Abstract: A probe having a temperature sensor on its distal portion is introduced into a fluid-filled body cavity of a subject, and an irrigating fluid passed through the probe. The temperature of the irrigating fluid exiting the probe differs from the temperature of the body cavity. Temperature readings of the irrigating fluid exiting the probe are recorded. A determination is made from the temperature readings that predetermined contact criteria between the probe and the interior wall of the body cavity are satisfied.

Abstract: A surgical referencing guide includes a body having a contact surface and a first foot extending away from the body. The first foot includes a first reference surface having a first area defined by a standard deviation of a first dataset extracted from a database and being comprised of a plurality of first data points each corresponding to an individual bone within a population of bones and each corresponding to a location of a preselected point on the bone within a predetermined coordinate system.

Abstract: A jaw assembly including first and second jaw members configured to clamp tissue therebetween. The first jaw member includes a surface opposing a surface of the second jaw member, a light source, and a light detector. The light source is configured to emit light from an opening defined in the surface of the first jaw member. The light detector is disposed within the opening and is configured to sense properties of light reflected off tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members and to generate signals indicative of the sensed properties of light. A processor is operatively associated with the light detector and is configured to receive the signals from the light detector. The processor is also configured to analyze the signals to determine an attribute of tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members and to provide feedback to a user of the attribute of the tissue.

Abstract: A scanning projection apparatus includes: an irradiation unit that irradiates a biological tissue with detection light; a light detection unit that detects light that is radiated from the tissue irradiated with the detection light; an image generation unit that generates data on an image about the tissue by using a detection result of the light detection unit; and a projection unit including a projection optical system that scans the tissue with visible light on the basis of the data, the projection unit being configured to project the image on the tissue through the scanning with the visible light.

Abstract: A tool setting device includes a base body having longitudinally opposite base top and bottom surfaces laterally bounded by at least one base side surface. At least one setting aperture extends from the base top surface longitudinally downward at least partially through the base body. An elongate setting support slidably fits into a corresponding setting aperture. The setting support includes indicia and a tool engaging feature. A support holding feature is provided for maintaining a longitudinal position of the setting support with respect to the setting aperture. The tool engaging feature is positioned at a predetermined longitudinal distance above the base top surface. The predetermined longitudinal distance bears a direct relationship to the indicia. The tool engaging feature is maintained at the predetermined longitudinal distance through engagement of the setting support with the support holding feature. A method of transferring numerical setting information to a tool is also provided.

Abstract: A medical pendant assembly is disclosed. The medical pendant assembly has an anchor plate that is attachable to a roof structure and a first rotation shaft that includes a shaft outer ring, a shaft inner ring, and a ball spacer sleeve. The ball spacer sleeve is disposed between the shaft outer ring and the shaft inner ring. A lower portion of the shaft outer ring includes a first flange. An upper portion of the shaft outer ring includes a second flange. The second flange of the first rotation shaft is either attached directly to the anchor plate or attached to the anchor plate via an extension assembly. A first arm is attached to the first flange of the first rotation shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a dental drilling template which is adapted to the jaw structure of a patient and which comprises at least one guide channel (5) for guiding a drilling tool, in which said guide channel (5) is arranged, in accordance with positional data, on an impression element (1) comprising a negative impression of the jaw structure. A mounting element (6) which comprises an adaptation element (7) and which is adapted to the required position of the guide channel (5) is produced by machining a material by means of a machining machine and a periodic closed mould mounting structure (10), preferably a closed mould mounting structure (10) in at least two directions is produced on the mounting element (6), during the production in accordance with the positional data.

Abstract: A method for producing blanks for endodontic instruments (1), endodontic instruments (1), and a delivery device. The method comprises the steps of providing at least one rod (2) and machining the at least one rod (2) by a wire erosion such that an erosion pattern (4) is applied to the at least one rod (2). The material eroded away from the at least one rod (2) at least partially deposits as a layer on the at least one rod (2). The layer of the re-deposited material has a surface hardness which substantially corresponds to the hardness of the material of the at least one rod (2).

