Abstract: An implant assembly and a method of assembling the same are provided, the implant assembly including a receiver extending along a central longitudinal axis between a proximal end and an opposite distal end, the receiver including a distal portion defining a receptacle opening at the distal end and a pair of arms extending from the distal portion along the central longitudinal axis on opposite sides of a passage with the passage opening at opposite sides of the receiver, a bone anchor including a distal bone engaging portion and a head at a proximal end of the distal bone engaging portion, the head being positioned in the receptacle with the bone engaging portion in a selected orientation relative to the central longitudinal axis of the receiver and a connector member configured to form a rigid interface between the receiver and the head of the bone anchor thereby providing torque transfer throughout the implant assembly.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device includes a fastener affixable to a vertebral body and an attachment member. The attachment member is adapted for receiving the fastener and engaging a portion of the vertebral body. The fastener includes a shank and a collet. The collet includes a channel for receiving a spinal rod and a locking member.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a rod extension for extending a fusion construct is provided. The rod extension allows a surgeon to connect a stabilization rod implant to at least a portion of a patient's spine, and also to connect the stabilization rod implant to an existing implant that has been previously installed in the patient. The existing fusion implant typically includes at least one existing pedicle screw, at least one existing rod, and at least one existing connector interconnecting the existing pedicle screw to the existing rod. The extension implant comprises a rod, an offset beam connected to the rod, and a clamp interconnected to the offset beam, wherein the clamp can be secured to the existing rod, thereby extending the fusion construct. A method of use is also provided.

Abstract: A spinal joint distraction system for treating a facet joint including articular surfaces having a contour is disclosed and may include a delivery device including a generally tubular structure adapted to engage a facet joint, an implant adapted to be delivered through the delivery device and into the facet joint, the implant comprising two members arranged in opposed position, and an implant distractor comprising a generally elongate member adapted to advance between the two members of the implant causing separation of the members and distraction of the facet joint, wherein the implant is adapted to conform to the shape of the implant distractor and/or the articular surfaces of the facet upon being delivered to the facet joint. Several embodiments of a system, several embodiments of an implant, and several methods are disclosed including a method for interbody fusion.

Abstract: An interspinous process device is configured for placement between adjacent spinous processes on a subject's spine. The device includes a housing configured for mounting to a first spinal process, the housing having a lead screw fixedly secured at one end thereof. A magnetic assembly is at least partially disposed within the housing and configured for mounting to a second spinal process. The magnetic assembly includes a hollow magnet configured for rotation within the magnetic assembly, the hollow magnet comprising a threaded insert configured to engage with the lead screw. An externally applied magnetic field rotates the hollow magnet in a first direction or a second, opposite direction. Rotation of the hollow magnet in the first direction causes telescopic movement of the magnetic assembly out of the housing (i.e., elongation) and rotation in the second direction causes telescopic movement of the magnetic assembly into the housing (i.e., shortening).

Abstract: Expandable spinal fixation assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. An expandable spinal fixation system may include expandable barrel assembly including an upper barrel half and a lower barrel half and a fixed barrel assembly. The fixed barrel assembly is insertable between the upper barrel half and the lower barrel half such that the fixed barrel assembly is clamped between the upper barrel half and the lower barrel half. Each of the expandable barrel assembly and the fixed barrel assembly includes fixation plates adapted to secure spinous processes to the fixation system.

Abstract: A pedicle screw locking and derotation instrument, comprising: an elongate actuation mechanism, wherein the elongate actuation mechanism comprises a pair of elongate arms that are pivotably hinged to one another and comprise a pair of handle portions; and a pair of clamp members coupled to the elongate actuation mechanism and deployed by actuation of the elongate actuation mechanism; wherein each of the pair of clamp members comprises a retention portion configured to selectively and securely engage a threaded shaft of a pedicle screw and a portion configured to selectively and securely engage a head body of the pedicle screw, thereby holding the threaded shaft and the head body in rigid alignment; wherein each of the pair of clamp members comprises a retention portion that is configured to be selectively disposed beneath the head body of the pedicle screw and about the threaded shaft of the pedicle screw.

