Abstract: A device for retrieving calculus in a lumen of a living body includes an elongated member possessing an outer dimension configured to be positioned in the lumen of the living body, wherein the tubular body includes an inlet, an outlet and a retrieval space in the interior at a position between the inlet and the outlet. A foldable sealing member is positioned in the tubular body interior and is axially movable in distal and proximal directions, and a plunger is connected to the sealing member so that axial movement of the plunger axially moves the sealing member in the interior of the tubular body. The foldable sealing member is folded into a folded configuration when the plunger is axially moved in a distal direction toward the inlet and being spread out in a spread-out configuration when the plunger is axially moved in a proximal direction away from the inlet.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant kit comprising a lockable poly-axial screw, a tissue dilatation sleeve, a screw driver, a screw extender, a rod, rod-reduction device, a set screw driver, a torque limiting device and a screw releasing device.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a connector can be configured to couple a first fixation element (e.g., a first rod) to a second fixation element (e.g., a second rod). One or both of the first and second fixation elements can be included with the connector, or one or both can be separately provided. In some instances, at least one of the fixation elements is previously implanted in a patient. The connector can provide one or more degrees of freedom between the first and second fixation elements. The connector can also include a locking element configured to (1) lock one or more of the fixation elements to the connector, and (2) lock one or more of the degrees of freedom between the fixation elements. The connector can be configured to snap onto or otherwise engage a fixation element in a manner that provides tactile and/or audible feedback to the surgeon.

Abstract: A method comprises the steps of: providing a first surgical instrument comprising a surface having a mating element; connecting the first surgical instrument with a fastener, connecting the fastener with tissue; engaging the mating element with a mating element of at least one of a plurality of alternate second surgical instruments interchangeable with the first surgical instrument; and treating the spine with the first surgical instrument and the at least one second surgical instrument. Instruments and implants are disclosed.

Abstract: An intramedullary bone fixation device is provided with an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and an actuator to deploy at least one gripper to engage an inner surface of the intramedullary space to anchor the fixation device to the bone. Methods of repairing a fracture of a bone are also disclosed. One such method comprises inserting a fixation device into an intramedullary space of the bone to place at least a portion of the fixation device on one side of the fracture, providing rigidity across the fracture, and operating an actuator to deploy at least one gripper to engage an inner surface of the intramedullary space to anchor the fixation device to the bone. Various configurations allow a segmented device body to lock in the intramedullary space before and/or after fixation of the bone.

Abstract: An orthopedic bone plate constructed from shape memory material provides the ability to move from an open shape to a compressed shape and create compression on two bones or bone fragments to encourage healing. The plate may be any umber of shapes, with two or more screws anchoring the plate to bone. The plate is affixed to bone in a sequence of steps that involve first placing the plate on an insertion tool, attaching drill guide tubes, placing the plate over bone, drilling holes in bone, and then attaching the plate to the bone via screws. The insertion tool can then be removed at the surgeon's convenience allowing compression on the two bones.

Abstract: A bone plate locking mechanism and methods for utilizing same are disclosed. A bone plate in accordance with the present invention includes a bone screw hole having a plurality of first lips and a plurality of second lips. The first lips are closer to the upper surface than the second lips and the first and second lips are offset around the bone screw hole.

Abstract: A head (10) for holding a nail (100) for bone implant applications, comprising a positioning body (20) having a first cavity (21) suitable for reversibly holding a nail (100) and a second cavity (22) opposite to and in communication with said first cavity (21), and wherein said first cavity (21) and said second cavity (22) are open outwardly, an abutment element (30) configured for interacting with the nail (100) so as to bring it from a rest position to a working position thereof; wherein the positioning body (20) is suitable for holding the nail (100) within the first cavity (21) in the rest position thereof, and wherein the positioning body (20) is configured for guiding the nail (100) and keep it aligned with respect to a direction of translation (T) of the abutment element (30) when passing from the rest position to the working position of the nail (100).