Abstract: A device, method, and system are provided for aiding in dental treatments. Such devices may include or consist of a dental gum guard. The dental gum guard preferably includes an at least partially arch-shaped flexible drape designed to conform substantially to a gum ridge anatomy. Preferably the dental gum guard has a plurality of holes, such as pre-configured cut-out holes (e.g., of varying diameter). The holes may allow for customized insertion over the teeth. The dental gum guard preferably provides a dry field.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus (1; 10) is designed with at least one orthodontically effective element (4; 12) and at least one holding element (5; 13) for holding the apparatus (1; 10) on the jaw, whereby the apparatus (1;10) is designed in one piece. In a method for producing an orthodontic apparatus, an electronic data set is produced for a three-dimensional model (2) of a jaw to which the apparatus is supposed to be attached. Further, a virtual positioning of one or more orthodontic elements (4; 12) of the apparatus on jaw model (2) takes place. An electronic data set of a three-dimensional model (3; 11) of the apparatus is subsequently produced. The apparatus (1; 10) is then produced by an additive and/or removal production method according to the data set of the apparatus model.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods to plan, display and evaluate orthodontic treatment plans. A plurality of teeth 40, 42 in a representation on a computer display may be moved simultaneously in accordance with a mathematically defined pattern. Software tools available to generate the treatment path may include adjusting the smile teeth, moving teeth along a curve 62 fit to points 66, 68 in the mandible, individually moving a tooth, cross sectioning 74, 76 to check for interference and simulations of occlusal points 112, highlighting teeth 48 that have moved from their original position, making notations 94, 96 on the teeth, and generating and saving animation 152 sequences of before and after treatment tooth positions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to prevent interference between two physical tooth models in a physical dental arch model by acquiring the coordinates of a plurality of points on the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models and digitally representing the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models by a mesh of points in three dimensions using the acquired coordinates. The meshes representing the surfaces of the two physical tooth models intersect at least at one point to form an overlapping portion. The method also includes calculating the depth of the overlapping portion between the two meshes to quantify the interference of the two physical tooth models.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved orthodontic bracket mountable on a tooth surface for use in orthodontic mechanics to facilitate movement of teeth along an arch defined by the shape of an arch wire. This orthodontic bracket appliance of the invention provides reduced resistance to sliding during orthodontic tooth movement by incorporating rotating members within the arch wire channel or tube to reduce friction.

Abstract: The invention relates to orthodontic appliances that simulate the center of resistance in orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic appliance includes at least one bonding pad for attaching said appliance to a corresponding lingual side of a tooth and a netted structure extending in a mesial-distal direction substantially below the at least one bonding pad. The netted structure engages or passes components for delivering force in orthodontic treatment. With aid of the force delivering components engaged or passed in the netted structure, a dentist or a clinician can advantageously simulate the center of resistance in a dentition or a tooth in orthodontic treatment for space closure and/or distalization.

Abstract: An implant structure or parts thereof having a surface composition obtainable through an anodic oxidation process is disclosed. The surface composition comprising titanium oxide in the anatase crystalline phase and at least 90% of the pores have an orifice with a mean inside diagonal distance of less than 0.1 ?m. It is also disclosed an implant system comprising said surface composition and a method of obtaining said surface.

