Abstract: A hand piece for spraying powder is capable of grinding pellets and generating powder inside the hand piece. The hand piece includes: a pellet housing section for housing pellets; a powder generating section that grinds housed pellets and generates powder, and a spraying port that sprays the powder that has been generated in the powder generating section.

Abstract: A process to manufacture a patient-specific replacement bracket includes providing a 3D representation of the supramaxilla or submaxilla of a patient in the target set-up with a reference plane in a computer. A request to manufacture a replacement bracket is received. A sector of the 3D representation is defined and contains at least a section of the tooth for which the replacement bracket is to be manufactured. A marking is generated for the slot plane in the sector. A physical model of the sector with the marking is created. A bracket element containing the slot is provided. The bracket element is aligned to the slot plane. An individualized pad is assigned to the bracket element, whereby the replacement bracket is manufactured.

Abstract: A threaded dental implant to be screwed into a jawbone for supporting at least one abutment and/or a dental superstructure, and having a socket arrangement with a first section and a second section with respective geometrical profiles around a longitudinal center axis of the implant. The first section cooperates with the abutment for securing the abutment in a determined position in the implant. The second section cooperates with an insertion tool for screwing the implant into the jawbone. The first section includes an annular coronal contact surface on top of an opening centric at a coronal end of the implant, followed in an apical direction by a first tapered section having a diameter decreasing in the apical direction, by a first cylindrical section, by first anti-rotational elements and by a threaded section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental implant device and a method for using the same and in particular, to such a device and method in which the implant device projects the implant anchor's location, orientation and axis while facilitating the treatment of the peri-implant tissues.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, in a set of male dental components, such as abutment screws, each male dental component has a threaded portion with different core diameter. Each male dental component is to be connected to a mating female dental component, such as an abutment. The smaller core diameter a threaded portion has, the higher friction is provided when the male dental component is finally tightened to its mating female dental component, even though the same insertion torque is applied to all male dental components.

Abstract: A retainerless orthodontic dental implant system for positioning the mandible forward relative to the maxilla and for facilitating optimal airflow during sleep and a method of using such a system.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for measuring surface topography of a three-dimensional structure. In many embodiments, the apparatus is configured to focus each of a plurality of light beams to a respective fixed focal position relative to the apparatus. The apparatus measures a characteristic of each of a plurality of returned light beams that are generated by illuminating the three-dimensional structure with the light beams. The characteristic is measured for a plurality of different positions and/or orientations between the apparatus and the three-dimensional structure. Surface topography of the three-dimensional structure is determined based at least in part on the measured characteristic of the returned light beams for the plurality of different positions and/or orientations between the apparatus and the three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: An interdental brush includes a handle, a neck, a head and a mounting sleeve. The handle has an upper end provided with a positioning portion. The neck extends from an upper end of the positioning portion. The neck has a helical annular groove which makes the neck flexible and bendable so that the neck can be bent. The helical annular groove contains oblique veins so that the neck is kept at a determined bending angle. The mounting sleeve is mounted on a bottom end of the handle to lengthen the handle. Thus, the neck is bent freely and kept at a determined bending angle by provision of the helical annular groove so that the angle of the head can be adjusted arbitrarily.

Abstract: A hybrid dental tool is disclosed herein. The hybrid dental tool includes a flosser having a flossing head. The flossing head can include a filament stretching between the first arm and a second arm. The flossing head can include a pick receptacle. The hybrid dental tool can further include a pick that has a first end and a second end. The pick can be sized and shaped to fit within the pick receptacle such that the first and second ends are protected. The pick can releasably connect with the flossing head to allow the separation of the pick from the flossing head.