Abstract: A method of compacting and stabilizing bone in the spine using an expandable screw and bone filler. The method comprises placing an expanding screw through a pedicle and into a fractured vertebral body using established techniques; and expanding the screw within the body to create a cavity by tamping bone around the expanded aspect of the screw. The screw can be expanded and rotated about its rotational-axis to tamp bone adjacent to the expanded screw. After compaction, the screw is removed and the cavity is filled with bone filler.

Abstract: Devices for use in performing external fixation orthopedic surgery are provided. More particularly, a specialized transosseous wire having a rectangular cross-section is provided. The specialized wire is installed using a reciprocating motion. Thereafter, the specialized transosseous wires are affixed to a frame. Methods of using the transosseous wire are also disclosed.

Abstract: An articulating surgical rod bender assembly includes first and second support members pivotably connected at an interface, a first drive wheel rotatably attached to the first support member, a second drive wheel rotatably attached to the first support member and coupled with the first drive wheel, and means for rotating the first drive wheel so that rotation of the first drive wheel causes rotation of the second drive wheel to advance a surgical rod through the assembly. The assembly also includes a guide element selectively positionable so that a surgical rod positioned with a first side contacting the first drive wheel, an opposing second side contacting the second drive wheel, and one of the first and second sides contacting the guide element is bent to a desired curvature or radius of curvature by the guide element and the first and/or second drive wheels as is passes through the assembly.

Abstract: A cryosurgery system for application of medical-grade liquid nitrogen to a treatment area via a small, low pressure, open tipped catheter. The system includes a console, including a touch panel computer, a cryogen module, a suction module and an electronics module, and a disposable spray kit. Features include optional low cryogen flow setting to reduce the cryogen flow rate by 50%, improved cryogen flow consistency reducing pressure pulses and peaks, an integrated suction pump for improved consistency and self-checks, specified vent tube areas and corresponding maximum expected pressures during cryospray procedure; optional pressure sensing capability to monitor pressure during a treatment, and novel catheter designs of multilayer and flexible construction providing a variety of spray patterns.

Abstract: A method for preparing a bone including percutaneously forming a path to the cancellous bone using a multi-lumen cannula, providing a first passage to the cancellous bone in a central lumen and a second passage in a concentric outer lumen, introducing a rinsing fluid in one of the passages to rinse bone marrow and other soft tissue from the cancellous bone, and removing the rinsed bone marrow from the other passage. Also, a method for percutaneously treating a tissue affected by a lesion, including introducing a rinsing fluid in one of the passages to rinse the lesion and removing the rinsed lesion from the other of the passages. Also, a method of treating tissue with a lesion including introducing a thick flowable material through one lumen of the cannula and applying suction through the other lumen of the cannula.

Abstract: A medical instrument is provided and includes a housing and a shaft coupled to the housing. The shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. An end-effector assembly is disposed at the distal end of the shaft. The end-effector assembly includes first and second jaw members. At least one of the first and second jaw members is movable from a first position wherein the first and second jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another wherein the first and second jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The medical instrument also includes one or more light-emitting elements and one or more light-detecting elements configured to generate one or more signals indicative of tissue florescence. The one or more light-emitting elements are adapted to deliver light energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes a handle portion, a shaft extending from the handle portion, a pad electrode coupled to the distal end of the shaft, and a loop electrode configured to be selectively transitioned from a deployed configuration, wherein the loop electrode extends outwardly from a distal end of the shaft in a manner capable of receiving tissue, to a non-deployed configuration, wherein the loop electrode is disposed proximate to the distal end of the shaft, to treat tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways.

Abstract: Methods and devices for measuring the size of a body lumen and a method for ablating tissue that uses the measurement to normalize delivery of ablational energy from an expandable operative element to a luminal target of varying circumference are provided. The method includes inserting into the lumen an expandable operative element having circuitry with resistivity or inductance that varies according to the circumference of the operative element, varying the expansion of the operative element with an expansion medium, measuring the resistivity of the circuitry, and relating the resistivity or inductance to a value for the circumference of the operative element. In some embodiments the sizing circuit includes a conductive elastomer wrapped around the operative element.

