switch, e.g., FET, coupled to the photodiodes such that light from a probe cause the switch to open and close. A pair of antenna wires are coupled to the switch to provide an antenna, the switch configured to open and close when light strikes the photodiodes to modulate signals from the probe reflected by the antenna back to the probe to identify the location of the marker. The marker also includes an electro static discharge (ESD) protection device coupled to the switch to provide protection against an electrostatic discharge event.

Abstract: A magnetic marker for marking a site in tissue in the body. In one embodiment, the marker comprises a magnetic metallic glass. In another embodiment, the marker is in a non-spherical configuration having an anisotropy ratio less than 9. In yet another embodiment, the marker is in a non-spherical configuration having an anisotropy ratio less than 6. In yet another embodiment, the marker is in a non-spherical configuration having an anisotropy ratio less than 3.

Abstract: A collector used to collect bone includes: a container body defining an interior containment space for receiving and retaining collected bone, and having at least one open end for access and removal of collected bone from the interior containment space; and a cap in covering relation to the open end of the container body such that access to the interior containment space for removal of collected bone is inhibited. The collector includes an intake port defining an opening for receiving therein a distal end of a kerrison rongeur for collecting cut bone from a cutting area thereof, and the cap includes at least one scraper for engaging and dislodging cut bone from the cutting area of a distal end of a kerrison rongeur when received within the intake port. The collector preferably is used with a kerrison rongeur for collecting cut bone therefrom.

Abstract: An orthodontic/orthognathic device for correcting and changing tooth placements and bone structure, and a method of using orthodontic/orthognathic device for tooth movement, correcting syndromic conditions of the mouth and osteogenetic correction. The device may be used for maxillary distraction and expansion as well as mandibular separation and expansion. The device can be controlled by computer to direct tooth and bone placement.

Abstract: A self-ligating bracket includes a bracket body and a spring clip. The bracket body includes a mesial channel, a distal channel, a center channel, and an arch wire slot. The spring clip includes a distal arm, mesial arm, and a center arm which are moveably within the mesial channel, distal channel, and center channel between an open position and a closed position to occlude the arch wire slot.

Abstract: A system comprising a container and a bone augmentation material and a method of using the system to regenerate bone in the jaws by inserting the container and the bone augmenting material between the jaw bone and periosteal tissue.

Abstract: A dental restoration system is disclosed. A dental restoration system includes an implant, retention component, dental component and driver tool. The retention component is seatable in a retention chamber of the implant. The retention component includes a driver section for interfacing with a driving head of the driver tool and a dental component engagement section with a threaded surface. The dental component includes a retention component interface surface with threads. The dental component engages the retention component via the threaded surface interlocking with the threads of the retention component interface surface when the dental component is inserted in the implant. The driver tool is used to rotate the retention component to engage the dental component apically. The retention component contacts the retention component wall and the dental component contacts an annular shoulder of the implant when the dental component is fully attached to the implant.

Abstract: Systems for generating in-focus color images are provided. Related methods and devices are also provided.

Abstract: A virtual model of an intraoral cavity is provided, wherein this process is initialized by a dental clinic, and the design and manufacture of a suitable dental prosthesis for the intraoral cavity is shared between a dental lab and a service center.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a multilayer zirconia block for artificial teeth, including a first material mixing step of mixing a 3 mol % yttrium oxide-tetragonal zirconia polycrystal and an organic binder, a second material mixing step of mixing a 3 mol % yttrium oxide-tetragonal zirconia polycrystal, a 5 mol % yttrium oxide-tetragonal zirconia polycrystal and an organic binder, a third material mixing step of mixing a 5 mol % yttrium oxide-tetragonal zirconia polycrystal and an organic binder, a compression molding step of sequentially placing the mixtures obtained in the first material mixing step, the second material mixing step, and the third material mixing step in a mold for compression molding and performing compression molding, and a calcination step of calcining a compression molded product obtained in the compression molding step.

Abstract: A dental implement for cleaning interproximal spaces and a method of use. The implement includes a sleeve with first and second ends and a bore defined therebetween. A stack of cartridges is insertable into the bore. Each cartridge includes a cleaning tip such as an interproximal brush. A cap may be engaged with the sleeve to protect the tip and keep it hygienic. The cartridges are progressively advanced along the bore to present their cleaning tip for use. A locking member secures the uppermost cartridge in place. Once used, a cartridge is removed from the sleeve and may be discarded or inserted into an opening to the bore in the sleeve's second end. The tip may be snapped off prior to insertion. The cartridge stack is drawn along the bore as the uppermost cartridge is removed or insertion of the spent cartridge will advance the cartridge stack along the bore.

Abstract: An oral care device such as an oral care implement or a toothbrush. The oral care device may include a handle and a head. The head may have a plurality of cleaning elements extending therefrom. The head may comprise an open space or cavity. A plurality of electrodes may be located within the open space or cavity. The electrodes may be coupled to a voltage source. The electrodes may be used to generate a chemical agent via the application of an electrical potential across the electrodes when in communication with an electrolyte. The chemical agents may include ozone, hydrogen peroxide, peroxide, chlorine hypochlorite, ions, peroxides, and/or other chemical agents.

Abstract: A beak trimming device is provided. The device includes a trough operative to receive an avian attractant. The trough has an inner surface. The inner surface includes one or more abrasive surfaces configured to contact and trim a beak of a bird accessing the attractant at the trough. In some embodiments, the attractant is feed.

