Abstract: A method in which a location is determined on the skin that is proximate to a sensory nerve that is associated with a painful condition. At least one needle of a cryogenic device is inserted into the location on the skin such that the needle is proximate to the sensory nerve. The device is activated such that the at least one needle creates a cooling zone about the sensory nerve, thereby eliminating or reducing severity of the painful condition.

Abstract: A balloon elongation apparatus includes an elongated hypotube with a distal end having a reduced inner diameter portion that is configured to radially expand when a mandrel is advanced through a lumen of the hypotube towards the reduced inner diameter portion. A medical kit includes a catheter having a distally-located balloon and the elongation apparatus disposed within a guide wire tube of the catheter. In use, the balloon is elongated following a procedure in order to facilitate retracting the balloon into a sheath. The balloon is elongated by first advancing the mandrel relative to the hypotube so that the hypotube radially expands and firmly engages an inner surface of the guide wire tube and then advancing the mandrel, hypotube, and distal end of the guide wire tube relative to the catheter body.

Abstract: The disclosure provides various apparatuses comprising a shaft section extending longitudinally along a first plane. An end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw configured to pivotally open and close in a second plane relative to the first plane about a pivot point. The first plane is orthogonal to the second plane. An articulation section is disposed between the shaft section and the end effector. The articulation section is configured to articulate in the second plane relative to the first plane in response to a rotatable articulation control mechanism. Also disclosed are configuration where at least one of the first and second jaws comprises an electrode. Also disclosed are configurations in which the end effector pivots and articulates about the same pivot point.

Abstract: The present embodiments enable the length and/or diameter of the heating segment of a medical treatment device to be adjusted on the fly during a treatment procedure, without a need to interrupt the procedure, thus allowing a single catheter to be used at different locations in a hollow anatomical structure.

Abstract: A method for treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis to alleviate the discomforts of breathing by using non-thermal electroporation energy to ablate diseased portions of the lung including the bronchus, airways and alveoli which, in effect, opens the restrictive diseased portions thereby maximizing the overall surface area thereof causing improved airflow and uninhibited breathing.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for generating and distributing heat at a target area of a patient's body for treating lesions, tumors, cancers, body pain and nerve pain. The generated heat and the tissue temperature are monitored in real time. The system comprises a radio frequency (RF) antenna for receiving the RF waves generated from the RF generator. A RF absorber comprising several closed loop circuits and a miniaturized thermometer are implanted inside the body close to the target tissue. A controller/optimizer regulates a frequency and a transmission timing of the RF waves based on the measured target tissue temperature. The thermometer, the RF absorber and the wireless transmitter are placed in a screw. The RF absorber is made of metal with RF absorption rate higher than that of biological tissues. A ultrasound energy is also used to treat the target area.

Abstract: An optical blade and a hair cutting device is configured to cut a hair near skin of a human body part or animal body part. The optical blade maybe used in a hair cutting device and includes a blade body configured to guide optical radiation, and a tapered end configured to allow the optical radiation to exit the optical blade. The tapered end includes a reflector configured to redirect the optical radiation before it exits the optical blade.

Abstract: A dermatologic treatment device having a light source emitting optical radiation beneficial to a dermatologic treatment, and a user interface selectively operating the device in at least one of a pulse mode and strobe mode. The light source emits a single optical radiation pulse in pulse mode to spot treat a portion of a skin surface during the dermatologic treatment, and the light source emits a continuous sequence of optical radiation pulses in strobe mode to treat multiple locations on the skin surface during the dermatologic treatment.

Abstract: A hair treatment (40) device is provided comprising a light-based detector (10) for detecting a hair (22) near a skin surface (21) the detector (10) comprising a light source (11), optical elements (14, 16, 17, 18) and a polarization-sensitive light sensor (12, 13). The light source (11) is provided for generating a light beam (31) with an incident polarization. The optical elements (14, 16, 17, 18) are provided for focusing the light beam (31) at the hair (22) near the skin surface (21). The polarization-sensitive light sensor (12, 13) is provided for detecting light interacted with the hair (22) or the skin surface (21) and having a predefined linear polarization. The light source (11) and/or the optical elements (14, 16, 17, 18) are arranged to cause the light beam (31) to simultaneously have multiple spatially separated foci (51, 52, 53) at or near the hair (22) or the skin surface (21).

