Abstract: A method of Creating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment, device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction, force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.

Abstract: A modular polyaxial bone screw that incorporates a threaded screw including a head portion and a tulip assembly that selectively “snaps” and locks onto the head portion of the threaded screw in a desired orientation. Thus, the threaded screw may be placed in bone before the tulip assembly is engaged onto the head portion of the threaded screw and a rod is disposed and secured there through using a locking cap, thereby locking the tulip assembly onto the head portion of the threaded screw in the desired orientation.

Abstract: Devices and methods for coupling first and second adjacent vertebrae. The device includes a first coupling element and a second coupling element. The first coupling element has a first body portion for receiving a first bone fastener and an elongate rod portion extending transversely from the first body portion. The second coupling element has a second body portion for receiving a second bone fastener and an extension portion extending transversely from the second body portion. The extension portion defines a recess sized and configured to receive the rod portion of the first coupling element. When unlocked, the rod portion is moveable in the recess to allow for rotational and translational movement of the first and second coupling elements. When locked, the relative position of the first and second coupling elements is fixed.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and a mechanical actuation means for delivering and deploying the spacer. The methods involve the implantation of one or more spacers within the interspinous space.

Abstract: A reduction jack for placing a spinal rod within a rod channel of a bone fixation screw includes a mounting stem having a tubular body, a plurality of teeth disposed on the body, a pair of legs projecting from the body, and catches disposed on the legs for engaging the bone fixation screw. A reduction sleeve at least partially encircles the mounting stem. A gear assembly is mounted on the reduction sleeve and engages the teeth on the body such that manipulation of the gear assembly facilitates movement of the reduction sleeve along the mounting stem. A first pawl is pivotably mounted to the reduction sleeve and resiliently biased against the teeth on the body, the first pawl being pivotable between a first position where the first pawl engages the teeth on the body and a second position wherein the first pawl does not engage the teeth on the body.

Abstract: A intramedullary fixation device for use in fixating, after an osteotomy or fracture, segments of a long, tubular bone that has been prepared for the use with the device by cutting into the bone a longitudinal-axis-aligned slot that extends from the free surface to the medullary cavity of the bone, includes: (a) an intramedullary beam whose beam cross-sectional shape varies along the beam's longitudinal axis, (b) a fin whose fin cross-sectional shape varies along the fin's longitudinal axis and a portion of which is attached to the beam surface, (c) wherein the area of any beam cross-sectional section is set so that it can be located in the bone's medullary cavity, and (e) wherein the area of any fin cross section is set so that it can be accommodated in the

Abstract: An intramedullary fixation device used in bone fixation and stabilization on a patient includes a longitudinally extending rigid body and a distal head disposed at a distal end of the body. The distal head includes a central core portion and a plurality of extending distal wings radially projecting from the central core portion, wherein the radially projecting distal wings are spaced asymmetrically about the central core portion. A proximal head at a proximal end of the body and sized for insertion into an intramedullary canal of a phalanx of the patient. The proximal head includes a central core portion and a plurality of proximal wings extending radially outwardly from the central core portion.

Abstract: An intramedullary fixation device used in bone fixation and stabilization on a patient includes a longitudinally extending rigid body, a distal head disposed at a distal end of the body and sized for insertion into an intramedullary canal of a phalanx of the patient, the distal head having a central core portion and a plurality of extending distal wings radially projecting from the central core portion. A proximal head at a proximal end of the body is sized for insertion into an intramedullary canal of a phalanx of the patient. It has a central core portion and a plurality of proximal wings extending radially outwardly from the central core portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical locking screw for fastening bone parts in the event of a heel fracture, comprising a front end, a rear driving end having a drive for turning the locking screw, and an external thread, which has a constant thread pitch continuously over the axial extent of the external thread, wherein a major diameter of the external thread is constant in a first axial segment of the locking screw and increases with increasing distance from the front end in a second axial segment adjacent to the first axial segment in the direction of the rear end, wherein a minor diameter of the external thread is constant in the first and second axial segments, wherein the external thread extends, at least approximately, axially continuously over the entire axial extent of the locking screw, and wherein the minor diameter of the external thread extends over the entire axial extent of the external thread.

