Abstract: Interspinous process implants are disclosed. Also disclosed are systems and kits including such implants, methods of inserting such implants, and methods of alleviating pain or discomfort associated with the spinal column.

Abstract: A battery pack for a use with a powered surgical tool. The battery pack may include a housing with an outer wall and opposing first and second ends. The housing may include an elongated shape that extends between the first and second ends. A first member may extend across the first end of the housing and include a first aperture, and a second end member may extend across the second end of the housing and may include a second aperture. A passage may extend through the housing with a first end that aligns with the first aperture and a second end that aligns with the second aperture. The housing may be sized for a plurality of storage locations positioned between the first and second members and around the passage, and each of the storage locations may be configured to store a power cell.

Abstract: An intramedullary assembly for intraosseous bone fusion includes a lag screw member and a tapered screw member. The lag screw member includes a first elongated body, where the first elongated body includes a first threaded portion at a first end and a bulbous portion at a second end. The tapered screw member is coupled to the lag screw member, and the tapered screw member includes a second elongated body, where the second elongated body includes a second threaded portion at a third end, and an opening at a fourth end.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the profile of a bone fixation plate while, preventing backing out of screws is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one section of relief and sections of engagement. The plate has at least two openings though which two screws can pass through bony tissue. As the screw is tightened, it will begin to lag the plate to the bone. When the screw head interferes with the plate at the interference point, there is a slight resistance that insertion forces can overcome. When the screw is advanced further, it snaps into the sliding fit area and is allowed to move freely. The forces that cause the screw to back out from the plate are preferably not strong enough to pass the screw head back past the interference section. It may be desirable to include a set screw to help prevent backout.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drug eluting surgical screw and a method for manufacturing a drug eluting surgical screw. The drug eluting surgical screw may include a shaft having a threaded portion, a head having a drive recess disposed at a proximal end of the shaft, the drive recess having a reservoir region and a driver engagement region, and at least one or more drug eluting components disposed within the reservoir region of the drive recess in a manner that does not substantially impair a connection between a driver and the surgical screw when the driver is operably disposed within the driver engagement region, each of the at least one or more drug eluting components including a carrier matrix and a therapeutic agent, the therapeutic agent being at least 20 wt % of the drug eluting component prior to any implantation of the drug eluting surgical screw.

Abstract: An absorbable screw fastener and a method of firing with an applicator capable of applying a surgical fastener to tissue in order to form tissue connection to secure objects to tissue, the fastener including a body portion having a helical thread, a head portion disposed at the proximal end of the body portion. The head portion includes a driver receiving configuration on its outer surface. The screw fastener further includes a cannulated center lumen with an opening extending from the head portion through the longitudinal length of the body portion.

Abstract: A system and method for pressing fragments of a fracture against each other includes a compression device comprising a hollow shaft. The system has an inner engagement portion for engaging an outer feature of a screw head arranged at a distal end of the shaft. The system has a supporting element with a contact surface adapted to abut on one of the fragments, and a joint is provided between the supporting element and the hollow shaft. The joint is formed so as to allow a rotation of the shaft about a longitudinal axis thereof relative to the supporting element. Additionally, the joint is formed to allow a pivot movement of the supporting element relative to the shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a soft tissue graft anchor. The anchor includes a plurality of prongs, each prong including a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the prongs are coupled at their distal ends to form an inner cavity having an opening, at least one of the prongs including a fin, the fin extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the prong and including a pointed end. A tissue graft anchor assembly, a method for tissue repair, and instrumentation for use therewith are also disclosed.