Abstract: A sterile drape for a C-arm X-ray device includes a slide rail assembly configured to be connected to a C-arm of an X-ray device that extends from a lower portion of the C-arm to an upper portion of the C-arm. The sterile drape further comprises a sterile drape assembly comprising a length of compliant material, the sterile drape assembly configured to be detachably coupled to the upper portion of the C-arm and to the slide rail assembly. The sterile drape also comprises an anchor assembly configured to be connected to the C-arm X-ray device at one end and configured to be connected to the sterile drape assembly at the other end so that the anchor assembly draws the sterile drape assembly along the slide rail assembly as the C-arm is rotated.

Abstract: A surgical device adapter for coupling an end effector to a surgical device includes: a proximal joint housing that is couplable to the surgical device; a middle joint housing that is pivotally coupled to the distal end of the proximal joint housing; and a distal joint housing that is pivotally coupled to the distal end of the middle joint housing. The middle joint housing is pivotable about a first pivot axis defined between the proximal joint housing and the middle joint housing. The distal joint housing is couplable to the end effector and pivotable about a second pivot axis defined between the middle joint housing and the distal joint housing, the second pivot axis being transverse to the first pivot axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of a cannula seal are disclosed. In some embodiments, a cannula seal can include a base portion that engages with a cannula; and a seal portion integrally formed with the base portion that slidebly engages with an instrument shaft such that an insertion frictional force between the seal portion and the instrument shaft for insertion of the instrument shaft is symmetrical and substantially equal with a retraction frictional force.

Abstract: A remote center manipulator for use in minimally invasive robotic surgery includes a base link held stationary relative to a patient, an instrument holder, and a linkage coupling the instrument holder to the base link. First and second links of the linkage are coupled to limit motion of the second link to rotation about a first axis intersecting a remote center of manipulation. A parallelogram linkage portion of the linkage pitches the instrument holder around a second axis that intersects the remote center of manipulation. The second axis is not coincident with the first axis. Third and fourth links of the linkage are coupled to limit motion of the fourth link to rotation about a third axis intersecting the remote center of manipulation. The third axis is not coincident with either of the first and second axes. Various combinations of hardware-constrained remote center of motion robotic manipulators with redundant mechanical degrees of freedom are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for performing minimally invasive surgery through an aperture of a patient. In accordance with a method, parameters are received from an input device associated with a surgeon, the parameters indicating a desired state of an end effector of a surgical instrument oriented through the aperture. The surgical instrument is included in a mechanical assembly having a first set of joints. Instructions are then computed for controlling the mechanical assembly using the received parameters by computing instructions for controlling a second set joints, the second set of joints including the first set of joints and an additional joint, the additional joint being absent from the mechanical assembly. The mechanical assembly is then driven so as to move the end effector toward the desired state based on the computed instructions.

