Abstract: A radiopaque marker bead can be attached to an endoprosthesis by pressing an end of bead into a through hole formed into the endoprosthesis and allowing the opposite end of the bead to pass through the hole and protrude out of the other end of the hole. Both ends of the bead can then be pressed and flattened so as to frictionally engage both ends of the hole. A support tool having a curved outer surface can be inserted into the endoprosthesis to support the endoprosthesis luminal surface while the bead is being pushed into the hole. The support tool has a depression which allows the opposite end of the bead to protrude out of the hole.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing FEA analysis of at least a portion of at least one bone in a patient, the method comprising steps of: providing at least one image of at least a portion of a bone; selecting at least a portion of the bone; automatically performing an FE analysis of the selected portion of the bone; and displaying at least one result of the FE analysis. Bone selection and display of the bone, the selected portion thereof, and the results of the FE analysis occur via a hand-held device, with processing and data storage performed remotely.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wearable injection guides are described, which include: acquiring one or more digital images of a body region of an individual with at least one image capture device; creating a digitally rendered model of a wearable injection guide from the one or more digital images of the body region of the individual; adding one or more digitally rendered fiducials indicative of at least one treatment parameter to the digitally rendered model of the wearable injection guide; and forming the wearable injection guide from the digitally rendered model of the wearable injection guide, the formed wearable injection guide including one or more fiducials corresponding to the one or more digitally rendered fiducials on the digitally rendered model of the wearable injection guide.

Abstract: A medical system for imaging includes a processor (114) and memory (116) coupled to the processor. The memory includes an optical shape sensing module (115) configured to receive shape sensing data from a shape sensing system (104) coupled to a medical instrument (102). The shape sensing system is configured to measure a shape and position of the medical instrument. An image generation module (148) is configured to detect and digitally remove image artifacts of the medical instrument from a generated image based on at least the shape and the position of the medical instrument as measured by the shape sensing system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for surgical tracking comprises an imaging device that generates an image of a tissue volume; an electromagnetic (EM) sensor that creates a reference frame for EM tracking in three dimensions; at least one EM sensor adapted to be attached to the tissue to track local deformation and movement of the tissue volume; a processor that registers the image with the EM-tracked tissue volume and surgical tool in real time, and produces an output; and a feedback device that provides feedback about the location of the surgical tool relative to the tissue volume, based on the processor output. Embodiments are particularly useful in soft tissue, such as breast, where deformation before and during a procedure such as tumor resection complicate tracking of the tissue volume and a surgical tool.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking an interventional tool (50) based on a spatial alignment of two or more acoustic sensors (20, 21) relative to the interventional tool (50) (e.g., acoustic sensors attached to or embedded in a distal tip of a needle or a catheter). The method can include operating an acoustic imaging device (10) (e.g., a 2D ultrasound probe having a 1D array, linear or curved) to generate an acoustic image plane (11) and operating each acoustic sensor (20, 21) to output an composite acoustic sensing waveform (40, 41) derived from an acoustic sensing of the acoustic beam array. Each composite acoustic sensing waveform (40, 41) can include an array of acoustic beam sensing waveforms (30, 31, 32). The method can further include operating a tracking workstation (70) to track a position of the interventional tool (50) relative to the acoustic image plane (11) derived from a waveform profile analysis of the composite acoustic sensing waveforms (40, 41).

Abstract: A system for use during a surgical procedure includes a control unit configured to obtain a first anatomical characteristic of a patient; measure a second anatomical characteristic of a patient; create a targeted second anatomical characteristic; and convert at least one of the measured second anatomical characteristic and the targeted second anatomical characteristics to a patient position.

Abstract: Navigation systems and methods for reducing tracking interruptions during a surgical procedure. A virtual boundary generator generates virtual boundaries associated with tracking devices and a localizer. A collision detector evaluates movement of virtual objects relative to the virtual boundaries to detect collisions between the virtual objects and the virtual boundaries. A feedback generator responds to the collision detection to reduce tracking interruptions between the tracking devices and the localizer.

