Abstract: A multi-purpose measurement tool comprises an elongate beam and a slide. The elongate beam extends from a first end to a second end, and comprises a first fixed jaw, a second fixed jaw, and a track. The first fixed jaw extends from the beam at the first end. The second fixed jaw extends from the beam opposite the first jaw and spaced from the first end. The track extends across the elongate beam through the first end. The slide has a first end extending from the track and a second end extending into the track. The slide has a moveable jaw extending from the slide opposite the first fixed jaw.

Abstract: Electrosurgical instruments and associated methods are provided. An electrosurgical instrument may include one or more light emitters that comprise a light source in operative communication with a power supply supportably interconnected to a handle portion. The instrument may have a toggle member with one or more selectable positions that may selectively activate any of one or more operational states of an electrosurgical electrode comprising the instrument. The toggle member may selectively activate the light emitter(s) provided on the instrument alone and/or in conjunction with the activation of one or more operational state. The handle portion may include an elastomeric handle portion that extends continuously along the handle portion and over the toggle member to seal the handle portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a surgical robot system may include an end-effector element configured for controlled movement and positioning and tracking of surgical instruments and objects relative to an image of a patient's anatomical structure. In some embodiments the end-effector and instruments may be tracked by surgical robot system and displayed to a user. In some embodiments, tracking of a target anatomical structure and objects, both in a navigation space and an image space, may be provided by a dynamic reference base located at a position away from the target anatomical structure.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a medical instrument. First and second body portions in a closed position define a flushing chamber. The medical instrument extends through the flushing chamber. First and second sealing members secured to the first and second body portions engage one another to seal the flushing chamber and engage the medical instrument to form a seal thereabout. Portions of at least the first sealing member are disposed within the flushing chamber. Positive pressure in the flushing chamber urges the first sealing member toward the second and toward the medical instrument to enhance the tightness of the flushing chamber seal.

Abstract: An apparatus that delivers a temperature-controlled fluid to a dental handset includes a tube assembly including an outer tube and a first inner tube. The first inner tube includes a first input end configured to removably attach to a first source port of a system delivering a first fluid and a first output end configured to removably attach to a first input port in the dental handset. The tube assembly also includes a heating element making good thermal contact with the first inner tube, and a first temperature sensor. The heating element and the first temperature sensor are configured to be operably connected to a temperature control unit such that the temperature control unit controls the heating element in response to a signal received from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A sequential dental surgical guide system and method for immediate load is described. The system includes 1) a tooth and tissue borne surgical guide with fixation pins and bone reduction osteotomy sites 2) an implant osteotomy guide and 3) a prosthesis guide. The system does not rely on any anatomical reference points such as tissue or bone after placement of the first tooth and tissue borne reference guide. The sequential guide(s), both surgical implant placement and prosthesis guide rely on the original fixation positions determined by the first guide. Digital treatment planning and design are used to accurately place each sequential guide back to the original fixation pin positions. The fixation pin reference can be pinned and repined in the same sites per sequential guide or fixed in the jaw through the protocol by keeping them in place and switching out the guides.

Abstract: A device for removing a loose tooth, the device including a handle, a base structure, and a retention strap, wherein the retention strap is secured about an outer surface of the loose tooth such that the base structure forms an interface with the tooth. The device further including features for increasing friction between the base structure and the tooth to prevent slippage while removing the tooth with the device.

Abstract: Endodontic instruments are described which have at least a section with a center of mass offset from an axis of rotation so that when the instrument is rotated, the section bends away from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Systems and methods of manufacturing dental restorative material packaged articles. A loaded barrel is retrieved from a plurality of identical loaded barrels, each including a universal barrel containing dental material and having a plunger coupling feature. A desired plunger assembly is selected from supplies of first and second plunger assemblies each including a plunger shaft, an auxiliary device, and a complimentary coupling feature. The first plunger assemblies differ from the second plunger assemblies. The selected plunger assembly is assembled to the loaded barrel, including engagement between the plunger coupling feature and the complimentary coupling feature. The resultant construction provides a packaged article that is operable to progressively dispense material by manipulation of the plunger assembly. Optionally, an outer sleeve and/or a cap is selected and assembled to the universal barrel.