Abstract: An oestrus detector includes a reservoir portion which contains a coloured liquid. The detector further includes a generally planar portion that is attached to and sealed from the reservoir portion, except for an open or closed passage in a seal line separating the reservoir portion and the generally planar portion. In use the liquid is squeezed from the reservoir portion, through the passage, and into the generally planar portion, when the reservoir portion receives pressure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a medical assembly and method to deliver and place a bodily implant inside a patient's body. The medical assembly includes an insertion tool such that a portion of the insertion tool defines a lumen. The medical assembly further includes a carrier configured to be coupled to the insertion tool and including a passageway. The medical assembly also includes a flexible elongate member configured to pass through the passageway of the carrier and the lumen. The elongate member is also configured to be coupled to the bodily implant such that a portion of the elongate member between the bodily implant and the carrier defines a length.

Abstract: A tissue defect closure system includes an endoscopic surgical fixation device and an implant. The endoscopic surgical fixation device includes a handle assembly and an elongated outer tube having a distal end and including a plurality of fasteners disposed therein. The implant includes an elongated hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end, and defines an elongated pocket therein. The elongated pocket is dimensioned to engage the elongated outer tube of the endoscopic surgical fixation device.

Abstract: A prostatic urethral stent for the nonsurgical regulation of prostatic urethral flow is provided. The prostatic urethral stent has a tubular body terminating in opposing, cone-shaped ends. The prostatic urethral stent is dimensioned and adapted for transurethral insertion into the lumen of the internal urethra sphincter so as to be retained therein by the constrictive forces of the internal urethra sphincter and/or enlarged, surrounding prostate. The cylindrical opening of the tubular body facilitates the urethral flow through the prostatic urethra, wherein the cylindrical opening is maintained by the strength of the tubular body, while the retention of the tubular body is a balance of the constrictive forces of the prostatic urethra and the stiffened shape of the tubular body.

Abstract: An artificial blood vessel is composed of a cylindrical multiple-woven fabric structure allowing only a small amount of blood leakage and can achieve both antithrombogenicity and cellular affinity. The artificial blood vessel includes a cylindrical fabric structure in which a cylindrical fabric whose inside contacts blood is arranged, wherein the cylindrical fabric is a fabric prepared by interlacing a plurality of warp yarns and a plurality of weft yarns with each other into a cylindrical shape; the warp yarns and the weft yarns constituting the cylindrical fabric include a multifilament yarn having a single yarn fineness of not more than 0.50 dtex, and are bound to an antithrombogenic material; the antithrombogenic material forms an antithrombogenic material layer having a thickness of 1 to 600 nm inside the cylindrical fabric; and the water permeability under conditions where a pressure of 16 kPa is applied to the inner surface is less than 300 mL/cm2/min.

Abstract: Devices and methods for fixating a graft tendon in a bone tunnel for a ligament reconstruction or repair procedure are provided. In general, the described implantable tissue fixation device includes first and second elongate, substantially rigid support members that are discrete elements separated from each other, and at least one flexible member connecting the rigid support members. The tissue fixation device can have changeable dimensions such that it has at least one dimension that is smaller in a delivery configuration than in a deployed configuration. In both delivery and deployed configurations, the first and second rigid support members are positioned in a non-intersecting orientation with respect to one another. A graft retention loop coupled to the tissue fixation device has the graft tendon coupled thereto and extending into the bone tunnel so as affix the graft into the bone.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device for engaging surgical tethers used in surgical repair, allowing for near full load application to the tether without failure at the site of restraint in the holding mechanism, with economical construction, compact size, and manageable complexity, without sharp edges that will cut the polymer fibers, and without requiring expensive polishing. The holding mechanisms comprise a tether, an orifice sheath, and a restraint element. The tether forms a bight projecting from the orifice sheath, the direction of projection being opposite to the direction of functional pull on the tether, where the bight is formed from a continuous tether or from coupled tether ends, and the restraint element is a fusiform structure positioned under the bight of the tether and over an orifice in the orifice sheath.

Abstract: An adjustable, knotless button/loop/needle construct for fixation of cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle. The adjustable, knotless construct includes two fixation devices (for example, two buttons) and at least one flexible, adjustable loop attached to at least one of the fixation devices (e.g., the buttons). Preferably, a needle is attached to each of the fixation devices (e.g., the buttons). The adjustable, knotless construct has an adjustable loop length and allows adjustment in one direction while preventing or locking the construct from loosening in the opposite direction, due to applied tensile forces. The construct and technique of the present invention provides an improved knotless system for cruciate ligament repair.

Abstract: Provided herein is an oleophilic matrix comprising at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a polydimethylsiloxane having micropillars; a microporous polydimethylsiloxane; and an ophthalmic-grade cellulose having an alumina-deposited surface. The matrixes can be used, for example, to remove an oil, such as a silicone oil, e.g., from a hydrophobic surface such as an intraocular lens, or from an aqueous environment.

Abstract: In order to solve the problem of providing a speaking valve which is of simple construction and which is inexpensive to produce, a speaking valve (1) is proposed which has a cover part (2), a controller (3), a housing part (5) and a filter (8), wherein the housing part provides a valve seat arranged proximally therein, wherein the controller comprises a closure part (4), and wherein the closure part cooperates with the valve seat when the speaking valve is moved from an open position into a closed position, wherein the cover part is formed at least partially of an elastic material, wherein an at least partial deformation of at least one region of the cover part takes place as a result of the speaking valve being moved from the open position into the closed position, and wherein the filter is arranged on the controller in such a way that the filter can substantially follow the movement of the controller.