Abstract: Robotic devices, systems, and methods for use in robotic surgery and other robotic applications, and/or medical instrument devices, systems, and methods includes both a reusable processor and a limited-use robotic tool or medical treatment probe. A memory the limited-use component includes machine readable code with data and/or programming instructions to be implemented by the processor. Programming of the processor can be updated by shipping of new data once downloaded by the processor from a component, subsequent components can take advantage of the updated processor without repeated downloading.

Abstract: In a coupled control mode, the surgeon directly controls movement of an associated slave manipulator with an input device while indirectly controlling movement of one or more non-associated slave manipulators, in response to commanded motion of the directly controlled slave manipulator, to achieve a secondary objective. By automatically performing secondary tasks through coupled control modes, the system's usability is enhanced by reducing the surgeon's need to switch to another direct mode to manually achieve the desired secondary objective. Thus, coupled control modes allow the surgeon to better focus on performing medical procedures and to pay less attention to managing the system.

Abstract: A sterile barrier assembly, mounting system, and method for kinematically coupling first and second surgical components together through the sterile barrier assembly so that positioning is repeatable and deterministic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical device management units and methods of their use. The medical device management units comprise two main pieces, a base piece, and a slide piece, as well as at least one medical device pathway defined by a surface means and a plurality of trenches. The invention may be used to keep two or more medical devices organized or it may be used to maintain control over the capture and release of a single medical device.

Abstract: A bone plating system and implant card having at least one or a plurality of plates. The bone plating system and implant card has a card member or support having the at least one or a plurality of plates that are integrally, monolithically, or otherwise formed in or adhered to the card member so that the at least one or plurality of plates can be detached or removed from the card member manually or with a cutting instrument or tool. In one illustrative embodiment, the card member comprises a plurality of different plates that are the necessary plates for a single surgical procedure, such as a craniotomy. The bone plating system or implant card allows for selection of plates of varying sizes, shapes and configurations in a single card member, which could be generally planar or could also be non-planar or lie in a plane that is not flat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a skin dilator, comprising an expander (11), a pipe network provided on the skin-side surface wall (111) of the expander (11) composed of longitudinal tube (22) and horizontal tube (21) having a reticular structure and communicating with each other, and a guide tube (24) communicating with the pipe network. The skin dilator further comprises several burrs (25) distributed on the skin-side surface wall (111) of the expander (11), and several small apertures (23) communicating the inner cavity of the tube with the outside are provided on both of the longitudinal tube (22) and horizontal tube(21). The tissue expander can be infused biological agents by the filling port to the skin expanding site through the small apertures (23), which may accelerate the expansion growth of skin, prevent skin complications, such as necrosis.

Abstract: A tissue expansion system includes driver assembly having a syringe pump and a controller held in a common enclosure. The driver assembly is connected to both an inflatable bladder and an inflation medium source. Fluid is delivered from the driver assembly to the inflatable bladder through a pressure sensor. The pump is actuated to deliver predetermined incremental volumes of the inflation medium to the inflatable bladder at spaced apart time intervals. Pressure is monitored and the pumping is interrupted if the pressure exceeds a predetermined high threshold value. Pumping is recommenced when the pressure falls below a lower threshold value until the total incremental delivery volume has been reached.

Abstract: Anatomic points within the body are projected outside the body through the use of extenders (180, 182, 188). The projected points may then be used for measurement, or to facilitate the selection or configuration of an implant that is positioned proximate the anatomic points using a slotted cannula (143). Such an implant may be a rod (270) for a posterior spinal fusion system. Pedicle screws (140, 142, 148) may be implanted into pedicles of the spine, and may then serve as anchors for the extenders. The extenders (180, 182, 188) may have rod interfaces (214, 216, 218) that receive the rod (270) in a manner that mimics the geometry of the pedicle screws (140, 142, 148) so that the selected or configured contoured rod (270) will properly fit into engagement with the pedicle screws (140, 142, 148).

Abstract: A wound management device including: at least one securing element for securing to skin around a wound site; a chamber defining member connected to the at least one securing element for defining a chamber wherein the wound is accessible; wherein an opening is provided in the chamber so that access can be gained to the chamber, said opening being moveable between closed and open conditions, and there being at least one member for holding the opening in its open condition.