Abstract: A system for fabricating a customized appliance for the orthodontic treatment of teeth, comprising forming an appliance comprising plural cavities each shaped to conform to the crown of a tooth and customized extensions which are chemically bonded to thermoformed aligners in a dental repositioning system. These extensions facilitate rigid and precise attachment of aligners to auxiliary devices such as TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices) or are used as a mechanism to strengthen the aligner in specific areas. This facilitates simultaneous wear of aligners and sectional braces for the treatment of dental malocclusions.

Abstract: An orthodontic archwire includes an anterior region, bicuspids regions and posterior regions. The archwire exhibits substantially constant unloading force in at least one of the anterior region, bicuspids regions and posterior regions, having a variation of unloading force of less than 15 gf during unloading from about 2 mm to about 0.6 mm deflection. A set of orthodontic archwires can have the property that the anterior region of a first archwire has substantially the same clinical working force as the anterior region of a second archwire, the bicuspids regions of the first archwire has substantially the same clinical working force as the bicuspids regions of the second archwire, and the posterior regions of the first archwire has substantially the same clinical working force as the posterior regions of the second archwire.

Abstract: An orthognathic correction device includes a first retainer, a second retainer and at least two elastic members. The first retainer is configured to be removably worn on the maxillary dental arch of a patient and has at least two first connection parts fixed on the left and right buccal surfaces of the first retainer. The second retainer is configured to be removably worn on the mandibular dental arch of the patient and has at least two second connection parts fixed on the left and right buccal surfaces of the second retainer. The elastic members couple the first and second retainers worn and retained on the maxillary and mandibular dental arches of the patient, respectively, so as to drive the second retainer to move relative to the first retainer, thereby adjusting the relative position between the mandible and the maxilla of the patient.

Abstract: An implant 1 comprising an enossal area 3 and provided with a coating 2, wherein the coating 2 at least partially covers the enossal area 3, and the coating 2 facilitates the ongrowth of the implant 1 within the bone, characterized in that said coating can be removed chemically and/or mechanically under physiological condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an expanding bone implant and, more particularly to an oral implant having radially extendable anchoring means

Abstract: The dental implant comprises an implant fixture, a first abutment and a second abutment connectable to the implant fixture. The implant fixture is connectable to a patient's bone. The implant fixture comprises an internal thread and an upper abutment connector. The first abutment comprises an implant fixture connector, which is connectable to the upper abutment connector of the implant fixture. The first abutment further comprises a second abutment connector and a first passageway. The second abutment comprises a first abutment connector, which is connectable to the second abutment connector of the first abutment. The second abutment also comprises a second passageway. The first abutment and the second abutment are attachable to the implant fixture by a screw, which is insertable through the first passageway and the second passageway into the internal thread of the implant fixture. When assembled, there is a gap formed between the first and second abutment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dental cylindered pins suitable for controlling the amount of jaw-bone to be removed prior to placement of a dental implant into a drilled implant socket, for enabling easy and simple positioning of a dental implant, as well as to kits comprising said pins, and method of use.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for mixing and dispensing dental impression materials is described. A dental impression material mixing machine comprises a water dispenser fluidly coupled to a hollow mixing axle, the mixing axle extending through a pulley, wherein an inner circumference of the hollow mixing axle forms a water conduit and an outer circumference of the hollow mixing axle forms a hub connector, a closeable valve inserted at a water entrance to the water conduit and electronically coupled to a water pump, an electronically commutated motor rotatably coupled to the pulley, wherein the hub connector receives a tubular rotatable hub of a disposable mixing vessel comprising dry dental impression powder, and wherein water is dispensed from the water dispenser into the disposable mixing vessel through the water conduit and hub orifice.