Abstract: A method of taking a dental impression of dentition including conditioning a surface comprising one or more of dentition and a dental appliance by the application thereto of a wetting agent to form a controlled hydrophilic wet film. The wetting agent includes water, a surfactant, a compatibilizing agent and a film stabilizing agent. The controlled hydrophilic wet film is hydrophilic and is formed by brushing the wetting agent onto the dentition. The brushing controls the thickness and hydrophilicity of the controlled hydrophilic film to a thickness and hydrophilicity that is capable of inducing flow of an impression material that comes into contact with the controlled hydrophilic film. The flow is sufficient to flow into sub-gingival places. The film is contacted with a dental impression material selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic and hydrophobic dental impression materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for tooth stain removal is presented. The invention comprises a powered device with a chisel tip at its distal end, a body at its proximal end and an electric motor housed within the body for driving the chisel tip. The chisel tip has a proximal end removably coupled to the body and an exposed distal end along a generally longitudinal axis. The chisel tip comprises a pointed end on a first side for cleaning area between teeth and a broad cleaning surface on a second side for cleaning the main surface of each tooth. The chisel tip operates in a reciprocating motion driven by the electric motor. The reciprocating motion repeatedly moves the chisel tip in a back and forth direction by a finite displacement along the chisel tip's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A nozzle (12) for an oral irrigator device (10) having a guidance tip (34) with at least one orifice (36) at one end, and a nozzle spacer assembly (58) positioned around the at least one orifice (36). The at least one orifice is configured to expel a fluid as one of a jet, a spray, or any combination thereof. The nozzle spacer assembly (58) comprises at least two pairs of pliable spacers (60) that extend from the surface (35) for ensuring that the area at an entrance of an interproximal space between two teeth are treated, and (ii) establishing an improved angle of impact of the fluid expelled from the orifice.

Abstract: A hands-free dental suction assembly having a pad made of an foam material. A pair of slits in spaced parallel relation are cut through an interior portion of the pad. A suction tip is threaded through the slits to connect the suction tip to the pad.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing optical inhomogeneity of a volume scattering object is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a substance coated with phosphorous materials, adapting the substrate to a surface of a volume scattering object to be diagnosed, and trans-illuminating the volume scattering object with radiation. A dental tool including a substrate is also provided. The substrate includes a transparent flexible film or metallic foil with an applied coating of upconversion phosphors, afterglow particles or both.

Abstract: A carbon coated filament cord for marking the sidewall of dental prostheses. The carbon coated filament cord is made up of a strand of filaments having a core and a marking coating placed around a circumference of the core along the length of the strand of filaments. The diameter of both the core and the marking coating is sized to fit within an interproximal spacing between teeth and dental prostheses such as crowns, bridges or onlays. When pressure is applied to the strand from the tooth and adjacent prosthesis, an easily identifiable mark is left on the sidewall of the prosthesis at that position, allowing a dental professional to easily locate the area that requires further work.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved mask apparatus for veterinary applications. The mask may be used for dogs in particular. Most prior art masks are conical. This leads to problems in comfort and effectiveness. The present mask has a cross sectional profile and an opening shaped similar to an animal's muzzle. It has a flat top and a flat bottom, slightly wider than the top, and rounded sides. It also extends backwardly from the top of the opening to the bottom of the opening, so as to comfortably cover the commissure of the animal's lips.

Abstract: A wirelessly controlled inflatable medical implant system includes an external control module and an implantable module. The external control module may transmit wireless power and control signals, which are received by circuitry on a flexible printed circuit board in the implantable module. In response to the received signals, circuitry in the flexible printed circuit board may cause a motor and pump combination to transfer fluid from a reservoir in the implantable device, through tubing, and into inflatable medical implant located in the penis. The flexible printed circuit board, motor, and pump may be placed within the fluid reservoir, which provides a heat sink that prevents overheating of the implant.

Abstract: An inflated implant, such as an attenuation device, previously implanted in a urinary bladder can later be removed according to a number of different methods. Preferably, removal is accomplished transurethrally. In one embodiment, removal is accomplished by reducing the inflated implant from an enlarged profile to a reduced profile so that it may be withdrawn transurethrally by a removal system. The removal system can be configured differently depending upon whether reduction from the enlarged profile to the reduced profile is accomplished by deflation, compression, and/or other ways.

Abstract: The present application relates to method and apparatus for reducing migration and rotation of implantable devices including an expandable element and an elongate portion.