Abstract: An implant for use with a bone screw for fixation of at least one bone or bone fragments. The implant includes a top end and a bottom end. The implant may also include an exterior surface extending from the top end to the bottom end and a central bore extending from the top end to the bottom end along a central axis. The implant may further include a slot extending through the exterior surface and intersecting with the central bore of the implant. A bone fixation assembly including a fixator and an implant configured to engage the fixator is also disclosed. A surgical kit for bone fixation is also disclosed. The surgical kit includes at least one force distribution member and at least one elongate member.

Abstract: An expandable support device for tissue repair is disclosed. The device can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone. The expandable support device can have interconnected struts. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. The expandable support device can be inserted into a damaged bone and radial expanded. The radial expansion of the expandable support device struts can cause the struts to cut mechanically support and/or the bone.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and methods for delivering bone anchor assemblies into bone are disclosed herein. Use of these anchors or instruments can eliminate one or more of the steps in a conventional bone anchor installation procedure, improving surgical efficiency and safety. In general, a surgical instrument can include a handle assembly having an elongate shaft extending distally therefrom. The handle assembly can be configured to axially translate a stylet extending therethrough relative to a bone anchor assembly coupled to the elongate shaft, and it can be configured to move the stylet proximally in response to distal advancement of a bone anchor assembly into bone. The surgical instruments can include various mechanisms for adjusting the position of the stylet.

Abstract: A torque-limiting driver has a handle, a body, a torque-limiting assembly and a work-piece engaging tip. The torque-limiting assembly includes an upper and lower shank that have a plurality of teeth circumferentially spaced. The teeth have a vertical face, an inclined face, and a flat peak. There is a spring for applying pressure across the upper and lower shank with multiple washers interposed between the lower shaft and spring. In some instances, there is a round square drive with arched catches having preselected radii to assure operation over certain cycles at selected torque and to reduced nose cone damage and breakage at a predetermined inch pounds of torque.

Abstract: A thermal surgical instrument comprising a conductor having a ferromagnetic material in electrical communication with the conductor, such that passage of electrical energy through the conductor causes substantially uniform heating of the ferromagnetic material sufficient to produce a desired therapeutic tissue effect is provided. The conductor may be shaped to facilitate resection of tissue from a patient and include a support to provide increase rigidity to the loop so that the conductor better resists bending during use. The ferromagnetic material quickly heats and cools in response to a controllable power delivery source. The thermal surgical instrument can be used for substantially simultaneously resecting tissue with hemostasis.

Abstract: A thermal surgical tool comprising a conductor having a ferromagnetic material attached thereto is provided. The conductor may include a support of sufficiently high Young's modulus to resist bending when the surgical tool is being used to treat tissue. One or more intervening layers may be disposed between the support and the ferromagnetic material. Each of the intervening layers may be selected for a property that facilitates construction of the surgical tool and/or enhances a functionality of the surgical tool. The thermal surgical tool can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an electrosurgical generator an H-bridge and a tank driven by the H-bridge. The tank includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding. The secondary winding includes a first coil and a second coil. In the electrosurgical generator, a capacitor is connected in series between the first coil and the second coil.

Abstract: A branch is produced by means of an additive 3D production process for producing a metal part, which comprises at least two parts, namely a support section and a functional section. The metal part is a single-pieced part, in which the support section and the functional section are seamlessly interconnected by means of corresponding connecting webs. After the material is applied, the connecting webs are removed.

Abstract: Methods and surgical tools for treating back pain use a spinal facet debridement tool with cautery and denuding action and minimally invasive protocol that can denude and cauterize soft tissue associated with a synovial capsule of the spinal facet joint.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to methods of treating various conditions including bladder conditions in a patient, comprising: positioning at least one ablative element of an ablative device on or over an adventitial surface of the bladder; and using the ablative device to denervate bladder nerve fibers. Other aspects of the present disclosure pertain, for example, to devices and kits for of treating bladder conditions.