Abstract: A rack for holding and washing surgical instruments in a washer/disinfector includes a frame assembly having tubular sections, a rotary spray arm mounted to the frame assembly, a fluid inlet positioned on the frame assembly to connect the frame assembly to the washer/disinfector, a first fluid path defined from the fluid inlet to the spray nozzles through one or more of the tubular sections to direct fluid from the washer/disinfector to the spray nozzles, a second fluid path defined from the fluid inlet to connectors through the tubular section, a filter for fluids from the fluid inlet, and a securing system to secure the surgical instruments.

Abstract: Various aspects are directed to dental extraction and dental extraction devices. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments herein, a dental extraction apparatus includes an engagement component that extracts teeth from patients' mouths by engaging with and applying a torque to a tooth. An input torque component translates received input torque to the engagement component. A torque controller operates with the input torque component and the engagement component to limit the applied torque, relative to input torque provided via the input torque component.

Abstract: Orthodontic systems and related methods are disclosed for designing and providing improved or more effective tooth moving systems for eliciting a desired tooth movement and/or repositioning teeth into a desired arrangement. Methods and orthodontic systems include the generation of an overcorrection in the tooth-receiving cavities of an appliance worn in the dentition. The overcorrection may provide an improved and more accurately applied force or moment applied to a tooth. The overcorrected force or moment can move a tooth closer to a desired position than if not overcorrected as sufficient force can still applied to the tooth as it gets closer to the desired position. The overcorrected force or moment may also better target the root of the tooth where the biological response to tooth movement occurs. The overcorrection may be calculated in various ways as described herein.

Abstract: A set of primer appliances and a set of treatment appliances to be worn by a subject are provided. The primer appliances are first worn to prepare the local environment of the teeth for further repositioning of the teeth by the treatment appliances. The primer appliances may apply compression to the periodontal ligament, in a direction favorable for achieving the desired final position of a tooth. The compression may generate a biological response in the local environment of the teeth. The primer appliances may cause minimal or no repositioning of the teeth. The treatment appliances are worn to reposition the teeth from an initial position to an end position of a treatment stage. The primer appliances can improve the efficiency and accuracy of tooth movement by the treatment appliances.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oral insert for positioning between the outer faces of the teeth and the lips of a user, comprising a strip having a length and a width and an inner and outer face, wherein in the region of the longitudinal centre the longitudinal sides have an indentation. The oral insert further comprises at least one respiratory opening penetrating through the strip and a first and second bite projection which protrude from the inner face of the strip. The at least one respiratory opening is integrated in the first or second bite projection.

Abstract: Methods are provided for shape-setting hyperelastic, single-crystal shape memory alloy (SMA) material while preserving the hyperelastic properties of the material. A wire or rod of a single crystal shape memory alloy material is heated to an annealing temperature (Ta). While maintained at the annealing temperature, the wire or rod is shaped by driving the wire or rod and a shaping form together into contact with each other, and the shaped wire or rod is quenched in a quenching medium virtually simultaneously with the shaping.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include a screw device configured for implantation into human bone for dental and bone restoration purposes, or animal long bone. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention include a surgical screw having a surgical pinpoint tip, a head, a set of threads having a dynamic surgical region including quantified progressing minor diameters and a stabilizing surgical region including a substantially equal and parallel minor diameter between threads, and in some embodiments, an annular region and/or a tapered region. The set of threads are surgically sharp at the crest. The combination of these features enables the screw to be implanted without use of a drill or osteotome and without breaking.

Abstract: A dental implant fixture as a fixture implanted in an alveolar bone to be an artificial tooth root includes a main body vertically extending long along a center axis, at least part of the main body being implanted in the alveolar bone, and a cutting face formed on an outer circumferential surface of the main body to secure a space for accommodating blood when the main body is implanted in the alveolar bone. The dental implant fixture does not apply excessive pressure to a cortical bone of an alveolar bone when being inserted into an implantation hole, and is capable of rapidly regenerating the alveolar bone by accommodating a large amount of blood inside the implantation hole.

