Abstract: A method and systems for treating chronic total occlusions, particularly those that are difficult to treat, is disclosed. In this approach, recanalizing the CTO is achieved using a combined antegrade and retrograde approach. The proximal end of the occlusion is penetrated using an antegrade wire, using a traditional approach. Using collateral vessels, the distal end of the occlusion is crossed in a retrograde fashion. By appropriately maneuvering each member and applying radiofrequency energy between the proximal and distal ends of the occlusion, a continuous channel is created.

Abstract: An energy applicator for directing energy to tissue includes a feedline and a radiating section operably coupled to the feedline, wherein the radiating section has a length. The energy applicator also includes a length adjustment member adapted to allow for selective adjustment of the length of the radiating section.

Abstract: A method for local heating includes placing first magnetic material in a first lumen, and a second magnetic material in a second lumen from the first magnetic material to a magnetically permeable rod, then applying alternating magnetic fields. The first lumen may be a fallopian tube. A method of occluding fallopian tubes uses a catheter to inject first magnetic material into the tubes, injecting second magnetic fluid into uterus, introducing a magnetically-permeable rod into vagina, positioning a second end of the rod over the fallopian tube and applying an alternating magnetic field to the first magnetic material to heat it. The method is performed with apparatus having a coil wound over a magnetically-permeable rod, a high frequency AC generator coupled to the coil, a first magnetic fluid capable of generating heat in an alternating magnetic field, and a second magnetically-permeable magnetic fluid capable of conducting magnetic fields through a lumen.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The generator includes a radio frequency output stage configured to generate a radio frequency waveform and a sensor circuit configured to measure a property of the radio frequency waveform during a predetermined sampling period to determine whether an arc event has occurred. The generator also includes a controller configured to determine a total charge and/or total energy deposited by the radio frequency waveform during the predetermined sampling period associated with the arc event. The controller is further configured to adjust the output of the electrosurgical generator based on at least one parameter to limit arcing.

Abstract: A system for monitoring ablation size is provided and includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing at least one control algorithm. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. An ablation zone control module is in operative communication with a memory associated with the power source. The memory includes one or more data look-up tables including data pertaining to a control curve varying over time and being representative of one or more electrical parameters associated with the microwave antenna. Points along the control curve correspond to a value of the electrical parameters and the ablation zone control module triggers a signal when a predetermined threshold value of the electrical parameter(s) is measured corresponding to the radius of the ablation zone.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a power source, a microwave applicator, a switching mechanism, and a controller. The power source is configured to generate microwave energy. The microwave applicator is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue. The switching mechanism includes a housing having input and output ports. The input port is connectable to the power source and the output port is connectable to the microwave applicator. The housing is configured to house one or more switches therein. The controller is in operative communication with the switching mechanism to toggle the switch from a first state, wherein microwave energy generated by the power source is directed to the microwave applicator to a second state, wherein microwave energy is directed to a resistive load operably coupled to the switching mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a skin treatment device for personal use. The device includes an optical radiation providing module operating in pulsed or continuous operation mode, a mechanism for continuously displacing the device across the skin, and a device displacement speed monitoring arrangement. When the device is applied to skin, the optical pulses repetition rate establishes the power of the optical radiation as a function of the device displacement speed. The device a hair removal mechanism configured to mechanically remove hair from the treated segment of the skin.

Abstract: Image-guided therapy of a tissue can utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or another medical imaging device to guide an instrument within the tissue. A workstation can actuate movement of the instrument, and can actuate energy emission and/or cooling of the instrument to effect treatment to the tissue. The instrument can be an MRI compatible laser probe that provides thermal therapy to, e.g., a tissue in a brain of a patient. By tracking a probe position within tissue through feedback, multiple data slices provided around the probe position can be processed to monitor treatment and view thermal data. The operator selects treatment area reference points with the assistance of noise masking.

Abstract: A medical workstation includes a position provided for medical personnel during a medical activity on a patient, and storage units for receiving medical instruments or tools. The storage units are arranged in the shape of an arc of a circle around the position provided for medical personnel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and devices for positioning and placing multiple electrodes in a target surgical site. A guide block is disclosed which introduces electrodes into target tissue and includes an elongated, generally rectilinear bar having a plurality of slots defined therethrough. Each of the slots is configured to selectively receive and retain a corresponding electrode therein. The rectilinear bar is malleable and selectively bendable from a substantially linear configuration to a substantially curved configuration to facilitate positioning the guide block relative to target tissue.

