Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for ablating cartilage while limiting collateral damage includes a non-conducting head with a small electrically conductive surface. The head of the instrument is coupled to a shaft by a flexible portion. The flexible portion biases the electrically conductive surface towards a tissue surface. The head is pivotably coupled to the shaft such that the electrically conductive surface is oriented substantially parallel to the tissue surface as the head slides across the tissue surface. A method of performing electrosurgery includes positioning the electrically conductive surface adjacent to the tissue surface, and sliding the shaft across the tissue surface with the head pivoting such that the electrically conductive surface is oriented substantially parallel to the tissue surface.

Abstract: A method for treating lung tissue of a patient is provided. A pathway to a point of interest in a lung of a patient is generated. An extended working channel is advanced transorally into the lung and along the pathway to the point of interest. The extended working channel is positioned in a substantially fixed orientation at the point interest. A tool is advanced though the extended working channel to the point of interest. The lung tissue is treated at the point of interest.

Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes an antenna assembly configured to deliver microwave energy from a power source to tissue and a coolant source operably coupled to the power source and configured to selectively provide fluid to the antenna assembly via a fluid path. The system also includes a controller operably coupled to the power source and a sensor operably coupled to the fluid path and the controller. The sensor is configured to detect fluid flow through the fluid path and the controller is configured to control the energy source based on the detected fluid flow.

Abstract: A clip applier adapted for use with a surgical robot. The clip applier includes a shaft having clips stored therein and jaws adapted for receiving a clip from the shaft. The shaft is in mechanical communication with a robotic mounting portion that is adapted for mounting to a surgical robot. The robotic mounting portion contains a gear drive assembly for independently rotating the shaft, feeding clips into the jaws and forming clips in the jaws.

Abstract: The present invention is a discrete signal-identifying badge and operative system for recognizing, differentiating and distinguishing among the many kinds, shapes and sizes of surgical instruments and tools commonly used today for human and veterinary surgeries and in scientific research. The signal-identifying badge is a discrete millimeter-sized article of manufacture which can be easily affixed to an exposed surface of any type, any configuration and any dimension of surgical instrument or tool; and includes a well-cushioned and protected photovoltaic cell-integrated chip transponder unit embedded within a safeguarding three-tier stack construct.

Abstract: A marker deployment tool may comprise a marker cannula having a lateral deployment aperture, a push rod slidably disposed within the marker cannula and a scalloped tip coupled to the distal end of the marker cannula. The scalloped tip may have a push rod recess configured to receive a portion of the distal end of the push rod such that the push rod does not appreciably extend out of the lateral deployment aperture when the push rod is actuated distally. The marker deployment tool may further comprise a magnet at or near the distal end. This magnet may be used in combination with a magnet or plurality of magnets disposed about an access chamber in a tissue sample holder to assist the user in aligning the marker deployment tool. The access chamber in the tissue sample holder may also include a valve, two valves, or a removable plug.

Abstract: A dental capsule (10) for storing a dental powder component (13) and a liquid component (28) in separated condition in which the powder component (13) is contained in a chamber (17) and the liquid component (28) is contained in a pouch (18). The capsule (10) comprises a freely movable member (36) arranged to rupture the pouch (18) upon vibration of the capsule (10) so that the liquid component (28) admixes with the powder component (13) to form a dental paste (38). The compartment of the capsule has a manually removable cap (14) to enable the dental paste (38) to be retrieved for use.

Abstract: Provided are methods of improving the wear resistance and aesthetic properties of dental articles though use of spherical microparticles, as well as dental articles having an abrasion resistant spherical microparticle/polymer coating thereon.

Abstract: A variety of improvements to the vibrating devices for dental remodeling are provided, including improved bite plate designs that accommodate common patient bite structure, a connector for a bite plate, a sizing tray for same, as well as better motors providing improved performance characteristics for an extraoral vibrator, and a completely intraoral vibrating dental plate with very thin cross section.

Abstract: A variety of improvements to the vibrating devices for dental remodeling are provided, including improved bite plate designs that accommodate common patient bite structure, a connector for a bite plate, a sizing tray for same, as well as better motors providing improved performance characteristics for an extraoral vibrator, and a completely intraoral vibrating dental plate with very thin cross section.