Abstract: A dental implant for supporting a dental prosthesis comprises a body portion and a top surface. The implant further comprises an internal cavity with an opening located at the top surface. The internal cavity comprises an interlock chamber having a depth measured from the top surface equal to a first distance. The interlock chamber comprising a cylindrical portion and plurality of semi-circular channels arranged around a periphery of the cylindrical portion. A threaded chamber that includes threads is located below the post-receiving chamber. The cylindrical portion has a first radius and the channels have a second radius, a ratio of the first radius to the second radius being between approximately 4:1 and 2:1.

Abstract: The present invention describes a dental kit-of-parts comprising an implant abutment, a dental restoration and a screw. The head of the screw is provided in a recess formed in the kit-of-parts, with the screw shaft extending through a hole in the implant abutment. A channel in the dental restoration allows access to the screw head by a tool, wherein the diameter of the channel is smaller than the diameter of the screw head. The dental kit-of parts can be manufactured using rapid prototyping such that the captive screw is formed within the combination of the implant abutment and the dental restoration or through conventional means, with the dental abutment and the dental restoration being ex-situ connected to enclose the screw.

Abstract: The invention describes a dental impression with at least one spoon-shaped dental impression tray, characterized in that the dental impression tray has at least one position marker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable edentulous tray and a method for producing a denture using the same and, particularly, to a new form of a disposable edentulous tray and a method for producing a complete denture using the same, the disposable edentulous tray being capable of: simplifying the operating process of the complete denture for a patient in an edentulous state (the state of having no teeth) by using the disposable edentulous tray in a most similar form to the gum condition of the patient; acquiring an accurate impression; and resolving patient discomfort by simplifying manufacturing steps and thus reducing the number of patient hospital visit days

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of designing a dental restoration at a display includes providing a virtual three dimensional representation of at least a portion of the patient's dental situation. The method includes displaying a library arch form in an alignment with the virtual three dimensional representation of the portion of the patient's dentition. The library arch form includes a pair of two virtual library teeth packing to each other. The method also includes in response to a parametric change of one of the two virtual library teeth, moving the other virtual library tooth to keep packing to the changed virtual library tooth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, a system, and a user interface for determining a preferred relative arrangement of digital restoration designs and digital representations of multi-shaded milling blocks for use when manufacturing dental restorations from multi-shaded milling blocks. A preferred first relative arrangement of a first digital restoration design and a digital representation of a first multi-shaded milling block is determined, and therefrom a preferred second relative arrangement of a second digital restoration design and a digital representation of a second multi-shaded milling block is determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental flossing apparatus that includes one or more star-shaped microfiber stands with two nodules and one or more optional therapeutic agents. Method of using the dental flossing apparatus to deliver one or more optional therapeutic agents to the teeth and gums are also provided.

Abstract: Method of treating oral subgingival biofilms having obligate anaerobes, facultative anaerobes, aerobic bacteria and other micro-organisms (collectively oral pathogens) associated with certain systemic diseases present within a subgingival biofilm having proteins and amino acids, the steps including providing a periodontal medicament delivery tray having a seal against a patient's adjacent gums containing the oral biofilms with the systemic disease, said seal formed so as to have no contact with teeth, applying to the gingival tissue (sulcus or periodontal pocket) a biofilm penetrating antimicrobial agent, removing the imbedded oral pathogens from the gingival tissue following at least one applying of the antimicrobial agent to the gingival tissue; repeatedly administering colloidal hydrogen peroxide gel to the gingival tissue following the removing; and following each administering cleaning the gingival tissue with a cleaning agent directly following the administering of the colloidal hydrogen peroxide gel fo

Abstract: A medical injector for animals comprises a fixed body comprising a main housing which is made of a housing piece and another housing piece to form a hollow, a working rod placed in the hollow of the main housing and a restoration spring which is in the main housing to offer the restoration power to the working rod; a pressure unit comprising a pressure part which is inserted slidingly to a rear end of the main housing and is coupled integrally to an end of the working rod; and a handle which is formed integrally to the pressure part; a liquid injection unit comprising a liquid cylinder for forming a medical liquid chamber; and a needle unit which is coupled to a front side of the medical liquid cylinder; and a disinfectant spray unit coupled to the fixed body.

