Abstract: A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container.

Abstract: A device for implanting heat deformable fixation elements of different sizes in a bone, comprises a hand piece extending from a proximal end to a distal end and including an internal optical waveguide connected to a laser source and open to the distal end of the hand piece and a light guiding tip extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end of the light guiding tip being removably mechanically and optically connectable to the distal end of the hand piece and the distal end of the light guiding tip being configured to permit removable attachment of a bone fixation element, the light guiding tip including an optical waveguide, wherein the light guiding tip is configured to control a total radiant energy Q transmitted from the laser source to the bone fixation element

Abstract: A chip-removing tool of a surgical torque-transferring instrument includes a distal engagement segment or tool head which is adjoined by a tool shaft whose proximal end portion is prepared for a torque-transferring insertion into a tool mounting of the instrument. The proximal end portion is subdivided at least in a functional section for torque transmission and a functional section for axial locking which is axially spaced therefrom. The functional section for axial locking, with respect to its geometry, includes parameters which are intended to be changed and cooperate according to the key/keyhole principle only with one tool mounting including corresponding geometrical mating parameters for a correct mounting of the tool.

Abstract: A chip-removing tool of a surgical torque-transferring instrument includes a distal engagement segment which is adjoined by a tool shaft whose proximal end portion is prepared for a torque-transferring insertion into a tool mounting of the instrument. The proximal end portion is subdivided at least in a functional section “torque transmission” and a functional section “axial locking” which is axially spaced therefrom. The functional section “axial locking” is arranged with respect to the engagement segment so as to be proximal relative to the functional section “torque transmission”.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cooling liquid coolant, such as nitrous oxide, to be delivered to a cryo-ablation device such as a balloon catheter. A hose or conduit in fluid communication with the ablation device includes an outer member and inner tubes. A first inner tube disposed within a lumen of the outer member carries liquid coolant to the ablation device. Another inner tube also disposed within the lumen carries liquid coolant and terminates within the lumen such that gaseous coolant derived from liquid coolant flowing through the second inner tube flows within the lumen to cool or chill the first inner tube and liquid coolant carried by the first inner tube to the ablation device.

Abstract: Cryotreatment devices and methods of ablating tissue within the body are disclosed. A cryotreatment device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated member having one or more needle-like ablation tips configured to induce necrosis at a target site within the heart. A cooling fluid such as a cryogen may be injected through a lumen extending into the distal portion of the device. The ablation tips can be configured to pierce and ablate surrounding tissue, blocking electrical stimuli that can cause fibrillations or other arrhythmias of the heart. The device may also include means for controlling the transmural depth at which the ablation tips are inserted into the cardiac tissue. Methods of forming a contiguous line of conduction block in accordance with the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flexible single piece active element for use in connection with aspirating electrosurgical ablators, particularly those configured for bulk tissue vaporization. The active electrode elements of the present invention provide a simple construction suitable for use with a wide array of electrosurgical components and adjustable to wide range of angled positions to permit access to a variety of tissues, in an array of diverse environments and address a host of ablation needs. Additionally, the novel geometry and positioning of both ablation surface and aspiration ports permit aspiration flow to remove primarily waste heat rather than process heat, to thereby improve vaporization efficiency and reduce procedure time. Thus, active electrodes and ablation devices of the present invention maximize efficiency and adaptability while minimizing manufacturing cost and device profile.

Abstract: An electro-surgical instrument includes a first member extending to an end having a first electrode. A second member extends to an end having a second return electrode. The ends define a spinal tissue cavity and are relatively translatable to selectively adjust the cavity such that the electrodes are oriented to ablate, cut and/or coagulate spinal tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a radiofrequency treatment device to apply radiofrequency energy to tissue to treat tissue to create lesions without ablating the tissue. The system includes a device having flexible outer tube, an expandable basket having a plurality of arms movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position, a plurality of electrodes movable from a retracted position to an extended position to extend through the openings in the arms, and an advancer slidably disposed within the outer tube to move the electrodes. An elongated spacer is positioned within the outer tube, the spacer having a central lumen to receive the advancer and to maintain a central position of the advancer.

