Abstract: An expandable ablation catheter includes an expandable section having a plurality of channels defining struts. The expandable section has at least one conductor on one of the struts configured to couple to an energy source. The expandable section is expandable through longitudinal compression to expand the strut having the conductor outward to contact an inner surface of a lumen.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods to treat a urinary bladder are disclosed. An expandable member is introduced and expanded in the urinary bladder to appose one or more elongate conductors on the outer surface of the expandable member against the inner wall of the urinary bladder. The one or more elongate conductors are used to create a predetermined pattern of electrically isolated tissue regions having reduced electrical propagation such that electrical propagation through the urinary bladder as a whole is reduced. A mucus layer may be removed from the inner bladder wall prior to the ablation. Ablation may be regulated by impedance measurement with the one or more elongate conductors. The urinary bladder may be filled with a fluid to facilitate the impedance measurement.

Abstract: A renal denervation system includes an ablation catheter and an inflation balloon. The renal denervation catheter is insertable into a renal artery to perform a renal denervation procedure. The inflation balloon is inflatable within the renal artery, wherein one of a blood pressure condition in the renal artery resulting from operation of the inflation balloon and a performance characteristic of the inflation balloon indicates efficacy of the renal denervation procedure.

Abstract: A treatment tool for an endoscope includes a sheath which includes a proximal region, a distal region, an outer circumference surface, and an inner circumference surface; a slit portion which extends from the proximal region to the distal region in the longitudinal axis direction of the sheath and is formed to pierce through the sheath from the inner circumference surface to the outer circumference surface; an inlet portion which includes an opening that is formed at the outer circumference surface in the proximal region, the opening being formed to communicate with the slit portion, and being formed to pierce through the sheath from the inner circumference surface to the outer circumference surface in a same direction with that of the slit portion, and a locking portion which is connected to the sheath to be locked to the endoscope apparatus.

Abstract: A renal denervation feedback method is described that performs a baseline measurement of renal nerve plexus electrical activity at a renal vessel; denervates at least some tissue proximate the renal vessel after performing the baseline measurement; performs a post-denervation measurement of renal nerve plexus electrical activity at the renal vessel, after the denervating; and assesses denervation of the renal vessel based on a comparison of the baseline measurement and the post-denervation measurement of renal nerve plexus electrical activity at the renal vessel.

Abstract: A treatment tool for an endoscope, includes a sheath which has a center axis along a longitudinal axis; a pre-curved portion which is disposed at a distal portion of the sheath; a knife wire lumen which has a center axis and is formed along the longitudinal axis; a cutting portion which protrudes from an outer circumference surface positioned at an inward side of the curved shape to outside of the pre-curved portion and extends from a distal end portion toward a proximal end portion of the pre-curved portion; a guide wire accommodation portion which is formed along the longitudinal axis of the sheath; a proximal slit formation portion which is communicated from the guide wire accommodation portion to the outside of the sheath; and a distal slit formation portion which is extended from the proximal end of the pre-curved portion to an intermediate portion of the pre-curved portion.

