Abstract: An end effector assembly suitable for use with a forceps includes opposing first and second jaw members pivotably mounted with respect to one another. The first jaw member includes one or more pivot holes defined therein configured to receive a portion of a pivot pin therein. The end effector assembly also includes an electrically-insulative hinge configured to electrically isolate the first and second jaw members from one another including one or more pivot-hole locators having an aperture defined therein. The electrically-insulative hinge is attached to the first jaw member such that the one or more pivot-hole locators align with the one or more pivot holes of the second jaw member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector including first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between a first, spaced-apart position and a second position proximate tissue. In the second position, the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A first optical fiber is disposed within the first jaw member and is configured to provide a first signal, and a second optical fiber is disposed within the first jaw member and is configured to provide a second signal. A controller is coupled to the first and second fibers and is configured to determine the temperature and the strain of the first jaw member as a function of the first and second signals, respectively.

Abstract: A forceps includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first drive assembly, a second drive assembly, and a deployment mechanism. The first drive assembly is coupled to a first component and is configured to translate a first longitudinal distance X1 to deploy the first component. The second drive assembly is coupled to a second component and is configured to translate a second longitudinal distance X2 to deploy the second component. The deployment mechanism is operably coupled to both the first and second drive assemblies and is configured to move from a first position to a second position to translate the first and second drive assemblies the respective first and second longitudinal distances X1 and X2 to deploy the first and second components.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and a knife blade shaft is operably disposed within the shaft. An end effector is operably disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes a pair of spaced-apart first and second jaw members that are movable from an open configuration to a clamping configuration. An electrode assembly includes first and second electrode housings and a knife blade. The first and second electrode housings are operably coupled to one another and are configured to selectively couple to respective first and second jaw members to electrosurgically treat tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members. The knife blade is configured to selectively couple to the knife blade shaft.

Abstract: An end effector assembly adapted to couple to an electrosurgical instrument, the end effector assembly including a pair of opposing jaw members pivotably attached about a pivot member and moveable from a first spaced position to a second grasping position. Each jaw member includes a jaw housing and a seal plate formed on an inner surface of the jaw member including at least two seal plate segments extending along a substantial portion of the length of the jaw members. An insulating member is positioned between adjacent seal plate segments and configured to provide electrical isolation between adjacent seal plate segments. Each sealing plate segment is adapted to selectively connect to an electrosurgical energy source and form part of an electrosurgical energy delivery circuit.

Abstract: The surgical instrument for sealing and/or cutting tissue includes a handle assembly and an end effector assembly operatively connected to the handle assembly. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each including a jaw housing and an electrically conductive surface defining a plurality of bores and an adhesive applicator assembly disposed in one of the jaw members. The electrically conductive surfaces are configured to effect a tissue seal. The adhesive applicator assembly includes a platform defining a reservoir therein and a plurality of needles in communication with the reservoir. The platform is movable between a neutral position in which the plurality of needles are disposed within the jaw housing and an actuated position in which the plurality of needles extend through the respective plurality of bores defined in the electrically conductive surface.

Abstract: A forceps includes a housing defining a window and having an outer shaft extending therefrom. An end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the outer shaft includes first and second jaw members including distal portions and proximal portions and movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions. An inner shaft is slidably disposed within the outer shaft such that, when the jaw members are disposed in the spaced-apart position, the inner shaft is disposed in a distal position. When the jaw members are moved to the approximated position, the proximal portions urge the inner shaft to a proximal position. An indicator member coupled to the inner shaft includes first and second indicators. The first indicator is visible through the window when the inner shaft is disposed in the distal position. The second indicator is visible through the window when the inner shaft is disposed in the proximal position.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for the selective positioning of an intravascular neuromodulation device are disclosed herein. Such systems can include, for example, an elongated shaft and a therapeutic assembly carried by a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The therapeutic assembly is configured for delivery within a blood vessel. The therapeutic assembly can include a pre-formed shape and can be transformable between a substantially straight delivery configuration; and a treatment configuration having the pre-formed helical shape to position the therapeutic assembly in stable contact with a wall of the body vessel. The therapeutic assembly can also include a mechanical decoupler operably connected to the therapeutic assembly that is configured to absorb at least a portion of a force exerted on the therapeutic assembly by the shaft so that the therapeutic assembly maintains a generally stationary position relative to the target site.

