Abstract: An end effector assembly for an electrosurgical device includes first and second jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members cooperate to define a tissue grasping area. One or both of the jaw members includes an inner electrode. One or both of the jaw members includes first and second outer electrodes disposed on either side of the inner electrode. The inner and outer electrodes are configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped within the tissue grasping area to seal tissue. The inner and outer electrodes define different configurations such that, upon conduction of energy through tissue grasped within the tissue grasping area, tissue disposed adjacent the outer electrodes is boiled before boiling of tissue disposed adjacent the inner electrodes.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for an electrosurgical device includes first and second jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions. The jaw members include tissue-contacting surfaces that define a tissue grasping area. One of the jaw members includes an electrically-insulating body, an interior electrode, and an exterior electrode. The interior electrode is positioned interiorly of outer bounds of the tissue grasping area. A portion of the interior electrode forms part of the tissue-contacting surface. The exterior electrode is positioned exteriorly of the outer bounds of the tissue grasping area. At least one portion of the exterior electrode: extends along the outer back surface of the body, is disposed within the body, and is positioned adjacent the outer bounds of the tissue grasping area. The interior and exterior electrodes are configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped within the tissue grasping area to seal tissue.

Abstract: A method of sealing tissue includes providing an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. One or both of the jaw members includes an interior electrode and one or both of the jaw members includes first and second exterior electrodes disposed on either side of the interior electrode. The method further includes grasping tissue between the first and second jaw members and conducting energy between the interior and exterior electrodes to seal tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members. During tissue sealing, tissue disposed adjacent the exterior electrodes boils faster than tissue disposed adjacent the interior electrodes.

Abstract: A device is provided that includes an elongate first member and an elongate second member disposed adjacent to the first member and at least movably coupled to the first member. A first electrode or forceps end is coupled to the first member, and a second electrode or forceps end is coupled to the second member. At least a portion of the electrodes or forceps ends are movable with respect to the members to which they are coupled. In one variation, an electrosurgical device kit is provided that includes removable electrode heads.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has a handle and an operation tool. The operation tool is mounted on a front end of the handle and has multiple indentations densely formed in at least one working surface of the operation tool. With the indentations formed on the at least one working surface of the operation tool, tissues of a surgical site can be heated uniformly and adhesion of the surgical site is minimized. Moreover, since the indentations are directly formed on the at least one working surface, the indentations do not become shallow under long-term use and no toxic gas would be released when the operation tool is heated to high temperature. Accordingly, anti-adhesion effect of the operation tool and health of medical staffs can be assured.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprising: forceps including: (i) a first working arm; (ii) a second working arm; (iii) a blade electrode; wherein the electrosurgical device is capable of being switched between a first electrical configuration so that the electrosurgical device delivers a first therapy current through the first working arm, the second working arm, or both, and a second electrical configuration so that the electrosurgical device delivers a second therapy current through the blade electrode; and wherein the electrosurgical device includes a heat pipe in the first working arm, the second working arm, or both.

Abstract: A grasping treatment device includes a first electrode portion provided at least one of in a part between a jaw and a probe electric conducting portion in opening-and-closing directions of the jaw and in the probe electric conducting portion, and a second electrode portion provided at least one of in a part between the jaw and the first electrode portion in the opening-and-closing directions of the jaw and in a jaw electric conducting portion. The grasping treatment device includes an inter-electrode distance changing unit changing an inter-electrode distance so that a second distance between the electrode portions in a second treatment mode, in which the high-frequency current alone is transmitted to the first electrode portion and second electrode portion, is smaller than a first distance between the electrode portions in a first treatment mode, in which at least an ultrasonic vibration is transmitted to a probe electric conducting portion.

Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having one or more shafts attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members include at least one sensing component that determines an output of one or both of cross-sectional diameter and composition of tissue disposed between the jaw members. A processing component is configured to receive the output and determine a seal pressure for adequately sealing tissue disposed between the jaw members based upon the output. A regulating component regulates the movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions such that the determined seal pressure is applied to tissue disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle, and an elongated shaft extending from the handle. An end effector extending from the elongated shaft is in communication with a source of electrosurgical energy and defines an end effector axis. A roll joint couples the end effector to the elongated shaft and includes a first tubular structure extending distally from the elongated shaft and a second tubular structure rotatably coupled to the first tubular structure. The second tubular structure supports the end effector such that the end effector is rotatable about the end effector axis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. 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. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues. In some embodiments, thermally-induced renal neuromodulation is achieved via delivery of a pulsed thermal therapy.

Abstract: A hand-held skin treatment device comprises a source of electromagnetic radiation, an energy supply electrically coupled to the source and a controller arranged to control the energy supplied to the source of electromagnetic radiation. The source, the energy supply and the controller are enclosed in a watertight housing allowing use of the hand-held skin treatment device in a wet environment. To provide sufficient cooling of the source, the device comprises an internal heat exchanger in heat conducting relation with the source, an external heat exchanger outside of the watertight housing, and a heat path from the internal heat exchanger to the external heat exchanger that passes hermetically through a wall of the watertight housing. With this device, users can conveniently integrate their skin treatment activities with the daily washing routine in a shower or bath. The device is especially useful in the context of hair removal.

Abstract: An insertion system to precisely locate the insertion site for a sensor is disclosed. The insertion system includes an insertion guide with a protective layer, a guide layer and a liner layer. The protective layer is on top of the guide layer and the guide layer has a first locating structure and adhesive on the bottom. The liner layer is below the guide layer. The insertion system further includes an insertion tool with a corresponding first locating structure that interfaces with the first locating structure, wherein alignment of the first locating structure and corresponding first locating structure establishes placement of the insertion tool and subsequently the sensor.

Abstract: A system for planning and performing a guided and free-handed transperineal prostate biopsy includes a transrectal ultrasound probe, an access needle configured to perforate a perineal access site of a patient, a biopsy gun, and a guide. The guide includes a sliding platform, stabilization bars, upper and lower mounts, and fasteners. The system and guide apparatus is used for locating a target area using the ultrasound probe, positioning the ultrasound and the access needle at respective designated points, precisely measuring the distance to a designated point, and obtaining specimens from a precise point in the prostate, wherein the method is performed free-handed, and multiple tissue or cell specimens may be obtained from the prostate through an initial access needle.

Abstract: An introducer assembly having a handle, at least one fiber operatively coupling at least one handle with one or more functions of the handle; and having a fiber routing system that allows a predetermined amount of slack to be created during assembly in at least one fiber so as to delay by a desired amount of time actuation of the one or more functions of the handle associated with the at least one fiber during operation of the handle.

Abstract: A medical manipulator including: an elongated main body that is to be inserted into a body; an arm that is provided so as to be protruded forward from a distal end surface of the main body; and an observation part that is located on the distal end surface of the main body and that has an objective optical system for collecting light coming from a front direction, in which the arm and the observation part are relatively movably provided such that the objective optical system is located at a position equivalent to the position of a distal end of the arm or at a position anterior to the distal end of the arm and is located at a position posterior to the distal end of the arm.

Abstract: An accessory clamp for use with a rod includes an accessory interface and a corresponding rod clamp. The accessory interface includes at least one of at least one accessory hook and at least one accessory T-slot. By one approach, at least one of the accessory hooks comprises a pivoting accessory hook. By one approach the rod clamp can comprise a universal rod clamp. As one example in these regards, the universal rod clamp can include a selectively variable gripping surface to accommodate a variety of rod diameters. By one approach the accessory interface and the corresponding rod clamp can pivot with respect to one another.

Abstract: A treatment chamber or treatment carrier for use in a device for treating a medical or dental instrument. The device comprises a housing, which at least partially surrounds the instrument. The device also comprises at least one conductor made of an electrically conductive material layer applied to the housing for converting electrical energy into thermal energy, and at least two electrical contacts embedded in the conductor for supplying the at least one conductor with electrical energy. A treatment device having such a treatment chamber and/or such a treatment carrier is also described.