Abstract: A support system for the manufacture of dental restorations comprises a measurement device for determining the tooth data, particularly the tooth color and color coordinates, and a data processing device including a camera for capturing a tooth image. The data processing device comprises a reception module and the measurement device comprises a transmission module, for direct transmission of measured tooth data from the measurement device to the data processing device. The support system further comprises an allocation module integrated into the data processing device for allocating the received tooth data to the tooth image, and a transmission module integrated into the data processing device for transmission of the tooth image inclusive of allocated tooth data to a data processing device of a dental laboratory.

Abstract: A dental blank holder for the manufacture of dental articles. The dental blank holder can include a frame configured to cooperate with a blank holder of a dental mill. The frame can includes an inner periphery and an outer periphery, the inner periphery including a plurality of receiving walls forming receiving spaces, each receiving space configured to receive a dental blank. The dental blank holder may also include a movable arm configured to form a plurality of locking walls, each locking wall configured to enclose a corresponding receiving space, the movable arm including at least one biasing member configured to apply an individual force toward each receiving space such that each of the dental blanks is held in the receiving spaces for a milling process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shaped body, comprising creating a mixture of a metal powder and binding agent, compacting the mixture to form a green compact, heating the green compact to a debinding start temperature T1, debinding the green compact by controlled heating of the green compact from start temperature T1 to end temperature T2 at a heat-up rate R1, presintering the debindered green compact to the presinter end temperature TVS at a heat-up rate RHVS, cooling the green compact from the presinter end temperature TVS at a cool-down rate RKVS, whereby at least the heat-up rate RHVS, the presinter end temperature TVS, and the cool-down rate RKVS are tuned relative to each other in such a way that the presintered green compact forming a blank has a surface porosity of 16% to 22% after presintering, and machining and sintering of the blank to form the shaped body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for positioning and machining prosthetic teeth, comprising the following method steps: (a) at least two clamping jaws with peripheral recesses are placed with the peripheral recesses against a prefabricated prosthetic tooth or against prefabricated prosthetic teeth, such that, at least in certain regions, the placed clamping jaws enclose the prosthetic tooth or the prosthetic teeth respectively around a middle circumference, wherein, at least in certain regions, the inner surfaces of the recesses positive fit regions of the outer surfaces of the prosthetic tooth or the prosthetic teeth, wherein the clamping jaws are placed against the prosthetic tooth or the prosthetic teeth in such a manner that the coronal end and the basal end of the prosthetic tooth or the coronal ends and the basal ends of the prosthetic teeth project on both sides of the placed-together clamping jaws; and (b) fastening the clamping jaws to one another.

Abstract: A multi-function dental flosser is disclosed. The dental flosser comprises a “U”-shaped or “V”-shaped floss holder portion which comprises a pair of spaced apart arms holding a length of dental floss, and a handle portion extending from the floss holder portion. The handle portion comprises a tail portion at a distal end of the handle portion opposite from the floss holder portion. The tail portion functions as a toothpick, a gum stimulator, an interdental brush, or a combination thereof. The tail portion is made of a first plastic material. The floss holder portion is made of a second plastic material. Methods for manufacturing and using the dental flosser are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-cleaning suction device has a user's suction end that self-sanitizes externally and internally before and after use, as well as self-sanitizes internally during use. A cover opens to reveal the user's suction end within a containment unit. As the cover opens, the suction end travels from a lower chamber, proceeds through a middle chamber of a sanitizing agent, and is presented for use. After suction is complete, the suction end retracts through an upper chamber with, a scraping feature that removes debris from the outer surface of the mouthpiece, and proceeds down through the middle chamber of a sanitizing agent and a scraping feature that removes debris and the sanitizing agent from the outer surface of the user's suction end. Upon the sealing closure of the cover, the upper and middle chambers are flushed with a sanitizing agent, which is suctioned away along with any collected debris.

Abstract: A built-in interdental brush of the present application uses a structure in which an interdental brush is built in a bended tube of a guide head of a delivery component, after a working part of the interdental brush made of elastic material is aligned to a tooth clearance, a sliding mechanism on the delivery component is pushed to drive the working part of the interdental brush automatically bend along curvature of the bended tube, the working part of the interdental brush is aligned to the tooth clearance and pushed into the tooth clearance, and by pushing and pulling a sliding block on the sliding mechanism of the delivery component, the working part of the interdental brush moves back and forth in the tooth clearance to clean the tooth clearance.