Abstract: This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for medical devices. An example medical device includes an elongate shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion and an expandable member disposed along the distal portion of the elongate shaft. The expandable member includes one or more electrodes disposed thereon. The medical device further includes an ablation electrode disposed adjacent the expandable member and one or more mini-electrodes adjacent the ablation electrode. Additionally, the ablation electrode, the one or more electrodes and the one or more mini-electrodes are electrically isolated from each other.

Abstract: A system for measuring real-time tissue reflection spectral characteristics during ablation includes a catheter for collecting light reflected from tissue undergoing ablation, a detection component for separating constituent wavelengths of the collected light, a quantification apparatus for generating measured light intensity data of the collected light, and a processor for analyzing the data in relation to time. A method for monitoring formation of steam pop during ablation includes delivering light to tissue, delivering ablative energy to the tissue, measuring the reflectance spectral intensity of the tissue, and observing whether the measured reflectance spectral instensity (MRSI) initially increases in a specified time period followed by a decrease at a specified rate. If the MRSI does not decrease, delivery of ablation energy continues.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a medical instrument. The medical instrument includes a housing and an end effector assembly operably connected to the housing. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each having a tissue contacting surface, at least one of the first and second jaw members movable between a first, spaced-apart position and a second proximate position, wherein in the second position, the jaw members cooperate to define a cavity configured to receive tissue between the jaw members. The end effector also includes at least one light-emitting element coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members, the at least one light-emitting element adapted to deliver light energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members to treat the tissue.

Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes a generator operable to output energy and an ablation probe coupled to the generator that delivers the energy to a tissue region. The ablation system also includes a controller operable to control the generator and at least one sensor coupled to the ablation probe and the controller that detects an operating parameter of the ablation probe. The controller performs a system check by ramping up an energy output of the generator from a low energy level to a high energy level and monitors an output from the sensor at predetermined intervals of time during the system check to determine an abnormal state. The controller controls the generator to cease the energy output when the controller determines an abnormal state.

Abstract: A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes a monopole antenna assembly that includes a monopole antenna radiating section having a monopole antenna element surrounded by a dielectric material. The monopole antenna assembly also includes a ground plane disposed at a proximal end of the monopole antenna radiating section, wherein the ground plane is configured to direct energy into the target volume of tissue.

Abstract: The ablation systems, ablation probes, and corresponding methods according to the present disclosure reduce or eliminate energy radiating from an ablation probe into the environment. Some ablation probes include a retractable sheath that shields at least the radiating portion of the ablation probe. The retractable sheath and/or the ablation probe may include conduits through which a fluid may flow to shield the radiating portion and to drive the retractable sheath to an extended state. Other ablation probes include apertures defined in the probe walls through which the fluid can flow to expand a balloon surrounding the radiating portion. Yet other ablation probes include a thermal indicator to indicate the temperature of the ablation probe to a user. The ablation systems include fluid circuits and associated mechanical controls for varying the contents and/or flow rate of the fluid provided to the radiating portion of the ablation probe.

Abstract: A microwave delivery device, including a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor, an inner dielectric insulator coaxially disposed about the inner conductor, and an outer conductor coaxially disposed about the inner dielectric, and a radiating portion operably coupled to a distal end.

Abstract: Electrosurgical systems generally include at least one energy-delivery device for delivering energy to tissue when inserted or embedded within tissue. The energy-delivery device can be a tissue ablation device, such as an ablation probe, needle, etc. for ablating tissue as commonly known in the art. The electrosurgical systems include at least one structure and/or operational characteristic for enhancing ultrasonic visibility of the energy-delivery devices within tissue during ultrasonography.

