Abstract: An instrument (2) for aligning a surgical tool, the instrument (2) comprising, a body portion (4) having a tool guide (90), first and second arms (6), (8) operatively connected to the body portion (4) and adapted to engage a bone, and urging means (10), acting between the body portion (4) and the first and second arms (6), (8), for urging the first and second arms (6), (8) into engagement with a predetermined portion of a bone, thereby clamping the arms (6), (8) onto the bone and aligning the tool guide (90) with the bone.

Abstract: A tissue removal tool for use with an endoscope. The tool includes a loop formed by a piece of wire. The loop is movable between an open position and a closed position. The shape of the loop is defined in the open position by a proximal portion and a distal portion. The piece of wire may have a cross-sectional height in the proximal portion unequal to a cross-sectional height in the distal portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a body assembly and an end effector. The body assembly includes a control module, an orientation sensor communicatively coupled to the control module, and an energy component. The energy component is operable to activate the end effector at a plurality of energy settings. A storage device is communicatively coupled to the control module and includes a plurality of gesture profiles and corresponding energy settings. The control module is configured to set the energy setting of the energy component to a corresponding energy setting in response to a correlation between the output of the orientation sensor and a gesture profile. In some versions, the control module modifies the energy setting based upon output from a force sensor that measures the force on the end effector. The control module may also decrease the energy setting in response to an anomalous acceleration or deceleration detected by an accelerometer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide Dermal Micro-organs (DMOs), methods and apparatuses for harvesting the same. Some embodiments of the invention provide a DMO including a plurality of dermal components, which substantially retain the micro-architecture and three dimensional structure of the dermal tissue from which they are derived. An apparatus for harvesting the DMO may include, according to some exemplary embodiments, a support configuration to support a skin-related tissue structure from which the DMO is to be harvested, and a cutting tool able to separate the DMO to from the skin-related tissue structure. Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a genetically modified dermal micro-organ expressing at least one recombinant gene product. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for implanting a genetically modified DMO.

Abstract: An atherectomy catheter has a shaft having an opening in the side wall, a cutter which is positioned near the opening in the internal space of the shaft and which can move in the axial direction of the shaft, and a distal end portion connected to the distal end of the shaft. The distal end portion has a blade tube connected to the distal end of the shaft by continuing the internal space, a reduced diameter portion connected to the distal end of the blade tube by continuing the internal space, and a distal end tip whose outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end of the blade tube, whose distal end side is projected outward from the distal end of the reduced diameter portion, and whose proximal end side is extended into the internal space of the blade tube through the internal space of the reduced diameter portion.

Abstract: An in-dwelling port for providing repeated entry to a body during and/or after an operation is described. The port may include an external portion secured to a body outside an incision and a collapsible insertion portion that is inserted through the incision. The collapsible portion collapses when no instrument or lumen is present to permit the body to return to substantially a normal profile around the incision.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to applicators designed for controlled in situ delivery of therapeutic films or depots during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A trocar tip protector includes a housing having a first inlet and a second inlet adjacent to each other. The first inlet is configured to receive and frictionally retain a tip of a trocar sleeve. The second inlet is configured to receive and frictionally retain a tip of a trocar obturator. The housing may be formed by extruding a generally tubular structure and then bending the generally tubular structure into a generally U-shaped configuration that positions the trocar sleeve and the trocar obturator substantially parallel relative to each other when the trocar sleeve tip is inserted into the first inlet of the housing and when the trocar obturator tip is inserted into the second inlet of the housing.

Abstract: Uniplanar surgical screw assemblies described include: a fastener including an elongate shaft; a saddle-shaped tulip having a tulip having a bore therethrough dimensioned to allow the distal end of the elongate shaft to pass therethrough, but to prevent passage of the head therethrough; and one or more features for limiting angular movement of the shaft, relative to the tulip, to one plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices and methods generally aimed at spinal surgery. In particular, the disclosed system and associated methods relate to performing spinal fixation with the use of a deformity system.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shaft for anchoring in the bone and a head, a receiving part formed in one piece, and a pressure element formed in one piece. The receiving part has a seat for receiving the head and an outer channel for receiving a rod to be connected to the anchoring element, which is pivotable with respect to the receiving part and can be fixed at an angle by exerting pressure via the pressure element onto the head. The pressure element is movable in the receiving part and includes an inner channel for receiving the rod and a spring element that engages a portion of the receiving part via a detent connection so that the pressure element can be held in a position that allows pivoting of the anchoring element. The spring element is formed by at least a first portion of one of two side walls forming the inner channel, the first portion being spaced apart from a second portion of the one side wall by a slot.

