Abstract: Methods and devices for improved precision in finding one or more nerves and then interrupting the transmission of neural signals through the target nerve. The treated nerve can be rendered incapable of transmitting neural signals for a select duration of time, where such a duration can be on a temporarily basis (e.g., hours, days or weeks) or a longer term/permanent basis (e.g., months or years). One embodiment of the apparatus includes a precise energy source system which features energy transfer elements that are capable of creating areas of nerve destruction, inhibition and ablation with precision.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improved precision in finding one or more nerves and then interrupting the transmission of neural signals through the target nerve. The treated nerve can be rendered incapable of transmitting neural signals for a select duration of time, where such a duration can be on a temporarily basis (e.g., hours, days or weeks) or a longer term/permanent basis (e.g., months or years). One embodiment of the apparatus includes a precise energy source system which features energy transfer elements that are capable of creating areas of nerve destruction, inhibition and ablation with precision.

Abstract: A guide block introduces electrodes into target tissue and includes an elongated, generally rectilinear bar having a plurality of slots defined therethrough. Each of the slots is configured to selectively receive and retain a corresponding electrode therein. The rectilinear bar is malleable and selectively bendable from a substantially linear configuration to a substantially curved configuration to facilitate positioning the guide block relative to target tissue.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a portable surgical instrument and a sleeve. The portable surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly and a housing operably coupled to the end effector assembly. The housing includes a generator and a battery assembly coupled thereto and configured to supply energy to the end effector assembly for treating tissue. The sleeve is shaped complementarily to the housing and is removably positionable about the housing. The sleeve is configured to cool the housing and/or remove heat from the housing to inhibit overheating of the generator and/or the battery assembly.

Abstract: Surgical devices are provided having end effectors including a jaw closure. The devices herein generally include a handle portion, an elongate shaft, and an effector having first and second jaws configured to engage tissue. In some embodiments, the devices can be configured to allow for the removal of the upper jaw and the cutting blade when the device is not in use. In certain aspects, the jaw and/or cutting blade can be cleaned, sterilized, and reused or completely replaced. In some aspects, the device can then be reassembled including the cleaned or new elements, and reused.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members (5), (6) movable from a first open position in which the jaw members are disposed in a spaced relation relative to one another, to a second closed position in which the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A first sealing electrode (7) is located on the first jaw member, and a second sealing electrode (8) is located on the second jaw member. A stationary flexible cutting electrode (11) is located adjacent the throat area constituted by the convergence of the first and second jaw members when in their open position. The electrical connections of the instrument are such that when the jaw members (5), (6) are in their closed position with tissue grasped therebetween, the instrument is capable of sealing the tissue by passing an electrosurgical current into the tissue from the first and second sealing electrodes (7), (8).

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members is configured to conduct energy between the jaw members and through tissue grasped therebetween to treat tissue. An insulative tubular member is movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, wherein the insulative tubular member is positioned proximally of the end effector assembly, and an extended position, wherein the insulative tubular member is disposed about the end effector assembly. A monopolar member is configured to apply energy to tissue to treat tissue when the insulative tubular member is disposed in the extended position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical suction device that provides a controlled negative pressure to a surgical site. The device includes a tubular body with a distal absorbent material and a handle manually grasped by the user to control levels of negative pressure at the surgical site to adjust the flow rate of fluid during removal. Preferred embodiments allow switching between irrigation and suction and can provide for other treatment tools, including electrocautery.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-thermal ablation of tissue are provided. A non-implantable minimally invasive system for treatment of tissue in a body via direct current ablation is provided including a catheter, a plurality of electrodes for deployment through the catheter, a power source for applying power to the electrodes, and a fixation element for maintaining the catheter in a treatment position during treatment of the tissue. A minimally invasive method for treating tissue in a body via direct current ablation is provided including inserting a catheter into the body such that a portion of the catheter remains outside of the body, deploying a fixation element to fix the catheter in a treatment position, deploying a plurality of electrodes through the catheter, applying power to the plurality of electrodes, using the electrodes to apply a current to the tissue, and removing the catheter from the body.