Abstract: A plasma system is disclosed. The plasma system includes a plasma instrument having an elongated body defining a lumen therethrough and a first electrode and a second electrode; an ionizable media source in fluid communication with the lumen and configured to supply ionizable media thereto; and a variable frequency energy source adapted to be coupled to the first and second electrodes and configured to supply energy to the first and second electrodes sufficient to ignite ionizable media supplied by the ionizable media source to generate a plasma influent, wherein a frequency of the energy is adjustable to modify at least one property of the plasma effluent.

Abstract: A metallic tube arrangement includes an electrode region configured to expand radially and contract radially in response to increasing and decreasing a temperature at the electrode region, respectively. The electrode region is configured for intravascular deployment and delivery of high frequency energy to target tissue of a target vessel of the body. The electrode region is configured to expand radially to a diameter sufficient to contact an inner wall of the target vessel in response to a decrease in electrode region temperature and to contract radially to a diameter smaller than a diameter of the target vessel in response to an increase in electrode region temperature.

Abstract: A system for performing single port laparoscopic procedures includes a transcutaneous seal and a plurality of tools. The tools comprise a substantially rigid tubular seal having a core which is translatably and rotatably disposed in the sleeve. The handle at the proximal end of the tool controls an end effector at the distal end of the tool. The sleeves of the tools are locked in the transcutaneous seals so that they remain in a fixed geometric relationship which prevents the tools from interfering with each other during laparoscopic procedures.

Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a radiofrequency treatment device to apply radiofrequency energy to tissue to treat tissue to create lesions without ablating the tissue. The system includes a first treatment device having a plurality of electrodes. The electrodes are maintained in axial alignment and fixed radial spacing in retracted and extended positions. The device includes a basket having a plurality of arms. The arms are maintained in a fixed radial spacing in the collapsed position of the basket.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for percutaneous intravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving thermally-induced renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include devices and systems for using an end effector. In an embodiment, a medical device may include an articulation section. The articulation section may be operatively associated with an elongate articulation member configured to move the articulation section, wherein the articulation section can be configured to receive part of a conductive member. The medical device may also include an end effector. The end effector may include an electrode and a non-conductive section encasing a junction between the electrode and the conductive member, wherein the non-conductive section can be moveably coupled to the articulation section and can be fixedly coupled to the elongate articulation member.

Abstract: A neuromodulation device includes an ablation valve with electrodes provided about its circumference. The valve dynamically reacts to fluid pressure within the vessel. When a pressure within and distal said ablation valve is greater than the body fluid pressure within the vessel, said ablation valve closes and the electrodes move out of contact with the endothelium of the vessel. When a pressure within and distal the ablation valve is less than the body fluid pressure upstream of the valve, the valve opens such that the electrodes are in circumferential contact with the endothelium. Fluid can be injected into the valve to alter the local pressure about the valve and force the electrodes into contact with the endothelium.

Abstract: The invention provides a cartridge assembly to couple a tissue treatment device with an electrosurgical unit, with the cartridge assembly operable with a power delivery apparatus and a fluid delivery apparatus of the electrosurgical unit. The invention also provides an electrosurgical unit comprising a power delivery apparatus and a fluid delivery apparatus operable with the cartridge assembly and a system thereof.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus having a feed structure comprising a radiofrequency (RF) channel for conveying RF electromagnetic (EM) radiation from an RF signal generator to a probe and a microwave channel for conveying microwave EM radiation from a microwave signal generator to the probe, wherein the RF channel and microwave channel comprise physically separate signal pathways, wherein the feed structure includes a combining circuit having an input connected to the signal pathway on the RF channel, another input connected to the signal pathway on the microwave channel, and an output connected to a common signal pathway for conveying the RE EM radiation and EM radiation separately or simultaneously to the probe, and wherein the microwave channel includes a waveguide isolator connected to isolate the signal pathway on the microwave channel from the RF EM radiation.

