Abstract: Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways.

Abstract: In the present invention, a system and method for determining the orthogonality and applied force vector of an ablation catheter includes the steps of providing an electrophysiology system including an RF generator, a processor operably connected to the RF generator, a display operably connected to the processor and an ablation catheter operably connected to the RF generator and the processor, the catheter including an ablation electrode disposed opposite the RF generator and a number of microelectrodes disposed on and electrically isolated from the ablation electrode, the processor configured to compare data signals obtained from the microelectrodes with one another to derive a difference value for each pair of data signals, obtaining data signals from the microelectrodes, comparing the data signals from microelectrode pairs to determine difference values and generating a visual representation on the display of the orthogonality and applied force vector of the ablation electrode using the difference values.

Abstract: Methods and systems for combining ablation therapy with navigation of the ablation device. An ablation system may be configured for use with one of two methods to prevent loss of navigation signals during ablation energy delivery. In the first method, ablation energy signals are filtered from the navigation signal. In the second method, the delivery of ablation energy is sequenced with the delivery of navigation energy such that ablation energy and navigation energy are not delivered at the same time and navigation signals received by the system are time-division multiplexed to reconstruct the navigation signals and determine a location of the device within the patient.

Abstract: Devices and methods that regulate the innervation of the kidney by detection and modification of the aorticorenal ganglion. Devices for percutaneous detection and treatment of the aorticorenal ganglion via a blood vessel to modify renal sympathetic activity.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for to determining a blood supply and blood demand. One method includes receiving a patient-specific model of vessel geometry of at least a portion of a coronary artery, wherein the model is based on patient-specific image data of at least a portion of a patient's heart having myocardium; determining a coronary blood supply based on the patient-specific model; determining at least a portion of the myocardium corresponding to the coronary artery; determining a myocardial blood demand based on either a mass or a volume of the portion of the myocardium, or based on perfusion imaging of the portion of the myocardium; and determining a relationship between the coronary blood supply and the myocardial blood demand.

Abstract: A device for use in joint replacement surgery is disclosed, the device may comprise a patient-specific jig having a body formed using three dimensional data corresponding to a first resection surface of a bone of a patient according to a preoperative plan. The body may also include a first bone facing surface configured to match the first resection surface of the bone of the patient according to the three dimensional data and an alignment perimeter sized and shaped to match a perimeter of the resection surface of the bone of the patient according to the three dimensional data.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus, system and methodology are provided that may be utilized to treat a plurality of medical conditions. A robotic apparatus may be utilized in the treatment of a medical condition or to assist a medical professional in a surgical procedure. Additionally, the robotic apparatus and system may be utilized during a surgical procedure to provide guidance and to narrow the margin of error. In an exemplary embodiment, a scan may first be performed on a patient to determine a plurality of surgically necessary characteristics, such as bone density, locations, and the like. A virtual treatment plan may be provided by the system. An active and/or passive robotic apparatus may be provided to assist in the surgical technique. The robotic apparatus may be an active robotic which includes surgical tools whereby the medical professional may perform the surgical technique with the assistance of the active robotic apparatus.

Abstract: A wireless handheld user input device may be moved within six degrees of freedom in order to generate position data that describes the position and angular orientation of the user input device within three-dimensional space. Position data is received by a position management device and is interpreted to reduce the input data from six degrees of freedom down to a number of degrees of freedom that is supported by a surgical instrument adapted to be manipulated by a robotic surgical system. Position data is interpreted by taking raw overlap data showing the change from a baseline position to a current position and correcting it to zero out inputs for unsupported degrees of freedom that do not exceed a device or device portion specific threshold. The converted overlap data may then be used to generate new joint target positions, which may be communicated to the robotic surgical system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging apparatus for imaging a first object (10) like a tip of a catheter within a second object being, for instance, a vascular structure of a person. A three-dimensional representation of the second object including a representation of a surface (23) of the second object and the position of the first object relative to the position of the second object are provided, and a projection (22) of the first object onto the representation of the surface of the second object is determined and shown to a user like a physician on a display. The three-dimensional spatial relationship between the first object and the second object is thereby shown in a way that is very native for the user, i.e. a visualization can be provided, which allows the user to easily and accurately grasp the three-dimensional spatial relationship between the first object and the second object.