Abstract: RF ablation apparatus includes an anode electrode assembly including an anode terminal housed within a catheter. The catheter includes a distal end wall which is disposed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the catheter. The anode electrode is slidably received within the cathode and can be extended out beyond the distal end of the catheter to provide at least a first terminal for an ablation circuit. The distal end wall is sized and shaped to hold a thrombus formed on the anode electrode so that the anode electrode can be withdrawn from within the thrombus formation and into the catheter, without the thrombus formation being pulled with the anode terminal. The outer surface of the catheter, or at least at the distal end thereof, is made of an insulating or non-conducting material, such that a thrombus does not form over the catheter.

Abstract: Procedures for ablating nerves, in particular, those innervating the platysma muscle are provided. The ablation of nerves in the platysma is utilized in medical treatments and for cosmetic interventions.

Abstract: A multimodal medical device for the diagnosis and/or thermal treatment of a disease includes an instrument for performing thermal therapy; and an imaging system having multiple tomographic imaging modes, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), ultrasound imaging, photoacoustic (PA) imaging, fluorescence imaging and/or thermal imaging to provide guidance for accurate diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Abstract: Image-guided therapy of a tissue can utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or another medical imaging device to guide an instrument within the tissue. A workstation can actuate movement of the instrument, and can actuate energy emission and/or cooling of the instrument to effect treatment to the tissue. The workstation and/or an operator of the workstation can be located outside a vicinity of an MRI device or other medical imaging device, and drive means for positioning the instrument can be located within the vicinity of the MRI device or the other medical imaging device. The instrument can be an MRI compatible laser probe that provides thermal therapy to, e.g., a tissue in a brain of a patient.

Abstract: A method for repairing a bone of a patient may include superimposing a first virtual boundary on a virtual bone and superimposing a second virtual boundary on the virtual bone. The method may further include robotically modifying the bone of the patient with a planar tool along a first working boundary to create a first surface. The first working boundary may correspond to the first virtual boundary. The method may further include robotically modifying the bone of the patient with a rotary tool along a second working boundary to create a second surface. The second working boundary may correspond to the second virtual boundary.

Abstract: A number of improvements are provided relating to computer aided surgery. The improvement relates to both the methods used during computer aided surgery and the devices used during such procedures. Some of the improvement relate to controlling the selection of which data to display during a procedure and/or how the data is displayed to aid the surgeon. Other improvements relate to the structure of the tools used during a procedure and how the tools can be controlled automatically to improve the efficiency of the procedure. Still other improvements relate to methods of providing feedback during a procedure to improve either the efficiency or quality, or both, for a procedure.

Abstract: A computer assisted surgical system for guiding bone cutting operations of an arthroplasty surgery is provided. The computer assisted surgical system includes a cutting guide having a guiding surface for mounting to a bone and a computer. The computer is in communication with the cutting guide and configured to generate a bone model of the first bone without the use of pre-operative bone images, determine a position of an implant model having a bone interface surface on the bone model, determine a position of the cutting guide on the first bone based on the determined position of the implant model on the bone model, and position the guiding surface of the cutting guide to one of a plurality of predetermined cut configurations relative to the bone interface surface.

Abstract: A method of pre-operatively determining the suitability of a joint for a surgical corrective procedure, the method comprising the steps of: determining a patient's joint orientation in a plurality of situations; determining a patient kinematic range of the patient joint based on the said joint orientations; comparing the determined patient kinematic range to a preferred kinematic range; and determining that the joint is suitable for a first surgical corrective procedure if the patient kinematic range falls within the preferred kinematic range, else determining that the joint is suitable for a second surgical corrective procedure which is different from the said first surgical corrective procedure. A device for the determination of the patient kinematic range is also provided.

