Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument comprises an ultrasonic transducer, an acoustic waveguide, and an ultrasonic blade. The blade includes a pair of obliquely extending edges. The obliquely extending edges diverge away from the longitudinal axis of the waveguide and away from each other along respective paths extending distally in relation to the waveguide. A distal portion of the blade is wider than a proximal portion of the blade along a plane. The blade further includes a curved distal edge and several laterally presented surfaces. The laterally presented surfaces may provide combinations of concave and convex curvatures. The laterally presented surfaces may be angled and/or curved along one or more orthogonal planes associated with the longitudinal axis of the waveguide.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a system 10 for the application of topical negative pressure therapy to a site 18 on the body of a mammal. Some embodiments of the system 10 comprise a piston 22 and cylinder 24 device 12 having a self-contained power source for the generation of a reduced pressure and for aspirating the site 18. Some embodiments of the system 10 comprise a dressing 14 sealably surrounding the site 18 that can be operably connected to the device 12 by a conduit means 16 to apply the reduced pressure to the site 18.

Abstract: A system with a saliva sampling device configured to be orally worn by a patient. The saliva sampling device is a polymer retainer or aligner. A saliva analysis engine is used to correlate one or more analytes of one or more saliva samples with one or more health attributes. A health monitoring engine updates a health profile of the patient based on the correlated health attributes.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid ejection device that includes a nozzle that ejects a liquid, a liquid conveying tube that conveys the liquid to the nozzle, an outer tube that is internally provided with the nozzle and the liquid conveying tube, and a first vibration applying unit that applies vibration to the nozzle or the liquid conveying tube. The first vibration applying unit is provided between the nozzle and the outer pipe or between the liquid conveying tube and the outer pipe.

Abstract: A vibrating tissue separator suitable for use in separating a lenticule established by a femtosecond laser during a smile procedure may include a surgical implement such as a blunt spatula mounted on a handle that carries a haptic actuator for applying vibratory motion to the surgical implement. A damping arrangement may be provided to isolate the surgeons hand from the vibrations which would otherwise be transmitted through the handle. The actuator may apply a linear vibration along the axis of the handle which applies a lifting and chopping motion to the tip of a surgical implement having a bend. The tip may be suitable to the tissue being separated. For example, for SMILE lenticule separation, a blunt or semi-sharp spatula, blunted wire or loop may be used. The direction of vibration at the tip may be changed by rotating the implement in a plane other than the plane of the bend or by rotating an actuator such as an LRA with respect to the handle.

Abstract: A saliva test device includes: a means for generating an approach detection signal; a means for generating a contact detection signal; a drinking water supply unit for controlling the supply of drinking water in response to at least one of approach detection signals and contact detection signals; a pump for suctioning and collecting saliva in response to a contact detection signal; a test unit for testing whether a disease is present; a communication unit for informing test result information; a control unit for generating a system driving control signal in response to an approach detection signal, generating a pump driving control signal in response to a contact detection signal, generating a drinking water supply control signal in response to saliva collection, and controlling transmission of the test result information; and a memory for storing data. The saliva test device reduces animal stress and testing fees and improves productivity.

Abstract: A disposable dental waste filter device has a body having a receiving end, and a separable cap having a tip end, the body for receiving and capturing therein amalgam that enters into the body through the tip end and the separable cap. A disposable dental waste filter device also has a body having a receiving end, a central lumen for receiving and capturing amalgam, a filter, and a circular leg portion having an exterior channel, and a separable cap having a tip end, a circular outer rim having a circular end ridge portion with the ridge portion adapted to be inserted into the exterior channel of the body for a snap fit engagement between the cap and the body, the body for receiving and capturing therein amalgam that enters into the body through the tip end and the separable cap.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification needle comprises a hollow shaft with an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a distal end terminating in a distal edge. The shaft has a central bore extending there through. The central bore is defined by the interior surface of the hollow shaft. A first over mold is located on the exterior surface and distal edge of the hollow shaft. The first over mold covers at least a portion of a periphery of the exterior surface of the hollow shaft, the distal edge, and terminates at the central bore.

