Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a medical robotic system and method for releasably securing a medical instrument over a modular support assembly that is further removably coupled to the manipulating arm via an intermediate fastening component. The medical instrument is configured for delivery through a small percutaneous penetration in a patient as it slides over the modular support assembly, independent of the manipulating arm. The robotic system further includes a simplified draping mechanism including covering the manipulating arm up to the fastening component thereby obviating the need for extensive sterile drape that extends all over the arm up to the support interface and the cannula holding assembly in existing art. Advantageously, the present invention allows for a quick and simple installation while allowing for free rotary motion of the support assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a micro-robot which is integratedly or detachably coupled to one end of a catheter or a guidewire for performing a medical operation using the catheter. Steering and drilling are independently performed by using a catheter thinner in thickness than a related art catheter. The a micro-robot is smoothly inserted into a lesion part and removes a risk of injury and infection in an opening operation through precise steering.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, apparatus, and methods for precise placement and guidance of tools during surgery, particularly spinal surgery, using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Several minimally invasive approaches to spinal surgeries were conceived, percutaneous technique being one of them. This procedures looks to establish a skin opening as small as possible by accessing inner organs via needle-puncture of the skin. The percutaneous technique is used in conjunction with a robotic surgical system to further enhance advantages of manual percutaneous techniques by improving precision, usability and/or shortening surgery time by removal of redundant steps.

Abstract: An improved device for regenerating an infrared signal transmitted over the air for use in detecting a 3-dimensional position of an object. The regeneration device includes an infrared signal transmitter and detector that receives from the object a responsive infrared signal in response to the infrared signal transmitted by the transmitter. A low pass filter receives the responsive infrared signal from the detector and outputs a low-pass filtered signal. A comparator compares the output of the infrared signal detector and output of the low pass filter and generates an output representing a logic state based on the comparison.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

Abstract: Assemblies, systems, and methods related to remotely-steerable ablation procedures are described. A necked-down ablation catheter may be coupled within a working lumen of a robotically-steerable sheath configured to be driveably coupled to an electromechanical instrument driver. The ablation catheter may be an irrigated ablation catheter having an irrigation fluid reservoir at its distal tip. The outer diameter of the distal portion of the ablation catheter is generally larger than that of the more proximal aspects due, in part, to the fact that the proximal aspects are designed to fit through a relatively low-profile steerable sheath.

Abstract: To assist a surgeon performing a medical procedure, auxiliary images generally indicating internal details of an anatomic structure being treated are displayed and manipulated by the surgeon on a computer display screen to supplement primary images generally of an external view of the anatomic structure. A master input device controlling a robotic arm in a first mode may be switched by the surgeon to a second mode in order to function instead as a mouse-like pointing device to facilitate the surgeon performing such auxiliary information display and manipulation.

Abstract: A cover for a blood pressure cuff is disclosed. A base portion with tabs removably attaches to the blood pressure cuff. The base portion has attached to it a stack of sheets. The stack features multiple sheets of thin material where each sheet can be ripped off the stack after the blood pressure cuff has been used to take a patient's blood pressure. Sequential numbers on each sheet allow for tracking of use patterns.

Abstract: Measuring devices that can be incorporated with gripping tools are described. The measuring devices can be integral to a gripping tool or can be removably attachable to a gripping tool. The measuring devices can be incorporated in conjunction with a gripping tool for use in a medical application such as a clamp, a hemostat, a forceps, or the like. Devices can be utilized to determine a straight length and/or to determine the spread of the jaws a gripping tool associated with the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring spacing between first and second hone screws engaged with first and second bone structures are provided. An apparatus comprises first and second arms operably engaged with a single pivot pin. The first arm includes a distal end adapted to engage the first bone screw, and a proximal end comprising a graduated scale. The second arm, operably engaged with the first arm via the single pivot pin, includes a distal end adapted to engage the second bone screw, and a proximal end comprising an indicator segment slidably engaged with the graduated scale. A position of the indicator segment relative to the graduated scale is therefore indicative of a spacing between the first and second bone screws.

Abstract: Tool for actuating palatal expanders, comprising a body (1) with a grip portion (2) and, on the opposite side, a tip (3). The body (1) has, on at least one surface (10) thereof, display means adapted for displaying the number of uses.

