Abstract: A dual tulip assembly has a bone screw and a dual tulip. The dual tulip has a first tulip and a second tulip. Each first and second tulip has a slotted opening for receiving a rod. Each tulip is defined by a pair of sides, one side being common to both first and second tulips. On each side of each slotted opening, the sides have a proximal end with threads for engaging a set screw to secure a rod. The first tulip has an annular tapered distal end with an opening for receiving and securing the bone screw. The second tulip has a base forming a closed distal end. The bone screw has at least a partially hemispherical head. The bone screw has one of the following head shapes; at least partially a hemispherical or spherical head, or any other bulbous head. The dual tulip is a single piece structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a bone screw device including a bone screw with a temporary encasement. In some embodiments, the temporary encasement comprises a biocompatible material that may be an osteoinductive, a hemostatic and or a bacteriocide. Some embodiments include a temporary encasement including a therapeutic. In some embodiments, the temporary encasement comprises a wax. In some embodiments, the screw head is substantially U-shaped. In some embodiments, the screw includes an extension tip extending from the screw shaft. Some embodiments of the invention include a system for percutaneous implantation of a bone screw including a screwdriver shaft rotatably coupled to a screw that includes a temporary encasement. In some embodiments, the screw shaft can be at least partially rotated by the screwdriver shaft. Some further embodiments further include a retractable sleeve at least partially surrounding the screwdriver shaft and the bone screw.

Abstract: An implant including a screw body composed of pure magnesium or a magnesium alloy and having a male thread, and the implant further including an anodized membrane covering an outer surface of the screw body. The male thread has a clearance flank and a pressure flank. The clearance flank faces forward in a traveling direction and the pressure flank faces rearward in the traveling direction during a screwing process of the screw body. The biodegradation period of the anodized membrane on the clearance flank is shorter than the biodegradation period of the anodized membrane on the pressure flank.

Abstract: The risk of bone cement extravasation can be reduced by delivering a calcium-dependent polymerizing sealant into a bone structure prior to delivery of bone cement into that structure. The polymerization of the sealant in response to the calcium within the bone structure can fill cracks and any other potential cement leakage paths, thereby minimizing the potential for subsequent extravasation. The benefits of the use of a calcium-dependent polymerizing sealant can be provided in any procedure involving the use of bone cement, such as spinal fixation, vertebroplasty, and kyphoplasty, among others.

Abstract: A method of treating cancerous lesions with optimized freezing periods at a single freezing temperature and minimal thawing time between freezing periods.

Abstract: The cryoapplicator for minimally invasive surgical cardiac ablation includes a fastening part, an insulation part and an effector tip. A pin is connected with the fastening part on one end, and with the effector tip on the second end. The effector tip is bent by 60° to 90° angle in the side view in relation to pin longitudinal axis, and by 5° to 60° angle in the top view. A thermal insulation cover is located on the pin with the possibility to slide along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A catheter having a cryogenic section at its distal end is provided to perform a neuromodulation of a renal artery. When positioned in the artery, the cryogenic section can be reconfigured from a tube-like configuration into a helical configuration. When in its helical configuration, the cryogenic section makes contact with the inner wall of the renal artery, along a predetermined length, through a 360° pitch. Cryogenic fluid is then introduced into the cryogenic section to neuromodulate the renal artery.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-functional ablation device that encompasses the use of both heat energy and cryogenic energy as integrated into one medical device. In one embodiment, the medical device integrates a heat source such as RF or HIFU in combination with a source of cryogenic energy such that the multi-functional ablation device is a dual thermal ablation device capable of utilizing either energy source alone or in combination.