Abstract: The system relates to a device and method for ultrasonic cleaning of teeth and gums through cavitation. The device and method provide functions to consistently clean dental surfaces. Ultrasound is generated and coupled through a removable mouthpiece into a coupling fluid in which teeth and gums are at least partially submerged. Cavitation results in the coupling fluid and breaks up plaque on surfaces of the mouth. Several different embodiments for the system, including variations in the mouthpiece, coupling components, and ultrasonic energy components are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system comprising photopolymerizable composites and an associated light polymerization device. The composite comprises a photopolymerizable resin and a luminophore, and optionally inorganic fillers and a photobleaching agent. The polymerization device comprises a light source and a photodetector. The composite and the device are coupled via a feedback loop to indicate the degree of polymerization, or to indicate that polymerization is complete. The invention relates to any photopolymerizable composite or coating including industrial, protective, biomedical and dental composites and coatings.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system for delivering a two-tier oxidative therapy to a dental patient. The apparatus is a mouthpiece made of rubber or thermoplastic elastomer that provides a full or partial coverage of the teeth and gums to be treated, firstly with vaporized hydrogen peroxide and later, ozone gas. The design of the mouthpiece encompassing multiple injection tubes also allows all surfaces of all teeth and gums to be treated at the same time, thereby offering a quick, painless and economical procedure to the dental patient.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis for cattle, and method for mounting it, that includes mounting fastening members in the animals incisor, away from the central nerve and towards in the inner side of the incisor. Tying the incisors individually with surgical wire and to a support plate with through holes to immobilize the relative movement of the incisor with respect to each other. A malleable metallic overdenture is then mounted over the teeth and metallic infrastructure conforming to the incisors to define a conforming overdenture. An adhesive bonding agent is used to mount the overdenture to the incisors and the anchorage structure with retention fastening members that transversally pass through the overdenture and between the incisors to further secure the overdenture to the cured boding agent.

Abstract: A urine flow control device, such as an incontinence device, for insertion into a urethra, device comprising: a body having a first end and an opposite second end and a middle part connecting the first end and the second end, a hollow chamber formed in the middle part allowing a mounting tool to extend from the first end to the second end, a fluid channel defined from the second end to the first end via the hollow chamber, a head part at the first end, the head part being integral with said body and comprising a chamber with a displaceable valve member and a valve seal surface, the head part formed so that when a mounting tool is positioned in the device the valve member is displaced inside the head part by the mounting tool and when the mounting tool is not in the device the valve member seals the valve seal surface so as to seal the fluid channel, the head part having an opening for receiving the mounting tool and for urine discharge, the second end being formed so that the distal end of the mounting tool e

Abstract: A urological device comprises a urological valve for location in the bladder of a patient and a valve support stem for location in the urethra of a patient. The valve has a normally closed configuration to prevent flow from the bladder and an open configuration for fluid flow through the valve. The valve is automatically movable from the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to a pre-set hydrodynamic pressure applied for a pre-set time. In one case the valve has a plurality of valve leaflets with a region of co-aption between the valve leaflets. In the normally closed configuration the valve leaflets are engaged at the region of co-aption and in the open configuration the leaflets are separated at the co-aption region for fluid flow through the valve.

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

Abstract: Systems are delineated for treating urinary incontinence (UI). More generally, systems are delineated for providing medical treatment, wherein such systems include means for attaching a structure to a patient and removing the structure without damage to the structure or the patient. An exemplary system for providing medical treatment comprises a structure for attachment to a patient utilizing at least one retractable barb.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a plurality of leg elements in two sets which have a generally conical form and are held together at a coupling element or hub. Disposed by the hub is a biodegradable fastener element into which proximal ends of the leg elements are embedded. The fastener element is substantially rigid and has the effect of reducing the lengths (L2, L3) of the legs of the leg elements which is able to flex, contributing to the generation of a greater radial force by the filter assembly. The fastener element will degrade over a given period, such as two to three weeks, thereby allowing flexing of the proximal ends of the leg elements embedded within the fastener element, resulting in an increase in the length of the leg elements able to flex and as a consequence a reduction in the radial force generated against the vessel wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to an occlusive system implantable in an animal or human body to occlude a natural conduit (10) of an animal or human body, comprising: an occlusive element (9) designed to surround part of the natural conduit (10) to be occluded, an activation device (2) of said occlusive element (10) for varying the compression exerted by said occlusive element (9) on said conduit (10), a control unit (7) adapted to urge the activation device (2) so as to exert determined compression on the conduit (10), and a detection device of atrophy of said natural conduit (10), comprising: (i) a sensor adapted to measure the compression exerted by the occlusive element (9) on the natural conduit (10), and (ii) a processing unit adapted to: determine a representative parameter of strain to be applied to the activation device (2) to achieve determined compression of the conduit (10) by the occlusive element (9), monitor said parameter over time, and detect atrophy of the natural conduit (10) when said represent