Abstract: A cleaning device to remove waste material from a cauterization electrode including a main body, at least one receiving portion formed in the main body and configured to receive an electrode of a medical cauterization device, and a cleaning surface formed at least partially in the at least one receiving portion, and configured to remove debris from the electrode when contacted by the electrode.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance comprises a base portion adapted to be affixed to a patient's tooth and an upper portion including a flexible and resilient hook for forming a tubular channel for receiving an archwire. The upper portion includes a flange affixed to the hook, and is sized and shaped to connect to loops of an elastomeric power chain.

Abstract: New dental implant (1) and associated parts that achieve insertion in narrow areas in the alveolar bone. Characteristics of the body of this implant allow for comfortable insertion in narrow cleft bone by its smooth narrow section that can be an alternative to processes that involve complex surgery, besides having to wait an additional time for the widened alveolar bone to regenerate or for the graft to settle.

Abstract: A dental abutment or mounting head features a base of predetermined size and shape arranged for seating atop a flanged portion of a transmucosal collar that is fastened to a dental implant. An axial hole opens into the abutment/head from the underside thereof at a location arranged to align over an axial bore of the collar through which the collar is fastened to the implant. An upper portion of the abutment/head for supporting a dental prosthetic or framework is customized for the patient concerned. The predetermined base portion occupies substantially the entire face of the collar flange to provide optimal support of the abutment/head. As an interface between the implant and the abutment, the collar avoids the need to customize the base of the abutment to fit the particular brand or model of implant used, thereby reducing the amount of custom design and/or fabrication needed to fit the application.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of routing a dental restoration design case to a user account includes receiving new dental restoration design cases associated with metadata describes design requirements. The method includes parsing the metadata to identify design factors indicating the requirements and storing the new cases in a main queue. The method also includes receiving login information, identifying the user account for the design user and retrieving attribute data associated with the account. The attribute data describes a design skill level of the design user. The method includes evaluating the design factors of the new dental restoration design cases in the main queue based on the attribute data of the account to determine a dental restoration design case in the main queue that satisfies the attribute data of the account and routing the determined dental restoration design case to a user queue associated with the user account.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for manufacturing a physical dental model. A virtual model is provided representative of at least a portion of the intra-oral cavity including at least one dental implant implanted therein, and the virtual model includes a virtual portion representative of each dental implant. The virtual spatial disposition of each such virtual portion is determined with respect to the virtual model, corresponding to a real spatial disposition of the respective implant with respect to the intra oral cavity. A physical model is then manufactured based on the virtual model, the physical model including a physical analog corresponding to each implant at a respective physical spatial disposition with respect to the physical model corresponding to the respective virtual spatial disposition of the respective virtual portion with respect to the first virtual model as already determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interdental cleaning apparatus using both hands. The embodiments of the present invention has an effect that is sanitary since a user is able to use dental floss by holding a dental floss supplying stick and a dental floss collecting stick by both hands, the length and tension is available to be easily controlled, different from the conventional dental floss holder of ‘Y’ shape, and various flossing motions are provided by utilizing feeling of the user's hand as it is.

Abstract: A multi-piece apparatus for performing dental hygiene includes a head portion including a concave support member; a floss attachment; and a tapered hollow water access portion. The hollow water access portion includes a water intake component continuous with a water exit component. A mechanism is connected to the head portion that reduces bacteria from the head portion. A handle portion is connected to the head portion and includes a first handle end; a second handle end; and a fluid aqueduct extending an entire internal length of the handle portion, wherein the fluid aqueduct is aligned with the water intake component and extends within the head portion. A hose is connected to the handle portion, wherein the hose is positioned to direct water to traverse through the fluid aqueduct.

Abstract: An intraoral dental irrigation appliance is provided. The device can serve as a dual-purpose occlusal guard and irrigation device. The appliance can protect the teeth of the user from the damage caused by bruxism and even provide the user the ability to effectively irrigate some or all difficult areas of dentition. The appliance includes at least one port configured to receive an irrigation fluid, or irrigant. This port may attach to a fluid source like a tap, water irrigation device, or other moving fluid supply.

Abstract: A compound oral cleaning device includes a first main body, configured with a control circuit, electric power storage unit and driving element in electric connection with each other in sequence at a center thereof; and a second main body, capable of being coupled to the first main body optionally, and a rotating element coupled to said driving element being configured at a center of the second main body. Whereby, the present invention can clean slits between teeth and fur on tongue effectively, and can further carry out the replacement of the rotating element, having both cuticle removing and skin whitening effects after being replaced with a skin rubbing tool.