Abstract: A method for treating a sinus cavity is provided. The method includes the steps of inserting a plasma applicator into a sinus cavity defined in a bone mass, positioning the plasma applicator adjacent a tissue formation, generating a selectively reactive plasma effluent at the plasma applicator and directing the selectively reactive plasma effluent at the tissue formation. The selective nature of the reactive plasma enables treatment of specific targets inside the sinus while minimizing the effect on other tissues. Such treatment includes, but not limited to, sterilization of bacterial colonies, vaporization of unwanted tissues or foreign masses, stimulation of tissues by enriching the content of reactive oxygen and nitrous oxide pathways, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A device for creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula includes a proximal base having a distal tapered end surface and a distal tip connected to the proximal base and movable relative to the proximal base. The distal tip has a proximal tapered end surface. A first heating assembly, including an energized heating element, is disposed on at least one of the distal tapered end surface and the proximal tapered end surface. A second heating assembly, comprising a passive non-energized heat spreader, is disposed on the other one of the distal tapered end surface and the proximal tapered end surface. The distal tapered end surface and the proximal tapered end surface are adapted to contact opposing sides of a tissue portion to create the fistula. The taper of the proximal tapered end surface matches the taper of the distal tapered end surface, so that the two surfaces match one another.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members configured to grasp tissue therebetween. The assembly also includes a thread-like member having a first end coupled to at least one jaw member and a drive member coupled to a second end of the thread-like member. The drive member is configured to position the thread-like member between a first position and a second position, wherein the thread-like member cuts tissue when positioned in the second position.

Abstract: A surgical system includes: a treatment instrument including an insertion tube provided with a power receiver; a trocar including a power transmitter; and a power source device including a power source configured to output electric power to the trocar, wherein the treatment instrument includes a bar code that is an identifier located closer to a distal end of the insertion tube than the power receiver and indicating information of the treatment instrument, an information detector configured to acquire the information of the treatment instrument by detecting the bar code is located on the trocar, and when the inserted treatment instrument is a conforming treatment instrument, a control mode of the power source is shifted from a first standby mode that disables outputting drive power to a second standby mode that enables outputting the drive power.

Abstract: A radiofrequency balloon catheter system to heat and dilate a stenosis site while protecting an intima. The system includes an elastic balloon with its anterior neck covering an inner tube, and the anterior neck has a distal portion fixed to the inner tube and a proximal portion contacted by the inner tube to thereby define a check valve. When an in-balloon solution is suctioned to turn the inside pressure of the balloon to negative, the check valve is closed to deflate the balloon. When the in-balloon solution is injected into the balloon to turn the inside pressure of the balloon to positive, the balloon is inflated and the check valve is opened, thus discharging the solution to the outside via small holes bored through a specific portion of the inner tube that serves as a valve seat.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus, system, and method for managing radio frequency (RF) and ultrasonic signals output by a generator that includes a surgical instrument comprising an RF energy output and an ultrasonic energy output and a circuit configured to receive a combined RF and ultrasonic signal from the generator, where the circuit may be configured to filter frequency content of the combined signal and is configured to provide a first filtered signal to the RF energy output and a second filtered signal to the ultrasonic energy output or the circuit may be configured to switch between outputs of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system comprising a generator and a surgical instrument, wherein the generator is configured to deliver a combined signal comprising a radio frequency (RF) component and an ultrasonic component to the surgical instrument; and the surgical instrument comprises: an RF energy output, an ultrasonic energy output, a circuit configured to steer the RF component to the RF energy output and steer the ultrasonic component to the ultrasonic energy output, wherein the generator is configured to adjust a frequency of the RF component based on a characterization of a circuit component of the circuit.

