Abstract: A radiographic marker containing a sensing medium that initially includes a gas and liquid mixture for producing increased signal intensity in a first imaging modality. The radiographic marker can have a permeable portion allowing the exchange of the gases or liquids of the sensing medium to be changed or exchanged for at least a second fluid in the surrounding tissue to reduce the bubbles or air pockets created by the gas portion of the sensing medium. The change or exchange of gas for the second liquid in the radiographic marker produces a detectable signal intensity of the radiographic marker in a second imaging modality different from the first imaging modality.

Abstract: A device for reducing angulation error during the placement of dental implants or other dental procedures. Two or more sensors are used to monitor realtime orientation of a dental handpiece. One or more signal emitters are used in order to notify the user that a first orientation of the dental handpiece has been identified and recorded. One or more signal emitters are used to notify the user that the dental handpiece has been repositioned into a second orientation having a predetermined spatial relationship to the first orientation.

Abstract: A method of forming a dental tool or instrument having a memorized shape. The method comprises selecting a nitinol wire having an initial transition temperature below room temperature; grinding the nitinol wire to form the dental tool or instrument so as to have a shank, located adjacent a first end, and a working area, with at least one cutting edge, located adjacent an opposite second leading end; molding the working area into a molded shape having at least one protrusion formed therein; heating the dental tool or instrument to both: a) alter the initial transition temperature of the dental tool or instrument to a final transition temperature, and b) memorize the Molded shape including the at least one protrusion so that the dental tool or instrument will automatically return to the molded shape having the at least one protrusion when at a temperature at or above the final transition temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temporary resin-based crown that is used in dental prosthetic surgery to protect a prepared tooth before a final prosthesis is mounted on the prepared tooth, to a method for manufacturing the temporary resin-based crown, to a set of temporary resin-based crowns, and to a method for utilizing the set of temporary resin-based crowns. The temporary resin-based crown includes a body made of a thermoplastic resin softened at a temperature of 50 to 90° C. and having a hollow portion formed at the interior thereof, the body being standardized by the occlusal surface of a tooth, the outer shape of a tooth, a crown length, a mesiodistal crown diameter, a mesiodistal cervical area diameter, and labia-lingual and buccolingual crown diameters, and one temporary resin-based crown or two or more temporary resin-based crowns connected to each other is (are) provided.

Abstract: A series of appliances including a first shell and a second shell can be designed to incrementally implement a treatment plan. The first and second shells can have cavities designed to receive teeth of a jaw. The first shell can be designed to interface with a first surface of a plurality of surfaces of an attachment structure to provide a first engagement force specific to a first stage of the treatment plan. The second shell can be designed to interface with a second surface of the plurality of surfaces of the attachment structure attached to the at least one tooth of the first jaw to provide a second engagement force specific to a second stage of the treatment plan.

Abstract: A dental template to position an object on a patient's tooth includes digitizing the patient's tooth; adding virtual objects to predetermined locations on the digitized tooth; and fabricating the dental template to locate the object on the patient's tooth. The template can be used for etching or for positioning brackets on teeth.

Abstract: A plurality of self-ligating orthodontic brackets for use in orthodontic treatment wherein varying progressive forces against an archwire occur. In one variant, the varying forces are a result of the angle of the locking shutter. In another variant, the varying forces are a result of the curvature of the locking shutter. In a third variant, the varying forces are a result of a combination of the two.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a soft tissue preservation arrangement includes a hollow shell defining an interior volume extending from a proximal opening to a distal opening. The proximal opening is defined by a first perimeter that is smaller than a second perimeter defining the distal opening such that the shell tapers outwardly from the first perimeter to the second perimeter. The second perimeter is asymmetrically scalloped. The hollow shell either (1) is transparent or semi-transparent or (2) has a color configured to correspond to a color of a gingival tissue or a tooth.

Abstract: Methods and systems for scanning an intraoral cavity of a patient provide capturing one or more viewfinder images of the intraoral cavity and scanning the intraoral cavity with an intraoral scanner to generate one or more topography scans of the intraoral cavity. The one or more topography scans may correspond to the one or more viewfinder images. The methods and systems further provide capturing a viewfinder image of a portion of the intraoral cavity, the viewfinder image overlapping with the one or more viewfinder images. An area of overlap of the viewfinder image with the one or more viewfinder images can be determined. One or more indicators of the area of overlap can be displayed on one or more locations of a display in order to provide guidance for positioning a field of view of the intraoral scanner.