Abstract: A method of treating a skin tissue area, in particular non-invasively treating the skin tissue area (1), is provided. The skin tissue area has a dermis layer area (3), an epidermis layer area (5) providing a skin surface (7) and covering the dermis layer area. The method comprises: a first step of causing one or more dermal lesions (11) localized in the dermis layer area while avoiding epidermal damage, and a second step of causing, separately from causing said plurality of dermal lesions, a plurality of epidermal lesions (15) localized in the epidermis layer area. An apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Treatment systems are provided, which comprise a treatment element applying a treatment to a tissue, a stimulation element optically stimulating nerves in the tissue, a sensing unit sensing an electrical signal produced by nerves in the tissue in response to the optical stimulation, and a control unit controlling the application of the treatment according to the sensed signal. The systems and methods are used to avoid damaging nerves by sensing them during operation and immediately before local treatment application and preventing energy emission when the treatment tool is too close to specified nerves. Additional electric stimulation may be provided to enable avoidance of nerve damages on a larger scale, the treatment may be applied by a cold laser, and the control unit may control the treatment in realtime and in a closed loop and immediate prevent further treatment upon sensing optically stimulated nerves.

Abstract: A forceps includes a housing a shaft including a distal end and a proximal end operatively coupled to the housing, and an end-effector assembly coupled to the distal end of the shaft and including first and second jaw assemblies. Each of the first and second jaw assemblies includes a sealing plate. One or both of the first and second jaw assemblies is movable from a spaced relation relative to the other jaw assembly to at least one subsequent position wherein the sealing plates cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The forceps also includes a nerve stimulator apparatus associated with one or both of the first and second jaw assemblies. The nerve stimulator apparatus is configured to emit light to stimulate tissue for the evaluation of one or more characteristics of nerves.

Abstract: A laser system can efficiently direct a laser beam to a treatment area via an optical fiber. The laser beam is produced using a CO2 laser that has a wavelength greater than about 9 ?m and less than about 10 ?m. The optical fiber, which can be a solid core fiber, includes chalcogenide glass. The chalcogenide glass is adapted to minimize transmission losses at wavelengths in a range from about 9 ?m up to about 10 ?m. One or more laser beam parameters can be controlled at least according to a selected treatment using a controller. A visible-spectrum and/or fluorescing optical fiber may be physically but not optically coupled to the chalcogenide fiber.

Abstract: Biodegradable and resorbable polymer pouches are described for use with cardiac rhythm mamagent devices (CRMs) and other implantable medical devices (IMDs), i.e., a pouch, covering, or other receptacle capable of encasing, surrounding and/or holding the CRM or other IMD for the purpose of securing it in position, inhibiting or reducing bacterial growth, providing pain relief and/or inhibiting scarring or fibrosis on or around the CRM or other IMD. Optionally, the biodegradable and resorbable pouches of the invention include one or more drugs in the polymer matrix to provide prophylactic effects and alleviate side effects or complications associated with the surgery or implantation of the CRM or other IMD.

Abstract: A components (17) packaging structure for pharmaceutical containers, comprising at least one tray (10), which has at least one open side for introducing and extracting at least one supporting shelf (11) which is parallel to a bottom plane (14) of the tray (10) and which rests in correspondence of the inner walls (15) of the tray (10); said supporting shelf (11) has a spatially predetermined distribution of first seats or cavities (13) within which closing components and/or generic accessories of said containers, such as rubber caps (17), nuts (20) with crimping snap or other types of sealing nuts and/or caps, are placed, so that the vertical axis of each closure component is perpendicular to said bottom plane (14) of the tray (10), said structure thus constituting a guarantee of sterility and cleanliness of said closing components and/or generic accessories which are inserted in said seats or cavities (13).

