Abstract: Embodiments may include an expandable access system having contracted and expanded configurations. The system and methods may include an expandable access device having a helix or wrapped shape. Embodiments may include a cannula, stent, needle, trocar, introducer, fastener, and/or any other devices disclosed herein. Embodiments may also include an expandable trocar positionable in at least a portion of the access device. A sleeve or band may be disposed over at least a portion of the access device and configured to resist radial expansion of the access device. Expansion of the trocar and/or receipt of an object may radially expand the access device between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A disinfecting system includes a housing. An ultraviolet light (UV) source is secured to the housing and configured to emit UV light for disinfection of a target. A processor is secured to the housing in communication with the UV light source. The processor is configured to activate the UV light source for a selected amount of time suitable for disinfection of the target.

Abstract: A surgical system and method of operating the same involve a surgical operating table is controllable and adjustable and that supports a patient thereon. A robotic system includes a moveable arm that supports and moves an end effector relative to a surgical site of the patient. Controller(s) coupled to the surgical operating table and to the robotic system associate a virtual boundary with respect to the surgical site and detect that the end effector is outside of the virtual boundary. In response to detection of the end effector being outside of the virtual boundary, the controller(s) command adjustment of the surgical operating table to reposition the surgical site and the virtual boundary to enable the end effector to be inside the virtual boundary.

Abstract: A tissue fixation system is provided for dynamic and rigid fixation of tissue. A fastener connected with an elongate fastening member, such as a cable, wire, suture, rod, or tube, is moved through a passage between opposite sides of tissue. A medical device is used to secure the fastener to the elongate fastening member. The medical device includes a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the elongate fastening member. As crimping mechanism is used to secure the fastener to the elongated member, where a cutting mechanism cut the excess portion of the elongated member.

Abstract: Data encryption and Human Pose Estimation based on imaging a body segment. A key for encrypting a data file is generated based on image data that represent a unique biometric feature of a body segment of a user or motion of the user. An image engine executes artificial intelligence to identify matching image data for decrypting the data file. The image engine is further trained to predict changes in image data due to aging, stress, and the like. An avatar associated with the user, which is generated based on a movement pattern of the user, is configurable for generating an encryption key and for use in an avatar-based language.

Abstract: A surgical system and method involve a robotic system that has a moveable arm that supports an end effector relative to a surgical site to remove material from a bone. A scanner scans the surgical site and detects a vessel on the bone. Controller(s) is/are coupled to the robotic system and the scanner. The controller(s) obtain image data of the bone and receive, from the scanner, positional information of the vessel on the bone. The controller(s) input the positional information of the vessel to the image data of the bone and generate a boundary for the vessel. The controller(s) register the boundary to the bone for navigation and control the robotic system to remove material from the bone with the end effector and prevent interaction between the end effector and the vessel with the boundary.

Abstract: In one aspect, an implant for replacing subject tissue includes a nonbiologic portion and a biologic portion grown on the nonbiologic portion. The biologic portion may be grown on the nonbiologic portion before being implanted in the subject. The nonbiologic portion may comprise a porous metal substrate (e.g., scaffolding). The nonbiologic portion may be formed by 3D printing (i.e., additive manufacturing). The nonbiologic portion may be patient-specific. A robot may be used to shape the implant before implantation and/or to shape bone being replaced/resurfaced.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in capturing energy from natural resources. In one form, the systems and methods capture energy from natural resources, such as movement of fluid in a body of water, and convert it into electrical energy.

Abstract: Optimizing and/or personalizing activities to a user through artificial intelligence and/or virtual reality.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visualization of a surgical site are disclosed. An imaging device provides image data of the surgical site. A computing device detects, in the image data, at least one obstruction. The computing device filters the image data to remove the at least one obstruction by being configured to alter pixels related to the at least one obstruction based on at least one of (i) one or more buffered frames and (ii) one or more pixels adjacent to the pixels related to the at least one obstruction. The computing device generates an output from the filtered image data. A display device presents the output for visualization of the surgical site.