Abstract: A method of treating a subcutaneous fat region is provided. The method includes generating electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of about 1,200 nm to about 1,230 nm and delivering an average power density of less than or equal to about 2.3 W/cm2 of the electromagnetic radiation to the subcutaneous fat region for at least 300 seconds. The method also includes cooling an epidermal region and at least a portion of a dermal region overlying the subcutaneous fat region for at least a portion of the at least 300 seconds. The method further includes causing necrosis of at least one fat cell in the subcutaneous fat region.

Abstract: There is provided an irradiation device which irradiates light on an inner side face of a biological lumen. The irradiation device includes an optical fiber through which light passes, and a plurality of optical members each having a spherical shape. The plurality of optical members are arrayed in a line along a direction in which light emitted from a distal end of the optical fiber is radiated so that the light is radiated toward the inner surface of the biological lumen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical device management units and methods of their use. The medical device management units comprise two main pieces, a base piece, and a slide piece, as well as at least one medical device pathway defined by a surface means and a plurality of trenches. The invention may be used to keep two or more medical devices organized or it may be used to maintain control over the capture and release of a single medical device.

Abstract: A handling system for use in the manufacture of syringe barrels includes a tray having an array of apertures with a tubular upstand around each aperture, each upstand at the upper end thereof defining a support surface for a syringe barrel. Each syringe barrel comprises a cylindrical part and an enlargement at or adjacent the rear end of the barrel and carries at its forward end a safe needle device or a needle shield of a greater diameter than the syringe barrel. At least one of the enlargement of the syringe barrel or the support surface has a profile tapering or rounded inwardly in the downward direction so that when the tray is supported generally horizontally and a syringe barrel is lowered into an upstand, the syringe barrel is centred by co-operation between the enlargement and the support surface. The enlargement may be a flange at the rear end of the syringe barrel or could be a further component fitted to the barrel.

Abstract: Provided is a UV LED-integrated fleam which can be used while sterilizing a needle. The fleam may include: a hollow housing; a button member installed in the housing; a needle member momentarily protruding to the outside of the housing from a standby position when the button member is pressed, and then returning to the standby position in the housing; and a UV LED installed in the housing and irradiating UV light onto the needle member at the standby position.

Abstract: A surgical tray system is disclosed. The system includes a tray for use in an operating room environment. In various embodiments, the tray includes an indentation having a bowl shape. A vacuum sealed bag is fitted over the tray and form fitted to the tray when the air is removed from within the bag. The tray optionally includes an light source for illuminating an area under the tray, a magnification element, and pouches for storing items used during a surgical procedure. The tray is optionally substantially transparent to allow light to pass through the tray. The tray is ideally positioned over a patient bed. It may be mounted via an arm to a bed frame member, a monitor station, or a ceiling fixture.

Abstract: An excisional device may comprise a sheath; a tubular element configured for rotation with the sheath; and an inner element configured for rotation and disposed at least partially within the tubular element. The inner element may comprise an articulable distal assembly configured to core through tissue in an open configuration and part-off cored tissue in a closed configuration. Differential rotation of the inner element with respect to the tubular element causes the articulable distal assembly to selectively assume the open and closed configurations. For example, lagging the rotation of the inner element relative to the rotation of the tubular element may control the articulable distal assembly to assume the open configuration whereas leading the rotation of the inner element relative to the rotation of the tubular element may control the articulable distal assembly to assume the closed configuration.

Abstract: A surgical tool is disclosed. The surgical tool has a tool mounting portion having a tool mounting housing, a tool mounting plate, and a coupler to couple a shaft assembly having an articulation section to the tool mounting portion. An articulation mechanism is located within the tool mounting portion and is configured to receive a proximal end of the shaft assembly to articulate the articulation section of the shaft assembly. The articulation mechanism has a cam mechanism operative to articulate the articulation section of the shaft assembly. An interface mechanically and electrically couples the tool mounting portion to a manipulator.

