Abstract: A system for implanting a penile prosthetic into a penis with an insertion tool includes a penile implant, a tow suture, and a delivery cap. The implant has a proximal end insertable into a crus penis and a distal end insertable into a glans penis. The tow suture is coupled to the distal end of the penile implant. The delivery cap is coupled to the tow suture and a portion of the delivery cap is shaped as a hemispherical dome. The delivery cap has an aperture that is formed in the hemispherical dome, with the aperture sized to allow the needle of the insertion tool to pass through the aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implant needle for introducing an implant into a patient. The needle has a hollow main body having a receiving portion configured to receive an implant. A taper-shaped tip portion is cut from the hollow needle main body and includes a first slant surface contiguous to an outer peripheral surface of the main body and formed at a first predetermined angle with respect to an axis of the main body. The first slant surface has an inner non-cutting edge and an outer non-cutting edge. The needle also includes a pair of second slant surfaces, each of which forms a second predetermined angle with respect to the main body axis that is larger than the first predetermined angle. Each second slant surface has an inner non-cutting edge and an outer cutting edge that is contiguous with an edge point of the tip portion. A method of manufacturing the implant needle is also disclosed.

Abstract: Growth directed correction of a spine via apical vertebral control includes securing a correction system to a first vertebra and a second vertebra of the spine, the correction system defining a correction axis extending between the first and second vertebra and securing the correction system to a third vertebra intermediate the first and second vertebra, the correction system securing the third vertebra at a fixed distance from the correction axis. The correction system is secured to the first and second vertebra such that the first and second vertebra are able to grow away from one another in a direction substantially parallel to the correction axis.

Abstract: A receiving part of a bone anchoring device is provided, where the receiving part includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, a central axis extending through the first end and the second end, and a substantially U-shaped-recess adjacent to the first end for receiving a spinal fixation element. The substantially U-shaped recess forms two free legs. The receiving part also includes a bore extending from the first end towards the second end and in communication with the substantially U-shaped recess. A groove is provided in an outer surface of each of the legs, where the groove has a first end and a second end and extends in a circumferential direction in an arcuate shape between the first end of the groove and the second end of the groove.

Abstract: A bone screw includes a screw head and a seating sleeve or tulip on the screw head. The bone screw includes two sleeve flanks having a thread. A seat for a rod for surgical connection of adjacent bone screws is formed between the sleeve flanks. On at least one of the sleeve flanks, a guide surface extending in the circumferential direction for a clamping screw to be screwed into the thread is configured on the run-in side, with the guide surface offset in the radial direction vis-à-vis the thread diameter of the female thread.

Abstract: A modular head pedicle screw assembly has a bone screw, a tulip and a saddle. The saddle is positioned in a recess inside of the tulip. The saddle has a proximal end for engaging a rod and a distal end for receiving a hemispherical or at least partial hemispherical head of the bone screw. The saddle is sized to move axially inside the tulip. The saddle has a plurality of fingers separated by slots extending from near the proximal end through the distal end in an initial un-loaded position and upon insertion of the tulip over the head of the bone screw, the saddle moves proximally over the head simultaneously causing the fingers to move past a maximum diameter of the hemispherical head and upon tightening the rod by a set screw, the fingers locking the bone screw into the tulip.

Abstract: An instrument set (1) for connecting vertebral bodies, comprising a screw (10) which has a screw head (12) and a shaft (14) and can be screwed into a pedicle, a head piece (2) which can be connected polyaxially to the screw (10) for coupling to a rod system (100) and which has a sleeve-shaped tulip (20) having a first insertion opening (21) for insertion of the screw head (12) in an insertion direction (E), and a tool (40), is developed according to the invention in that the head piece (2) has a saddle (30) in the interior region (22) of the tulip (20), the saddle (30) has a receiving region (32) for receiving the screw head (12) in a first end region (31a) that faces the first insertion opening (21a) and a coupling region (35) that can be coupled to the tool (40) in a second end region (31b) opposite the receiving region (32), and the saddle can be moved between a released position (23a), which can be reached by inserting the screw head (12), and a locked position (23b), which can be reached by moving the sc

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation device comprising a bearing and a retaining portion. The bearing defines a bearing internal bore and has a rounded exterior surface, an upper surface, an intermediate surface, and a lower surface, and at least one slot in the bearing extending from the exterior surface to the internal bore. The retaining portion defines a recess shaped to accept the exterior surface of the bearing therein such that in a steady state of the bearing, the bearing can move within the recess, and, when at least one force is imparted against one of the upper and lower surfaces of the bearing, the bearing deforms outwardly to fix the bearing in place within the recess.

