Abstract: The present disclosure describes a device and methods for safely and accurately placing screws into bones with a powered driving device. By employing multiple layers of fail-safe features and image-guidance systems, the powered driving device provides safe, accurate, and efficient screw placement. That is, the powered driving device may continuously monitor a screw advancement and placement and may automatically shutdown when improper placement is detected. Monitoring placement may be conducted by a microcurrent-monitoring system, by an image-guidance system, or by any other appropriate sensory system. Additionally, upon detecting that screw insertion is complete, the powered driving device may be automatically shutdown.

Abstract: A system for tracking a navigated instrument. The system can include a first elongated instrument and a second elongated instrument. The first elongated instrument can have a first proximal end and a first distal end. The first elongated instrument can be adapted to be positioned relative to an anatomy. The second elongated instrument can move adjacent to the first elongated instrument. The second elongated instrument can have a second proximal end and a second distal end. The system can also include at least one tracking device coupled to the second elongated instrument. When the second elongated instrument is in a first position, the at least one tracking device tracks the first distal end of the first elongated instrument, and when the second elongated instrument is in a second position, the at least one tracking device tracks the second distal end of the second elongated instrument.

Abstract: A medical robotic system includes a manipulator having links that form housings which are movable by motor actuated joints. Motors for actuating the joints and sensors for sensing states of the motors are housed in one or more distal housings formed from corresponding links or other structure(s) of the manipulator. A position controller is housed in a proximal housing and provides current commands for the motors to a remote current controller that is housed in an intermediate housing and generates drive signals for the motors by using the provided current commands and sensed states of the motors.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a pre-tensioned pair of flexible links comprising a first flexible link strand and a counter-rotating second flexible link strand for actuating a degree of freedom of the instrument, in particular an end effector, in opposite senses, by an input assembly. The first flexible link strand has a higher tensile stiffness than the second flexible link strand.

Abstract: A shape sensor system includes a deflection sensor comprising an optical fiber having at least one fiber Bragg grating (FBG) written therein and a substrate, the fiber being attached to the substrate with a selected bias distance from a neutral plane of the deflection sensor. The system further includes an optical source coupled to the fiber to provide input light to be at least partially reflected by the FBG, and an optical detection and processing system arranged to receive at least a portion of the output light and to determine a wavelength shift resulting from a change of an amount of deflection of the deflection sensor. The optical detection and processing system determines a relative amount of deflection of the deflection sensor at the FBG based on the wavelength shift. The selected bias distance is selected based on an expected range of deflection angles to be detected.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system uses a passive preload system attached to a tendon that is wrapped around a capstan to control relaxed tension in the tendon. The passive preload system can employ a spring or other structure to apply tension to the tendon. The capstan can be driven by a motor when the tendon is needed to pull on a structural member of the instrument. For example, for the application of clamping pressure or movement of the structural member against resistance, capstan friction can produce the tendon tension that is many times the tension applied by the passive preload system. However, when the tendon is not needed to apply force to the member, the capstan can be freed, so that the spring system provides enough tension to prevent derailment or other malfunctions of the tendon. The low tension in relaxed tendons can reduce tendon friction, particularly in instruments with flexible shafts.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a task specific robot for the procedure of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). This robot has two arms with nine degrees of freedom (DOF), and the capability of tissue elevation and dissection. An optimal design of these robot arms requires the use of shape memory alloy (SMA) wire and steel wire actuators to develop an improved actuation mechanism, which enables force to be transmitted to the distal tip of the robot arms for an efficient tissue elevation and dissection.

Abstract: A medical robotic system has a robotic arm holding a medical device, and a control system for controlling movement of the arm according to operator manipulation of an input device. If the medical device is being commanded to a state exceeding a limitation by a threshold amount, then the control system disengages control of the medical device by the input device, servos the arm so that it remains in its current state, servos the input device so that it is set at a position such that a force being applied on the input device remains at its current level, requests the operator to lighten hold of the input device, sets a parameter associated with the input device upon detecting such lightened hold so that the medical device is commanded to a different state that does not exceed the limitation, and reengages control of the medical device by the input device.

