Abstract: An extension device for a bone anchor is provided, where the bone anchor includes an anchoring section for anchoring to a bone and a receiving part connected to the anchoring section. The receiving part includes a central axis and a channel for receiving a rod, where sidewalls of the channel form two free legs. The extension device includes a first sleeve with a first sleeve axis that is coaxial with the central axis, where the first sleeve is configured to be detachably coupled to the receiving part. The extension device includes a second sleeve with a second sleeve axis, where the second sleeve is positioned within the first sleeve. The first sleeve is configured to be coupled to the receiving part to inhibit translational movement of the first sleeve relative to the receiving part along the central axis.

Abstract: A multi-layer, fiber-reinforced composite orthopedic fixation device having a design selected based on a desired characteristic of the orthopedic fixation device. The design may be selected according to a model of the device, the model defining design constraints, and the design may comprise a pattern of the fiber angle for each layer. The selection of a design may be analyzed using finite element analysis to determine whether the design will comprise the desired characteristic.

Abstract: A bone plate system is provided that includes bone plates and bone anchor assemblies for being inserted into bone plate bores to secure the bone plates to one or more bones. In one aspect, the bone plate system includes a bone anchor assembly having a locking cap and a locking fastener connected to a head portion of a bone anchor. The bone anchor assembly is driven into a bone plate bore before the locking fastener is shifted to expand the locking cap and fix the bone anchor assembly within the bore. In another aspect, the bone plate system includes a bone anchor assembly having a locking cap that deflects radially inward due to contact with the bone plate at large bone anchor assembly insertion angles. In addition, a bone anchor assembly having a preassembled condition with a locking cap resisting back out of a locking fastener.

Abstract: The invention proposes a bone plate comprising a bottom side that is to rest against the bone and an upper side opposite to the bone as well as a plurality of holes located along the longitudinal axis of the plate, through which bone screws can be inserted to be anchored to a bone. At least one of these holes is a continuous oblong hole comprising a longitudinal axis running in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the plate. A retaining structure, is provided in a partial area of the lateral side of the oblong hole for engaging the threads of said bone screw to archive an angle-stable fixation of said bone screw in said oblong hole.

Abstract: A volar fixation system includes a plate intended to be positioned against the volar side of the radial bone. The plate includes threaded holes for receiving fasteners which lock relative to the plate.

Abstract: Flexible spinal stabilization apparatuses are provided. The apparatuses include a flexible support element configured to be attached to a first vertebra and a second vertebra. The apparatuses also include a bone growth promoter coupled to the flexible support element. The flexible support element spans one or more intervertebral spaces but the bone growth promoter does not.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method of arthrodeses or osteosyntheses of a first bone part and a second bone part, including the steps of positioning a first fixation zone of an implant in the first bone part and a second fixation zone of the implant in the second bone part, both the first and second zones made of shape-memory material and, prior to positioning the bone parts, are in an inner position; and while the first fixation zone is within the first bone part and the second fixation zone is within the second bone part, fixating the respective first and second fixation zones within the respective bone parts through shape-memory action at body temperature.

Abstract: A handle for an ablation device, the handle comprising a positioning control handle part adapted to be coupled to a positioning catheter of the ablation device and adapted to position the positioning catheter in an object, and an ablation control handle part adapted to be coupled to an ablation catheter of the ablation device and adapted to ablate material of the object using the ablation catheter, wherein the positioning control handle part and the ablation control handle part are adapted to be separable from one another.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

Abstract: Systems and methods for discriminating between various gases, e.g., argon and helium, for enhanced safety of medical devices are provided. The present disclosure may take the form of a dedicated-use embodiment where a specific gas, helium for example, is expected, and an enabling or “Go” signal is issued when that gas is detected, or an inhibitory or “No-Go” signal when a gas is present that is not identified as helium. Alternately, a control line or input command can be used to select between helium and argon as the expected gas and then issue the appropriate “Go/No-Go” signal, depending on which gas is identified.