Abstract: Described are three-dimensional, engineered, biological breast tissues, adipose tissues, and tumor models, including breast cancer models.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for generating and manufacturing a surgical guide for guiding a surgical intervention on a bone of a patient, and surgical guides obtainable by said method.

Abstract: Extracting a tubular structure from volume data, determining a target region which should be reached by an endoscope through the tubular structure, extracting, among plurality on a route of the tubular structure, a point that satisfies a given condition as a target point that should be reached by a distal end portion of the endoscope, and identifying and determining a route of the tubular structure from a predetermined start point in the tubular structure to the extracted target point as a route through which the endoscope should be passed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an adjustable endoscopic surgical device for illuminating a tissue surface with diffuse and oblique light. In some embodiments, light emanates from the sides of an optical fiber, which is optionally formed at least in part into a loop shape.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including, using an imaging device, acquiring a plurality of images of a portion of a body of a subject. Using a processor, a first feature within each of the images is aligned. At least one enhanced image that is enhanced with respect to the first feature is generated, using the aligned images. Visibility of a second feature is reduced in the enhanced image, and the at least one image that is enhanced with respect to the first feature is displayed upon a display. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a tool that is inserted into a portion of a body of a subject that undergoes cyclic motion. The apparatus and methods include using an imaging device, acquiring a plurality of images of the tool inside the portion of the body, at respective phases of the cyclic motion. Using at least one computer processor, an extent of movement of the tool with respect to the portion of the body that is due to the cyclic motion of the portion of the body is determined. In response thereto, an output is generated that is indicative of the determined extent of the movement of the tool with respect to the portion of the body. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A self-illuminating endogastric tube which simplifies the correct placement of the distal end of the endogastric tube within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. A self-illuminating stylet which simplifies the correct placement of the distal end of an endogastric tube within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. A method of placing the distal end of an endogastric tube within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient that does not expose the patient to radiation, or that limits the amount of radiation exposure to less than the amount associated with standard methods of placing the distal end of an endogastric tube within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. A method of confirming the correct placement of an endogastric tube that does not expose the patient to radiation, or that limits the amount of radiation exposure to less than the amount associated with standard methods of placing an endogastric tube.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for performing tissue, preferably bone tissue manipulation. The system and method may include implanting markers on opposite sides of a bone, fractured bone or tissue to facilitate bone or tissue manipulation, preferably in-situ closed fracture reduction. The markers are preferably configured to be detected by one or more devices, such as, for example, a detection device so that the detection device can determine the relative relationship of the markers. The markers may also be capable of transmitting and receiving signals. An image may be captured of the bone or tissue and the attached markers. From the captured image, the orientation of each marker relative to the bone fragment may be determined. Next, the captured image may be manipulated in a virtual or simulated environment until a desired restored orientation has been achieved. The orientation of the markers in the desired restored orientation may then be determined.

Abstract: An electrically safe treatment system for use in treating a patient includes two or more sections coupled with a joint that permits any one section to rotate relative to another coupled section. At least one of the sections includes an electrical component. An electrical contact associated with the joint is designed to maintain an electrical connection between a pair of sections throughout an angular range of motion of one of the sections relative to the other, coupled section. The electrical contact can also maintain a total resistance of a series connection including the two sections and the contact below a specified threshold. Alternatively, one or more insulator joints may be employed to meet safety requirements.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to appropriately form an implant cavity without forming any stent and shorten a surgical time at a low cost. A guide jig for guiding a cutting bar attached to a handpiece when forming an implant cavity at an implantation position of an implant is configured to include a handle section formed of an elongated fashion, a pole section that supports an end side of the handle section and a guide section that guides the cutting bar on the end side of the handle section. The pole section is configured to protrude from the end side of the handle section in a direction opposite to a direction of cutting by the cutting bar.