Abstract: A microwave ablation system is provided. The microwave ablation system includes a power source. A microwave antenna is adapted to connect to the power source via a coaxial cable feed including an inner conductor defining a portion of a radiating section of the microwave antenna, an outer conductor and dielectric shielding. The inner conductor loops back around and toward the outer conductor of the coaxial cable feed such that a distal end of the inner conductor is operably disposed adjacent the dielectric shielding. The inner conductor includes one or more reactive components disposed thereon forming a reactively-loaded loop configuration configured to maximize delivery of microwave energy from the power source to tissue such that a desired effect to tissue is achieved.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating portion including a dipole antenna having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The antenna assembly also comprises a sheath disposed over the feedline and the radiating portion defining a chamber around the feedline and the radiating portion. The chamber is adapted to circulate coolant fluid therethrough. The antenna assembly further includes a connection hub having cable connector coupled to the feedline, an inlet fluid port and an outlet fluid port. The connection hub includes a bypass tube configured to provide for flow of the coolant fluid from the cable connector directly to the outlet fluid port.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system and method for ablating tissue. The method may comprise, for example, aligning a needle of a medical device with the target tissue; piercing tissue adjacent to the target tissue with the needle; sliding into the target tissue a laser fiber moveably disposed within the needle, wherein the needle is hollow and the laser fiber includes a prism; and delivering laser energy through the laser fiber and prism.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of determining the accurate positioning of a device within a patient anatomy. In one aspect, the method comprises generating a first model of at least one anatomical passageway from anatomical data describing the patient anatomy, determining a shape of a device positioned within branched anatomical passageways of the patient anatomy, the device including a plurality of sections, each section of the plurality of sections having a distinct physical property, computing a set of deformation forces for each section of the plurality of sections of the device, and generating a second model of the device positioned within the plurality of branched anatomical passageways by adjusting the first model based upon the determined shape of the device and the set of deformation forces for each section of the plurality of sections of the device.

Abstract: Alignment precision technology, in which a system accesses image data of a bone to which a reference marker array is fixed. The system generates a three-dimensional representation of the bone and the reference markers, defines a coordinate system for the three-dimensional representation, and determines locations of the reference markers relative to the coordinate system. The system accesses intra-operative image data that includes the bone and a mobile marker array that is attached to an instrument used in a surgical procedure. The system co-registers the intra-operative image data with the three-dimensional representation by matching the reference markers included in the intra-operative image data to the locations of the reference markers. The system determines locations of the mobile markers in the co-registered image and determines a three-dimensional spatial position and orientation of the instrument relative to the bone.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing robotically-assisted surgery in conjunction with intra-operative imaging. A method includes moving a robotic arm with respect to a patient and an imaging device to move an end effector of the robotic arm to a pre-determined position and orientation with respect to the patient based on imaging data of the patient obtained by the imaging device. The robotic arm maintains the end effector in the pre-determined position and orientation with respect to the patient and does not collide with the imaging device or with the patient when the imaging device moves with respect to the patient.

Abstract: An improved system for magnetic position tracking of a device includes a magnetic transmitter, a magnetic sensor, a computing system and a polarity inverter. The magnetic transmitter includes at least one transmitter coil that outputs a transmitted magnetic field having a time derivative component. The magnetic sensor includes at least one sensor coil that has coil terminals having a polarity, and the sensor coil is responsive to the time derivative component of the transmitted magnetic field and outputs a sensor signal. The computing system computes position and angular orientation data of a device based on the sensor signal and the polarity inverter is configured to connect to the coil terminals and to cause the polarity of the coil terminals to be reversed according to a switching signal.