Abstract: Devices for retracting tissue during a minimally-invasive, posterior spinal fusion procedure include a blade positionable along a passageway device connected to a connecting element implanted in a vertebra of the spine, such that the blade covers at least a portion of a longitudinal opening of the passageway device. The blade may be coupled to the passageway device by receiving the passageway device with a receiving portion. Systems for displacing the vertebrae of the spine include first and second extenders, the distal ends of each of which are configured to engage the connecting elements. Each extender may include a shaft configured to be securely engaged within a cage of the respective connecting element. The devices and systems of the present invention may be used in connection with an interbody fusion technique performed through an opening extending between the passageway devices, and an intermediate retractor blade may provide additional tissue retraction.

Abstract: An instrument for compression and distraction of a vertebral segment and reducing a surgical rod includes a first arm, a second arm, a coupler, and a reducer. The first arm includes a first aperture for receiving a first screw extender that attaches to a first vertebra. The second arm pivotably couples to the first arm and includes a second aperture for receiving a second screw extender that attaches to a second vertebra. The coupler links the first arm to the second arm to position the first arm relative to the second arm for compression and distraction of the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra. The reducer is received within the second aperture for reducing a surgical rod within the second screw extender.

Abstract: A detection and indication device for the detection and indication of the presence or absence of a stabilization bar in the tulip head of a pedicle screw includes a housing. The housing is adjusted in such a way that it can be connected with elongated flanks of the pedicle screw or a downtube coupled to the pedicle screw in a detachable manner. A detection bar can be mounted axially movable in the housing. The relative positioning of the detection bar to the housing indicates a detection result. A system for spinal stabilization includes at least one pedicle screw with a tulip head and elongated flanks or a downtube coupled to the pedicle screw, at least one stabilization bar and a detection and display device.

Abstract: A device and method of stabilizing a fracture of a bone is provided. The device includes an intramedullary rod having a shaped distal end, and an insertion jig detachably connectable to the proximal end of the rod and used with the rod to apply a compressive force to the fracture site. The jig may also be used to correctly place fixation screws in a proximal end of the rod. The device achieves both fixation of the rod to the bone regardless of rod or bone diameter and allows for compression at the fracture site. In addition, fixation of the rod to the bone is accomplished without requiring a precise alignment of a distal end fixation screw. The device uses headless fixation screws, which, when in place, are disposed below cortical surface of bone, reducing damage to overlying soft tissues.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that use a formable bone plate and a clamping apparatus for small bone reconstruction. The formable bone plate includes a plate body having a plurality of nodes separated by internodes. Each node includes a hole formed therein for receiving a screw, wire, tack, or other fixation device screwed or placed into a bone. A clamp engages an engagement section of the node to facilitate bending of at least one of the internodes to contour the plate to the bone in-situ or ex-situ and when at least partly screwed to or not screwed to the bone.

Abstract: A hybrid bone plate has a first plate portion, having a first top surface and a first bottom surface and comprises a hard titanium alloy. A second plate portion has a second top surface and a second bottom surface and comprises a pure titanium or a soft titanium alloy. The first plate portion has a higher material yield strength than the second plate portion. The first plate portion and the second plate portion are connected to each other at a transition region by for example welding wherein in the transition region the first top surface and the second top surface together form a closed top integral surface and the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface together form a closed bottom integral surface.

Abstract: A mandibular distractor device is configured for attachment to opposing sides of a mandible, e.g., a rabbit's mandible, for performing distraction osteogenesis. The distractor device includes a distractor body and an activation bar that extends through the distractor body. The activation bar can be disposed within the body such that a threaded portion of the bar is threaded to an interior wall of the anterior plate, while a smooth portion of the bar extends within the posterior plate. Once the distractor is secured to the mandible, the activation bar can be rotated incrementally to incrementally disengage the threaded portion of the activation bar from the threaded interior wall of the anterior plate. Rotation of the activation bar in this manner incrementally moves the anterior plate anteriorly within the rabbit's mouth, while the posterior plate remains in position.

