Abstract: A two-step approach for image segmentation during the treatment planning process is disclosed. In a first step, an automatic segmentation method can be used to generate a first, provisional segmentation. The first, provisional segmentation may be generated using fast, but less accurate segmentation methods. The first provisional segmentation may be used to generate a default treatment plan for approval. Once the default treatment plan is approved, a more robust, second image segmentation may be performed. The second segmentation may be used to design patient-specific devices that can be used to deliver the patient-specific medical treatment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the prediction of part and material quality of Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes using layer based images. Described herein are methods and systems for detection of errors in parts built by AM processes such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM). The detection comprises analysis of optical images to identify errors which appear in layers during the AM build process. Errors include but are not limited to warpage of parts and dross formation of overhang surfaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods of valve quantification are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of mitral valve quantification is provided. The method includes generating a 3-D heart model, defining a 3-D mitral valve annulus, fitting a plane through the 3-D mitral valve annulus, measuring the distance between at least two papillary muscle heads, defining an average diameter of at least one cross section around the micro valve annulus, and determining a size of an implant to be implanted.

Abstract: A system and method for modifying features in designs of objects to make them physically capable of being manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques and machines is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a 3D printed eyewear frame having an integrated hinge. Advantageously, the integrated hinge assembly is a crossed spring hinge. Methods of manufacturing a 3D printed eyewear frame are likewise provided.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a hybrid support system for supporting an object formed by three dimensional printing. In some embodiments, a hybrid support system includes one or more volume support structures, a first volume support structure of the one or more volume support structures being coupled to a base plate and to a first portion of the object. The hybrid support system further includes a partially solidified support structure coupled to a second portion of the object. The hybrid support system further includes one or more reinforcement support structures, a first reinforcement support structure of the one or more reinforcement support structures being coupled to the base plate and to at least one of a portion of the partially solidified support structure and a third portion of the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting shape are provided. A system for predicting shape can include a database, a training analysis module, a subject analysis module, and a prediction module. The database can store two sets of training models characterized by first and second parameters, respectively (e.g., bone and cartilage), as well as a subject model characterized by the first parameter (e.g., a bone model). The relationships between these models can be determined by a training analysis module and a subject module. Based on these relationships, the prediction module can generate a predicted shape characterized by the second parameter (e.g., a predicted cartilage model corresponding to the bone model).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method for supporting an object made by means of stereo lithography or any other rapid prototype production method. The generation of the support begins by determining the region that requires support in each layer of the object and defines a number of support points in this region. In a next step, a support mesh is generated connected to the object using these support points. The present invention also discloses different techniques that reduce superfluous edges to further optimize the support mesh. Finally, a support is generated from this support mesh. The present invention may facilitate the generation of supports data by employing more automation and less user analysis.

Abstract: Embodiments of this application relate to systems and methods which allow for 3-D printed objects, such as eyeglasses and wristwatches, for example, to be customized by users according to modification specifications that are defined and constrained by manufacturers. These modification specifications may be constrained by the manufacturers based on factors relating to the printability of a modified design.

Abstract: The implant fixation systems disclosed herein include an implant manufactured with, or coupled to, one or more implant fixation devices used to secure the implant to bone. Various implant fixation device embodiments have an engagement element with a concave engagement tip, a guiding element defining a planned trajectory along which the engagement element is configured to move, and an adjustment element configured to move the engagement element along the planned trajectory. Moving the engagement element along the planned trajectory causes the concave engagement tip to enter a bone in a first position and rotate within the bone to a second position. Continuing to move the engagement element along the planned trajectory may cause the concave engagement tip to undergo translational movement from the second position to a third position, thereby pulling the implant towards the bone and exerting compression forces on the bone.