Abstract: A medical device including: a needle that has an inner hole formed so as to penetrate the needle from a distal end to a base end in the longitudinal direction; a medical-fluid supplying section that is connected to the base end of the needle and that supplies, to the inner hole, a medical fluid that hardens when warmed or cooled; a temperature changing member that is provided at the distal end of the needle or in the vicinity of the distal end thereof and that can be warmed or cooled when supplied with energy; and a temperature adjusting section that warms or cools the temperature changing member by supplying the energy to the temperature changing member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filler for removing wrinkles, comprising: a slim and long tubular main body penetrating through the subcutaneous tissue; and a through-hole provided so as to enable the cells of the peripheral tissue of the main body to move to the inside of the main body so as to form a fibrous tissue, the through-hole being formed so as to communicate with a hollow portion formed inside the main body in the longitudinal direction from the outer peripheral surface of the main body. The filler for removing wrinkles according to the present invention is not deformed or moved by the pressure of a skin or external forces after being inserted into the subcutaneous tissue, and can be applied to various body parts having wrinkles, including body parts having deep wrinkles so as to achieve (semi)permanent effects.

Abstract: A tool for driving a helical anchor into a target location, the tool including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion having a handle and an actuator, and a shaft extending distally from the proximal portion, the shaft comprising an outer shaft and an inner rotating shaft that is at least partially concentrically positioned within the outer shaft, the shaft having a length that facilitates accessing a location of a posterior pelvic region, wherein the inner rotating shaft is actuated by movement of the actuator in a predetermined motion.

Abstract: An embolectomy device includes a clot engaging structure comprising a plurality of interconnected struts forming an open cell structure having an inner lumen, wherein the clot engaging structure is biased to expand or otherwise expandable from a radially constrained configuration to a radially expanded configuration when released from a delivery catheter into a blood vessel; and a support structure positioned within the inner lumen of the clot engaging structure, the support structure comprising a plurality of connectors connected to respective struts of the clot engaging structure, wherein the support structure connectors are biased to move or otherwise movable from a radially constrained configuration to a radially expanded configuration to thereby cause or otherwise assist and/or facilitate and maintain expansion of the open cell clot engaging structure.

Abstract: An embolectomy device includes a clot engaging structure comprising a plurality of interconnected struts forming an open cell structure, and further includes an attachment structure configured to advance and retract the clot engaging structure out of, and back into, respectively, the open distal end of a delivery catheter, the attachment structure comprising an elongated support member attached to one or more struts of the clot engaging structure only at locations on each of the respective one or more struts that are distal of a proximal end of the clot engaging structure.

Abstract: A filter with translating hooks is described. The filter can include strut members having first and second struts connected by a connecting portion, A translating hook is disposed adjacent the connecting portion at the strut members, the hook including a first elongate member attached at one end to the first strut and a second elongate member attached at one end to a second strut, the opposite ends of the elongate members connected together to define a tip. The translating hooks are configured to bend toward a central axis of the filter when the filter is in a collapsed configuration for delivery to a blood vessel and recovery from a blood vessel, and away from the central axis of the filter when the filter is in an expanded configuration within a blood vessel such that the hooks engage a vessel wall.

Abstract: Implantable tensile load-bearing grafts having synthetic components stitched through biological components are disclosed. The synthetic components can be biodegradable and/or non-biodegradable and of differing tensile strengths from each other and the biological component. Methods of making the grafts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A visual image processing method is based on received spatial field information (302) from a spatial field sensor (116). A data store (804) is accessed, which contains a sensor map data structure (206) comprising a set of predefined regions (208) within a spatial field corresponding with the information received via the sensor input. Each predefined region is associated in the data structure with one or more of a set of stimuli (204) applicable to a biological visual system, and each stimulus corresponds with a visual percept (210). The spatial field information associated with each region is processed to generate stimulus control information which is applied to select, from within the sensor map data structure, stimuli from the set of stimuli for application to the biological visual system. Output stimulus signals (310) are generated, which are suitable for application to the biological visual system based upon the selected stimuli.