Abstract: A system provides for lateral translational corrective force(s) and/or derotational corrective force(s) on a spinal column and includes highly adaptive hardware for connecting the system to the spinal column, where the hardware facilitates a more natural range of motion within pre-selected limits and application of such lateral translational and/or derotational corrective force(s). The upper and lower vertebral segments retain freedom of movement while an apical or restricted segment is restricted from relative vertebral movement. A central segment controls primary rod roll while the rod is free to change in pitch, yaw and roll at the upper (superior) and lower (inferior) segments.

Abstract: In some embodiments a method comprises disposing an implant into contact with a first bone portion and into contact with a second bone portion, the implant having (1) a first interface configured to receive a restraining member, and (2) a second interface. The method further comprises inserting a portion of the fastener member into the first interface. The method further comprises securing the fastener member such that the first bone portion and the second bone portion are fixed to each other, at least in part by a substance after the securing, at least a portion of the substance disposed through the second interface.

Abstract: An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the longitudinal passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, the actuator assembly contacts camming surfaces of the arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms providing sufficient distraction to open the neural foramen. An insertion instrument is provided for implanting the interspinous process spacer. The system is configured for implantation through a small percutaneous incision employing minimally invasive techniques.

Abstract: A surgical kit for fastening vertebrae via the posterior approach or via the posterolateral approach, comprising: at least one vertebral or pedicle screw, and a fitting tube co-operating with the screw; the fitting tube having two rigid branches, each of the two branches having, on the inside face of its proximal end, at least one shoulder; the kit further comprising a retractable securing insert for securing together the branches; wherein the screw head has at least two longitudinal extensions, extending in the distal direction, each of said extensions being configured to enable said screw head to be inserted into a space of complementary shape formed between the inside surface of the proximal end of one of the rigid branches and the outside surface of the proximal end of said retractable insert, when the retractable insert is fully engaged in the fitting tube.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member including an inner surface defining a passageway. The first member extends between a first end that defines a first opening and a second end that defines a second opening. A second member extends between a first end and a second end. A third member extends between a first end and a second end. The second end of the third member is releasably engageable with the first end of the second member within the passageway such that the first end of the first member prevents passage of the first end of the third member through the first opening and the second end of the first member prevents passage of the second end of the second member through the second opening. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic device can include an intramedullary nail with a longitudinal bore, first and second bone fasteners with sleeves and a cannulated movable member received within the longitudinal bore. The movable member defines first and second guiding bores for receiving respectively the first and second fasteners. Each of the first and second guiding bores includes a pair of opposing deformable elongated strips. Each pair of strips can engage the sleeve of a corresponding bone fastener.

Abstract: An orthopedic plate is specifically configured for use in osteotomies, in which part of the plate extends into a portion of a first bone segment and part is external to the cortical surface of an adjacent bone segment to fix the segments to allow them to fuse. The plate has a first end and a second end where the end which is inserted into the bone has a chamfer and a through hole having a hole axis optionally at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the plate, and which can receive a screw, peg or pin. The second end of the plate includes a locking screw hole and optionally including a compression slot extending in a direction toward a screw hole in the opposing end. Optionally, the non-locking hole has a shroud that forms an arc or portion of a cylinder over the hole. A plate driver having a recess that holds the plate is used to insert the plate into the bone.

Abstract: Novel bone screw and plate assemblies including locking confirmation mechanisms are provided. In certain cases, a locking confirmation mechanism is operably attached to the plate, and comprises a toggling arm having an upper portion, a mid-portion and a lower portion. When a bone screw is positioned in a plate in an unlocked configuration, the locking confirmation mechanism assumes a first position. When the bone screw is positioned in the plate in a locked configuration, this causes the locking confirmation mechanism to pivot and assume a second position. The locking confirmation mechanism thus provides a convenient visual and/or tactile means to assess when the screw is in a locked configuration.

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: A mandibular bone plate can include a body that defines a bone facing surface, an outer surface that is opposite the bone facing surface, and a plurality of bone anchor holes that extend through the body from the bone facing surface to the outer surface. The body can include a chin portion and first and second extension portions that extend from the chin portion such that the bone facing surface of the chin portion faces the inferior surface of the mandible when the mandibular bone plate is attached to the mandible and the bone facing surfaces of the first and second extension portions at least partially face the lingual surface of the mandible when the mandibular bone plate is attached to the mandible.

