Abstract: Systems and methods of developing and tracking delivery and patient progression through an orthodontic treatment plan. One method includes identifying deviations from an orthodontic treatment plan, including receiving a digital representation of an actual arrangement of a patient's teeth after an orthodontic treatment plan has begun for the patient and prior to completion of the orthodontic treatment plan. The method further includes comparing the actual arrangement to a pre-determined planned arrangement to determine if the actual arrangement substantially deviates from the planned arrangement, the comparing including matching teeth from a previously segmented model to a surface of an unsegmented representation of the actual arrangement; and calculating one or more positional differences between the actual and planned arrangements of at least some of the corresponding teeth.

Abstract: The combined toothpaste container cap and dental floss dispenser of the present disclosure and related inventions includes a cap structure configured to fit with a toothpaste dispenser in the form of a tube, a floss container and an access panel. The floss container is configured to fit within the cap body and has a floss containment cavity in which a supply of dental floss is stored. A floss lead opening is located on the floss container through which the dental floss is accessed. An access panel is attached to the floss container which covers the floss lead opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for introducing portals into bone is described herein. An example apparatus for introducing portals into bone includes a handle, a base, and a driving member. The driving member can be made to project past the base by operating the handle. The base is detachable from the handle. The apparatus also includes a guide coupled at a first end to the handle and at a second end to the base. The base is detachably coupled to the guide. A base coupling detachably coupling the base to the guide includes an actuating member movable between a coupled configuration wherein the base is coupled to the guide and an uncoupled configuration wherein the base is released from the guide. The actuating member is arranged so that motion of the handle toward the base moves the actuating member from the coupled configuration to the uncoupled configuration.

Abstract: A template for drilling channels in a dental alveolar ridge to receive dental implants wherein interchangeable drilling guides are precisely located in a manner that each channel is formed with successive drills that are guided in the same predetermined location, axial inclination and penetration depth in the alveolar ridge.

Abstract: A cosmetic powder dispenser, comprising a housing structure forming upper, intermediate and lower compartments, the structure forming through openings in registering walls associated with the compartments, the housing structure including upper and intermediate rotors whereby rotation of the upper rotor enables a metered quantity of powder to gravitate through a first of the openings from the upper to the intermediate compartment, and whereby rotation of the intermediate rotor enables metered quantity of powder to gravitate through an additional opening from the intermediate compartment to the lower compartment, for use.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and apparatus for relieving headaches. The method broadly comprises the step of applying a sufficient force to a given area of the triangular fossa region of the patient's ear for a sustained period of time effective for treating the patient by reducing the perceived pain of the headache. Apparatus is disclosed for employing the method, the apparatus comprising a banded earplug device having a biased headband positionable about the head of the patient and a pair of pods at opposite ends of the biased headband. The pods are placeable in compressive engagement with an area of the triangular fossa region in each of the patient's ears.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. Patient benefit is achieved through improved outcomes, reduced pain, especially peri-procedural pain, and reduced recovery times. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic. Distension is achieved mechanically, rather than with liquid distension media, thereby eliminating the risk of intravasation.

Abstract: A device for use on an epilator having a drivable epilation head with a plurality of clamping elements. The device can be adapted to cover at least one clamping to prevent the clamping element from trapping hairs.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering a plurality of individual surgical fasteners. The delivery device includes a drive mechanism having distal and proximal ends. The drive mechanism has a moving member and a fixed opposing member, wherein the moving member is moveable proximally and distally with respect to the delivery device. The moving member has a sharpened distal end for piercing tissue. The device includes at least one surgical fastener located between the first and the second members. Each of the at least one surgical fasteners has a proximal end and a distal end. The device also has an actuator having at least two sequential positions. A first position for moving the moving member distally and piercing tissue, and a second position for moving the moving member proximally, thereby deploying the distal end of the fastener.

Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus and method for cleaning teeth, particularly in individuals undergoing cosmetic and orthodontic treatment. The apparatus includes members having a tooth contact portion and a handle portion. Connected to the tooth contact portion is a floss tip enclosure element capable of receiving floss that is capped. The invention can be used easily and conveniently to enable a person to floss underneath bridges, or orthodontic wiring, without damage to the gingival tissue.