Abstract: A robotic tool holder, including a housing, configured to be gripped by a human hand, and a wireless transmitter, located within the housing. The holder further includes a plurality of individual controls attached to the housing, the controls being configured, in a first mode of operation of the robotic tool holder, to activate respective motions of a first surgical tool physically attached to the housing in response to manipulation of the controls by the human hand, and in a second mode of operation of the robotic tool holder, to activate via the wireless transmitter respective motions of a second surgical tool remote from and disconnected from the housing in response to the manipulation.

Abstract: A multi-user medical robotic system for collaboration or training in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes first and second master input devices, a first slave robotic mechanism, and at least one processor configured to generate a first slave command for the first slave robotic mechanism by switchably using one or both of a first command indicative of manipulation of the first master input device by a first user and a second command indicative of manipulation of the second master input device by a second user. To facilitate the collaboration or training, both first and second users communicate with each other through an audio system and see the minimally invasive surgery site on first and second displays respectively viewable by the first and second users.

Abstract: A robotic system. A housing is removably attachable to a tool interface portion of the robotic system and includes a drive system. In various arrangements, the drive system includes at least one onboard motor that is configured to generate a rotary control motion for application to a surgical end effector. A first drive assembly operably interfaces with portions of the tool interface portion to generate another rotary control motion for application to the surgical end effector.

Abstract: A medical device (10), for use in an operating room, has a basic body (20) with a mechanical ceiling interface (22) for mounting on a mounting bracket (210) of a ceiling mounting system (200). The basic body (20) has a mechanical frame interface (24) for mounting on a floor-mounted frame (100).

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for gauging a bone tunnel. In one exemplary embodiment, a graft repair system can include an elongate pin, an elongate pusher shaft configured to be positioned over one opposed end of the pin when the pin is positioned within a bone tunnel, and a gauge member configured to be positioned over another opposed end of the pin when the pin is positioned within the bone tunnel. When the pusher shaft abuts the bone adjacent one of the open ends of the bone tunnel and the gauge member abuts the bone adjacent the other open end of the bone tunnel, an indicator mark on the pin can be visible through one or more windows formed in the gauge member. The indicator mark's position relative to each of the one or more windows can indicate one or more characteristics related to the bone tunnel.

Abstract: A malleolar registration clamp comprising a reference unit and a receiving portion for receiving the malleolus, wherein the receiving portion is designed to receive at least part of the malleolus in a defined position relative to the receiving portion, and the position of the reference unit relative to the receiving portion is defined.

Abstract: A registration method whereby a sensor-based approach is used to establish initial registration and whereby upon the commencement of navigating an endoscope, image-based registration methods are used in order to more accurately maintain the registration between the endoscope location and previously-acquired images. A six-degree-of-freedom location sensor is placed on the probe in order to reduce the number of previously-acquired images that must be compared to a real-time image obtained from the endoscope.

Abstract: Systems and methods that utilize optical sensors and non-optical sensors to determine the position and/or orientation of objects. A navigation system includes an optical sensor for receiving optical signals from markers and a non-optical sensor, such as a gyroscope, for generating non-optical data. A navigation computer determines positions and/or orientations of objects based on optical and non-optical data.

Abstract: A device for marking a treatment isocenter on a patient's body includes a base including alignment indicia; a marker disposed over the base and positioned relative to the indicia for marking the isocenter on the patient's body; and an actuator for actuating the marker and causing a mark indicating the isocenter to be made on the patient's body. The actuator can include a button and a spring coupled to the marker. Compressing the actuator causes the marker to travel through an ink well prior to piercing the patient's skin. The device is disposable as intended for a single use.