Abstract: A method of providing an accurate three-dimensional scan of a dental arch area is disclosed. The arch area has two segments and a connecting area between the two segments. The connecting area has homogeneous features. A connecting-geometry tool with at least one definable feature is affixed to the arch area. The definable feature overlays at least part of the connecting area. The arch area is scanned to produce a scanned dataset of the arch area. The definable feature of the connecting-geometry tool on the connection area is determined based on the scanned dataset. The dimensions of the arch area are determined based on the data relating to the definable features from the scanned dataset.

Abstract: Embodiments for estimating a surface texture of a tooth are described herein. One method embodiment includes collecting a sequence of images utilizing multiple light conditions using an intra-oral imaging device and estimating the surface texture of the tooth based on the sequence of images.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein employ a scanning system for capturing highly detailed digital dental models. These models may be used within a dentist's office for a wide array of dental functions including quality control, restoration design, and fitting. These models may also, or instead, be transmitted to dental laboratories that may, alone or in collaboration with the originating dentist or other dental professionals, transform the digital model into a physical realization of a dental hardware item.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of lithium silicate glass ceramics and glasses with rubidium oxide content for coating an oxide ceramic, a metal or an alloy.

Abstract: An arrangement (1) including at least one workpiece (2) for sintering, more particularly a dental workpiece, and having at least one support material (3), and including a sintering apparatus (4) for sintering the workpiece (2), wherein the sintering apparatus (4) has at least one gas inlet duct (5) for protective gas and at least one base surface (6), and the workpiece (2) lies on the base surface (6) on the support material (3) and protrudes at least partially beyond the support material (3), wherein the protective gas can be supplied to the workpiece (2) preferably exclusively through the support material (3).

Abstract: Floss dispensers are described. In one embodiment, a floss dispenser includes a housing and a feeder coupled to the housing. The feeder may be configured to feed a length of floss from a spool of floss. The floss dispenser also includes a spout formed in the housing. The spout may have a cutter entry and a cutter exit. The floss dispenser also includes a cutter coupled to the housing. The cutter may be coupled to the housing between the cutter entry and the cutter exit. The spout may be configured to guide the length of floss to the cutter. In another embodiment, a floss dispenser includes a housing and a reminder display. The reminder display may include a plurality of reminder lights coupled to the housing. The reminder lights may be configured to display a reminder to floss to a user. The floss dispenser also includes a timer connected to the reminder display. The timer may be configured to determine whether a predetermined period of time has passed since the user last flossed.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a liquid into live animals, comprising a cradle plate (18) having a cradle (24) for accommodating at least a part of an animal, sensors (20-1, 20-2, 20-3) for detecting a force acting upon the cradle plate, an injection mechanism (16) for injecting liquid into the animal, and a control unit (38) for triggering the injection mechanism (16) in response to signals received from the sensors, wherein at least three sensors (20-1-, 20-2, 20-3) are arranged for measuring forces with which the cradle plate (18) is pressed against a base (12) in at least three non-aligned positions, and the control unit (38) is adapted to trigger the injection mechanism (16) when the forces measured by the sensors are distributed according to a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: Automatic system for efficient delivery of biologics into target organs of zebrafish larvae for high-throughput in vivo screening. The system includes a reservoir containing zebrafish larvae immersed in a hydrogel in its liquid state. A microfluidic component removes a droplet of the hydrogel having a single zebrafish larva contained therein and deposits the droplet on a surface for receiving an array of hydrogel droplets. Structure or substances is provided for inducing the larva to assume a dorsal or lateral orientation within the droplet. A cooler cools the surface to solidify the hydrogel droplets thereby to immobilize the larvae for observation by an optical arrangement that identifies target organs in each larva using an image template-matching algorithm. A pressure driven microinjection needle injects biologics into the target organ of the zebrafish larva for screening studies.