Abstract: A method for aligning a patient implant, the method comprising the steps of: generating a digital implant model of the patient implant; determining a desired alignment of the patient implant based on predetermined alignment data; imaging an operative area of the patient to create patient-specific implant reference data; creating a virtual overlay of the digital implant model in the determined desired alignment relative to the patient-specific implant reference data; and operatively aligning the patient implant using the virtual overlay. A patient implant system to implement the method is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying a volume of activation (VOA) may include a processor that displays via a display device a model of a portion of a patient anatomy that includes anatomical structures, displays via the display device and overlying the display of the model a VOA associated by the processor with a set of anatomical stimulation parameter settings, the display of the VOA, and graphically identifies interactions between the displayed VOA and a first subset of the anatomical structures associated with one or more stimulation benefits and a second subset of the anatomical structures associated with one or more stimulation side effects, where the graphical identifications differ depending on whether the interaction is with the first subset or the second subset.

Abstract: The invention relates to a navigation system for navigating an interventional device (11) like a catheter and an interventional system comprising the navigation system. A position and shape determining unit (13) determines and stores a first position and shape of the interventional device within a living being (9) during a first interventional procedure like a first chemoembolization session and determines a second position and shape of an interventional device within the living being during a subsequent second interventional procedure like a second chemoembolization session. During the second interventional procedure the interventional device is navigated based on the stored first position and shape and based on the second position and shape. This allows considering during the second interventional procedure the path of the interventional device used during the first interventional procedure.

Abstract: An interventional tool stepper (30) employing a frame (31), a carriage (33), an optional gear assembly (32), and an optional grid template(34). The frame (31) is structurally configured to be positioned relative to an anatomical region for holding an interventional tool (40) relative to the anatomical region. The carriage (33) is structurally configured to hold the interventional tool (40) relative to the anatomical region. The gear assembly (32) is structurally configured to translate and/or rotate the carriage (33) relative to the frame (31). The grid template (34) is structurally configured to guide one or more additional interventional tools (41) relative to the anatomical region. The frame (31), the carriage (33), the optional gear assembly (32) and the optional grid template (34) have an electromagnetic-compatible material composition for minimizing any distortion by the interventional tool stepper (30) of an electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A system and an apparatus for guiding an instrument may be provided, the apparatus comprising a main body; a holding member for holding an instrument, the holding member coupled to the main body; and one or more actuating members configured to effect movement of the holding member such that said movement of the holding member is capable of providing rotational movement of an instrument about a pivot point external the apparatus. The holding member may preferably be configured to co-operate with a compliance device, said compliance device capable of holding the instrument.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving first shape data from a first elongated optical fiber section in a first shape sensor. The first elongated optical fiber section extends between a reference fixture and a first anatomic fixture coupled to a patient anatomy. The method further comprises determining a pose of the first anatomic fixture from the first shape data and tracking a pose change for the first anatomic fixture.

Abstract: An in vivo apparatus includes a flexible shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a length sufficient to access a patient's renal artery relative to a percutaneous access location. An energy guide apparatus is provided at the distal end of the shaft and dimensioned for deployment within the renal artery. An ex vivo apparatus includes an arrangement configured to localize the energy guide apparatus within the renal artery, and an energy source configured to direct ablative energy to target tissue located a predetermined distance from the localized energy guide apparatus. The target tissue includes perivascular renal nerve tissue adjacent the renal artery.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for operating a surgical system. In accordance with a method, a position of a surgical instrument is measured, the surgical instrument being included in a mechanical assembly having a plurality of joints and a first number of degrees of freedom, the position of the surgical instrument being measured for each of a second number of degrees of freedom of the surgical instrument. The method further includes estimating a position of each of the joints, where estimating the position of each joint includes applying the position measurements to at least one kinematic model of the mechanical assembly, the kinematic model having a third number of degrees of freedom greater than the first number of degrees of freedom. The method further includes controlling the mechanical assembly based on the estimated position of the joints.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a camera having an image frame whose position and orientation relative to a fixed frame is determinable through one or more image frame transforms, a tool disposed within a field of view of the camera and having a tool frame whose position and orientation relative to the fixed frame is determinable through one or more tool frame transforms, and at least one processor programmed to identify pose indicating points of the tool from one or more camera captured images, determine an estimated transform for an unknown one of the image and tool frame transforms using the identified pose indicating points and known ones of the image and tool frame transforms, update a master-to-tool transform using the estimated and known ones of the image and tool frame transforms, and command movement of the tool in response to movement of a master using the updated master-to-tool transform.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a tip section with several degrees of freedom of articulation and at least one link that may be too long for insertion through an entry guide that follows a curved path. Each long link is made of a shape memory alloy or another material having a state in which the link is sufficiently flexible to bend as needed to pass through the entry guide. Once through the entry guide, the material of the link makes a transition to a state in which the link returns to a desired shape and is sufficiently rigid for precise controlled movement against external forces and for actuation using tendons.