Abstract: The invention relates to an elongate guide element (22) for guiding an implant (1) along a tunnel (17) in a bone (12, 14) and for securing the implant within the tunnel. One exemplary guide element comprises: first end and second ends (24, 26); a pair of support apertures (42) for receiving a support element (3) for the implant, the support apertures being spaced apart in a direction along a main longitudinal axis (28); a saddle (46) extending transverse to the longitudinal axis, one of the pair of support apertures being disposed between the saddle and the first end and the other between the saddle and the second end. The support element extends through one of the pair of support apertures, at least partly around the saddle and then through the other aperture. The guide element has a generally planar bone facing surface (48) and a second opposite surface (50).

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring a ligament or tendon to bone. In one embodiment, a surgical implant is provided having a sheath and an expander that is received within the sheath. Various delivery tools, including a sheath inserter and a driver, are also provided. In use, the sheath inserter can be used to position a tendon within a prepared bone hole, and it can be used to deliver the sheath with a guidewire coupled thereto into the bone hole. The driver can be provided for delivering the expander into the sheath. A loader can optionally be used to load the driver and expander onto the guidewire coupled to the implanted sheath.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring a ligament or tendon to bone. In one embodiment, a surgical implant is provided having a sheath and an expander that is received within the sheath. Various delivery tools, including a sheath inserter and a driver, are also provided. In use, the sheath inserter can be used to position a tendon within a prepared bone hole, and it can be used to deliver the sheath with a guidewire coupled thereto into the bone hole. The driver can be provided for delivering the expander into the sheath. A loader can optionally be used to load the driver and expander onto the guidewire coupled to the implanted sheath.

Abstract: Various bone anchor assemblies and methods are provided for anchoring tissue to bone. In one embodiment, an anchor assembly for anchoring a tendon to bone is provided and includes a substantially cylindrical sheath having bone-engaging surface features formed on an external surface thereof, and having an inner lumen formed therein and extending from an open proximal end to a substantially closed distal. The substantially closed distal end includes at least one tendon anchoring feature extending distally therefrom and configured to facilitate anchoring of a tendon to bone. The anchor assembly further includes an expander having a generally elongate cylindrical configuration and being sized and shaped to be received within the inner lumen of the sheath.

Abstract: Provided is an intraocular lens insertion device capable of omitting a repeated operation after the intraocular lens is inserted into the eye. The intraocular lens insertion device (1) comprises a lens setting part (11) for mounting an intraocular lens (5) having an optic (6) and one or two or more supporting portions (7a and 7b) disposed at the outer edge of the optic (6), a plunger (4) for pushing out the intraocular lens (5) mounted in the lens setting part (11), and a nozzle (13) for releasing the intraocular lens (5) pushed out by the plunger (4). This plunger (4) includes a lens contact portion (32) for abutting against the outer edge of the optic (6), and a pushing portion (33) for pushing out the supporting portion (7b) arranged in the backward direction of a lens advancing axis (A).

