Abstract: A control system for use with an electrosurgical generator which delivers electrosurgical energy to tissue has a control module. The module includes a processor executing an algorithm. The algorithm has the steps of determining a sensed voltage value corresponding to a sensed voltage signal output by the electrosurgical generator and determining a sensed current value corresponding to a sensed current signal output by the electrosurgical generator. The algorithm has the steps of determining phase information corresponding to a phase shift between the voltage signal and the current signal and determining a characteristic related to the electrosurgical energy delivered to the tissue using the phase information, the sensed voltage value and the sensed current value.

Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a radiofrequency treatment device to apply radiofrequency energy to tissue to heat tissue to create lesions without ablating the tissue. The system includes a first treatment device having at least one electrode for applying radiofrequency energy to tissue, a controller including a connector to which a first treatment device is coupled for use, and a generator for applying radiofrequency energy to the electrodes. The controller controls application of energy so that the tissue is thermally treated to create lesions but preventing thermal treatment beyond a threshold which would ablate the tissue.

Abstract: An electrode head is disclosed that utilizes electrically conductive or dissipative fabric to exchange electrical energy with tissue. This electrode head may be used for any appropriate application, such as a catheter electrode, a return electrode, or the like. Any appropriate function may be provided by this electrode head, such as tissue ablation, tissue mapping, or providing an electrical ground.

Abstract: A coating and devices using the coating are provided. The coating is applied in liquid form and dried or otherwise cured to form a durable adherent coating resistant to high temperatures and having optional hydrophobic properties. The coating formulation contains an aqueous formulation of silica, one or more fillers, and sufficient base, (e.g., potassium hydroxide), to have a pH exceeding about 10.5 during at least part of the formulation process. The formulation may contain a compound(s) that affects surface free energy, energy to make the cured coating hydrophobic. Such compounds include silanes containing halogens (e.g., fluorine or chlorine) and in particular silanes containing one or more hydrolyzable groups attached to at least one silicon atom and a group containing one or more halogens (e.g., chlorine or fluorine). A medical instrument (e.g., electrosurgical instrument) may be at least partially covered by a coating using the formulation.

Abstract: An energy treatment device includes a probe in which a suction path is defined inside along a longitudinal axis to a distal surface portion. The probe includes a first protrusion protruding an outer peripheral distal end of an outer peripheral portion toward a first perpendicular direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to open/close directions of the jaw. The distal surface portion includes an inclined plane in which it goes toward a distal direction side as it goes from the first perpendicular direction toward a second perpendicular direction that is opposite to the first perpendicular direction, the inclined plane extending from a first end position, located to the first perpendicular direction side of a first root position of a first protrusion, to a second end position, located to the second perpendicular direction side of the suction path.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can include a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a wrist coupled to the distal end of the shaft and configured to articulate in multiple degrees of freedom. An end effector having jaws may be supported by the wrist. The surgical instrument can further include a first drive element extending from the proximal end of the shaft to the end effector, the first drive element being configured to transmit forces to move the jaws relative to each other between open and closed positions, and a second drive element extending from the proximal end of the shaft to the end effector, the second drive element being configured to transmit forces to translate a component of the end effector in a longitudinal direction relative to the jaws. The component can be configured to translate independently of movement of the jaws.

Abstract: A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: A tissue treatment system comprising a tissue treatment probe to be introduced in a target tissue region, wherein the probe comprises one or more perfusion ports that perfuse electrically conductive fluid to the target tissue region, one or more electrodes that deliver RF energy to the target tissue region to therapeutically treat the tissue, and at least one occlusive body that expands to occlude an anatomical vessel in or near where the probe is located in order to prevent heat generated by the delivery of the RF energy from being lost to mobile bodily fluids.

Abstract: A cautery pen cover can cover a cautery pen, with little modification thereto, such that the cover must be retracted to both expose the tip and the trigger of the cautery pen. The cover is designed as a protective sleeve that prevents actuation of the cautery pen trigger until the cover is retracted. The cover automatically returns to the covered position when it is released. The cover is always on the cautery pen, whether in use or just lying on the operating field, thereby not requiring users to place and secure the cautery pen in a plastic holster. The cautery pen use various energy sources, such as electro or radio frequency, or any other source that results in cautery or cutting of tissue.

Abstract: A device for treating spinal tissue of a patient's body may include an energy source and first and second probe assemblies. Each of the probe assemblies may have an electrically conductive energy delivery device electrically coupled to the energy source, and may also have an electrothermal device for cooling the probe assembly. The device is configured so that the energy source delivers energy to the spinal tissue through the energy delivery devices in a bipolar mode that concentrates delivered energy between the energy delivery devices to create a lesion within the spinal tissue while the electrothermal devices cool the probe assemblies. Related methods of use include cooling, at times via an electrothermal device.