Abstract: A multifunctional forceps set which integrates two important surgical procedures of incision and ligation into a continuous working procedure. The forceps set is co-used with two loop ligatures formed of braided sutures and transfigured from a surgeon's knot. In use, the loop ligatures are side by side loaded in the forceps mouth of the forceps and controlled by the forceps to minify the size of the loop and accomplish ligation function. The forceps set is developed from consolidation of surgical scalpel, forceps and device simulating finger's functions. Also, the forceps set can rapidly perform the procedures of double grasping, incision between grasping, proper ligating divided pedicles and cutting residual sutures of post-ligation. The forceps set enables surgeons to use familiar technique in a challenging operative field such as endoscopic surgery.

Abstract: A powered surgical handpiece that actuates a cutting accessory releasably attached to it. A drive shaft is connected to a motor internal to the handpiece that rotates upon actuation of the motor. The drive shaft has a bore for receiving an elongated shaft of the cutting accessory. A collet attached to the drive shaft has feet that releasably engage the cutting accessory shaft. The cutting accessory shaft has longitudinally spaced apart retention features with surfaces against which the collet feet can bear. The drive shaft bore is formed so that each retention feature can be aligned with the collet. This facilitates the selective coupling of the cutting accessory to the handpiece so that the extent to which the distal end of the cutting accessory extends forward of the handpiece can be selectively set.

Abstract: A drug package comprising a plurality of drug vials containing drugs for delivery to a patient in a drug delivery device; and a data carrier including drug treatment information for use by the drug delivery apparatus.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a surgical instrument for securing body tissue comprising an anchoring member formed from organic or inorganic biocompatible material having head, shaft and tip portions, the shaft portion comprising at least two generally opposed outwardly flaring fins with each of the fins having angularly displaced distal and proximal ends for piercing body tissue. In a second embodiment, the instant invention comprises a surgical instrument for securing body tissue comprising an anchoring member formed from organic or inorganic biocompatible material having head, shaft and tip portions, the shaft portion comprising at least two generally opposed outwardly flaring fins with each of the fins having angularly displaced distal and proximal ends for piercing body tissue and a central bore portion positioned within the interior portion of the shaft portion instrument extending from the head portion through the tip portion.

Abstract: Systems for suturing a tissue layer having two sides with a suture be releasably retaining at least a portion of the suture in a stationary position on one side of the tissue layer. The portion of the suture is retrieved through the tissue layer from the opposite side whereby the suture is drawn from one side to the opposite side. Systems for suturing the wall of a tubular graft having two sides is also provided using a suture by releasably retaining at least a portion of the suture on one side of the wall. the portion of the length of suture is retrieved through the wall of the graft to the opposite side of the wall.

Abstract: The sample taker comprises a hollow shank with a scoop fixedly connected at its distal end, a handling means provided at the proximal end of the 20 hollow shank and an actuation mechanism. An actuation rod is axially movable in the hollow shank and connectable to the actuation mechanism. A covering is allocated in the trough of the scoop. The covering is fastened to a distal end of the actuation rod and displaceable forwards and backwards.

Abstract: A suture anchor attached to a tissue-fixation disk with at least one suture knot which resides in a recess in the suture anchor, rather than on the exposed surface of the tissue-fixation disk. The suture that connects the tissue-fixation disk to the suture anchor is looped through the tissue-fixation disk and through at least one suture passage formed through the proximal end of the suture anchor, the free ends of the suture being knotted together within the suture passage of the suture anchor.

Abstract: A one-hand operated acupuncture dispensing system to administer acupuncture treatment at an acupoint point is described. The system includes an acupuncture needle, a clip and a guide tube to house the needle and the clip for securing and releasing the needle inside the guide tube. The tube prevents the clip from separation from the tube after the needle is dispensed. The clip is shaped to allow the acupuncture needle to exit the guide tube at an angle. The clip and/or guide tube can provide color coding. An alternate to the system includes a cap that joins with a guide tube housing an acupuncture needle. This alternate system also includes a clip that secures and releases the needle. In this alternate system, the cap, as well as the clip and/or guide tube can provide color coding.

Abstract: Improved stent configurations exhibiting limited recoil, resistance to compression and improved longitudinal flexibility are disclosed. The stent comprised of a plurality of annular elements aligned to form a cylindrical stent body. The annular elements are comprised of a plurality of open, generally boomerang-shaped segments interconnected top-to-bottom around each of the annular elements. Adjacent annular elements are interconnected by interconnecting element.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are described for retaining a medical implant within a body cavity. According to one aspect, one or more plications are formed and the medical device is coupled to or seated against the plication(s). A patch may be positioned between tissue layers forming the plication so as to reinforce the tissue adhesion forming between the tissue layers.