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 angularly offset from the first axis by a non-zero angle other than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for joint cutting system using robot includes a shaft combined with a motor in a part of a robot arm, a cutter having a cutting head at the end of the shaft, a sleeve in which the shaft is inserted, and a cutter support member having a sleeve base where the sleeve is fixed, characterized in that the sleeve is a standalone member of a hollow bar with a center hole and is separable from and combinable with the sleeve base. The sleeve and the sleeve base are so separable that it is possible to reinforce the strength of the sleeve, which retrains the bending force to the sleeve, though the diameter of the sleeve is minimized.

Abstract: System and methods for positioning a tool in a robotic system include determining primary position information for the tool at a first frequency and determining secondary position information for the tool at a second frequency. The tool is moved in a first position control mode and a second position control mode based on the primary position information and the secondary position information. At least one of the first and second frequencies in each of the first and second position control modes is adjusted. A difference between the first and second frequencies in the first position control mode is different than a difference between the first and second frequencies in the second position control mode.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a surgical instrument includes a housing linkable with a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, a shaft operably coupled to the housing, a force transducer on a distal end of the shaft, and a plurality of fiber optic strain gauges on the force transducer. In one example, the plurality of strain gauges are operably coupled to a fiber optic splitter or an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) multiplexer. A fiber optic connector is operably coupled to the fiber optic splitter or the AWG multiplexer. A wrist joint is operably coupled to a distal end of the force transducer, and an end effector is operably coupled to the wrist joint. In another embodiment, a robotic surgical manipulator includes a base link operably coupled to a distal end of a manipulator positioning system, and a distal link movably coupled to the base link, wherein the distal link includes an instrument interface and a fiber optic connector optically linkable to a surgical instrument.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a stenosis in the coronary arteries without the administration of a hyperemic agent.

Abstract: A cleaning device, especially an instrument cleaning device, having a thin, flexible threadlike object with a first straight end and a second looped end and a swab member attached to the looped end.

Abstract: A mixing device for a dental powder jet device, comprising a receptacle for receiving a powder, an inlet for a transport fluid, and an outlet for a powder/transport fluid mixture, the outlet comprising at least one outlet nozzle, the inlet comprising at least one first and at least one second inlet nozzles wherein the outflow direction of the first inlet nozzle intersects the inflow direction of the outlet nozzle, and wherein the outflow direction of the second inlet nozzle is arranged in an offset manner with respect to the outflow direction of the first inlet nozzle.

Abstract: A dental spacer that is adjustable and attaches to a tooth. The dental spacer may include a ring with an inner surface and an outer surface. A screw may be secured to the ring to compress and expand the ring size. A spacer may be attached to the outer surface of the ring and may abut against an adjacent tooth. Therefore, the space between two teeth adjacent to a removed tooth may be preserved.

Abstract: An orthodontic article is provided for bonding to a tooth structure comprising an orthodontic appliance, a layer of partially hardened hardenable composition adjacent the appliance, and a bonding adhesive adjacent the partially hardened hardenable composition. A method of making an orthodontic article for orthodontic bonding is provided, comprising partially hardening a hardenable composition adjacent the base of an orthodontic appliance.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket including a body including a bonding base for attachment to the tooth, a lingual vertical slot, a pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair of laterally spaced occlusal tie wings, the gingival and occlusal tie wings projecting from a labial surface of the body; an archwire slot extending mesio-distally across the body and between the gingival and occlusal tie wings at opposed medial and distal sides of the body to accommodate an archwire; a locking shutter including at pair of resilient arm members and a lingual guide bar between the resilient arm members, the locking shutter moveable between an open position in which placement and removal of the archwire is facilitated and a closed position in which placement and removal of the archwire is inhibited; first and second tracks formed on each of first and second outer lateral surfaces of the body, extending from the gingival tie wings across the archwire slot and into the occlusal tie wings; the first and second tracks sized a

Abstract: A membrane for alveolar bone regeneration to guide bone generation by adapting to a bone graft material, which fills a bone defect area, includes a central hole through which an implant is inserted into an alveolar bone, wherein the membrane includes: a coupling part to couple the membrane with the implant; a side bending part that is downwardly bent from the coupling part to have an overall curved shape with a gentle slope; and lateral covering parts that protrude from edges of the side bending part and are bent and curved toward an alveolar bone defect area, wherein the side bending part and the lateral covering parts are pre-formed in three-dimensions to fit a final shape of the alveolar bone that is to be regenerated.