Abstract: Scenes captured with an endoscope (201) of a teleoperated surgical system (200) and displayed on a display unit (251) maintain a consistent brightness even though optical output power of an illuminator (210) changes, and working distance (204) between tissue (203) and the distal tip of the endoscope changes. Teleoperated surgical system (200) also automatically detects when endoscope (201) contacts tissue (203) and adjusts the output optical power of illuminator (210) so that tissue damage does not occur.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a robotic surgical assembly and a control assembly. The robotic surgical assembly includes a robotic actuation assembly, a processing device, and a first communication device. The robotic actuation assembly includes a robotic arm. The processing device is configured to instruct the robotic actuation assembly to perform a task based on a set of instructions. The first communication device is operable to transfer the set of instructions to the processing device. The control assembly includes a second communication device and a user input device. The second communication device is operable to communicate the set of instructions to the first communication device. The user input device assembly is configured to generate the set of instructions and send the set of instruction to the second communication device. At least a portion of the instructions are based on positioning of the user input device within three-dimensional space.

Abstract: A robotic surgical apparatus includes at least two tubes having a nested, concentric configuration with an inner tube positioned in an outer tube. The tubes are configured to deliver surgical therapy. A first tube carrier connected to the outer tube and a second tube carrier connected to the inner tube. The first tube carrier and its associated outer tube and the second tube carrier and its associated inner tube form a robotic arm assembly. An actuator for actuating the robotic arm assembly is configured to receive the robotic arm assembly via a tube insertion interface into which the robotic arm assembly can be inserted.

Abstract: A surgical instrument support arm of a teleoperated patient side cart may include a first arm portion including a first connector end and a second a second arm portion including a second connector end. The second arm portion may be removably connectable to the first arm portion via mating engagement of the first and second connector ends. The first and second connector ends may each include complementary mechanical connections and complementary electrical connections. At least one of the electrical connections of the first and second connector ends may include electrical shielding to protect against electrical interference in a position in which the electrical connections are matingly engaged. The electrical shielding may be configured to axially compress when the electrical connections of the first and second connector ends are matingly engaged.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling manipulator movements at joint range of motion limits are provided. In one aspect, methods include locking one or more joints of the manipulator when the one or more joints hit a respective joint limit by modifying an input into a Jacobian of the manipulator when calculating joint movement of a master control using inverse kinematics to provide improved, more intuitive force feedback through the master control. In some embodiments, scaling and weighting between different joint movements is applied within the inverse kinematics. In another aspect, methods include applying a constraint within the inverse kinematics so that calculated movement of the joints approach joint movements of an identical kinematic chain with applied loads within an isolated physical system.