Abstract: A twist drill and bone tap each monitor torque while drilling or threading to assess jaw bone quality and a method for accessing bone quality prior to or while tapping into the bone during a dental implantation procedure. The twist drill for assessing bone quality includes a shank having a proximal section and a distal section. A mounting portion is arranged to connect with a torque monitoring device. A drill point is located at an end of the cutting portion of the drill bit having a helix angle of between about 45 to about 55°, wherein a measurable torque is generated that can be assessed as a function of the quality of the bone material being drilled. A tap for assessing bone quality during tapping includes a shank having opposed ends and a mounting portion is formed in one end and connects with a torque monitoring device.

Abstract: The invention provides a dental tool for insertion between two adjacent teeth to provide a-traumatic separation of adjacent teeth of a human being. The tool comprises a base, a first leg for placement in a first gum pocket and for abutting a first one of the two adjacent teeth and a second leg for placement in a second gum pocket and for abutting a second one of the two adjacent teeth. The first and second legs are elongated and extend from the base in an oblong direction towards an end. The legs are separated with an interspace between them for accommodating gum tissue. The invention further provides a method for providing a-traumatic separation of two adjacent teeth of a human being during dental restoration.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to a self ligating orthodontic bracket system that includes a rotatable member for securing an archwire within a slot of a bracket. Embodiments of the orthodontic bracket system disclosed herein include a bracket body containing the archwire slot as well as tie wings for attaching various orthodontic devices (e.g., elastomeric bands) to the bracket. The rotatable member is rotatable in a first direction (e.g., counter clockwise) relative to a body of the bracket for securing or locking the archwire within the slot, and for rotating in an opposite direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) relative to the bracket body for unsecuring or unlocking the archwire so that it is substantially unrestrained from exiting the slot.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus for installation in a patient's mouth is disclosed. The orthodontic apparatus includes a first extension wire, a second extension wire, and a palatal archwire. Each of the first and second extension wires includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal and distal portions and the palatal archwire are manipulatable to apply corrective buccal, labial, and transverse forces on the patient's dento-alveolar complex (DAC), to correct the shape of the patient's palate.

Abstract: A dental system may be configured at least with a housing that engages a wire of a first dental assembly. The housing can have first and second portions that are connected via a fastener. A piston may be positioned within the housing and continuously extend from the housing to a mount of a second dental assembly. A compression member can be positioned within the housing to contact the first portion of the housing and the piston to apply continuous pressure on the piston in a selected direction.

Abstract: An orthopedic appliance for a temporomandibular joint, includes: an upper teeth supporter and a lower teeth supporter, each of which includes a front arch portion corresponding to front teeth, and a pair of rear legs extended from the front arch portion, facing with each other and corresponding to a molar region; at least one set of upper and lower pivots which are respectively coupled to the upper teeth supporter and the lower teeth supporter and rotatable in at least one direction among forward, backward, leftward and rightward directions; and a connection member which connects the upper pivot and the lower pivot and adjusts a space between the upper pivot and the lower pivot. Thus, it is easy to adjust relative movement in a horizontal direction and height between the upper and lower teeth supporters.

Abstract: A maxillary barrier membrane is a device that physically supports the elevated schneiderian membrane during a non-grafted sinus-lifting procedure. The device is inserted into an open space formed by creating a lateral bony window at the desired location and elevating the schneiderian membrane. The device is inserted into the open space in between the maxillary sinus floor and the elevated schneiderian membrane to provide support. The device features a sealing membrane that forms a seal around the lateral bony window. An at least one primary supporting member is connected to a rigid base that is embedded into the sealing membrane. The at least one primary supporting member provides a tenting effect to the elevated schneiderian membrane. The at least one primary supporting member may be adjusted and reoriented in order to accommodate the open space.