Abstract: A multi-user medical robotic system for collaboration or training in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes first and second master input devices, a first slave robotic mechanism, and at least one processor configured to generate a first slave command for the first slave robotic mechanism by switchably using one or both of a first command indicative of manipulation of the first master input device by a first user and a second command indicative of manipulation of the second master input device by a second user. To facilitate the collaboration or training, both first and second users communicate with each other through an audio system and see the minimally invasive surgery site on first and second displays respectively viewable by the first and second users.

Abstract: A surgical device adapter for coupling an end effector to a surgical device is disclosed.

Abstract: A medical manipulator includes a treatment part; a joint part that is provided at an end of the treatment part and configured to be operated through turning of a rotating body; an elongated member that has a longitudinal axis and is connected to the end of the joint part opposite to a side where the end effector is provided; a driving part that is provided on a proximal side of the elongated member and is configured to supply a driving force for operating the second coupling member or the like; a driving wire member that is connected at least to the second coupling member of the joint part and is stretched between the second coupling member and the elongated member; and a wire relaxation mechanism that is configured to relax the driving wire by changing the path length of the driving wire.

Abstract: A drape, such as but not limited to, a drape that can be used to cover a C arm of a medical device is provided. The drape includes material, at least one cuff and at least one adhesive strip. The material has a select property and has a select shape. The at least one cuff is formed along at least one edge of the material. The at least one cuff is configured to allow manipulation of the drape by a user. The at least one adhesive strip is configured to selectively adhere the drape to a surface to be covered by the drape.

Abstract: A defibrillator storage device including a housing defining an interior storage compartment configured to hold a removable automated external defibrillator therein, a door pivotally attached to the housing, an alarm disposed within the housing, and a tether attached at a first end thereof to an interior wall of the housing and at a second end thereof to the alarm, the tether configured to be routed through a handle of the automated external defibrillator such that removal of the automated external defibrillator from the interior compartment causes the second end of the tether to be pulled from the alarm, thereby triggering the alarm.

Abstract: Single-use, sterile orthopedic implant kits provide full carriages of kits comprising first individual sterile packages for a first surgical procedure at a first location, first individual sterile packages comprise one surgical component selected from sterile implant, sterile fasteners and disposable sterile surgical tool. The methods remove a portion of the first individual sterile packages from the full carriage to produce a used carriage, contents of the removed portion of the first individual sterile packages are usable to perform the first surgical. The methods return the used carriage to a provider at a second location for re-filling, to provide a refilled carriage of the kit by replacing the removed portion of the first individual sterile packages with second individual sterile packages having the same or contents of the removed portion of the first individual sterile packages, contents of the re-filled carriage are configured to be utilized during a second surgical procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a central axis of a spinal column and method of using the same is disclosed. The apparatus and method includes one or more members capable of spanning a center line which may then be identified by at least one additional member positioned therebetween. Furthermore, the device may contain or be capable of accommodating various additional tools for marking the location of the central axis of a spinal column.

Abstract: Devices and methods for tissue transfer are described where a cannula may be inserted into the breast of a subject at one of several points of entry. Insertion of the cannula into the breast may be accomplished by using a guidance system to distinguish between tissue types. Once desirably positioned, the cannula may be withdrawn from the breast while automatically (or manually) injecting the fat in multiple deposits of adipose tissue or fat such that the deposited fat remains within the tract formed by the withdrawn cannula. Multiple tracts of the deposited fat may be injected within the breast until the breast has been desirably remodeled and/or augmented.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging system having an imaging device for imaging at least a portion of an animal; said imaging device selected from a group consisting of X-ray computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), fluorescence and phosphorescence microscopy (FPM) and any combination thereof; consisting of CT, computer-assisted tomography; IR, rendered images comprising infrared light spectroscopy; PET, positron emission tomography; fluorescence and phosphorescence microscopy, a Raman spectroscopic imaging system, ultrasound and any combination thereof.