Abstract: A surgical system having a patient side cart having at least one telesurgically operated instrument, the at least one telesurgically operated instrument comprising a surgical end effector having a plurality of effector components. A transmission is coupled to a motor. The drive train includes at least a first effector drive train and a second effector drivetrain. A controller comprises at least one processor for controlling the transmission. The controller is performs a method by locking an output gear of the second effector drivetrain rotating a camshaft to shift coupling of the motor from the first effector drivetrain to the second effector drivetrain; determining that the output gear is aligned by driving the locked output gear using a first torque; determining that the output gear is properly braked by driving the locked output gear using a second torque; disengaging the lock from the output gear; and driving the second effector drivetrain using the motor.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for providing commanded movement of an end effector of a manipulator while providing a desired movement of one or more joints of the manipulator. Methods include calculating weighted joint velocities using a weighting matrix within the joint space to anisotropically emphasize joint movement within a null-space to provide the desired movement of a first set of joints. Methods may include calculating joint velocities that achieve the desired end effector movement using a pseudo-inverse solution and adjusting the calculated joint velocities using a potential function gradient within the joint space corresponding to the desired movement of the first set of joints. Methods may include use of a weighted pseudo-inverse solution and also an augmented Jacobian solution. One or more auxiliary movements may also be provided using joint velocities calculated from the pseudo-inverse solution. Various configurations for systems utilizing such methods are provided herein.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for reconfiguring a surgical manipulator by moving the manipulator within a null-space of a kinematic Jacobian of the manipulator arm. In one aspect, in response to receiving a reconfiguration command, the system drives a first set of joints and calculates velocities of the plurality of joints to be within a null-space. The joints are driven according to the reconfiguration command and the calculated movement so as to maintain a desired state of the end effector or a remote center about which an instrument shaft pivots. In another aspect, the joints are also driven according to a calculated end effector or remote center displacing velocities within a null-perpendicular-space of the Jacobian so as to effect the desired reconfiguration concurrently with a desired movement of the end effector or remote center.

Abstract: The invention provides an articulating mechanism useful, for example, for remote manipulation of various surgical instruments and diagnostic tools within, or to, regions of the body. Movement of segments at the proximal end of the mechanism results in a corresponding, relative movement of segments at the distal end of the mechanism. The proximal and distal segments are connected by a set of cables in such a fashion that each proximal segment forms a discrete pair with a distal segment. This configuration allows each segment pair to move independently of one another and also permits the articulating mechanism to undergo complex movements and adopt complex configurations. The articulating mechanisms may also be combined in such a way to remotely mimic finger movements for manipulation of an object or body tissue.

Abstract: A medical navigation system is provided for controlling medical equipment during a medical procedure. The medical navigation system includes a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an RFID sensor for detecting the passive RFID tag, a controller coupled to the RFID sensor, and a robotic arm having an end effector and controlled by the controller. The RFID sensor provides a signal to the controller indicating presence of an activated passive RFID tag. The passive RFID tag has an antenna, an RFID circuit, and a switching device coupled to the RFID circuit for activating the passive RFID tag. The passive RFID tag is used to control a payload attached to the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical covering cinch that improves visibility during a surgery. The cinch makes use of a drape, a pair of fasteners, a cable system, and a surgical access hole. The drape is used to cover the body of a patient. The surgical access hole passes through the center of the drape. The pair of fasteners are mounted onto opposite edges of the drape. The cable system is connected to the fasteners and enables a user to move them as desired. By attaching the pair of fasteners to the drape and tensioning the cable system, a user is able to cinch the drape around the body of a patient to improve visualization and patient temperature regulation.

Abstract: Packaging sleeve for medical purposes for storing sterile objects (25, 45), consisting of at least one outer sleeve (2) that is open at one end and can be sealed with a sealing closure (10) and has an inner sleeve (12) accommodated in it with a clamping effect, wherein the inner sleeve (12) is accommodated in a clamping seating in a receiving opening (15) in the sealing closure (10) on the bottom side of the outer sleeve (2) and the clamping seat thereby formed presses the sealing ribs (7, 55, 56, 59) arranged on the outside circumference of the sealing closure (10) against the inside of the outer sleeve (2) under increased contact pressure (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A sterile surgical tray includes structure for receiving a plurality of surgical instruments. The sterile surgical tray also may include electrical input and output connectors attached to tray.

Abstract: The illumination system described below comprises an arthroscope, endoscope or other suitable surgical tool and an attachable cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating the surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise be used for the optics of the arthroscope. The arthroscopic illumination system further comprises one or more illumination sources disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at the hub or other appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location.

Abstract: The illumination system described below comprises an arthroscope, endoscope or other suitable surgical tool and an attachable cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating the surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise be used for the optics of the arthroscope. The arthroscopic illumination system further comprises one or more illumination sources disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at the hub or other appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location.