Abstract: A stifle stabilization system is provided herein. The system comprising a femoral component having a leg portion and bottom portion, the bottom portion including an interconnected coupling member protruding therefrom, an articular sliding insert component having a channel corresponding in size and shape to at least part of the coupling member, an enlarged opening in a bottom surface of the insert component in communication with the channel, and a slot through the bottom surface of the insert component in communication with the enlarged opening and the channel, the channel receiving the at least part of the coupling member through the enlarged opening, and a tibial component having a first proximal planar portion defining a slot, the slot being of corresponding and complementary shape to the articular sliding insert component to receive the articular sliding insert component therein.

Abstract: An orthopedic screw is used in a fixation device for treating fractures. The device has a body with holes to accept the bone screws. The bone screws have a layer of bioresorbable material on a surface portion of the head of the screw contiguous with the shaft. Engagement between the bone screws and the body is initially through the bioresorbable material, which engagement rigidly fixes the relative angular orientation between the bone screws and the body when the device is applied to a bone. As the bioresrobable material is resorbed the angular relation between the bone screws and the body is no longer rigidly fixed, thereby effecting a transformation from rigid osteosynthesis to flexible osteosynthesis to allow micromotion between the bone fragments which promotes healing.

Abstract: A void containment apparatus and its method of use during an invasive procedure on the body are disclosed. The void containment apparatus includes an elongated housing and a balloon. The balloon is capable of being inflated and deflated. When inflated, the balloon provides a seal around a void and allows delivery or extraction of material into or out of the void with minimal leakage outside the void.

Abstract: Methods for temporarily fixing an orientation of a bone or bones. Methods of correcting a bunion deformity. Bone positioning devices. Methods of using a bone positioning device. Bone preparation guides. Methods of using a bone preparation guide.

Abstract: A method and system for cryotreatment and mapping of target tissue. The cryotreatment system may include a cryotreatment catheter, a mapping catheter including one or more mapping electrodes, and one or more temperature sensors located on the mapping catheter and/or the cryotreatment catheter. The cryotreatment catheter distal tip may be short enough to allow at least one mapping electrode to be positioned proximate the cryoballoon, for example, within 6 mm or less from the cryoballoon. Energy, such as radiofrequency energy, may be delivered to one or more mapping electrodes when one or more temperature sensors indicate a temperature of approximately 0° C. or below at one or more mapping electrode in order to thaw or prevent the formation of ice on the mapping electrodes when positioned proximate a cryoballoon during a cryotreatment procedure in order to recapture cardiac signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for contactless communication between a surgical apparatus and at least one surgical instrument. The surgical apparatus comprises a control and evaluation device to which is assigned a writing or reading device which is connected to an antenna for the apparatus. The instrument is assigned at least one writable and readable memory device, embodied as an RFID transponder, which is connected to an antenna for the instrument, so that data can be exchanged between the writing or reading device of the surgical apparatus and the memory device of the instrument by means of wireless communication.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for spatially-selective administration of actions by at least one device in the body using a transducer that is sensitive to a spatially-variant energy field imposed on the at least one device by a source external to a subject's body; and at least one component in the at least one device, wherein interaction of the transducer with the imposed spatially-variant energy field causes or enables at least one component in the at least one device to affect nearby tissues in the body.

Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a first shaft member including a proximal portion having a handle at a proximal end thereof and a distal portion having a jaw member at a distal end thereof. The proximal and distal portions are pivotable between an aligned position and an angled position. A second shaft member includes a jaw member at a distal end thereof and a handle at a proximal end thereof. The shaft members are pivotable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for moving the jaw members relative to one another between an open position and a closed position to grasp tissue therebetween. The proximal portion of the first shaft member is pivoted relative to the distal portion of the first shaft member from the aligned position to the angled position upon movement of the first and second shaft members towards the spaced-apart position.