Abstract: A device for deflecting mechanical oscillations, at an oscillation receiver location may be set into oscillation along a first axis, and transmits such an oscillation into an oscillation along a second axis at an oscillation output location, wherein the first and the second axis form an angle to one another. The device includes an elongate, bent oscillation element, on whose one end a coupling-in point and at whose other end a coupling-out point is arranged, wherein the device is designed such that the oscillation element oscillates transversally at the coupling-in point and at the coupling-out point, when the oscillation receiver location is subjected to an oscillation.

Abstract: A powered dental and interdental cleaning tool includes a body, an interdental cleaning member, and a drive member. The drive member extends from the body at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. The drive member is connected to the interdental cleaning member. A neck extends from the body and defines a drive member shaft for containing and supporting the drive member.

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

Abstract: A medical membrane, in particular a dental membrane for regeneration and/or inducing of tissue, in particular of periodontal tissue and for use in direct contact with bone tissue or connective tissue along with a tooth implant.

Abstract: The invention relates to an applicator instrument for applying dental compounds. The applicator instrument comprises an instrument head with a support structure and with a plurality of projections formed on the support structure. The projections are elastic and, in relation to a height extent, have less stiffness than the support structure. Between them, the projections enclose a receiving space for the dental compound. According to the invention, the projections have a planar configuration and, in relation to a width extent, are arranged substantially parallel to one another. The greatest diameter of the instrument head is between 2 mm and 3 mm. With the applicator instrument according to the invention, it is easier to apply the dental compound in dosed amounts and to spread the dental compound across the surface that is to be treated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a straw for cryopreservation that improves the chance of conception of semen after cryopreservation. The straw is produced by introducing a partitioning layer into a straw for artificial insemination to separate layers, thereby forming a semen storage layer containing an aqueous solution containing semen and an anti-freeze agent on one side and a dilution layer containing no anti-freeze agent on the other side, wherein a dilution solution containing an aqueous solution containing tris(hydroxymethyl aminomethane), citric acid, glucose and sodium chloride is used in the dilution layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating urinary incontinence, comprising: a node; a support section adapted for providing urethral support attached to the node; and, an anchoring section adapted for resisting movement of the apparatus attached to the node opposite the support section. Optionally, the support section is adapted to treat incontinence according to at least one of: SUTFS, colpo-elevation or colpo-distension.

Abstract: An inter-vaginal device for performing a uterine suspension includes a rigid body for manipulating the uterus and implanting a suspension member, such as a mesh, for securing the uterus to an anchoring site (e.g., into a pelvic muscle or ligament). In one embodiment, a method includes inserting at least a portion of a uterine suspension member through an anterior or posterior vaginal incision. An end of the suspension member is anchored to a selected portion of a pelvic tissue. At least a portion of the suspension member is attached to a vaginal apex. A uterine manipulator is advanced in a direction toward the selected portion of the pelvic tissue such that at least a portion of a uterus is moved upward.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating urinary incontinence, comprising: (a) a support section adapted for providing urethral support; (b) an anchoring section adapted for resisting movement of the apparatus; (c) a normally open expansion mechanism adapted to urge the support radially outwards; and (d) a conversion mechanism adapted to sharply and selectively reduce an outward urging of said support.

Abstract: An intravaginal device having an aperture and a withdrawal assembly. The withdrawal assembly has a withdrawal member and an obstruction.

Abstract: A device and method for delivering a graft or synthetic mesh for anatomical repair to the repair site, with the graft or synthetic mesh in position for attachment to repair the defect. A plurality of spaced apart, flexible fingers is connected to the graft or synthetic mesh. The flexible fingers are initially in a position that is generally parallel to a direction of travel of the actuator. The actuator moves the plurality of flexible fingers from the initial to form a radial array, which opens or extends the graft or synthetic mesh. The graft or synthetic mesh may then be attached. A novel trocar is disclosed that is useful with the device. A measuring device including a measuring scale that is useful for determining the required size of the graft is also disclosed.

Abstract: Surgical instruments for prolapse repair are disclosed. The surgical instruments have straight portions and helical portions. Surgical methods for treating prolapse are also disclosed, including passing a distal end region of the surgical instruments through the obturator foramen, associating an implant with the surgical instruments, and securing the implant in place to stabilize the vagina.