Abstract: A wireless marker including a magnetic transponder employs a high-Z material to improve the visibility of the marker in radiographic images and the electrical performance of the marker for tracking with a tracking system. The magnetic transponder includes a ferromagnetic core and a coil of a conductive wire comprising the high-Z material around the ferromagnetic core. The magnetic transponder generates a wirelessly transmitted magnetic field in response to wirelessly transmitted excitation energy.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, devices, assemblies, and methods for localization of a tag in a tissue of a patient. For example, provided herein are systems, devices, and methods employing a detection component that is attached to or integrated with a surgical device, where the detection component detects a signal from a tag in a patient, where the tag is activated by remote introduction of a magnetic field.

Abstract: A kit for performing a reduced radiation percutaneous procedure is provided. The kit includes a needle access device having a needle connected to a hub portion having an opaque cap portion, a non-opaque body portion positioned between the opaque cap portion and the needle, and a channel extending through the opaque cap portion; a sticker having an adhesive side adapted to adhere to the skin of a patient, and a display surface opposite the adhesive side configured to enhance visualization of the sticker in low light; and a guidewire having a floppy portion with a distal end, an intermediate region connected to the floppy portion, such that the intermediate region is less floppy than the floppy portion; and an ultrasonic-profile-enhancing feature disposed within 3 centimeters of the distal end of the floppy portion.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, devices, assemblies, and methods for localization of a tag in a tissue of a patient. For example, provided herein are systems, devices, and methods employing an implantable tag that emits sidebands at defined frequencies upon activation by a magnetic field generated by a remote activating device, and a plurality of witness stations configured to detect such sidebands. Also provided herein are herein are systems, devices, and methods employing a detection component that is attached to or integrated with a surgical device.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, method for cleaning and maintaining a medical, in particular dental, treatment instrument is provided, in which the instrument is cleaned with the aid of a cleaning agent (I) and is subsequently maintained by means of an oil-containing maintenance agent (V). In this connection, prior to supplying the oil-containing maintenance agent (V) in the first instance the cleaning agent is substantially completely removed in a rinsing step (III). As a result of the removal of the cleaning agent, it is possible to achieve a situation where the oil-containing maintenance agent can have a better effect. In particular, it is thus possible to reduce the risk that residues of the cleaning agent, which are still located in the interior of the treatment instrument after the cleaning process, negatively impair effective lubrication at sliding and bearing points of the treatment instrument by the oil-containing maintenance agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides assemblies, kits, and methods including a compressible material. Optionally, a hardenable dental composition (e.g., an adhesive or primer) is in contact with the compressible material for bonding a dental article (e.g., an orthodontic appliance) to a tooth structure. Removal of excess hardenable and/or hardened dental composition, if desired, can be facilitated for embodiments in which the hardenable dental composition is an unfilled or a lightly filled composition.

Abstract: An articulator for dental use includes a first base, a second base coupled to the first base, and an occlusion pin configured to couple the first base and the second base in a closed position. The first base includes a first base body including a first groove configured to receive plaster, a first hinge portion configured to extend outwardly from one end of the first base body, and a plurality of pin holes. The second base includes a second base body including a second groove configured to receive the plaster, a second hinge portion configured to extend outwardly from one end of the second base body, and a plurality of guide pin holes. The second hinge portion is configured to couple to the first hinge portion via the occlusion pin in the closed position.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of designing a dental restoration component, including: receiving a set of design dimensional constraints which must be satisfied for the dental restoration component; receiving a set of design parameters for the dental restoration component; receiving a definition for a penalty function which takes into account at least more than one of said design parameters and which signals a constraint being reached when the value of any of said parameters violates a constraint; and using the penalty function, assigning a value to each of said design parameters for the dental restoration component, consistent with the constraints for said component.