Abstract: A medical marker (12) device for detection by a navigation system in a navigated medical procedure, comprising: a) an image-detectable two-dimensional marker pattern (13) for detection by an imaging unit of the navigation system; b) a carrier part (14) for carrying the marker pattern (13); c) a positioning part (15) for positioning the marker device (12) on an anatomical structure (11); and d) a support part (16) for supporting the carrier part (14) and the positioning part (15).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods, systems and devices for positioning a stereotactic frame within a desired surgical site, and more particularly to stereotactic systems and methods of co-registration of stereotactic frames with imbedded fiducial markers.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a dental material has a cartridge with a dispensing end. The dispensing end has a dispensing opening for the dental material. The dispensing end further has in essence an axially symmetric shape with a truncation. The truncation provides the dispensing end with a generally flat dispensing surface through which the dispensing opening extends. The device has further a cap received on the dispensing end. The cap and the dispensing end are rotatable relative to each other between an open position, in which an orifice in the cap uncovers the dispensing surface, and a closed position, in which a closed space is formed between the cap and the dispensing surface. The device allows for a relatively convenient dispensation of dental material, in particular for a dispensation of a dental composite filling material.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for placing prefabricated orthodontic attachments (i.e. purchase and retention points) with precision and reliability. The invention incorporates the use of one or more prefabricated attachment shapes, each employed in conjunction with a corresponding retention register, etching stencil having an etchant limiting dam, and attachment delivery tray having a soft inner shell and rigid outer shell to ensure accurate attachment delivery. The disclosed invention will result in more accurate tooth movement and less excess bonding plastic (i.e., flash) on patent teeth after attachment placement, which will result in more desirable patient outcomes.

Abstract: Implants for anchoring within bone are provided herein. An implant may include at least one thread extending around a core in a plurality of turns from the coronal region to the apical region. The thread(s) has a thread outer diameter that may define a cylindrical portion, wherein the thread outer diameter remains constant for more than one turn around the core, and define a conical portion, wherein the thread outer diameter decreases at a thread diameter decrease rate in the apical direction. The thread(s) may have a plurality of notches spaced radially and longitudinally from one another. The notches may be partially notched to reflect a portion of a semi-spherical surface and partially notched to reflect a portion of a semi-cylindrical surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental implant, comprising an implant body which extends in a longitudinal direction from an apical end to a coronal end and which has a first bone anchoring surface extending from the apical end to a transition portion lying between the apical and the coronal end, and a second bone anchoring surface extending from the transition portion to the coronal end, said second bone anchoring surface having at least one groove extending in a circumferential direction of the second bone anchoring surface, said groove being defined in the radially inward direction by a groove bottom surface and on both sides in the axial direction by groove flank surfaces extending from the groove bottom surface to an outer surface.

Abstract: A resorbable implant in the shape of a cylinder composed of a resorbable mesh (2) capable of expansion, capped in its upper portion with a barrier membrane (1) with a free edge (3) that makes it possible to dress a sinus-oral connection with simultaneous bone regeneration during extractions, closed-type sinus lifts and accidental sinus mucosal damage during preparation for tooth implantation

Abstract: Provided is a metal bite strip used for producing an occlusal splint, the metal bite strip including: a first wax layer as a base layer; a first aluminum metal strip and a second aluminum metal strip formed to be spaced apart from each other on the first wax layer and formed by stacking a plurality of aluminum metal bite sheets; and a second wax layer and a third wax layer formed on the first aluminum metal strip and the second aluminum metal strip, respectively.