Abstract: In order to provide the surgeon with means which allow the surgeon to use screws in a gentle and time-efficient manner, particularly in the setting of craniotomy, a surgical screw magazine is proposed comprising a holding device and a plurality of surgical screws, the holding device of said surgical screw magazine comprising a screw-receiving body which comprises for each of the screws a receiving opening in which the screws are at least substantially received, wherein the receiving openings are formed in the screw-receiving body spaced apart a predetermined distance from one another.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring graft to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a bone cavity is created in bone, a graft is partially advanced into the bone cavity, and a hardenable filler material is inserted into the cavity. The hardenable filler material can change from a viscous first state to a harder second state, compressing the graft against the walls of the bone cavity and thereby anchoring the graft within the cavity. The hardenable filler material can be inserted in an open sac, a closed sac, other carriers or housings, or directly into the bone cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating bone, such as vertebral compression fractures are disclosed. A method includes controllably applying energy to a bone cement volume outside of a patient's body to selectively accelerate the polymerization rate of the bone fill material volume prior to introduction into a bone. The method further includes sequentially introducing a plurality of cement carrying structures with the accelerated polymerization rate bone cement volume into the bone. A system for use in the method includes at least one elongated cement-carrying structure sized to carry a bone cement volume therein and an energy source operatively coupleable to the cement-carrying structure. The energy source applies energy to the bone cement volume to selectively accelerate a polymerization rate thereof. An elongated injector insertable into the bone has a passageway that removably receives the elongated cement-carrying structure to allow delivery of the accelerated polymerization rate bone cement into the bone.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for facilitating user-controlled management of webpage elements for dynamic customization of relevant information. In one embodiment and by way of example, a method includes receiving, in real-time, a request for performing one or more tasks relating to dynamic customization of webpage elements relating to a webpage package. The request may be received at a first computing device over a network. The method may further include performing, in real-time, the one or more tasks.

Abstract: A deployment device for a tissue repair system includes a front delivery assembly that is detachable from a base assembly of the deployment device. The front delivery assembly includes at least one prosthesis and at least one driven assembly that actuates the at least one prosthesis. The base assembly includes a driving assembly that may engage the at least one driven assembly of the at least one prosthesis. The front delivery assembly can be rotated so that the position of a prosthesis in the front delivery assembly is moved in and out of alignment with the driving assembly. A kit of parts may be provided that includes a base assembly as well as two or more detachable front delivery assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention is a continuous medical instrument adapter that safely provides a 180-degree torque force during a surgical procedure while accommodating the range of motion of the surgeon's hand during the surgical procedure. The drive mechanism of said adapter is capable of non-lubricated function, enabling it to be used in a medical environment and to be sterilized without loss of function.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for limiting the torque applied to surgical screw during a surgical procedure in which a surgical screw is passed into a vertebra, such as, for example, a spinal fusion procedure. A surgical screw driver is configured to prevent an excessive amount of torque from being delivered to the vertebrae through a surgical screw. When an excessive amount of torque is delivered to the handle of a surgical screw driver, it is prevented from being transmitted to the surgical screw and is thus not delivered to the vertebrae. Excessive force in the form of excessive torque transmitted to a vertebrae may cause a fracture along with possible mispositioning or displacement of a surgical screw.

Abstract: The current invention concerns systems, devices and methods for the ablation of a vessel's wall from the inside, more specifically to implant devices and to the ablation of the wall of one or more pulmonary veins (PV) from the inside, preferably transmural ablation and preferably at the level of the antrum. Hereby, one or more implant devices can be implanted in the vessels and can subsequently be heated by external energy-providing means.

Abstract: A medical device for treating an airway of a patient. The medical device may include an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical device may also include a plurality of conductive elements disposed on a surface of the elongate tubular member. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of conductive elements may be disposed distally of another of the plurality of conductive elements. In addition, each of the plurality of conductive elements may be electrically coupled to a surface of the lumen. The medical device may also include a piston movably disposed within the lumen. The piston may include a distal portion configured to make electrical contact with one or more of the plurality of conductive elements.

Abstract: A system and method for treating an arrhythmia in a heart are provided. The system includes an electronic control unit configured to monitor movement of one or more position sensor over a period of time. The position sensors may, for example, comprise electrodes or coils configured to generate induced voltages and currents in the presence of electromagnetic fields. The positions sensors are in contact with portions of heart tissue and changes in position are representative of motion of that tissue. The electronic control unit is further configured to generate an indicator, responsive to the movements of the sensors over the period of time, of a characteristic of the heart affected by delivery of ablation energy to heart tissue. In this manner, the effectiveness and safety of cardiac tissue ablation for treatment of the arrhythmia can be assessed and a post-ablation therapy regimen determined.