Abstract: A suction tool for connection to a dental suction system can include an elongate body, a tip portion, and a screen mechanism positioned within the elongate body. The tip portion can extend over at least a portion of the elongate body. The tip portion can include an upper portion and a lower portion integrally formed with the upper portion and at least partially spaced apart from the upper portion by a recessed portion.

Abstract: An endoscopic biopsy device is configured to collect multiple samples from a body without removal of the device from the body. The device includes; an elongate tube of having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The device includes a cutting element disposed in an opening of the distal end, the cutting member being immovable relative to the elongate tube and comprising a cutting surface that faces into the elongate tube and away from the distal end of the elongate tube and a blunting surface that faces outward from the elongate tube. The device further includes a valve disposed proximate to the proximal end.

Abstract: Provided is an extended length, flexible or bendable spray tip assembly for use with a multi-component surgical sealant. The tip assembly is particularly suited for use in surgical procedures having limited access to a surgical field, for example, neurosurgical procedures involving infratentorial, skull base, or transsphenoidal craniotomy, as well as the spine. The tip assembly can be used in combination with a multi-component delivery system or applicator.

Abstract: A scaffold for joining two layers of tissue, comprises a substantially flat and flexible body having a top surface, a bottom surface and sidewalls; at least one channel within the body starting at an injection port; a plurality of first passages on the top surface and a plurality of second passages on the bottom surface, said passages in fluid communication with the channel; a plurality of third passages penetrating the body from the top surface to the bottom surface, said plurality of third passages not in fluid communication with the channel.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush for use by an operator and capable of being connected to a suction device. The electric toothbrush includes a head with a plurality of bristles, at least one irrigation port, and at least one suction port, and an injection port in fluid communication with the at least one irrigation port. The electric toothbrush also includes a handle with a ventilation port in fluid communication with the at least one suction port, a user interface, and a controller. The ventilation port permits suction from the suction device to the at least one suction port and the controller is configured to actuate at least one of rotation, oscillation, and vibration of the bristles for a preset time period in response to a predetermined feedback from the operator through the user interface.

Abstract: A screened vacuum enclosure for use in separating drilling fluid from drill cuttings in a vacuum-based shaker system, the screened vacuum enclosure including: a) a rectangular frame including downstream and upstream longitudinal outer frame members and transverse outer frame members, with one or more vacuum ports extending through or into one of the longitudinal outer frame members, the vacuum ports communicating vacuum suction to the interior of the screened vacuum enclosure; b) one or more inner frame support members connected to the outer frame members; c) a screen attached to the top surface of the frame; and d) a floor attached to at least part of the bottom surface of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a negative-pressure oral apparatus capable of relieving discomfort of soft tissues in the oral cavity and improving fixation of the oral apparatus to prevent the oral apparatus from falling off due to mouth opening. The oral apparatus is compact and elastic so that it fits various shapes and sizes of the oral cavity and is easy to be put on and taken off to provide convenience and safety to the user. In another embodiment, a method for maintaining a negative oral pressure and collecting liquid by coupling the oral apparatus to a liquid collecting apparatus capable of effectively providing the oral cavity with a negative pressure to expel liquid in the oral apparatus and deliver the liquid to an absorbing element in the liquid collecting apparatus so as to prevent liquid leakage or contamination.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body and a conduit. The body comprises an absorbent material. The conduit is in fluid communication with the body. The conduit has a suction opening positioned within the absorbent material. The conduit is operable to draw fluid away from the absorbent material. The apparatus may be positioned within the posterior choana or the nasopharynx of a patient using a deployment instrument. The apparatus may prevent fluids from draining from the nasal cavity into the patient's throat. In some instances, the apparatus is used as a plug during a sinus irrigation procedure to prevent irrigation fluid from traveling down the patient's throat.

