Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a blade cooling system. The shaft assembly couples the end effector and the body together. The shaft assembly comprises an acoustic waveguide and defines an interior space. The acoustic waveguide is configured to couple with an ultrasonic transducer. The end effector comprises a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The clamp arm is configured to pivot toward and away from the ultrasonic blade. The shaft assembly comprises an inner tube configured to longitudinally translate to thereby pivot the clamp arm toward and away from the ultrasonic blade. The cooling system is operable to deliver liquid coolant a distal portion of the shaft. A trigger of the body is operable to rotate to thereby translate the ultrasonic blade into and out of the interior space of the shaft assembly to thereby cool the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: An apparatus for debriding a wound is provided. The apparatus comprises a curette head having a plurality of blades extending from a base. Each blade of the plurality of blades comprises a debridement edge and a longitudinal dimension. At least one first hollow channel extends through the first blade along the longitudinal dimension from a first opening proximate the base to at least one second opening that is integrated in the debridement edge of the first blade or that is disposed in a major surface of the first blade proximate the debridement edge. Methods of using the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: An inner member of an improved assembly for a delivery system includes a first segment formed by a multi-lumen tubing surrounded by a braided tubing, and a second segment formed by a single-lumen tubing that extends within a distal portion of the braided tubing. The single-lumen tubing accommodates an antenna of a medical device, is in fluid communication with three lumens of the multi-lumen tubing, and opens into a flared distal end of the inner member. A distal-most portion of an outer tube of the system contains the flared distal end and an enclosure of the medical device abutting the distal end. A pull wire of the assembly extends within another lumen of the multi-lumen tubing and between the single-lumen tubing and the distal extent of the braided tubing, and is coupled to a pull band mounted in a cone member that forms the flared distal end.

Abstract: A multi-cannula surgical instrument (1), having an inner cannula (3) movably disposed within an outer cannula (2), the inner cannula (3) having a blunt distal tip (3b), one or more first inner ducts (31) and one or more first flow-through orifices (32) arranged to allow one or more fluid flows therethrough, where the inner and the outer cannula (2, 3) at the proximal ends (2a, 3a) thereof are mounted onto a hub (4) that includes a biasing mechanism (43) coupled to the inner cannula (3) and arranged to bias the inner cannula (3) automatically from a retracted towards an advanced position in case of absence of resistance against the inner cannula (3), where the outer cannula (2) has one or more second flow-through orifices (22) that are in fluid communication with one or more second ducts (21) arranged between the outer and the inner cannula (2, 3), where the second flow-through orifices (22), the hub (4) and the second duct(s) (21) are configured to allow at least one fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A bone plate assembly and method of utilizing same are disclosed. The assembly includes at least two plates affixed to the bone in two different locations. One of the plates includes a porous bone in-growth surface, and may be entirely porous. The assembly may further include at least one bone screw and cable for affixing the plates to the bone. In the method of use, the plates may be affixed by the screws and/or cables and the plate including the porous surface may be left in place after bone is allowed to grow therein.

Abstract: A plate assembly for attaching a bone flap to a skull is provided and may include a first plate member attached to the bone flap and a second plate member supported by the first plate member and movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the first plate member. The second plate member may be removed from a cut line between the bone flap and the skull in the retracted position and may extend over the cut line in the extended position.

Abstract: A receiving part for coupling a bone anchor to a rod is provided, wherein the bone anchor includes a shank (2, 2?) for anchoring in a bone or a vertebra, the receiving part (3, 3?, 3?, 3??, 30, 30?, 30?, 30??) including a first end (3a)and a second end (3b), the second end (3b) being connected to the shank (2, 2?), a bore (7) extending from the first end (3a)into the receiving part for receiving a fixation device (9), the bore having a bore axis (C), a recess (4, 4?, 4?) for receiving a rod (100, 1000), the recess being open at the first end (3a) of the receiving part for allowing insertion of the rod, wherein when a rod is inserted into the recess a longitudinal axis of the rod extends substantially perpendicular to the bore axis (C), wherein the recess (4, 4?, 4?) comprises opposing sidewalls (4b) on at least one side of the bore (7); characterized in that a resilient retention element (40, 400, 400?, 400?, 400??) is provided on at least one of the opposing sidewalls (4b), wherein the resilient retentio

Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shaft for anchoring in a bone and a head, a receiving part having a first end and a second end, a channel for receiving a rod therein, a bore extending from the first end to the second end, and a seat for receiving the head, a pressure element configured to be arranged in the bore and to exert pressure onto the head when the head and the pressure element are in the receiving part, wherein the head is pivotable and can be locked at an angle relative to the receiving part by the pressure element, wherein an outer wall of the pressure element has one of a recess or a deformable portion, and an inner wall of the receiving part has the other one of a deformable portion or a recess configured to be positioned corresponding to the recess or deformable portion of the pressure element, wherein when the head and the pressure element are in the receiving part, the pressure element is movable from a first position wherein the deformable portion prot

Abstract: A pedicle screw system, including a pedicle screw having a screw shaft with an external thread and having a screw head supported on the screw shaft in a ball-and-socket joint relationship. The screw head includes a connecting element receptacle for a connecting element of a spinal stabilization system. The pedicle screw system further includes: a bone alignment apparatus and a coupling device for at least one of force-locking coupling and form-locking coupling of the bone alignment apparatus and the pedicle screw in an alignment position in which a mobility of the screw head and the screw shaft is reduced from three degrees of freedom of movement in rotation of the screw head supported on the screw shaft in a ball-and-socket joint relationship therewith by at least one degree of freedom of rotation.

Abstract: A pedicle screw system, including a pedicle screw having a screw shaft with an external thread and having a screw head supported on the screw shaft in a ball-and-socket joint relationship. The screw head includes a connecting element receptacle for a connecting element of a spinal stabilization system. The pedicle screw system further includes: a bone alignment apparatus and a coupling device for at least one of force-locking coupling and form-locking coupling of the bone alignment apparatus and the pedicle screw in an alignment position in which a mobility of the screw head and the screw shaft is reduced from three degrees of freedom of movement in rotation of the screw head supported on the screw shaft in a ball-and-socket joint relationship therewith by at least one degree of freedom of rotation.

Abstract: A spinal correction system for implantation in a patient, the system including a reciprocating adjuster and/or a resistance adjuster coupled to a stabilizing member, for example. The resistance adjuster includes a potential energy drive, a slide unit, and a resistance unit. The reciprocating adjuster includes a piston unit, a transfer unit coupled to the piston unit, and a return mechanism.

Abstract: A method for coupling a prosthesis to a spinal segment in a patient includes the steps of selecting first and second reference points disposed along the spinal segment and pre-operatively measuring a target distance. The target distance extends between the first and second reference points while the patient is in a preferred posture such as the standing position. A prosthesis is coupled to the spinal segment and the prosthesis is then intra-operatively adjusted in order to set the distance between the first and second reference points based on the target distance.

Abstract: A system for implanting an implant screw into one or more bones of a patient, such as the sacrum and the ilium, can include a rod and a screw. The screw can be generally hollow and have a blunt distal end. The rod can include a threaded and pointed distal end that is inserted through the rod to drive the screw through the bones. Once the screw is at a desired position, the rod can be removed such that the sharp driving edge used to seat the screw does not remain in the bone. The system can further include an extraction tool having a generally hollow body sized to be inserted over the rod and a distally located screw engagement portion configured to engage the screw to adjust positioning of the screw after it is initially seated.

Abstract: The technical description relates to anchor assembly tools, drivers kits, and methods useful in connecting a structure with another structure. An anchor assembly tool includes an outer member having a distal end configured to engage a head member and an inner member having a distal end configured to engage an anchor. A driver includes an outer member, an inner member, and a grasping member. A set screw driver includes an outer member and an inner member. An example kit includes an anchor assembly tool, an anchor, and a head member. A method of assembling an anchor assembly tool comprises releasably attaching a head member to the distal end of the outer member, releasably attaching an anchor to the distal end of the inner member, and advancing the inner member within the outer member such that the anchor is disposed within the head member.

Abstract: A surgical hook insertion device includes an elongate body defining a lumen therethrough and an actuation assembly. The elongate body has a retaining portion configured and dimensioned to releasably retain a laminar hook therein. The actuation assembly includes an actuation rod and an actuator member. The actuation rod is slidably disposed within the lumen of the elongate body. The actuator member is operatively coupled with the actuation rod and is slidably mounted on the elongate body, wherein the actuation assembly is transitionable between a first position in which a portion of the actuation rod engages the laminar hook releasably disposed in the retaining portion and a second position in which the actuation rod disengages the laminar hook.