Abstract: Electrosurgical forceps in which one or more pairs of non-resonant unbalanced lossy transmission line structures are arranged on the inner surfaces of the jaws of the forceps provide both (i) active and return electrodes for a radiofrequency (RF) signal, and (ii) lossy structures for delivering a microwave signal into biological tissue in conjunction with a mechanical gripping arrangement for applying pressure to material held within the jaws. The location of the pairs of transmission lines on the jaws of the forceps and the selection of the material of the jaws is arranged to ensure that any biological tissue gripped by the jaws become the propagation medium for the RF signal and the medium into which the microwave signal is lost.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for thermal therapy, especially to detection-guided, -controlled, and temperature-modulated interstitial thermal therapy. Thermal therapy may be used to treat the tissues of a patient. In the case of interstitial thermal therapy, energy is applied to generate heating of the tissue to affect treatment, such as, for example, thermally inducing tissue damage (e.g. thermally-induced tissue necrosis), which may be useful in treating tumors and/or other diseased tissues. Since targets for thermal therapy are internal to the patient, the use of detection guidance may be useful in locating and monitoring treatment of a target tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the treatment of skin using laser light, and more particularly to a non-invasive device and method for such treatment. During skin treatments, heating of the epidermis is undesired because it may cause discomfort for the person being treated, adverse skin reactions and unwanted changes in skin pigment. The invention provides a laser treatment beam having a first 22a and a second 22b beam region of non-zero light intensity disposed at a periphery of a transverse cross-section of the beam, and a third beam region 22c, arranged between the first 22a and the second 22b beam region, of lower light intensity than said non-zero light intensity. The treatment beam 22 exits the device 10 along its optical treatment axis 13.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser handpiece 1, an exchangeable fiber-optic insert 10, and a control unit 70 therefor. The laser handpiece 1 comprises a optical waveguide 35, which is connected to a light coupling site in a base member 21 and in which the application element 10 for laser light is exchangeably attached to the base member 21. The base member 21 is mounted in a sleeve-type grip 3 for axial displacement therein. The light guide 10 can be wound around a control device 70 which has an annular gap 73 for this purpose and a lower housing part 75 which is offset from an upper housing part 74. An exchangeable fiber-optic insert 10, 27 acting as an application element is provided with a sleeve 80 serving as protection during transportation and as an assembling tool.

Abstract: Devices for therapeutic nasal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A system for therapeutic neuromodulation in a nasal region configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a shaft and a therapeutic element at a distal portion of the shaft. The shaft can locate the distal portion intraluminally at a target site inferior to a patient's sphenopalatine foramen. The therapeutic element can include an energy delivery element configured to therapeutically modulate postganglionic parasympathetic nerves at microforamina of a palatine bone of the human patient for the treatment of rhinitis or other indications. In other embodiments, the therapeutic element can be configured to therapeutically modulate nerves that innervate the frontal, ethmoidal, sphenoidal, and maxillary sinuses for the treatment of chronic sinusitis.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an interactive surgical drape and system including at least one sensor and at least one controller that operates indicating sensing feedback from the at least one sensor to cause display of information on a dynamic display integrated with the interactive surgical drape. The dynamic display assists the surgical team while performing surgery and can operate to improve the efficiency and/or effectiveness of the surgical team.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an interactive surgical drape and system including at least one sensor and at least one controller that operates indicating sensing feedback from the at least one sensor to cause display of information on a dynamic display integrated with the interactive surgical drape. The dynamic display assists the surgical team while performing surgery and can operate to improve the efficiency and/or effectiveness of the surgical team.

Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical instrument including an actuation lockout system as well as its method of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument includes a trigger and a driveshaft coupled to the trigger such that actuation of the trigger causes the driveshaft to move from a first position to a second position, thereby resulting in deployment of a surgical fastener. An actuation lockout system restrains distal movement of the driveshaft until a force greater than or equal to a threshold force is applied to the trigger.

Abstract: A method for generating a 3D reference computer model of at least one anatomical structure for comparison with a selectable pre-, intra- or postoperative set of medical images of at least one anatomical structure, the method including: acquiring at least a first and a second medical image of at least one anatomical structure in a preoperative status from different perspectives using a computer assisted medical imaging device, wherein the first and second medical images are represented by a respective first and second set of digital 2D image data; and generating a 3D reference computer model of an anatomical structure by selecting and extracting a 3D atlas model of an anatomical structure to be treated from a generic anatomical atlas provided in the form of a digital data source, and registering at least a section of each of the first and second medical images to the selected 3D atlas model.

Abstract: A first interface for reading image data of an anatomical region obtained by means of a medical imaging method is provided. A modeling module serves for establishing a volumetric biomechanical structure model of the anatomical region on the basis of the image data . Moreover, provision is made of a tracking module, couplable with a camera, for video-based registration of spatial gestures of a user. Furthermore, a simulation module, based on the biomechanical structure model, serves to assign a registered gesture to a simulated mechanical effect on the anatomical region , simulate a mechanical reaction of the anatomical region to the simulated mechanical effect, and modify the biomechanical structure model in accordance with the simulated mechanical reaction. Moreover, provision is made for a visualization module for the volumetric visualization of the biomechanical structure model.