Abstract: This toothbrush is intended to create healthy gums while cleaning teeth. This toothbrush with its unique combination of bush geometry, specific rotational directions, and brush movement from gums to teeth crowns, will not loosen gums and will correctly position gums as the brush rotational motion and brush movement is always in the direction of gum growth, from gums to teeth crowns. All present toothbrushes, electric and manual on the market, tend to loosen gums as they brush across the direction of gum growth causing loose gums, receding gums, sensitive teeth, gum-line cavities, diseases as gingivitis, loss of teeth. When a dentist and/or hygienist clean under gums, or when a dentist does gum-line fillings, tooth extractions, tooth implants, and receding gum repair, gums need correct alignment to be maintained for a period of time while gums reattach.

Abstract: A brush head assembly (100) including: a hard platen (24); a plurality of bristle tufts (21), each of which includes a plurality of bristle strands having a proximal end (23) and a free end (25); and an elastomeric matrix (30) bonded to the hard platen, where each of the bristle tufts is bonded directly to the elastomeric matrix without a retention element. A brush head assembly (100) includes: a hard platen (24) with a plurality of bristle tuft holes (28); a plurality of bristle tufts (21), each of which includes a plurality of bristle strands having a proximal end (23) and a free end (25), where each of the plurality of bristle tufts are inserted into a respective one of the bristle tuft holes; and an elastomeric matrix (30) that at least partially encompasses the hard platen and the proximal end of the bristle tufts.

Abstract: A method (200) for manufacturing a brush head (100). The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of polypropylene bristle tuft retention rings (50), and inserting a respective nylon bristle tuft (21) into each of the bristle tuft retention rings. Heat is applied to each bristle tuft proximal end (23) at a temperature sufficient to at least partially melt the bristle tuft proximal end and create a proximal head portion (26). The platen (42) of the brush head is positioned in relation to the retaining rings (50) and proximal head portions (26) to define a space (92) in relation to the proximal head portions for injection of a thermoplastic elastomer, and the thermoplastic elastomer is injected into the space to create an elastomeric matrix (30) that at least partially encompasses the neck and the proximal head portions.

Abstract: A urinary prosthesis can include an elongate tube that can extend from outside a patient's body, through the patient's urethra, and into the patient's bladder. A funnel can be coupled to a terminal end portion of the elongate tube, and can be positioned inside the patient's bladder so that a surface of the funnel contacts tissue within the patient's bladder surrounding the patient's urethra across a full 360° contact profile.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing a joint according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, fixating at least one suture inside a joint space, retrieving the at least one suture from inside the joint space, passing the at least one suture through a graft at a location external to the joint space, shuttling the graft into the joint space and fixating the graft using the at least one suture.

Abstract: Corneal implant applicator devices and methods of using. In some embodiments they include an implant applicator and an implant support, wherein the implant applicator and implant support are disposed relative to one another to form an implant nest that is adapted to house a corneal implant; wherein the applicator has a greater affinity for the corneal implant than the support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heart valve assembly (1000), comprising a frame (1) and a heart valve (100), wherein the frame (1) supports the heart valve (100) or is interconnected thereto, preferably by sewing or sewing alone, the frame (1) comprising at least a first guiding structure (2a) for guiding at least one tension thread (5) for folding and/or unfolding the frame (1) around or along the frame (1), preferably at an outside or an outer circumference of the guiding structure (2a), wherein the heart valve (100), comprises at least two leaflets (101, 101?, 101?); an interconnecting tissue (301) interconnecting the leaflets (101, 101?, 101?) with the frame; wherein the interconnecting tissue (301) or parts thereof, respectively, is interconnected to at least one of the guiding structures (2a, 2b) such that it covers the guiding structure (2a, 2b) or parts thereof at an inner circumference of the guiding structure (2a, 2b) and such that it also covers at least both an upper part (2c) and a lower part

Abstract: Heart valve assembly systems and methods configured for medical interventional procedures. In one aspect, the methods and systems involve a modular approach to treatment.