Abstract: The present invention provides a minimally-invasive surgery pedicle screw and rod assembly, inserter tool, and insertion method for use in spinal stabilization procedures and the like. The screw and rod assembly utilizes a screw head body that has a pair of tab extenders that extend longitudinally from the head body to a point well outside of the skin and musculature of the patient. A rod is coupled to and translated along these tab extenders, ultimately into proximity with the head body. The rod is inserted into, aligned with, and translated along the length of the tab extenders, and then selectively pivoted about an enlarged partial spherical bearing into a configuration that is substantially perpendicular to the tab extenders and the head body. The present invention also provides an inserter tool that is used to dispose the rod concentrically within the tab extenders, translate the rod along the length of the tab extenders, and then pivot the rod with respect to the tab extenders and the head body.

Abstract: A rear-retaining structure for dynamic hip screw (DHS) includes a retaining block and a positioning element. The dynamic hip screw comprises a lag screw, a sideplate, a sleeve with a higher orifice and a lower orifice, and a compression screw. The retaining block of the rear-retaining structure is attached to the sideplate of the dynamic hip screw by the positioning element. A stopper portion of the retaining block is located opposite to the lower orifice of the sleeve. The height of the highest point of the stopper portion in the lower orifice is in inverse proportion to the distance that the lag screw and the compression screw are allowed to slip back in the sleeve from an implant position to the lower orifice; namely, the higher the height of the highest point of the stopper portion is in the lower orifice, the smaller the distance for the slip back.

Abstract: A bone fixation element includes a threaded head and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, an outer surface of the head being one of carburized and nitrided and including a first groove extending into an outer surface of the head along a path interrupting the threading and extending along an angle counter to an angle of the threading.

Abstract: An implant for use in orthognathic surgery of a mandible may include a longitudinal plate member and a plurality of pre-configured guides coupled to the plate member. The longitudinal plate member is pre-bent to correspond to the post-operative shape of the mandible; and the guides are pre-configured to align the plate member with the mandible when the implant is positioned against the mandible after the mandible has been separated.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device is provided including a receiving part for receiving a rod, the receiving part having a longitudinal axis, a first bore coaxial with the longitudinal axis and a second bore; an anchoring element having a first end for insertion into a bone and a second end positionable within the second bore, the second end including a head. The anchoring element is movable relative to the receiving part in a limited angular range about the longitudinal axis, the angular range lying in a single plane. The bone anchoring device further includes a guiding member configured to rotate in the first bore, wherein the head of the anchoring element is connected to the guiding member and wherein a form-fit connection between the head and the guiding member limits the movement of the anchoring element to the single plane.

Abstract: Techniques for joint fusion are described, including a screw comprising a head having a partially flat surface and an opening for receiving a screwdriver tip, the head able to fit within a drill guide, a tip having another opening, a shaft extending from the head to the tip, the shaft having a plurality of holes and a thread on an external surface of the shaft, and a cannula within the shaft extending from the opening to the another opening.

Abstract: Dispensing device for cement cartridges for polymethylmethacrylate bone cements comprising at least one manually actuatable rocker lever, an adapter for a cement cartridge, a clamping rod that can be propelled in the direction of the adapter, at least one propulsion body shiftable in axial direction with respect to the axis of the clamping rod, at least one sphere-shaped or roller-shaped clamping body arranged in a cavity of the at least one propulsion body, an elastic element which pushes the at least one clamping body of the at least one propulsion body from the direction of the adapter onto an inclined surface or edge of the cavity of the at least one propulsion body, a spring element which pushes onto the at least one propulsion body opposite to the propulsion direction of the clamping rod, and at least one securing element which touches against the clamping rod.

Abstract: Dispensing device for polymethylmethacrylate bone cements comprising a manually actuatable rocker lever, an adapter for a cement cartridge, a movable clamping rod, a propulsion body shiftable in axial direction of the clamping rod, at least one sphere-shaped or roller-shaped clamping body arranged in a cavity of the propulsion body, an elastic element pushing the clamping body onto an inclined surface or edge of the cavity of the propulsion body, a spring element which pushes on the at least one propulsion body opposite to the propulsion direction of the clamping rod, at least one securing element touching against the clamping rod, at least one sphere-shaped or roller-shaped clamping body arranged in a cavity of the securing element, an elastic element pushing the at least one clamping body of the securing element onto an inclined surface or edge of the cavity of the at least one securing element.