Abstract: A control unit controls delivery of RF energy generated by an RF generator to a medical device configured to perform a medical procedure. The control unit may be separate from the RF generator, and may have an input that may be attached to an output of the RF generator. The control unit includes switching circuitry that is closed while an amount of RF energy is transmitted through the control unit to the medical device. The switching circuitry opens when the amount of RF energy reaches a threshold level.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a reusable component and a limited-use component releasably engagable with the reusable component. The limited-use component is configured for one or more uses and includes a clocking mechanism configured to count each engagement of the reusable component and the limited-use component to one another. The clocking mechanism is incrementally transitionable upon each successive count from one or more uses state, wherein the clocking mechanism permits both mechanical engagement and electrical coupling of the reusable component and the limited-use component to one another, to a spent state, wherein the clocking mechanism inhibits both mechanical engagement and electrical coupling of the limited-use component and the reusable component to one another.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handpiece having a user input feature and a user feedback feature. A shaft assembly extends distally from the handpiece. An end effector is disposed at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector includes an active feature responsive to actuation of the user input feature. The active feature is operable to operate on tissue in response to actuation of the user input feature. The user feedback feature is operable to provide feedback to the user that indicates information relating to operation of the end effector. The feedback may include haptic, visual, and/or auditory feedback.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for pulsed electric field neuromodulation via an intra-to-extravascular approach, e.g., to effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, changes in cytokine upregulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the ITEV PEF system comprises an intravascular catheter having one or more electrodes configured for intra-to-extravascular placement across a wall of patient's vessel into proximity with target neural fibers. With the electrode(s) passing from an intravascular position to an extravascular position prior to delivery of the PEF, a magnitude of applied voltage or energy delivered via the electrode(s) and necessary to achieve desired neuromodulation may be reduced relative to an intravascular PEF system having one or more electrodes positioned solely intravascularly.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the treatment of a thoracic region of a patient's body. Embodiments of the method comprise positioning an energy delivery portion of an electrosurgical device to face a segment of a thoracic vertebra at a distance from the segment; and cooling the energy delivery portion and delivering energy through the energy delivery portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides various embodiments of electrodes and/or electrode tips for use in connection with ablation catheters and ablation catheter systems. In an embodiment, an electrode tip for an ablation catheter is provided, comprising an electrode carrier, a first electrode, and second electrode, each adapted to direct energy is various directions and configured to be selectively activated. In another embodiment, an electrode is provided that comprises an electrode body having an insulated portion to protect adjacent tissue from ablation while further adapted to direct energy in a downward direction towards the target tissue. Other embodiments of electrodes and/or electrode tips providing ablative elements that are directed laterally are also disclosed. Moreover, embodiments of several types of electrodes and/or electrode tips, which may include positioning, orientation, irrigating, cooling, and deflecting features, whether provided individually or in various combinations, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for ablational treatment of regions of the digestive tract in post-bariatric surgery patients who fail to achieve or maintain the desired weight loss. Bariatric procedures include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion, and sleeve gastrectomy. These procedures reconstruct gastrointestinal tract features, creating pouches, stoma, and tubes that restrict and/or divert the digestive flow. Post-surgical dilation of altered structures is common and diminishes their bariatric effectiveness. Ablation of compromised structures can reduce their size and compliance, restoring bariatric effectiveness. Ablation, as provided the invention, starts at the mucosa and penetrates deeper into the gastrointestinal wall in a controlled manner. Control may also be provided by a fractional ablation that ablates some tissue within a target region and leaves a portion substantially unaffected.

Abstract: A method of making a spacer cage is disclosed. The method may include providing a tube having an outer diameter, a first second, a second section and a middle section having a first end connected to the first section and a second end connected to the second section, cutting the middle section to form strut elements of the spacer cage and cutting a plurality of longitudinal slits in the first and second sections to allow radial expansion of the first and second sections, expanding the tube using a mandrel, heat setting the tube while on the mandrel, and subsequent the heat setting, removing the first and second sections from the tube.

Abstract: An irrigated medical device, including an inlet tube configured to receive an irrigation fluid from a pressurized fluid source, at least first and second outlet tubes configured to deliver the irrigation fluid to respective outlets of the device, a manifold containing a chamber coupled between the inlet tube and at least the first and second outlet tubes, and a ball including a magnetic material contained inside the chamber. The irrigated medical device also includes a magnetic field generator disposed outside the chamber and configured to generate a variable magnetic field within the chamber so as to move the ball between at least a first position in which the first outlet tube is blocked, a second position in which the second outlet tube is blocked, and a third position, in which neither of the outlet tubes is blocked.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the ablation of tissue. A steerable ablation catheter can include one or more ablation elements at its distal end and one or more ablation elements fixedly attached to its shaft. The distal end of the ablation catheter can be deflected to assume a number of different deflection geometries in at least one direction along the shaft. One feature of the ablation catheter is that its shaft can comprise materials of differing durometers or stiffnesses attached together at a joint. Methods associated with use of the ablation catheter are also covered.