Abstract: Surgical systems and methods for administering an ablation treatment and other therapeutic or diagnostic protocols to a patient tissue involve a flexible stabilizer mechanism having an inner recess and an ablation mechanism coupled with the stabilizer mechanism.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided including a handle portion and a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes a grasper disposed at a distal end of the body portion, the grasper including an ultraviolet (UV) light mechanism for performing UV tacking of an implant. The implant is positioned between the first and second jaw members of the grasper: (i) to be placed at a surgical site and (ii) to be exposed by a UV light emitted from the UV light mechanism such that the UV tacking of the implant to the surgical site is performed.

Abstract: A photoepilation device including a compact hand piece applicator and a portable electronics module for use in a non-medical setting. The hand piece, which contains no electrical signals, allows the user to focus on individual hair follicles by observing a magnified image provided on a semiconductor display. The image from the hand piece is transported to a remote CCD through a coherent imaging fiber. which also delivers the therapeutic energy pulse from a remotely located source to the localized target. Destruction of pluripotential follicular stems cells found in the hair bulb and bulge regions is possible via a single low power laser diode. Control of pulse width and spot size attains a range of fluence levels up to 85 J·cm?2.

Abstract: An ablation cannula kit with insert includes a trocar and cannula with a hollow shaft. The hollow shaft is configured to permit passage of the trocar therethrough. An auxiliary port extends from an exterior surface of the cannula and defines a hollow passageway into the hollow shaft. Notably, an insert is included in the kit. The insert defines a hollow shaft and is adapted to be inserted into the hollow shaft of the cannula. An auxiliary port extends from an exterior surface of the insert defining a hollow passageway into the hollow shaft of the insert. Finally, a laser fiber is included with a diameter less than an interior diameter of the hollow shaft of the insert so as to permit passage of the fiber through the hollow shaft of the insert.

Abstract: A locking shipping wedge is provided and generally includes a body portion having an elongate transverse member projecting from the body portion which is engageable with a drive assembly of a loading unit. A locking mechanism is provided on the body portion of the shipping wedge which is engageable with locking structure movably mounted within the loading unit.

Abstract: An organizer for holding surgical instruments includes a tray that has instrument wells extending from the top surface of the tray. The shape of each instrument well corresponds to particular surgical instrument's shapes. Each well's depth corresponds to the height of a particular stack of surgical instruments. Pivoting locking bars extend over each instrument well to a locked position and prevent adding or removing any instruments. When the bar extends over the instrument well, it rests against the top-most instrument if the well is full. If any instruments are missing from their well, part of the locking bar projects above the tray's surface. Thus, one can notice quickly whether all instrument wells are full. The locking bar also may pivot over the instruments. The tray may have a plunger that projects about the tray's top surface if any surgical tools have not been returned to the tray.

Abstract: Local surgical cockpits comprising local surgical consoles that can communicate with any desired remote surgical module (surgical robot), for example via a shared Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) or other unified open source communication protocol or other suitable communication system. The systems and methods, etc., herein can also comprise a modular approach wherein multiple surgical consoles can network supporting collaborative surgery regardless of the physical location of the surgeons relative to each other and/or relative to the surgical site. Thus, for example, an operator operating a local surgical cockpit can teleoperate using a remote surgical module on a patient in the same room as the surgeon, or surgeons located in multiple safe locations can telemanipulate remote multiple surgical robots on a patient in or close to a war zone.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for compensate for friction within powered automatic systems, particularly for telesurgery and other telepresence applications. Dynamic friction compensation may comprise applying a continuous load in the direction of movement of a joint, and static friction compensation may comprise applying alternating loads in positive and negative joint actuation directions whenever the joint velocity reading falls within a low velocity range.

Abstract: A computer assisted method creates accurate CAD/CAM models of custom orthopedic implants is provided. Information about bone geometry is acquired through medical imaging such as CT image scans. The desired bone surface region is extracted as a polygonal mesh after processing the 3D images. A smooth and accurate B-Spline surface is fitted to the polygonal mesh that is thickened to a solid CAD model. A patient-specific customized implant is manufactured from the obtained CAD model. The patient-specific customized implant is implanted in a patient by a surgeon in an operating room. A processor based system to generate a CAD/CAM file of the patient-specific customized implant and a manufacturing system enabled to manufacture the implant from the CAD/CAM file are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a treatment plan for cosmetic procedures, for example, a hair transplantation procedure, are provided. The treatment plan allows user to provide input on a proposed hair element using a free-hand drawing in a two-dimensional plane, and for the proposed hair element to be generated and displayed on a three-dimensional model of a body surface. Various techniques and methods described in the application provide for improved planning of a natural looking hair.