Abstract: A system for applying a manipulative force to a target region of a spinal column during a surgical procedure is provided with at least four pedicle screws, at least four elongated levers configured to temporarily engage with the pedicle screws, a linking member configured to link at least two of the elongated levers in a axial direction such that they move in unison, and a cross-linking member configured to link at least two of the elongated levers in a transverse direction such that they move in unison. When the system is assembled, it permits an operator to move the at least four elongated levers in unison to simultaneously rotate the at least four pedicle screws about a spinal column roll axis. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a bone fixation device, an implantation instrument, and system which are useful in bone fixation surgeries. The bone fixation device of the instant invention allows the surgeon the ability to navigate the rod while being inserted into a pedicle screw assembly through a non-linear pathway by incrementally changing the direction of travel as desired.

Abstract: An orthopaedic intramedullary fixation apparatus and system for use in hip and femur facture surgery comprises an intramedullary nail, a dynamic lag screw structure comprising a longitudinal sheath and a lag screw, and securing means to fix the intramedullary nail relative to a femur. A dynamic channel created by the lag screw structure allows the lag screw to adjust dynamically, and thereby may permit further compression of the fractured bone to an optimal level as a patient begins to bear weight on it following surgery. Surgical fixation may be expedited, as a favorable point of access for a lag screw may be determined readily, particularly with obese patients in whom access to the trochanter may be problematic. Complications during surgery, such as accidental fracturing of the femoral neck and head and over-penetration of the lag screw may be avoided.

Abstract: A plate for attaching to an anatomic structure. The plate comprises a top surface opposite a bottom surface. An opening through the top and bottom surfaces is configured to receive a fastener to attach the plate to the anatomic structure. The plate comprises spikes configured to penetrate the anatomic structure. With the fastener, the spikes prevent rotational movement of the body relative to the anatomic structure. The bottom surface is concave between the spikes and defines a space configured to accommodate portions of the anatomic structure. Bone pad surfaces are configured to prevent further penetration of the spikes into the anatomic structure when in contact the same. A tracking device for a surgical navigational system can comprise a tracking head coupled to the plate with a mounting arm. The plate, when attached to the anatomic structure, prevents movement of the tracking device relative to the anatomic structure.

Abstract: A porous bionic internal fixation device for promoting healing of a fractured bone includes a lag screw in a round rod shape, the lag screw is provided with fixation structures at both ends thereof, and on a body of the lag screw, a plurality of apertures directing laterally or obliquely are provided, and densely distributed micro-holes are provided on the body of the lag screw between the adjacent apertures. When in use, the both ends of the lag screw are respectively located in the bone at opposite sides of the fractured bone, so that the longitudinal direction of the apertures is aligned with the direction of the tensile trabeculae or the compressive trabeculae at the fractured bone, and the position of the apertures corresponds to the fractured bone.

Abstract: A biodegradable medical device including at least one biodegradable material and having an initial shape and at least one evolved shape. The evolved shape is different from the initial shape. The initial shape is adapted to change towards the evolved shape due to an external stimulus. The medical device has a tension loaded to a predetermined tension level. The medical device is adapted to resore the tension to the predetermined tension level for at least 2 weeks in physiological conditions, or conditions simulating the physiological conditions.

Abstract: A bone anchoring element comprising a shaft (2) for anchoring in a bone, with a plurality of barb elements (7) arranged in at least one helical line around the shaft axis (M) is described, wherein said barb elements are elastically movable relative to the shaft. The bone anchoring element (1) is easy to press into a core hole bore in a bone. The barb elements (7) act in a similar manner as do the threads on a conventional bone screw and thus provide for depth positioning. Moreover, the barb elements at the same time secure the bone anchoring element and prevent it from sliding-out.