Abstract: A medical robotic system that includes a robotically controlled surgical instrument. The system includes a constraint controller that constrains the movement of the instrument based on a predetermined parameter. The parameter may be a surgical space, wherein the instrument cannot be moved into, or alternatively cannot be moved out of, the space. The surgically constrained spaced may be defined through a telestrator screen that allows a surgeon to point and click the boundaries of the space.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes: a treatment section that treats an object to be treated; a power source that generates a power to operate the treatment section; a traction section connected to the treatment section and the power source; a switching section that switches a transmission state of the power from the power source to the traction section between a state in which the power can be transmitted and a state in which the power cannot be transmitted; and a tension-applying section that has a pulley and applies a predetermined initial tension to the traction section by applying a power to the pulley in the state in which the power cannot be transmitted, wherein the traction section is hung on the pulley via the power source from the treatment section and is connected to the treatment section via the power source.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to the art of minimally invasive surgery, and more specifically to reduced or single port laparoscopic surgery. This invention is a system of instruments that generally comprises of a surgical end effector, a receiver unit connected to the base of such an end effector, an external control link and an applicator for the control link. The entire system enables a surgeon at the time of his or her choosing, to externally control the end effector to manipulate organs, with minimal interference in the procedure at hand. In a preferred embodiment, the surgical end effector may be a mechanical atraumatic tissue grasping component enabling the retraction of internal organs.

Abstract: A device for visually separating the portion of a patient's body being worked on by a medical professional during a surgery or procedure, includes a bracket for mounting to the bed supporting a patient undergoing a surgery or procedure, and a partition to be connected to the bracket for separating the portion of the patient's body being worked on by the medical professional.

Abstract: Absorbent composites suitable for a wide variety of uses (e.g., sorbent drapes, sorbent patches around a fenestration area, tray liners for surgical tools, incontinence pads and liners, other liners, etc.) are provided. The composite includes an absorbent nonwoven. The absorbent nonwoven may comprise a hydroentangled spunbond web. The composite also may comprise a liquid-impermeable film. One or more absorbent nonwovens of a composite may additionally comprise a three-dimensional pattern, for example, a three-dimensional pattern that has been imaged using hydroentanglement. Optionally, any one or more layers of the composites may comprise an antimicrobial additive.

Abstract: A medical device, assembly, or kit may be used to hold a plurality of elongate medical instruments, such as guidewires, catheters, etc. A guidewire holder may include a reservoir for holding a liquid and one or more separators for segregating the guidewires from each other. In some instances, the guidewire holder can hold a coiled guidewire such that the guidewire is in contact with liquid held by the reservoir.

Abstract: Systems for immobilizing a patient are disclosed. The system includes at least one preform formed from a low melting temperature thermoplastic, the preform being configured to be formed to the anatomy of the patient, at least one frame coupled to the at least one preform, and at least one support configured to support the anatomy of the patient. The system also includes at least one lock mechanism coupled to at least one of the frame and the support and configured to couple the at least one frame to the at least one support, and at least one adjuster mechanism coupled to at least one of the at least one frame and the at least one support and configured to selectively adjust a distance between the at least one frame and the at least one support while the at least one frame is coupled to the at least one support.