Abstract: Pieces of tissue are fused together by compressing the pieces together at an interface, delivering an impulse of electrical power which is converted into sufficient thermal energy to fuse the pieces together at the interface. The impulse and the fusion occur within a preferable time of 0.5-2.0 seconds but no greater than 4.0 seconds. The temperature of the thermal energy is regulated between 150° C.-200° C. The tissue pieces are compressed to a thickness of 0.05-0.10 mm. Jaws which compress the tissue and transfer the energy have smooth working surfaces with an Ra of 0.15 or less microns to 0.40 microns.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a housing mechanically coupled to the end effector. The end effector includes a first actuating device configured to perform a first surgical procedure and a second actuating device integrally associated with the first actuating device and configured to perform a second surgical procedure, the second surgical procedure being independently operable and different than the first surgical procedure. An outer portion of the first actuating device and an outer portion of the second actuating device form a portion of an outer housing of the end effector. The housing includes a first actuator, mechanically coupled to the first actuating device and configured to impart movement to the first actuating device and a second actuator, mechanically coupled to the second actuating device and configured to impart movement to the second actuating device.

Abstract: A coaptive surgical sealing tool may be similar to an ordinary hemostat with long (50, 60, 70 or 80 mm) thin jaws for sliding into the liver parenchyma, without tearing the larger blood vessels. The jaws are spring loaded and are designed for uniform compression, and to avoid closing too quickly. The jaws are capable of sealing a 50, 60, 70 or 80 mm sealing length, in a single bite, although it can also seal shorter lengths as well. The tool can be used with existing RF/bi-polar cautery generators.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of pivotably coupled first and second jaw members. One of the jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member. A drive mechanism includes a driving structure in operative communication with a cam slot operably disposed on one of the first and second jaw members. The driving structure includes a detent.

Abstract: An end effector is disclosed. The end effector includes a first jaw member. The first jaw member comprises a first electrode. The first jaw member defines a first aperture at a distal end. The end effector includes a second jaw member. The second jaw member comprises a second electrode. The second jaw member defines a second aperture at a distal end. The second jaw member is operatively coupled to the first jaw member. The first and second apertures are configured to define a single aperture when the first and second jaw members are in a closed position. The first and second electrodes are configured to deliver energy.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing, a shaft affixed to the housing, and a pair of jaw members attached to a distal end of the shaft. The forceps also includes a drive assembly for moving one of the jaw members relative to the other jaw member from a first position to a second position for manipulating tissue. A movable handle is included which is rotatable about a pivot to force a drive flange of the movable handle into mechanical cooperation with the drive assembly to move the jaw members from the first position to the second position. The forceps is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy connected to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween.

Abstract: A system for displaying characteristics of target tissue during an ablation procedure is provided that includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to receive data regarding electrical properties of the target tissue for a time period. The ECU is also configured to determine a value responsive to the data and indicative of at least one of a predicted depth of a lesion in the target tissue, a predicted temperature of the target tissue, and a likelihood of steam pop of the target tissue for the time period. The system further includes a display device operatively connected to the ECU. The display device is configured to receive the value and display a visual representation indicative of at least one of a predicted depth of a lesion in the target tissue, a predicted temperature of the target tissue, and a likelihood of steam pop of the target tissue for the time period.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices allow intravascular or percutaneous mapping, orientation or ablation, or combinations thereof in bodily cavities or lumens. A device includes a plurality of elongate members which are moveable between an unexpanded configuration, a bent or coiled stack configuration and an expanded or fanned configuration. The elongate members form a stack arrangement in the unexpanded configuration to fit through a catheter sheath, The elongate members follow respective arcuate or curvilinear paths as advanced from the sheath into the bent or coiled stack configuration, adopting volute, scroll or rho shapes, and may be nested. The elongated members are fanned or radially spaced circumferentially with respect to one another into the expanded or fanned configuration. Transducers carried by elongate members may sense various physiological characteristics of or proximate tissue, for instance temperature, and/or may apply energy to or proximate tissue, for example to perform ablation.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices allow intravascular or percutaneous mapping, orientation and/or ablation, in bodily cavities or lumens. A device includes elongate members, moveable between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded or fanned configuration. The elongate members form a stack in the unexpanded configuration to fit through a catheter sheath. The elongate members follow respective arcuate or curvilinear paths as advanced from the sheath into the bent or coiled stack configuration, adopting volute, scroll or rho shapes, and may be nested. The elongated members are fanned or radially spaced circumferentially with respect to one another into the expanded or fanned configuration. Transducer elements carried by elongate members sense various physiological characteristics of or proximate tissue, and/or may apply energy to or proximate tissue. The elongate members are rotatable in groups or as a group in the expanded configuration. The device is retractable.

