Abstract: An electromagnetic (EM) system for tracking a surgical tool is provided. The system may comprise a plurality of subsets of field generator coils disposed along edge portions of a surgical bed. Each subset of field generator coils may be configured to generate a magnetic field within a control volume. The system may further comprise a position sensor disposed on a portion of the surgical tool. The position sensor may be configured to generate a sensor signal in response to the magnetic field when the position sensor is located inside the control volume. Additionally, the system may comprise an EM system controller configured to selectively activate one or more of the subsets of field generator coils based on the sensor signal.

Abstract: A medical navigation system is provided including a surgical positioning system for positioning a payload during a medical procedure. The medical navigation system has a robotic arm having a plurality of joints, the robotic arm forming part of the surgical positioning system and having an end effector for holding the payload, an input device for providing input, and a controller electrically coupled to the robotic arm and the input device.

Abstract: The robotic device for positioning a surgical instrument relative to the body of a patient includes a first robotic arm with a device for rigidly connecting to at least one surgical instrument, a device for anatomical realignment of the first arm by realigning an image that is of an area of the anatomy of the patient, and a device for compensating the movements of the first arm on the basis of detected movements. One version of the device includes at least one second robotic arm having sensors for detecting inner movements of the anatomical area, and a device for controlling the positioning of the first arm relative to sensed inner movements and to the outer movements induced in the second arm.

Abstract: A surgical tray efficiency system comprising a vertical rack assembly for holding and displaying a plurality of surgical instrument trays, a sterile barrier covering the vertical rack assembly and including tray location identifiers, and a standardization software platform including a customizable interactive planogram is described. The customizable interactive planogram software helps operating room staff arrange the instrument trays on the vertical rack assembly according to a predetermined customizable location ID, and create/load/access information related to the surgical procedure/trays/instruments before, during, and after the surgery.

Abstract: Trajectory frame assemblies for image guided surgical systems have a trajectory frame with a support column that can removably secure different components such as a tracking probe and an MER driver adapter to define and/or follow a desired intrabody trajectory. The trajectory frame assemblies include fins attached to the column support and a platform optionally with an X-Y table and/or arcuate reference brackets that are attached to the trajectory frame assemblies and can hold a reference frame with fiducials.

Abstract: A cordless examination lamp which includes a base with wheels or casters. The base has a body securely connected. A flexible neck portion connects to the body and a light source is connected to that flexible neck portion. The cordless examination lamp is powered by a rechargeable power source.

Abstract: An imaging and display system for guiding medical interventions includes a wearable display, such as a goggle display, for viewing by a user. The display presents a composite, or combined image that includes pre-operative surgical navigation images, intraoperative images, and in-vivo microscopy images or sensing data. The pre-operative images are acquired from scanners, such as MRI and CT scanners, while the intra-operative images are acquired in real-time from a camera system carried by the goggle display for imaging the patient being treated so as to acquire intraoperative images, such as fluorescence images. A probe, such as a microscopy probe or a sensing probe, is used to acquire in-vivo imaging/sensing data from the patient. Additionally, the intra-operative and in-vivo images are acquired using tracking and registration techniques to align them with the pre-operative image and the patient to form a composite image for display by the goggle display.

Abstract: A medical referencing device for a medical navigation system is provided, with which a movement of a body part, with the referencing device attached thereto, is trackable in space. The referencing device has a fastening device for fastening the referencing device to the body part and a referencing body which extends over a surface and is elastically stretchable in at least one direction. The referencing body is adaptable in shape to a contour of the body part and has a marking area with a pattern. The referencing body being configured such that during movement of the body part at least a section of the pattern is undeformed or substantially undeformed, and at least a section of the pattern is usable by the navigation system as reference for tracking the body part. A medical navigation system and a method for tracking a medical referencing device in space are also provided.

Abstract: A biopsy marker may include three shaped portions arranged sequentially along an axis, each shaped portion having a first surface and a second surface parallel to the first surface. A first narrow portion connects a first of the three shaped portions to a second of the three shaped portions. A second narrow portion connects the second of the three shaped portions to a third of the three shaped portions. The first narrow portion is twisted about the axis such that the first surface of the first shaped portion is at a first angle to the first surface of the second shaped portion. The second narrow portion is twisted about the axis such that the first surface of the second shaped portion is at a second angle to the first surface of the third shaped portion.