Abstract: Embodiments are described wherein a system for brushing the teeth of a person comprises a master input device; a flexible teeth tray configured to at least partially encapsulate one or more of the teeth in a flexible substrate material, the flexible teeth tray comprising one or more vibratory transducers removably coupled to one or more brushing panels; and a controller operatively coupled to the master input device and the one or more vibratory transducers; wherein subject to an input from the master input device, the controller is configured to cause reciprocating brushing motion of the one or more brushing panels against a surface of the one or more encapsulated teeth, to clean the one or more teeth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method including a toothbrush head; toothbrush bristles fixed to the toothbrush head; and means for moving the toothbrush head in up and down directions and for simultaneously rotating the tooth brush head in a plane which is perpendicular to the up and down directions. The means for moving the toothbrush head in the up and down directions and for simultaneously rotating the tooth brush head in the plane which is perpendicular to the up and down directions may include a motor, a motor shaft, a disk, a swing arm, a post, and a pin. The apparatus may be configured so that the motor rotates the motor shaft causing the disk to rotate causing the pin to move in the up and down directions and causing the swing arm to rotate in the plane which is perpendicular to the up and down directions.

Abstract: The invention features a drug delivery device held in the mouth and continuously administering either a fluid comprising drug dissolved and/or dispersed in water or in a non-toxic liquid, or a drug in solid form.

Abstract: An oral appliance is provided for delivering a medicament to at least a portion of teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside a mouth. The oral appliance contains an interior surface having a medicament disposed in or on at least a portion of and/or the entire interior surface of the oral appliance. The interior surface of the oral cavity is formed to fit contours of at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the oral cavity and is configured for holding the medicament in contact with at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the oral cavity to deliver the medicament to strategic areas in need of treatment. In some embodiments, computer, network and computer readable storage media are provided.

Abstract: An oral appliance is provided for delivering a medicament to at least a portion of teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside a mouth. The oral appliance contains an interior surface having a medicament disposed in or on at least a portion of and/or the entire interior surface of the oral appliance. The interior surface of the oral cavity is formed to fit contours of at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the oral cavity and is configured for holding the medicament in contact with at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the oral cavity to deliver the medicament to strategic areas in need of treatment. In some embodiments, computer, network and computer readable storage media are provided.

Abstract: An oral appliance is provided for delivering a medicament to at least a portion of teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside a mouth. The oral appliance contains an interior surface having a medicament disposed in or on at least a portion of and/or the entire interior surface of the oral appliance. The interior surface of the oral cavity is formed to fit contours of at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the oral cavity and is configured for holding the medicament in contact with at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the oral cavity to deliver the medicament to strategic areas in need of treatment. In some embodiments, computer, network and computer readable storage media are provided.

Abstract: An oral appliance is provided for delivering a medicament to at least a portion of teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside a mouth. The oral appliance contains an interior surface having a medicament disposed in or on at least a portion of and/or the entire interior surface of the oral appliance. The interior surface of the oral cavity is formed to fit contours of at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the oral cavity and is configured for holding the medicament in contact with at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the oral cavity to deliver the medicament to strategic areas in need of treatment. In some embodiments, computer, network and computer readable storage media are provided.

Abstract: The invention consists of a rapidly crosslinkable, two-component silicone elastomer together with a specially designed tray that serves as a form for the silicone resin and forms an integral portion of a dental appliance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a straw comprising a tube (11) and a gas-permeable and liquid-tight stopper (12), said stopper (12) being arranged in the tube (11), close to an end (16). The invention is characterised in that the stopper (12) comprises an indicator component (20) having a first pre-determined colour in the absence of previous contact with said substance (21) and a second pre-determined colour, of a different shade from that of the first colour, once it has been in contact with said substance (21). The assembly comprises the straw (10) and a device (26) for controlling the filling of the straw.