Abstract: A cochlear implant device includes a deformable and stretchable flexible strip composed of a biological compatible material and positioned about a longitudinal axis so as to form a spiral. The implant device has a plurality of conductive strips with electrode windows formed so as to expose a segment of each conductive strip. A density of the electrode windows is sufficient to monitor a distance of the flexible strip from a non-conductive tissue of a patient in a 360 degree field of view about the longitudinal axis. A method of inserting a cochlear implant includes providing a multi-joint robot comprised of a series of actuator units, guiding the multi-joint robot into an inner ear of a patient, monitoring the position of the multi-joint robot relative to a non-conductive portion of the patient; and applying current to the multi joint robot so as to adjust the position of the actuator units.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a robotic catheter system in a responsive state includes a catheter, a plurality of linear translatable control elements, and a controller. In an embodiment, the catheter includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and at least two steering wires. The steering wires may be configured at one end to control the movement of at least a portion of the distal portion of the catheter and at the other end for connection to a control member. In an embodiment, each control element may be configured to engage or interface with a respective control member, and the controller may be configured to measure a force exerted on at least one control member by a respective control element and further configured to linearly translate the control element to substantially maintain a force within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A device including a first member extending along an axis between a first end and a second end. The first end includes a first portion spaced apart from a second portion by a gap extending parallel to the axis. An inner surface of the first portion and an inner surface of the second portion defining a cavity. A pivoting member is movably disposed in the cavity and includes an inner surface defining a passageway. A second member is disposed within the passageway. The pivoting member is movable between a first orientation such that the gap has a first width and the pivoting member is rotatable to a selected trajectory relative to the axis and a second orientation such that the gap has a second width that is less than the first width and the second member is fixed in the selected trajectory. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for tracking a position of a sensor includes generating a periodic magnetic field in a vicinity of the sensor, the field having a positive polarity phase and a negative polarity phase with respective constant positive and negative amplitudes. First and second field measurement signals are produced responsively to the magnetic field at the sensor during the positive and negative polarity phases, respectively. The position of the sensor is determined responsively to the first and second field measurement signals.

Abstract: A device for mixing and dispensing at least two flowable components comprises a housing front face with an outlet for the components and a piston having a piston front face. The piston is arranged such that the piston front face and the housing front face are facing each other. The piston front face and the housing front face are adapted to form a channel for the components between each other. The device is adapted to reduce the channel upon urging the piston front face and the housing front face against each other and thereby to displace the components to flow toward the outlet. The device facilitates mixing and dispensing a multi-component dental material.

Abstract: The invention provides a biocompatible article having a surface comprising collagen fibrils attached to said surface via one or more linker molecules, wherein each of said collagen fibrils is attached to at least one of said one or more linker molecules at a proximal end of the fibril, and wherein each of said collagen fibril has a proximal portion extending from said proximal end to a point P along said fibril, wherein, for a majority of said fibrils, each fibril at said point P is oriented so as to form an angle ?P in the range of 0° to 45° to the surface normal N at the point of attachment of said fibril to said surface. The collagen fibril-coated surface has improved biocompatibility and is useful in a medical implant intended for implantation into soft tissue or bone tissue.

Abstract: A method for mapping a sensor pixel array to an illumination pixel array according to a surface forms a group map by assigning each pixel on the sensor array to a corresponding group of an ordered set of groups, each group defined by a set of p adjacent pixels on the illumination pixel array by projecting and recording at least n projected images from a first set of n binary patterns, with transitions between pixels in each of the n binary patterns only at group boundaries. At least m images from a second set of m binary patterns are projected and recorded, with one or more transitions between pixels in each of the m binary pattern offset from group boundaries. At least p multiline images are projected and recorded. Lines in the recorded multiline images are correlated with lines in the multiline images according to the group map.

Abstract: A material composition for use in forming a porous metal structure and dental coping in the preparation of a dental restoration comprising a composite of metal particles in a matrix including low fusing temperature metal particles and at least between 35 to 85% medium fusing temperature metal particles by volume with the medium fusing temperature metal particles possessing a melting characteristic which during heat treatment of the material composition to form the porous metal structure results in partial melting of the medium fusing temperature metal particles to the extent of between about 4% to 50% by volume of the particle mass of each medium fusing temperature metal particle.