Abstract: A system and method for simulating the reconstructive surgery of a cruciate ligament using medical images are disclosed herein. The system includes a processor, the processor is configured to acquire a first image of a knee region of a subject, and a 3D model including the knee region, identify the locations of reference points, on the 3D model, acquire a second image corresponding to the changes in the movement of the knee region, and track changes in the locations of the reference points using the acquired second image, and simulate changes in the length of a virtual ligament attributable to the changes in the movement of the knee region based on the tracked changes in the locations of the reference points and the location of the insertion of the virtual ligament received from a user.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a customized patient-specific guide block is disclosed. The method includes generating a image of a patient's bony anatomy and an implanted prosthetic component secured to the patient's bony anatomy, identifying landmarks on the patient's bony anatomy and the prosthetic component, selecting a revision surgical instrument based the image and the landmarks, and manufacturing the customized patient-specific guide block including a customized prosthesis-specific negative contour shaped to match a corresponding contour of the implanted prosthetic component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing an articular joint having a failed implant. The articular repair systems are customizable or highly selectable by or adaptable to individual patients and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by or adaptable to individual patients to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty including revision surgeries.

Abstract: A medical instrument assembly including a handle assembly having a first handle portion and a second handle portion proximate the second end, wherein the second handle portion is slidably engaged with the first handle portion. A first localization element is attached to the first handle portion and a second localization element is attached to the second handle portion. A medical instrument is mechanically coupled to the second handle portion and a translation of the second handle portion with respect to the first handle portion causes a coincident and coextensive translation of the medical instrument. The amount of translation of the medical instrument is adapted to be determined by calculating the distance between the first localization element and the second localization element. The first and second localization elements may be electromagnetic sensors which positions may be determined by a navigation system.

Abstract: A system for providing a perspective for a virtual image includes an intraoperative imaging system (110) having a transducer (146) configured to generate an image data set for a region. A shape sensing enabled device (102) is configured to have at least a portion of the shape sensing enabled device positioned relative to the region. The shape sensing enabled device has a coordinate system registered with a coordinate system of the intraoperative imaging system. An image generation module (148) is configured to render a virtual image (152) of at least a portion of the region using the image data set wherein the virtual image includes a vantage point relative to a position on the shape sensing enabled device.

Abstract: The embodiment of the present invention provides a position control system having a movement apparatus including an electromagnet capable of applying a magnetic field to a head and a movement control unit; and a position detection apparatus being capable of determining a position of a mark existing on the head or in a tip end side position of a pipe which is attached to the head with a tip end thereof open and through which a liquid can be injected or suctioned via an opening portion in the tip end, the position detection apparatus being capable of detecting a position of the head on the basis of the position of the mark, the movement control unit of the movement apparatus is capable of controlling an advancement direction of the head so that the pipe is inserted substantially linearly into a target position.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining an OIS coordinate frame comprising an electronic control unit configured to determine a local 3D electric field loop, create a zero mean version of E(t) over a depolarization interval, compute an ? value at each of a plurality of time intervals, compute an initial estimate of ? from a cross product of E and the ? value for each of the plurality of time intervals, average the initial estimate of ? from each of the plurality of time for a best estimate of ?, determine a plurality of â(?) values and using the corresponding {circumflex over (n)}(?) values, compute a composite match score, and choose at least one best value for â and a best value for {circumflex over (n)}.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use with an optical fiber shape-sensing system. The apparatus includes an optical fiber, optically couplable to the optical fiber shape-sensing system, and configured to change shape during advancement through a greater palatine canal of a subject. The apparatus additionally includes a delivery tool configured to be removably coupled to the optical fiber and to distally advance the optical fiber through the greater palatine canal. The apparatus further includes a neural stimulator implant, configured to apply electrical stimulation to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of the subject. The neural stimulator implant is not in contact with the optical fiber, and is shaped and sized to be delivered to the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) by the delivery tool. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A surgical system is provided with: a first medical instrument that is disposed inside a body cavity and that has an observation unit and a marking unit that is capable of being positioned with respect to the body cavity; a second medical instrument that is disposed outside the body cavity and that has a treatment section and a driving unit for driving the treatment section; a distance measuring unit that measures the distance between the marking unit and the treatment section; and a control unit that controls the driving unit on the basis of the distance measured by the distance measuring unit.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating and presenting an electronic display of guidance for performing a robotic medical procedure may include receiving a plurality of prior procedure data sets; receiving or identifying objective data defining one or more of a duration or a patient outcome of the robotic medical procedure; executing an algorithm to identify a pattern across the plurality of prior procedure data sets; receiving information about an instance of the robotic medical procedure to be performed in the future for a patient outside the population; automatically generating guidance for performing the robotic medical procedure; and generating and presenting an electronic display of the guidance for performing the robotic medical procedure.