Abstract: A medical system comprises a catheter having a first section, a second section and a main lumen extending through the first and second sections. The system also includes an imaging probe sized to extend through the main lumen of the catheter. The system also includes a first electromagnetic sensor extending along a longitudinal sensor axis at a proximal end of the first section and a second electromagnetic sensor extending along the longitudinal sensor axis at a distal end of the first section. The first section between the proximal and distal ends flexibly couples the first and second electromagnetic sensors so that the first electromagnetic sensor is movable with respect to the second electromagnetic sensor. The system also includes a third electromagnetic sensor positioned on the imaging probe and a fiber shape sensor system that extends through the first section between the proximal and distal ends and along the first electromagnetic sensor and the second electromagnetic sensor.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for an endoscopic shaft instrument, preferably an instrument which is intended for use in connection with a surgical robot, has a drive arrangement that has an instrument housing (12) on a proximal shaft end. At least one housing shaft (22) is mounted in the instrument housing (12). The shaft is drivingly connected to a traction device which is provided for controlling an instrument head on a distal shaft end. Furthermore, the drive arrangement has a drive unit having at least one drive shaft. The housing shaft (22) can be drivingly connected to said drive shaft. The at least one housing shaft (22) is oriented at an angle to the drive shaft (30) and the drive shaft can be drivingly connected thereto.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for providing increased range of movement of the end effector of a manipulator arm having a plurality of joints with redundant degrees of freedom. Methods include defining a position-based constraint within a joint space defined by the at least one joint, determining a movement of the joints along the constraint within a null-space and driving the joints according to a calculated movement to effect the commanded movement while providing an increased end effector range of movement, particularly as one or more joints approach a respective joint limit within the joint space.

Abstract: An instrument, particularly a medical endoscopic instrument or technoscope, includes a shank (2) and an instrument head (6). The instrument head includes at least one joint part (12) articulated on the distal shank end in an angularly bendable manner and a tool carrier (14) which at the distal side is articulated on the joint part (12) in an angularly bendable manner in the angular bending plane of the joint part (12). A toothing is meshed with a toothed body (26) rotatably mounted in the shank (2) and is coupled in movement to a pull cable pair for the movement control of the instrument head (6). The toothing is formed at the proximal end of the joint part (12).

Abstract: A tray cover for securing one or more accessories to an instrument tray, the tray cover including a plurality of wells, wherein, when the tray cover is placed on the instrument tray, each of the one or more accessories is engaged by one of the plurality of wells and is secured to the instrument tray by the tray cover.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed that include an optical fiber adapted to emit light along an axial length of an exterior cylindrical surface of the optical fiber. The optical fiber may emit the axially-emitted light over a narrow radial angle ?, such that the axially-emitted light functions in a manner similar to a slit lamp to enhance visibility of nearly transparent structures within the eye. The axially-emitted light may be produced such that no portion of the light is directed in a proximal direction, thereby preventing a portion of the light from being directed at a surgeon.

Abstract: A grip (1), for a medical device (2), has an inner part (3), which has fastening features (6) for fastening to the medical device (2) and an outer part (4), which has a snap-in element (5), which can lockingly engage an snap opposing element (7) of the inner part (3) for the detachable fastening of the outer part (4) to the inner part (3) and at least partially overlaps the inner part (3) on surfaces not facing the medical device. An actuating element (8) is provided on the outer part (4), and is manually actuatable for unlocking detachment. The actuating element (8) is configured in one piece with the snap-in element (5) and the outer part (4) such that the actuating element (8) performs a movement with the snap-in element (5) in relation to the snap opposing element (7) during the unlocking.

Abstract: The invention provides for a medical apparatus (100) with a magnetic resonance coil assembly (102, 102?) comprising a magnetic resonance antenna with a first antenna portion (108, 108?) and a second antenna portion (110, 110?) for receiving magnetic resonance location data (1246) from a fiducial marker (118, 300, 400, 500). The magnetic resonance coil assembly further comprises a clamp with a first clamping portion (104, 104?) and a second clamping portion (106, 106?) operable for being moved between an open and a closed configuration. The first clamping portion comprises the first antenna portion. The second clamping portion comprises the second antenna portion. The first and second clamping portions are operable for securing the fiducial marker within a signal reception volume (111) in the closed configuration. When in the open position, the first and second clamping portions enable the fiducial marker being moved into or out of the signal reception volume.