Abstract: A surgical tool assembly for use in electrosurgery includes an elongated sheath movable in a longitudinal direction. The assembly includes a pair of jaws, with each jaw having a plurality of teeth for grasping tissue and a support element supporting the plurality of teeth. The support element is disposed partially within the sheath and extends to a distal end disposed outside of the sheath. The support element includes a first portion extending from the distal end and delineating a first region. The support element further includes a second portion extending from the first portion and delineating a second region. The second portion is curved to engage with the sheath such that the jaws move towards one another as the elongated sheath moves towards the distal end. The teeth extend from the first region into the second region.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to operate on tissue. The apparatus includes an end effector with an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The upper jaw is configured to pivot relative to the lower jaw. The apparatus also includes an electrode cap coupled to either the upper or lower jaw. The electrode cap includes a first electrode surface configured at a first polarity and a second electrode surface configured at a second polarity. The second polarity is opposite to the first polarity. The electrode cap is configured to be applied to tissue such that the electrode cap is operable to deliver bipolar RF energy to the tissue. The electrode cap may be used to selectively weld bleeding tissue in a localized fashion, without having to place the tissue between the jaws, and without having to use an instrument separate from the jaws.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an electrical ablation device, including a first elongate body having an insert and a second elongate body having an electrically insulative sheath that defines a bore. A mating element mates the elongate bodies when at least a portion of the insert is received within the bore. The second elongate body is configured to receive electrical energy from the first elongate body and transmit the electrical energy to an electrode. In certain embodiments, the electrical ablation device may include first and second elongate bodies. The first includes an electrically conductive insert configured to electrically couple to an energy source and apply the electrical energy to tissue, and the second includes an electrically insulative sheath defining a bore configured to receive the insert therethrough and move proximally or distally relative to the insert.

Abstract: Bipolar belt ablation systems and methods for treating patient tissue involve the use of an ablation an ablation apparatus with a plurality of ablation elements carried by a flexible tube structure, a radiofrequency generator capable of delivering a plurality of differing radiofrequency power signals to the ablation elements of the ablation device, wires transmitting the radiofrequency power signals from the radiofrequency generator to the ablation elements, and a control mechanism to enable temperature-based power control to each of the powered ablation elements.

Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes an antenna assembly configured to deliver microwave energy from a power source to tissue and a coolant source operably coupled to the power source and configured to selectively provide fluid to the antenna assembly via a fluid path. The system also includes a controller operably coupled to the power source and a sensor operably coupled to the fluid path and the controller. The sensor is configured to detect fluid flow through the fluid path and the controller is configured to control the energy source based on the detected fluid flow.

Abstract: Embodiments of an actuated cannula seal are disclosed In some embodiments, a cannula seal includes a base portion that engages with a cannula; and a seal portion integrally formed with the base portion, the sealing portion capable of engaging with an instrument shaft, the sealing portion capable of being actuated by an actuator so that the sealing portion is continually in motion relative to the instrument shaft. The actuation of the sealing portion can be accomplished by rotation or vibration of the sealing portion relative to the instrument shaft.

Abstract: A suction cleaning apparatus or suction cleaning horn is a generally cylindrical barrel or sleeve with an insertion cone to control and direct the distal tip of a suction tool into the bore of the barrel. A stylet is secured within the suction cleaning barrel and aligned on the longitudinal axis of the bore such that insertion of the suction tool into the cleaning barrel inserts the stylet into the channel of the suction tool to mechanically clear any obstructions of the suction tool. The distal end of the suction cleaning horn may also include one or more holes or vents to permit cleaning liquid to be drawn into the bore of the cleaning horn and into the suction tool channel to help clear obstructions in the suction tool.

Abstract: An articulating probe, comprises a first mechanism including a first link comprising a first longitudinal axis, a first articulation surface and a first motion-limiting element; and a second link comprising a second longitudinal axis, a second articulation surface and a second motion-limiting element. An articulation joint comprises the first articulation surface and the second articulation surface and constructed and arranged to allow two degree-of-freedom articulation of the second link relative to the first link. A motion resisting assembly comprises the first motion limiting element and the second motion limiting element, wherein the motion resisting assembly is constructed and arranged to resist rotation of the second link about the second longitudinal axis relative to the first longitudinal axis of the first link.

Abstract: An ophthalmic endo-illumination system includes a light source producing a light beam, a beam splitter configured to split the light beam into a first beam provided to a fiber port and a second beam coupled to a monitoring fiber, and an alignment system for aligning the monitoring fiber. The alignment system includes a moveable ferrule housing having the monitoring fiber secured therein and a displacement mechanism for displacing housing in a first direction. The displacement mechanism includes a transfer spring coupled to the housing and a screw actuator having a sloped surface contacting a motion transfer ball such that movement of the screw actuator causes the motion transfer ball to move along the sloped surface, the motion transfer ball contacting the transfer spring such that movement of the motion transfer ball along the sloped surface causes a displacement of the transfer spring, thereby displacing the housing in the first direction.