Abstract: A robot guiding system employing an endoscope (12), a robot (11), a robot controller (21), an endoscope controller (22) and an image integration module (24). In operation, the robot controller (21) command the robot (11) to move the endoscope (12) within the anatomical region,and the endoscope controller (22) generates an endoscopic video display (15) of an intra-operative endoscopic image of the anatomical region generated by the endoscope (12). As the endoscope (12) is stationary within the anatomical region,the image integration module (24) registers a pre-operative three-dimensional image of the anatomical region to the intra-operative endoscopic image of the anatomical region. As the endoscope (12) is moving within the anatomical region subsequent to the image registration, the image integration module (24) calibrates a motion of the robot (11) relative to the endoscope (12) followed by tracking a motion of the endoscope (12) within the anatomical region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trans-platform apparatus including a main platform and an operating device. The trans-platform apparatus of the present invention has the advantage of performing complex and various operations by inserting a maximum number/size of operating devices through a minimal number of openings within an operating space. In addition, since the trans-platform apparatus of the present invention does not use an additional connecting member for a spin shaft, the configuration thereof is further simplified, the operation thereof is easier, and power can be efficiently transmitted to an operating means. The trans-platform apparatus of the present invention is applicable to various fields including medical devices, and an engine room or a device for operating the inside of a radiator.

Abstract: A surgical robotics system with robotic arms is configurable to perform a variety of surgical procedures. The surgical robotics system includes a table, column, base, and robotic arms that are either column-mounted, rail-mounted, or mounted on a separate unit. In a column-mounted configuration, the column includes column rings that translate vertically and rotate about the column. The robotic arms are attached to the column rings. In a rail-mounted configuration, the base includes base rails that translate along the base. The robotic arms are attached to the base rails. In both configurations, the robotic arms move independently from each other and include a multiple arm segments. Each arm segment provides an additional degree of freedom to the robotic arm. Thus, the surgical robotics system may position the robotic arms into numerous configurations to access different parts of a patient's body.

Abstract: A robotic surgery system includes an orienting platform, a support linkage movably supporting the orienting platform, a plurality of surgical instrument manipulators, and a plurality of set-up linkages. Each of the manipulators includes an instrument holder and is operable to rotate the instrument holder around a remote center of manipulation (RC). At least one of the manipulators includes a reorientation mechanism that when actuated moves the attached manipulator through a motion that maintains the associated RC in a fixed position.

Abstract: Medical robot systems, surgical tool assemblies, devices, and methods regarding the same. The medical robot system may include a robot coupled to an end-effector having a guide tube. The robot may be configured for controlled movement and positioning of the end-effector. The system further includes a motor assembly coupled to the robot. The motor assembly may be configured to move the end-effector along one or more of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis. The surgical instrument is positionable and/or slidable within the guide tube. The surgical instrument includes at least one detectable feature, such as a reflective lens or stripe. A detection device is configured and arranged to detect the at least one detectable feature. The system enables a depth of the surgical instrument in the guide tube to be determined by the at least one detectable feature on the instrument.

