Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided including a handle assembly, a shaft electrically coupled to the handle assembly and extending therefrom, an electrode assembly electrically coupled to the shaft for transmitting energy to tissue to treat tissue, and a chamber defined in the shaft and positioned proximal a distal end thereof and configured to selectively expand. The expansion of the chamber anchors the surgical instrument to the tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe with internal cooling for use in systems and methods for lesioning in bone and other tissue is disclosed. The probe includes a distal electrical insulator, a proximal electrical insulator, a distal electrical conductor defining a distal electrode with a closed distal end and a proximal electrical conductor defining a proximal electrode, the distal electrode longitudinally spaced apart and electrically isolated from the proximal electrode by the distal electrical insulator. The distal electrode has a closed proximal end formed by a distal face of the distal electrical insulator to thereby define a closed distal inner lumen for circulating the cooling fluid. The proximal electrode has a closed distal end formed by a proximal face of the distal electrical insulator and a closed proximal end formed by a distal face of the proximal electrical insulator to thereby define a closed proximal inner lumen for circulating the cooling fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to identify and treat hypertensive patients most likely to benefit from a renal denervation procedure. The method can include identifying one or more signals that patient's hypertension is sympathetically driven; and performing a renal denervation procedure to denervate the sympathetic nerves located near at least one of the patient's renal arteries.

Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes an antenna assembly configured to deliver microwave energy from an energy source to tissue and a coolant source operably coupled to the energy source and configured to selectively provide fluid to the antenna assembly via a fluid path. The system also includes a controller operably coupled to the energy source and a piezoelectric transducer operably coupled to the fluid path to detect a force of fluid flow through the fluid path. The piezoelectric transducer is configured to generate a signal based on the detected force of fluid through the fluid path. The controller is configured to control the energy source output based on the generated signal.

Abstract: A tissue sensor probe and corresponding electromagnetic surgical ablation system are disclosed. The system includes an ablation probe coupled to a generator, a controller coupled to the generator, and a tissue sensor probe coupled to the controller. The tissue sensor probe includes an electrically-conductive enclosure configured to shield a temperature sensor from electromagnetic radiation produced by the ablation probe. At least a portion of the electrically-conductive enclosure is made of a high thermal-conductivity material. A material of high thermal-conductivity is disposed in the electrically-conductive enclosure in thermal association with the thermally-conductive material of the electrically-conductive enclosure. The temperature sensor is disposed in the material of high thermal conductivity so as to electrically isolate the temperature sensor from the enclosure.

Abstract: A triaxial microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The triaxial microwave antenna includes a feedline having an inner conductor, a central conductor disposed about the inner conductor and an outer conductor disposed about the central conductor and a radiating portion including a high frequency radiating section and a low frequency radiating section.

Abstract: A microwave antenna having a curved configuration is described herein. The antenna portion is formed into various shapes whereby the antenna substantially encloses, by a partial or complete loop or enclosure, at least a majority of the tissue to be irradiated. When microwave energy is delivered through the antenna, the curved configuration forms an ablation field or region defined by the curved antenna and any tissue enclosed within the ablation region becomes irradiated by the microwave energy. The microwave antenna is deployed through one of several methods, and multiple curved antennas can be used in conjunction with one another. Moreover, RF energy can also be used at the distal tip of the antenna to provide a cutting tip for the antenna during deployment in tissue.

Abstract: A microwave antenna has a radiating portion connected by a feedline to a power generating source, e.g., a generator. Proximal and distal radiating portions of the antenna assembly are separated by a junction member. A reinforcing member is disposed within the junction member to increase structural rigidity.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, 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 portion including a dipole antenna having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The antenna assembly also comprises a sheath disposed over the feedline and the radiating portion defining a chamber around the feedline and the radiating portion. The chamber is adapted to circulate coolant fluid therethrough. The antenna assembly further includes a connection hub having cable connector coupled to the feedline, an inlet fluid port and an outlet fluid port. The connection hub includes a bypass tube configured to provide for flow of the coolant fluid from the cable connector directly to the outlet fluid port.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surgical instrument includes charging a first component to a first voltage, charging a second component to a second voltage such that a pre-determined voltage differential is established between the first and second components, axially moving at least one of the first and second components relative to the other, monitoring an electrical characteristic to determine whether an axial distance between the first and second components is equal to a target axial distance, and retaining the first and second components in fixed position relative to one another once the axial distance between the first and second components is equal to the target axial distance.