Abstract: Various implementations of a bite block allow a user safer access to an animal's teeth by holding the animal's jaw open and allowing the user to stabilize the bite block and the animal's jaw simultaneously with one hand. For example, the bite block may include a thumb receiving portion and a bite receiving portion. The thumb receiving portion defines a hole that is configured for receiving a thumb of a user. The bite receiving portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface defines an upper trough configured for receiving one or more maxillary teeth of an animal, and the lower surface defines a lower trough configured for receiving one or more mandibular teeth of the animal.

Abstract: The present application relates to method and apparatus for reducing migration and rotation of implantable devices including an expandable element and an elongate portion.

Abstract: In a method, an implantable mechanical support is provided. The mechanical support includes a section of mesh having a longitudinal axis and a radiopaque mark covering a subsection of the section of mesh. The mechanical support is implanted adjacent a target side of a patient. In some aspects of the method, a procedure is performed subsequent to the implantation of the mechanical support in the patient. In accordance with one aspect of the method, an incision is made in the patient, a distal end of an electrode lead is fed through the incision toward the implanted mechanical support. The radiopaque mark is located on the mesh using a radiological image. The distal end of the electrode lead is attached to the section of mesh proximate to the mark.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and a surgical instrument for using the device in a procedure for the treatment of vaginal vault prolapse are disclosed. In one form of the device, one attachment part attaches to the anterior and posterior parts of the vaginal apex, and the other attachment part attaches to anterior part of the sacrum. The two attachment parts are capable of being attached together during the procedure in a manner which permits appropriate adjustment of tension. The invention also includes an instrument which allows the pieces of the suspension material to be attached to each other and enables the appropriate suspension of the vaginal apex from the anterior part of the sacrum. In another form of the device, one attachment part attaches to the anterior part of the vaginal apex, another separate attachment part attaches to the posterior part of the vaginal apex, and another separate attachment part attaches to anterior part of the sacrum.

Abstract: A hernia repair prosthesis comprises a segmented frame forming a closed loop where a first segment comprises a helical hollow tube and a second segment comprises a solid strand. Both segments are preferably a metal exhibiting shape memory properties and the two segments are assembled with end portions of the second segment inserted into the lumen at opposed end portions of the first segment with a clearance fit. At manufacture, a covering layer of a bio-absorbable polymer on the end portions of the second strand is sufficiently sized to create a temporary interference fit between the two segments to inhibit relative movement between them. The ability of the intercoupled segment to move relative to one another is restored upon degradation of the polymer due to exposure to body fluids following implantation of the prostheses. A prosthetic fabric is attached to the segmented frame.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating an abdominal incision or hernia are described. An implant for the restoration or prophylactic treatment of an abdominal wall comprises an elongate element and at least one sheet connected to the elongate element along a longitudinal axis of the elongate element. The elongate element is positioned along the line of incision, and the at least one sheet is secured to the abdominal muscles surrounding the incision.

Abstract: A repair material with multi-purpose for an abdominal wall hernia of the present invention relates to a technical field of medical consumables, which includes technical field of medical consumables. In the MPEG-PLLA copolymer, a molecular weight of MPEG is 2000-10000, and a molecular weight of PLLA is 3000-8000. Compared with PLCL, the repair material of the present invention is significantly improved in water absorption of the absorbable membrane to ameliorate healing effects, and a contact angle is greatly reduced. As a result, postoperative abdominal wall compliance is sufficient, which basically provides no discomfort. Therefore, compared with the PLCL, the present invention is more comfortable. In addition, the repair material of the present invention doesn't need to be heat-fitted, and polypropylene is completely fitted with the absorbable membrane, wherein no obvious boundary face is observed through a microscope, and separation never occurred.

Abstract: A method of treating a prolapsed vagina includes inserting a shell into a natural opening of the prolapsed vagina and locating the shell at an internal apex of the prolapsed vagina. The method includes attaching a first portion of an anchor to one of a ligament or a sacrum and attaching a second portion of the anchor to the shell, and maintaining the internal apex of the prolapsed vagina in a natural extended position with the anchor.