Abstract: A calibration method and apparatus for surgical antennas arranged to deliver microwave radiation into biological tissue. An emitting region of the antenna is exposed to a plurality of calibration standards having different complex impedances at the treatment frequency. Calibration standards are created in a short-circuit-terminated waveguide cavity of variable length. In another variation, each calibration standard is a different mixture of liquids. Measurement of the magnitude and phase of signals reflected from the emitting region when exposed to the calibration standard permits calibration of the antenna; Also disclosed is a tissue treatment apparatus having an ablation channel for conveying microwave radiation to a surgical antenna at a high power level, with a separate measurement channel for conveying radiation at a low power level. A surgical antenna having an impedance transformer for matching a coaxial feed structure that terminates in radiating elements with tissue to be treated is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for the conditioning of bioprosthetic material employ bovine pericardial membrane. A laser directed at the fibrous surface of the membrane and moved relative thereto reduces the thickness of the membrane to a specific uniform thickness and smoothes the surface. The wavelength, power and pulse rate of the laser are selected which will smooth the fibrous surface as well as ablate the surface to the appropriate thickness. Alternatively, a dermatome is used to remove a layer of material from the fibrous surface of the membrane. Thinning may also employ compression. Stepwise compression with cross-linking to stabilize the membrane is used to avoid damaging the membrane through inelastic compression. Rather, the membrane is bound in the elastic compressed state through addition cross-linking. The foregoing several thinning techniques may be employed together to achieve strong thin membranes.

Abstract: Laser surgery devices and methods of performing laser surgery using laser surgery devices are described. The laser surgery device may rotate a laser fiber along a longitudinal axis of the laser fiber in a repeating pattern through a user-specified rotational pattern. The laser surgery device may be optionally attached to a surgical device to implement hands-free operation of the laser surgery device.

Abstract: The present invention presents an apparatus and methods to stereotactically guide insertion of invasive tubular devices to a tissue object of a living body. The apparatus comprises a powered positioning guide control assembly and a positioning guide assembly that is operably detachable from the powered positioning guide control assembly, and rotationally adjustable and lockable. The powered positioning guide control assembly encloses an ultrasound transducer to visualize and target the tissue object, and adjusts an insertion angle of an invasive tubular device placed in the positioning guide assembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic surgical tool having opposing jaws, the working element of the robotic surgical tool is made of a different material from the drive element of the robotic surgical tool. The two elements may be manufactured independently and assembled together at a later stage. The material comprising each element may thus have properties more appropriate to the function each element plays in the robotic surgical tool. For example, the metal selected to comprise the blade of a surgical scissor may be corrosion resistant and capable of being sharpened to a high degree.

Abstract: A motive device for use in magnetically sensitive environments includes a front supporting plate, a rear supporting plate, and at least one guiding rail extending longitudinally between the front and rear supporting plates and supported thereby. At least one module is supported by the guiding rail, is located longitudinally between the front and rear supporting plates, and is configured to provide at least one of translational and rotational motions to a moved structure extending from the at least one module longitudinally toward and beyond the front supporting plate. The translational motion is guided by motion of the module between the front and rear supporting plates longitudinally along the at least one guiding rail. The module provides the at least one of translational and rotational motions to the moved structure entirely pneumatically. The structures comprising the motive device are all made entirely from non-ferromagnetic materials.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for avoiding collisions between a manipulator arm and an outer patient surface by moving the manipulator within a null-space. In response to a determination that distance between an avoidance geometry and obstacle surface, corresponding to a manipulator-to-patient distance is less than desired, the system calculates movement of one or more joints or links of the manipulator within a null-space of the Jacobian to increase this distance. The joints are driven according to the reconfiguration command and calculated movement so as to maintain a desired state of the end effector. In one aspect, the joints are also driven according to a calculated end effector displacing movement within a null-perpendicular-space of the Jacobian to effect a desired movement of the end effector or remote center while concurrently avoiding arm-to-patient collisions by moving the joints within the null-space.