Abstract: A disposable saliva ejector that utilizes a single planar, double leaf shaped plate design that is embossed on their inner faces with a series of arced ribs and folded about its midpoint. A tab and slot arrangement about the center of the plates, joins the two plates. The distal tips are held together by a dovetail arrangement on raised pads at the distal tips of each plate. The distal and proximal tips are also held in operational contact by the suction forces passed through the device. The arced ribs form a series of channels about perimeter of the device. A trough runs along the linear axis of both of the plates to direct any fluid and debris that is sucked into the channels into a connected suction tube. Placement of the saliva ejector within the mouth lies along the interior of the patient's cheek, keeping the oral cavity clear of viewing obstructions. The discharge end connects to a discharge tube, wrapping around the oral commissure then hooking onto the patient's outer cheek.

Abstract: Devices with a motor that, when connected to a cannula, rotates the cannula while removing adipose tissue from a surgical site. The device provides a direct pathway, for aspirated adipose tissue, from a tip of the cannula to a location where tubing is attached to the device. The pathway does not pass through the motor that provides the angular rotation of the cannula. Instead, the path for the adipose tissue passes through a removable coupler that is connected to the cannula. The cannula may also have a direct flow path for adipose tissue that does not pass through the motor.

Abstract: A disposable saliva ejector with a single planar, double leaf shaped plate design embossed on the inner faces of the leaf plates with a series of arced ribs and then folded about its midpoint. A tab and slot arrangement joins the two plates when operationally folded. The arced ribs form a series of channels equidistant about the perimeter of the device. A trough runs along the linear axis of both of the plates to direct any fluid and debris that is sucked into the channels into a connected suction tube. Placement of the saliva ejector within the mouth lies along the interior of the patient's cheek, keeping the oral cavity clear of viewing obstructions.

Abstract: A movable fluid collection device includes a mat assembly, a first conduit segment, and a second conduit segment. The mat assembly includes an absorption material and a low-friction sliding floor-contact material. The first conduit segment may include a loop of tubing having at least one fluid collection opening formed therein, and the second conduit segment connects the first conduit to a suction collection system.

Abstract: Due to the low suction strength or an unsuitable positional relationship or distance between the suction feed and the oral cavity, conventional extra-oral intake devices exhibit the problem of not being able to fully suck particulate matter and droplets from teeth, shavings from repair products, saliva, bacteria, blood, rinse water, tooth surface cleaning agents, etc., that are dispersed to outside the oral cavity during practice. In order to improve suction strength, the present invention provides an intake device that is equipped with a protruding airflow-regulating member, the top of which is oriented in the direction in which the fluid flows into the opening part of the suction feed, and that can efficiently suck dispersed particulate matter and droplets within a wide range.

Abstract: A dental post removal device having a hollow tubular structure having a sidewall and distal and proximal open ends, an engaging feature positioned on insides of the sidewalls, and a fulcrum positioned on the hollow tubular structure adapted for pulling the hollow tubular structure and a dental post captured therein. The engaging features can be a series of openings formed through the sidewall of the hollow tubular structure, and/or the inner wall surfaces of the sidewall that is one of at least scored, textured, dimpled, coated with a high adhesion material or other type of surface preparation chemical, and/or internally threaded. The tubular structure is of generally constant outside diameter. The inner walls can either be of constant inner diameter, or can have an inner diameter that narrows from the distal end to the proximal end either continuously, or in discrete steps of increasingly smaller diameter.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a pressure chamber having a body having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end includes an inlet. At least one first recessed area extends along an inner wall of the body, proximate the proximal end of the body of the pressure chamber. The first recessed area is configured to release pressure within the pressure chamber. At least one second recessed area extends along the inner wall of the body, proximate the distal end of the body of the pressure chamber. The second recessed area is configured to release pressure within the pressure chamber. A cannula is coupled to the pressure chamber for taking a tissue sample from a patient. The cannula defines a tissue chamber. A fluid receptacle is interposed between the tissue chamber and the pressure chamber. The fluid receptacle has an absorbent material to absorb a fluid.

Abstract: A strainer/filter unit for effectively collecting solid, liquid or gaseous substances at the source and the method of using the strainer/filter unit. The strainer/filter unit includes a housing, a one-way valve at one end of the housing, and a filter having a certain depth and thickness within the housing. The filter is formed from a plurality of layers of material with pores such that pores of one layer partially overlap pores of subsequent adjacent layers. Matters entering the strainer/filter unit are collected in the filter while travelling through filter via a tortuous path.