Abstract: A device for detecting the three-dimensional geometry of objects (9), in particular teeth, includes a handpiece (1) which is provided with at least one position sensor (12) for detecting the change of the spatial position of the handpiece (1), and an optical device (2) having at least one camera (5, 6) for capturing images and at least one light source (3) for at least one projector (4). The position sensor (12) in the handpiece (1) initially determines the size of the change of the spatial position of the device. It is determined therefrom, how many pictures the camera (5, 6) can take in a defined time unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining surface topology of a portion of a three-dimensional structure is provided, that includes a probing member, an illumination unit, a light focusing optics, a translation mechanism, a detector and a processor.

Abstract: A method for designing a virtual dental restoration for manufacturing a dental restoration for a patient, said dental restoration including an anatomy portion and a sub-gingival portion, wherein the method includes: obtaining a virtual anatomy surface expressing a target shape of the anatomy portion of the dental restoration; and creating a virtual sub-gingival surface for the sub-gingival portion of the dental restoration; where the created virtual sub-gingival surface is shaped such that it contacts the virtual anatomy surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a porous dental milling block comprising at least two geometrically defined Material Sections A and B, Material Section A comprising a tetragonal zirconia crystal phase in an amount A-T in % and a cubic zirconia crystal phase in an amount A-C in %, Material Section B comprising cubic zirconia crystal phase in an amount B-T in % and cubic zirconia crystal phase in an amount B-C in %, wherein (amount of tetragonal phase A-T in %)/(amount of cubic phase content A-C in %)>1 and (amount of tetragonal phase content B-T in %)/(amount of cubic phase content B-C in %)<1. The invention also relates to a process of production of the porous dental milling block and its use for producing a dental article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a template for forming a veneer on a tooth using a composite resin material that is curable by radiation. The template includes a tooth-contacting portion having a smooth concave surface for contacting the composite, the smooth concave surface having a shape that is complementary to a desired natural tooth shape. The tooth-contacting portion is formed of a material capable of transmitting the radiation such that the composite is curable through the tooth-contacting portion to form a veneer having a surface shape that conforms to the desired natural tooth shape. Also disclosed is a kit including a plurality of such templates and a method of using the templates to form a veneer.

Abstract: A treatment element for use with a dental-implant part anchored in a patient's jawbone is disclosed, wherein the treatment element includes a base body having a connection system adapted to the dental-implant part for mechanical connection of the base body with the dental-implant part, and at least one media duct for conducting a cleaning liquid.

Abstract: Provided is an oral cleaning device capable of ensuring a sufficient ejection pressure for a cleaning liquid while employing a small and low-cost electric air pump with a low output. An oral cleaning device is provided with an air-tightly closable cleaning liquid tank 2 which stores a cleaning liquid, a cleaning liquid supply passage 24 which has an ejection port 4a for ejecting the cleaning liquid into the oral cavity on one end and an introduction port 23a open inside the bottom part of the cleaning liquid tank 2 on the other end, and an electric air pump 44 which supplies air into the cleaning liquid tank 2 to pressurize the inside of the cleaning liquid tank 2. The cleaning liquid inside the cleaning liquid tank 2 is supplied to the ejection port 4a through the cleaning liquid supply passage 24 by air pressure inside the cleaning liquid tank 2.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a water flosser handle for providing treatment deep into a user's gum pockets. The water flosser handle may include a chamber configured to hold a treatment tablet, a flosser tip attached to a distal end of the handle, and a water supply tube attached to a proximal end of the handle. The handle may be configured to allow passage of pressurized water therethrough into a user's mouth. A treatment tablet may be positioned within the chamber such that the water pressure of the water configured to flow through the handle at least partially dissolves and transports the treatment tablet into the user's mouth and gums.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device includes a mouthpiece defining an arcuate channel, a plurality of sets of bristles disposed within the arcuate channel, and one or more motor modules coupled to the sets of bristles. When the one or more motor modules are activated, they cause the sets of bristles to oscillate or rotate.