Abstract: A medical manipulator includes: a surgical instrument unit having an effector; and a surgical instrument drive unit provided detachably with respect to the surgical instrument unit. The surgical instrument drive unit includes: a pair of input members configured to advance and retract in opposite directions to each other; and a driving source configured to advance and retract the pair of input members. The surgical instrument unit includes: a first transmission member configured to move in the same direction as one of the pair of input members; a second transmission member configured to move in the same direction as another of the pair of input members; and a first inversion interlocking member engaged with the first transmission member and the second transmission member.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a surgical device is provided. The method includes acquiring first data including a position and/or an orientation of a first object disposed on the surgical device at a first location; acquiring second data including a position and/or an orientation of a second object disposed on the surgical device at a second location; determining third data including a position and/or an orientation of the first object relative to the second location; and determining a position and/or an orientation of the second object relative to the second location based at least in part on the first data, the second data, and the third data.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed herein for measuring alignment of the muscular-skeletal system. The system comprises a sensored module that can be placed within a prosthetic component to measure load, position of load, and joint alignment. The system further includes a remote system for receiving, processing, and displaying quantitative measurements from the sensors. Alignment relative to a mechanical axis is measured. In a two bone system with a joint therebetween the total alignment measured comprises offsets measured for each bone. The joint is placed in a predetermined flexion that supports measurement of the joint as it is moved. The joint pivots on a point that is along the mechanical axis. Points along the arc made by the joint rotating between a first and second point are measured. An arc maximum is determined. The arc maximum is then converted to varus or valgus offset relative to the mechanical axis.

Abstract: A device, system and method for interfacing between an end effector of a manipulator and a surgical tool. Embodiments may include an upper tool holder element and a lower tool holder element. Embodiments may also include a drape between the end effector and the manipulator. Embodiments may also include two force sensors and a coupling arranged in a force sensor system for use with an end effector that includes a tool roll driver.

Abstract: Robotic and/or measurement devices, systems, and methods for telesurgical and other applications employ input devices operatively coupled to tools so as to allow a system user to manipulate tissues and other structures being measured. The system may make use of three dimensional position information from stereoscopic images. Two or more discrete points can be designated in three dimensions so as to provide a cumulative length along a straight or curving structure, an area measurement, a volume measurement, or the like. The discrete points may be identified by a single surgical tool or by distances separating two or more surgical tools, with the user optionally measuring a structure longer than a field of view of the stereoscopic image capture device by walking a pair of tools “hand-over-hand” along the structure.

Abstract: A novel image-guided system for precise automatic targeting in minimally invasive keyhole neurosurgery. The system consists of a miniature robot fitted with a mechanical guide for needle, probe, or catheter insertion. Intraoperative, the robot is directly affixed to a head clamp or to the patient skull. It automatically positions itself with respect to predefined entry points and targets in a preoperative CT/MRI image following an anatomical registration with an intraoperative 3D surface scan of the patient facial features and a registration jig. The registration procedure is a novel three-way scheme, in which the intraoperative surface scan including the registration jig is matched to a model generated from the preoperative CT/MRI image, the robot position is known in relation to the registration jig, and the entry and target points are known from the preoperative CT/MRI image, such that the robot position can be related to the entry and target points.