Abstract: A dental whitening system has a removable heating component that includes a heating plate having a heat generator. A positioning element, such as a dental tray, is used to position the removable heating component inside the person's lips, over and proximate to the person's teeth, so that heat from the heating plate is directed to the person's teeth.

Abstract: An animal intranasal administration device, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed. The animal intranasal administration device can include a nasal passage nozzle for each nostril configured to receive fluid from a fluid source. The animal intranasal administration device can also include a biasing mechanism to bias the nozzles toward a septum such that the device is secured in place about the septum during administration of the fluid into nasal passages.

Abstract: A medical device and method for facilitating a surgery through a body opening is disclosed. The medical device includes a flexible member configured to be placed within the body opening so as to cover a portion of the body opening. The flexible member includes a distal end portion with a closed end, a proximal end portion with an open end and an elongate portion joining the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The proximal end portion is configured to extend out of the patient's body opening to cover an area around and outside the patient's body opening.

Abstract: Implants for the treatment of pelvic support conditions and methods of implementing the same. The implants comprise relatively soft, flexible bodies and relatively strong arms extending in predetermined orientations therefrom. Methods and devices for placing the implants minimize trauma to the pelvic floor and provide well-anchored support to pelvic organs without interfering with sexual or other bodily functions.

Abstract: The present invention includes an embolic protection device comprising a catheter having a self-expanding embolic filter that is disposed around the catheter proximal to a distal portion, wherein the embolic filter comprises a frame that has at least two lobes, and the frame defines an opening of the embolic filter that faces the distal end of the catheter; and a deployment mechanism that is disposed around at least a portion of the catheter, wherein the deployment mechanism is longitudinally movable with respect to the catheter, the deployment mechanism is configured to contain the embolic filter in a collapsed configuration, and the embolic filter is configured to self-expand upon the longitudinal retraction of the deployment mechanism.

Abstract: A method for making a polymer with a porous layer from a solid piece of polymer is disclosed. In various embodiments, the method includes heating a surface of a solid piece of polymer to a processing temperature below a melting point of the polymer and holding the processing temperature while displacing a porogen layer through the surface of the polymer to create a matrix layer of the solid polymer body comprising the polymer and the porogen layer. In at least one embodiment, the method also includes removing at least a portion of the layer of porogen from the matrix layer to create a porous layer of the solid piece of polymer.

Abstract: A stent-graft prosthesis includes a tubular graft and a stent coupled to the tubular graft via a plurality of stitches. The stent has a sinusoidal pattern defined by a plurality of crowns and a plurality of struts. The stitches form a stitch path having a sinusoidal pattern that corresponds to the sinusoidal pattern of the stent. A width of curved segments of the stitch path that are disposed over crowns of the stent is configured to permit relative longitudinal movement between the stents and the tubular graft. A width of intermediate segments of the stitch path that are disposed over struts of the stent may be configured to restrict or permit relative circumferential movement between the stents and the tubular graft. The stitch path may include a plurality of transverse stitches in order to prevent exposure of the crowns beyond the stitch path.

Abstract: A vascular graft incorporating a stent into a portion of its length. While various materials may be used for the vascular graft, the graft is preferably an ePTFE graft. The stent is preferably a self-expanding stent, although it may alternatively be a balloon expandable stent. The vascular graft preferably has a continuous inner tubular liner that extends between the opposing ends of the graft and provides a continuous luminal surface for blood contact that is uninterrupted by seams or joints. The length portion of the graft that does not include the stent has a greater wall thickness than does the portion including the stent.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for coating an implantable lens. The apparatus, system and method may include at least one coating layer applied to at least one surface of the optic of the implantable lens, wherein the coating layer at least partially protects the optic at least during the implantation, and wherein the coating layer is removable following implantation. The coating layer may include a lubricant and/or medication and may be in the form of a biodegradable polymer and/or a film.

Abstract: An intraocular lens having an optic and at least one semi-rigid, haptic connected to the optic, both of which may be acrylic. The intraocular lens can have a fixed longitudinal length, e.g., the same fixed length pre-operatively and post-operatively. The intraocular lens can resist deformation, despite contraction and relaxation of the ciliary muscle and fibrosis within the capsular bag, after implantation into the eye using, for example, by the semi-rigid haptics. The intraocular lens can be sufficiently flexible to be compressed from an original configuration to a compressed configuration for insertion into the eye through a small incision and return to the original configuration after implantation into the eye.

Abstract: An intraocular lens comprising a lens optic coupled to at least one haptic and at least one deformable connecting bar positioned between the lens optic and the at least one haptic. The lens is designed to provide uncorrected vision for distance, intermediate and near vision.