Abstract: Dental instrument servicing systems and cushions are disclosed. The dental instrument servicing systems may include a holder and a cushion. The holder may include a passage extending from a first opening to a second opening. The cushion may include first and second portions, with the first portion being configured for selective receipt within the passage and with the second portion extending from the first portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endodontic instrument used for working on a canal in a tooth, having a base from which an active portion for working on the canal extends longitudinally, characterized in that said active portion has at least one slot extending longitudinally and forming a passage for fluid.

Abstract: A method for producing at least one patient-specific pad for a modular bracket having a pad and a bracket body includes providing a pad material section. A punch is provided having at least one punching stamp for punching out at least one raw pad from the pad material section. At least one pad is punched out from the pad material section with the punch to produce a raw pad library. A patient-specific set-up is generated. The set-up is made of plaster, and includes the teeth to be treated of an upper jaw and/or of a lower jaw of a patient. A raw pad is selected from the raw pad library for a patient's tooth to be treated. A gap between the raw pad and the corresponding tooth in the set-up is filled using a filling material to produce for the pad a tooth-specific glued surface allowing for a form-fit to the clinical tooth of the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a denture-fixing attachment freely adjustable in angle and position and including a rotation guide member installed at the center of the denture-fixing attachment, having a lower portion to be inserted into a fixture groove of a fixture, a thread being formed at a rim of the fixture groove, so that the rotation guide member may be coupled with the fixture having the fixture groove, a rotation guide member angle restriction cover positioned on the rotation guide member and provided therein with a through hole, and a ball joint having a ball joint lower portion placed in a rotation guide member inside provided in a ball joint angle restriction cover.

Abstract: A dental implant has a hollow shell with outer bio-compatible surface for engaging a soft tissue socket left in gingival tissue after a tooth has been extracted, to promote healing. The shell tapers outwardly from a first to a second perimeter, the second perimeter being asymmetrically scalloped with opposite distal and mesial peaks and opposite lingual and facial valleys between the peaks. A dental implant in the bone socket left after tooth extraction is rigidly connected to a temporary post, the temporary post extending in the shell. The shell engages against the soft tissue socket without gaps and without requiring alignment between the shell and implant axes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-part tooth implant with at least a proximal implant part and a distal implant part that are to be connected to each other such that a connection site is obtained when the two implant parts are in the connected state. An annular sealing element is arranged at this connection site and, in the fully assembled state of the tooth implant, is clamped between mutually opposite sealing surfaces, namely a sealing surface of the proximal implant part and a sealing surface of the distal implant part, such that the sealing element has an outer surface portion that forms part of the outer contour of the tooth implant. The two sealing surfaces initially approach each other in a direction oriented outwards from a central longitudinal axis of the tooth implant.

Abstract: A brush section for use with an electric toothbrush includes a relatively large brush head portion having a generally rectangular shape, although oblong, elliptical and other such shapes having a length to width aspect ration greater than 1 may be employed. The brush head portion is secured to a shaft portion of the brush section that may be configured to couple to a handle section. The handle section may include an electric drive including drive shaft, and the drive shaft may couple to the brush head via a coupling member positioned within the shaft portion. The electric drive may impart a rotary, oscillating rotary-oscillating or other suitable drive motion to the drive shaft that is, in turn, imparted upon the brush head by virtue of the coupling member.

Abstract: A first amount of sperm of a first animal and a second amount of sperm of a second animal of the same species, the first amount of sperm and the second amount of sperm sex-selected sperm of the same sex, useful in the in-vivo or in-vitro fertilization of an egg of a female animal of the same species of animal for the production of sex-selected embryos and sex-selected offspring.

Abstract: A sleeve with interior barbs that are designed to grasp a tissue and fix the tissue to a body part such as a bone are described. Optionally, the sleeve exterior surface includes a fastener configured to fix the sleeve relative to the body part. Optionally, the wall of the sleeve includes a plurality of wall holes. Methods of using the barbed sleeve in surgery are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting prosthesis implants into a patient pocket. The apparatus has three openings including a prosthesis opening, a larger proximal opening, and a small distal opening. The apparatus prevents infection; eases insertion and placement; and reduces complications. In use, the inverse bellow is placed through the patient incision while allowing the bellow to be manipulated to force the prosthesis into a surgical pocket of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device and method for the treatment of retinal detachment, ocular hypertension and glaucoma, and increasing the amplitude of accommodation. In an illustrative embodiment, the device includes a tapered, mesh tube. Once the device is within the sclera, the mesh expands to deform the sclera. When the device is placed within the posterior sclera for the treatment of a retinal tear, the device expands deforming the sclera so that the retinal pigment epithelium comes in contact with the retinal tear to seal the tear.