Abstract: A fiber twist reduction system for optical shape sensing enabled instruments includes a rotatable launch fixture (12) configured to hold an optical fiber (28). An optical shape sensing enabled device (26) includes the optical fiber disposed therein. A rotation mechanism (14) is configured to rotate the fiber in response to a twist of the fiber to reduce accumulated twist along its length.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for implanting objects, such as a marker, in the lungs of patients. In one embodiment, a bronchoscopic catheter assembly for implanting an object in the lung of a patient includes a handle, a delivery catheter projecting outwardly from the handle, and a push wire contained within the catheter. In one aspect of this embodiment, the catheter can be configured to releasably hold a plurality of markers at a distal end. In another aspect of this embodiment, the push wire can be operably connected to the handle and axially moveable within the delivery catheter to eject the marker out of the catheter within the bronchi of the patient. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the marker can further include an anti-migration device associated with the marker for holding the marker in place once the marker is deployed in the bronchi. The anti-migration device can be integral with the marker or positioned proximate to the marker to prevent migration of the marker.

Abstract: A medical imaging system with a mechanical arm (3) comprises a support (1), a probe (2), the mechanical arm (3), and a controller. The mechanical arm (3) is mounted on the support (1). The probe (2) is mounted at one end away from the support (1), of the mechanical arm (3). The controller can drive the mechanical arm (3) to drive the probe (2) to implement multi-degree-of-freedom movement. The medical imaging system uses a structure that the controller drives the mechanical arm (3) to drive the probe (2) to implement multi-degree-of-freedom movement, so that working intensity when staff such as doctors operates the probe can be lowered, thereby alleviating operation fatigue of the staff such as the doctors.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a wirelessly detectable object to be used in medical procedures are provided. One example wirelessly detectable object includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder that, when interrogated, wirelessly returns a first response signal that contains identification information associated with a surgical object. The wirelessly detectable object further includes a presence transponder that, when interrogated, wirelessly returns a second response signal that does not contain identification information. The presence transponder is received and freely movable within a pouch. The presence transponder is independently movable with respect to the RFID transponder. Another example wirelessly detectable object includes at least one active antenna element and at least one passive antenna element that together operate as a directional antenna.

Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a tip portion, a transducer configured to convert electrical energy into vibrational energy, an acoustic transformer interconnecting the transducer and the tip portion, and a grip portion disposed at least partially about the acoustic transformer. The grip portion is coupled to the acoustic transformer via a resilient nodal coupling at a nodal region of the acoustic transformer. The resilient nodal coupling is configured to provide rotational and axial stability to the acoustic transformer.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument includes a handle to be secured to an instrument holder and an active part to be introduced into a root canal. The active part includes a plurality of faces and at least one edge formed by the intersection of two adjacent faces. At least two of the adjacent faces have a surface with a roughness characterized by an arithmetic mean deviation with respect to the mean line Ra, chosen so that 0.5 ?m<Ra<4.5 ?m, so that the edge formed by the intersection of said two faces has the profile of an irregular jagged line in the space having at least one deviation greater than 0.5 ?m with respect to the mean line.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and methods for utilizing one or more computing devices to stage the movement of teeth during an alignment treatment are disclosed. The computing device receives an electronic representation of the patient's teeth in their initial position and an electronic representation of the teeth a final position for each tooth. A route each tooth will travel to reach its final position is determined, and the teeth are scheduled to move according to a movement pattern. Moreover, the schedule of movement takes into account a maximum rate of tooth movement for each tooth, the path of movement for each tooth, the distance each tooth needs to move, any needed tooth staggering, any needed round-tripping or tooth movement slowing. The invention also includes techniques for determining an optimum number of stages for the treatment based on the schedule of movement.