Abstract: A method of treating mammalian tissue generates a first output beam of laser radiation of about 755 nm using an alexandrite laser. The first output beam is directed to a delivery device for directing a system output beam of laser radiation to a target region of mammalian tissue for non-therapeutic hair removal or tattoo removal. A second solid-state laser mounted on a translation stage is positioned into the path of the first output beam. The second output beam is directed to the delivery device for directing the target output beam to the target region of mammalian tissue for hair removal or tattoo removal, wherein long-pulse alexandrite and neodymium lasers are used for hair removal, and q-switched versions of these lasers are used for tattoo removal.

Abstract: Aspects relate to methods and systems that provide a protective cover for medical devices, such as a stethoscope, to prevent the transmission of infections and/or bacteria from one individual to another. In some examples, the protective cover may be an environmentally friendly, disposable barrier, including but not limited to a bacteriostatic material. In some examples, the protective cover may be for single use, such that the protective cover may be disposed of after use. In an aspect, the protective cover may have a tab at the bottom, near the diaphragm, for easy removal. Thus, the protective cover disclosed in aspects of the present application allows full capability of the stethoscope to transmit quality sound, while preventing the transmission of infections and/or bacteria from one individual to another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an unsterilized item to a sterile field is disclosed. The item can include a human input device. The sterile field can be in an operating room.

Abstract: A method of performing surgery on a bone includes providing a robotically controlled bone preparation system and creating at least one hole in the bone with the robotically controlled bone preparation system prior to machining the bone. The bone hole aligns with a hole or a post in a guide for a manual cutting tool. If the robot fails during surgery, or if the surgeon does not wish to complete the procedure with the robot, the guide is attached to the bone after aligning the guide hole with the bone hole. The surgery is completed manually after the guide is attached to the bone, and the robot is not used after the guide is attached to the bone.

Abstract: A system for providing a remote center of motion for robotic control includes a marker device (104) configured to include one or more shapes (105) to indicate position and orientation of the marker device in an image collected by an imaging system (110). The marker device is configured to receive or partially receive an instrument (102) therein, the instrument being robotically guided. A registration module (117) is configured to register a coordinate system of the image with that of the robotically guided instrument using the marker device to define a position in a robot coordinate system (132) where a virtual remote center of motion (140) exists. Control software (136) is configured to control a motion of the robotically guided instrument wherein the virtual remote center of motion constrains the motion of a robot (130).

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for cancelling movement one or more joints of a tele-surgical manipulator to effect manipulation movement of an end effector. Methods include calculating movement of joints within a null-perpendicular space to effect desired end effector movement while calculating movement of one or more locked joints within a null-space to cancel the movement of the locked joints within the null-perpendicular-space. Methods may further include calculating movement of one or more joints to effect an auxiliary movement or a reconfiguration movement that may include movement of one or more locked joints. The auxiliary and reconfiguration movements may be overlaid the manipulation movement of the joints to allow movement of the locked joints to effect the auxiliary movement or reconfiguration movement, while the movement of the locked joints to effect manipulation is canceled. Various configurations for devices and systems utilizing such methods are provided herein.

Abstract: A surgical system uses a single entry port in a wide variety of surgeries. To insert multiple surgical instruments into a patient through a single entry port requires that the shaft of at least one of the surgical instruments be bent between the base of the surgical instrument and the point where the shaft contacts a channel in an entry guide. Each surgical instrument is positioned by an instrument manipulator positioning system so that when the shaft is inserted in a channel of the entry guide, any bending of the shaft does not damage the surgical instrument and does not inhibit proper operation of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A medical robotic system includes articulated instruments extending out of a distal end of an entry guide. Prior to pivoting the entry guide to re-orient it and the instruments, the instruments are moved in tandem back towards the entry guide. Haptic cues and velocity limits are provided to assist the operator in the retraction of the instruments. After retraction, the entry guide may then be pivoted without concern that the instruments will harm patient anatomy. The movement of the instruments in tandem back towards the entry guide may also occur through coupled control modes while the entry guide is held in a fixed position and orientation.

Abstract: Present example embodiments relate generally to a surgical system comprising an internal anchor assembly configurable to be inserted into and positioned inside a cavity of a body. The surgical system further comprises an external anchor assembly configurable to magnetically couple to the internal anchor assembly. The external anchor assembly may comprise a magnetic assembly. The magnetic assembly may include one or more superconducting magnets configurable to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic assembly may further include a conductive housing for receiving the one or more superconducting magnets. The external anchor assembly may further include a temperature control section configurable to control a temperature of the one or more superconducting magnets via the conductive housing. The external anchor assembly may further include an external anchor body configurable to receive the magnetic assembly and the temperature control section.