Abstract: A torque-limiting device may include a shaft extending axially through upper and lower shanks and a spring to connect to a nut. The upper and lower shanks may be under a force from the spring and further configured to selectively engage within a predetermined torque limit and disengage at above the predetermined torque limit. Accordingly, the shaft may receive torque up to the predetermined limit as provided by a user operating a handle of the torque-limiting device. The torque-limiting device may be disposable, reusable, economical, and have high torque capabilities.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for cooling a sterile liquid for use in cryotherapy, the apparatus comprising: a first chamber (202) adapted to receive a removable container (201) of sterile liquid and a fluid port for receiving a fluid for applying, in use, pressure to a received removable container (201); and a second chamber (203) comprising a cooler; wherein the first chamber (202) is arranged to be in thermal conductivity with the second chamber (203) such that, in use, the contents of the first chamber (202) are cooled by the cooler of the second chamber (203). Advantageously, embodiments provide a system, heat exchanger unit within the system and method for supplying a sterilised working fluid to a catheter system for cryotherapy, the working fluid being supplied at a desired and easily controllable temperature and flow rate.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in laparoscopic surgical procedures is disclosed that includes an elongated shaped outer shaft having opposed proximal and distal end portions, and having a non-circular cross-sectional profile, an end effector operatively associated with a distal end portion of the shaped outer shaft and including a pair of cooperating jaw members configured for movement between open and closed positions, a proximal handle assembly operatively associated with a proximal end portion of the shaped outer shaft and including a pivoting actuation handle, and an elongated actuation member extending through the shaped outer shaft from the proximal handle assembly to the end effector, whereby movement of the actuation handle causes corresponding movement of the cooperating jaw members.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending from the housing, and an end effector assembly that is disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes a tubular portion, a connection arm, and a toolbox. The tubular portion defines a lumen and the connection arm is extendable from the lumen. The toolbox has a micro-tip that is configured to be selectively secured to a connection tip of the connection arm. The toolbox has a transport configuration where the toolbox is disposed within the lumen and a deployed configuration where the toolbox is disposed entirely outside of the lumen.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method of inducing a high permeability state in a cell membrane and a method for ablating a target tissue wherein the method comprises applying an electroporation pulse to a cell, wherein at a time after the electroporation pulse is applied, a plurality of long lived pores (LLPs) are formed in the cell membrane and the presence of the LLPs causes a change in the cell osmotic pressure difference. The invention also encompasses a method for ablating a target tissue using an electrical pulse regime that induces cell permeabilization and cell death, wherein the primary mechanism of cell death is as a result of electroporation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Radiofrequency surgical instrument comprising at least two dry electrodes (3 and 4, or 3 and 5) and a electrode guiding device (6) comprising a main body (7), having a proximal end (73) and a distal end (74), and at least two insertion holes (8 and 81 or 82) guiding said electrodes (3 and 4, or 3 and 5), said insertion holes (8 and 81 or 82) extending through the body (7).

Abstract: A device for coagulating body tissue contains an electrode arrangement comprising a first electrode group and a second electrode group, both of which have strip-shaped electrodes.

Abstract: A device is described for treating a nasal airway by modifying a property of a nasal tissue of or near a nasal valve of the airway, without using a surgical incision or an implant, to decrease airflow resistance or perceived airflow resistance in the nasal airway. Various embodiments include an elongate shaft, a bipolar radiofrequency delivery member extending from one end of the shaft, and a handle attached to the elongate shaft at an opposite end from the radiofrequency delivery member. The radiofrequency delivery member is sized to be inserted into a nose and configured to at least temporarily deform the nasal tissue and deliver radiofrequency energy. The radiofrequency delivery member includes two rows of protruding electrodes disposed on a tissue contact surface, and the device is configured to deliver radiofrequency energy from one row of electrodes to the other row of electrodes.

Abstract: A mapping ablation catheter is provided comprising: a catheter conduit having a hollow inner space in which a guide member is disposed; a monitoring electrode unit arranged to surround the outer circumferential surface of the distal portion of the catheter conduit and perform a mapping on the lesion region by being in side-contact with a cardiac organ; an ablation electrode unit arranged to be spaced apart from the monitoring electrode unit and surround the outer circumferential surface of the distal portion of the catheter conduit and which removes the lesion region; a plurality of liquid discharge holes arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the ablation electrode; a current application unit which applies current to the monitoring electrode unit and the ablation electrode unit; and a liquid supply unit having a liquid supply tube, one end of the liquid-supply tube connected to the liquid discharge holes in the catheter conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides various embodiments of electrodes and/or electrode tips for use in connection with ablation catheters and ablation catheter systems. In an embodiment, an electrode tip for an ablation catheter is provided, comprising an electrode carrier, a first electrode, and second electrode, each adapted to direct energy is various directions and configured to be selectively activated. In another embodiment, an electrode is provided that comprises an electrode body having an insulated portion to protect adjacent tissue from ablation while further adapted to direct energy in a downward direction towards the target tissue. Other embodiments of electrodes and/or electrode tips providing ablative elements that are directed laterally are also disclosed. Moreover, embodiments of several types of electrodes and/or electrode tips, which may include positioning, orientation, irrigating, cooling, and deflecting features, whether provided individually or in various combinations, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ablation catheter assembly including a source of ablation energy coupled to a lead wire disposed within an elongated catheter shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the lead wire having an electrode disposed at the distal end. The ablation catheter assembly including a flexible tip connected to the distal end of the elongated catheter shaft, and a source of conductive fluid coupled to the flexible tip to direct flow of the conductive fluid into contact with the electrode, wherein the conductive fluid provides a conductive path from the electrode to tissue to be ablated.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods for treating patients with tissue ablation include catheter systems having bi-modal steering mechanisms, which are capable of both linear and loop ablation. In other words, the catheter system may have two different steering modes: two-dimensional and three-dimensional. In the first and second steering modes, the steering actuator may cause one or more portions of the catheter shaft to bend in different planes. A steerable ablation catheter may include treatment elements such as electrodes at its distal end and along the catheter shaft, each of which may map, pace, and ablate.