Abstract: A foot pedal control for a surgical system, e.g., an ophthalmic surgery system, that adjusts to a number of different sizes of user's shoes. The foot pedal control has a treadle on which a user places his or her foot and a sensor that tracks the movements thereof. Adjustable lateral guides mount to the treadle and conform to both sides of the foot. The guides are shaped and positioned to conform to a wide variety of feet or shoes, and may easily be adjusted between users. A retractable heel stop converts between up for reference and down to enhance movement of the user's foot. A convertible handle may be stowed in a down position parallel to a base or pivoted up over the treadle for protection and ease of movement of the foot pedal control. The foot pedal control may be wireless and have various other electronic controls, and may have a dual-control treadle.

Abstract: Provided is a nozzle mounting structure of a component container by which a nozzle configured to rotate between a first position and a second position may be mounted to a housing without the need for a high processing precision and a high assembly precision. A pair of shaft portions support a body with the nozzle unitarily formed therewith. The nozzle rotates between the first position and the second position. A curved convex surface provided on the body is pressed against a curved concave surface provided on a first bottom wall portion of a housing by a pressing force imparted from a support portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for moving a tooth to a desired position within a patient's mouth using orthodontics including perforating tissue in the oral cavity sufficient to induce an inflammatory response. The perforations may be made in any area of the maxilla or mandible, and any number of perforations may be made that are preferably 0.5 to 1.5 mm diameter, and preferably 1 to 3 mm deep. The invention also provides a device that may be used in conjunction with slow-speed rotary instruments or with manual drivers for providing the perforations. The device has a drill that makes the perforations and a stop that prevents the drill from penetrating the jaw bone beyond a predetermined depth. The invention also provides a kit that supplies the professional with the necessary components in a sealed container to carry out the osteoperforations. The kit may include hand held and rotatory perforating devices, anesthetic, and a soft tissue punch.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for tracking teeth movement correction. One method embodiment includes using a set of positioning appliances shaped to move teeth through a number of successive stages of arrangements of an expected teeth arrangement model where each stage corresponds to a particular positioning appliance, mapping a current teeth position based upon positions of a number of physical markers attached to a number of physical teeth, comparing the positions of the number of physical markers with a corresponding number of virtual markers positioned on a number of virtual teeth of a stage in the expected teeth arrangement model, determining whether midcourse correction is needed.

Abstract: The orthodontic archwire bracket comprises a base body (10) having a base element (11) to be fixed to a tooth and a bracket body (20) having a socket element (25) surrounded by a perimetric wall (32) including two opposed slot portions (21a, 21b) forming a slot (21) to receive an archwire. The base and bracket bodies (10, 20) are connected by a ball and socket joint coupling. The perimetric wall (32) has a slit (33) providing a gap. A control element (60) mounted on the bracket body (20) is changeable between locking and unlocking positions to expand or constrict the bracket body (20) by increasing or reducing the gap. The ball and socket joint coupling is locked by friction when the control element (50) is in the locking position and the ball and socket joint coupling is unlocked enabling relative movement in three coordinate axes when the control element (50) is in the unlocking position.

Abstract: A dental implant has a coronal body that connects to a bone fixation body. The bone fixation body has a porous structure that includes a location at which the porous structure extends throughout the bone fixation body and through a center of the bone fixation body in a cross-sectional view of the bone fixation body. The bone fixation body also includes an internal cavity with a substance to stimulate bone growth.

Abstract: A modified dental implant fixture designed to preserve lingual bone by having the coronal aspect of the implant being compatible with bony anatomy that is higher on the lingual side of the implant surgical site. The implant may be of either the single stage or the two stage design. By modifying the shape of the top of the implant fixture to mimic healing/healed bony anatomy, bone is preserved and bone growth is possibly encourage.

Abstract: A digital painting process provides computer-controlled finishing of dental articles. The process can selectively apply different materials over portions of a dental article in one or more layers to achieve a multi-chromatic finish having a variety of colors, finishes, and surface properties that closely match the appearance and function of human dentition.

Abstract: A flossing device and a method of manufacture thereof, consisting of a first elongated member and a second elongated member that is removably coupled to the first elongated member along an interior side of a top region of the first elongated member. The flossing device includes a floss member coupled to the second elongated member and extending through an aperture of the first elongated member. The floss member includes a first enlarged stop member at an end distal from the second elongated member and sized to fit within a countersunk enlarged channel but not fit through a narrow channel in communication with the enlarged channel.