Abstract: A cleaning or care device for the cleaning or care of medical or dental instruments, having a cleaning or care chamber in which at least two connections for the instruments to be cleaned are provided, and a supply device for supplying the at least two connections with a cleaning or care agent. The at least two connections and the supply device can be moved relative to one another in such a way that one of the connections can be connected to the supply device and supplied with a cleaning or care agent, while another of the connections is not connected to the supply device and cannot be supplied with a cleaning or care agent. A corresponding method for the cleaning or care of medical or dental instruments with such a cleaning or care device is also described.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and series of appliances are provided for dental implant positioning. One method for positioning an implant with dental treatment includes determining an implant location based on a virtual model of an optimized dental occlusion, moving one or more teeth using a first number of a series of dental appliances, from a first orientation to a second orientation, the second orientation exposing the implant location, placing an implant at the exposed implant location using a landmark included in at least one of the series of dental appliances, repositioning one or more teeth using a second number of the series of dental appliances, from the second orientation to a successive orientation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using a liquid jet apparatus for dental treatments are disclosed. In one implementation, the liquid jet apparatus may include a handpiece configured to deliver a high velocity liquid jet to a desired location in the mouth of a patient. The handpiece may include a positioning member having a channel through or along which the jet can propagate. The positioning member may have a distal end portion configured to be at least partially disposed in a pulp cavity, canal space, or opening in the tooth under treatment. During operation, the jet may impact an impingement surface of the distal end portion of the positioning member and be deflected as a spray through one or more openings in the distal end portion. The liquid jet apparatus may be used for root canal treatments.

Abstract: Method and system for displaying an orthodontic related image including one or more image segments, selecting one or more movement indicators associated with a corresponding one or more of the image segments, and dynamically displaying a modified orthodontic related image based on the selected one or more movement indicators are provided.

Abstract: The appliances and methods provide a tab on a “U”-shaped clip having a labial (i.e. toward the patient's lips or cheek) section and a lingual (i.e. toward the patient's tongue) section. The tab is located in a position that facilitates access by a practitioner and also reduces the moment applied to the clip when the clips is opened and closed. Advantageously, the tab can be positioned to account for the varying degree of resistance encountered by different sections of the clip and minimize the likelihood of either distorting the clip or torquing the appliance. The tab can be positioned coplanar with the sliding mechanism. Advantageously, these appliances can provide improved ease of use, reduced clip distortion over time, and greater patient comfort.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket includes a bracket body and a ligating member. The ligating member retains an archwire in an archwire slot and includes archwire control structure including projecting portions spaced apart in a mesial-distal direction with a recessed area therebetween. The recessed area and the projecting portions overlie the archwire slot. The recessed area may include a flat or a curved surface in a mesial-distal direction. The recessed area and projecting portions may define a radius of curvature that is less than the radius of curvature of the archwire seated in the slot. The archwire contacts one or both the projecting portions resulting in a larger moment arm and better rotational control of the bracket with the force applied by the archwire.

Abstract: A dental implant includes a male threading part and an implantation torque increasing part from the tip side. The male threading part includes multiple threading parts that have the same lead but different pitches, with the pitch increasing toward the tip side. The outer diameter of the male threading part is constant or increases toward the implantation torque increasing part. The implantation torque increasing part includes thread crests that have a different lead from the lead of the male threading part or a projecting row that is continuous circumferentially. In cross-section, a contour line connecting tops of the thread crests of the threading part that is adjacent to the implantation torque increasing part is a straight line, and the tops of the thread crests or the top of the projecting row of the implantation torque increasing part are located on an extension line of the contour line.

Abstract: Dentals tools are provided for assisting with the gripping and manipulation of an abutment during a dental procedure. A dental tool can have a resilient collar that defines a central bore for frictionally receiving the abutment. Once inserted into the central bore, the dentist can transport the abutment to a worksite within a patient's mouth.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of generating a virtual model of a set of teeth for manufacturing a physical model of the set of teeth includes providing a virtual model of the set of teeth generating a cavity in said gingival part, into which cavity a removable component fits, where the removable component and the cavity are configured to provide a gap at an interface; and providing for supporting and positioning the removable component in the cavity, wherein the area of contact between the removable component and the cavity wall at the interface is controlled by the shape of the adjoining surfaces of the supporting and positioning and the other of the removable component and the cavity wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blank for the production of a dental shaped body, wherein the blank has a corpus (2) of tooth restoration material, from which the shaped part to be fabricated is carved by means of a tool (4) by removal of material. The blank has coding means (1) formed on part of the surface (6) of the blank corpus (2), which coding means (1) has at least one structure (8, 9) for identification of the blank. The coding means (1) consists of a plurality of panels (5.1) at the level of the surface (6) of the corpus (2) and a plurality of panels (5.2, 5.3) incorporating a flat structure (8, 9) at a level (h1, h2) which is distinguishable from at least the level of the surface (6) of the corpus (2). The invention further relates to a method for identifying a blank with the aid of coding means (1).