Abstract: The canine tooth traction device is a 0.019?×0.025? stainless steel sectional wire. It is distally inserted in the molar band of a transpalatal arch anchorage and mesially ligated to a bondable attachment (bracket or button) on the canine tooth. The canine tooth traction device is an elongated member that has a cinching end and an attachment end. The cinching end is 15 mm in length, with 4-5 mm length activation bend of 45° mesial to the molar band. The length of the traction arm from the activation bend to the bondable attachment ligating loop is 40-50 mm. The loop of the attachment end is ligated to the bracket or button. The cinching end is cinched toward and behind the anchor headgear molar tube.

Abstract: A vibrational frequency adjustment device comprises, as a vibrational frequency adjustment means (22): a first conversion means (40) which is provided with an input-side rotating member (41), an output-side rotating member (42), and a one-way clutch (44) for transmitting only the rotational motion in one direction of the input-side rotating member (41) to the output-side rotating member (42) and which, by causing the input-side rotating member (41) to pivot in a reciprocating manner by a set angle by means of the reciprocating linear motion of an output shaft (10), transmits only the forward motion or the reverse motion of the input-side rotating member (41) to the output-side rotating member (42) through the one-way clutch (44) to thereby rotate the output-side rotating member (42) by a given angle; and a second conversion means (50) which converts the rotational motion of the output-side rotating member (42) into the reciprocating linear motion of a second shaft member (43).

Abstract: An electro-polymer motor comprising a fixed member and a first actuator having a first end fixedly connected to the fixed member and a second end is presented. The first actuator comprises a polymer positioned between two electrodes. The electrodes are in communication with a power supply. The motor also comprises a driven member comprising a first leg and a second leg such that the first leg and the second leg are separated by an axis. The driven member is fixedly connected to the second end of the first actuator. The motor also comprises a compressible member having a first end fixedly connected to the fixed member and a second end fixedly connected to the second leg of the driven member. The compressible member is spaced apart from the first actuator. The first actuator elongates after the power supply applies a voltage across the electrodes to move the driven member.

Abstract: The device (1) for collection of animal semen comprises a rigid (2) which is adaptable to an artificial vagina (V), and to which filtration means (3) and a collection receptacle (4) are fixed, the filtration means (3) being positioned inside the collection receptacle (4). The filtration means form a filtration pouch, preferably conical, that make it possible to hold back the “tapioca” and to allow the liquid fractions of the semen, including the “rich fraction” containing the spermatozoa, to pass into the collection receptacle (4).

Abstract: This invention provides a male incontinence device for external use. The device has a soft elongated body that has at least one flexible wire centrally positioned in the body. The body is bendable to form a U-shape comprising first and second arms extending from a U-bend, each of the first and second arms comprising a gripping portion disposed between the U-bend and a distal end of the arm. The device further has at least one elastic band for holding the arms in a desired position.

Abstract: A method and device for the treatment of fecal incontinence is disclosed. The method includes disposing a bodily implant proximate to an anal canal of a patient. The bodily implant has a strip extending along a length between a first end portion and a second end portion. The strip has a set of first projections and a set of second projections extending along at least a portion of a longitudinal edge of the strip, such that the set of the first projections are inclined toward the second end portion of the strip and the set of the second projections are inclined toward the first end portion of the strip.

Abstract: A combination double-barreled and debranching stent graft and methods for its use, where the stent graft comprises, a main body stent graft defining a single lumen and having distal and proximal ends, a first bifurcation defining first and second lumens, the main body stent graft defines a tubular wall that is contiguous with the first and second lumens such that any fluid entering the main body stent graft must exit by entering one of the first or second lumens, a second bifurcation within the second lumen defining first and second legs, and a third bifurcation within the second leg defining third and fourth legs.

Abstract: A reconstructive breast prosthesis suitable for implantation into a void in a breast following a lumpectomy procedure in which a body of tissue is excised from the breast, the reconstructive breast prosthesis including an implant body at least generally configured to assume an implant shape corresponding to the shape of the body of tissue excised from the breast and an implant shape retaining structure adapted to maintain the implant body in the implant shape, the reconstructive breast prosthesis having an overall density which is less than the density of the body of tissue excised from the breast.

Abstract: A surgical implant device may include a first substantially planar portion having a first surface area, a second substantially planar portion having a second surface area, and a coupling device for connecting the first substantially planar portion to the second substantially planar portion. The coupling device facilitates expanding and contracting the first and the second substantially planar portion in order to provide an implant surface area corresponding to the first surface area during insertion of the surgical implant within an incision, and having a third surface area corresponding to both the first surface area and at least a portion of the second surface area following insertion of the surgical implant within the incision.