Abstract: An intraocular lens including a flexible optic and at least one rigid plate haptic connected to the optic. The at least one rigid plate haptic can include a rigid structure. The at least one rigid plate haptic can be resistant to bending from pressure exerted on a distal end of the at least one haptic by contraction of the ciliary muscle. The intraocular lens can be a non-accommodating IOL having a longitudinal length that is fixed and configured to resist deformation by the action of the ciliary muscle. Various embodiments also include accommodating intraocular lenses.

Abstract: An intraocular lens includes a deformable outer shell having a distal end and a proximal end, a fluid optic having at least one elastic membrane surface positioned to traverse an optical axis of a patient's eye and at least partially defining an internal chamber to hold an optical fluid, and an inner shell associated with the fluid optic having a distal end and a proximal end. Each end is joined to a corresponding end of the outer shell to define a reservoir between the inner and outer shells, the reservoir at least partially disposed about a circumference of the fluid optic and in fluid communication with the internal chamber. The deformable outer shell is configured to deform upon axial compression of the capsular bag in a manner that increases the volume of the reservoir and draws fluid from the chamber into the reservoir, modifying a curvature of the elastic membrane.

Abstract: A prosthetic capsular device configured to be inserted in an eye includes a housing structure and a ring structure. The housing structure includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, a fourth side opposite the third side, a posterior side including a refractive surface, an anterior side opposite the posterior side, and a longitudinal axis. The first side, the second side, the third side, the fourth side, the posterior side, and the anterior side at least partially define a cavity configured to contain an intraocular device (e.g., an IOL). The anterior side includes an opening. The ring structure includes a ring structure portion extending radially outward from proximate one of an end of the first side and an end of the second side.

Abstract: An integrated valve prosthesis includes an anchor stent, a tether component, and a valve component. The anchor stent includes a self-expanding tubular frame member configured to be deployed in the annulus of an aortic valve or the aorta. The valve component includes a valve frame and a prosthetic valve coupled to the valve frame, and is configured to be deployed within the anchor stent. The tether component includes a first end coupled to the anchor stent and a second end coupled to the valve frame. In the delivery configuration, the tether component extends in a first direction from the anchor stent to the valve component, and in the deployed configuration, the tether component extends in a second direction from the anchor stent to the valve component. The second direction is generally opposite the first direction. The tether component may set the location of the valve component relative to the anchor stent.

Abstract: Features for a heart valve device are described. The device may include a frame with anchors configured to secure the device to tissue. The frame may include a flared end or skirt for additional securement of the implanted device. The device may include a seal such as a barrier and/or cuff for preventing leakage. The device may contract for endovascular delivery of the device to the heart and expand for securement within the heart, such as the within the native mitral valve annulus. The device may include a replacement valve. The valve may have leaflets configured to re-direct blood flow along a primary flow axis.

Abstract: Various inserts, called shapers and spacers, are provided for controlling tissue engineered heart valve (TEHV) leaflet geometry during culture. These inserts will prevent TEHV leaflet retraction during culture, be able to control the leaflet geometry during culture, enable culturing TEHV leaflets with a larger coaptation area, control the height of the coaptation area, maintain TEHV leaflet curvatures, and/or enable possibilities to culture TEHV leaflets in open configuration.

Abstract: A treatment for bioprosthetic tissue used in implants or for assembled bioprosthetic heart valves to reduce in vivo calcification. The method includes applying a calcification mitigant such as a capping agent or an antioxidant to the tissue to specifically inhibit oxidation in tissue. Also, the method can be used to inhibit oxidation in dehydrated tissue. The capping agent suppresses the formation of binding sites in the tissue that are exposed or generated by the oxidation and otherwise would, upon implant, attract calcium, phosphate, immunogenic factors, or other precursors to calcification. In one method, tissue leaflets in assembled bioprosthetic heart valves are pretreated with an aldehyde capping agent prior to dehydration and sterilization.

Abstract: A mitral valve replacement device is adapted to be deployed at a mitral valve position in a human heart. The device has an atrial flange defining an atrial end of the device, a ventricular portion defining a ventricular end of the device, the ventricular portion having a height ranging between 2 mm to 15 mm, and an annulus support that is positioned between the atrial flange and the ventricular portion. The annulus support includes a ring of anchors extending radially therefrom, with an annular clipping space defined between the atrial flange and the ring of anchors. A plurality of leaflet holders positioned at the atrial end of the atrial flange, and a plurality of valve leaflets secured to the leaflet holders, and positioned inside the atrial flange at a location above the native annulus.