Abstract: A method of reducing the level of pain experienced by a patient during a pain-inducing dermatological treatment by using non-pharmacologic means is described. The method employs the use of multiple bursts of a gas to stimulate a touch sensation in or near the tissue to be treated using the dermatological treatment in order to reduce and/or relieve pain. The method can be used alone or can be used in combination with other non-pharmacologic and/or pharmacologic methods of relieving pain in order to make a patient more comfortable during or following the dermatological treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering electrical power to an electrically powered medical device includes a battery, a first compartment, and a second compartment where the second compartment can hold the first compartment and the first compartment can hold the battery. A sterile space is defined between the first compartment and the second compartment. The first compartment and the battery may be selectively electrically coupled with the electrically powered medical device such that the first compartment does not compromise the sterility of the electrically powered medical device.

Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods involve flexible components for insertion into tissue, such as for minimally-invasive surgical procedures. As consistent with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a plurality of elongated flexible segments and one or more rigid actuators coupled between the flexible segments. One or more tendons extend within and moves the flexible segments, which elastically flex upon insertion into tissue. Each rigid actuator also operates to move one or more of the flexible segments, providing further movement control. A manipulator circuit is coupled to each rigid actuator and operates to position one or more of the segments by actuating the rigid actuator (e.g., via electrical and/or mechanical input).

Abstract: A stand for medical optical instrument capable of easily extending, adjusting easily a counter balancing according to a change of a weight of medical optical instrument such as microscope, as well as, maintaining stably a counter balancing regardless of a position of medical optical instrument.

Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for implant planning using areas representing cartilage. A predetermined number of control points for generating a predetermined number of areas representing cartilage are determined, wherein the predetermined number of control points are based on an implant component. Measurements corresponding to a plurality of measured cartilage points are received, wherein each cartilage point is based on an associated control point from the predetermined number of control points. A plurality of areas representing cartilage are generated, wherein each area representing cartilage is larger than and projects to an associated control point from the plurality of control points. A representation of the implant component is positioned based on a representation of a bone, the representation of the bone comprising representations of the plurality of areas representing cartilage.

Abstract: A medical tool for operating in a working volume of a magnetic position tracking system includes a first plurality of layers including an electrically conductive material and a second plurality of layers including an electrically insulating material and interleaved with the first plurality. The layers are arranged to reduce eddy current distortion in a magnetic field generated by the magnetic position tracking system.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods, systems, devices, and computer-readable media for image management in image-guided medical procedures. Some embodiments herein allow a physician to use multiple instruments for a surgery and simultaneously provide image-guidance data for those instruments. Various embodiments disclosed herein provide information to physicians about procedures they are performing, the devices (such as ablation needles, ultrasound transducers or probes, scalpels, cauterizers, etc.) they are using during the procedure, the relative emplacements or poses of these devices, prediction information for those devices, and other information. Some embodiments provide useful information about 3D data sets and allow the operator to control the presentation of regions of interest. Additionally, some embodiments provide for quick calibration of surgical instruments or attachments for surgical instruments.

Abstract: A clamping device for a dental tool in a dental turbine handpiece having at least one clamping lever that is supported in a fulcrum and that extends along the axis of a tool shank to be clamped, wherein the clamping lever is designed and arranged such that the tool shank can be clamped using the clamping lever and that on rotation of the clamping device, through the effect of the centrifugal force, the clamping lever is radially deflected about the virtual fulcrum, so as to increase the clamping force acting on the tool shank.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides computing device implemented methods, computing device readable medium, and molds for filling undercut areas of teeth relative to an axis of placement. Filling undercut areas of teeth relative to an axis of placement can include calculating an undercut area of a tooth relative to an axis of placement of part of a dental appliance over a number of teeth and a height of contour that is defined based on the axis of placement. Filling undercut areas of teeth relative to an axis of placement can also include filling in a part of the undercut area of the tooth with a virtual filler wherein the undercut is filled to within a threshold distance from the tooth that is defined relative to the axis of placement and the height of contour.