Abstract: An implant is provided for maintaining the position of pelvic organs, such as components of the urinary tract. The implant contacts the anterior surface of the urethra and is anchored to the pelvic fascia and the periurethral fascia. A method of anchoring the pelvic organs is also provided, involving inserting the implant via an anterior approach, avoiding complications and side effects that result when implants are inserted through the wall of the vagina.

Abstract: The disclosure at hand provides a filler manipulator apparatus comprising a first elongated section, a second elongated section, wherein the second elongated section may comprise at least one bend, more than one bend, or a ball and socket joint in the structure of the second elongated section. The embodiment further comprises a tip extension connected to a portion of the second elongated section, wherein the tip extension is made to receive a filler effector associated by a protuberance and a groove, more than one protuberance, or a snap ring. The filler effector rotates about the tip extension and is used to manipulate filler located on or in a body and may be enveloped in a polymer.

Abstract: A method of reducing blood flow within an aneurysm includes: injecting a contrast agent into a blood vessel including an aneurysm; deploying an occlusion device across the aneurysm; producing an image of the aneurysm including the contrast agent; and withdrawing the delivery device from the vessel after observing that the aneurysm has been stagnated by a desired amount. The image may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. Observing that the aneurysm has been stagnated may include determining a degree of stagnation, for example by comparing an area or volume of the contrast agent in a first image and a second image. The desired amount may be a certain degree of stagnation, identification of a shape indicative of stasis such as a flat surface, an approximate hemisphere, a mushroom, or a crescent. If the occlusion device does not achieve the desired amount, a second occluding device may be deployed.

Abstract: Artificial salivary gland devices and assemblies are provided. The present disclosure provides artificial salivary pump/gland devices and assemblies, and related methods of use. One embodiment utilizes the interstitial/marrow fluid reservoir within the underlying mandibular or maxillary bone as a source for replacement saliva. The salivary pump/assembly, which is implantable in the mandibular or maxillary bone as a dental implant and driven by incidental tooth contact and masticatory forces, harvests interstitial/marrow fluid and treats it via semi-permeable membrane technology and soluble particles as a continuously available saliva replacement. Masticatory forces and tooth contact power the pump to both harvest interstitial/marrow fluid and drive flow through a bed of ion-exchange resins and/or soluble particles to adjust fluid chemistry providing a continuously available saliva-like solution.

Abstract: Example stent grafts and methods for placement thereof are provided. An example stent graft may include (a) a main body stent graft defining a lumen that has a first end and a second end, (b) a diaphragm coupled to the main body stent graft, where the diaphragm defines at least three openings and (c) at least three stent graft extensions each defining a lumen, where a first end of each of the three stent graft extensions is coupled to one of the three openings.

Abstract: An intraocular lens insertion device having a configuration in such a manner that, with the displacement of a haptic toward the convex side of an optical portion, which can be deformed in a curved shape, restricted by an engaging part provided to the tip part of a plunger, the haptic is deformed in a curved shape in the direction in which the haptic approaches the optical portion. The configuration allows, when the intraocular lens is pushed out by the plunger, the haptic to enter a gap formed on the concave side of the optical portion which has been deformed in a curved shape.

Abstract: A modular IOL system including intraocular primary and secondary components, which, when combined, form an intraocular optical correction device, wherein the secondary component is placed on the primary component within the perimeter of the capsulorhexis, thus avoiding the need to touch or otherwise manipulate the capsular bag. The secondary component may be manipulated, removed, and/or exchanged for a different secondary component for correction or modification of the optical result, on an intra-operative or post-operative basis, without the need to remove the primary component and without the need to manipulate the capsular bag. The primary component may have haptics extending therefrom for centration in the capsular bag, and the secondary component may exclude haptics, relying instead on attachment to the primary lens for stability. Such attachment may reside radially inside the perimeter of the capsulorhexis and radially outside the field of view to avoid interference with light transmission.