Abstract: Examples of apparatus, methods, and compositions for endodontic treatments are described. The apparatus can include a fluid platform configured to substantially retain fluid in a tooth chamber during treatment. The fluid platform can help maintain fluid circulation in the tooth chamber as fluid flows into and out of the tooth chamber. The apparatus can also include a pressure wave generator configured to generate acoustic waves that can be used for cleaning root canals and tooth surfaces in the tooth chamber. Examples of pressure wave generators include a liquid jet, an electromagnetic energy delivery device, and an ultrasonic device. The fluid can include antiseptic or antibacterial solutions to assist in tooth cleaning. The fluid may be degassed to have a reduced dissolved gas content (compared to non-degassed fluids used in endodontic treatments), which may improve the effectiveness of the pressure wave generation or the cleaning.

Abstract: A thrombectomy system may include an elongate shaft that defines a high pressure lumen and a low pressure lumen. The high pressure lumen may terminate near an end of the low pressure lumen. An expandable capture basket may be disposed near the end of the low pressure lumen. A thrombectomy apparatus may include an elongate shaft, an evacuation lumen extending within the elongate shaft and a high pressure lumen extending within the elongate shaft. A capture apparatus may be disposed within a wire lumen that extends within the elongate shaft such that the capture apparatus extends distally from the wire lumen.

Abstract: A dental suction tube having a plurality of apertures in a distal portion of the tube is provided. The apertures are provided in a pattern to allow suction performance even when a portion of the distal end of the tube is abutting a portion of the mouth or other item during a dental procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for stimulating healing of a wound, includes a porous pad adapted to contact a surface of the wound on an affected part of a body. An envelope for receiving the porous pad and the affected part of the body is provided, and the envelope includes a re-sealable opening that permits the wound to be inspected. A connector is fluidly connected to an interior of the envelope and to a source of negative pressure.

Abstract: A portable hand held tongue vacuum cleaner that includes a small vacuum pump and power supply contained within a hollow housing. A removable cleaning head is attached to a vacuum port which extends out from the housing. The cleaning head includes bristles and a centrally located vacuum tube whose end terminates just below the height of the bristles. The cleaning head is oriented at a forty-five degree angle with respect to the cleaning head extension tube. A removable filter trap is located inside the extension tube to catch debris removed from the surface of the tongue.

Abstract: A dental suction adapter can include a first tube including a tapered portion and a presenting end, the presenting end being configured to fluidly engage an interior of a mouth, and a second tube including a transition tube connected to the tapered portion of the first tube and a connection taper extending from the transition tube opposite the first tube, the connection taper being configured to be connected to an end of an aspirator tube, wherein the adapter is configured to increase a velocity of air at the presenting end compared to a velocity of the fluid at the aspirator tube.

Abstract: A disposable saliva ejector for connection with a slow-speed suction device has a suction end and a discharge end. The tapered ejector has an ovate shape. A retention orifice helps secure the ejector within the patient's mount, while a larger extraction orifice removes fluid and debris. Placement of the saliva ejector within the mouth lies along the interior of the patient's cheek, keeping the oral cavity clear of viewing obstructions. The discharge end connects to a discharge tube, wrapping around the oral commissure then hooking onto the patient's outer cheek. Once properly placed within the patient's mouth the dental assistant is relieved from providing suction during various procedures.

Abstract: A dental handpiece has a turbine head housing a chuck assembly with a burr tube secured to and rotated by a gas-driven handpiece motor assembly supported by a bearing assembly having a first bearing. A portion of the burr tube passes through the housing end wall forming an opening concentric with and spaced from the burr tube. A cavity is formed in the housing by a first lateral face of a first flange of an outer race of the first bearing, a first end of the housing sidewall and a housing end wall. The cavity is in fluid communication with the opening in the end wall and a vent in the housing side wall. A vortex washer disposed in the cavity and fixed to the burr tube for rotation therewith draws dental worksite particulate through the opening and into the cavity and discharges the particulate through the vent.