Abstract: An intra-ocular device includes an electronic lens that can be controlled to control the overall optical power of the device. The device can be installed within a flexible polymeric material shaped to conform to the inside surface of a lens capsule of an eye. Accommodation forces applied to the device and/or polymeric material via the lens capsule can cause a change in the optical power of the device and/or polymeric material. Further, such accommodation forces can be detected by an accommodation sensor of the device and the optical power of the electronic lens can be controlled based on the detected accommodation forces. Operated in this way, the device and polymeric material can restore a degree of accommodation to the eye that is related to existing mechanisms for controlling such accommodation, i.e., forces exerted by the eye via the lens capsule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-lens intraocular lens system having an accommodation material between the lenses. The system comprises an posterior lens attached to the posterior surface of the capsular bag and an anterior lens attached to the anterior surface of the capsular bag. The anterior and posterior lenses have different optical properties providing different degrees and types of correction. An accommodation material is place between the anterior and posterior lenses. The accommodation material may comprise of one or more macromers, which, when polymerized, adjust the properties of the accommodation material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for approximating tissue segments, such as mitral valve leaflets, on a minimally invasive basis. The system includes first and second approximation devices each including a magnetic component and an attachment mechanism. Each device is connected to a target tissue segment by the corresponding attachment mechanism. Upon deployment at a target site, the tissue approximation devices are magnetically attracted to one another, approximating the tissue segments and maintaining the tissue segments in the approximated state.

Abstract: A valve holder is connectable to a prosthetic valve including a stent having a plurality of commissure posts. The valve includes a base, a plurality of legs extending from the base, and one of several mechanisms for deflecting the plurality of commissure posts radially inward so as to temporarily decrease the overall size of the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprising a stent frame, a valve structure, and a baffle structure. The stent frame defines a lumen. The valve structure is disposed within the lumen, and defines an inflow side and an outflow side. An outflow track is established within the lumen downstream of the outflow side and along which fluid flow from the valve structure progresses. The baffle structure is connected to the stent frame downstream of the outflow side. In some embodiments, the baffle structure directs blood flow into designated areas to encourage laminar flow and eliminate or reduce turbulence.

Abstract: Prosthetic mitral valves described herein can be deployed using a transcatheter mitral valve delivery system and technique to interface and anchor in cooperation with the anatomical structures of a native mitral valve. This document describes prosthetic heart valve designs that interface with native mitral valve structures to create a fluid seal, thereby minimizing mitral regurgitation and paravalvular leaks. This document also describes prosthetic heart valve designs and techniques to manage blood flow through the left ventricular outflow tract. In addition, this document describes prosthetic heart valve designs and techniques that reduce the risk of interference between the prosthetic valves and chordae tendineae.

Abstract: Prosthetic mitral valves described herein can be deployed using a transcatheter mitral valve delivery system and technique to interface and anchor in cooperation with the anatomical structures of a native mitral valve. This document describes prosthetic heart valve designs that interface with native mitral valve structures to create a fluid seal, thereby minimizing mitral regurgitation and paravalvular leaks. This document also describes prosthetic heart valve designs and techniques to manage blood flow through the left ventricular outflow tract. In addition, this document describes prosthetic heart valve designs and techniques that reduce the risk of interference between the prosthetic valves and chordae tendineae.

Abstract: Apparatus includes an annuloplasty structure, including: (i) a tubular body portion that is configured to be disposed at an annulus of a valve of a heart, and is shaped to define a perimeter; (ii) a flexible member, disposed within the tubular body portion; (iii) a first adjustment mechanism, attached to the tubular body portion and to the flexible member such that reversible actuation of the first adjustment mechanism reversibly adjusts a first dimension of the body portion by adjusting tension of the flexible member; (iv) a second adjustment mechanism, coupled to the tubular body portion, and reversibly actuatable to reversibly adjust a second dimension of the body portion. The apparatus further includes one or more elongate tools, reversibly couplable to the first and second adjustment mechanisms, and configured to independently actuate the first and second adjustment mechanisms by applying force thereto while the heart is beating.

Abstract: Prosthetic mitral valves described herein can be deployed using a transcatheter mitral valve delivery system and technique to interface and anchor in cooperation with the anatomical structures of a native mitral valve. This document describes prosthetic heart valve designs that interface with native mitral valve structures to create a fluid seal, thereby minimizing mitral regurgitation and paravalvular leaks. This document also describes prosthetic heart valve designs and techniques to manage blood flow through the left ventricular outflow tract. In addition, this document describes prosthetic heart valve designs and techniques that reduce the risk of interference between the prosthetic valves and chordae tendineae.