Abstract: A foldable lens comprises an outer refractive surface portion comprising a first plurality of convexly curved refractive profile regions having positive optical power to converge light energy with refraction toward a focus on the retina. The convexly curved refractive profile regions of the outer region may correspond to at least about a quarter of the refractive power of the lens, such that the lens thickness is decreased substantially and the folded lens can fit through a small incision. The outer refractive surface portion focuses light with refraction, in focus images viewed through the outer portion of the lens can appear sharp to the patient. The outer refractive surface portion also comprises a second plurality of concavely curved refractive profile regions having negative optical power disposed between the first plurality, so as to diverge the light energy substantially away from the focus on the retina, such that visual artifacts are inhibited.

Abstract: The pre-shaped spiral intraocular lens fixation device has a hollow housing, the hollow housing having an elongate neck, an elongate handle, and a vacuum chamber. A selectively operable vacuum source is operatively attached to the housing to provide suction. A head is disposed at an end of the neck distal from the handle and a tubular structure is positioned within the hollow housing and extending through the neck out through the head. The tubular structure has a spiral-shaped position and can be made of a nitinol material. An actuating mechanism moves the tubular structure from a spiral-shaped position to a straight position.

Abstract: Described herein is a unique sutureless heart valve that includes a deployment mechanism having a plurality of fasteners. The plurality of fasteners may be actuated at least two states: a disengaged state wherein said plurality of fasteners are retracted, and an engaged state wherein said plurality of fasteners are extended; and further comprising a deployed state wherein said plurality of fasteners, when extended, are irreversibly locked such that said heart valve is securely deployed at the target surgical site. The valve deployment mechanism comprises a ring assembly comprising a first annular member onto which said plurality of fasteners are associated and a second annular member peripheral to said first annular member and comprising a series of windows through which individual fasteners of said plurality of fasteners project.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to profile reduction seals associated with heart valve replacements which may reduce or eliminate paravalvular regurgitation and methods of fabricating such seals. The generally cylindrical multilayer seals of the disclosure include a crown-like end and reinforcing elements which facilitate compression of the seal and associated device by minimizing bunching of the seal as it enters a delivery system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an arrangement, a loop-shaped support, a prosthetic heart valve and a method of repairing or replacing a native heart valve. With the method or the arrangement, leakage or regurgitation between a prosthetic heart valve and the surrounding valve tissue is prevented. In one embodiment, an arrangement for replacement or repair of a native heart valve is provided, which comprises a loop-shaped support (41) and a prosthetic heart valve (70) and wherein an outer segment (32) of the loop-shaped support (41) is positionable towards surrounding valve tissue of a native heart valve and wherein an outer surface (74) of the prosthetic heart valve (70) is positionable towards an inner segment (34) of the loop-shaped support (41) so as to prevent paravalvular leakage or regurgitation between the prosthetic heart valve (70) and the surrounding valve tissue of the native heart valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prosthetic heart valve comprising a stent, an alloy wire and biological tissue leaflets, the biological tissue leaflets being sewn to the alloy wire which is wrapped with a first polyester cloth, and the alloy wire being sewn to the stent which is wrapped with a second polyester cloth, wherein the stent is ring-shaped, comprising: a first stent layer and a second stent layer which are closely hooping with each other; the first stem layer being on the outside of the second stent layer, the first stent layer being made of a first material, the second stent layer being made of a second material, the first material and the second material being elastic, and the hardness of the second material being higher than that of the first material.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly includes a base including a multi-lobular annular shape within a plane, a valve member or other annular body including a multi-lobular shape complementary to the shape of the base, and cooperating connectors on the base and the annular body for connecting the annular body to the base. The base includes an anchoring ring, and a flexible cuff for attaching the base to a biological annulus. The base and the annular body include guides for aligning their multi-lobular shapes, e.g., visual, tactile, or other markers, or tethers that extend from the base that are slidable through the annular body. During use, the base is attached to a biological annulus, the annular body is directed adjacent the annulus, oriented such that the multi-lobular shape of the annular body valve member is aligned with the base, and the annular body is attached to the base.