Abstract: Various robotic devices and related medical procedures are disclosed herein. Each of the various robotic devices has an arm. The arm can have two arm components coupled at a joint.

Abstract: A method of using a robotic guidance system for performing surgery on a spine is provided. The method includes utilizing a computerized tomographic scan image of a location on a spinal column of a patient, such that the computerized tomographic scan image is connected to a computer and visible on a monitor connected to the computer. The method also includes attaching a coupling component to the spinal column of the patient, coupling a marker to the coupling component, and imaging, with a fluoroscope, the view of the spinal column of the patient, wherein the fluoroscope image is transmitted to the computer and visible on the monitor and the at marker is clearly visible in the fluoroscope image.

Abstract: A surgical robotic component comprising an articulated terminal portion, the terminal portion comprising: a distal segment having an attachment connected thereto, an intermediate segment, and a basal segment whereby the terminal portion is attached to the remainder of the surgical robotic component. The terminal portion further comprises a first articulation between the distal segment and the intermediate segment, the first articulation permitting relative rotation of the distal segment and the intermediate segment about a first axis, and a second articulation between the intermediate segment and the basal segment, the second articulation permitting relative rotation of the intermediate segment and the basal segment about a second axis.

Abstract: A package for an object such as a preferably-sterile medical component, includes: a support element provided with elements for coupling the object; a stopper that can be coupled to the support element in such a manner as to define a first chamber for containing the object, and such that a grip portion of the support element projects from the stopper; and a cover that can be coupled to the stopper in such a manner as to define a second chamber inside which the grip portion of the support element extends, and such that a portion of the stopper coupled to the support element projects from the cover.

Abstract: A disc surgical system is provided having an elongated tubular member housing and an electrosurgical electrode for excising of or shrinking tissue. The instrument includes at least one cannula having an operative end for entering an operative field of a patient, at least one guide wire having a pointed end for piercing tissue, a tapered dilator configured to slide over a guide wire; and a trephine configured to slide over a guide wire. The operative end has threads on an exterior surface of the cannula for engagement with the tissue of the patient.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an endoscopic clip placement tool and one or more marking clips attached to a specimen mass by the clip placement tool to mark a margin and orientation of the specimen mass.

Abstract: A working posture holding device (10) includes: a lower back holding part (11) that holds a lower back of a user; a leg part (12a) that supports the lower back holding part, the leg part being rotatably connected to the lower back holding part, the leg part extending along a leg region of the user; a foot part (13a) that is connected to the leg part, the foot part contacting a ground to support the overall working posture holding device; a fixing part (14a) that fixes the leg part and the user to each other; and a locking mechanism (15a) that switches a state of the leg part between a “variable” state where a distance between a connection part to the lower back holding part and a connection part to the foot part is variable, and a “locked” state where the distance is fixed.

Abstract: A personal oral-care device includes a functional element and a battery supplying energy thereto to cause the functional element to perform at least one oral-care function. The device comprises a body containing the battery; first and second manual switches disposed on the body at a distance from one another, which distance, in combination with a shape of the body, is sufficient to prevent simultaneous activation of the first and second manual switches with a single finger or thumb of a consumer or a single substantially planar surface. The device further includes an electrical circuit structured to activate the functional element only after both the first and second manual switches have been turned on.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing a clinical substance for dental or medical use, configured as either integrated into a handpiece for dental or medical use or adjacent to said handpiece. The dispensing device includes at least one exchangeable module comprising a primary fluid inlet, configured to be coupled to a primary fluid supply duct and a fluid outlet, configured to deliver fluid that can be loaded with a clinical substance, the exchangeable module comprising a chamber containing the substance to be dispensed in liquid, gel, or powder form, the chamber forming a substance reserve, such that when primary fluid circulates between inlet and outlet, the fluid can collect clinical substance.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, device, tools, kit and method is provided for the preparation of the jawbone and insertion of dental implants. The apparatus (1) includes a universal and reusable compact clamping device and removable components for the damp which allow for precision surgical preparation and implantation of dental implants into the jawbone. According to some embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes a swivel platform (3) having a guide member for receiving a tool for preparing an osteotomy and/or for implanting a dental implant into a jaw bone; an orientation member for positioning of the platform and one or more frames (2,12) connectable to the platform.