Abstract: An efficient, safe, and reproducible surgical technique for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence, in which the anchor consists of removable string so that no string remains inside the body after positioning, fixation and adjustment of the sling in the target place during surgery and thus minimizing the subjects discomfort after placement of the sling. Thus allowing removal of the string from the passage of the anchor for short sling system. The short and long sling system further comprises fixation of the bearing, ring and the attachment that allows for anti-twisting element to provide better flexible attachment of the sling with the delivery device facilitating relative rotational motion of the bearing with the ring and the attachment but preventing axial displacement of the bearing with the attachment. [0035] The invention further contains a device which allows attachment of the sling with the delivery device by threading/screwing during assembly.

Abstract: Described are methods of treating urinary incontinence using a urinary sling and a tissue path that passes through the obturator foramen, along with related surgical implants, devices, systems, and kits.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to supportive tissue and adjusting the implant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthesis (1) comprising a textile (2) of elongate shape defining a longitudinal axis A, and a resilient frame (3) connected to said textile along substantially the peripheral edge of the textile, said frame forming, in the area of each short side of the textile, at least one U-shaped bend (4) extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis, said frame being able to adopt an unstressed configuration, in which said textile is deployed, and a stressed configuration, in which said frame is subjected to a radial force directed towards said longitudinal axis and said textile forms at least one longitudinal fold.

Abstract: Instrumentation for percutaneous delivery of blood filtration devices to atrial appendages includes a curved access sheath and a delivery tube. The curved access sheath is coursed through the patient's vasculature to gain transseptal access to a left atrial appendage. A compressed filter device attached to a tether wire is loaded in the delivery tube. The loaded delivery tube is advanced through the pre-positioned access sheath to place the device in a deployment position. The access sheath and the delivery tube can be mechanically locked and moved together to place the device in a suitable deployment position. The device is deployed by expelling it from the delivery tube either by retracting the delivery tube over the tether wire, or by moving the tether wire forward through the delivery tube. The expelled device, which is not constrained by the delivery tube walls, self expands to its useful size in the subject atrial appendage.

Abstract: Devices and methods for packaging, storing, and/or positioning ophthalmic lenses.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for performing intraocular lens implantation using real-time surgical reference indicium are disclosed. An example method includes recording a patient specific pre-operative still image of an eye prior to cyclorotation of the eye when a patient lies down for surgery and generating at least one real-time multidimensional visualization of at least a portion of the eye for display. The method further includes using the patient specific pre-operative still image to at least produce at least one virtual surgical reference indicium including an ocular natural vertical axis of the eye and align the at least one virtual surgical reference indicium to the eye in conjunction with the real-time multidimensional visualization of at least a portion of the eye. The patient specific pre-operative still image is captured under a dilation condition selected from the group consisting of natural dilation, chemical dilation, and no dilation.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) includes a first optic, a first set of haptics extending from the first optic, a second optic, a second set of haptics extending from the second optic, and a hinge joining the first and second sets of haptics. The IOL is subject to a pre-bias that biases the first and second optics away from one another along an anterior-posterior (A-P) axis. The IOL is also provided with a restraining element that restrains the optics relative to each other in a stressed, planar, non-accommodating configuration during implantation and a post-operative period. The restraining element extends across a portion of at least one of the first and second optics, but is not reliant on use of the haptics for support thereof. Upon release of the restraining element, the optics can move relative to each other along the A-P axis in accommodation.

Abstract: Embodiments of prosthetic valve frames for implantation within a native mitral valve can include a main body portion, and first and second radially extending flanges coupled to the main body portion. The flanges can be coupled to the main body such that the flanges are spaced father apart from one another when the main body portion is in a crimped configuration than when the main body portion is in an expanded configuration. Associated delivery systems and methods of delivery are provided.

Abstract: An intravascular cuff acts as a lining between a native vessel and an intravascular prosthetic device. During deployment, the ends of the cuff curl back upon themselves and are capable of trapping native tissue, such as valve leaflet tissue, between the ends. The cuff creates a seal between the vessel and the prosthetic, thereby preventing leakage around the prosthetic. The cuff also traps any embolic material dislodged from the vessel during expansion of the prosthetic.

Abstract: A delivery device for implanting a prosthetic heart valve. The device includes an inner shaft assembly, an outer sheath and a connector assembly. The inner shaft assembly defines a guide wire lumen. The outer sheath is slidably received over the inner shaft assembly, and forms an exit port proximate a distal end thereof. The connector assembly establishes a guide wire passageway between the guide wire lumen and the exit port. The connector assembly is configured to permit sliding movement of the outer sheath relative to the inner shaft assembly when deploying the prosthetic heart valve. The connector assembly can include first and second tubes that are slidable relative to one another in facilitating movement of the outer sheath relative to the inner shaft assembly.