Abstract: There is disclosed a porous emboli deflector for preventing cerebral emboli while maintaining cerebral blood flow during an endovascular or open surgical procedure. The device prevents the entrance of emboli of a size able to cause stroke (such as greater than 100 microns) from entering either the right or left common carotid arteries, and/or the right or left vertebral arteries by deflecting emboli downstream of these vessels. The device can be placed prior to any manipulation of the heart or aorta allowing maximal protection of the brain during the index procedure. The deflector has a low profile within the aorta which allows sheaths, catheters, or wires used in the index procedure to pass. Also disclosed are methods for insertion and removal of the deflector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a delivery system for an intraluminal thin film medical device particularly well suited for occlusion of an aneurysm, vessel side branch or dissection of a body lumen or duct, such as an artery or vein. The delivery system has an outer sheath attached along the distal end of a relatively long and flexible tubular shaft. The outer sheath is capable of constraining the thin film medical device in a longitudinally stretched position, and subsequently being retracted relative to the flexible tubular shaft to release the thin film medical device from the constrained longitudinally stretched position. The delivery system may additionally have a mechanical expansion catheter substantially coaxial too, and slideably engaged within, the outer sheath and an inner lumen substantially coaxial to the outer sheath and incorporated into the flexible tubular shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an implantable medical device comprising a hybrid composite material including a first biological component such as an acellular tissue matrix and a second non-biological component for strengthening the device after implantation.

Abstract: An apparatus for anchoring elongate strands within a longitudinal tunnel is disclosed. At least two cams are arranged longitudinally adjacent each other along a longitudinal axis. A first anchor member includes a first cam-contacting surface and a first strand-contacting surface. The first cam-contacting surface is selectively operatively connected to a first cam. A second anchor member includes a second cam-contacting surface and a second strand-contacting surface. The second cam-contacting surface is selectively operatively connected to a second cam. An elongate strand is positioned between the tunnel wall and the first or second strand-contacting surfaces.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant material for use in a prosthetic implant, comprising a gel and optionally a gas.

Abstract: Breast implants including sensor modules and related methods are described herein. Breast implants include those with: a shell configured to be substantially filled with a viscous material; a plurality of projections extending from an external surface of the shell, the projections forming a plurality of compartments adjacent to the external surface of the shell; at least one fluid-permeable cover attached to the projections, the cover completely enveloping the shell and the plurality of projections; and a plurality of sensor modules attached to the shell and positioned at a distance from each other, each of the sensor modules oriented to detect one or more analytes in a fluid within one of the plurality of compartments, wherein each of the plurality of sensor modules includes a unique identifier and is configured to utilize energy transmitted from an external source.

Abstract: A polymeric material with a molecular response time that makes it suitable for use near fragile body tissues. The polymeric material is useful for both low modulus and high modulus applications thereby simplifying the multi-part polymeric article manufacturing process and creating better integrated multi-part polymeric articles. Cross-linked polymers with different moduli may be obtained utilizing the same or similar starting materials but modifying the amount of catalyst, the amount of cross-linking agent, and/or the amount of methyl vinyl cyclics.

Abstract: A lens case for storing an intraocular lens contains a housing for storing an intraocular lens and a support member configured to support the intraocular lens. The support member includes a plurality of jaws, the jaws having a closed configuration for holding the intraocular lens and an open configuration for releasing the intraocular lens. The lens case further comprises a passage formed when the jaws are in the open configuration, the passage including an opening in the lens case for transfer of the intraocular lens into an intraocular lens inserter. The lens case may further comprise an intraocular lens that is disposed between the jaws, the intraocular lens comprising an optic and a haptic coupled to the optic. The lens case may be configured to maintain the haptic in either a first position in which a distal portion of the haptic is disposed farther from the optic or a second position in which the distal portion of the haptic is disposed closer to optic.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implantable capsule expander device for insertion within a lens capsule of an eye of a patient. The device comprises an arcuate center portion including first and second rims and having a first height, an outermost peripheral portion including a second height that is less than the first height, and a receiving portion formed between the first and second rims. The center portion and the outermost peripheral portion are configured to stabilize the capsule expander device within the lens capsule and to expand the lens capsule. The receiving portion is sized to receive an artificial intraocular lens.

Abstract: A prosthesis for insertion in an ear to reduce pain resulting from TMJ disorders. The ear insert has a predefined shape conforming to the shape of the ear canal when the jaw is in an open position. The ear insert supports the TMJ and associated secondary musculature to reduce strain in the TMJ area, including the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and the temporo-mandibular joint itself. The insert is hollow in the inside to permit hearing and is made of a rigid material which retains the shape of the ear canal. A scalloped indenture extends across a surface of the ear insert positioned behind the tragus.