Abstract: An investigation and control device of a drive system is provided, which controls a power source of a surgical instrument by using a device for drive investigation and control, where the device for drive investigation and control receives a signal of the device for guide positioning and controls, according to a tracked connection state of the device for guide positioning and the surgical instrument, whether the surgical instrument is driven; and a control panel on the device for drive investigation and control electrically connects an device for instrumentation switch sensing and at least one practice model sensing device, so that the device for drive investigation and control controls, according to whether the instrumentation switch or/and the practice model is/are positioned correctly, whether the surgical instrument is normally driven, thereby completely and correctly controlling a correspondence between the surgical instrument and peripheral devices.

Abstract: A drill burr includes a channel, extending along a longitudinal axis of the drill burr, and fluidically connected to a water reservoir for providing a constant-flow liquid jet. The constant-flow liquid jet has a first pressure directed at the bone along the longitudinal axis of the drill burr. A pressure sensor senses a pressure change in the liquid jet from the first pressure to a second pressure. A signal processing unit is configured to translate the pressure change into information indicating a structural change in the bone along the drilling path, from a first structure to a second structure, corresponding respectively to the first pressure and the second pressure. Optionally, the signal processing unit generates an audio alarm notifying of the structural changes.

Abstract: A brace that includes at least one chin rest for stabilizing a patient's jaw in a fixed relative position. More specifically, the at least one chin rest is itself supported in its fixed position using additional mechanisms such as a chest plate or one or more arms that can be attached to a dental or oral surgical chair. The brace is used to stabilize a patient's jaw when the patient's jaw is supported by the at least one chin rest.

Abstract: Method and/or apparatus embodiments can provide a virtual orthodontic base, adapted to each virtual 3D dental model of the teeth (e.g., upper and lower jaw). The virtual orthodontic base should match each 3D model (e.g., size), conform to prescribed dimensional requirements and still be rapidly calculated. The 3D virtual teeth model can he provided or reconstructed (e.g., from a laser scanning, intra oral camera scanning or x-ray scan of a plaster, a negative impression (e.g., alginate or silicon) of a patient's dentition or directly from the patient's mouth).

Abstract: A dental appliance for positioning a patient's teeth includes a removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to directly receive at least some of the patient's teeth and apply a resilient positioning force to the patient's teeth. The appliance includes a hard polymer layer having a hard polymer layer elastic modulus disposed between a first soft polymer layer having a first soft polymer layer elastic modulus and a second soft polymer layer having a second soft polymer layer elastic modulus. The hard polymer layer elastic modulus is greater than each of the first soft polymer layer elastic modulus and the second soft polymer layer elastic modulus. At least one of the first soft polymer layer and the second soft polymer layer has a flexural modulus of greater than about 35,000 psi.

Abstract: A dental appliance for positioning a patient's teeth includes a removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to directly receive at least some of the patient's teeth and apply a resilient positioning force to the patient's teeth. The appliance includes a hard polymer layer having a hard polymer layer elastic modulus disposed between a first soft polymer layer having a first soft polymer layer elastic modulus and a second soft polymer layer having a second soft polymer layer elastic modulus. The hard polymer layer elastic modulus is greater than each of the first soft polymer layer elastic modulus and the second soft polymer layer elastic modulus. At least one of the first soft polymer layer and the second soft polymer layer has a flexural modulus of greater than about 35,000 psi.

Abstract: An improved edgewise orthodontic bracket is disclosed. In one embodiment, a bracket comprises a single pair of opposing T-shaped tie wings which define an archwire slot therebetween. Notches are provided on each of the mesial and distal sides of the center leg of each T-shaped tie wing for selectively receiving a ligating device. The notches are defined in the gingival/occlusal edges of the tie wings and comprise sloped portions that extend labially towards the archwire slot. Convex sidewall portions and convex floor portions are provided in the archwire slot adjacent to the notches. The body of the bracket is interconnected to a base that includes a continuous series of characters that serve as texturing to facilitate bonding of the bracket with a tooth. A discontinuous perimeter rail may be used at the edge of the base. A method for forming a bracket is also provided.