Abstract: A method for automated manufacture of dentures including providing a digital data set of the individual denture to be produced, a digital separation of the model into dental arch and gingival, producing the dental arch from a ceramic or plastic material using cutting technology, producing the denture base through generative or ablative procedures from predominantly (meth-)acrylate-based plastic materials, connecting the dental arch and gingiva through bonding or joining or a combination of bonding and joining.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for generating a non-thermal gas species which may be a flow of gas plasma in the form of a gas plasma plume emitted from the device. The device comprises a gas capsule, or pressure vessel for holding a gas or gases under pressure and forming a flow of gas through a reaction generator to an applicator when released from the capsule. Gas released from the gas capsule is energised in the reaction generator to form the gas plasma. The device is designed to be hand held and hand operated so that it may be used for cleaning and whitening teeth as well as other applications.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic rotating interdental brush that automatically rotates a brush to efficiently clear away extraneous substances, plaque and the like trapped in between teeth by pushing and pulling a grip body while causing the brush to be in contact with the teeth. The automatic rotating interdental brush includes a body, a rotor that protrudes from and retracts into the body to rotate a brush, a brush coupled to the rotor, and a rotating unit for causing the rotor to protrude and retract while being rotated. The rotating unit includes a screw provided at a rear end of the rotor and having a spiral rotation guide groove longitudinally formed thereon, and a rotating guide hole formed in the body and having a shape corresponding to a cross-section of the screw so as to cause the screw disposed therein to be linearly moved while being rotated.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional curing light that can cure a light curable material, such as a dental restoration, from 3 directions at once.

Abstract: A method of repairing a hernia using a hernia mesh support device includes providing a hernia mesh support device, reducing a hernia within a patient's abdomen, inserting the hernia mesh support device into the abdomen and positioning the device in alignment with the hernia, ensuring that no abdominal organs are present between the device and the abdominal wall, whereby the step of ensuring that no abdominal organ is between the device and the abdominal wall includes the step of digitally sweeping the space between the abdominal wall and the device, removing a protective cover, and pulling on a pull strap joined to an inner ring to place the device tightly against the abdominal wall and to anchor barbed pins and hollow needles into the abdominal wall.

Abstract: Packaging for prosthetic heart valves including an assembly for securely retaining a heart valve within a jar and facilitating retrieval therefrom. The assembly includes a packaging sleeve that fits closely within the jar and has a clip structure for securing a valve holder. Contrary to previous designs, in one embodiment the valve holder is directed downward into the jar, and the valve is retained with an inflow end upward. The valve may have flexible leaflets, and a leaflet parting member on the end of the shaft extends through the leaflets and couples with the valve holder. The assembly of the packaging sleeve, valve, and holder can then be removed from the jar and a valve delivery tube connected with the holder, or to the leaflet parting member. The packaging sleeve may be bifurcated into two halves connected at a living hinge to facilitate removal from around the valve/holder subassembly.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a delivery catheter having a deployable dynamic valve that rapidly opens and closes in response to relative fluid pressure thereabout. The valve is maintained in a collapsed configuration during introduction to a treatment site. A balloon element is provided between the delivery catheter and the valve and is adapted such that upon inflation it can move the valve from the collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A graft device is provided comprising a flow conduit and a surrounding covering. The graft device is for connecting between a first body space and a second body space. In one embodiment, the flow conduit is a vein, such as a harvested saphenous vein, useful as an arterial graft, for example and without limitation, in a coronary artery bypass procedure. Also provided are methods of preparing a graft device and connecting the graft between a first body space and a second body space, such as the aorta and a location on an occluded coronary artery, distal to the occlusion.

Abstract: A vascular graft incorporating a stent into a portion of its length. While various materials may be used for the vascular graft, the graft is preferably an ePTFE graft. The stent is preferably a self-expanding stent, although it may alternatively be a balloon expandable stent. The vascular graft preferably has a continuous inner tubular liner that extends between the opposing ends of the graft and provides a continuous luminal surface for blood contact that is uninterrupted by seams or joints. The length portion of the graft that does not include the stent has a greater wall thickness than does the portion including the stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro cultured skin substitutes. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for the development of cultured skin substitutes using NIKS cells.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens comprising a lens optic coupled to at least one haptic and a torsion bar positioned between the lens optic and the at least one haptic such that the torsion bar facilitates accommodation by deforming in response to a vitreous pressure change.