Abstract: Adjustable vision modification using various systems, devices, and processes are provided. Adjustable vision modification may include sensing ocular related physiological activities of a user and making adjustments in an ocular device or ocular system to change the vision of the user. Various sensors and sensor locations may be employed in embodiments to sense or otherwise obtain these physiological activities. Likewise, various ocular devices, ocular processes, and ocular systems may be employed for improving vision.

Abstract: An intraocular lens injector (1) includes: a hollow body having an injector body (5) provided with a lens placement portion (11) on which an intraocular lens is placed, and a screw member (8) with a first threaded portion (8b) formed thereon and connected to a rear end portion of the injector body (5), and rotatable around an axis of the injector body (5) without moving in an axial direction of the injector body; and a moving member (9, 10) having a second threaded portion (9c) that engages with the first threaded portion (8b) from an initial state before use, and configured to release the intraocular lens from a tip of an injection tube 7 by moving in an axial direction of the injector body (5) independently from the screw member (8) due to an engagement of the first threaded portion (8b) and the second threaded portion (9c), during a rotating operation of the screw member (8).

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying an intraocular lens into an eye including a fluid delivery device that includes a fluid passageway extending to a proximal end of the fluid delivery device, the fluid passageway adapted to allow a fluid to flow therethrough from the proximal end of the fluid delivery device to within the fluid passageway, and a side vent that is not an intraocular lens delivery port, the side vent disposed proximal to an intraocular lens and adapted to vent air when fluid flows through the fluid passage, wherein the side vent is adapted to resist the flow of a viscoelastic material therethrough.

Abstract: Described are implants for placing in a body, tools for delivering the implants, and systems and methods for using implants and tools for placing in a body and more particularly to nasal implants, tools for delivering nasal implants, and systems and methods for using such implants and tools. A tool may include a hand-held implant delivery device that cuts, holds, moves, orients, inserts, or shapes an implant. An implant may be a biodegradable, longitudinal implant that may be oriented for implantation by an implant delivery device.

Abstract: Novel bioabsorbable, nasal spreader graft implant devices are disclosed. The devices are useful in rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction surgical procedures, as well as other surgical procedures. The devices have biodegradable core plates and biodegradable spreader plates or tissue ingrowth plates. The plates may have tissue ingrowth properties.

Abstract: Novel bioabsorbable, nasal spreader graft implant devices are disclosed. The devices are useful to rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction surgical procedures, as well as other surgical procedures. The devices have biodegradable core plates and biodegradable spreader plates or tissue ingrowth plates. The plates may have tissue ingrowth properties.

Abstract: Novel bioabsorbable, nasal spreader graft implant devices are disclosed. The devices are useful in rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction surgical procedures, as well as other surgical procedures. The devices have biodegradable core plates and biodegradable spreader plates or tissue ingrowth plates. The plates may have tissue ingrowth properties.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart comprising a tube having proximal and distal ends, and a central lumen, a tubular frame having proximal and distal ends, and a central lumen, the tubular frame, comprising a plurality of radially-extending members, being disposed on an outside wall of the tube, the distal end of the tube being everted around the distal end of the tubular frame and extending proximally along the tubular frame and over the radially-extending members, and a valve member attached to the tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide prosthetic valves having sealing members on the external surface thereof. The prosthetic heart valves of the present invention are preferably delivered by catheter directly through the apex of the heart or by other close range transcatheter delivery methods. Because these methods of implantation require a shorter length of catheter, a prosthetic valve can be more accurately oriented in the desired implantation location. Fluoroscopy can be used to further assist in orientation of the valve. The sealing members of the present invention can be positioned on the prosthetic valve such that, when the prosthetic valve is implanted in a native annulus, each provided sealing member is located adjacent to a commissural point of the native valve leaflets. Because the sealing members are precisely oriented on the prosthetic valve, a physician can ensure that the sealing members are aligned with the commissural points of the native valve leaflets.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical interventional procedures, including approaches to valve implant. In one aspect, the methods and systems involve a modular approach to treatment.