Abstract: A catheter system can include an electrical adapter and a catheter. The electrical adapter includes a hollow adapter body having a longitudinally extending channel and an electrical terminal positioned within the channel. The electrical adapter can be configured to connect to an energy source. The catheter can include an elongated body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and an electrical connector coupled to the proximal end portion. The electrical connector forms the outer periphery of the catheter along a portion of the longitudinal length of the catheter. The electrical terminal and the electrical connector contact each other when the electrical connector is advanced through the channel to an electrical contact position in the channel, and are isolated from each other when the electrical connector is proximal of the electrical contact position.

Abstract: A triaxial microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The triaxial microwave antenna includes a feedline having an inner conductor, a central conductor disposed about the inner conductor and an outer conductor disposed about the central conductor and a radiating portion including a high frequency radiating section and a low frequency radiating section.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to cut hair using laser light. The apparatus may include a handle portion having a proximal end. The handle portion may include a power source and processing circuitry. The handle portion may also include a laser generator configured to generate a laser light configured to cut hair or fiber shafts. The laser generator is configured to generate laser light having a wavelength selected to target a predetermined chromophore to effectively cut a hair shaft. The apparatus may also include a comb-like portion having a distal end. The comb-like portion may include a heat sink portion conductively coupled to the laser generator. The heat sink portion includes a heat dissipation material configured to change between at least two phases.

Abstract: A medical device may include an ablation device configured to deliver ablation energy to a treatment site. The medical device may further include a probe device configured to deliver excitation radiation to the treatment site. Further the medical device may include a radiation-receiving device configured to receive photoluminescence radiation emitted from the treatment site in response to the treatment site being illuminated by the excitation radiation and to generate a detection signal in response to the received photoluminescence radiation. Additionally, the excitation radiation may be different from the ablation energy.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically selecting an implant for a patient. One system includes a server including an electronic processor and an interface for communicating with at least one data source. The electronic processor is configured to receive at least one image of the patient from the data source over the interface. The electronic processor is also configured to receive an intended location of the implant with reference to the at least one image. The electronic processor is also configured to automatically determine an anatomical structure based on the at least one image. The electronic processor is also configured to determine a preference. The electronic processor is also configured to automatically select one or more suggested implants based on the intended location, the anatomical structure, and the preference. The electronic processor is also configured to display the one or more suggested implants through a graphical user interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for robot-assisted surgery as well as a method for assisting the positioning of a manipulator arm of an apparatus for robot-assisted surgery. An instrument unit is connected to a coupling unit of the manipulator arm. The instrument unit has a surgical instrument with an instrument shaft, the proximal end of which is passable through a body orifice of a patient to a target area. When connecting the instrument unit to the coupling unit the distance vector (V), which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the instrument shaft of the surgical instrument, between the longitudinal axis and the target area defined by the coordinates (xz, yz, zz) is determined. A first control information is generated when the amount of the determined distance vector (V) has and/or falls below a first preset value. An output unit outputs a signal dependent on the first control information.

Abstract: A surgical robot comprising an articulated arm, the arm having a terminal portion comprising: a distal segment having an attachment for a surgical instrument; an intermediate segment; and a basal segment whereby the terminal portion is attached to the remainder of the arm; 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; wherein: the intermediate segment comprises a third articulation permitting relative rotation of the distal segment and the basal segment about third and fourth axes; and the first, second and third articulations are arranged such that in at least one configuration of the third articulation the first and second axes are parallel and the thir

Abstract: An instrument sterile adapter for coupling a surgical instrument and an instrument carriage includes an adapter control surface that extends control features of a control surface of the instrument carriage and receives an instrument control surface of the surgical instrument. A curved surface extends from the adapter control surface. The curved surface receives a corresponding curved surface on the instrument control surface. A bullet portion on the curved surface may engage a bullet receiving feature in the corresponding curved surface on the instrument control surface. A locating pin or slot on the adapter control surface may engage a locating slot or pin on the instrument control surface. The instrument control surface may be supported by landing pads on the adapter control surface. Latch arms on the adapter control surface may engage latch receptacles on the instrument control surface.