Abstract: An elongate medical device may include an elongate body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and defining a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The elongate medical device may further include a basket assembly coupled to the distal end portion comprising a plurality of ablation elements, each of the ablation elements configured to ablate a respective target, the basket assembly disposed on a radial exterior of the elongate body. The elongate medical device may further include an imaging transmitter disposed radially-inward of the ablation elements and configured to project imaging energy towards at least one of the respective targets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices and methods for treating and occluding a female patient's fallopian tubes to provide birth control or sterilization, where such birth control/sterilization can be short term, long term, or permanent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an irrigated catheter having irrigation fluid directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur so as to minimize blood coagulation and the associated problems. In one embodiment, an irrigated ablation electrode assembly for use with an irrigated catheter device comprises a proximal member having at least one passageway for a fluid with an outlet disposed at an external surface of the proximal member; and a distal member connected with the proximal member and having an external surface. The distal member includes an electrode. The external surface of the proximal member and the external surface of the distal member meet at an intersection. The at least one passageway of the proximal member is configured to direct a fluid flow through the outlet toward a region adjacent the intersection.

Abstract: A microwave ablation system is presented including a microwave applicator having an antenna configured to deliver microwave energy and a microwave generator coupled to the microwave applicator and configured to generate a microwave signal and transmit the microwave signal to the antenna. The microwave ablation system further includes a radiometer configured to measure emissions from a thermal field created when the microwave applicator delivers microwave energy, the thermal field providing in-situ quantitative information of a material in the thermal field. The quantitative information is used to automatically adjust power transmission and time settings of the microwave generator to compensate for different thermal environments.

Abstract: A microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating section coupled to the feedline, the radiating section including a dipole antenna and a tubular dielectric loading disposed about the dipole antenna.

Abstract: An endovascular laser treatment device for causing closure of a blood vessel uses an optical fiber adapted to be inserted into a blood vessel. An inner sleeve is arranged around a distal portion of the optical fiber core such that both distal ends of the inner sleeve and the optical fiber core form an enlarged light emitting face. The enlarged emitting face provides substantially lower power density while providing the same amount of total energy during a treatment session. An outer sleeve arranged around the inner sleeve acts as a spacer to position the light emitting face away from an inner wall of the blood vessel. The enlarged light emitting face and the outer sleeve acting as a spacer reduces the possibility of thermal run-away and device damage, and reduce the possibility of vessel perforations, leading to less bruising, post-operative pain and other clinical complications.

Abstract: A medical testing apparatus and method of use for for penetrating a patient's tissue with an agent, the apparatus comprises an arcuate rail having spaced first and second sides supported by upper and lower arcuate surfaces and an arcuate handle having first and second ends extending from the upper surface of the arcuate rail. A plurality of tips extend substantially from and normally outward as the lower arcuate surface. The plurality of tips comprises alternating blunt tips and reed tips.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring an operative site during a surgical procedure using a computer controlled surgical device. In general the methods include the steps of processing one or more defined cutting paths having one or more cut regions; determining a correlation between the cut region and one or more critical regions to generate an alert, wherein the alert indicates a movable end-effector is within a defined proximity of the critical region; and requiring a user acknowledgment of the alert to allow processing of the cutting path to continue. Also described herein are systems and methods for minimizing user fatigue during a semi-computer controlled surgical procedure. In general the methods includes the step of requiring a user generated acknowledgment in response to a computer generated alert, wherein the user acknowledgment is generated using a user controller, the user controller being minimally intrusive to the user experience.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to a method for operating a medical robotic device with an end effector for performing a diagnostic and/or therapeutic measure, involving predetermining at least one position to be reached by the end effector, evaluating at least two movement sequences of the medical robotic device, by which the end effector reaches the respectively predetermined at least one position, using an optimization criterion to select the movement sequence with the best evaluation result as the optimum movement sequence and implementing the optimum movement sequence, so that the respective predetermined position is reached by the end effector, in order to improve the reaching of the predetermined position.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to a method for compensating for a deterioration in registration accuracy of a medical robotic device relative to a body to be operated on, the method including selecting at least one landmark on an initial image data record of the body, registering the medical robotic device relative to the body, positioning the end effector in the vicinity of the landmark, recording an intraoperative image data record in which the end effector is captured with a region of the body adjacent to the end effector, determining the position and/or the orientation of the end effector in the intraoperative image data record, comparing this position and/or orientation with the landmark and identifying any divergence, and repositioning the end effector in order to compensate for the divergence, in order thereby to achieve greater precision during the operative intervention.