Abstract: A dental tool having a handle with a first and second end, the first end having a cross sectional shape of a first side being half tetrahedral with rounded concave scoops terminating in a blade, the blade having an upturned point on the first side of said end and a brush on the first end. The brush may be extended from the end of said blade or positioned on the upper ridge of the tetrahedral side. The first end may have opposing tetrahedral sides with brushes along the central ridge defining the tetrahedral side. The opposite end of the tool may have a spoon shaped extension that is angled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand held interproximal dental tool for detaching unwanted materials from a patient's teeth and to methods of manufacturing such tools. The interproximal dental tool includes a compact, ergonomically designed housing which is gripped by a dental practitioner during use and a blade extending from and structurally supported by the housing which includes serrations for cutting or abrasive materials for sanding unwanted material.

Abstract: An orthodontic positioning device and methods for making an orthodontic positioning device including a first patient removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to a patient's teeth provided in one of an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The first appliance includes a hook configured to receive an orthodontic elastic band. The orthodontic positioning device also includes a second patient removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to a patient's teeth provided in the other of the upper jaw and the lower jaw. The second appliance includes a cutout operable to expose an orthodontic elastic band receiving member.

Abstract: A processing device receives an intraoral image of a first intraoral site. The processing device selects a portion of the intraoral image that depicts a portion of the first intraoral site. The processing device locks at least the portion of the intraoral image. The processing device may then generate a model comprising the first intraoral site based at least in part on the locked intraoral image, wherein the portion of the intraoral image is used for a first region of the model, and wherein data from one or more additional intraoral images that also depict the portion of the first intraoral site is not used for the first region of the model.

Abstract: A dental device is described that comprises a monolithic support structure for use in implant-supported dental restoration applications for partially or fully edentulous patients. The monolithic support structure comprises a unitary support body with one or more teeth projections projecting from the support body, and at least one support region providing a framework for integrating discrete artificial teeth adjacent the teeth projections. An implant-supported dental device is also provided that comprises the monolithic support structure, one or more artificial teeth, and a gingival region comprised of a formable material that secures artificial teeth within the framework of the monolithic support structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental prophy cup comprising a body, wherein the body comprising a rear portion adapted to be mounted on a rotary hand piece for rotation about a longitudinal axis; and a front portion for engaging the teeth, wherein the front portion is a microfiber surface provides for fluid communication between inner cavity and outer surface for exchange of prophy paste to clean the tooth surface.

Abstract: An oral care implement having an applicator. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a body comprising a handle and a head coupled to a distal end of the handle, the body extending along a longitudinal axis; a store of oral care material located within the body; an applicator on the body, the applicator comprising a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the store of oral care material, the plurality of outlets located on a concave dispensing surface of the applicator; and an actuator operably coupled to the store of oral care material to dispense the oral care material through the plurality of outlets.

Abstract: A dental cleaning appliance includes a handle and a fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system includes a nozzle for delivering a burst of working fluid to the teeth of a user, and a moveable fluid conduit which is moveable about an axis relative to the handle. The nozzle is moveable with the fluid conduit, which is biased for movement about the axis in a direction which urges the nozzle against a user's teeth during use of the appliance.

Abstract: A dental cleaning appliance includes a handle, and a fluid delivery system for delivering a burst of working fluid to the teeth of a user. The fluid delivery system includes a nozzle from which the burst of working fluid is delivered to the teeth of the user. The appliance also includes a brush unit which extends at least partially about the nozzle. The brush unit includes a bristle carrier and a plurality of bristles mounted on the bristle carrier. A drive unit drives the movement of the bristle carrier relative to the nozzle.