Abstract: A method of digitally designing a dental component for a patient, wherein the method includes: obtaining a 3D representation of the patient's upper jaw; obtaining a 3D representation of the patient's lower jaw; obtaining at least a first 3D representation of a first bite configuration of the patient's jaws in a first occlusion and a second 3D representation of a second bite configuration of the patient's jaws in a second occlusion different from the first occlusion; digitally determining a occlusal contact movement of the patient's jaws relative to each other based on the at least first 3D representation, the second 3D representation and contact between the patient's upper jaw and lower jaw; and digitally designing the dental component based on the occlusal contact movement of the patient's jaw relative to each other.

Abstract: System and method for planning and designing a dental implant using a digital three dimensional model of at least one tooth or tooth socket; identify tooth axes, tooth lines, tooth orientation, tooth roots, tooth roots' end, indentation between roots, cervical line and reference points; display identified lines and points to a user; allow a user to tweak and adjust identified lines and points; identify and calculate areas to be thickened, reduced or roughened according to a predefined logic; adjust said model according to said identified areas; display said adjusted model to a user via a user interface; allow a user to tweak and readjust said adjusted model; save said readjusted model; wherein said model is not an exact copy of the patient's tooth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dental flossing is provided. The apparatus includes a first and second floss stick, each of which includes an elongated base portion, a top portion, where the top portion includes a slot or other means to thread floss, and a narrow neck. A segment of floss is wrapped between the first floss stick and second floss stick, such that the segment of floss is initially wrapped over the slot, or other threading means, and then around the narrow neck portion in the first floss stick, and then wrapped over the slot, or other threading means, and around the narrow neck portion of the second floss stick. One or both of the floss sticks may contain reels of floss.

Abstract: A toothbrush flosser has a handle having a pair of ends, namely a flossing head end and a brush head end. A toothbrush head is mounted to the brush head end, and the toothbrush head includes bristles. A flossing head retainer is mounted on the flossing head end. A flossing head is retained to the flossing head retainer at a connection area formed on the flossing head. The flossing head has a pair of arms that hold a floss in an extended position. The toothbrush flosser optionally includes a flossing head retainer groove formed on the connection area. The flossing head retainer groove has an inside sidewall, an outside sidewall opposing the inside sidewall; and a lower wall.

Abstract: An oral care implement having a housing, a functional element mounted at the housing for driven oscillatory rotation relative to the housing around a rotation axis, at least one rocking lever that is on a first end pivotably supported at the housing at an essentially fixed position that is eccentric with respect to the rotation axis and the rocking lever is on a second end coupled with the functional element at a position eccentric with respect to the rotation axis such that the functional element carries the second end of the rocking lever along when it is driven into oscillatory rotation around the rotation axis, while the first end of the rocking lever is kept at its fixed position at the housing.

Abstract: A resilient motor mount (70) for a power toothbrush (10) configured to limit the axial and rotational displacement of a shaft (60) of a motor (50). The displacement limits are designed to protect the toothbrush (10) from physical damage and to prevent rotational slipped poles, i.e. “cogging” errors, between the permanent magnets and poles of the resonating toothbrush motor (50).

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable prosthesis (100) comprising: an adhesive portion (102) that is capable of forming adhesions with organic tissues, the adhesive portion presenting a first peripheral edge (102a) and; a non-adhesive portion (104) that inhibits the formation of adhesions with tissues, that is secured to the adhesive portion, and that presents a second peripheral edge (104a), the first peripheral edge (102a) being set back from the second peripheral edge (104a) so as to uncover the non-adhesive portion, in part, defining, between the first peripheral edge and the second peripheral edge, a non-adhesive peripheral band (106) that surrounds the adhesive portion (102); the adhesive portion (102) has a central portion, and presents the shape of a star that includes a plurality of branches (108) that extend from the central portion, the adhesive portion having a plurality of notches (109) that are situated between the branches.