Abstract: A method for implanting a penile prosthetic insert in a corpora cavernosum of a penis and engaging a first magnetic unit with an inflatable penile prosthetic cylinder. The method includes locating a second magnetic unit outside the penis and attracting the first magnetic unit through tissue of the penis with the second magnetic unit to effect moving of the first magnetic unit and the inflatable penile prosthetic cylinder inside the corpora cavernosum. Also disclosed is a kit of parts for implanting a penile prosthetic insert in a corpora cavernosum of a penis including a first magnetic unit and a second magnetic unit for delivering an inflatable penile prosthetic cylinder into the corpora cavernosum of the penis.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a manipulator are provided. A manipulator controller measures an actual torque and calculates an expected torque for at least one joint motor of the manipulator. The manipulator controller computes a backdrive force for the at least one joint motor based on the actual torque and expected torque. A surgical tool of the manipulator is modeled as a virtual rigid body. The manipulator controller computes a total force or torque to apply to the virtual rigid body based on the backdrive force. The manipulator controller determines a target position of the surgical instrument based on the total force or torque and commands positioning of the joint motors to advance the surgical instrument to the target position.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present invention, a cooperatively controlled robot includes a robotic actuator assembly comprising a tool holder and a force sensor, a control system adapted to communicate with the robotic actuator assembly and the force sensor, and an output system in communication with the control system. The tool holder is configured to receive a tool to be manipulated by a user. The control system is configured to receive an instruction from a user to switch from a robot control mode into a user interface control mode. The force sensor is configured to measure at least one of a force and a torque applied to the tool, and the control system is configured to receive an indication of the at least one of a force and a torque applied to the tool and manipulate the output system based on the indication.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft, a force transmission mechanism disposed at a first end of the shaft, an end effector disposed at a second end of the shaft, an actuation element that extends along the shaft from the force transmission mechanism to the end effector, and an actuation element guide extending along the shaft. The actuation element guide defines a lumen in which the actuation element guide is received. The actuation element guide is compressed into a pre-compressed state along at least a portion of an axial length of the shaft. The actuation element guide can be compressed between first and second blocks of the instrument. The instrument can include a flush tube configured to receive a cleaning fluid, with the actuation element guide being in flow communication with the flush tube to receive the cleaning fluid in the lumen of the actuation element guide.

Abstract: A system for monitoring cleaning and sanitization efforts of care givers using stethoscopes including one or more sanitizing and cleaning stations capable of cleaning and sanitizing a head portion of a stethoscope presented thereto. The system includes an identification apparatus operably associated with each of a plurality of stethoscopes. The identification apparatus serves to identify a particular stethoscope and, thus, a particular care provider. An apparatus for detecting each time a particular stethoscope is presented to a sanitizing and cleaning station for effecting a cleaning and sanitization event forms part of the system. An analysis unit is operably connected to each identification apparatus and detecting apparatus and is configured for calculating the cleanliness and sanitization level of each stethoscope as a function of the number of cleaning and sanitization events detected by the detecting apparatus.

Abstract: A hands-free lighting system comprising: a master control unit, a light unit, and a remote control unit. The master control unit is configured for controlling the operation of a remote light unit based on a signal received from a remote control unit. The light unit comprising at least one light source.

Abstract: The invention has a syringe, in particular for viscous or liquid dental materials. Said syringe is provided with a syringe housing 12, in which a plunger 22 is guided for displacement in a manner known per se, wherein the plunger 22 can be removed in particular from the syringe housing 12 and introduced into the same, and with an outlet cannula 20, which is fitted on the syringe housing 12. A region of the syringe housing 12 which is adjacent to the outlet cannula 20 is of deformable design and a region of the syringe housing 12 which is remote from the outlet cannula 20 is of dimensionally stable design.