Abstract: Method and system for detecting and correcting deviation during an orthodontic treatment plan is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving an un-segmented current teeth image representing a patient's teeth after an orthodontic treatment plan has begun and before the plan ends for the patient; matching a previously segmented teeth model with the current teeth image; and generating at least one corrective stage to define an intermediate tooth arrangement, wherein the at least one corrective stage repositions a digital teeth image so that a prescribed tooth arrangement of the previously segmented teeth model can be used.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket includes a bracket body, a slide member, and a resilient member. The slide member is slidable relative to the archwire slot. The resilient member is coupled to and is slidable with the slide member. The resilient member is configured to engage a first portion of the bracket body in the opened position and a second portion of the bracket body in the closed position. The second portion is different from the first portion. The resilient member imposes a biasing force on the slide member in the direction of movement toward the archwire slot when the slide member is in the closed position. The resilient member may be configured to impose a biasing force on the slide member in the direction away from the archwire slot when the slide member is at a position intermediate the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: A system for dental implant restoration is provided. It includes universal aligning adaptors and prosthetic components having co-operable indices, which together form a translational, integrating system which aligns, synchronizes, and references the prosthetic components about an implant's central axis of rotation. Rotation of an adaptor about a prosthetic component, with its reference point becoming aligned to a predetermined reference point on the prosthetic component, followed by the rotation of the adaptor/prosthetic component assembly about the implant, situates the prosthetic component in a predetermined position such that all other prosthetic components become synchronized to the adaptor's reference point. The prosthetic component is mechanical for clinical or lab bench use, or is virtual for restoration design in a software program, prior to milling prosthetic abutments or devices.

Abstract: An intra-oral scanning device includes a light source and an optical system, and communicates with a display system. The device captures images of an object of interest, e.g., patient teeth or associated anatomy, by projecting the light source as a first series of frames, and a second series of frames. The first series of frames projects first pattern data, and the second series of frames projects second data. The second series of frames are interleaved between frames in the first series of frames. The frames in the first series are partially-illuminated and are used to capture data for a 3D model. The frames in the second series are preferably fully-illuminated and are used to generate a live preview of the object. By displaying the live preview frames in juxtaposition to the 3D model, the operator is provided with visual feedback of the object.

Abstract: A system enabling precise control of dental wax application by fine temperature control includes a PID thermostatic controller, at least one cartridge heater and a temperature sensor. The cartridge heaters are embedded in a heater block containing heating that transfers heat to a barrel of a wax applicator when the barrel is intermittently placed into a heating chamber of the block.

Abstract: Process and systems for molding or forming products from thermosetting plastics. The system utilizes a deformable container that is placed within the cavity of the housing of the mold with the resins and initiator mixed therein. As a piston slides into the cavity, the upper edges of the container engage between the housing and the piston to seal the housing form leakage. The pressure of the piston along with heat on the housing enable the curing process to be controlled to minimize shrinkage and porosity.

Abstract: A cleaning section for an electric oral hygiene device is disclosed. The cleaning section includes at least a first carrier mounted for driven rotation or oscillating rotation around a rotation axis; and at least a plurality of first cleaning elements mounted on the first carrier with their bases arranged on the vertices of a first star-shaped polygon around the rotation axis. All of the first cleaning elements are inclined in a circumferential direction such that the free end of each of the first cleaning elements is farther away in the circumferential direction than the base of the respective first cleaning element; and wherein at least one cleaning element property alternates between adjacent first cleaning elements or between clusters of first cleaning elements.

Abstract: A cleaning device, especially for cleaning clogged nozzles of dental devices, with a base body, which comprises a main channel, wherein the main channel is designed for the transport of a medium, especially a fluid, characterized in that the base body, at a first end, has a receiving zone, wherein the receiving zone is designed for the arrangement of another member, especially a clogged dental device, and in that the main channel has an access zone, through which the medium may be fed into main channel and/or the pressure thereof may be raised.

Abstract: An animal dental cleaning device for cleaning the teeth of a domesticated or non-domesticated animal while the animal is participating in a pulling game with another animal or person, such as tug-of-war, is provided. Methods for cleaning teeth of animals using an animal dental cleaning device while the animal is participating in a pulling game with another animal or person are also provided.

Abstract: A medical device having a valve member and a securing member is provided. The valve member is configured to be positioned inside a bodily passageway. The valve member includes a plurality of flaps configured to move from a first position to a second position at a predetermined pressure or in response to being exposed to a predetermined pressure. The securing member is configured to be positioned outside the bodily passageway. The securing member is configured to help retain the valve member in place within the bodily passageway.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the present invention provides a substantially two-dimensional surgical mesh comprising a base material, a first area having a first characteristic and a second area having a second characteristic that differs from the first characteristic. The surgical mesh may further comprise a third area having a third characteristic that may be the same as or different from the first and second characteristics, and so on.