Abstract: A cannula for evacuating irrigation fluid, saliva and/or blood for use in the dental field is formed of three interconnected tubular conduits and includes two hollow tube members one of which includes a first aperture formed on a buttressed plate parallel to the first tubular member, a second aperture being located on an upper part of the distal portion of the second tubular member allowing simplified placement and removal by engaging forceps in the apertures and use of the cannula with a first branch of the cannula inserted between the teeth and the tongue of a patient and the second branch of the cannula inserted between the teeth and the cheek of the patient.

Abstract: Various embodiments for cleaning carious regions of a tooth are disclosed herein. For example, a dental apparatus can include a fluid platform having a chamber sized and shaped to retain fluid. The chamber can be configured to be coupled to the tooth over the carious region. A pressure wave generator having a distal end may be configured to be positioned in the chamber. The pressure wave generator may be configured to generate pressure waves in the retained fluid sufficient to clean the carious region.

Abstract: An intraoral biofilm control apparatus including a suction unit, a suction chamber positioned within and in communication with an inner space of the suction unit, a tubular connection member operably connected to and extending into the suction chamber, and an angular head member adjustably connected to an upper end of the tubular connection member is provided. The suction chamber, in communication with the suction unit, creates a negative air pressure in an inner space of the suction chamber. The angular head member in fluid communication with the suction chamber via the tubular connection member, contacts and suctions the intraoral biofilm from the intraoral areas into the inner space of the suction chamber when the negative air pressure is created. The angular head member having an angularly curved suction tip configurably accesses the intraoral areas. The angular head member having a suction plate suctions the intraoral biofilm from intraoral tongue areas.

Abstract: A dental aspiration device comprising an inside housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion with an interior surface; an outside housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion with an interior surface; at least one of the interior surfaces of the inside housing and the outside housing including vacuum channels; a hinge connection mechanism hingeably connecting the proximal portions of the inside housing and the outside housing; and a locking mechanism for removably attaching the distal portions of the inside housing and the outside housing to each other.

Abstract: A tip assembly for use with a dental tool, the tip assembly comprising a housing for attaching to the dental tool, at least one aspiration needle having a passageway extending at least partially through the aspiration needle, a substantial length of the aspiration needle, or at least from one end to the other end of the aspiration needle, the passageway providing a single continuous path to aspirate the irrigant and/or debris from the root canal cavity of the tooth, and at least one irrigation needle having a passageway extending at least partially through the irrigation needle, a substantial length of the irrigation needle, or at least from one end to the other end of the irrigation needle, the passageway provides a continuous flow path for delivering fluid/irrigant from a reservoir in communication with a proximal end of the irrigation needle to the distal end of the irrigation needle and into a root canal/coronal opening of a tooth.

Abstract: A suction device for evacuating fumes includes a tongue depressor having a pair of opposed walls; at least one suction tube connected to the tongue depressor; an elongated support member to which the suction tube is connected; and a connecting member attached to an end of the suction tube for connecting the suction tube to a suction generating device. A light such as a fiber optic light can be added to the suction device. The tongue depressor, suction tube and elongated support member can be made of one piece.

Abstract: A dental suction tube having a plurality of apertures in a distal portion of the tube is provided. The apertures are provided in a pattern to allow suction performance even when a portion of the distal end of the tube is abutting a portion of the mouth or other item during a dental procedure.

Abstract: A multi-lumen aspirator device having an elongated body with a plurality of lumens disposed therein for reducing the sound level generated during the operation of the device is disclosed. The elongated body defines a proximal opening that communicates with a distal opening through an inner conduit. The plurality of lumens is disposed within the inner conduit such that a central lumen of the plurality of lumens is surrounded by the remaining plurality of lumens such that laminar flow is established through the multi-lumen aspirator that promotes the reduction in sound generated by the multi-lumen aspirator device during operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental suction apparatus for suctioning fluids and debris from the mouth cavity of a patient during a treatment. The apparatus has a hollow base body with a longitudinal axis X-X that includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a suction port. A mirrored surface is disposed on the inner surface of the suction port so that at least parts of the mouth cavity can be viewed through the suction port.