Abstract: A device is provided for preventative and acute treatment of teeth and gums, with a handle (1) and a treatment element mounted on the handle for insertion into the mouth of a patient, comprising an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle. In order to treat teeth and gums, for example, for dissolving and removing lipophilic bacteria, and to provide for treatment and massage of the gums without risk of damage to the epithelia, in addition to feeding care and treatment agents, the treatment element (2) comprises a three-dimensional, rotationally symmetrical surface made at least partially of open-pore foam, wherein the treatment element (3) is mounted so as to be freely rotatable about the axis of rotation, such that the rotationally symmetrical surface thereof can be rolled along the teeth and/or gums.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to oral hygiene. In particular, embodiments of the invention relate to a multi-headed toothbrush and method for brushing teeth.

Abstract: Tissue augmentation devices, as well as methods of manufacturing and using the same, are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a tissue augmentation device comprises an elongate tissue penetrating member and an amount of remodelable material, wherein at least a portion of the elongate member is cannulated, and at least a portion of the amount of material is received within at least a portion of the cannulated portion of the elongate member. The elongate tissue penetrating member may provide at least one deformation that is configured to constrict portions of the amount of remodelable material received within the elongate member. In alternate embodiments, a flexible covering over an implantable biomaterial provides protection and allows an easier delivery of the biomaterial to a tissue tract.

Abstract: An intravascular filter configured for upstream or downstream retrieval and a method for retrieving an intravascular filter from a patient's vena cava through the patient's femoral vein. The filter includes a downstream hub, an upstream hub, a plurality of primary struts extending from the downstream hub to the upstream hub, a plurality of secondary struts extending upstream from fixed ends housed in the downstream hub to free ends, secondary strut eyelets disposed at the free ends of the secondary struts, a loop member disposed through the secondary strut eyelets, an upstream coupling element disposed with the upstream hub, and a tether extending from the loop member to the upstream coupling element.

Abstract: A novel catheter-based system which ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter positioned inside the left atrial appendage which may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement of a ligature on the outside of the appendage, and a ligating catheter and/or instrument outside the heart in the pericardial space to set a ligating element at the neck of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A filter device assembly and a method of using such a device to capture and remove embolic material from a body lumen or blood vessel are provided. The filter device assembly generally includes a structure having a collapsed state and an expanded state with first, second, and optionally N additional filter members circumferentially attached thereto. Each filter member forms an annulus chamber with the first filter member having porosity P1; the second filter member circumferentially having porosity P2; and the N additional filter members each having porosity [P3 . . . P(2+N)]. The magnitude of the porosity for the first, second, and N additional filter members follows the relationship P1>[P3>. . . >P(2+N)]>P2. The first, second, and N additional filter portions are configured in the expanded state to allow blood to flow there through and to capture emboli in the annulus chambers.

Abstract: Elongated and high aspect ratio tissue treatment products are provided. Methods of making and using the tissue treatment products are also provided. The tissue treatment products can be used as implants that conform to the site of implantation and resist migration away from their implantation site in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed are an artificial dura mater and manufacturing method thereof. The artificial dura mater includes electrospun layers prepared by electrostatic spinning, at least one of which is a hydrophobic electrospun layer. Further, above the hydrophobic electrospun layer, there can be at least one hydrophilic electrospun layer. A transition layer can be further included between the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic electrospun layers. Additionally, cytokines and/or medicines can be affixed to either or both of the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic electrospun layers, by way of bio-printing. The disclosed artificial dura mater shows good biocompatibility, enhances dural tissue regeneration, achieves excellent repairing effects, prevents adhesion, allows complete absorption, has good mechanical properties, ensures low infection rates, and can be loaded with therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A ureteral stent comprising a short renal coil made of a pliable material and a wick portion made of a material having a hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity different from that of the renal coil and extending from a ureteropelvic junction to a bladder so as to assist in the transfer of urine out of a kidney and into the bladder and to improve patient comfort. Due to increased hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity, wick may be significantly smaller in diameter than renal coil, resulting in less reflux of urine into the kidney and further decreasing patient discomfort. The stent may further comprise one or more couplers between the renal coil and wick portion, and the wick portion may comprise a sheath surrounding an elastic core to prevent kinking and enhance the ability of the wick portion to move with the patient. A method of ureteral stent placement is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the regeneration, reconstruction, repair, augmentation or replacement of organs or tissue structures using scaffolds and autologous cells that are not derived from such organs or tissues.