Abstract: Provided is a method for managing radio frequency (RF) and ultrasonic signals output by a generator that includes a surgical instrument comprising an RF energy output and an ultrasonic energy output and a circuit configured to receive a combined RF and ultrasonic signal from the generator. The method includes receiving a combined radio frequency (RF) and ultrasonic signal from a generator, generating a RF filtered signal by filtering RF frequency content from the combined signal; filtering ultrasonic frequency content from the combined signal; generating an ultrasonic filtered signal; providing the RF filtered signal to the RF energy output; and providing the ultrasonic filtered signal to the ultrasonic energy output.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus, system, and method for managing radio frequency (RF) and ultrasonic signals output by a generator that includes a surgical instrument comprising an RF energy output and an ultrasonic energy output and a circuit configured to receive a combined RF and ultrasonic signal from the generator. The circuit may be configured to isolate a direct current (DC) voltage from the combined RF and ultrasonic signal. The DC voltage may then be used to power various electrical components of the surgical instrument while still providing RF energy and ultrasonic energy for surgical application.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of generating electrical signal waveforms by a generator. The method includes storing phase points of first and second digital electrical signal waveforms in first and second lookup tables. The first and second digital electrical signal waveforms are represented by a predetermined number of phase points that define wave shapes. At each clock cycle, a digital synthesis circuit retrieves phase points from the first and second lookup tables and the digital processing circuit combines phase points from the first and second lookup tables. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuit converts the combined phase point into an analog signal. The analog signal is configured to drive a first and second ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A method of generating electrical signal waveforms. A generator includes a digital processing circuit, a memory circuit in communication with the digital processing circuit defining a lookup table, a digital synthesis circuit in communication with the digital processing circuit and the memory circuit, and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuit. The method includes generating a first and second digital electrical signal waveforms, combining the first and second waveforms to form a combined waveform, modifying the combined waveform to form a modified waveform The peak amplitude of the modified waveform does not exceed a predetermined amplitude value. The method includes generating a second waveform that is a function of the first waveform. The method includes modifying a frequency of the first waveform to form a frequency modified first waveform and combining the frequency modified first and second waveforms to form a combined waveform.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of generating electrical signal waveforms by a generator. The generator includes a processor and a memory in communication with the processor. The memory defines a first and second table. The processor retrieves information from the first table defined in the memory, where the information is associated with a first wave shape of a first electrical signal waveform for performing a surgical procedure. The processor retrieves information from the second table defined in the memory, where the information is associated with a second wave shape of a second electrical signal waveform for performing a surgical procedure. The processor combines the first and second wave shapes to create a combined wave shape of an electrical signal waveform for performing a surgical procedure and the combined wave shape electrical signal waveform for performing a surgical procedure is delivered to a surgical instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multifunctional medical device, apparatus or system that is capable of performing a surgical procedure or operation and also capable of removing or reducing smoke particles generated by the surgical procedure or operation on a subject, the apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes, two of which are configured to be in electrical communication with or being electrically connectable to opposite poles of a source of high voltage dc electricity to ionize, and remove or reduce smoke particles, and at least one of which is also configured to be part of a RE circuit to perform a surgical procedure or operation such as tissue cutting, cauterization, tissue sealing or coagulating at a surgical site on the subject. Also disclosed is a method of employing the above disclosed device, apparatus or system or variations thereof to perform a surgical procedure or operation at a surgical site and to remove or reduce smoke particles generated during the surgical procedure or operation.

Abstract: A method for treating cartilage includes bringing a surgical portion into contact with the cartilage, heating the cartilage to a temperature of 120° C. or higher by the surgical portion and excising an area of the cartilage that has been heated to the temperature of 120° C. or higher by the surgical portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided. The surgical instrument includes a housing. The surgical instrument includes an elongated portion extending distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. An end effector operably couples to the elongated portion. A first pivoting member pivotably couples to a distal end of the elongated portion. The first pivoting member defines a first pivot axis intersecting the longitudinal axis when the first pivoting member is rotated. A distal mounting assembly pivotably couples to the first pivoting member and operably couples to the end effector. The distal mounting assembly defines a second pivot axis intersecting the first pivot axis and the longitudinal axis when the proximal mounting assembly is rotated.

Abstract: Tissue may be cut and extracted from an interior location in a patient's body using a probe or tool which both effects cutting and causes vaporization of a liquid or other fluid to propel the cut tissue through an extraction lumen of the cutting device. The cutting may be achieved using an electrosurgical electrode assembly, including a first electrode on a cutting member and a second electrode within a cutting probe or tool. Thus, over a first cutting portion, radio frequency current may help cut the tissue and over a second or over transition region, the RF current may initiate vaporization of the fluid or other liquid to propel the tissue from the cutting device.

Abstract: The present invention has for object a device (1) for detecting the temperature of the esophagus (E) in cardiac ablation treatments which device, unlike known devices, allows to more securely monitor the temperature of the esophageal lumen, thereby promptly detecting any possible criticality to which the patient (P) may be exposed due to excessively rapid temperature fluctuations.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrodes used in ablation catheter devices, where the electrodes contain two or more thermal sensors at different positions within the electrode that are capable of detecting temperature differences along the external surface of the electrode. In preferred embodiments, the thermal sensors are separated by one or more thermal insulating members and the thermal sensors are positioned near the external surface of the electrode at about the same distance from the end of the electrode, so that temperature measurements can indicate the position of the electrode with respect to the tissue desired to be ablated.