Abstract: A surgical mechanism control system comprising: a beam emitter unit configured to emit only a single beam and adapted to be attached to a surgeon; a first pair of discrete beam detectors each adapted to detect an incident beam emitted by the beam emitter unit and output a corresponding control signal when in incident beam is detected; and a control unit configured to receive one or more control signals output by the beam detectors and control a surgical mechanism in accordance with the one or more control signals.

Abstract: A material-removing machine for removing material from a cone section of a medical balloon includes a material-removing element operatively connected to a prime mover such that operation of the prime mover imparts rotation to the material-removing element about a rotational axis. The material-removing element includes an interior surface defining a generally conical-shaped cavity extending along the rotational axis and adapted to receive at least a longitudinal portion of a cone section of an expanded medical balloon for removing material from the longitudinal portion of the cone section to reduce a wall thickness of the cone section. Material may be removed continuously around a 360-degree exterior perimeter of the longitudinal portion of the cone section of the medical balloon to reduce the thickness of the balloon wall defining the cone section.

Abstract: A system for identifying contents of an enclosed package. The system includes a camera, a projector, a processor, a display surface, and a plurality of markers. The camera identifies the markers on the packaging of an instrument or group of instruments. The camera is connected to the processor, and the processor is connected to the projector. Once the camera identifies a marker, the processor receives information about the instrument and sends the projector information about the instrument, such as an enlarged view of the instrument or a video illustrating how the instrument may be used. The projector displays the visual information on to the surface.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating rhinitis are described where the devices are configured to ablate a single nerve branch or multiple nerve branches of the posterior nasal nerves located within the nasal cavity. A surgical probe may be inserted into the sub-mucosal space of a lateral nasal wall and advanced towards a posterior nasal nerve associated with a middle nasal turbinate or an inferior nasal turbinate into a position proximate to the posterior nasal nerve where neuroablation of the posterior nasal nerve may be performed with the surgical probe. The probe device may utilize a visible light beacon that provides trans-illumination of the sub-mucosal tissue or an expandable structure disposed in the vicinity of the distal end of the probe shaft to enable the surgeon to visualize the sub-mucosal position of the distal end of the surgical probe from inside the nasal cavity using, e.g., an endoscope.

Abstract: A supplemental device for gathering information concerning the use of an injection device, the supplemental device having a first camera sensor portion for generating a first camera output indicative of a scene in the field of view of the first camera sensor portion, a second camera sensor portion for generating a second camera output indicative of a scene in the field of view of the second camera sensor portion, and at least one processor. The processor configured to use the first camera output to determine whether a rotational speed of an object in the field of view exceeds a threshold speed, if it is determined the rotational speed of the object does not exceed the threshold speed, to process the second camera output to identify a feature provided on the or another object, and if it is determined the rotational speed of the object does exceed the threshold speed, to refrain from attempting to identify the feature.

Abstract: A method for determining the 3D location and orientation of a fiducial reference comprises disposing the fiducial reference so as to render a part of the fiducial reference observable by a tracker; obtaining from the tracker scan data of the part of the fiducial reference that is observable by the tracker; obtaining predetermined geometric information about location points on the fiducial reference, the geometric information containing three-dimensional coordinates of the location points relative to the structure of the fiducial reference; identifying within the scan data at least three location points having coordinates in the predetermined geometric information; and determining from the scan data and the coordinates of the three identified location points in the predetermined geometric information the 3D location and orientation of the fiducial reference.

Abstract: A drill guide employs multiple layers of materials with different mechanical properties in order to achieve concurrent goals of rigidity, fit and retention. For example, a rigid exterior shell and a soft interior may be used together to securely and precisely fit a drill guide to a surgical site.

Abstract: A tooth removal cloth is disclosed that facilitates the removal of loose teeth. The tooth removal cloth comprises a moisture absorbing portion and a gripping portion. The gripping portion may include a textured surface. The gripping portion may also include folds for receiving fingers to affect the grip of the tooth removal cloth on a tooth.

Abstract: A core for obturating a root canal includes a body that has a pre-formed contour that closely matches a contour of the root canal. When the core is inserted in the root canal with or without sealer, there are essentially no voids in the root canal. A method of making a customized root canal obturation core includes generating a three-dimensional image of a root canal. The method also includes manufacturing the customized root canal obturation core based on the three-dimensional image of the root canal. The customized root canal obturation core has a preformed contour that closely matches a contour of the root canal such that when the core is inserted in the root canal with or without sealer there are essentially no voids in the root canal.