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides methods, systems, and devices for a sterile ophthalmic surgical drape system that can provide a sterile operating field for use by a doctor, surgeon, nurse, and the like during ophthalmic medical procedures. The sterile field created by the drape system can allow a doctor, surgeon, nurse and the like to perform a medical procedure, such as ophthalmic surgery, outside of an operating room and in locations such as a doctor's office or a military operating room war setting. The sterile ophthalmic surgical drape system can comprise a drape, a frame apparatus, a hole of sufficient size for a microscope, a fan, a filter, air directors, and slits. The drape system can comprise a collapsible frame apparatus. The drape system may be configured to be used in conjunction with a surgical tray that houses pre-sterilized tools for use in a medical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention presents an apparatus and methods to stereotactically guide insertion of invasive tubular devices to a tissue object of a living body. The apparatus comprises a powered positioning guide control assembly and a positioning guide assembly that is operably detachable from the powered positioning guide control assembly, and rotationally adjustable and lockable. The powered positioning guide control assembly encloses an ultrasound transducer to visualize and target the tissue object, and adjusts an insertion angle of an invasive tubular device placed in the positioning guide assembly.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus is provided that is configured to perform a biopsy or therapy support by puncture using a needle or other needle-shaped equipment. This positioning apparatus is exemplified by an apparatus that includes a first rotation member, a guide for guiding a needle or other needle-shaped equipment in a longitudinal direction, a second rotation member with a different rotation axis, and a friction applying unit configured to apply friction force to the first rotation member directly or indirectly and generates friction torque.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for setting, maintaining, and adjusting a cable tension in a telerobotic surgical system are provided. A cable tensioning apparatus includes, in one example, an arm, a pulley rotatably coupled to the arm, and a base operably coupled to the arm, the base including a translation mechanism for changing the position of the pulley to control a tension of a cable movable along the pulley. A termination block includes, in one example, a block including two cable pathways with each cable pathway having a retaining means for a ball fitting, and a support for moving a cable along the two cable pathways, the cable including a ball fitting in each of the cable pathways.

Abstract: End effectors with closing mechanisms, and related tools and methods are disclosed. The disclosed end effectors may be particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery. An example surgical tool comprises a first and second jaw movable between a closed grasped or clamped configuration and an open configuration. The tool further comprises a soft grip mode for grasping the tissue at a first force during which a separation parameter between the jaws is measured, and a therapeutic clamping mode in which the jaws clamp on the body tissue at a force greater than the grasping force. The methods comprise grasping the body tissue between jaw members, measuring the separation parameter between jaws, indicating on a user interface the separation parameter for comparison to a desired separation parameter, and then releasing the body tissue for repositioning or therapeutically clamping the body tissue in response to the separation parameter indication.

Abstract: End effectors with closing mechanisms, and related tools and methods are disclosed. The disclosed end effectors may be particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery. An example surgical tool comprises a first and second jaw movable between a closed grasped or clamped configuration and an open configuration. The tool further comprises a soft grip mode for grasping the tissue at a first force during which a separation parameter between the jaws is measured, and a therapeutic clamping mode in which the jaws clamp on the body tissue at a force greater than the grasping force. The methods comprise grasping the body tissue between jaw members, measuring the separation parameter between jaws, indicating on a user interface the separation parameter for comparison to a desired separation parameter, and then releasing the body tissue for repositioning or therapeutically clamping the body tissue in response to the separation parameter indication.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying a predicted outcome of a lung volume reduction procedure for a patient including a user interface, a processor, and programing operable on the processor for displaying a predicted outcome of the bronchoscopic lung volume reduction procedure on the user interface, wherein displaying the predicted outcome of the lung volume reduction procedure includes receiving patient data comprising volumetric images of the patient, analyzing the volumetric images to identify one or more features correlated to treatment outcome prediction, predicting an outcome for a treatment modality or treatment device using the one or more identified features, and displaying the predicted outcome on the user interface.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing images to optimize orthopaedic functionality at a site within a patient, including obtaining at least a first, reference image of the site, or a corresponding contralateral site, the first image including at least a first anatomical region or a corresponding anatomical region. At least a second, intra-operative results image of the site is obtained. At least one stationary base with at least two base points is selected to serve as a reference for both images during analysis including at least one of scaling, calculations, and image comparisons.

Abstract: A patient-specific acetabular guide for use in orienting an acetabular component with respect to an acetabulum of a patient as part of a surgical procedure includes a body having a bottom contact surface that has a portion that is shaped and configured to initimately receive and interlockingly mate with an acetabular notch of the patient's acetabulum in accordance with a three-dimensional image of the acetabulum of the specific patient. The three-dimensional image can be in the form of a three-dimensional virtual model of the patient's acetabulum that is constructed at least in part on 3D image data of the pelvic region of the patient.