Abstract: A multifocal lens device is disclosed. The device comprises a lens body being formed with a plurality of concentric annular zones separated by slanted steps. The concentric zones effect both diffraction and refraction of incident light, while the steps are substantially devoid of any diffractive or refractive power.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided having an intraocular device for implantation entirely in a subject's eye, the intraocular device including: a photosensor array having a plurality of photosensors, each photosensor detects ambient photons and generates a signal in response thereto. A spatial density of the photosensors in a central portion of the array is greater than a spatial density of the photosensors in an outer portion of the array. The intraocular device additionally includes a plurality of stimulating electrodes and driving circuitry coupled to the photosensors, and configured to drive the electrodes to apply electrical pulses to a retina of the eye in response to the signals from the photosensors. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A quick-connect heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The heart valve includes a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a plastically-expandable stent frame, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available valve with a sewing ring and the stent frame attached thereto. The stent frame may expand from a conical deployment shape to a conical expanded shape, and may have a cloth covering its entirety as well as a plush sealing flange around its periphery to prevent paravalvular leaking.

Abstract: A venous valve with a frame and a cover on the frame for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems used to deliver a prosthetic heart valve to a deficient valve. In one embodiment, for instance, a support member is positioned to at least partially surround the native leaflets of a valve. A locking member is used to couple both ends of the support member, forming a support band. An expandable prosthetic heart valve is delivered into the native heart valve and expanded while the expandable prosthetic valve is at least partially within the support band, thereby causing one or more of the native leaflets of the native heart valve to be frictionally secured between the support band and the expanded prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: A medical device handle may include an elongated handle housing, a rotatable collar disposed about the handle housing, a rotatable control knob disposed about the collar, and a slidable door disposed about the collar. The door may be rotatably locked to the collar to prevent relative rotation between the door and the collar.

Abstract: A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a support shaft around which a compartment for the valve is defined, a distal sheath adapted to selectively cover and uncover the compartment and the valve, and a marker cage having a collapsed condition when the distal sheath covers the compartment and an expanded condition when the compartment is uncovered. The marker cage includes at least one rib having a radiopaque marker for determining the positioning of the valve as it is deployed. The valve may be assembled around the marker cage so that the marker cage does not interfere with the radial expansion of the valve during deployment.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for positioning and partially deploying a replacement valve at an implantation site, verifying the location of the replacement valve relative to the implantation site, and retrieving the partially deployed stent for repositioning relative to the implantation site.

Abstract: Methods of repairing the mitral valve and reducing mitral regurgitation. One method includes securing a first tissue anchor to a position on a posterior portion of the annular tissue of the mitral valve and a second tissue anchor to a position on an anterior portion of the annular tissue of the mitral valve. At least one tensile member spans between the first and second tissue anchors and across the orifice of the mitral valve. When tension is applied to the at least one tensile member, the posterior portion of the annular tissue is pulled toward the anterior portion.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing localized pressure to a region of a patient's heart to improve heart functioning, including: (a) a jacket made of a flexible biocompatible material, the jacket having an open top end that is received around the heart and a bottom portion that is received around the apex of the heart; and (b) at least one inflatable bladder disposed on an interior surface of the jacket, the inflatable bladder having an inelastic outer surface positioned adjacent to the jacket and an elastic inner surface such that inflation of the bladder causes the bladder to deform substantially inwardly to exert localized pressure against a region of the heart.

Abstract: A joint part (1) has a porous portion (2) that is defined by a multiplicity of solid regions where material is present and a remaining multiplicity of pore regions where material is absent, the locations of at least most of the multiplicity of solid regions being defined by one or more mathematical functions. The nature of the porous portion can be varied systematically by changing one or more constants in the mathematical functions and the part is made by a process of solid freeform fabrication.

Abstract: A femoral stem for canines or humans is made bone-compliant by use of a thick sintered titanium body in a proximal bone contacting region and a polymeric or ceramic body in a distal bone contacting region of the femoral stem. An elastic modulus is thereby engineered to match that of bone tissue. The porous sintered titanium body is created by sintering spheres of titanium. It is bonded to a central solid biocompatible metallic body by diffusion bonding. The distal region has a biocompatible polymeric body or biocompatible cement body. When compression molded the distal region develops an elastic modulus matching that of bone tissue. The proximal region has a porosity designed to encourage bone ingrowth.