Abstract: A radial head trial device for replacement of a proximal radial head includes a stem component having a center longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end, a head component axially and removably attachable to the stem component, wherein the head component is interchangeable with a selection of other head components each axially and removably attachable to the stem component, an anti-rotation feature, and a recess, wherein the anti-rotation feature is structured to be received in the recess to prohibit rotation of the head component relative to the stem component.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis is disclosed. The knee joint prosthesis can include a tibial baseplate, a tibial insert, and a spine. The tibial baseplate can include a tibial plateau, having a proximal surface and an opposing distal surface, and a tibial stem extending from the distal surface of the tibial plateau. The tibial insert can be located on the proximal surface of the tibial plateau and can include an aperture. The spine can extend through the aperture of the tibial insert and into a cavity of the tibial stem, from the proximal surface of the tibial plateau. The spine can be rotatable with respect to the tibial baseplate and the tibial insert. The knee joint prosthesis can further include a femoral component including a posteriorly-located femoral cam. The posteriorly-located femoral cam can engage the spine during movement of the knee joint prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention discloses a support element for humeral implant comprising a central body extending along an axis and at least three arms extending outwardly from the central body, the arms being transversal to said axis and bearing a ring element at their ends opposite to said central body, wherein at least a first and a second pair of arms form different angles.

Abstract: An implant system for total shoulder arthroplasties, hemi shoulder arthroplasties, and “reverse” total shoulder arthroplasties including a humeral stem having an enlarged head portion with interfaces adapted to removably receive various modular interchangeable components, such as articulating liners, spacers, and adapter inserts. The humeral stem functions as a universal platform that may be used in either conventional or “reverse” total shoulder arthroplasties, as well as hemi shoulder arthroplasties, and may remain implanted in place during a revision in which the implant system is converted between the foregoing configurations, for example.

Abstract: A revision implant component comprising a body having a plurality of screw holes and a tapered head configured to engage a talar dome component of a multi-component ankle prosthesis. A surgical method is disclosed which includes creating an incision in a patient, exposing a multi-component ankle prosthesis implanted in a patient, disassembling at least one component of the multi-component ankle prosthesis, affixing a revision implant component to non-damaged bone using screws, and coupling the revision implant component to a talar dome of the multi-component ankle prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.

Abstract: A spinal implant is provided that includes a body extending in direction at least substantially along a body axis, between a first end portion and a second end portion. The spinal implant also includes a first bearing surface disposed relative to the first end portion, and defining a first relief pattern that is configured to inhibit movement of the spinal implant relative to one or more vertebrae in at least substantially all directions. A method for manufacturing the spinal implant involves use of selective laser sintering.

Abstract: A system and method for spinal fusion comprising a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction releasably coupled to an insertion instrument dimensioned to introduce the spinal fusion implant into any of a variety of spinal target sites, in particular into the thoracic region of the spine.

Abstract: A vertebral insert may include a first linkage, a second linkage, and a third linkage. The first, second, and third linkages may at least partially defining a cavity. The insert may be movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and the movement of the first and second linkages with respect to one another may be configured to reciprocally move the insert between the collapsed and expanded configurations.

Abstract: A vertebral insert may include a first linkage, a second linkage, and a third linkage. The first, second, and third linkages may at least partially defining a cavity. The insert may be movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and the movement of the first and second linkages with respect to one another may be configured to reciprocally move the insert between the collapsed and expanded configurations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are minimally invasive systems and method for stabilizing the spine, while preserving a degree of spinal flexion and extension of the spine at the level of the stabilized vertebrae postoperatively. The systems and methods can include an expandable anchor and rod that span an intervertebral disc. The anchor can have interstices, and ends in two adjacent vertebral bodies. The system can also include a volume of bone cement media.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: A spacer for separating bones of a joint includes a frame and a carriage. The carriage has ramped surfaces, and is slideably moveable in relation to the frame. A screw support is moveably connected to the frame to form a changeable angular orientation with respect to the frame. An actuating screw is supported by the screw support, and is connected to the carriage to cause the carriage to slideably move in relation to the frame when the actuating screw is rotated. Opposing endplates are configured to engage opposing bone of the joint, and each has ramped surfaces mateable with the ramped surfaces of the carriage. When the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuating screw, the ramped surfaces of the carriage and the endplates slide against each other, causing the endplates to move relatively apart, to increase the height of the spacer.