Abstract: A spinal implant device has a synthetic or metallic or a combination thereof of these materials in an implant body structure and stem cells in a coating, or a sheet, wrap or a membrane wrap applied to surfaces on the implant body structure or alternatively filled with a plug of stem cell laden material. The implant body structure preferably has an aperture or channel The spinal implant device may include anchoring holes to secure the device to the spinal skeletal structure with fasteners or alternatively can simply be held in place by and between adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: Funnel-trap type devices or systems made of braid are described for capture and retrieval or, instead, capture and subsequent release of Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters or other medical devices. Delivery and/or retrieval devices, kits in which they are included, methods of use and methods of manufacture are all contemplated.

Abstract: Endoluminal filters are disclosed including a first support member and a second support member forming a crossover with the first support member fixed to the second support member. The endoluminal filters also include a material capture structure extending between the first and second support members, the crossover, and the first end or the second end of the first support member. Endoluminal filters are disclosed in some embodiments that include a support frame forming a first loop and a second loop where the walls of the support frame do not cross over each other. The endoluminal filters also include a material capture structure extending between the first loop or second loop. Methods for making the endoluminal filters are disclosed, such as 3D printing and laser cutting tubular or flat materials. Methods for deploying the endoluminal filters are also disclosed.

Abstract: Funnel-trap type delivery and/or retrieval devices for Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters or other medical implants are described in which the devices comprise two layers of braid with an axially support member. The support member may be interposed between braid layers or set inside the braid layers but interposed between heatset features. Delivery and/or retrieval devices, kits in which they are included, methods of use and methods of manufacture are all contemplated herein.

Abstract: Implants having improved mechanical properties and/or degradation profiles, kits including such implants, and methods of producing and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reparation method of a tubular vascular graft, (a) immersing a tubular scaffold in a first light sensitivity gelatin solution, and irradiate the tubular scaffold by a first time period, to let surface of the tubular scaffold form a base layer; (b) immersing the tubular scaffold of the step (a) in a chitin gelatin solution, when the surface of the base layer form a film, then immersing the tubular scaffold into a sodium hydroxide solution to generate a middle layer of the surface of the base layer; (c) immersing the tubular scaffold of the step (b) in a second light sensitivity gelatin solution, wherein the second light sensitivity gelatin solution comprises a cell, the tubular scaffold is irradiated by a second time period to form a surface layer of the middle layer; (d) until the cell forms a tubular structure of the surface layer by the cell in the tubular scaffold of the step (c), heating the tubular scaffold by a temperature to solve the base layer into a solution, pulling

Abstract: Fixation assemblies having a button captured by a continuous (i.e., closed) loop of thread, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber are disclosed herein. Preferred assemblies are constructed such that the intact button cannot be detached from the continuous loop without breaking or opening the loop of fiber. The closed fiber advantageously contains at least one or two stitched, or otherwise secured or reinforced, sections positioned on the loop.

Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The elongated body includes (i) opposing first and second ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the first and second ends. The first portions of the body are separated by empty space, and the first and second ends are wider than the remainder of the body. The scleral prosthesis also includes an insert configured to be placed and retained between the first portions of the body. At least part of the insert, prior to insertion between the first portions of the body, has a shape complementary to a shape of the empty space.

Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The elongated body includes opposing first and second ends. Multiple portions form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are wider than the remainder of the body. The multiple portions of the body are separated by empty space such that the multiple portions meet at a point between the first and second ends of the body and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end of the body. The second end of the body is integral with the remainder of the body and not divided into multiple separated portions.

Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The elongated body includes (i) opposing first and second ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the ends. The first and second ends are wider than the remainder of the body. The first portions of the body are separated lengthwise along the body by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the first and second ends of the body and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The scleral prosthesis also includes an insert configured to be placed and retained between the first portions of the body. The insert has a length that is at least about half of a length of the elongated body.