Abstract: An orthodontic ligature for securing an orthodontic archwire to an orthodontic bracket. The orthodontic ligature is formed of a resilient band which forms a flap. The flap forms a grip portion. The resilient band defines a non-circular hole having a major dimension along the direction in which the grip portion extends. The invention provides an easy to use orthodontic ligature which further is maximized in durability.

Abstract: An oral apparatus for mandibular jaw manipulation which in some embodiments may comprise: an upper tray configured to receive a plurality of maxillary teeth and a lower tray configured to receive a plurality of mandibular teeth. The upper tray may optionally have one or more upper anchor members configured as upper anchor members coupled to the upper tray. The lower tray may optionally have one or more lower anchor members configured as lower anchor members coupled to the lower tray. Each upper anchor member, which may be adjustable, may be configured to contact a lower anchor member, which may be adjustable, to adjust the positional relationship between the mandible and the maxilla of a mouth when a user wearing the oral apparatus closes their mouth to bring the upper and lower anchor members into contact with each other.

Abstract: A method of preparing a bone graft of compressed dehydrated decalcified trabecular bone may include compressing the bone while hydrated from a first form to a second form such that the bone in the second form is compressed relative to the first form. The bone may be dried while compressed. When dry, the bone substantially retains the second form and does not revert to the first form when the compression is removed.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for installation of multiple dental prostheses being adapted to connect and join various cylindrical stumps protruding from the maxillary or mandibular bone of a patient.

Abstract: An orthodontic structure includes a body where at least one connecting hole is formed, a fastening part disposed on the body and fastened to an implant, and at least one traction assembly connected to the body. The traction assembly includes an orthodontic table and an adjustment part extending outwards from the orthodontic table to engage the connecting hole. The orthodontic table has at least one locking recess capable of holding a metal wire in place. The orthodontic structure is connected to the implant which is embedded in an alveolar bone in advance to provide a requisite anchorage effect required by orthodontics. Thus, the implant treatment and the orthodontic treatment can be concurrently executed to shorten the treatment time for straightening teeth and attain good implanting and straightening effects.

Abstract: An improved dental impression tray system provides a way to accommodate multiple arch sizes by incorporating a plurality of arch accommodating markers (AAM) and adaptive locking Mechanisms (ALM) into one adaptive dental impression tray (ADIT). Upon trying in an impression tray for a patient, the size of the ADIT can be adjusted by removing one or more AAMs and securely affixing the male ALM (hereafter mALM) into the female ALM (hereafter fALM) until a customized sized tray is configured which best fits the patient's anatomy. This novel arch accommodating and adaptive locking mechanism allows the operator to customize one tray to ideally fit each patient in a manner which, among other benefits, reduces time, cross-contamination, waste, expense, improves the accuracy of the intended impression and reduces patient discomfort because the ALM protects the patient from any rough or sharp edges.

Abstract: Provisional prosthetic systems and methods of coupling such provisional prosthetic systems to a dental implant are disclosed. The provisional prosthetic system can include at least one dental component having a provisional connection feature and a prosthesis. A clinician can couple the prosthesis to the dental component using a bonding agent. The clinician can then drill a hole through the prosthesis. The hole can be configured to receive a fastener to securely fasten the prosthesis and dental component to the implant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a denture base semi-finished product with the following steps: 1) Recording and digitalizing the oral cavity situation of a patient, wherein a digital three-dimensional oral cavity model of the patient is produced, or providing a digital three-dimensional oral cavity model of the oral cavity situation of a patient; 2) Implementing a first calculation in which a digital three-dimensional first model (A) of a denture base is calculated, wherein the oral cavity model of the oral cavity situation is used as a basis for the first calculation; 3) Conducting a second calculation, in which a digital three-dimensional second model (B) of a denture base semi-finished product is calculated from the first model (A) of the denture base, wherein volume is added at least in sections to the three-dimensional model (A) of the denture base; and 4) Producing the denture base semi-finished product with a Rapid Prototyping method, wherein with the Rapid Prototyping method, a CAM met

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental prosthesis, in particular prefabricated tooth replacements, whereby a layer of a film is integrated into the dental prosthesis. Preferably, the dental prosthesis is built up layer-wise, whereby the prosthesis comprises an inner tooth portion, a film on the inner tooth portion, and a further tooth portion outside on the film, such as a veneer and/or incisor shell. The method for producing said dental prostheses is also a subject matter of the invention.