Abstract: Apparatus for guiding surgical formation of a pair of symmetrical sclerectomies in an eye of a patient, including a multi-diameter generally circular cutout portion including at least a first and second portions having corresponding first and second diameters, the cutout portion being arranged for placement over the limbus of the eye and for centering the limbus within one of the first and second portions, thereby enabling estimating the diameter of the limbus, and at least first and second series of sclerectomy guiding apertures formed about the cutout portion, each guiding aperture of the first series having a paired guiding aperture in the second series formed 180° thereapart relative to a center of the cutout portion, the at least first and second series of sclerectomy guiding apertures together including at least one pair of guiding apertures having a diameter therebetween which is wider than at least one of the first and second portions.

Abstract: An intraocular lens insertion apparatus includes an accommodating member integrally or independently formed on an apparatus body which is inserted into an eyeball, allowing arrangement of the intraocular lens in the apparatus body by accommodating the intraocular lens therein, and having a hole through which a needle of a syringe which supplies a lubricant to the intraocular lens passes. Further, the intraocular lens insertion apparatus includes a guide wall member formed on the accommodating member at a position adjacent to the hole, and being configured to guide the needle of the syringe to the hole.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a hydrophilic intraocular lens in a foldable state without immersing the intraocular lens in liquid water includes the step of storing the foldable intraocular lens within a substantially airtight package containing a water reservoir not in direct contact with the lens.

Abstract: A surgically implantable multiple orifice heart valve having a valve frame with at least two orifices, each of which can accommodate a tissue valve. The multiple orifice heart valve includes a stent frame having a first side, an opposite second side, and multiple orifices or opening, each of which extends from the first side to the second side of the stent frame and is adjacent to at least one of the other multiple orifices or openings.

Abstract: Systems, dies, and methods are provided for processing pericardial tissue. The method includes positioning a die-cut assembly over the pericardial tissue, the die-cut assembly including a die having a plate, a the pattern, and an opening, the die pattern attached to the plate, the opening formed in the plate to provide access to the pericardial tissue, and measuring a thickness of the tissue through the opening. The die-cut assembly may be mounted for automated vertical movement, and a platen on which the tissue is placed is capable of automated horizontal movement. Different target areas on the tissue can be assessed by measuring the thickness through the die, and when an area is deemed suitable the die pattern cuts a shape therefrom. The system is useful for cutting uniform thickness heart valve leaflets, and can be automated to speed up the process.

Abstract: A connector for coupling a distal sheath to an inner shaft of a medical delivery device includes a wedge defining a lumen for accepting the inner shaft of the medical delivery device and a cylindrical ring sized to mate with the wedge. The wedge may be welded or otherwise fixed to the inner shaft. The wedge and the ring are configured to be pressed together and lock a portion of the distal sheath therebetween.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure includes a system comprising prosthetic chordae, at least one attachment member including a channel, a female securing member, and a papillary penetration member configured to pass through the channel, the chordae, and the securing member when implanted in a patient's heart. The penetration member includes an axis.

Abstract: A device for repairing a native heart valve includes a reinforcing structure configured to couple to a portion of the native heart valve to remodel a geometry of the native heart valve, and at least one supporting member connected to the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: Synthetic chord devices and methods for using the same for connecting tissues are provided. Aspects of the synthetic chord device include a flexible cord having an attachment element at both a first and a second end, wherein each attachment element includes a piercing member coupled to a securing member that attaches the flexible cord to a first tissue. At least a portion of the flexible cord can be configured to be secured to a second tissue. Aspects of the invention also include sets of the synthetic chord device with pre-measured flexible cords. The devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as in applications in which it is desired to repair a heart valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve having an inflow end and an outflow end includes a collapsible and expandable stent including a plurality of cells arranged in rows extending around a circumference of the stent, at least one of the rows forming a flared portion having a diameter that is larger than diameters of others of the rows. The stent further includes engaging arms disposed adjacent the outflow end and extending toward the inflow end, the engaging arms being configured to couple to heart tissue to anchor the stent. A collapsible and expandable valve assembly has a plurality of leaflets disposed within the stent.