Abstract: A prosthesis can be configured to be deployed within a body cavity. The prosthesis has an expandable frame, a plurality of proximal anchors, and a plurality of distal anchors, where the various anchors are connected to the frame. Radial expansion of the frame can cause the ends of the proximal anchors and the ends of the distal anchors to draw closer together.

Abstract: A vascular implant for replacing a native heart valve comprises a self expanding stent supporting a valve body having leaflets. The stent preferably comprises an anchoring structure configured to prevent the implant from passing through the valve annulus. For delivery, the implant is compacted within a delivery device and secured at one end. During delivery the implant is partially released from the delivery device, and positioning of the implant can be verified prior to full release. The implant can be at least partially resheathed and repositioned if desired.

Abstract: A vascular implant for replacing a native heart valve comprises a self expanding stent supporting a valve body having leaflets. The stent preferably comprises an anchoring structure configured to prevent the implant from passing through the valve annulus. For delivery, the implant is compacted within a delivery device and secured at one end. During delivery the implant is partially released from the delivery device, and positioning of the implant can be verified prior to full release. The implant can be at least partially resheathed and repositioned if desired.

Abstract: A vascular implant for replacing a native heart valve comprises a self expanding stent supporting a valve body having leaflets. The stent preferably comprises an anchoring structure configured to prevent the implant from passing through the valve annulus. For delivery, the implant is compacted within a delivery device and secured at one end. During delivery the implant is partially released from the delivery device, and positioning of the implant can be verified prior to full release. The implant can be at least partially resheathed and repositioned if desired.

Abstract: A prosthetic mitral heart valve having four separate flexible leaflets. The heart valve includes a support frame that may be non-circular, for example elliptical or “D-shaped”. The support frame may have an undulating outflow edge defined by four inflow cusps and four outflow commissures to which each of the flexible leaflets attaches. The support frame may comprise an undulating wireform and a surrounding stent defining a structure having four cantilevered posts projecting in the outflow direction to support the four leaflets. The heart valve is designed to be secured in the annulus and function as a standalone unit without papillary muscle connections to the leaflets. The four leaflets may be arranged in two opposed pairs, one pair being smaller than the other pair. The larger pair of leaflets may be identical, or differently sized. Existing sizes of heart valve leaflets may be utilized with the smaller leaflets being at least two leaflet sizes smaller than the larger leaflets in odd millimeter increments.

Abstract: A stented valve prosthesis for implantation within a native mitral valve having a generally tubular expandable stent structure having a first end, a second end, a central body portion having one or more openings, and a longitudinal axis. A wing portion extends outwardly from the stent structure and away from the longitudinal axis of the stent structure in an expanded deployed configuration. A radius of the wing portion is greater than a radius of the central body portion in the expanded deployed configuration, and the wing portion fits within one of the openings in the central body portion of the stent structure in a crimped delivery configuration. A valve structure having a plurality of leaflets is attached to an interior of the stent structure.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve comprises a radially crimpable and radially expandable, net-like, annular support frame and a valve assembly disposed therein, the valve assembly comprising a conduit tapering from an inlet towards an outlet thereof. Some embodiments or the support frame comprise a proximal portion and a distal portion, a diameter of the proximal portion smaller than a diameter of the distal portion. The proximal portion is dimensioned for deployment in an annulus of a native aortic valve and a distal portion for deployment in an ascending aorta. Some embodiments of the conduit comprise a support construction with a three-cusp, crown-shaped cut line, the support construction sutured to the support frame around a bottom portion thereof and around the cut line. A method for using the prosthetic heart valve to replace a defective native aortic valve uses a minimally invasive procedure.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods from delivering prosthetic devices, such as prosthetic heart valves, through the body and into the heart for implantation therein. The prosthetic devices delivered with the delivery systems disclosed herein are, for example, radially expandable from a radially compressed state mounted on the delivery system to a radially expanded state for implantation using an inflatable balloon of the delivery system. Exemplary delivery routes through the body and into the heart include transfemoral routes, transapical routes, and transaortic routes, among others.