Abstract: A suction tip for a surgical instrument includes a hollow housing having a top flat wall and a bottom flat wall and including a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has a widened tip portion that is wider than the proximal end. The distal end may have a plurality of suction ports located at its front, top, right side and left side of the widened tip portion. Furthermore a ledge portion may protrude outwardly past a terminal end of the top flat wall to provide a clear space between the suction ports and tissue for evacuation of fluid in the clear space.

Abstract: An air water vacuum dental instrument includes a handle; a head; an air control carried by at least one of the handle and the head; a water control carried by at least one of the handle and the head; a vacuum control carried by at least one of the handle and the head; and an air water vacuum tip coupled to the head and configured to provide at least air, water, and vacuum in a mouth of a dental patient at the air water vacuum tip.

Abstract: Provided herein is a retraction device for retracting soft tissue from the dental surfaces in the oral cavity of a patient. The retraction device is comprised of a topology conformable structure, where the topology conformable structure is adaptable to be delivered to the oral cavity in a constrained shape. The device can then undergo a conformation change in the oral cavity, where the device transforms into its unconstrained shape. The unconstrained shape of the device creates a useable working field in the oral cavity. The useable working field can provide increased accessibility to and/or visibility within the oral cavity. Also provided herein are methods for using the device and kits.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices related to removing fluids from a patient are provided. In one instance, fluid is removed from the patient and delivered to a canister using reduced pressure. Reduced pressure is supplied to the canister via a reduced-pressure delivery conduit that includes a moisture processing device and a hydrophobic filter. The moisture processing device condenses moisture from the air to prevent condensation from occluding the hydrophobic filter. The moisture processing devices includes an expanded volume and one or more liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable membranes. The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable membrane allows vapor to egress the moisture processing device. Other systems, methods, and devices are presented.

Abstract: A dental suction apparatus 2 includes a tubular vacuum member 10, such as a tubular vacuum tip or aspirator, and a protective foam pad 20. The pad is mounted on a distal end 12 of the tubular vacuum member through a first opening 32 and partially through a second opening 34. In a folded operative position, the foam member 20 not only protects the patient's mouth, but creates a larger surface through which fluids and debris particles can be drawn though the influence of a vacuum.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering dental solid waste has been developed. The apparatus includes a high volume evacuation (HVE) tip with one end that is connected to a suction line and another end that is inserted in a patient's mouth to remove dental waste. A filtration unit is located within the HVE tip that retains solid dental waste within the HVE tip.

Abstract: A mobile suction unit preferably includes a portable body, a deformably non-resilient appendage connected to the body, and a dental instrument connected to the deformably non-resilient appendage. The deformably non-resilient appendage may be selectively bent from a non-tensioned shape to a curvilinear tensioned shape in such a manner that the deformably non-resilient appendage indefinitely retains the curvilinear tensioned shape while the dental instrument is adapted to be positioned within the patient oral cavity.

Abstract: Devices for connection to a dental evacuation system and methods of manufacturing the same. In one example, a dental evacuation device for connection to a dental evacuation system includes an elongated body having a central passageway extending through the body, a protective tip disposed over and extending from an end of the body member, and a screening device positioned within the central passageway. The protective tip can define an aperture configured to provide access to the central passageway and can include a blunt ridge circumscribing the defined aperture. In one example, the screening device is offset from the protective tip to form a receiving space within the central passageway therebetween.

Abstract: A dental apparatus for removing fluid from a patient's mouth during a dental procedure, the dental apparatus includes an intraoral tip having a wall defining a cavity, the wall having a plurality of apertures and at least one opening, the apertures being distributed over the wall; and a hollow tube coupled to the intraoral tip, the hollow tube for connecting the opening of the intraoral tip to a suction device. The intraoral tip is continuously within the patient's mouth during the dental procedure and the dental apparatus removes fluid from the patient's mouth through the apertures of said intraoral tip. In one embodiment, the dental apparatus further includes a valve for modulating the rate of fluid removal from the patient's mouth. In another embodiment, the dental apparatus further includes a fastener for securing the intraoral tip within the patient's mouth.