Abstract: A marker device that aids in the subsequent identification of a particular area is equipped with an anchoring device that prevents migration once placed in the tissue of that particular area. The device may include a chemical agent or drug that adds a therapeutic function to the marker device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary cutting instrument, in particular of the bur type, intended for chirurgical or dental use and comprising an active cutting part and a handle. Said active part is made of a metal carbide and the handle is made of a nickel-titanium alloy. The instrument further comprises an intermediate part made of stainless steel placed between the active part and the handle and metallurgically connected to said active part and to said handle.

Abstract: An endodontic file is disclosed herein. Methods of utilizing the endodontic file during endodontic therapy to treat patients with trismus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making customized orthodontic brackets. The method has steps of providing a plurality of customized orthodontic bracket precursors, providing one or more support structures, positioning the bracket precursors by means of the support structure(s) in a machining device and using the machining device to provide an archwire slot in each bracket precursor by material removal with the archwire slots aligned along a common path with each other. The invention helps minimizing efforts in the manufacturing and provides the brackets with a precise archwire slot.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes computing device related, systems, and methods for identifying force placed on a tooth are described herein. One method includes receiving initial orthodontic data (IOD) including teeth data; creating a virtual set of teeth from the IOD; receiving dental appliance information including at least one of dental appliance material properties and characteristics; virtually placing a dental appliance, formed from the dental appliance information, onto the virtual set of teeth; and determining one or more forces applied to the teeth based on information from the IOD and dental appliance information.

Abstract: A system and method for repositioning teeth in a patient jaw includes an attachment bonded to a tooth. The attachment has at least one force receiving component for receiving a force. A polymeric shell repositioning appliance is positioned over at least some of the teeth in the patient jaw. The polymeric shell has at least one force transmitting component for engaging the force receiving component to form a locus of engagement. The locus of engagement transmits the force and moves but is maintained as the tooth is repositioned. In specific embodiments the locus of engagement is maintained over a substantial range of motion. The force transmitted at the locus of engagement increases in response to the tooth lagging an intended position. A space between the positioned appliance and the tooth permits the tooth to move into an intended position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for planning a bracket system (1) for the correction of malpositions of teeth (2), comprising a plurality of brackets (3) and an arch (4) wherein at least one platelet (6) per tooth is mounted on certain tooth surfaces (5) of the teeth to be corrected (2), a three-dimensional optical image (50) of the tooth region to be treated is created, the platelets (6) have registration elements (10) comprising registration points (11) and the registration points (11) have a characteristic form for registration in the three-dimensional optical image (50)

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthodontic tool for the placement, positioning and attaching of brackets using a direct or indirect method, said tool comprising two parts: a body for manipulating the device (1) and a point (2). The shape of the body (1) is compatible with the hand and offers the user control and comfort when arranging the bracket (100) on the target—the target being the mesiodistal centre of the dental piece or tooth—at a predetermined height (202), resulting in precision and accuracy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a customized jig for an orthodontic appliance, to an assembly formed by the jig, a base and a bracket, and to the associated design methods. The customized jig is used to install a bracket-bearing base on a tooth, said base forming part of an orthodontic appliance. The invention is characterized in that: the jig is a cap that covers the tooth, covering the free edge thereof and at least portions of the front and rear surfaces of same; and the shape of the jig is such that it matches that of the base in at least one portion of at least one of the edges thereof. The invention also relates to an assembly formed by a customized base bearing a bracket and a customized jig of the type mentioned above, and to methods for designing one such jig.