Abstract: A tubular vascular stent graft with passively pulsating section where the difference between the cross-sectional areas of the lumen under the systolic and diastolic pressures after the implantation is 10% or more. The pulsating stent graft accumulates blood during the systolic pressure wave thus lowering the peak value of the tugging force at the proximal attachment site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for controlled loading of a reconstructed human or animal tissue during the healing phase, comprising an anchor element (10) for implanting in a first bone (50), at least one connecting element (20), and one retaining element (30) for the at least one connecting element (20) on a second bone (40). The anchor element (10) and/or the connecting element (20) and/or the retaining element (30) are made of self-dissolving bioresorbable material.

Abstract: An assembly for securing a plurality of ligaments to a bone includes a first portion exhibited by such as a ring shaped clamp with a tab and slot or a split stem incorporating a plurality of spaced apart ring shaped clamps compressively gripping about the ligaments. A second portion includes at least one of a screw or a ring extending portion engaging a ligament end loop or an undercut recess seating portion extending from an end of a body also incorporating the first portion, and such that the second portion extends from an end of the ligaments and mounts to the bone. The ligaments may further include first and second end-to-end attached sections, between which are configured angled and opposing/aligning incisions.

Abstract: Corneal implant retaining devices and their methods of use. The retaining devices can be a cap adapted to be disposed over a portion of a corneal implant insertion device.

Abstract: A method for the preoperative selection of an intraocular lens to optimise the results of refractive surgery on the eye. On the basis of an eye model comprising the individual biometric parameters of the eye, potentially suitable IOLs are selected on the basis of their optical parameters such as optical power, asphericity and toricity, and the residual refraction of potentially suitable IOLs is calculated using ray tracing. Various metrics, preferably retinal image metrics, are used to calculate the residual refraction and in order to improve the selection, at least one additional parameter is taken into consideration for the calculation, said calculation taking the postoperative effects of the selected IOL and/or of the surgical technique used into account.

Abstract: An accommodating IOL comprises an optic adapted to focus light toward a retina of an eye, and a movement assembly coupled to the eye to provide effective accommodating movement, preferably axial movement, of the optic. At least a portion of the movement assembly is made from a material that is less stiff and/or more resilient than the material used to make the optic. Optionally, an outer ring or support portion made at least partially from either a relatively stiff material such as the material used in the optic or a relatively resilient material such as the material used in the movement assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A stentless support structure capable of being at least partly assembled in situ. The support structure comprises a braided tube that is very flexible and, when elongated, becomes very long and very small in diameter, thereby being capable of placement within a small diameter catheter. The support structure is preferably constructed of one or more thin strands of a super-elastic or shape memory material such as Nitinol. When released from the catheter, the support structure folds itself into a longitudinally compact configuration. The support structure thus gains significant strength as the number of folds increase. This radial strength obviates the need for a support stent. The support structure may include attachment points for a prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A delivery device usable to deliver an inverting implant is provided that includes a positioning mechanism that automatically initiates the inversion process once a predetermined length of the implant has exited a delivery catheter. The positioning mechanism allows the implant to be safely and accurately deployed with reduced operator experience and in a greater variety of target locations.

Abstract: A protective device or bridge comprising a central arch is suitable to be placed between an annuplasty device placed in the coronary sinus and an underlying coronary artery to inhibit transmission of compressive force on the coronary artery by the annuplasty device.

Abstract: A sheath and cerclage thread for mitral cerclage annuloplasty, where the cerclage thread is inserted into a lumen created independently from the lumen through which the guide wire is passed.

Abstract: Devices and associated methods are disclosed for treating bone, and particularly bone tissue at the joints. Disclosed are implantable devices that can be used either alone or in combination with this augmentation or hardening material for the repair of bone defects and which are particularly suited for use at the joints, and even more particularly suited for use at the subchondral bone level.

Abstract: A separate nub component between the plate and an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the nub is attached to the plate. The nub lessens the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. It is believed that when the nub fits snugly between the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, it acts as a stop against the undesired pivotal movement of the plate.