Abstract: A linear generator includes one or more helices, and one or more magnet members movable relative to a first helix to generate electric energy within the first helix. The first helix includes a first coil. The first helix and/or the magnet members have a density less than that of water such that the first helix and/or the magnet members have buoyant properties when the linear generator is at least partially submerged in the water.

Abstract: An organ implant, such as a heart implant, including a support structure having a plurality of pores and defining passages configured for the growth of blood vessels; and stem cells from at least one soft tissue source of a patient deposited into the pores of the support structure is described. The implant is configured to repair a portion of an organ of the patient.

Abstract: An iontophoresis system includes a preloaded reservoir containing one or more doses of a therapeutic agent. As a result, the therapeutic agent does not have to be loaded into the reservoir prior to use. In such a system, the preloaded reservoir is generally disposable. Various components of the iontophoresis system can be combined with the reservoir in a disposable cartridge that is selectively connectable to other, reusable components of the iontophoresis system. In addition, the entire iontophoresis system can be formed from one or more disposable, one-time-use modules.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a composition for inhibiting thrombosis. The composition includes 5 to 25% by weight of Fish Oil, 15 to 55% by weight of Willow Bark Extract, and 0.2 to 5% by weight of Vitamin E.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for delivery of therapeutic energy. The system includes an energy unit configured to convert the acoustic energy signals transmitted to therapeutic ultrasound directed to fragment tumors and carcinogenic tissue in the body. The system also includes an energy unit configured to convert the acoustic energy signal transmitted from the energy unit to ultrasonic energy to image and monitor the treatment site with ultrasound. The system also includes a control unit including a computer for data storage and display.

Abstract: An implant for repairing a joint between a first bone and a second bone includes a first section constructed of a substantially rigid material and a graft constructed of soft tissue having a first end and a second end. The first section has a first end surface configured for positioning against the first bone. The graft is configured for stabilizing the first section relative to the first bone. A first fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first section to anchor the graft to the first section. A second fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first bone to anchor the graft to the first bone.

Abstract: A surgical system and method involve a robotic system that has a moveable arm that supports an end effector relative to a surgical site to remove material from a bone. A scanner scans the surgical site and detects a vessel on the bone. Controller(s) is/are coupled to the robotic system and the scanner. The controller(s) obtain image data of the bone and receive, from the scanner, positional information of the vessel on the bone. The controller(s) input the positional information of the vessel to the image data of the bone and generate a boundary for the vessel. The controller(s) register the boundary to the bone for navigation and control the robotic system to remove material from the bone with the end effector and prevent interaction between the end effector and the vessel with the boundary.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visualization of a surgical site are disclosed. An imaging device provides image data of the surgical site. A computing device detects, in the image data, at least one obstruction. The computing device filters the image data to remove the at least one obstruction by being configured to alter pixels related to the at least one obstruction based on at least one of (i) one or more buffered frames and (ii) one or more pixels adjacent to the pixels related to the at least one obstruction. The computing device generates an output from the filtered image data. A display device presents the output for visualization of the surgical site.

Abstract: A disinfecting system includes a housing. An ultraviolet light (UV) source is secured to the housing and configured to emit UV light for disinfection of a target. A processor is secured to the housing in communication with the UV light source. The processor is configured to activate the UV light source for a selected amount of time suitable for disinfection of the target.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a fractured bone. The method includes positioning an elongate rod in the medullary canal of the fractured bone and forming a passageway through the cortex of the bone. The passageway extends from the exterior surface of the bone to the medullary canal of the bone. The method also includes creating a bonding region on the elongate rod. The bonding region generally aligned with the passageway of the cortex. Furthermore, the method includes positioning a fastener in the passageway of the cortex and on the bonding region of the elongate rod and thermally bonding the fastener to the bonding region of the elongate rod while the fastener is positioned in the passageway of the cortex.