Abstract: A plunger assembly for a cartridge for dispensing dental material. The plunger assembly has a receptacle, an activator, and a passageway extending through the receptacle along a longitudinal axis. The passageway forms a chamber for storing at least a component of the dental material and has an outlet for the chamber. The activator has a piston for extruding the component from the chamber and a plug for the outlet. The activator is movable to unplug the outlet and to subsequently extrude the component in a single stroke. The plunger assembly helps for reliably emptying the chamber and helps facilitating dispensation of dental materials.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is described, and which includes a bracket base, which is releasably affixed to a patient's tooth; a bracket body borne on the bracket base, and which defines an arch wire slot, and which further has a selectively adjustable cross-sectional dimension; and an arch wire is received within the arch wire slot, and where the described embodiment of the bracket body, acting in combination with the arch wire is adjustable so as to provide a multiplicity of selective torque expressions, which act upon a patient's tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is described, and which includes a bracket base, which is releasably affixed to a patient's tooth; a bracket body borne on the bracket base, and which defines an arch wire slot, and which further has a selectively adjustable cross-sectional dimension; and an arch wire is received within the arch wire slot, and where the described embodiment of the bracket body, acting in combination with the arch wire is adjustable so as to provide a multiplicity of selective torque expressions, which act upon a patient's tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is described, and which includes a bracket base, which is releasably affixed to a patient's tooth; a bracket body borne on the bracket base, and which defines an arch wire slot, and which further has a selectively adjustable cross-sectional dimension; and an arch wire is received within the arch wire slot, and where the described embodiment of the bracket body, acting in combination with the arch wire is adjustable so as to provide a multiplicity of selective torque expressions, which act upon a patient's tooth.

Abstract: This invention discloses an orthodontics adjusting bracket changing the traditional orthodontics logical thinking. The orthodontics adjusting bracket can reduce the chance for removing teeth, decrease the sequelae of removing wisdom teeth, avoid temporomandibular joint-pain-dysfunction syndrome and cheeks depressed, extend lifetime of dental formula, and lower down the social security expenditure. This invention can fundamentally improve dental engagement to avoid the secondary injury of traditional orthodontics treatment and improve the loading of social security expenditure. According to this invention, the difficult mission of correcting wisdom teeth in traditional orthodontics treatment will become easily and smoothly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental implant package, comprising a healing abutment and a tooth-replacement implant. The healing abutment made of plastic materials and rubber material comprises a tooth-replacement implant cap and a first insertion; wherein the tooth-replacement implant cap including a first main body and a first groove is a polygonal prism with different sectional areas of upper level greater than low level and located in the first main body, and an external surface of the first insertion has a plane surface and a first fine thread. Further, an external surface of the tooth-replacement implant has an external thread section and circular arc thread section, and inside of the tooth-replacement implant has an internal thread section; wherein the first insertion is made of plastic materials or rubber materials; alternatively, the first insertion may be consisted by embracing a first metal screw with plastic materials or rubber materials.

Abstract: A method of forming an implant to be implanted into living bone is disclosed. The method comprises the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to produce a microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises forming a nanoscale roughened surface on the microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of depositing discrete nanoparticles on the nanoscale roughened surface though a one-step process of exposing the roughened surface to a solution including the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles comprise a material having a property that promotes osseointegration.

Abstract: Dental implants for fixed and removable prosthetic devices, having application to single tooth replacement, e.g., caps and crowns, and multiple tooth replacement using one or more implants, e.g., bridges, and multiple implants for full and partial prosthetic devices. Dental implants comprise a non-cylindrical implant and an abutment configured to mate with the implant in a non-rotatable fashion. Further, dental reconstruction and abutment installation methods utilizing the dental implant systems and instruments are disclosed. Also provided are impression taking procedures, and impression copings that produce an accurate fit between the dental prosthesis and the dental implant.

Abstract: A confocal imaging apparatus includes an illumination module to generate an array of light beams. Focusing optics perform confocal focusing of an array of light beams onto a non-flat focal surface and direct the array of light beams toward a three dimensional object to be imaged. A translation mechanism adjusts a location of at least one lens to displace the non-flat focal surface along an imaging axis. A detector measures intensities of an array of returning light beams that are reflected off of the three dimensional object and directed back through the focusing optics. Intensities of the array of returning light beams are measured for locations of the at least one lens for determination of positions on the imaging axis of points of the three dimensional object. Detected positions of one or more points are adjusted to compensate for the non-flat focal surface.