Abstract: An intraocular lens comprising a lens optic coupled to at least one haptic and at least one deformable connecting bar positioned between the lens optic and the at least one haptic.

Abstract: An intraocular lens designed to separate and prevent fibrosis of the anterior capsular rim with the posterior capsule where it surrounds the optic.

Abstract: A prosthesis having first and second prosthetic sections is disclosed. The first prosthetic section includes a stent structure that may contain a first prosthetic valve secured therein and the second prosthetic section includes an annular frame that may contain a second prosthetic valve secured therein. When the prosthesis is in an expanded configuration, the annular frame extends from the stent structure such that the first and second prosthetic sections are laterally offset from each other. In a method in accordance herewith, the first and second prosthetic sections may include prosthetic aortic and mitral valves, respectively, and the heart valve prosthesis is configured to replace one or both of the native aortic and mitral valves of the heart in a single transcatheter heart valve implantation procedure.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly includes an annular prosthesis and a plurality of guide shields removably attached around a circumference of the annular prosthesis. A plurality of elongate guide rails extend from the annular prosthesis, which are releasably retained by the guide shields. During use, the annular prosthesis is directed into a biological annulus, e.g., with the guide rails retained by the guide shields, and secured to tissue surrounding the biological annulus using fasteners. The guide rails are released from the guide shields, and a valve prosthesis is advanced over the leaders and through a passage defined by the guide shields towards the annular prosthesis. The guide rails may include retentions elements that secure the valve prosthesis to the annular prosthesis. The guide shields are removed from the annular prosthesis, the guide rails are separated from the annular prosthesis, and are removed from the biological annulus.

Abstract: A device for holding an implantable medical device includes a jar for receiving the implantable medical device, and a ring coupleable to the jar. The ring has a plurality of channels adapted to receive retaining features of the implantable medical device to stabilize the medical device within the jar.

Abstract: Methods for delivering a prosthetic heart valve include advancing a delivery catheter containing the prosthetic heart valve to a deployment native heart valve, advancing an inner core movably coupled to a restraining sheath of the delivery catheter to expose a first end of the prosthetic heart valve, and advancing the inner core and the restraining to expose a second end of the prosthetic heart valve. The delivery catheter can include a distal flange located at a distal end of an outer core of the catheter body, configured to restrict distal longitudinal displacement of the prosthetic heart valve, and a retaining structure located proximally from the distal flange along the outer core of the catheter body, configured to restrict proximal longitudinal displacement of the prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: A catheter insertion system for inserting an expandable valve stent into the body of a patient and a method of implanting a valve stent. The catheter insertion system includes a catheter having a handle for manipulating a catheter tip, and enables the implantation of a valve prosthesis attached to a valve stent. The handle is configured to enable a pre-set sequence of steps to manipulate the catheter tip and sequentially release the valve stent. The catheter tip is configured to sequentially release the valve stent from a first collapsed mode to a second expanded mode.

Abstract: Devices and methods for implantation at a native mitral valve having a non-circular annulus and leaflets. One embodiment of the device includes a valve support having a first region configured to be attached to a prosthetic valve with a plurality of prosthetic leaflets and a second region. The device can further include an anchoring member having a longitudinal dimension and including a first portion configured to contact tissue at the non-circular annulus, a second portion configured to be attached to the valve support, and a lateral portion between the first portion and the second portion. The second portion of the anchoring member is attached to the second region of the valve support while in a low-profile configuration in which the anchoring member and the valve support are configured to pass through vasculature of a human. The lateral portion is transverse to the longitudinal dimension.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring, configured for implantation in the annulus of a heart valve, comprising multiple segments each of which are geometrically shaped from a three dimensional perspective to conform to the anatomic shape of the valve annulus. In one embodiment, at least one of the multiple segments of the annuloplasty ring is configured to facilitate a reduction of tension on heart valve tissue and eliminate a substantial portion of potential pressure or force that may be applied to the atrio-ventricular node by the annuloplasty ring when inserted into a heart valve. In another embodiment, at least one of the multiple segments of the annuloplasty ring are configured to include an assembly that facilitates selective adjustment of a segment's respective length and/or shape. The adjustment of the length of one of the ring segment's results in an adjustment of at least one angle between at least one set of other ring segments, thereby causing an adjustment to the geometric characteristics of the ring.