Abstract: A cooperatively controlled robotic system includes a main robot assembly, and an arm assembly comprising a proximal end and a distal end. The arm assembly is connected to the main robot assembly at the proximal end. The system also includes a tool assembly connected to the arm assembly at the distal end, a first force sensor between the distal end of the arm assembly and the tool assembly, and a second force sensor between the proximal end of the arm assembly and the main robot assembly. The system includes a control system that is configured to determine a force applied at the first force sensor based on a force detected by the second force sensor, and to compare the determined force to a force detected by the first force sensor to detect a failure of at least one of the first and second force sensors.

Abstract: A teleoperated surgical system has an instrument manipulator that includes a first carriage driver and a second carriage driver that each provide independent rotary motion. Each carriage driver includes a first engagement feature. A surgical instrument includes two instrument drivers that each receive the rotary motion from one of the two carriage drivers. Each instrument driver includes a second engagement feature that engages the first engagement feature to positively couple the carriage driver to the instrument driver. The instrument drivers are rotationally coupled together. A manipulator controller controls rotation of the two carriage drivers and imparts a motion to the second carriage driver that is contrary to the rotation of the first carriage driver until the first engagement features positively engage the second engagement features. The surgical instrument may include an instrument shaft that can rotate indefinitely. The instrument drivers may be rotationally coupled to the instrument shaft.

Abstract: An instrument carriage provides control of a surgical instrument coupled to the instrument carriage. The instrument carriage includes a control surface that is coupled to the surgical instrument to provide the control. A detection pin having a first proximal end that extends from the control surface is coupled to the instrument carriage. A magnet is fixed to a distal end of the detection pin. A carriage controller provides an indication that the surgical instrument is coupled to the instrument carriage when movement of the detection pin causes an output signal from a Hall effect sensor to exceed a threshold value that is stored in the carriage controller as part of a calibration procedure during the assembly of the instrument carriage. Surgical instrument removal may be indicated when detection pin movement causes the output signal to be less than an instrument removal threshold value of less than the instrument threshold value.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for robot-assisted surgery, a positioning device (600, 700) as well as a method for assisting in the positioning of a manipulator arm (16) of an apparatus for robot-assisted surgery. The apparatus comprises a positioning device (600, 700) which is connected to a coupling unit (100) of the manipulator arm (16) instead of an instrument unit (300). The instrument unit (300) has a surgical instrument (500) with an instrument shaft (512), the proximal end (514) of which is passable through a body orifice of a patient (18) to a target area (30).

Abstract: An instrument sterile drape includes a plastic sheet and a pouch sealed to a first opening in the plastic sheet. The pouch is shaped to fit around a carriage that includes actuators. An instrument sterile adapter (ISA) is coupled to a second opening in the pouch. The ISA includes a bottom plate and a top plate located on opposite sides of the pouch and joined together. A stiffener may be coupled to the pouch around the second opening to provide a relatively inelastic area that corresponds to a portion of the pouch that is retained between the bottom plate and the top plate. Portions of the bottom plate may project through the top plate to provide a datum plane to receive a surgical instrument. The ISA may contain loose pins that depress sensing pins in the carriage when a surgical instrument is mounted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human tissue radiation protector with auxiliary method of radiotherapy, wherein said human tissue radiation protector comprises an interconnected expander, a syringe and a marker set onto the expander; said marker is made of radiopaque materials, which could assist the expander in positioning; as well as multiple radiation dosage detector capable of measurement the radiation dosage at different positions of the expander; said method allows to place the expander of the human tissue radiation protector between the tumor and nearby human tissues or organs so as to separate them, and assist the expander in positioning via the marker and measurement the radiation dosage via the radiation dosage detector.