Abstract: A method positions a profile of a prosthetic component on the three-dimensional model of a limb. Patient-specific anatomical data of the limb is gathered. First and second anatomical landmarks are identified to determine a first spatial relationship. A third anatomical landmark is identified to determine a second spatial relationship with respect to the first spatial relationship. The profile of the prosthetic component is positioned in all but one degree of freedom. A fourth anatomical landmark is identified to position the profile of the prosthetic component in the one remaining degree of freedom.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for skin care are provided. Some embodiments may include a device or system for skin care that may include a skin tool head portion, a skin tool head support that may be coupled with the skin tool head portion, and/or a portable microscope connector that may be configured to couple a portable microscope with the skin tool head support. Some embodiments include a device for skin care that may include a spacer configured to couple with a portable microscope. The spacer includes at least one aperture configured to facilitate the use of a skin tool. Some embodiments include a spacer coupled with a compressible structure configured to preclude a skin tool from contacting a portion of skin when in an uncompressed state and to allow the skin tool to contact the portion of skin when in a compressed state.

Abstract: A volume mapping instrument (20), deployable within a partially or a completely enclosed anatomical volume, employs one or more medical tools (40) with each medical tool (40) being transitional between a deployable structural configuration to orderly position each medical tool (40) within the anatomical volume and a mapping structural configuration to anchor the medical tool (40) against the boundary of the anatomical volume. The volume mapping instrument (20) further employs an optical shape sensor (30) to generate one or more encoded optical signals indicative of a shape of the boundary of the anatomical volume in response to each medical tool (40) being transitioned from the deployable structural configuration to the mapping structural configuration within the anatomical volume. Based on the encoded optical signal(s), a volume mapping module (51) is utilized to map a portion or an entirety of the boundary of the anatomical volume.

Abstract: A surgical controlling system that includes: a surgical tool that is insertable into a surgical environment of a human body for a surgical procedure. Logic configured to locate in real-time the 3D spatial position of the at least one surgical tool at any given time t. The system also includes at least one movement detector and a controller in communication with a controller database.

Abstract: A system for targeting landmarks on devices such as surgical implants is disclosed. The system can include a field generator for generating one or more magnetic fields, an orthopaedic implant located within the magnetic fields, the implant having at least one landmark, a removable probe with a first magnetic sensor, a landmark identifier and a processor. The landmark identifier can contain a second sensor, or, alternatively, the field generator. The processor can utilize sensor data and, if desirable, field generator and other information, to generate and display the position and orientation of the sensor(s) in preferably six degrees of freedom, and thereby, to generate and display the position and orientation of the landmark(s). The system allows for blind targeting of one or more landmarks. The landmark identifier, field generator and/or drill motor may be disposed in an autoclavable housing.

Abstract: A micro-catheter delivery system that includes radio-opaque marker bands optimized for the purpose of length reference to assist the operating physician to estimate the length of a tortuous lesion and to anticipate foreshortening of stents with multiple sizes. The radio-opaque maker bands are positioned at the distal end of a stent delivery catheter at a certain intervals acts like a ruler. In another embodiment, a stent delivery system includes a stent delivery wire with one or more radio-opaque markers distanced from the stent distal end for indicating the non-restrained length of the stent when discharged from the delivery catheter.

Abstract: Disclosing light of dental restorative materials for a high speed handpiece setting and disclosing light device of dental restorative materials, comprising a light-emitting (1) based on the emission of ultraviolet light (2) through LED (3), capable of being installed on a high speed handpiece setting (4) associated to white light LED (3B), or a dedicated light-emitting device (5), which, when focusing the light beam on the tooth, evidences, through difference in fluorescence, restorative materials (6) from the original tooth structure (7).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides method, computing device readable medium, and devices for dental appliances with repositioning jaw elements. An example of a method can include identifying a misaligned jaw of a patient from a virtual image of the patient's jaw, providing a treatment plan for the patient including a virtual model of a dental appliance having a first shell and a second shell configured to reposition at least one tooth of the patient, and adjusting the position of the repositioning jaw elements on the first shell and the second shell to comply with a number of constraints. The virtual model of the dental appliance including repositioning jaw elements on the first shell and the second shell configured to move a position of the misaligned jaw of the patient.