Abstract: The present application relates to adaptive surface surgical guiding apparatuses. A surgical guiding apparatus may include one or more rigid portions configured to attach to a first region of an underlying anatomical surface. The surgical guiding apparatus may further include a variable deformable portion coupled to the one or more rigid portions, the variable deformable portion configured to conform to a shape of a second region of the underlying anatomical surface to provide a stable attachment of the surgical guiding apparatus to the underlying anatomical surface. The present disclosure further provides methods for manufacturing surgical guiding apparatuses and uses of the apparatuses for placement onto an underlying anatomical surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods of valve quantification are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of mitral valve quantification is provided. The method includes generating a 3-D heart model, defining a 3-D mitral valve annulus, fitting a plane through the 3-D mitral valve annulus, measuring the distance between at least two papillary muscle heads, defining an average diameter of at least one cross section around the micro valve annulus, and determining a size of an implant to be implanted.

Abstract: Orthotic and prosthetic devices having integrated features such as cushioning features are described, as well as methods for computer aided designing and making of these devices. The orthotic or prosthetic devices comprise a cushioning layer superimposed onto an orthotic or prosthetic shell, the cushioning layer comprising an array (35) of discrete solid and resilient cushioning elements (31). In one preferred embodiment, the cushioning structure is a beam, defined around a centerline of any arbitrary shape. In another preferred embodiment, the cushioning structure has the shape of a spiral.

Abstract: Customized surgical guide for guiding a bone implant to a predetermined location on the bone during a surgical procedure, wherein the guide comprises a body comprising at least one implant contacting surface and at least one patient specific bone contacting surface, wherein the implant contacting surface is arranged to contact the implant for ensuring a unique and stable fit between the guide and the implant, and wherein the bone contacting surface is arranged to contact the bone for ensuring a unique and stable fit of a combination of the guide and the implant on the predetermined location on the bone.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for constructing a statistical shape model from a set of training shapes. In one embodiment, two shapes in the training set can be parameterized to a common base domain. Correspondence between the shapes can be evaluated using shape-specific data, such as, for the case of anatomical shapes, anatomical curves and/or anatomical landmarks. In evaluating correspondence, the shape-specific data about the second shape can be mapped to the shape-specific data about the first shape, and the mapping can be optimized based at least in part on a deformation energy of the mapping.

Abstract: The invention relates to surgical guides which are of use during reconstructive bone surgery for guiding a surgical instrument or tool. More particularly, the guides are characterized in that they are fitted to the implant rather than to the bone.

Abstract: The invention relates to surgical guides which are of use during reconstructive bone surgery for guiding a surgical instrument or tool. More particularly, the guides are characterized in that they are fitted to the implant rather than to the bone.

Abstract: The application provides molds for the manufacture of intraluminal endoprostheses and methods for their manufacture. In particular embodiments, the methods comprise the steps of providing a 3D model of the mold, meshing the model, manufacturing a mold based on said meshed 3D model. Also provided herein are methods for manufacturing an endoprosthesis using said mold.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a bone pin for connection to a bone, particularly for fixing an implant to a bone, the bone pin having an implant contacting part arranged to contact the implant in connected situation and a bone contacting part arranged to engage the bone in connected situation, wherein the method comprises the steps of:—providing bone information which is indicative for the bone which the bone contacting part is arranged to engage;—providing a bone contacting part which is customized on the basis of the bone information for engaging said bone;—providing an implant contacting part; and—assembling the bone contacting part and the implant contacting part for manufacturing the pin.

Abstract: A flexible unit cell is disclosed. The flexible unit cell is a single unit that can be repeated and interconnected to create a flexible design such as a covering for an object or person. The flexible unit includes a rigid portion and a flexible connection portion. Flexible units connect via the flexible connection portion to form a flexible design that can move and flex based on the connection of the flexible connection portions between flexible units. Further, the rigid portions of the flexible units may not be connected, allow such movement. The flexible unit is designed such that a flexible design made using such flexible units maintains a degree of rigidity so it can keep a shape of a surface of an object, but also maintains enough flexibility to conform to the surface even if the object bends or moves. Further disclosed are processes for manufacturing such flexible unit cells.