Abstract: Apparatuses, kits, and methods for cementing an orthopedic implant to a bone, post attachment, are disclosed in some aspects of the present disclosure. A kit can include a prosthetic component and a cement applicator. The prosthetic component can include an attachment profile that corresponds to a mating profile formed on or in a bone. The cement applicator can be configured to apply a bone cement between the bone and the prosthetic component following alignment between the prosthetic component and the bone or another prosthetic component. The kit can also include a bone cement. A method can include positioning the prosthetic component adjacent to the bone, aligning the prosthetic component relative to the bone or another prosthetic component, and applying a bone cement between the bone and the aligned prosthetic component.

Abstract: A orthopaedic implant comprises an acetabular cup and a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device is coupled to a rim surface of the acetabular cup. In one embodiment, a recess is defined in the rim surface and the wireless communication device is positioned therein. In another embodiment, the wireless communication device is positioned in an annular ring formed of a biocompatible material. The annular ring is coupled to the rim surface of the acetabular cup. The wireless communication device may be, for example, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or device.

Abstract: A femoral implant for total hip replacement includes a cage screw, a femoral head and a base plate provided between the cage screw and the femoral head, to minimize the stress transferred from the femoral head to the bone. The femoral implant may optionally include devices for lateral fixation (for example, internal and/or external screws for lateral fixation) and a device for minimizing micro-motion that is integral to, and extends from, the cage screw.

Abstract: An orthopaedic tibial prosthesis includes a tibial baseplate with an asymmetric periphery which promotes proper positioning and orientation on a resected tibia, while also facilitating enhanced kinematics, soft-tissue interaction, and long-term fixation of the complete knee prosthesis. The asymmetric baseplate periphery is sized and shaped to substantially match portions of the periphery of a typical resected proximal tibial surface, such that proper location and orientation is evident by resting the baseplate on the tibia. The baseplate periphery provides strategically positioned relief and/or clearance between the baseplate periphery and bone periphery, such as in the posterior-medial portion to prevent deep-flexion component impingement, and in the anterior-lateral portion to avoid undue interaction between the anatomic iliotibial band and prosthesis components.

Abstract: An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a tibial bearing component with articular features which operate to protect adjacent soft tissues of the natural knee, promote and/or accommodate desired articulation with an abutting femoral component, and facilitate expedient and effective implantation by a surgeon.

Abstract: Tissue spacer implants, surgical distraction instruments, surgical insertion tools, coupling devices, surgical kits, surgical methods for distraction, and methods for coupling bodies are disclosed. The tissue spacer implants include a first end member, a second end member, and an intermediate spacer member having a coupling mechanism adapted to couple the first end member with the intermediate spacer member and to couple the second end member with the intermediate spacer member. The surgical instruments may be used for inserting these implants and include a first elongated member, a second elongated member, a distraction mechanism, and an actuator. The coupling devices may be used to couple the components of the implants.

Abstract: An artificial spinal disc prosthesis that can be implanted to replace a damaged natural spinal disc. A nucleus of compressible elastomeric material is surrounded by a winding of a slender strand of flexible tension-bearing material oriented at a pitch angle relative to a central axis. The orientation of the winding provides the prosthesis a limited amount of freedom of movement and flexibility. A pair of end caps of the prosthetic implant include angulated grooves that allow for insertion of the device between vertebral bodies from any of several directions. Special fasteners provide protruding points useful in anchoring the prosthesis.

Abstract: An intervertebral spinal spacer that can include a substantially annular body that can include an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The inner surface of the substantially annular body can define an internal cavity. The annular body can include a plurality of outer apertures and a plurality of inner apertures connected by a plurality of fluid passages that can draw fluid into the internal cavity.