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket for ligating an archwire includes a bracket body defining an archwire slot configured to receive the archwire, a movable member movable relative to the archwire slot, and an actuator coupled to at least one of the bracket body and the movable member. The actuator includes a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy and is configured to move the movable member when exposed to a magnetic field. A method of orthodontic treatment using a self-ligating orthodontic bracket having an archwire slot configured to receive an archwire therein and including a ferromagnetic shape memory includes exposing at least a portion of the orthodontic bracket to a magnetic field such that the ferromagnetic shape memory alloy at least partially transforms to a martensitic phase from an austenitic phase, and at least one of inserting an archwire into the archwire slot and removing an archwire from the archwire slot.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance including a shell aligner having a portion accommodating movement of a patient's bracketed teeth between a first position and the second position as elicited by force from an orthodontic braces appliance worn by the patient, related systems and methods.

Abstract: A series of appliances including a first shell and a second shell can be designed to incrementally implement a treatment plan. The first and second shells can have cavities designed to receive teeth of a jaw. A first number of bite adjustment structures can be formed of a same material as the first shell, extending therefrom and designed to interface with teeth of a second jaw. The first number of bite adjustment structures can have a first shape and location specific to a first stage of the treatment plan. A second number of bite adjustment structures can be formed of a same material as the second shell, extending therefrom and designed to interface with teeth of the second jaw. The second number of bite adjustment structures can have a second shape and location, different than the first shape and location, specific to a second stage of the treatment plan.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides method, computing device readable medium, and devices for dental appliances with repositioning jaw elements. An example of a method can include identifying a misaligned jaw of a patient from a virtual image of the patient's jaw, and providing a treatment plan for the patient including a virtual model of a dental appliance having a first shell and a second shell configured to reposition at least one tooth of the patient. The virtual model of the dental appliance including repositioning jaw elements on the first shell and the second shell configured to move a position of the misaligned jaw of the patient.

Abstract: An inclined abutment for a cemented prosthesis in dental implantology. The abutment has a supragingival portion having a substantially truncated-cone shape with an elliptical base and having a longitudinal axis, an emergence surface coinciding with the elliptical base of the supragingival portion, and a transmucosal portion which has an elliptical base coinciding with the emergence surface and a longitudinal axis which ends at the apex with an antirotational connection for the insertion of the abutment in use. The volume of the supragingival portion remains essentially constant upon variation of the angle defined by the longitudinal axis of the supragingival portion and the longitudinal axis of the transmucosal portion, when the dimensions of the emergence surface and the height of the supragingival portion remain unchanged with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: A dental impression tray configured for receiving only a primary anterior dentition, e.g. in a curved channel portion for receiving a dental impression material and the primary anterior dentition therein, for taking a dental impression of a child's primary anterior teeth is capable of significantly improving paediatric compliance in the taking of dental impressions so negating the need for the use of a general anaesthetic.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) scanner device for generating a three dimensional (3D) surface model of shaped objects, such as dental structures, applicable for use in the field of dentistry, particularly to dental prosthetics manufacturing. Methods and systems relating to the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a dental restoration part as well as a dental furnace are provided in which the dental restoration part is produced on a foundation by means of applying at least two layers, wherein initial data, in particular three-dimensional data of the foundation, are stored in a memory device, and picture data, in particular three-dimensional data concerning the outer contour of the dental restoration part to be produced and the layers of the dental restoration part to be applied, are determined and in particular stored. It is provided that the dental restoration part is positioned at least partially during its production within the picture recording area of a picture recording device (30), and that before finishing the dental restoration part (20) and upon the application of at least one layer, the latter is recorded at least with regards to the thickness of the layer and/or its color, is displayed in particular via a display device (16).