Abstract: A sterile adapter for coupling a surgical instrument and a surgical instrument manipulator includes a bottom component and a coupling component. The bottom component includes a bottom component opening with a bottom lip having a locking mechanism. The coupling component is rotatably coupled to the bottom component. The coupling component includes an engagement feature that engages the surgical instrument manipulator. The coupling component further includes a locking mechanism opening that engages the locking mechanism when the engagement feature has not engaged the surgical instrument manipulator. The coupling component may include a retention tab that is aligned with the keyway to insert the coupling component into the bottom component opening and then misaligned with the keyway to retain the coupling component in the bottom component opening. A ramp may be provided on a leading edge of a pocket to facilitate engaging the coupling component with the surgical instrument manipulator.

Abstract: A trajectory frame for use with surgical navigation systems includes a base having a patient access aperture formed therein. A yoke is mounted to the base and is rotatable about a roll axis. A platform is mounted to the yoke and is rotatable about a pitch axis. An elongated guide is secured to the platform and includes opposite proximal and distal end portions and a bore that extends from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The guide is configured to removably receive various devices therein for quick release therefrom, including an optical tracking probe (which may be a universal tracker) detectable by a camera-based tracking system or an EM probe detectable by an EM navigation system, a microelectrode probe driver adapter, a drill guide and drill bit, skull fixation device and driver, and a catheter guide.

Abstract: A releasable light carrier mounting frame includes an upper portion having a receptacle for receiving a light carrier. One or more clips are attached to the upper portion and engaged with an underlying surgical instrument to secure the light carrier to the surgical instrument.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to dry inks for use in marking the eye prior to surgery and methods of applying the same to eye marking devices. Such inks can include various accepted inks for use on the eye that can be applied to a marking device using relatively fast-evaporating solvents. In this manner, the remaining ink composition can be precisely placed on the eye marking device, and desirably transfer to the marking surface of the eye without dissolving on the journey through the various membranes above the marking surface. Application methods may include use of charged ink particles that may be advantageously manipulated using magnetic fields to even more precisely place the dry ink on a marking device.

Abstract: A multiuse programmable dental device that allows the user to selectively program various fluid delivery regimens and methods of using and programming the irrigator device. The irrigator may also be operated manually, as desired by the operator. Other features, such as selective delivery of various fluids, monitoring fluids levels of the system, and the capability to store previously used regimens within the systems memory, are found in the present invention.

Abstract: A combination includes a dental handpiece and a prophy angle. The dental handpiece includes a nosecone threadably connected to the dental handpiece. The prophy angle includes a proximal body that matingly attaches to the nosecone. A plurality of elongated torque members are formed on each of the prophy angle proximal body and the nosecone. Each of the torque members is a male torque member or a female torque member and each male torque member formed on one of the prophy angle proximal body and the nosecone matingly couples with a female torque member formed on the other of the nosecone and the prophy angle proximal body. The prophy angle, including the plurality of elongated torque members formed on the prophy angle, is formed to also be attachable to a known standard doriot-style nosecone. Other specific features of the handpiece and prophy angle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A container for use with a hand-held device, in particular for dental purposes, for dispensing a pasty filling compound, the viscosity of which can be reduced by supplying vibration energy, wherein the container is designed to receive the pasty filling compound and comprises a discharge opening at the front end for dispensing the filling compound. The discharge opening is formed by a cannula which is made of steel, for example. The viscosity of the filling compound can be positively influenced by the cannula. In this way, in particular a significant increase in the liquefaction degree of the filling compound can be achieved.

Abstract: A dental wedge (10) having a wedge body (11) and a gripping portion (12). The wedge (10) also has a longitudinal axis (13). The body (11) extends from a first end (14) to a second end (15), with the gripping portion (12) attached to the first end (15). The body (11) is constructed of at least two longitudinally extending layers. In one embodiment there are three layers, a first longitudinally extending layer (16), and second longitudinally extending layer (17) and a third longitudinally extending layer (18). The layer (17) is located between the layers (16, 18). (In one embodiment the layers (16, 18) are formed of a softer material than the layer (17). In an alternative embodiment) the layers (16, 18) are formed of a harder material than the material forming the layer (17).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, computing device readable medium, devices, and systems having a dental appliance binding structure. One method can include to create a treatment plan based on a virtual model of a jaw of a patient, wherein the treatment plan includes use of a dental appliance having a first surface that defines a plurality of cavities shaped to receive a plurality of teeth, modify the virtual model of the jaw in a first configuration to include a virtual binding structure on a second surface, the platform shaped to receive a specialized feature that provides one or more force characteristics, select a particular specialized feature as an attachment to the dental appliance, and adjust the virtual model of the jaw from a first configuration to a second configuration, based at least in part on a modeled force provided by the virtual binding structure and the particular specialized feature.