Abstract: Embodiments of a prosthetic heart valve comprise an annular main body, an atrial cap extending radially outwardly from the atrial end of the main body, and a plurality of ventricular anchors extending outwardly from the ventricular end of the main body. Each ventricular anchor can have a proximal end portion connected to the ventricular end, an intermediate portion extending away from the atrial end and then back toward the atrial so as to define a first bend, and a free distal end portion that extends from the intermediate portion. The distal end portion can comprise a first section, a second section, and a second bend between the first and second sections, the first section extending from the intermediate portion in a direction toward the atrial end and radially away from the main body.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for fine adjustment of a prosthetic valve device and a method of adjusting the position of a prosthetic valve after implantation. The adjustment mechanism includes complementary structures on a valve member and device frame that cooperate to provide relative axial and/or angular motion between the valve member and device frame (and thus the native vessel). The adjustment mechanism of the invention may also include a means for selectively maintaining the relative position of the valve member and device frame. The device and method are particularly applicable for use with a modular prosthetic valve device that is assembled in the body lumen.

Abstract: A delivery device for a stented heart valve comprises a handle, an elongate shaft extending from a distal end of the handle, and a conical housing having a proximal end coupled to the elongate shaft and an open distal end, the conical housing having a conical lumen therein with a first internal diameter adjacent to the proximal end of the conical housing and a larger second internal diameter adjacent to the open distal end of the conical housing.

Abstract: A prosthesic valve for implantation in a body duct that can cover a range of target sizes by a single device. The valve comprises of three main elements: 1) a support cylindrical frame structure that can be collapsed to a small diameter for insertion into the body and that can expand to a large diameter when positioned in the target implantation site, the expansion of the frame being limited by the native valve diameter, which the valve is implanted within. In some cases this may be self-expandable; 2) A frustoconical leaflet support frame that has an inflow side and an outflow side.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward centrally-opening leaflet support devices having a frame and one or more support leaflets coupled to the frame forming a hinge where coupled. The described support leaflets have one or more stiffer regions that facilitate the function of a support leaflet to decrease or prevent prolapse of a native valve leaflet. Methods of making and using such valve devices are also described amongst others.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reshaping the left ventricle to a more conical shape to counter the effects of dilation, thereby improving pumping efficiency. In an exemplary embodiment, a reshaping apparatus comprises an implantable body that can be delivered to a dilated left ventricle via the patient's vasculature in a minimally-invasive procedure. When deployed inside the left ventricle, the implantable body applies a longitudinal (downward) force against the inner surface of the left ventricle, thereby causing the left ventricle to distend or elongate downwardly. The implantable body preferably includes an anchor which is deployed adjacent the mitral valve for maintaining the longitudinal force against the inner surface of the left ventricle.

Abstract: An implantable penile prosthetic has a fluid distribution manifold connected between and in fluid communication with a cylinder and a base. Both of the cylinder and the base are expandable by liquid inflation.

Abstract: An implant device identifiable after implantation is provided. The implant device includes a spinal interbody implant including an implant body including at least one orientation marker rod. Each of the at least one orientation marker rod has a series of physical encodings discernible by an imaging system. The physical encodings encode a respective set of data.

Abstract: This glenoidal component for a shoulder prosthesis comprises a base which may be immobilized on the glenoid cavity of a shoulder, and an element provided to be mounted on this base and forming a convex surface of articulation centred on an axis of symmetry. This axis of symmetry is non perpendicular to a rear face of the base intended to abut against the glenoid cavity, this making it possible to compensate a defect in parallelism between the resectioned surface of the glenoid cavity and the axis of the patient's spinal column. A surgeon can select the component in which the axes of symmetry of the components are oriented differently with respect to their rear faces.

Abstract: An implant comprising a porous microstructure is disclosed which has an external surface, where at least a region of the external surface is formed of the porous microstructure. The microstructure is defined by at least one lattice of cells. Each cell has a predetermined cell topology and a plurality of edges. One or more of the edges of each cell connect to an adjacent cell along a corresponding edge thereof. Collectively, the cells have a periodic or aperiodic arrangement within the at least one lattice.