Abstract: An osteotome suitable for cutting through cancellous bone that is holding an orthopaedic implant requiring revision within a cavity of a bone, comprises a cylindrical waveguide connectable to a source of ultrasonic vibrations at its proximal end and a blade having a hollow part-cylindrical cross-section and a cutting edge at its distal tip. The respective longitudinal axes of the waveguide and the blade cross at an angle of about 30°, and the waveguide and blade taper and curve smoothly together where they meet. The osteotome is dimensioned such that a first antinode of the ultrasoncic vibrations is located at a proximal end of the waveguide, a second antinode is located at the distal tip of the blade and a node is located where the waveguide and blade meet. The osteotome cuts readily through cancellous bone when ultrasonically energized.

Abstract: Insertion tool assemblies for positioning an implant at a target location in a patient. Insertion tool assemblies that comprise first and second jaw portions configured to engage an implant; a sleeve assembly coupled to the first and second jaw portions; and a handle coupled to the sleeve assembly.

Abstract: Anchor removal instruments and methods for using the instruments are provided. In some embodiments, an intervertebral implant anchor extractor tool comprises a support, a support retainer configured to hold the support fixed with respect to the implant, an extractor having an anchor retainer, and an extractor guide. An embodiment of a method of using this implant anchor extractor tool comprises the steps of obtaining access to an anchor, grasping the anchor, and applying a withdrawal force on the anchor while applying a countervailing force against the implant or a vertebral structure.

Abstract: An ankle module for a prosthetic foot can have an adapter portion pivotally coupled to a base portion. The base portion can be coupled to the prosthetic foot. The adapter portion can have a coupling member that removably couples the prosthetic foot to a prosthetic pylon or socket. The adapter portion can also have cylinders housing pistons slidably displaceable within the cylinders. An actuator is selectively actuatable to place the cylinders in fluid communication, allowing a fluid to flow between the cylinders as an angular position of the adapter portion is adjusted relative to the base portion, thereby adjusting the dorsi-plantar position between the adapter portion and the base portion of the ankle module. The actuator can be selectively actuatable to fluidly isolate the cylinders from each other so that the angular position of the adapter portion relative to the base portion remains substantially fixed.

Abstract: A method for operating a grasping device and grasping devices therefrom are provided. The grasping device is configured to use a plurality of parallel, bi-directional state flow maps each defining a sequence of poses for a plurality of joints in the grasping device. The method include receiving at least one control signal, determining a current pose of the grasping device within the one of the plurality of state flow maps currently selected for the grasping device, and selectively actuating the plurality of joints to traverse the sequence of poses, where a direction for traversing the sequence of poses is based on the at least one control signal.

Abstract: A control method for an arm prosthesis having at least one powered joint and at least one inertial measurement sensor (IMS) includes determining a motion and an orientation of the arm prosthesis relative to the inertial reference frame based at least on an output of the IMS and generating control signals for the at least one powered joint based on the motion and the orientation of the prosthetic arm.

Abstract: A method and process for at least partially forming a medical device which improves the physical properties of the medical device.

Abstract: Implantable splinting devices for supporting a passageway defect in a patient that is formed from one or more support structures including a polymer or a polymer and acellularized tissue matrix that define a structural component that substantially conforms to a defective passageway of the patient. The structural component also has a plurality of pores. The implantable splinting device is capable of being placed around a trachea, a bronchi, an esophagus and a blood vessel of a patient. The implantable splinting device may also be configured for placement between the trachea, and the esophagus of a patient.

Abstract: Catheter including an inner tubular member, an outer tubular member movable relative to the inner tubular member, and an expandable member coupled to the distal end portion of the inner tubular member. The expandable member having an inner chamber and transitionable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. A pressure chamber is defined by the proximal seal, the distal seal, the exterior surface of the inner tubular member and interior surface of the outer tubular member, with the pressure chamber in fluid communication with a fluid flow port, wherein fluid introduced through the fluid flow port and into the pressure chamber applies a force on the proximal seal to urge the outer tubular member in a proximal direction.