Abstract: A dental retainer system for the stabilisation, so-called retention, of pairs of teeth or groups of teeth in the upper or lower jaws. The retainer device consists of a series of interlocking retainer elements that are applied to adjacent teeth in a patient's mouth to form one continuous retainer. The retainer elements may be provided in the form of interlocking metal wire sections, of varying dimensions, bonded to the teeth with dental adhesive, so that two or more teeth may be linked together. In one embodiment, one end of the first retainer element fits in the receiving portion of the second retainer element, with the dental adhesive serving to attach two or more sections to each other and to the tooth. Thereby, pairs of teeth or groups of teeth are linked together to prevent movement of the said teeth.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an assembly and system allowing for secure use of an orthodontic auxiliary, particularly a bite corrector, with lingually bonded appliance systems. In one aspect, the disclosure features an orthodontic assembly including a banded tube, a force module, a connector coupling the force module to the tube, and an attachment device secured to the labial surface of an anterior tooth and connected to mesial, outer end of the force module.

Abstract: The supraosseous dental implant is formed from a framework made of osseointegration material, such as titanium or the like, and which is configured to lie atop a patient's alveolar bone such that an inner surface of the framework is supported at least partially by the patient's alveolar bone. A plurality of abutments are secured to an outer surface of the framework and project coronally therefrom for attachment of a plurality of crowns. The framework is implanted by first anesthetizing the soft tissue covering the alveolar bone and opening a flap in the gums above the alveolar ridge. The framework is placed on the alveolar bone and fixed thereto using titanium screws or the like. The flap is closed, and following healing of the soft tissue and at least partial osseointegration of the framework with the alveolar bone, the crowns are secured to their respective abutments.

Abstract: A dental implant abutment assembly imitates a micro-motion mechanism to direct occlusal forces internally, and uniformly distribute the occlusal forces into the body of an ossoeintegrated dental implant. The micro-motion mechanism is configured to imitate the biomechanical behavior of the periodontal ligament through a compressive action that dampens vertical, horizontal, and angular forces. A compressive ring provides a dampening effect to supportive components of the assembly. A compressive coil redirects vertical forces along a longitudinal axis of the assembly. An implant body osseointegrates into the dental alveolus. A central mobile element seats in the dental body. The compressive coil extends along the central mobile element to absorb vertical forces. The compressive ring seats on the collar of the dental implant. A threaded cannulated housing securely holds the central mobile element and the compressive coil to form a single unit.

Abstract: An assembly for manufacturing dental prostheses includes a set of modular members constituted by a straight bar, a curved bar, a plurality of cylinders and two end members, adapted to be assembled and soldered to each other to form a reinforcement frame of a dental prosthesis, under immediate load and executable within the same day. The method for manufacturing dental prostheses includes assembling the components and mutually soldering them so as to form a rigid reinforcement frame of a dental prostheses that can be applied to the implants inserted previously in the lower or upper arch of the patient.

Abstract: Tools are described for preparing digital dental models for use in dental restoration production processes, along with associated systems and methods. Dental modeling is improved by supplementing views of three-dimensional models with still images of the modeled subject matter. Video data acquired during a scan of the model provides a source of still images that can be displayed alongside a rendered three-dimensional model, and the two views (model and still image) may be synchronized to provide a common perspective of the model's subject matter. This approach provides useful visual information for disambiguating surface features of the model during processing steps such as marking a margin of a prepared tooth surface for a restoration. Interactive modeling tools may be similarly enhanced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying color in the field of dental technology, including generating scan data by means of detecting the dental prosthesis using a scanner; computing an image of the dental prosthesis from the scan data; displaying the image, wherein the image is displayed as colored with a tooth color; receiving a user input; in response to the user input: a) applying the tooth color onto the dental prosthesis or onto a carrier foil for the dental prosthesis, or b) displaying the image, wherein the image is displayed as colored with a different tooth color, and receiving a further user input, wherein in response to the further user input, an application of the altered tooth color by means of a color application device onto the dental prosthesis, or onto the carrier foil for the dental prosthesis takes place.

Abstract: Lithium silicate glass ceramics and glasses comprising specific oxides of trivalent elements are described which crystallize at low temperatures and are suitable in particular as dental materials.

Abstract: Lithium silicate glass ceramics and glasses containing specific oxides of hexavalent elements are described which crystallize at low temperatures and are suitable in particular as dental materials.