Abstract: An intraocular lens wherein an outer edge of a support part has a curved concave shape at a base thereof and extends therefrom toward a tip thereof with a curved convex shape having a radius of curvature of 5.25 to 7.50 mm. In a region where a Y coordinate of an orthogonal coordinate system is 1.0 mm or greater, an origin of the coordinate system being a geometric center of an optical part, an inner edge of the support part is positioned between shapes obtained by offsetting the outer edge of the support part by 0.2 mm and by 1.0 mm towards the X-axis origin. The tip of the support part is positioned in a region where the Y coordinate is greater than a radius of the optical part, outside a circle with a radius of 5.0 mm centered on the origin.

Abstract: Implants formed by a helically wound wire and methods of using same for the treatment of a mitral heart valve. According to the invention, it has dimensions such that it is able to be screwed into the wall of the annulus and/or into the cardiac wall adjoining the annulus such that a portion of the annulus and/or of the wall is located in the perimeter of the implant; and it comprises at least one first coil able, during said screwing of the implant, to insert itself into the wall while having a first dimension and at least one second coil having a second dimension, or adopting this second dimension after implantation, the second dimension being smaller than the first dimension such that the implant, once inserted, enables contraction of the wall portion located in the perimeter of the implant.

Abstract: Devices and methods to enhance the implantation, retreivability, or repositionability are provided. Embodiments of devices include pivotable sections providing the ability to maintain the device's engagement with a delivery system during implantation where the deliver system approaches an opening of the septum at an angle. Embodiments of devices also include configurations that allow for improved retrieval into a delivery system in the event that a malfunction or a problem with the patients physiology is detected.

Abstract: A cardiac valve repair device has a membrane assembly and a frame. The frame has a central structure that defines a central separation, a pair of sleeves positioned below the central structure, and a pair of atrial alignment expansion beams. Each atrial alignment expansion beam has a curved section and inner section at each opposite end that defines a scissor-crossing where they overlap each other to form a separate lower expansion clip beam at each of the opposite ends thereof. The cardiac valve repair device also includes a pair of upper expansion clip beams. A V-shaped ventricular expansion curved beam extends below the two sleeves, with the membrane assembly secured to the V-shaped ventricular expansion curved beam. A pair of ventricular alignment stabilizing beams extends downwardly from the two sleeves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to set comprising an apparatus (100) for folding or unfolding at least one medical implant (300) by means of at least one tension thread (11, 11?), wherein the apparatus (100) comprises a shaft (1) and a tensioning device for altering a form or shape of the foldable and/or unfoldable implant (300) by means of the tension thread (11, 11?). In at least one shaft section thereof, the shaft (1) comprises a plurality of individual shaft fibers (13).

Abstract: A medical device configured for placement in a blood vessel, in which an elastic tube extends between first and second expandable anchoring stents. The elastic tube is constructed of a resilient material that deflects outward in response to increased blood pressure of a heart beat and that moves back inward as the blood pressure drops, thereby aiding the heart's pumping action.

Abstract: Bone implant compositions are provided that include a body made of cortical bone extending along an axis between a first end and a second end. The body includes an outer surface configured to engage host bone of a patient and at least one recess extending transverse to the axis into the outer surface of the body configured for disposal of an insert. At least one insert made of demineralized bone is disposed in the at least one recess.

Abstract: The invention relates to biomaterials based on plastics, such as polyaryl polyether ketone (PEK), and to methods for producing and using same. The following describes how a mechanically stable coating made of a porous bone substitute material, e.g. Nano Bone®, is applied to polyaryl polyether ketone (PEK), e.g. polyether ether ketone (PEEK), as a result of which the problem of poor cell adhesion on plastics surfaces of this kind can be solved. The bone substitute material can be applied both dry as a powder and also in a wet spraying method. The coating is a result of briefly melting the polymer surface and the resulting partial penetration of the previously applied layer. In the process, the molten polymer penetrates into nanopores of the bone substitute material and thus establishes a firm connection.