Abstract: The present application relates to a torque limiter (1) comprising a handle (2) with a mono- block cylindrical handle-body. The cylindrical handle-body includes a central through bore (3) having an axis (B) at a right angle to a longitudinal axis (A) of the cylindrical handle-body as well as a first pocket (4) and a second pocket (5). The first pocket (4) is arranged on a first side and the second pocket (5) is arranged on a second side of said cylindrical handle-body opposite of said first side. The first pocket (4) and the second pocket (5) are arranged along said longitudinal axis (A) and intersect each other in the area of said central through bore (3), each of said first pocket (4) and said second pocket (5) comprising at least one magnet (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b; 35). Further, the torque limiter (1) comprises a mono-block shaft (20) having a central shaft (21) removably arranged in said central through bore (3), said central shaft (21) having a drive (23) arranged at a first end.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an electrosurgical apparatus for treating tissue at a target site. The apparatus has a shaft with a proximal end and a distal portion, the distal portion comprising a return electrode and electrode support. There is also at least one active electrode on the shaft distal portion, which has a proximal portion and a distal portion and a plurality of aspiration apertures disposed therebetween. These apertures are fluidly connected to a fluid aspiration cavity that is located within the electrode support, and the cavity is connected with a fluid aspiration element that is located along the shaft. The plurality of apertures vary in size and are generally arranged so that the larger sized apertures are disposed towards the electrode proximal portion and the smaller sized apertures are generally located towards the electrode distal portion.

Abstract: A living tissue bonding system including: a sandwiching section for sandwiching living tissue; a power source for supplying to the living tissue treatment energy for bonding the living tissue sandwiched by the sandwiching section; a temperature measuring section for measuring a temperature of the living tissue sandwiched by the sandwiching section; a calculation section calculating, from the temperature of the living tissue measured by the temperature measuring section and a time period of applying the treatment energy, a time integral value of the temperature of the living tissue; a comparison section comparing the time integral value of the temperature of the living tissue calculated by the calculation section with a predetermined setting value; and an instruction section giving an instruction based on a result of the comparison by the comparison section.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator and an instrument coupled to the electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical generator includes an output stage configured to generate the electrosurgical energy at a plurality of radio frequencies, a plurality of sensors configured to sense a voltage waveform and a current waveform of the electrosurgical energy, and a controller coupled to the output stage and the plurality of sensors. The instrument supplies the electrosurgical energy to the tissue. The controller of the electrosurgical generator is further configured to calculate at least one parasitic parameter based on the electrosurgical energy at the plurality of frequencies and control the output stage based on the at least one parasitic parameter.

Abstract: A method of determining the distance between an electrode catheter disposed in a body fluid adjacent an internal body surface, and the internal body surface, the method comprising: applying an alternating voltage or an alternating current that alternates at between about 10 kHZ and about 100 kHz between at least one pair of electrodes on the electrode catheter; determining the impedance between at least one pair of electrodes on the electrode catheter; and determining the distance between the electrode catheter and the internal body surface based at least in part on the determined impedance.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes a mechanical forceps including first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another about a pivot. A disposable housing is configured to releasably couple to at least one of the shafts and an electrode assembly has electrodes releasably coupleable to the jaw members and adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy to allow selective conduction of electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. An electrically conductive cutting element is disposed on at least one of the electrodes and is adapted to connect to the source of electrosurgical energy to allow selective conduction of electrosurgical energy through tissue held between the electrodes to effect a tissue cut.

Abstract: A vessel sealer has a stepped jaw that allows the jaw to have an overall shape and a width that provides desired strength, shape, and functionality while permitting a smaller raised portion to apply the sealing pressure. The smaller area applying the sealing pressure allows an actuating mechanism to apply a clinically desired sealing pressure without exceeding the force or torque limitations of the actuating mechanism and can limit thermal spread during a sealing procedure.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a distal assembly distal the elongated body, the distal assembly having a tapered helical form comprising a larger, electrode-carrying proximal loop and a smaller, softer distal loop, and a shape-memory support member extending through at least the proximal loop. For example, the helical loop subtends at least about 720 radial degrees, with the proximal loop subtending about 360 radial degrees, and the distal loop subtending about 360 radial degrees. The softer distal loop with a straight distal end atraumatically guides the distal assembly into a tubular region so that the larger proximal loop can sit on the ostium of the tubular region with improved electrode and tissue contact.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing and using an irrigated ablation catheter. The catheter may include a distal shell electrode having irrigation apertures. An insert disposed within the electrode has protrusions that mate with orifices in the shell of the electrode. Each protrusion has a port communicating with at least one interior lumen in the insert and a sensor is disposed in each port. A support seals the proximal end of the electrode and engages the insert. The plurality of sensors may be used to measure electrical and thermal characteristics surrounding the electrode and may help assess contact between the electrode and tissue and/or determine movement of the electrode during ablation.