Abstract: Methods and systems for damping vibrations in a surgical system are disclosed herein. The damping of these vibrations can increase the precision of surgery performed using the surgical system. The surgical system can include one or several moveable set-up linkages. A damper can be connected with one or several of the set-up linkages. The damper can be a passive damper and can mitigate a vibration arising in one or more of the set-up linkages. The damper can additionally prevent a vibration arising in one of the linkages from affecting another of the set-up linkages.

Abstract: Methods and systems for damping vibrations in a surgical system are disclosed herein. The surgical system can include one or several moveable set-up linkages. A damper can be connected with one or several of the set-up linkages. The damper can be a passive, active, or semi-active damper. The damper can mitigate a vibration arising in one of the set-up linkages, and the damper can prevent a vibration arising in one of the linkages from affecting another of the set-up linkages. The active and semi-active dampers can be controlled with a feedback model and a feed-forward model.

Abstract: The invention has for its object to provide a manipulator wherein the size of a curved portion is reduced and the internal architecture of the curve portion is simplified. The manipulator 100 comprises an insert part that is capable of being inserted into the body cavity, a movable part that is located at a distal end of the insert part and movable in any direction, a drive unit that is provided on a proximal-end side of the insert part, a first elongated member that is connected to the drive unit and located in the insert part, and displaces in response to operation of the drive unit, a second elongated member that is different from the first elongated member and has a distal end connected to the movable part, and a deceleration mechanism that urges displacement of the second elongated member in association with displacement of the first elongated member, and makes a second amount of displacement of the second elongated member smaller than a first amount of displacement of the first elongated member.

Abstract: The invention provides an easy-to-manipulate manipulator comprising a manipulating part, a manual joint part that is driven directly by displacement of the manipulating part, a detection unit for detecting an amount of displacement of the manipulating part, a device that moves depending on the amount of displacement detected at the detection unit, an electric joint part that is driven by the device, and a selection portion for selectively determining whether the electric joint part is driven or not.

Abstract: A Robotic control system has a wand, which emits multiple narrow beams of light, which fall on a light sensor array, or with a camera, a surface, defining the wand's changing position and attitude which a computer uses to direct relative motion of robotic tools or remote processes, such as those that are controlled by a mouse, but in three dimensions and motion compensation means and means for reducing latency.

Abstract: A tissue expander adapted for increasing overlying tissue surface area and size of an associated perforator vessel includes an inflatable bladder adapted to be temporarily implanted subcutaneously in a patient at a donor site. The bladder forms a recess for receiving therein a perforator vessel. Bladder volume is increased incrementally over time to increase overlying tissue surface area and size of the associated perforator vessel. The expanded tissue and/or the perforator vessel can be harvested for use as an island flap, a free flap, or a vascular graft.

Abstract: A surgical tool holding device that holds a plurality of surgical tools includes: a flexible insertion section having a distal end and a proximal end and configured such that a surgical tool channel into which the plurality of surgical tools are inserted is formed; a driving section configured to advance and retract each of the plurality of surgical tools inside the surgical tool channel; an operating section configured to manipulate the plurality of surgical tools; and a controller configured to control an amount of protrusion of the surgical tool protruding from a distal end of the surgical tool channel, from the surgical tool channel.