Abstract: An electro-surgical instrument includes a first member extending to an end having a first electrode. A second member extends to an end having a second return electrode. The ends define a spinal tissue cavity and are relatively translatable to selectively adjust the cavity such that the electrodes are oriented to ablate, cut and/or coagulate spinal tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Electrosurgical cannulas for use with an electrosurgical generator to thermally treat tissue are disclosed. An electrosurgical cannula for use with an electrosurgical generator to treat tissue is provided. The electrosurgical cannula includes a cylindrical body portion defining a lumen therethrough. The body portion includes a non-coring pointed distal tip which is electrically conductive. The electrosurgical cannula further includes at least one thermocouple having a distal end connected to the conductive distal tip.

Abstract: A method for determining a volume of ablated tissue includes the steps of supplying energy to tissue, indicating an axis within the tissue, and simulating slicing of the tissue substantially perpendicular to the axis to obtain a plurality of simulated slices. Each of the plurality of simulated slices has a thickness, a cross-sectional perimeter, and a trajectory point defined by the axis within the tissue. The method further includes the steps of determining a volume of each of the plurality of simulated slices based on the trajectory point, the cross-sectional perimeter, and the thickness of each simulated slice, and summing the volumes from each of the plurality of simulated slices to obtain the volume of the ablated tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ablation catheter which controls the temperature and reduces the coagulation of biological fluids on an electrode of a catheter, prevents the impedance rise of tissue in contact with the electrode, and maximizes the potential energy transfer to the tissue, thereby allowing an increase in the lesion size produced by the ablation. The electrode includes passages positioned to allow saline flow out of an inner cavity of the electrode. This fluid flow is pulsatile to increase turbulence, reducing areas of stagnant flow, and produces a desired cooling effect.

Abstract: An electrode device of an electrosurgical instrument is known, comprising at least one electrically conductive electrode section and an electrically insulating carrier section, wherein both the electrode section and the carrier section are made from a ceramic material. In order to improve the mechanical and electrical properties and in order to simplify the production, a green body of the carrier section and a green body of the electrode section are connected to each other, in particular materially, to form a single composite green body and are jointly sintered.

Abstract: A directional reflector assembly includes a tubular shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and adapted to operably engage an electrosurgical ablation probe, and a conical aperture having a proximal open apex joined to a distal end of the tubular shaft, and a distal open base, wherein an interior volume of the tubular shaft is open to the conical aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hair-shortening device. The device is based on the principle of laser-induced optical breakdown, wherein a laser pulse causes mechanical effects in tissue, which are used to cut the hair (20). The invention uses the insight that, when two or more such laser pulses are provided simultaneously, the mechanical effects can co-operate. This in turn allows cutting of the hair (20) with less total energy, down to about half the energy required for cases with pulses that are supplied sequentially. In one embodiment, the device comprises a laser source (2), a grating (6), and a beam manipulator (8), that aim a plurality of simultaneous focal spots (10) into a hair (20).

Abstract: A laser-based hair cutting device (10) comprises a laser source (18), an optically transparent exit window (15) and optical elements (11, 12, 13, 14). The laser source (18) provides an incident light beam (21) for cutting a hair (22) above and near a skin surface by laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB) of the hair (22) in a focal position of the light beam (21). The optically transparent exit window has an external exit surface (15) for allowing the incident light beam (21) to leave the device. The optical elements (11, 12, 13, 14) focus the incident light beam (21) in the focal position at a working distance from the exit surface (15).

Abstract: A laser can produce pulses of light energy to eject a volume of the tissue, and the energy can be delivered to a treatment site through a waveguide, such as a fiber optic waveguide. The incident laser energy can be absorbed within a volume of the target tissue with a tissue penetration depth and pulse direction such that the propagation of the energy from the tissue volume is inhibited and such that the target tissue within the volume reaches the spinodal threshold of decomposition and ejects the volume, for example without substantial damage to tissue adjacent the ejected volume.

Abstract: The design process for the surgical plan in orthopedics and/or the design of a personalized cutting guide and/or implant are automated in a workflow frame work. Abstracted rules are scripted through a sequence of operations to alter a bone surface or model for fitting an implant. Using bone information for a specific patient, the proper implant and series of cuts are determined using the rules. A corresponding cutting guide may be fitted to the bone information for the specific patient. Surgical planning of bone replacement implants is performed automatically.