Abstract: A delivery system for an implantable medical device having at least one retention member at an end thereof includes a shaft extending in a longitudinal direction. An elongated sheath surrounds the shaft. The sheath is slidable relative to the shaft in the longitudinal direction. A space is defined inside of the sheath and is adapted to receive the medical device in an assembled or collapsed condition. A retainer is positioned at a first end of the space. At least one recess is provided in the retainer and is adapted to receive the retention member of the medical device in the assembled condition. A selectively activable member is disposed in the compartment between the longitudinal shaft and the medical device. When in an activated state, the member expands radially relative to the shaft, thereby urging the retention member to disengage from the recess.

Abstract: A medical device for treating a heart valve insufficiency, with an endoprosthesis which can be introduced into a patient's body and expanded to secure a heart valve prosthesis in the patient's aorta. In an embodiment, the endoprosthesis has at plurality of positioning arches configured to be positioned with respect to a patient's aorta and a plurality of retaining arches to support a heart valve prosthesis. The endoprosthesis includes a first collapsed mode during the process of introducing it into the patient's body and a second expanded mode when it is implanted.

Abstract: A porous, self-sustaining body useful as a scaffold for bone grafting is provided. The scaffold comprises a carbonaceous matrix comprising a continuous phase having a surface and defining a plurality of open spaces throughout the matrix. The internal and external surfaces of the matrix are coated with a layer or film selected from the group consisting of osteogenic materials, therapeutic agents, and combinations thereof. The porous body comprises organic materials and is substantially free of metals. Methods of making and using the porous self-sustaining body are also provided, along with kits for facilitating the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to an osteosynthesis implant (1) for adapting the shape and the working volume of a ribcage with a view to the implantation of an artificial heart in said ribcage, characterized in that it comprises the following elements: —a main part (10) which has a shape and dimensions that can be adapted to the shape and the dimensions of the rib cage, —attaching elements (20) for attaching the main part to the ribcage, wherein said attaching elements (20) are rigidly attached to the main part (10), and—a protection (30) for the artificial heart, attached to the main part (10).

Abstract: An acetabular cup prosthesis comprising an acetabular cup having a rim and comprising a metal band applied around the outer circumference of the acetabular cup prosthesis and adjacent to said rim.

Abstract: Adjustable base piece (1) that can be incorporated into a prosthesis replacing the corpus vertebrae and comprising—a plate (11) positioned in contact with an internal face of the adjacent corpus vertebrae; —a curved panel (12) that can be adjusted in multiple directions by virtue of a ball stem (120) housed in a head (111) of the plate (11) which allows it to adopt the optimal angle with respect to this fixed plate (11), so that the said curved panel (12), thanks to its possibilities of multi-axis adjustment, can press espousing the external shape of the corpus vertebrae adjacent to the prosthesis, —a clamping plug (13) which, once tightened, fixes the panel (12) to the plate (11) in the desired position, thus allowing this adjustable base piece (1) to be simultaneously in contact with an internal surface of the adjacent corpus vertebrae, thus giving this base piece, once attached to the corpus vertebrae, great bearing stability, with good adaptation to suit all shapes of vertebra encountered in real life.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities. In some instances, such systems and methods include a knee prosthesis that includes a femoral component for replacing at least a portion of a distal end of a femur. In some cases, the femoral component has a posterior condyle that is configured to articulate against a tibial articular surface. In such cases, an articular surface at a proximal portion of the posterior condyle is sized and shaped to extend at least half of an antero-posterior distance between a most posterior portion of the posterior condyle and a plane that is a continuation of a distal one fourth to one third of a posterior cortex of a femoral shaft of the femur. Other implementations are also discussed.

Abstract: Methods of providing dose controlled application of bone graft materials are disclosed. In particular, methods for determining a target quantity of bone graft material for clinical application in order to ensure maximum clinical results are provided. These methods comprise determining the target weight of the material to be applied.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed that facilitates the implantation of one of a number of differently sized or differently configured hip stem prostheses into a proximal end of a femur while also providing a surgeon with a substantial amount of rotational control over the prosthesis during the implantation. A suitable hip stem prosthesis is selected from a family of hip stem prostheses of varying sizes and dimensions. The surgical instrument attaches to the selected hip stem prosthesis via first and second spaced engagement portions such that the instrument is operable to exert rotational control over the selected hip stem prosthesis. The first engagement portion is an impaction portion configured to engage a corresponding impaction feature on a proximal body portion of the hip stem prosthesis. The second engagement portion is an adjustable clamping portion configured to clampingly receive the neck of the hip stem prosthesis, regardless of the prosthesis size.