Abstract: A dental implant includes an upper connector portion and lower implantation portion, the connector portion receiving a dental crown or similar prosthesis, the implantation portion having rectangular cross section and linear vertical profile with machine taper. An outer surface of the implantation portion provides frictional fit with a correspondingly shaped surrounding bone surface. A bone removal tool includes a hand-held actuator generating high-frequency, small-amplitude vibration, and an attached metal tool tip having elongated head portion and curved neck portion. The head portion has rectangular cross section and linear taper, and an outer surface of the head portion has a saw-toothed grinding pattern for removing bone. The neck portion is dimensioned and configured to establish mechanical resonance of the tool tip including axial reciprocating action of the head portion in response to the actuator vibration.

Abstract: A device (10) for generating an impulsive force, comprising a main body (20) having an internal guide cavity (23) which develops along a main line (L) extending between a first end (21) and a second end (22) of the main body (20), and wherein the internal cavity (23) has at least one opening (21a) towards the outside (200) relative to the first end (21) of the main body (20), and wherein the first end (21) is associated with a nail (100) relative to the opening (21a), force generation means (30) configured for generating the impulsive force in an operational configuration of the device to (10), the generation means (30) being preferably arranged at the second end (22) of the main body (20), an abutment element (40) configured for transmitting the impulsive force resulting from the generation means (30) up to a portion of a nail (100) in an operational configuration of the device (10).

Abstract: An artificial teeth articulator according to the present invention has a structure comprising: a height control means installed between a holder and a table, for controlling the height of the table installed on a base plate and a top plate by using the holder; a width control means installed on the table, for controlling individually from five directions the width of a tray seated on the table so that the periphery of the tray is held by means of pressing force; and a jaw gap control means installed so that the horizontal tilt of the table can be individually controlled from three different directions through graduations formed on a support rod, when supporting the table by vertically sliding along the outer circumference of the support rod.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a dental restoration for a patient and dental ceramics production devices are disclosed. A dental restoration may be designed based on a scan of the patient's mouth, using a CAD software module. The software module may produce conveyor channels for a positive model based on the dimensions of a muffle in relation to the size and shape of the positive model. The conveyor channels may extend at an angle of between 0° and 130° away from an axis of the pressing channel, the axis being located essentially along an isotherm inside the muffle. A docking site may be selected based on a position with the greatest wall thickness of the positive model. The present disclosure allows the creation of a high-quality dental restoration in a very efficient fashion, in particular when lithium disilicate is used as the dental ceramics material.

Abstract: A blank for producing dental prostheses by particularly material-removing processing comprises a tooth element and a jaw element. These elements are preferably differently colored layers of a blank produced from the same material. In order to cover a dividing line between the differently colored regions, a gum element is arranged especially in a recess of the finished dental prosthesis.

Abstract: Various implant analogs, model, and base designs are disclosed herein. In one example, an implant analog can include a main body and a second component. The main body can have an axis of symmetry and a passage therein. The second component can be received in the passage so as to extend substantially transverse to the axis of symmetry.

Abstract: A planar oral care patch is provided. The planar oral care patch comprises a first split stretching along a first direction in a central region of the planar oral care patch so that the planar oral care patch can be folded as a three-dimensional shape. An oral care patch tape having a plurality of the planar oral care patch is provided. A method of using the planar oral care patch, a method of treating an oral disease and a method of prophylactically treating an oral disease by using the planar oral care patch are also provided.