Abstract: The ablation systems, ablation probes, and corresponding methods according to the present disclosure reduce or eliminate energy radiating from an ablation probe into the environment. Some ablation probes include a retractable sheath that shields at least the radiating portion of the ablation probe. The retractable sheath and/or the ablation probe may include conduits through which a fluid may flow to shield the radiating portion and to drive the retractable sheath to an extended state. Other ablation probes include apertures defined in the probe walls through which the fluid can flow to expand a balloon surrounding the radiating portion. Yet other ablation probes include a thermal indicator to indicate the temperature of the ablation probe to a user. The ablation systems include fluid circuits and associated mechanical controls for varying the contents and/or flow rate of the fluid provided to the radiating portion of the ablation probe.

Abstract: A method of directing energy to tissue includes the initial step of positioning an energy applicator for delivery of energy to target tissue. The energy applicator is provided with a surface-contact detection device including one or more optical transmitters and one or more optical receivers. The energy applicator is operably associated with an electrosurgical power generating source. The method also includes the steps of determining whether a radiating portion of the energy applicator is disposed in contact with the target tissue based on a determination of whether optical signals generated by the one or more optical transmitters result in reflected optical signals received at the one or more optical receivers, and if it is determined that the radiating portion of the energy applicator is disposed in contact with tissue, transmitting energy from the electrosurgical power generating source through the radiating portion to the target tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for laser ablation of tissue. The apparatus and methods utilize a laser source coupled to a fiberoptic laser delivery device and a laser driver and control system with features for protection of the laser delivery device, the patient, the operator and other components of the laser treatment system. Advantageously, the laser source may utilize laser diodes operating at approximately 975 nm, 1470 nm, 1535 nm or 1870 nm wavelengths with a laser power output of at least 60 watts, preferably greater than 80 watts and most preferably 120-150 watts or higher. The invention, which has broad medical and industrial applications, is described in relation to a method for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by contact laser ablation of the prostate (C-LAP).

Abstract: A method of delivering light energy to target matter in a mammalian body is described. The method may include inserting at least a portion of a catheter into a patient's vasculature, wherein the catheter comprises an open distal tip, a lumen extending proximally from the open distal tip, and at least one optical fiber within the lumen, wherein the at least one optical fiber has a distal end. The method may include flowing a liquid light guide medium through the open-ended catheter tip, wherein the liquid light guide medium flows beyond the distal end of the at least one optical fiber, wherein the liquid light guide medium comprises a magnesium chloride solution having an ion concentration that is isotonic with blood and tissue. The method may include forming a fluid optical channel with the liquid light guide medium between the catheter and the target matter. Other methods are described.

Abstract: A surgical scalpel handle with an internal chamber and a removable electromagnetic resonance signal generating cartridge and an electromagnetic resonance sensor system is disclosed. A surgical scalpel handle is provided for with an internal chamber comprised of two pieces, a front piece with a blade holder and a back piece and when attached, the front end section and the back end section together comprise an internal cavity. An electromagnetic resonance signal generating cartridge comprising one or more printed circuit boards (PCB) are in electrical contact upon which an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) are mounted and having a magnet; a coil; and capacitor resonant circuit; an elastic member; a pressure sensitive feature; and having power source connections, and a removable power source having power source contacts; and power source connections complete the electrical contact between the electromagnetic signal generating cartridge and the removable power source housed in the internal cavity.

Abstract: A medical system automatically identifies a user based on matching a partial facial image of the user with a database of authorized users. The medical system automatically configures based on the user identification and received patient data. The medical system further automatically identifies a patient based on matching a facial image of the patient with an image of the patient to confirm the correct patient is in the operating room. The medical system still further provides for gaze detection and gesture control by a user such that the user in the sterile environment can directly control devices outside the sterile environment.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing robotic surgery. In general, a surgical system is provided including an electromechanical tool with a first mode of operation in which the electromechanical tool mimics movement of a controller, and a second mode of operation in which the tool mirrors movement of the controller. A hybrid surgical device is also provided including an adapter matable to a handle assembly such that the adapter is electronically coupled to a motor of the handle assembly and is configured to communicate with the motor. A robotic laparoscopic surgical device is also provided including a motion sensor configured to sense movement of an electromechanical tool and an electromechanical arm that assists movement of the tool. A robotic surgical device is also provided including an electromechanical driver associated with a trocar and being configured to rotate and to translate a tool disposed through a passageway.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing robotic surgery. In general, a surgical system is provided including an electromechanical tool with a first mode of operation in which the electromechanical tool mimics movement of a controller, and a second mode of operation in which the tool mirrors movement of the controller. A hybrid surgical device is also provided including an adapter matable to a handle assembly such that the adapter is electronically coupled to a motor of the handle assembly and is configured to communicate with the motor. A robotic laparoscopic surgical device is also provided including a motion sensor configured to sense movement of an electromechanical tool and an electromechanical arm that assists movement of the tool. A robotic surgical device is also provided including an electromechanical driver associated with a trocar and being configured to rotate and to translate a tool disposed through a passageway.