Abstract: A biosignal measurement and transmission apparatus having a simplified signal slot as provided is configurable for receiving signals from a biosignal detection apparatus and a biosignal detection correction unit and for performing signal transfer and analysis operations.

Abstract: A process and system for performing orthopaedic surgery with the use of computer systems and robotic assistance to remove bone, bone cement, and a bone prosthesis, typically a bone prosthesis used in hip replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery, and the like. The process for replacing one or more bone prostheses using a robotic system includes receiving image data comprising an image of each bone, including at least one prosthesis implanted within each bone; creating three-dimensional models of the prosthesis, and the bone; creating a plan for positioning new prostheses within the bone; determining the location and amount of bone and any non-bone material to be removed for the new prostheses; and removing the bone prosthesis from the bone. The inventive process may be used for the replacement of hip joints, shoulder joints, ankle joints, wrist joints, finger joints, toe joints, or other joints.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for predicting coronary plaque vulnerability, using a computer system. One method includes acquiring anatomical image data of at least part of the patient's vascular system; performing, using a processor, one or more image characteristics analysis, geometrical analysis, computational fluid dynamics analysis, and structural mechanics analysis on the anatomical image data; predicting, using the processor, a coronary plaque vulnerability present in the patient's vascular system, wherein predicting the coronary plaque vulnerability includes calculating an adverse plaque characteristic based on results of the one or more of image characteristics analysis, geometrical analysis, computational fluid dynamics analysis, and structural mechanics analysis of the anatomical image data; and reporting, using the processor, the calculated adverse plaque characteristic.

Abstract: Embodiments of claimed subject matter are directed to an illuminating surgical device comprising an array of illuminating elements and an array of louvers to direct light from the individual illuminating elements toward a surgical field.

Abstract: An adaptor for receiving a navigated structure, wherein the navigated structure is at least a part of a medical object which carries an object reference, and for being connected to a registration tool in order to register the navigated structure in a medical navigation system, the adaptor comprising at least two adaptor parts which, in an assembled state, form a structure receiving recess in the shape of the navigated structure and an adaptor coupling part for connecting the adaptor to the registration tool in a predetermined relative position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging apparatus (24) for imaging an introduction element (17) like a needle or a catheter for performing a brachytherapy or a biopsy. A tracking unit (3, 4) tracks the location of the introduction element within a living being (2), an imaging unit (6) like an ultrasound imaging unit generates an image showing an inner part of the living being, which includes the tracked location of the introduction element, based on the tracked location, and a display (7) displays the image. During the brachytherapy or biopsy the display can always show the introduction element, without requiring a manual control. For instance, it is not necessary that a physician manually controls the position and image plane of the imaging unit. This allows for an accurate and fast insertion of the introduction element into the living being such that a target region is reliably reached.

Abstract: Systems and methods for surgical guidance and image registration are provided, in which three-dimensional image data associated with an object or patient is registered to topological image data obtained using a surface topology imaging device. The surface topology imaging device may be rigidly attached to an optical position measurement system that also tracks fiducial markers on a movable instrument. The instrument may be registered to the topological image data, such that the topological image data and the movable instrument are registered to the three-dimensional image data. The three-dimensional image data may be CT or MRI data associated with a patient. The system may also co-register images pertaining to a surgical plan with the three-dimensional image data. In another aspect, the surface topology imaging device may be configured to directly track fiducial markers on a movable instrument. The fiducial markers may be tracked according to surface texture.