Abstract: A method for performing an arthroplasty on at least one of a glenoid or a humerus of a glenohumeral joint. The method includes the following: forming an entry incision in soft tissue superior and lateral to the glenohumeral joint; forming a passage from the entry incision to the glenohumeral joint; inserting a cutting instrument through the passage and cutting a humeral head of the humerus to prepare the humerus to receive an implant including a stem; inserting the implant through the passage; and securing the implant relative to the humerus with the implant oriented such that the stem extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the humerus.

Abstract: A system for modifying a talocalcaneal spatial relationship in a foot in a body, including a subtalar spacer having an articulating surface and implanted in the sinus tarsi of the foot and a fastener that fastens the subtalar spacer to a bone surface in the foot, in which the articulating surface of the subtalar spacer directs relative movement between the calcaneus and the talus of the foot.

Abstract: There is disclosed a prosthetic full finger assembly. In an embodiment, the assembly includes a distal phalanges. The assembly further includes a middle phalanges having an operable connection with the distal phalanges. The assembly includes a proximal phalanges ring having an operable connection with the middle phalanges. The assembly includes a proximal phalanges yoke having an operable connection with the proximal phalanges ring. The assembly includes a metacarpal back plate having an operable connection with the proximal phalanges yoke and an operable connection with the proximal phalanges ring. The assembly includes an anchoring portion having an operable connection with the metacarpal back plate at a location proximal of the operable connection of the proximal phalanges ring. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a bone growth stimulating and promoting cytokine type biological implant preferably comprising PTH coated with a controlled release biodegradable coating that is implanted preferably in the concave side of a scoliotically curved spine in combination with a bone growth inhibiting type biological implant preferably comprising methotrexate or like anti-metabolite coated with a controlled release biodegradable coating that is implanted preferably in the convex side of a scoliotically curved spine. The insertion of the biological implant is highly non-invasion, especially as compared to more conventional spine surgical methods, and the biological implant does not decrease spinal mobility or spinal range of motion.

Abstract: An implant stabilizes two adjacent bones of a joint, while enabling a natural kinematic relative movement of the bones. Support components are connected to each bone of the joint, and a flexible core is interposed between them. The core and at least one of the support components are provided with a smooth sliding surface upon which the core and support component may slide relative to each other, enabling a corresponding movement of the bones. The surfaces may have a mating curvature, to mimic a natural movement of the joint. The core is resilient, and may bend or compress, enabling the bones to move towards each other, and or to bend relative to each other.

Abstract: An expandable fusion device capable of being inserted between adjacent vertebrae and expanded laterally to facilitate the fusion process and the use of such device. The expandable fusion device can expand laterally such that it expands the cross-sectional support area of the device to provide more stable support of the support the spine and maintain the normal spacing between opposing vertebrae. The interior area of the expandable fusion device (in which the bone graft can be packed) does not decrease (and generally increases) during expansion of the device. This facilitates pre-packing of the expandable fusion device before utilization.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube.

Abstract: A modular anchor bone fusion cage is provided. The cage includes a spacer configured to fit into a space between the faces of two bones that are to be fused together. A fusion plate having at least a main body portion is coupled to the spacer by a connector. Fasteners extend through the fusion plate to engage the bone. At least some of the fasteners also extend through the spacer to engage the opposed faces of the bone. A cover plate is coupled to the fusion plate to inhibit the fasteners from backing out prior to fusion of the bones.

Abstract: A system for cleaning and milling bone to form bone chips. The system includes a shell into which bone stock is introduced. Internal to the shell is a cleaning element that removes soft tissue and other material surrounding the bone stock. The cleaned bone stock is transferred through an opening in the shell to a mill unit. The mill unit has a milling element against which the bone is disposed. The milling element, when actuated coverts the bone stock into bone chip. A motor drives both the cleaning element and the mill element. The shell and mill unit may be part of a head unit. The head unit is removably attached to a base in which the motor is disposed.

Abstract: The present examples provide a stent for use in a medical procedure that comprises at least one apex having first and second generally straight portions and a curved portion disposed between the first and second straight portions. The curved portion may comprise at least one region having a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the first and second straight portions, which may facilitate compression of the stent and insertion of the stent into smaller vessels. The stent may be used alone, or in conjunction with a stent-graft, and may comprise one or more barbs configured to engage an inner wall of a vessel or duct.