Abstract: A disposable prophy angle is provided, the prophy angle comprising a housing containing a drive shaft and a driven shaft; the drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis therebetween, the distal end having a substantially conical driving portion and a projection, the proximal end of the drive shaft configured to engage a dental hand piece; and the driven shaft having a driven portion comprising a recess configured for engagement by the projection and/or the substantially conical portion of the drive shaft to oscillate the driven shaft at an oscillation angle greater than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, there is a method of making a disposable prophy angle by overmolding a prophy cup to the prophy angle. In other embodiments, there is a method of using the prophy angle to prevent tooth decay.

Abstract: Gluteal implants and gluteal implant systems are described herein, as are methods of manufacturing and implanting the same. In certain embodiments, the gluteal implant includes a body having a convex upper surface, a concave lower surface, and an edge, the edge being formed by the intersection between the convex upper surface and the concave lower surface. The body can take on various shapes, including a truncated ovoid shape, a truncated approximate ovoid shape, a truncated substantially ovoid shape, a truncated ellipsoid shape, a truncated approximate ellipsoid shape, or a truncated substantially ellipsoid shape, among others. In certain embodiments, the gluteal implant system includes first and second gluteal implants that have the same or different shaped bodies. In certain embodiments, the gluteal implants and gluteal implant systems are implanted in a buttock region.

Abstract: A reinforcement device for reinforcing tissues having one or more structural deficiencies includes a longitudinally-extending reinforcing layer for treating the structural deficiency, a plurality of spiked naps distributed across the reinforcing layer and projecting therefrom for adhering to the tissue, and a dissolvable matrix layer covering at least a portion of the reinforcing layer and a portion of the plurality of spiked naps. The matrix layer increases the time before the spiked naps substantially adhere to the tissue, thereby allowing the practitioner additional time to position the reinforcement device.

Abstract: A method of implanting a vessel filter by a femoral approach comprising the steps of providing a delivery sheath with a substantially straight distal tip and inserting a curved device into the sheath to move the sheath to a second configuration. In the second position, the distal tip of the sheath is curved at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The method further comprises the step of rotating the sheath and pusher so a distal opening of the sheath has a more centered position within the vessel.

Abstract: A removable intravascular filter having a filtering configuration for capturing thrombi in a blood vessel and a retrieval configuration for removal from the blood vessel. The filter may be implanted in a patient's vena cava and may be removed from the vena cava through the patient's jugular or femoral vein. A method of removing an intravascular filter from a patient's vena cava through the patient's femoral vein is also provided.

Abstract: Multi-filter endolumenal methods and systems for filtering fluids within the body. In some embodiments a multi-filter blood filtering system captures and removes particulates dislodge or generated during a surgical procedure and circulating in a patient's vasculature. In some embodiments a dual filter system protects the cerebral vasculature during a cardiac valve repair or replacement procedure.

Abstract: Devices and methods for securing a graft with respect to bone are provided. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical implant includes a flexible filament body and a suture filament or repair construct that extends through the filament body at multiple locations. The repair construct is formed into one or more coils, which can receive a graft. The flexible filament body can be configured to be actuated between unstressed and anchoring configurations, the latter of which sets a location of the suture filament, and associated graft, in a bone tunnel. More particularly, the flexible filament body can ball up, or become denser, to a size that cannot pass into the bone tunnel in which the suture filament holding the graft is disposed. The present disclosure also provides for feedback units to assist a surgeon in knowing a location of the implant. Further, other exemplary devices and methods are provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a reversible anchoring device includes a base having a threaded shaft and an internal passage that extends through the base along a longitudinal direction of the base and a cap having a top surface, a bottom surface, a threaded circular opening formed in the bottom surface adapted to thread onto the threaded shaft of the base, and a suture opening that extends from the top surface of the cap to the threaded circular opening through which a suture can pass.