Abstract: The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other.

Abstract: A cannula mount for a surgical system may include a body having an aperture to receive a portion of a cannula. The cannula mount may further include a pivotable clamping arm to engage the portion of the cannula received in the aperture. The clamping arm may include a cam follower surface. The cannula mount may further include a block moveable between a first position and a second position. The block may include a cam surface. The cam surface of the block may engage the cam follower surface of the clamping arm in the first position to actuate the clamping arm to a closed position in which the clamping arm engages the portion of the cannula received in the aperture. The clamping arm may be permitted to move to an open position in which the clamping arm does not engage the cannula when the block is in the second position.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing robotic surgery. In general, a surgical system is provided including an electromechanical tool with a first mode of operation in which the electromechanical tool mimics movement of a controller, and a second mode of operation in which the tool mirrors movement of the controller. A hybrid surgical device is also provided including an adapter matable to a handle assembly such that the adapter is electronically coupled to a motor of the handle assembly and is configured to communicate with the motor. A robotic laparoscopic surgical device is also provided including a motion sensor configured to sense movement of an electromechanical tool and an electromechanical arm that assists movement of the tool. A robotic surgical device is also provided including an electromechanical driver associated with a trocar and being configured to rotate and to translate a tool disposed through a passageway.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing robotic surgery. In general, a surgical system is provided including an electromechanical tool with a first mode of operation in which the electromechanical tool mimics movement of a controller, and a second mode of operation in which the tool mirrors movement of the controller. A hybrid surgical device is also provided including an adapter matable to a handle assembly such that the adapter is electronically coupled to a motor of the handle assembly and is configured to communicate with the motor. A robotic laparoscopic surgical device is also provided including a motion sensor configured to sense movement of an electromechanical tool and an electromechanical arm that assists movement of the tool. A robotic surgical device is also provided including an electromechanical driver associated with a trocar and being configured to rotate and to translate a tool disposed through a passageway.

Abstract: A device for operating a surgical manipulator including, at a distal end of an elongate shaft: a rotational joint that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and a flexing joint that is on a distal-end side of the rotational joint and that can be flexed about an axis that intersects the longitudinal axis. A surgical-manipulator operating device including: a gripping portion that is gripped by an operator; a rotation input portion that is provided with a rotating member attached to the gripping portion in a rotatable manner and with which rotation instructions for the rotational joint are input in accordance with rotational angles of the rotating member; and flexion input portions with which flexion instructions for the flexing joint are input in directions corresponding to fixed circumferential-direction operating positions on the rotating member.

Abstract: A surgical drape for a patient side cart of a teleoperated surgical system may include a body and an attachment device feature. The body may be sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of an arm or main column of the patient side cart. The attachment device feature may be connected to body. The attachment device feature may be configured to install the surgical drape to the arm or main column so as to cover at least a portion of the arm or main column with the surgical drape. The attachment device feature may be detectable by a sensor in an installed position of the surgical drape on the arm or main column. At least one of the main column and the arm may include a sensor to detect an attachment device feature of a surgical drape.

Abstract: A wound closure system and a method of closing a wound are disclosed. The wound closure system includes a plurality of skin anchors mechanically attached to external skin tissue around a periphery of a wound, a line extending between the skin anchors, the line slidably engaged with each skin anchor, and a biasing member that provides tension on the line to draw all of the skin anchors toward the wound. The method of closing a wound includes the steps of attaching a plurality of skin anchors to external skin around a periphery of a wound, extending a line between the skin anchors around substantially the entire periphery of the wound, and providing tension to the line to draw the skin anchors toward the wound.