Abstract: The ablation systems, ablation probes, and corresponding methods according to the present disclosure reduce or eliminate energy radiating from an ablation probe into the environment. Some ablation probes include a retractable sheath that shields at least the radiating portion of the ablation probe. The retractable sheath and/or the ablation probe may include conduits through which a fluid may flow to shield the radiating portion and to drive the retractable sheath to an extended state. Other ablation probes include apertures defined in the probe walls through which the fluid can flow to expand a balloon surrounding the radiating portion. Yet other ablation probes include a thermal indicator to indicate the temperature of the ablation probe to a user. The ablation systems include fluid circuits and associated mechanical controls for varying the contents and/or flow rate of the fluid provided to the radiating portion of the ablation probe.

Abstract: A method of treating pigmented lesions and vascular lesions by a wavelength between 500 nm and 600 nm applied to the segment of skin as a train of pulses. In some examples, a wavelength of 1048 nm is applied sequentially or simultaneously with the wavelength between 500 nm and 600 nm. Disclosed is also an apparatus supporting such skin treatment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for performing navigation-assisted medical procedures such as biopsies, surgeries and pathology procedures by obtaining location information of an item of interest located within at least a portion of a subject; sensing position information of a moveable device; determining a relative position of the moveable device to the item of interest using the location information of the item of interest and the position information of the moveable device; and providing feedback based on the relative position of the moveable device to the item of interest that can be used to change the relative position of the moveable device to the item of interest.

Abstract: An electrode cleaning system includes a medical device including a plurality of electrodes, a fluid reservoir including an electrolytic solution, and a cleaning device. The cleaning device is electrically coupled to the medical device, and is configured to channel a DC current between at least one pair of electrodes of the plurality of electrodes when the plurality of electrodes are submerged in the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for measuring the diameter or thickness of a tendon. In an embodiment, the device includes an adjustable tube having a variably sized cross-sectional diameter in a direction perpendicular to an axis extending between the first end and the second end, the adjustable tube being positionable from an open configuration in which the variably sized cross-sectional diameter is larger than a diameter of a tendon so as to allow loading of the tendon, to a closed configuration in which the variably sized cross-sectional diameter approximates the diameter of the tendon so as to allow measurement of the tendon. The device includes a measurement gradient in operable configuration with the adjustable tube so as to allow measurement of the tendon in the closed configuration. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Tissue ablation systems and methods are provided, wherein a cardiac catheter incorporates a pressure detector for sensing a mechanical force against the distal tip when engaging an ablation site. Responsively to the pressure detector, a controller computes an ablation volume according to relationships between the contact pressure against the site, the power output of an ablator, and the energy application time. A monitor displays a map of the heart which includes a visual indication of the computed ablation volume. The monitor may dynamically display the progress of the ablation by varying the visual indication.

Abstract: A method for surgical resection planning of a mass is disclosed, the method comprises the steps of modelling the mass based on a plurality of physical dimensions, determining a plurality of safety margins around a plurality of features within the mass, simulating a resection surface on the mass comprising a plurality of triangles, optimizing local area and position of a first of the plurality of triangles on the resection surface based on a triangle-based algorithm, updating the simulation of the resection surface, and repeating the steps of optimizing and updating for each of the plurality of triangles on the resection surface.

Abstract: The invention provides for a system for estimating a 3-dimensional treatment volume for a device that applies treatment energy through a plurality of electrodes defining a treatment area, the system comprising a memory, a display device, a processor coupled to the memory and the display device, and a treatment planning module stored in the memory and executable by the processor. In one embodiment, the treatment planning module is adapted to generate an estimated first 3-dimensional treatment volume for display in the display device based on the ratio of a maximum conductivity of the treatment area to a baseline conductivity of the treatment area. The invention also provides for a method for estimating 3-dimensional treatment volume, the steps of which are executable through the processor. In embodiments, the system and method are based on a numerical model which may be implemented in computer readable code which is executable through a processor.