Abstract: A stent utilizing an integral filter is described. The filter portion of the stent can be connected directly to the end of the stent or can be space apart via a plurality of struts. The filter stent can be used to catch embolic material and/or the filter portion can be filled with embolic material (e.g., embolic coils) for the purpose of occluding a vessel.

Abstract: A urethral scaffold is provided for expanding a portion of the urethra that extends through the prostate. The scaffold is expandable and has a plurality of undulating circumferential members disposed between a proximal end and a distal end of the scaffold. A central section of the scaffold has a width that exceeds the width at the distal end of the scaffold. The scaffold is made of a material that reacts with urine or with tissue surrounding the urethra to reduce the volume of the scaffold such that the scaffold can self-explant without an interventional procedure.

Abstract: Non-antigenic, bioremodelable tissue prostheses that can be engineered into a variety of shapes and used to repair, augment, reconstruct or replace damaged or diseased biological structures and associated tissue.

Abstract: A device includes a first end portion, a second end portion, an intermediate portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a graft material coupled to at least the intermediate portion. The first end portion has a first end diameter. The second end portion has a second end diameter larger than the first end diameter. The intermediate portion tapers between the first end portion and the second end portion. A method of diverting fluid flow from a first passage to a second passage comprising deploying the device in a third passage between the first passage and the second passage, expanding the first end portion against sidewalls of the first passage, and expanding the second end portion against sidewalls of the second passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel split barbed fixation device for tenodesis, soft tissue reattachment of tendons and ligaments to bones. The insertion device is adapted for an entirely arthroscopic approach while achieving fixation strength with ultimate pullout resistance comparable to interference screws. The device includes an integrated tendon grasper that provides for easy manipulation of the tendon arthroscopically while eliminating the need for external whip stitching of the tendon, thereby reducing preparation time. The device further includes elements that prevent the fixation implant from being destabilized or rotating during deployment and manipulation, including: a depth limiting sheath, a first implant retainer, a first implant retaining step, a tendon grasping needle tube, and an implant keyway for mating the implant to the tube.

Abstract: A method for injection molding thin materials (sub-millimeter) having low green strength could make certain manufacturing processes significantly more efficient yet has heretofore been unavailable. Provided herein is a method that enables injection molding of thin materials by using a mold with contact surfaces having a low surface energy release agent disposed thereon. The low surface energy release agent may be applied as a coating on a conventional mold or the mold itself or just the contact surfaces thereof may be formed of a low surface energy release material. The method finds particular applicability in making special contour patches for medical and cosmetic implants and prosthetics. A preferred approach involves injection molding a thin layer of unvulcanized material on a cold mold, injection molding a thin layer of vulcanized material on a hot mold, transferring the vulcanized layer to the unvulcanized layer on the cold mold, and removing the combined layers.

Abstract: Described are methods and apparatus for use in supporting tissue in a patient's body. In some embodiments, the patient's breast or another tissue is supported. One method involves introducing a superior soft tissue anchor into a patient, the anchor having an inferiorly facing total surface area; and introducing at least one inferior soft tissue anchor into the patient, such that the at least one inferior soft tissue anchor is suspended from the superior soft tissue anchor, the sum of all of the at least one inferior soft tissue anchors having a superiorly facing total surface area. The inferiorly facing total surface area of the superior anchor can be greater, such as at least two times greater than the superiorly facing total surface area of the at least one inferior anchor.

Abstract: To solve the problem of making available a speech valve for persons who have undergone a laryngectomy or tracheotomy, which speech valve in particular has a long useful life, a speech valve (10) is proposed having a housing (12) with a proximal opening (14) and at least one filter (70) at least partially received in the housing, and with a piston-like valve element (30), wherein the filter at least partially surrounds the valve element, wherein the valve element is movable on a valve seat (32), arranged on the proximal opening, in order to produce a closure position and can be returned with a spring action to an open position of the speech valve, and wherein the valve element has a lower end (38) which faces towards the proximal opening and which is assigned to the valve seat in the open position and, with the valve seat, forms a gap (40) through which an air stream (17a) can be guided.