Abstract: Configurations are described for assisting in the execution of a percutaneous procedure while protecting the vascular pathway to the operational theater, which may comprise diseased tissue. A railed sheath may be utilized which is controllably expandable and collapsible, and may comprise two or more elongate rail structures configured to assist in the distribution of loads to associated diseased tissue structures, while also contributing to the deployment of percutaneous tools by maintaining alignment of such tools with the railed catheter and associated anatomy.

Abstract: A load distribution device that transfers the musculo-skeletal stress at a joint to associated body segments of a given joint-segments body structure. The device includes a proximal support element adapted to be positioned onto a proximal body segment, a distal support element adapted to be positioned onto a distal body segment, a compensating joint movably connecting the proximal and distal support elements, a control system operatively connected to the compensating joint and a power source supplying power to the control system and the compensating joint. During user executed movements, the compensating joint generates or dissipates, under the directions of the control system a preset level of biomechanical energy corresponding to a user desired musculo-skeletal stress reduction at the joint-segments structure in order to compensate the movements of the user, the biomechanical energy being redistributed onto the proximal and distal body segments via the corresponding proximal and distal support elements.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis has an elongate spinal frame defining upper, middle and lower portions, and a lumbar assembly including a lumbar belt connected to the lower portion of the spinal frame. A middle bracket assembly is pivotally connected to the middle portion of the spinal frame, and a strap has a first end secured to the upper portion of the spinal frame. The strap extends from the upper portion of the frame to the middle bracket assembly with the strap redirecting from the middle bracket assembly and the second end of the strap securing to the lumbar belt.

Abstract: An intraocular lens injection instrument including: an injection part formed with an inner wall for folding the soft IOL and a front end for injecting the IOL folded along the inner wall into an eye; a cylinder body part provided with the injection part at its end portion; a push member for pushing the IOL toward the front end of the injection part, a restriction member attached to the cylinder body part to restrict movement of the IOL which is placed outside the axis; and a release member for releasing the restriction member and pushing the IOL onto the axis, wherein the release member includes a contact portion to be brought into contact with the IOL when the restriction by the restriction member is released, the contact portion having a setting surface to be brought into contact with the IOL placed on the axis.

Abstract: The eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus includes a resilient guiding device having a selectively compressible member having a first opening adapted to receive an eye drop applicator and a second opening adapted to position an eye within an area of the second opening to receive a fluid from the eye drop applicator. The selectively compressible member is adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement in relation to the eye positioned within the area of the second opening. The eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus can also include a support base and a resilient guiding device including a selectively expandable member having a plurality of concentric loops having an outermost loop and an innermost loop, adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement, or a support base and a resilient guiding device including a plurality of concentric, interconnected rings adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement in relation to an eye.

Abstract: Devices, methods and kits are described for reducing intraocular pressure. The devices include a support that is implantable within Schlemm's canal and maintains the patency of the canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The devices utilize the natural drainage process of the eye and can be implanted with minimal trauma to the eye. Kits include a support and an introducer for implanting the support within Schlemm's canal. Methods include implanting a support within Schlemm's canal, wherein the support is capable of maintaining the patency of the canal without substantial interference with transmural fluid flow across the canal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for use in an eye with elevated intraocular pressure or glaucoma, the device comprising a subconjunctival conformer shaped to conform to the eye wall and a fluid director that directs or facilitates the flow of intraocular fluid out of the eye and into the subconjunctival or retrobulbar space. The present invention also provides a method of lowering intraocular pressure using the device of the present invention.

Abstract: A treatment method and apparatus for surgical correction of defective-eyesight in an eye of a patient, wherein a laser device is controlled by a control device, said laser device separating corneal tissue by irradiation of laser radiation to isolate a volume located within a cornea, wherein the control device controls the laser device to focus the laser radiation, by providing target points located within the cornea, into the cornea, wherein the control device, when providing the target points, allows for focus position errors which lead to a deviation between the predetermined position and the actual position of the target points when focusing the laser radiation, by pre-offsets depending on the positions of the respective target points to compensate for said focus position errors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of altering the refractive properties of the eye, the method including applying a substance to a cornea of an eye, the substance configured to facilitate cross linking of the cornea, irradiating the cornea so as to activate cross linkers in the cornea, and altering the cornea so as to change the refractive properties of the eye.