Abstract: A method of molding artificial teeth in denture base material comprising forming a U-shaped cavity in a block of denture base material, forming socket cavities in the bottom of the U-shaped cavity, casting a fluid artificial tooth material into the cavities, and causing the fluid tooth material to solidify into solid artificial tooth material while applying pressure. Causing the solidification may include heating the fluid tooth material. The method may include casting a liquid elastomer into a bottom portion of the U-shaped cavity following forming that cavity and prior to the forming the socket cavities, curing the liquid elastomer into a solid elastomeric cushion, and removing the cushion from the U-shaped cavity. Subsequently, the cushion may be inserted into the U-shaped cavity and contacted with the fluid tooth material. A die may then be contacted with the cushion to apply pressure to it and the fluid tooth material during curing.

Abstract: In a dental furnace that comprises a firing chamber (12) having a base and at least one receiving portion for dental restoration parts (40) it is provided that the receiving portion comprises a plurality of support elements (26) that are arranged adjacent to one another and in particular have the same thickness, wherein said support elements (26) support the dental restoration part (40) during the firing process.

Abstract: A foldable and flexible ultrasonic vibration mask for cleaning teeth comprises two upper devices and two lower devices. Each upper device comprises a flexible substrate, coils configured to generate ultrasonic sound and formed on the flexible substrate, coils configured to generate audible sound and formed on the flexible substrate, a resonance chamber attached to the flexible substrate and including a magnetic alloy. Each lower device includes a flexible substrate, coils configured to generate ultrasonic sound and formed on the flexible substrate, and a resonance chamber attached to the flexible substrate and including a magnetic alloy. The flexible substrates of the two upper devices are fixed together. The flexible substrates of each upper device and a corresponding lower device are fixed together. The flexible substrates of the two lower devices are fixed together.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device includes a handle and a cleaning head supported on one end of the handle. A vibratory source is supported on the handle and is operative to generate vibratory output. A mounting element is disposed between the handle and the vibratory source. A connecting member extends between the vibratory source and the cleaning head, and is adapted to generate motion at the cleaning head in response to the vibratory output generated at the vibratory source.

Abstract: The reusable bite-recording kit for dental implants includes one or more first bases, each of which is removably secured in a previously installed implant. The first bases have adjustably threaded rods extending therefrom, with contact fittings disposed upon the distal ends of the rods. Two second bases are removably secured in previously installed implants opposite the first bases. The second bases have plates at their distal ends, with the plates captured in a channel of an occlusal table. The table defines an occlusal plane. The rods of the first bases are adjusted to place their contact fittings just in contact with the occlusal plane of the occlusal table of the second bases, thus establishing the occlusal plane of the first bases for the manufacture of prosthetic teeth of proper height. This precludes the imprecise fittings that can occur using non-rigid elastomer materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, methods and kits for accelerating the rate of whitening of teeth using an oxidizing agent, a photocatalytic agent, and a portable lightsource.

Abstract: The present invention provides a differential pressure body suit with external support against body suit migration. In its preferred embodiment, such body suit may comprise a close-fitting, multi-layered suit sealed against a mammal's skin to contain the differential pressure, or a looser-fitting suit that bends at the mammal's joints with minimal force. External support means include either fixed or movable mechanical supports attached to the body suit, extraordinary air pressure levels for making the body suit rigid, or exoskeletons attached to the body suit. A cyclic control system can turn the differential pressure condition within the body suit on and off on a selective basis to accommodate the movement of the legs of the mammal. The pressurization reduces the weight of the body to greater or lesser extents, and offloads the weight to the ground through the external support means.