Abstract: A method for fusing information related to structural features and characteristics of a biological sample. The resulting fused image may be imported into a surgical navigation technology intra-operatively to aid in surgical interventions by co-registering the fused image with the patient's anatomical features.

Abstract: A method of securing a biopsy marker within a biopsy site includes depositing a marker element within a biopsy site and fixing the marker element within the biopsy site by injecting a securing agent within the biopsy site. Delivery devices for delivering the securing agent to the biopsy site are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for repairing focal defects in tissue of a patient using an instrument having a cutting tip and a drive motor for rotating the cutting tip includes the steps of receiving a virtual three-dimensional model of a bone created from scan data of the bone wherein the bone has a focal defect, creating a three-dimensional shape of a target volume of material to be removed from the bone, removing the target volume of the material from the bone with the cutting tip, and placing an implant into the bone to repair the focal defect.

Abstract: A method for using a medical navigation system to identify an instrument to be navigated is provided, wherein the instrument includes a reference array having a plurality of markers that form a rigid body, and a location of the markers with respect to each other is not previously known in the navigation system as a characteristic arrangement for a particular instrument. The method includes measuring a distance of each marker relative to the other markers; identifying a spatial arrangement of the markers having the measured distance as an assignable marker array; assigning the assignable marker array to the instrument; and identifying the instrument based on the assigned marker array.

Abstract: A robotic manipulator 100, controller 300 and system for use in flexible endoscopy, the manipulator 100 comprising a flexible member configured to be coupled to an endoscope, and an arm connected to and movable by the flexible member, wherein the flexible member has a first end connected to the arm and a second end connectable to the controller 300 to allow a physical movement of the arm to be controllable by a physical movement of the controller 300.

Abstract: A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with articulated instruments extending out of its distal end. A controller is configured to command manipulation of one of the articulated instruments towards a state commanded by operator manipulation of an input device while commanding sensory feedback to the operator indicating a difference between the commanded state and a preferred pose of the articulated instrument, so that the sensory feedback serves to encourage the operator to return the articulated instrument back to its preferred pose.

Abstract: A surgical robotics system with robotic arms is configurable to perform a variety of surgical procedures. The surgical robotics system includes a table, column, base, and robotic arms that are either column-mounted, rail-mounted, or mounted on a separate unit. In a column-mounted configuration, the column includes column rings that translate vertically and rotate about the column. The robotic arms are attached to the column rings. In a rail-mounted configuration, the base includes base rails that translate along the base. The robotic arms are attached to the base rails. In both configurations, the robotic arms move independently from each other and include a multiple arm segments. Each arm segment provides an additional degree of freedom to the robotic arm. Thus, the surgical robotics system may position the robotic arms into numerous configurations to access different parts of a patient's body.

Abstract: An introducer and method provides a surgical tool with a pathway through tissue to a surgical site, wherein the surgical tool includes at least one surgical instrument. The introducer comprises a flexible sheath having a distal portion including a distal end and is arranged for receiving the surgical tool. A tissue separation tip at the distal portion of the sheath advances the sheath into the tissue towards the surgical site. The tissue separation tip is arranged to form a tissue gap and provide the at least one surgical instrument access to the tissue gap for performing a medical procedure consonant with the formation of the tissue gap or the performance of work at the surgical site.

Abstract: A device for immobilizing a patient for a medical test or operation includes a molding element that is convertible from a flexible, elastic form to a rigid form by the application of a vacuum. The molding element is attached to the patient by an elastic layer while in the flexible, elastic form where it conforms to the contours of the patient's body. Then the molding element is converted to its rigid form thereby immobilizing the patient. Auxiliary devices can be attached to the immobilizing device and these devices, such as a pivot arm suspension can be used to fix the immobilized patient to an operating table.