Abstract: Tissue restraining systems and devices as well as methods of using these devices are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tissue restraining device that may include an annuloplasty member having one or more contact points along a portion of the annuloplasty member in a spaced relation to one another. The tissue restraining device may also include a second anchor for placement in a substantially opposing, spaced relation to the annuloplasty member. A restraining matrix may extend from the contact points of the annuloplasty member to the second anchor.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant can be used for fixation of a joint or fracture and can include a tapered member and at least one fixation member. The tapered member can be configured for placement in association with one or more bone segments. The tapered member can have a longitudinally extending body that defines an upper surface portion, an opposed lower surface portion and first and second sides, where at least the first and second sides can be formed of porous metal and can have a porous metal outer surface. The at least one fixation member can be integrally formed with the tapered member and can extend laterally outwardly from the tapered member body. The at least one fixation member can be configured to secure the implant to the one or more bone segments to provide fixation of the one or more bone segments relative to the tapered member.

Abstract: A femoral head resurfacing implant is described comprising an external articulating surface and an internal fixation surface. A stem projects from the center of the internal fixation surface. The internal fixation surface comprises a top surface, surrounding and substantially orthogonal to a long axis of the stem, a chamfer surface extending downwardly and outwardly from the top surface and a side surface extending substantially parallel to the long axis of the stem. At least one projection is arranged on the internal fixation surface to provide a predetermined gap between the top surface and/or chamfer surface and a resected head onto which the implant is to be fitted. Furthermore, the side surface constitutes or comprises a cement containment feature configured to restrict or eliminate outflow of cement from the predetermined gap.

Abstract: A method comprising the steps of: providing at least one bone growth modification implant; and disposing the entire bone growth modification implant within a selected portion of a vertebra of a spine. Systems and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion by posterior approach, designed to be inserted in pairs between two vertebral bodies, said prosthesis consisting of a prosthesis body extending in a longitudinal direction of intervertebral insertion, including peripheral faces delimiting, on the inside, an inner space for receiving a bone substitute. The prosthesis includes a prosthesis body of which the lower and upper bearing faces have a convex profile having continuously variable convexity in the longitudinal direction. The invention is intended for the treatment of individuals suffering from disc degeneration in the thoracic or lumbar vertebrae.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant frame that is configured to engage a spacer can include a pair of arms that extend longitudinally from a support member such that the arms engage the spacer. The spacer can be made from bone graft, and include a first spacer body made of cortical bone, and a second spacer body made of cancellous bone.

Abstract: A spinal fusion implant including a body and a jacket is disclosed. The jacket includes at least two radiopaque markers extending therefrom for use in determining the position of the implant after placement between intervertebral bodies. Methods of implanting and evaluating positioning of the implant are also disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a first member and a second member. A rotatable element defines an axis and is engageable to rotate the members about the axis. An actuator is rotatable for translating a part thereof to move the members between a first, contracted configuration and a second, expanded configuration. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A secondary cover plate that contacts a stand-alone fusion cage without rigidly connecting to the cage, and instead only docks against the cage (or passes through a fixation cage) and is secured into the adjacent bone. The secondary cover plate is the last item that would be added to the fixation cage construct and would at least partially cover the head of one or more angled screws. The secondary cover plate could slidably engage the fixation cage without permanently snapping into any features of the cage itself. The secondary cover plate would then be final positioned by advancing into one or more adjacent vertebral bodies. The secondary cover plate advancing step could be achieved by tapping it into place (into bone) or rotating it into place (into bone) so that it is finally secured into the bone.

Abstract: Total disc replacement systems and related methods involving a lateral, trans-psoas surgical approach to the spine while performing at least one of continuous and intermittent intra-operative neural monitoring of the psoas muscle to avoid injury during introduction.