Abstract: A system of this invention is directed to a surgical operation support system that supports determination of an appropriate disposition of a bone in a living body during surgery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for connecting a medical instrument to a position-detecting system, the device having a localization element. The medical instrument has an instrument shaft, an instrument tip and an operating point. At least one localization element for determining position information for the device within a coordinate system of the position-detecting system can be provided on the device, the device having at least one retaining means for attaching the localization element to the medical instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a surgical operation by wire (SOBW) type surgical operation apparatus including an end effector configured so as to remove or minimize configurations of a mechanical cable. The SOBW type surgical operation apparatus includes: a body part; an extension part having one end connected to the body part; and an end effector formed at the other end of the extension part, and receiving electrical energy transferred through the body part and the extension part and converting the electrical energy into mechanical energy.

Abstract: An adjustable surgical instrument stringer, tray system, and method of sterilization comprising, in general, a one or more axis adjustable stringer to be inserted into the finger rings or ring handles of the surgical instruments to sequentially group the surgical instruments, a surgical instrument tray and lid configured with a pattern of sterilization apertures, the lid having two or more recessed valleys configured to receive the stringer of ringed surgical instruments and releasably hold the surgical instrument therein.

Abstract: A dental laser treatment system may include a laser source providing a laser beam, and a focusing device to produce a laser beam having a waist. The focal length and waist of the laser beam are selected to achieve a depth of treatment that is at least 5 mm long, and has a power density of at least a minimum power density required to perform a selected treatment on dental tissue. In some instances, the focal length is 25 mm or greater.

Abstract: A handle instrument system and method of using the handle instrument system. The handle instrument has a receiver on an end of the handle instrument. The handle instrument receives points directly from a container. The points are positioned generally vertically within the container, and are retained in the container in the generally vertical orientation that permits the points to be conveniently selected and picked from the container using the handle instrument. A point picked from the container and connected to the handle instrument is ready for use. The points are preferably arranged in kits such as containers for ease of identification. In some cases, the points are capable of being manually deformed to a shape and architecture as desired by the operator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for treating root canals of teeth. The method removes pulp tissue from a pulp cavity of a tooth by creating an endodontic access cavity in the tooth with only partial deroofing of a pulp chamber of the pulp cavity; and removing pulp tissue that remains in coronal areas and pericervical dentin of the tooth, without removal of neighboring hard tissue. The device can remove pulp tissue from a pulp cavity of a tooth. The device includes a source of carrier fluid; a supply of particles; and a nozzle having an inlet in fluid communication with the source of carrier fluid and the supply of particles. The nozzle has an outlet for spraying a mixture of the carrier fluid and the particles. An outlet axis of the outlet of the nozzle is positioned at an acute angle with respect to an inlet axis of the inlet of the nozzle.

Abstract: A universal cervical matrix for dental use comprising a lamina having at least an outer layer and an inner layer, the inner layer comprising a non-stick surface to prevent adhering to a chemically-cured dental restoration material, and the outer layer comprising an energy-absorbing material. The energy-absorbing material absorbs energy output from a dental curing light and provides heat to the dental restoration material, thereby increasing curing rate.

Abstract: This invention is a dynamic orthodontic bracket system which allows brackets to be adjusted for particular angulations required for each individual tooth of a patient without having to adjust or reposition the frame. The frames are continuously attached to tooth surface. The orthodontist manually adjusts the relationship of a bracket and a frame during treatment eliminating the necessity of a full repositioning of all components. In particular, the bracket can be moved linearly and rotate 360 degrees within the frame. The bracket can be locked or unlocked within the frame with the use of a door and flexible body that acts as a brake. This system leads to lower treatment cost, a more stable bracket system, and quicker adjustments of the orthodontic bracket system.

Abstract: Dental implant having a socket arrangement having the shape of a regular octagon which is partly interrupted by outwardly extending notches being parallel or parallel and partly inclined with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the implant, the inclination being such as to taper inwardly from their coronal end, wherein interrupting and outwardly extending ridges extending from the notches in an apical direction of the dental implant, first contact surfaces being adapted to engage and rotationally secure an abutment, and wherein second contact surfaces extend from the notches within the ridges in the direction of the longitudinal center axis, the second contact surfaces being adapted to engage with an insertion tool; and wherein the notches are positioned at sides or at corners of the regular octagon.