Abstract: A soft tissue fixation system, most typically applicable to orthopedic joint repairs, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee repair procedures, comprises an implant which is placeable in a tunnel disposed in a portion of bone, wherein the tunnel is defined by walls comprised of bone. A first member is deployable outwardly to engage the tunnel walls for anchoring the implant in place in the tunnel, and a second member is deployable outwardly to engage tissue material to be fixed within the tunnel. The second member also functions to move the tissue material outwardly into contact with the tunnel walls to promote tendon-bone fixation. Extra graft length is eliminated by compression of the tendon against the bone at the aperture of the femoral tunnel, which more closely replicates the native ACL and increases graft stiffness. The inventive device provides high fixation of tendon to bone and active tendon-bone compression.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for breast reconstruction surgery. An implantable fixation device is attached to pectoralis muscle tissue and a tissue graft that forms a sling for supporting a tissue expander or permanent breast implant. The implantable fixation device provides flap stabilization of overlying skin and reduces breast reconstruction complications such as seroma formation.

Abstract: An intraocular lens insertion device which dramatically reduces the possibility that a plunger damages an intraocular lens, and which can safely and surely insert an intraocular lens into an eye is provided. An intraocular lens insertion unit comprises a lens disposing part for disposing an intraocular lens, a plunger for pushing out the intraocular lens disposed at the lens disposing part, a transition part for deforming the intraocular lens pushed out by the plunger, and a nozzle for ejecting the deformed intraocular lens. The plunger has a lens contact part for contacting the outer edge of the intraocular lens, and a protrusive part for pushing the lens contact part downward the intraocular lens by the deformation of the intraocular lens, both lens contact part and protrusive part are provided at the leading end of the plunger.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing an optical filter for an intraocular lens. The apparatus, system and method may include at least one optical filtering layer applied to at least one surface of the optic, wherein the optical filtering layer may at least partially filter light through the intraocular lens. The at least one optical filtering layer may include different types of optical filters including a neutral density filter, a chromatic filter, a photochromatic filter, and a polarizing filter. These filters may be used to reduce the transmission of light through the intraocular lens.

Abstract: The present subject matter describes a suturing ring for a prosthetic heart valve. The suturing ring has a variable annular thickness reducing continuously from a mid-circumferential plane of the suturing ring towards a top peripheral edge and a bottom peripheral edge of the suturing ring.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-component (modular) percutaneous valve device that includes a valve module having valve leaflets and a valve frame. The valve frame includes one or more, for example two, ring members and a plurality of masts. Also provided is a valve frame having specially designed pivot points at the connection between masts and first and second ring members to assist folding the valve module and minimizing delivery diameter. The valve frame may also include wire guides to facilitate combining the valve module with a support module. The masts or a ring of the valve frame may also include locking members, such as shafts for closing the valve module and securing the valve module to the support module. The support module includes corresponding locking members, such as spears that align with the shafts on the valve module for assembly and locking the valve module to the support module.

Abstract: An embolic material blocking catheter includes a handle assembly, an elongated element having a lumen, and a deployable embolic material blocking element. The embolic material blocking catheter is configured to accommodate insertion of a treatment catheter into the lumen to position a treatment device distal to the embolic material blocking element for administering a treatment at a treatment site and/or convey embolic material blocked by the embolic material blocking element for extraction from the patient.