Abstract: A navigation and monitoring system to track positions of surgical components during surgery of a patient. Some embodiments include a power source to emit a tracking signal during surgery of the patient, a first sensor mounted to a region of the patient to respond to the emitted tracking signal, and a control unit to track a position of the region relative to a fixed region of the patient as the region moves with respect to the fixed region, based on the response of the first sensor. The system can calibrate and register a movable reference point of the patient relative to a fixed reference point, and can maintain that reference point when the movable reference point moves in space during a surgical process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a registration object for computed radiographic tomography. The object has a body portion defining a void for including at least part of a target object. The registration object comprises one or more relatively radiopaque or relatively radiolucent features. Said feature or features provide, in a suitable proportion of radiographic projections of the registration object with respect to angle about a predetermined axis, a pair of identifiable registration points which are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the predetermined axis by a first distance, and whose positions in that direction are each either a constant or a function only of the angle of the projection about the predetermined axis.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for performing hair transplantation procedures. The system may include a robotic arm and a tool coupled to the robotic arm, the tool configured for hair harvesting, site making or hair implantation. The system further includes a touch screen user interface that supports touch gestures for efficiently creating and manipulating objects, such as reserved regions, that control the harvesting, site making, and/or implantation sites selected by the system. The user interface implements logic rules that use the context in which a touch gesture is performed to determine the type of operation intended. The touch interface substantially eliminates or reduces the need for a user to use a keyboard or mouse during the procedure.

Abstract: A drill bit guiding device for dental implant surgery comprises a dental implant platform positioning ruler, a connecting fixing member and a drill bit guide. The dental implant platform positioning ruler is used to configure an ideal dental implant placement position on a tooth model. Then, the connecting fixing member is embedded into the dental implant platform positioning ruler, and a resin material connects extensions of the connecting fixing member to neighboring teeth on two sides of the dental implant position. Finally, the connecting fixing member and the resin material are removed and placed on an oral gum to be treated. Meanwhile, the drill bit guide is inserted into the connecting fixing member, so that a hole satisfying the ideal dental implant position and angle is drilled at the planned dental implant position through a through hole of the drill bit guide.

Abstract: A method for planning a root canal treatment of a tooth comprising a cavity of a patient. The method includes measuring a surface of the cavity with an optical three-dimensional method to generate three-dimensional measurement data of the cavity. A 3D-model of a guide template is planned based on the generated three-dimensional measurement data. The 3-D model is designed in its dimensions as a counterpart to the cavity. Three-dimensional volume data of the tooth is displayed. A position and an orientation of a root canal of the tooth is determined based on the three-dimensional volume data of the tooth. A guide opening for a tool is planned which is configured to expose the root canal. The guide opening is arranged within the guide template so that the guide opening points at an entry point of the root canal and in an entry direction of the root canal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dental wedges that may be used for creating space between adjacent teeth. In one form, the dental wedge includes an elongated body extending from an outer end to an opposite inner end. The body has a longitudinal intermediate wall, a longitudinal first side wall connected to the intermediate wall, and a longitudinal second side wall connected to the intermediate wall. The first side wall and the second side wall each flare away from the intermediate wall such that a first distal end of the first side wall and a second distal end of the second side wall are spaced apart creating an inverted generally V-shaped transverse section for the body. The body has a top surface formed by the intermediate wall, the first side wall and the second side wall. The body also has a bottom surface formed by the intermediate wall, the first side wall and the second side wall. The dental wedge includes a grasping section connected to the outer end of the body.

Abstract: Interchangeable lock applied to a bracket, consisting of a lock designed for use in orthodontic treatment which is used in conjunction with an orthodontic bracket having a base bonded to the tooth in which the interchangeable lock should be frontally inserted; on the outside of the orthodontic bracket that besides adding the functionality of connecting the bracket to the arch wire, this same lock adds the property of allowing additional adjustments of freedom between the arch wire in regards to inclination, angulation or torque as there will always be three walls forming the U-shaped slot, allowing the position of the arch wire to be controlled in relation to its inclination and angulation at the same time it keeps the position of the bracket in relation to the tooth; a feature allowed due its walls where the arch wire slide inwards suffering minimal friction, being possible to identify, modify and control the position of the tooth by contact adjustment with the arch wire at any time during treatment without