Abstract: A technique for harvesting bone graft material for spinal and other fusion surgeries. In the disclosed embodiment, a bone cutting blade is placed in a disc space between two vertebrae to be fused. The blade cuts into the vertebrae and forms solid segments of autologous bone inside each vertebra. Each bone segment is urged out of its associated vertebra until a first portion of the segment enters the opposite vertebra, an intermediate portion spans the disc space, and a second portion remains in the associated vertebra. Each segment thus forms a strut graft to promote a healthy and permanent fusion. In another embodiment, a wire is placed in the disc space and rotated to cut grooves in the vertebrae, causing a slurry of morselized cortical and cancellous bone to ooze into a cage that is placed in the disc space. The slurry heals to fuse the vertebrae solidly and permanently.

Abstract: A system for harvesting bone graft material for use during bone fusion surgery. In one embodiment, a bone cutting tool has a blade fixed on a distal end of a shaft. The distal end of the shaft is pivoted on a cage set between two bones to be fused, and the blade is activated to cut into the bones and form a solid bone segment in each bone as the tool shaft turns. A paddle is arranged to be inserted between the bones, and to displace the cut bone segments so that a leading portion of each segment enters the bone opposite the bone from which the segment was cut, a central portion of the segment spans across the bones, and a trailing portion of the segment remains in the bone from which it was cut. The displaced segments act as strut grafts to fuse the bones to one another.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for insertion into an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies or between two bone portions. The implant includes a spacer portion, a plate portion operatively coupled to the spacer portion and one or more blades for securing the implant to the adjacent vertebral bodies. The blades preferably include superior and inferior cylindrical pins for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant may be configured to be inserted via a direct lateral trans-psoas approach. Alternatively, the implant may be configured for insertion via an anterior approach.

Abstract: The embodiments provide a spinal implant that is configured for midline insertion into a patient's intervertebral disc space. The spinal implant may have a body and the body comprises one or more apertures. The apertures receive fixation elements, such as a screw and the like. The fixation element may comprise one or more anti-backout features, such as a split ring. In addition, at least some of the apertures are designed to permit a predetermined amount of nutation by a fixation element. The apertures that allow nutation enable the fixation element to toggle from one position to another, for example, during subsidence of the implant in situ. Some of the apertures may be configured to rigidly lock with the fixation elements. Moreover, the spinal implant may include features, such as one or more bores, that can accommodate imaging marks to help guide a surgeon.

Abstract: Systems, methods and a sensor alignment mechanism are disclosed for medical navigational guidance systems. In one example, a system to make sterile a non-sterile optical sensor for use in navigational guidance during surgery includes a sterile drape having an optically transparent window to drape the optical sensor in a sterile barrier and a sensor alignment mechanism. The alignment mechanism secures the sensor through the drape in alignment with the window without breaching the sterile barrier and facilitates adjustment of the orientation of the optical sensor. The optical sensor may be aligned to view a surgical site when the alignment mechanism, assembled with the sterile drape and optical sensor, is attached to a bone. The alignment mechanism may be a lockable ball joint and facilitate orientation of the sensor in at least two degrees of freedom. A quick connect mechanism may couple the alignment mechanism to the bone.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surgical cut validation tool is discussed. A digital bone representation representing a bone is received including a virtual bone outer surface. At least one cutting plane is positioned intersecting the virtual bone outer surface. A digital tool representation representing the tool is created, including a virtual planar surface corresponding to each cutting plane and a virtual tool outer surface with a virtual border surface portion. The virtual border surface portion extends from a junction between the virtual tool outer surface and each virtual planar surface. At least part of the virtual border surface portion is defined from a corresponding portion of the virtual bone outer surface such as to represent a corresponding portion of the bone outer surface. The tool body is manufactured using the digital tool representation. A tool and a method of validating a cut in a bone are also provided.

Abstract: A post-operative residual limb support assembly includes an upper frame configured to extend about at least a portion of a residual limb; and a lower frame coupled to the upper frame and configured to receive an end of the residual limb. The upper frame and the lower frame are adjustable relative to one another in at least one of a linear and rotational manner.