Abstract: An assembly for collapsing a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member, a support member and a constricting member. The compression member has a tapered wall between its first open end and its second open end, the tapered wall defining an open space adapted to receive the valve. The support member has a base and a recess adapted to receive an end of the valve. The support member and the compression member are movable toward one another to compress the valve and push it through a relatively small aperture in the second open end of the compression member. The second end of the constricting member is sized to receive the compressed valve from the second open end of the compression member for loading into a delivery device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating a native valve comprising a body having two elongated segments, each elongated segment having a connecting end, both connecting ends being able to be bound to each other, and a traction end, the traction end including an attachment element for attachment to a traction system. Each traction end comprises a locking element.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating atrioventricular valve prolapse of the drained human heart, includes a handle for being held by a surgeon, a shaft extending distally from the handle, the shaft having a lumen open to a shaft distal end, a cannulated needle arranged in the shaft; with a distal end of the needle protruding from the shaft distal end at least in one possible needle position. The needle accommodates a first, distal implant equipped for being anchored in a papillary muscle, and a second, proximal implant shaped to hold on to a leaflet of an atrioventricular valve, the first and second implants each including a chord connector portion for connecting the respective implant to an artificial chord. The apparatus further includes a trigger arrangement for releasing the first, distal implant upon a first release actuation and for releasing the second, proximal implant upon a second release actuation.

Abstract: An implant for filling and/or distracting a body region, particularly a non-soft tissue cavity, has a plurality of segments wherein at least two of the segments are flexibly connected. The segments have a crush-strength sufficient to create and/or maintain the distraction of two or more non-soft tissue body surfaces, and to maintain the stability of the body region. The implant may be inserted into a cavity by an applicator having a cannula with a distal opening, and a rotary driver for applying force to move the implant within the cannula.

Abstract: A system includes a constrained acetabular insert, a dual mobility liner, and a femoral head. The constrained acetabular insert has its perimeter extending beyond hemisphere and the dual mobility liner has its perimeter extending beyond hemisphere and configured to tilt and rotate within the constrained acetabular insert. The femoral head is configured to tilt and rotate within the dual mobility liner. The constrained acetabular insert may include a plurality of tabs and the dual mobility liner may include screw threads for receiving the plurality of tabs.

Abstract: An artificial meniscus using a thermoplastic for the base material, which is reinforced with an inert material. In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement is provided by Kevlar® fibers, and the matrix is made out of polycarbonate-urethane (PCU). In an alternate embodiment, the PCU can also be surrounded by a polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold that is infused with human growth proteins so that when the artificial meniscus is implanted, stem cells in the body are stimulated to ensure the meniscus is properly secured.

Abstract: An implant includes a fixed bearing, a floating bearing, and a coupling member. The fixed bearing defines a generally first spherical articulating surface and a stop. The floating bearing includes a second spherical articulating surface and a planar articulating bearing surface. The coupling member defines a bearing surface that translates relative to the planar articulating bearing surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glenoid (shoulder socket) implant prosthesis, a humeral implant prosthesis, devices for implanting glenoid and humeral implant prostheses, and less invasive methods of their use for the treatment of an injured or damaged shoulder.

Abstract: An expandable implant device (100, 300, 600) for insertion between two vertebrae (400) is disclosed. The device (100, 300, 600) has a center body (10) one or more lift bodies (20, 40) and an external retaining band (60). The external retaining band (60) holds the sides (22, 42) of the one or more lift bodies (20, 40). The center body (10) has ramp surfaces (11) having a plurality or sets of ramps (11) sloped for allowing upward movement of the one or more lift bodies (20, 40). The sides (22, 42) have complimentary ramp surfaces that fit onto the ramps (11) of the center body (10). The height of the device (100, 300, 600) is increased by upward movement or downward movement or both of the one or more lift bodies (20, 40) driven by the lengthwise movement of the center body (10).

Abstract: Presented are intervertebral disc implants (20) for the total replacement of an intervertebral disc (3) within the cervical spine, comprising two articulating members (21, 25), where the inferior member (21) on its upper surface is adapted for engaging an upper vertebral body (1) and its lower surface has an convex projection (23), and the inferior member (25) on its lower surface is adapted for engaging a lower vertebral body (4) and its upper surface has an saddle shaped projection (27), which is convex in its longitudinal anterior-posterior profile and which is concave in its transversal lateral profile with the general same diameter as the convex projection (23) of the superior member (21), therefore allowing flexion-extension-motion over a variable center of rotation, and in addition allowing rotation and lateral bending through a second independent center of rotation which is located above the intervertebral disc implant (20) at a distance which is defined by the diameter of the convex projection (23) o