Abstract: An implantable adjunct for use with a surgical stapling instrument is provided. The implantable adjunct comprises means for allowing a clinician to determine the degree of skew, if any, that the adjunct may experience when implanted into a subject with a surgical stapling instrument. The implantable adjunct comprises one or more reference systems configured to be compared to the staples, the edges of the adjunct, and/or any other adjunct elements by a clinician once the adjunct has been implanted into the subject. The one or more reference systems comprise references that define one or more zones of the adjunct. A clinician can visually determine what zone, or zones, of the adjunct the staples have satisfactorily, and/or unsatisfactorily, purchased the adjunct.

Abstract: A device for guiding electrodes relative to a tissue treatment region. The device can comprise a body have a plurality of passages therethrough. Each passage can axially restrain an electrode positioned therein. When each electrode is axially restrained in a passage, the distal ends of the electrodes can be spaced a predetermined distance apart. Further, the electrodes can be held in a parallel or substantially parallel alignment when axially retained in the passages. The predetermined distance between the electrodes can correspond to a treatment distance in a tissue treatment region and the distal ends of the electrodes can be operably structured to conduct current therebetween when at least one of electrodes is energized by an energy source.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a conductor-less, shape-able surgical lighting system for use in surgical applications in which a medical clinician, once having established a surgical site, can shape the lighting system to selectively illuminate desired volumes of the surgical site. The system includes one or more preselected lengths of an elongate light emitting member formed of a transparent elastomer matrix material having a glass transition temperature of lower than or substantially equal to room temperature to render the elongate light emitting member bendable and shape-able. Embedded in the transparent elastomer matrix material are particles of a transparent material having a refractive index different from a refractive index of the matrix material dispersed in the elastomer matrix material so that light coupled into the elongate light emitting member is scattered and refracted out of the elongate light emitting member along its length.

Abstract: An illuminated suction apparatus including a hand-held surgical device combining a high-performance non-fiber optic optical waveguide with suction. This device is useful in a wide array of surgical procedures including open and minimally invasive orthopedics.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a more easy-to-use projection system including an imaging unit that captures an image of a specific area, which is specified by light excited by light having a predetermined wavelength, in a subject, a projector that projects an image of the specific area by visible light, a controller that controls such that the image of the specific area and associated information associated with the image of the specific area are projected onto the subject, and an optical unit that causes an optical path of the imaging unit with respect to the subject and an optical path of the projector with respect to the subject to coincide with each other.

Abstract: A marker including a support with a front surface and a back surface, a light generating element fixed on the back surface of the support, and a device for fixation of the light generating element on the back surface, wherein the support includes at least three openings placed at predetermined positions on the support, wherein the light generating element is fixed on the back surface of the support by the device for fixation to cover the openings such that the light generating element is detectable through the openings by the tracking system, and wherein the light generating element can be placed or removed or replaced during an operation with the device for fixation.

Abstract: Embodiments of a medical or dental handpiece are disclosed. A medical or dental handpiece may include a rotatable drive element to drive a tool that can be connected to the handpiece, a rotational speed measuring device which is designed to generate a variable electric rotational speed measurement signal assigned to the rotational speed of the drive element, a lighting device that can be supplied with electric power for emitting radiation, in particular visible light, onto a treatment site, and at least one shared electric line, which is provided for transmitting electric power to the illumination device and the rotational speed measurement signal of the rotational speed measurement device. Further a corresponding method for the operation of a medical or dental handpiece is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for treating an orthodontic condition can include receiving patient data, such as through a website, accessing a database having information derived from patient treatments, generating a model of an orthodontic condition defining one or more anatomic features of a set of teeth, identifying a diagnosis of an orthodontic condition and identifying a treatment regimen for the diagnosis. A method can include tagging an anatomic feature with an electronic identifier and automatically generating a tooth setup. A system can include a server and a database, which can include information relating to patient treatments, and a website for receiving patient data. A system can include an electronic model representing anatomic features of a patient's teeth and an application adapted to identify a diagnosis and a treatment regimen for an orthodontic condition, which can include executing artificial intelligence and/or other algorithms.

Abstract: An orthodontic ligature has a decorative member, a ligature member, and an optional sticker member. The decorative member is connected to the ligature member and extents over the ligature member. After the ligature is installed to a bracket, the decorative member can at least partially cover the bracket. The decorative member and/or the optional sticker member can be configured to have various colors, shapes, patterns, etc., so as to provide cosmetic, attractive, and/or protective effects.