Abstract: Pelvic or other types of implants are provided that can include tensioning feedback components or portions, such as color changing polymer materials, such as polyacetylene. The color changing polymer can be included with, coated on or otherwise provided with a portion of slings or implant devices to provide targeted feedback to the user or physician of the tension applied to a particular device. A first color can be used to indicate a first (initial) tension or compression stage, and a second color can be used to indicate tensioning of the device beyond a predefined threshold.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, surgical films for soft tissue repair are provided. The surgical films comprise at least one sheet of a non-filamentous material within which pores are formed. Further aspects of the invention, among others, pertain to methods of using such surgical films and to kits containing such surgical films.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to implantable medical devices which include at least one mesh and at least one film pivotably attached to the mesh.

Abstract: An endoscopic system for winding and inserting a mesh into an abdominal cavity of a patient is provided. The endoscopic system includes an introducer having an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft includes a split portion that defines an opening therealong. The split portion is configured to support the mesh within the opening. A furler defining a lumen is engageable with the split portion of the shaft and configured to exert a radial force onto the mesh that is supported by the split portion. Rotation of one of the furler and introducer with respect to the other winds the mesh inside the furler to a diameter smaller than a diameter of the lumen of the furler.

Abstract: A medical implant includes a metal composite that contains a cellular nanomatrix having a metallic nanomatrix material and a metal matrix disposed in the cellular nanomatrix, the medical implant being configured to disintegrate in response to contact with a fluid. A method for repairing tissue includes disposing an implant in a patient, the implant including a metal composite which contains: a cellular nanomatrix having a metallic nanomatrix material; and a metal matrix disposed in the cellular nanomatrix; contacting tissue of the patient with the implant, the tissue being in need of repair; and non-operatively removing the implant to repair the tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device for supporting an implant or prosthesis, formed by two parts including one part forming an upper ring (1) which is made from a rigid or semi-rigid solid biocompatible material and another part forming a lower ring (2) which is made from a rigid or semi-rigid, integrable or porous biocompatible material, said device being intended to receive an implant or a removable prosthesis at the upper ring and to be installed in situ by means of the lower ring.

Abstract: A stent graft delivery system includes an internal lead screw assembly within a track of a handle. The internal lead screw assembly is moveable along a major axis of the handle by rotation of a lead screw nut that extends about the handle and is threadably engaged with the threaded portion of the internal lead screw assembly. The lead screw nut is also slidable along the handle while engaged with the internal lead screw assembly. A stent graft system includes a proximal stent adjacent to a bare stent of angled struts joined by proximal and distal apices, wherein the proximal stent is nested within the bare stent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved devices and methods to treat periprosthetic breast implant infections.

Abstract: Modular IOL systems including a base and a lens, wherein the lens includes fixed and actuatable tabs for connection to the base. The modular IOL allows for the lens to be adjusted or exchanged while leaving the base in place, either intra-operatively or post-operatively. Drug delivery capabilities and/or sensing capabilities may be incorporated into the base. Injector devices may be used to facilitate placement of the base and the lens sequentially or simultaneously into the eye.

Abstract: An intraocular lens assembly for positioning in a lens capsule of a patient's eye is disclosed. The intraocular lens is placed within an enclosed incision in target tissue in the patient's eye, wherein the incision is formed by a laser system including a scanner for deflecting a light beam to form an enclosed treatment pattern including a registration feature in the target tissue, and wherein the intraocular lens has a registration feature that engages with the registration feature of the enclosed incision. Alternately, the scanner can make a separate registration incision for a post that is connected to the intraocular lens via a strut member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an intraocular lens system having a plurality of haptics for use with an optic. In general, the haptics are adapted to move independently in response to forces associated with a ciliary muscle and/or zonules of an eye when implanted. The optic may be releasably secured to the system using, for example, a plurality of optic securing arms. Alternatively, the optic may be fused to the haptics, which may project radially outward from the optic. A restraining arm may be included to limit movement of the haptics during accommodation and/or disaccommodation. Clamping members may be included for securing the system to a capsular bag of the eye. Methods of implanting the intraocular lens system into the eye are also described.

Abstract: A lens in accordance with the present invention includes an switchable cell consisting of optical substrate with diffraction surface, elastic film in contact with the diffraction surface of the substrate, optical fluid that fills the space between the film and diffraction surface and the mean to transfer the optical fluid in and out of the space between the film and diffraction surface. The refractive index of the optical fluid matches the refractive index of the optical substrate. The switchable cell changes focus positions between refractive focus in relaxed state when the pressure at both sides of the film is the same and diffraction focus when the optical fluid is transported from the space between the film and optical substrate for the film to largely conform to the diffraction surface shape of the optical substrate.