Abstract: A dental appliance container includes a top portion having a center cavity closeable using a strap affixed to a side of the top portion that the strap includes a member that can securely fasten to the center cavity when the top portion is made inaccessible to a liquid material. A platform within the middle portion formed using a series of slabs and the platform to permit a dental appliance to be stored on top of the platform such that the dental appliance is fully encapsulated in a cavity formed between the top portion and the middle portion. The liquid material to flow through the top portion to a location below the middle portion when the liquid material is deposited through the center cavity onto the dental appliance when the liquid material flows through the middle portion through the series of slabs to the location below the middle portion.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for improving compliance with a two-part oral care regimen may include the use of a first composition with mildly unpleasant organoleptic properties.

Abstract: There is provided a pet assist device that facilitates the transport of a pet between locations while continuously maintaining the pet in a comfortable posture in which pain inducing movements and weight bearing problems are greatly minimized. The pet assist device is in the form of a pet lift device that includes a chassis, a translation movement element, and a rigging structure.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for treating a treatment area of a body lumen includes a delivery member possessing at least one attachment part, and a treatment membrane wrapped on the delivery member and detachably attached to the at least one attachment part of the delivery member

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous membrane used for tissue repair and products and preparation methods thereof, wherein the fibrous membrane used for tissue repair is formed by interweaving fibrous filaments with diameters of 10 nm-100 ?m, and has a porous structure, with the fluffiness of 200-2,000 cm3/g. In addition, the present invention also relates to a composite fibrous membrane, an implantable membrane and an anti-adhesion tissue repair membrane comprising the fibrous membrane used for tissue repair as well as preparation methods and applications thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a urethral prosthesis including a first and a second arm that join to form a junction, and a stem that is also joined to the junction. The junction is adapted to exert sufficient pressure on a portion of a patient's urethra to prevent unintentional voiding of the patient's bladder. However, upon exerting a tension force on the stem, the pressure exerted by the junction is reduced such that the patient's bladder may be intentionally voided.

Abstract: A vessel filter comprising a first region and a second region wherein the filter is movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. A first region has a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward the center of the filter and the second region is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The second region includes a vessel engaging portion at the second end portion. The first region includes a plurality of spaced apart elongated struts with adjacent struts being joined.

Abstract: An apparatus for gastric bypass is disclosed. The apparatus for gastric bypass includes a primary passage having an input and an output. The apparatus also includes a bypass conduit, coupled to the primary passage, having an input and an output, wherein the passage input is interspersed with the conduit input. The apparatus further has a primary regulator coupled to the primary passage and adjustable to control a primary flow profile from the input to the output of the primary passage. The apparatus also has a bypass regulator coupled to the bypass conduit and adjustable to control a bypass flow profile from the input to the output of the bypass conduit.

Abstract: A treatment device for treating a treatment area of a body lumen includes a delivery member, and a treatment membrane wrapped around the delivery member, wherein opposite overlapped edges of the treatment membrane are attached together. A clip device for preparing the membrane includes a clip part configured to pinch opposite overlapped edges of the membrane together, and a cavity with an adjustable inner circumference configured to set a circumference of the membrane.

Abstract: An implant device having a proximal end and a distal end, and a suturing fixture offset from the proximal end. The suturing fixture has a profile that extends from the surface of the elongate body. For example, the suturing fixture may have the shape of a cone, or the shape of a disc. The implant device may be used for placement within a salivary gland duct.

Abstract: A treatment device for treating a treatment area of a body lumen includes an elongated member insertable into the body lumen, a delivery member guidable along a longitudinal axis of the elongated member, and a treatment part for contacting the treatment area, wherein the delivery member is configured to deliver the treatment part to the treatment area.

Abstract: A repair device includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member, and a seal member. The first elongate member includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and defines a lumen therebetween. The second elongate member includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and is movably disposed within the lumen. The distal end portion of the second elongate member is configured to puncture an endoluminal stent graft disposed within an artery of a patient and to be inserted, at least partially, into an aneurysm sac. The seal member is releasably coupled to the distal end portion of the first elongate member. The seal member is configured to be coupled to the endoluminal stent graft to seal an opening formed by the distal end portion of the second elongate member.

Abstract: External support implant for unbound covering of a blood vessel graft in a peripheral vascular bypass system. The implant includes: elongate body having a longitudinal axis, and interior collapsible upon exterior of the blood vessel graft. Elongate body includes tubular fabric having intertwined coiled compression springs configured for elastically resisting longitudinal compression of the elongate body from a relaxed length, when compression springs are slightly stressed, and for elastically increasing diameter of the elongate body when compression springs are subjected to the longitudinal compression.