Abstract: A dental appliance comprising a veneer, bridge, or crown with an integrated brace together formed as a single piece of material. The braces, crowns, veneers, and bridges may be printed with 3-dimesional (3D) software and SLA milling. Embodiments of the present invention provide the printed veneer, crown or bridge with an orthodontic portion (“brace” or “bracket”) that is all one piece. This can be used to move teeth orthodontically and provide a degree of esthetics. The appliance may include identification marks, which may guide placement of the appliance in a patient's mouth. The brace and identification marks can be removed, leaving the veneer, crown, or bridge behind.

Abstract: This patent application was conceived to eliminate definitively in orthodontic treatment, the need for both dental extractions and the use of accessory devices and/or removable orthopedic braces during treatment for the correction of various types of malocclusions. For this, the application described herein unites the tooth movement and functional orthopedic effects in jaws, and wherein the interrelation with the oral musculature caused by a muscle activation bar (10) and a sliding door (2) with greater surface contact with the orthodontic wire (15). The application proposed further presents a base with conical channels (14) with trapezoidal profile of mechanical withhold that provides increased bond strength to dental enamel, and eases the removal, without causing damage to the tooth enamel.

Abstract: The appliance includes a body that snaps onto the brackets attached to teeth with latching slots and so becomes detachable for daily cleaning by the patient. Inside the body there is an integrated spring function. The fabrication of the polymeric body can be done by 3D printing, which makes it possible to print integrated spring elements connecting the latching slots with the body.

Abstract: A threaded dental implant according to the present invention includes threads having a relatively shallow flank angle and a transition area that substantially reduces the width of the thread root. In some embodiments, each thread flange includes a transition point at which the flank angle transitions from a first angle to a second angle of lesser amount than the first angle. In these ways, the threaded dental implant includes a unique cored recess and provides various improvements over traditional threaded dental implants.

Abstract: Provided is an implant unit, and more particularly, a dental implant unit. The implant unit includes a fixture assembled to an alveolar bone; and an abutment assembled to the upper portion of the fixture, wherein the fixture includes a space defined by a groove-like structure formed in depth direction from the lower portion of the fixture facing the alveolar bone.

Abstract: In a superstructure support and a method for producing same as part of a dental prosthesis disposed between an implant body and a superstructure, an artificial crown or a composite of a cement body and a crown is arranged on the superstructure support which is provided with a crown supporting structure. A second structure is additionally provided on the superstructure support in the region thereof facing the implant body. The support structure support is produced by a powder injection casting method same with structured support surfaces such that a secure support of the superstructure and secure adhesion of the dental prosthesis to the implant body and the gum are ensured.

Abstract: Provided is an implant unit. The implant unit includes a fixture, which is assembled to an alveolar bone and includes a long hole formed in the depth-wise direction and having an opening on the top of the fixture; an intermediate structure, which is inserted to the long hole via the opening of the fixture; and an abutment assembled to the intermediate structure, wherein a first structure for coupling the fixture to the intermediate structure is formed on the inner surface of the fixture.

Abstract: A holding apparatus for an in particular dental workpiece comprising a holding element and a fixing device, wherein the workpiece can be fixed to the holding apparatus by a relative movement of the fixing device with respect to the holding element, wherein the fixing device or the holding element has a split sleeve, wherein the inside surface of the split sleeve forms a clamping surface for the workpiece and wherein upon the relative movement of the fixing device with respect to the holding element the workpiece can be braced against the holding device by way of the clamping surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support body for a blank, whereby the support body possesses a receiving opening for the blank that is surrounded by an inner circumferential surface, which terminates in an upper and a lower edge, and whereby a blank fixed in position within the support body is bonded to the latter by means of an adhesive agent. In order to be able to easily introduce the adhesive agent into a gap between the blank and the support body it is intended that the inner circumferential surface possesses at least one depression and/or elevation extending to accommodate the adhesive agent.