Abstract: The stand base is for a surgical microscope. The stand base is for setting up on a floor configured as a planar surface and includes at least a first weight module; a base body defining an underside and accommodating the first weight module; a support arrangement connected to the base body and supporting the stand base with at least three support points in contact engagement with the floor to permit setting up the stand base; the support points conjointly defining a support plane whereat the support points are in contact engagement with the floor; the underside of the base body facing toward the support plane; an ancillary body; the base body having a receiving arrangement in the underside for releasably accommodating the ancillary body; and, the underside of the base body and the support plane conjointly defining a smallest spacing therebetween which is greater than 10 cm.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus to provide updated images during a robotically-implemented surgical procedure, 3D data are obtained of a volume of a patient, which includes anatomy involved in the procedure. The anatomy is segmented from a reconstructed image of the volume. During the procedure, the surgeon applies forces on the anatomy, causing a geometric change of the anatomy. Force sensors in the surgical robot detect these forces, which are supplied to a processor that controls display of the segmented anatomy at a display screen. From the applied forces and the physical properties of the anatomy, the processor calculates the geometric change of the anatomy that has occurred and modifies the appearance and/or position of the displayed segmented anatomy on the display screen in real time during the procedure, so as to visualize the geometric change.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument comprising a handle portion and a tip, wherein a tip sensor is provided on the handle portion. The tip sensor enables detection of when a tip is inserted into and/or removed from the handle. In addition, the tip sensor enables a navigation system to be notified when landmarks are probed with the surgical instrument, thereby ensuring accurate capture of the location of the landmark.

Abstract: A dental tissue treatment apparatus and associated methods includes a feedback-controlled beam guidance system for directing treatment to a defined area of dental tissue.

Abstract: A method by which an orthodontic appliance is automatically designed and manufactured from digital lower jaw and tooth shape data of a patient provides for the scanning of the mouth of a patient to produce a three-dimensional digitized model of the shapes of the patient's teeth and their positions in the patient's mouth. The appliance is automatically designed according to the final design, which also can be interactively modified and approved by the orthodontist, with the computer recalculating the effects on the treatment as a result of the doctor's changes. Brackets are fabricated as an integrated set, either by cutting slots therein or by building the brackets in layers. Three-dimensional custom jigs are automatically made to exactly position the brackets on a patient's teeth.

Abstract: Methods for recognizing a virtual tooth surface, defining a virtual tooth coordinate system, and simulating a collision between virtual teeth are provided. Methods include receiving input data specifying a point on the rendered surface model associated with a tooth, deriving a perimeter on the surface model of the tooth based on the input data, and analyzing the surface model along a plurality of paths outwardly extending from points on the perimeter along the three-dimensional surface to produce gingival margin data. Methods also include receiving point input data that defines a point on the virtual tooth, receiving axis input data that defines first and second axes associated with the virtual tooth, computing a substantially normal vector for a portion of the tooth surface surrounding the point, and computing a coordinate system based on the axis input and the computed vector.

Abstract: An appliance for orthodontic hardware in the form of a cap sized to fit over a bracket and arch wire braces system. The cap includes a hollowed, mound shaped body with a bottom edge defining an opening on one side of the body. The cap also includes multiple tabs extending from the edge and partially over the opening. The bottom edge also defines two channels aligned opposite each other and extending from the bottom edge. With this arrangement, the cap can be positioned over a bracket with the tabs engaging the bracket and retaining the cap thereto while the channels defined in the body prevent the cap from engaging the arch wire.

Abstract: A dental guard system for fitting boil and bite dental guards so that undesirable deformations of the guard are avoided during the fitting of the guard to the user. The system includes a boil and bite dental guard and an associated forming tray configured to be generally rigid but conformable in that it tends to retain its shape so as to inhibit undesirable deformations of the guard, yet enables the guard to form to the teeth of the user.

Abstract: A precision attachment system for mounting a dental prosthesis to a retention bar having a round section and an off-centered support section, and a C-shaped retention clip which is incorporated into the dental prosthesis and encloses the round section. A spacer clip is adapted for both the retention clip and the retention bar. The contact of the dental prosthesis with the indirect retainer surface of the support section prevents the free-end saddles from lifting off the alveolar ridge. The resilience of the dental prosthesis in the direction of the atrophying alveolar ridge remains possible. The indirect retainer surface and the slotted flange of the housing guide the retention clip to the round section when assembled with the retention bar.