Abstract: A tooth cleaning device for the disabled eliminates the need for the user to rotate her/his wrist while brushing teeth, and provides approximately the same profile as a standard manual toothbrush. The device is capable of effectively brushing all three sides of all upper or lower teeth simultaneously, and utilizes a commercially available battery powered toothbrush power source to provide the power necessary for effective teeth cleaning action. An open top U-shaped track has a number of distinct operatively connected brush bristle mounting heads reciprocal and retained within the track, with a number of bristles extending up from each of the heads. A device, such as an opening in a central head, a linkage, and a battery powered oscillating shaft, provide back and forth arcuate reciprocal movement of the heads within the track to provide tooth cleaning by the bristles.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of a substance on a surface includes a proximal pump portion and at least one distal probe portion configured to be immersed in a first fluid. The proximal pump portion and the distal probe portion are in fluid communication with one another. The distal probe portion defines a distal tip having an open port to enable the passage of a second fluid therethrough. The apparatus is configured such that passage of the second fluid through the distal tip enables detection of a substance that may be present on the surface based on measurement of a signal correlating to, in proximity to the surface, one or more bubbles generated by the second fluid in the first fluid. A corresponding method of detection includes probing the properties of an interaction zone via outflow of the second fluid medium from the surface.

Abstract: An oral appliance is provided for delivering a medicament to at least a portion of teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside a mouth. The oral appliance contains an interior surface having a medicament disposed in or on at least a portion of and/or the entire interior surface of the oral appliance. The interior surface of the oral cavity is formed to fit contours of at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the oral cavity and is configured for holding the medicament in contact with at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the oral cavity to deliver the medicament to strategic areas in need of treatment. In some embodiments, computer, network and computer readable storage media are provided.

Abstract: A projectile syringe has a barrel, a spring loaded power assembly with an attached plunger, a notched plunger shaft terminating in a knob and a breach plug secured to the barrel. The spring loaded power assembly has a cylindrical sleeve with four dissected fingers, two projections on the sleeve's outer cylindrical surface securing a compressed compression spring. A cylindrical weight is captured within the sleeve by four fingers. The user attaches a needle and draws a desired amount medicament. The plunger shaft is broken flush against the breech plug. The user attaches a stabilizing tail to the breech plug end and the projectile syringe is aimed at a target animal. Stopping the syringe displaces the cylindrical weight, allowing the four fingers to displace. The proximal projections move inward, allowing the compressed compression spring to expand to the fixed breech plug, pushing the piston to deliver medicament to the animal.

Abstract: Apparatus for spacing apart the jaws of an animal, such as a canine, in a fixed relationship during the performance of a medical or dental procedure. The apparatus includes a bite member for spacing apart the teeth of an animal, a strap adapted to be wound around the snout of the animal for confining the snout and a strap connector with the strap connector having one end thereof adapted for attachment to the strap and another end for holding the jaws in relatively tight engagement against the bite member after the strap is wound around the snout.

Abstract: An improved method, apparatus and kit for artificially inseminating a female bovine including a bellows-like container having an opening associated therewith for receiving a solution therewithin, a nozzle member having one end portion engageable with the opening associated with the bellows-like container, a hollow metal pipette having a closed terminal end portion for insertion into the reproductive organs of a female bovine, and a flexible tube member having one end portion engageable with the terminal end portion of the nozzle member and having its opposite end portion engageable with the proximal end portion of the metal pipette. The flexible tubing connecting the nozzle member with the metal pipette allows the bellows-like container to be elevated to a substantially vertical position prior to evacuating the semen/diluent solution from the bellows-like container through the present apparatus to the reproductive organs of a female bovine during the insemination process.

Abstract: Embodiments of elongate pelvic implants and methods for treating pelvic conditions, such as incontinence, are provided. The implants can include a tissue support portion, one or more extension portions and one or more anchors. The implant is constructed as a unitary sling implant. The implant can be constructed or formed in a generally elongate shape to provide a lattice support structure of repeated cells.