Abstract: An artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) system that includes a clamp and an inflatable device. The clamp is configured to be disposed on a urethra and includes a first portion and a second portion biased together to compress the urethra. The inflatable device is coupled between the first portion and the second portion of the clamp and configured to be inflated to separate the first portion from the second portion and unclamp or open the urethra.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthesis (1) for the repair of an inguinal hernia comprising: a textile (2) of elongate shape, a resilient frame (3) connected to said textile, characterized in that said frame comprises a convex cranial segment (3c), a caudal segment (3d), a lateral corner segment (3b) joining together the convex cranial segment and the caudal segment, and a folding segment (5) joining a medial end of said convex cranial segment to a point located on the caudal segment while leaving the region of the medial end of the textile free of any frame, said frame being able to adopt an unstressed configuration, in which said textile is deployed, and a stressed configuration, in which said convex cranial segment, said caudal segment and said folding segment are substantially collected together and aligned on one folding direction, said textile forming thereby at least one fold along said folding direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for introducing a flexible prosthesis into a surgical incision, comprising a globally tubular body (2) having a proximal end (2a) and a distal end (2b), said tubular body being designed for receiving the prosthesis in a folded configuration in a sliding way, wherein the tubular body is provided with an open longitudinal slit (3) extending from said proximal end (2a) to said distal end (2b), and wherein said distal end is provided with a distal semi-tubular rounded extension (2c).

Abstract: A retrieval system for thrombus and foreign body removal.

Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal temporary embolic protection device includes an embolic filter mounted to a guidewire shaft at a location proximate the distal end of the guidewire. The filter can be positioned down-stream from a thrombectomy treatment site at a target location and can be properly positioned to capture embolic particles that may be set loose into the blood stream as the thrombectomy procedure is performed.

Abstract: Ureteral stents include a tubular body defining a lumen and have a distal kidney section, a proximal bladder section, and a ureter section between the distal and proximal sections. The tubular body has a first material layer and a stiffening member that extends through at least a portion of a length of the tubular body. The stiffening member has a stiffness characteristic that varies along its length. This enables different portions of the stent to have different stiffness characteristics that preferably are optimized for the location of those portions within the human body. The stiffening member may be at least a second material layer having a second stiffness that is different from a first stiffness of the first material layer, and/or at least one strand of material that is embedded within the first material layer.

Abstract: A joining arrangement between a main tube (3) and a side arm (5) in a side arm stent graft (1). The side arm (5) is stitched into an aperture (11) in the main tube and is in fluid communication with it. The aperture is triangular, elliptical or rectangular and the side arm is cut off at an angle to leave an end portion having a circumferential length equal to the circumference of the aperture. The side arm can also include a connection socket (76) comprising a first resilient ring (79) around the arm at its end, a second resilient ring (80) spaced apart along the arm from the first ring and a zig zag resilient stent (82) between the first and second rings. The zig-zag resilient stent can be a compression stent. Both the main tube and the side arm are formed from seamless tubular biocompatible graft material.

Abstract: A method of replacing an ACL with a graft. The method provides for the drilling bone tunnels in a femur and a tibia. A replacement graft is provided having first and second ends. A biodegradable composite screw is provided. The screw is made from a biodegradable polymer and a bioceramic or a bioglass. At least one end of the graft is secured in a bone tunnel using the biodegradable composite screw.

Abstract: In various embodiments, ocular treatment systems, intraocular lenses, and treatment methods are utilized for the treatment or prevention of posterior capsule opacification of the eye by, for example, targeting portions of the posterior lens capsule for ablation while minimizing damage to implanted intraocular lenses.

Abstract: A cardiac valve fixing device of the present invention comprises: a first structure, which continuously comes into contact with the lower surface of at least one cardiac valve; a second structure, which is connected to the first structure and continuously comes into contact with the upper surface of the cardiac valve; and a fixing barb, which is equipped in at least one of the first structure and the second structure and protrusively formed to the direction of the cardiac valve so as to be inserted into the cardiac valve. Accordingly, the cardiac valve fixing device of the present invention stably fixes the cardiac valve.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for repairing a native heart valve. In one embodiment, a repair device (100) for repairing a native mitral valve having an anterior leaflet and a posterior leaflet between a left atrium and a left ventricle comprises a support (110) having a contracted configuration and an extended configuration. In the contracted configuration, the support is sized to be inserted under the posterior leaflet between a wall of the left ventricle and chordae tendineae. In the extended configuration, the support is configured to project anteriorly with respect to a posterior wall of the left ventricle by a distance sufficient to position at least a portion of the posterior leaflet toward the anterior leaflet.