Abstract: Heart valve comprising a crown piece interconnected to leaflets, a top cuff and a bottom cuff; and a medical implant The present invention relates to a heart valve (100), comprising at least two leaflets (101, 101?, 101?); at least one crown piece (111) interconnected to the leaflets (101, 101?, 101?) and intended to be interconnected to a frame (1) of a medical implant or a heart valve assembly; a top cuff (121); and a bottom cuff (131), the crown piece (111), the top cuff (121) and the bottom cuff (131) each being ring-shaped, and each of the top cuff (121) and the bottom cuff (131) being interconnected with the crown piece (111).

Abstract: A prosthetic valve has a support structure that meets with a plurality of leaflets capable of transitioning between open and closed states. The support structure can include a base frame with a polymer coating and the leaflets can be artificial. The interface between the support structure and each leaflet can be at least partially convex when viewed from an exterior of the support structure along a normal to a plane formed by a central axis of the support structure and a central axis of the leaflet.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for percutaneous aortic valve (PAV) replacement and apparatus used therein. A temporary aortic valve including a reversibly expandable occluding means surrounds a central catheter mechanism. The temporary valve is positioned within the ascending aorta, just above and downstream from the coronary ostia. The occluding means is configured such that, when fully expanded against the aortic wall, gaps are left that promote continuous coronary perfusion during the cardiac cycle. The temporary valve substitutes for the function of the native aortic valve during its replacement. The native aortic valve is next dilated, and then ablated through deployment of low profile, elongated, sequentially delivered stents. The stent(s) displace the native tissues and remain within the aortic annulus to receive and provide a structure for retaining the PAV. The PAV is delivered, positioned and deployed within the stent(s) at the aortic annulus with precision and relative ease.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve has an in situ formable support structure. The valve comprises a prosthetic valve, having a base and at least one flow occluder. A first flexible component is incapable of retaining the valve at a functional site in the arterial vasculature. The first component extends proximally of the base of the valve. A second flexible component is incapable of retaining the valve at a functional site in the arterial vasculature. The second component extends distally of the base of the valve. At least one rigidity component combines with at least one of the first and second flexible components to impart sufficient rigidity to the first or second components to retain the valve at the site.

Abstract: A stent (300, 400, 400?) for a prosthetic heart valve includes a body having an inflow end (310, 410) and an outflow end (312, 412), and an anchoring section (340, 440) adjacent the inflow end. The anchoring section may include structure (342, 344, 420) that extends radially outwardly from the body when the stent is in an expanded condition. The stent may include a transition section (370, 470) between the body and the anchoring section, the transition section in the expanded condition of the stent having a diameter that is smaller than the diameters of the body and the anchoring section. When implanted into a native valve annulus, such as the mitral valve annulus, the anchoring section may help the stent resist migrating away from the native valve annulus.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent including a plurality of struts forming cells, the stent having a proximal end, a distal end, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end, an aortic section adjacent the distal end, and a transition section disposed between the annulus section and the aortic section, the aortic section having a larger diameter than the annulus section. The heart valve further includes a valve assembly disposed entirely in the annulus section of the stent for controlling the flow of blood through the stent, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets, and a cuff, the cuff being disposed on a surface of the stent and extending fully over at least two rows of cells of the stent.

Abstract: A collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a stent and a valve assembly. The stent includes an annulus section and at least one foldable section. The stent is movable between an unfolded condition in which the foldable section is longitudinally spaced from the annulus section, and a folded condition in which the foldable section is at least partially positioned radially adjacent the annulus section. The valve assembly is positioned within the annulus section of the stent in the folded condition of the stent.