Abstract: A planning assistance method for correcting joint elements is provided. In accordance with the method, the actual shape of at least one part of the joint element which is of interest is detected. The actual shape is compared with an intended shape, and the comparison data is used to plan the abrasion of joint element parts.

Abstract: A device for forming a cavity in a bone includes a body defining a longitudinal axis, a flange defined on the body having two surfaces that meet an edge that is oriented oblique to the longitudinal axis, serrations defined on an outer surface of the body for forming the cavity, an internal fluid passageway defined within the body for directing fluid to the serrations, and a connector extending from the flange that is configured to be connected to an oscillating dental instrument.

Abstract: A dental irrigation system is provided with a laser source for generating a laser beam and an optical delivery system for the laser beam. The laser beam wavelength ranges from 0.4 ?m to 11.0 ?m. The laser system operates in pulsed operation with pulse sets of 2 to 20 individual pulses of temporally limited pulse length. The pulse sets follow one another with temporal separation. The individual pulses follow one another with pulse repetition rate. The laser system generates at least one vapor bubble within the liquid irradiated with the laser beam. A single pulse causes the vapor bubble to oscillate between a maximal and a minimal volume with a bubble oscillation frequency. The pulse repetition rate within one pulse set is adjusted relative to the bubble oscillation frequency such that synchronization between delivery of the pulses and bubble oscillation is achieved.

Abstract: An instrument holder includes a substantially tubular base body which includes a grip portion and an instrument holding portion. The base body includes a through recess extending over an entire length thereof, and the instrument holding portion includes a front-sided insertion opening designed for insertion of an instrument.

Abstract: A dental instrument includes a head (2) having cutting edges (1) and made of a ceramic material, and a shaft (3) which can be clamped into a driving member and is made of a metal material. The head (2) includes a mounting plug (4) having an external thread (5) and the shaft (3) includes a front-side threaded recess (6) into which the mounting plug (4) can be screwed. At least one locking recess is formed between the mounting plug (4) and the threaded recess (6).

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: A method and system are disclosed for finding virtual tooth features on virtual three-dimensional models of the teeth of patients. The tooth features comprise marginal ridges, cusp tips, contact points, central groove and buccal groove. Tooth axes system plays a key role in identifying the tooth features. An iterative method is disclosed for improving the accuracy of the tooth axes system. A virtual three-dimension model preferably obtained by scanning the dentition of a patient forms the basis for determining the tooth features. Tooth features are derived for all categories of teeth including molars, premolars, canines and front teeth. Tooth features are very helpful and used in planning orthodontic treatment. The tooth features are determined automatically using the computerized techniques; and can be manually adjusted when necessary.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for generating dental data for manufacturing an aligner, the apparatus including: a dental-data generation unit, in which the dental-data generation unit includes a preprocessing module includes a first module that receives data on a current state of the teeth of the patient from a scanner that scans the current state of the teeth of the patient, a second module that generates a state of the teeth of the patient and the vicinity of the teeth as 3D data, based on the data received from the scanner, a third module that sets a central point for dental movement in the 3D data, a fourth module that sets each central reference for a crown, a buccal surface, and a lingual surface of the tooth in the 3D data, and a fifth module that sets a reference for a dental root point in the 3D data.

Abstract: A prosthodontic casting is formed from an implant osseointegrated within a bone and an impression coping coupled with the implant. An impression coping spacer circumscribes a supra-mucosal portion of the impression coping. A relatively high viscosity casting composition is applied to openings in a tray, and then the tray and relatively high viscosity casting composition placed to encompass the supra-mucosal portion of the impression coping and the impression coping spacer. The relatively high viscosity casting composition is at least partially cured, and then the impression coping spacer is extracted from the casting composition. This creates a void about the impression coping. An impression casting composition is then injected into the void and cured to form the prosthodontic casting. The now substantially cured combination casting composition and impression casting composition is removed from the implant, and subsequently used to guide the formation of a dental prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intra-osseous implant for placement in bone of a human or animal body comprising at least one intra-osseous part intended for placement in said bone tissue having an apical side and a cervical side and composed of a body friendly material, which part is provided on its circumferential surface with a thread running in the direction of the apical end; and a support part present at said cervical side of said at least one intra-osseous part intended for supporting a prosthetic element. The invention aims to provide a medical intra-osseous implant and especially a dental intra-osseous implant, which allows an accurate implant position at a desired depth into bone tissue, providing without losing a high degree of primary implant stability.