Abstract: An artificial mitral valve has a ring, an anterior cusp-side region, a posterior cusp-side region and a valve leaflet connected along an outer edge of the ring. The valve leaflet includes an anterior cusp forming member connected to the anterior cusp-side region and a posterior cusp forming member connected to the posterior cusp-side region. The anterior cusp forming member is provided with has an upper edge joined to the ring and a lower edge that forms a bifurcated portion. The upper edge is made up of a pair of right and left edges that incline inward and upward from the right and left sides, and a curved edge interposed between the inclined edges that curves along the anterior cusp-side region. The posterior cusp forming member has an upper edge joined to the ring and a lower edge that forms a bifurcated portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthetic heart valve, the prosthetic heart valve comprising a generally tubular stent support and a valve structure. The stent support comprises multiple rows of diamond-shaped cell structures and crowns at its distal and proximal end, as well as three V-shaped openings which open towards the distal end of stent support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for improving the function of a defective heart valve, and particularly for reducing regurgitation through an atrioventricular heart valve—i.e., the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve. For a tricuspid repair, the device includes an anchor deployed in the tissue of the right ventricle, in an orifice opening to the right atrium, or anchored to the tricuspid valve. A flexible anchor rail connects to the anchor and a coaptation element on a catheter rides over the anchor rail. The catheter attaches to the proximal end of the coaptation element, and a locking mechanism fixes the position of the coaptation element relative to the anchor rail. Finally, there is a proximal anchoring feature to fix the proximal end of the coaptation catheter subcutaneously adjacent the subclavian vein. The coaptation element includes an inert covering and helps reduce regurgitation through contact with the valve leaflets.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided that includes an implant structure, which includes a contracting mechanism, which includes a rotatable structure, arranged such that rotation of the rotatable structure contracts the implant structure. A longitudinal member is coupled to the contracting mechanism. A tool for rotating the rotatable structure is configured to be guided along the longitudinal member, to engage the rotatable structure, and to rotate the rotatable structure in response to a rotational force applied to the tool. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A prosthetic remodeling annuloplasty ring for use in tricuspid or mitral valve repairs to provide support after annuloplasty surgery. The annuloplasty ring includes a relatively rigid core extending around an axis that is discontinuous to define two free ends. A suture-permeable interface surrounding the core includes floppy regions adjacent both free ends of the core. Sutures are used to attach the annuloplasty ring to the annulus, including at least one suture through each of the floppy regions to secure the free ends of the ring and minimize the risk of ring dehiscence, or pull through of the sutures through the annulus tissue. The floppy regions may project from each free end into the gap toward each other, be radially enlarged such as paddle-like extensions, or may comprise outwardly lateral extensions at the free ends of the core.

Abstract: An anchor anchors a therapeutic device having an elongated body within a body lumen. The anchor includes a fixation member carried on the device which is adjustable from a first configuration that permits placement of the device in the body lumen to a second configuration that anchors the device within the body lumen. The anchor further includes a lock that locks the fixation member in the second configuration. The fixation member may be locked in any one of a plurality of intermediate points between the first configuration and a maximum second configuration.

Abstract: A valve with a frame and valve leaflets that provide a sinus pocket. The valve provides for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.

Abstract: An implantable penile prosthesis having an adjustable length rear tip extender. The extender is connectable with at least one inflatable cylinder. The adjustable length rear tip extender can be telescoping, or include one or more segments capable of being cut away or otherwise removed, to adjust the effective length for the at least one inflatable cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an implantable prosthesis, in other words, a biomodel, which can be implanted in a patient, preferably in the cranium of a patient. The method is based on the use of commercially available adhesive tape, in order to reduce the manufacturing costs of said implant since there is no need to heat same to very high temperatures in order to mold the material to be implanted. The implant is preferably made of titanium via a cold-production process, which requires initially supplying a rapid prototype from a CAD model that corresponds to a plastic mold, which is covered with commercially available adhesive tape, in order to obtain another model that makes it possible to form the model that will be transferred to titanium, thus reducing the ideal temperature for molding same.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable device fixed or interlinked to bone, which generates unidirectional movement by a member generating reciprocating motion in the same direction using means allowing unidirectional movement. In the device, the means allowing unidirectional movement comprise means based on friction which make line contact.

Abstract: Improved methods, devices, systems and models for facilitating supplemental fixation of implant components to surrounding anatomical features, including supplemental fixation of acetabular components to the acetabulum.

Abstract: An acetabular component of a hip replacement implant that is configured to be attached to an acetabulum and to receive a femoral component of the hip replacement implant. The component includes a concave body with a closed end configured to seat against the acetabulum and an open end configured to receive the femoral component. At least one radiological marker is positioned on the body and is visibly distinct from the body on X-ray imaging. The radiological markers may include an elongated shape with a length measured between a first end and a second end. The radiological markers may be shorter than the body such that they do not extend completely around the body and the first and second ends are spaced apart from one another.