Abstract: An introducer sheath includes a tubular cannula extending between a leading end and trailing end, the cannula defining a lumen therethrough. A first balloon may be disposed adjacent the leading end of the cannula, the first balloon being configured and arranged to dilate from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition. An inflation port may be configured to receive an inflation medium to dilate the first balloon.

Abstract: Embodiments hereof relate to centering devices for use with a valve delivery system and methods of delivering a valve prosthesis within a vasculature. A valve centering catheter is configured for use with a valve delivery system. The valve centering catheter includes a circumferential centering device at a distal portion thereof, and the circumferential centering device defines a central opening there-through when in an expanded configuration. The circumferential centering device is annular or has a C-shaped cross-section. The valve delivery system is tracked through the vasculature until the valve prosthesis is positioned through the central opening of the expanded circumferential centering device. The valve centering catheter may alternatively include a longitudinal centering device which acts as a marker for depth control during delivery of a valve delivery system, which may include an integral circumferential centering device.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods from delivering prosthetic devices, such as prosthetic heart valves, through the body and into the heart for implantation therein. The prosthetic devices delivered with the delivery systems disclosed herein are, for example, radially expandable from a radially compressed state mounted on the delivery system to a radially expanded state for implantation using an inflatable balloon of the delivery system. Exemplary delivery routes through the body and into the heart include transfemoral routes, transapical routes, and transaortic routes, among others.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes implanting (a) a first venous tissue anchor in a superior vena cava, an inferior vena cava, or a coronary sinus, (b) exactly two atrial tissue anchors, which consist of second and third atrial tissue anchors, at respective different atrial sites, each of which sites is selected from: an annulus of a tricuspid valve, and a wall of a right atrium of a heart above the annulus, and (c) a pulley system, which includes (i) a pulley, which is connected to the second atrial tissue anchor, and (ii) a tether, which (A) is connected to the first venous tissue anchor and the third atrial tissue anchor, (B) is moveable through the pulley, and (C) has a length, measured between the first venous and the third atrial tissue anchors, of at least 30 mm. A size of a tricuspid orifice is reduced by tensioning the tether.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for implantation into a bone void while minimising the potential for an increase in pressure within the bone void.

Abstract: A porous, self-sustaining body useful as a scaffold for bone grafting is provided. The scaffold comprises a carbonaceous matrix comprising a continuous phase having a surface and defining a plurality of open spaces throughout the matrix. The internal and external surfaces of the matrix are coated with a layer or film selected from the group consisting of osteogenic materials, therapeutic agents, and combinations thereof. The porous body comprises organic materials and is substantially free of metals. Methods of making and using the porous self-sustaining body are also provided, along with kits for facilitating the same.

Abstract: A synthetic bone graft is described which is adapted to be received within a bone defect and which is structurally load-bearing. The bone graft comprises an entirely synthetic graft body corresponding in shape and size to the bone defect. The graft body is composed of a plurality of superimposed multilayered structures, each of the multilayered structures having a biopolymer layer joined to a biomineral layer to define an interface therebetween. The biomineral layer has a stiffness that is greater than that of the biopolymer layer, and the biopolymer layer has a toughness that is less than that of the biomineral layer.

Abstract: A containment body for making a spacer device or a device to be implanted in a human body that is suitable for treating a bone seat or a joint of the human body includes a base portion and side walls that extend from the base portion and that delimit between them at least one cavity, wherein the containment body has a plurality of pores and/or at least one opening, configured to place the at least one internal cavity in communication with the outside of the containment body.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis assembly, includes a joint prosthesis body (1) made of a first biocompatible non-resorbable material and an anchoring element (2-5) made of a second biocompatible non-resorbable material. The anchoring element (2-5) is arranged to allow rotation of an end portion of the joint prosthesis body (1) with respect to the anchoring element (2-5) when in situ.

Abstract: The present application relates to an artificial joint implant comprising a first element with a socket and a second element with a ball head. The socket is at least hemispherical and said ball head is inserted in said socket such as to form a ball-and-socket connection between said first element and said second element. Movement of said ball head in said socket is restricted in at least one degree of freedom by means of a at least one protrusion engaged in a at least one groove, wherein said at least one protrusion is provided on said socket and said at least one groove is provided on said ball head or vice versa.