Abstract: A self-locking screw with a raised root is provided. The self-locking screw has a head, a distal end, and a shaft extending between the head and the distal end. The shaft includes a thread with a plurality of turns so as to define a root, the raised root extending over the root for at least a subset of the plurality of turns proximal to the head. The raised root is removably attached to the root and detaches from the root when the self-locking screw is screwed into a substrate such that the detached raised root binds between the self-locking screw and the substrate and/or becomes embedded within the substrate.

Abstract: A manifold for loading plural cannulae with a substance The manifold includes a housing with a plurality of channels that route the flow of the mixed substance from a single central channel to multiple sub-channels for the simultaneous filling of attached cannulae. Each sub-channel extends to a fitting to which a cannula may be attached. The fittings are rotatably mounted to the housing. A lock assembly holds the cannulae to the individual fittings are so that when a cannula is removed from a fitting, the fitting rotates so as to close the fluid path from the sub-channel. In order to attach a second cannula to the same fitting the lock system requires the fitting to be rotates into a position in which the fluid communications path from the associated sub-channel is reopened.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for identifying an area of ablated tissue and/or assessing contact between a treatment element and tissue and/or assessing occlusion of a body lumen by the treatment element. Specifically, the device, system, and method may include a device having one or more fiber sensors and a processing unit for receiving emitted and/or reflected light from tissue and making one or more determinations based on the received light regarding ablated tissue, tissue contact, and/or occlusion. Each of the fiber sensors may include at least one multimode waveguide segment and at least one singlemode waveguide segment, or each of the fiber sensors may be singlemode waveguide including fiber Bragg grating for assessing strain of a treatment element by tissue contact. The processing unit may include a beam processing apparatus and a hyperspectral imaging and analysis apparatus, and may optionally include a light source.

Abstract: Methods of treatment in subjects suffering from diabetes mellitus or obesity are provided. The methods comprise ablation of a region of the small intestine in the subject, in particular ablation of a region of the duodenum. The ablation may be a mechanical, electrical, thermal, radiative, or chemical ablation and may in some cases target a sensory nerve. The methods may, in some cases, comprise the step of administering an active agent directly to the small intestine in the subject, in particular administering the active agent directly to the duodenum. The active agents useful in the treatments described herein include analgesic agents and, in particular, antinociceptive agents such as capsaicin, resiniferatoxin, and their analogues.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include an attachable power and control system to supply energy to electrodes of a wiping electrode coagulation system of a surgical device. A surgical device includes electrodes at an end of effector to aide in sealing during various surgical procedures. During the procedure, the surgeon may wipe the surgical site with the end effector, causing the electrodes to touch the fractured area. Electrosurgical energy may be applied to the electrodes during the wiping, causing coagulation of smaller vessels. The attachable power and control system may be configured to slide over the shaft of the surgical device. The power and control system also may be configured to supply power to the electrodes and to control when energy is applied to the electrodes, based in part, for example, on measuring a distance or angle of the opening of the jaws at the end effector.

Abstract: An ablation system observes and monitors ablation parameters, including temperature, impedance, and/or the system's own closed-loop response to these ablation parameters in delivery of power to one or more ablation electrodes, including cessation of power delivery to one or more electrodes while maintaining power delivery to one or more other electrodes.

Abstract: In some examples, the disclosure describes devices, systems, and techniques for treating pain and/or pelvic floor dysfunction of a patient. For example, a method for treating pelvic floor dysfunction in a patient may include delivering, via a medical device, a therapy to one or more nerve fibers, wherein the therapy is configured to at least temporarily deactivate the one or more nerve fibers; and determining that the one or more nerve fibers was at least temporarily deactivated by delivering the therapy.

Abstract: A surgical end effector may comprise first and second jaw members. The second jaw member may comprise an offset proximal supply electrode that is positioned to contact an opposing member of the first jaw member when the first and second jaw members are in the closed position. The second jaw member may also comprise a distal supply electrode that is positioned distal of the offset proximal electrode and is aligned with a conductive surface of the first jaw member when the first and second jaw members are in the closed position. When the first and second jaw members are in the closed position, the proximal supply electrode may be in contact with the opposing member and the distal supply electrode is not in contact with the conductive surface of the first jaw member.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a surgical device comprising electrodes on the sides of an end of an effector to aide in sealing during various surgical procedures, such as a liver resection. During a sealing procedure, the surgeon may wipe the surgical site with the end effector, causing the electrodes to touch the fractured area. Electrosurgical energy may be applied to the electrodes during the wiping, causing coagulation of smaller vessels, such as tiny blood vessels and bile ducts in the parenchyma of the liver. In some cases, due to the nature of some smaller vessels, electrosurgical energy should be delicately applied to cause sealing but to avoid overly damaging the remaining tissue. In some embodiments, the thin design of the electrodes allows for an appropriate amount of electrosurgical energy to be applied to the fractured area.

Abstract: An end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw movable relative to the second jaw to transition the end effector between an open configuration and an approximated configuration to clamp tissue therebetween. The end effector may also include a camming assembly movable along a curved path. The camming assembly includes a first camming member which includes a first distal camming portion, a first proximal camming portion, and a first flexible portion extending between the first distal camming portion and the first proximal camming portion. The camming assembly includes a second camming member and a connector at least partially disposed between the first camming member and the second camming member, wherein the camming assembly is movable relative to the end effector to exert a camming force against the first jaw and the second jaw to transition the end effector to the approximated configuration.

Abstract: A first subassembly includes a body and an ultrasonic blade. A second subassembly is configured to removably couple with the first subassembly and includes a first clamp arm and a first clamp arm actuator. The first clamp arm is configured to be located on a first side of the longitudinal axis of the body, and the first clamp arm actuator is configured to be located on a second side of the longitudinal axis, when the second subassembly is coupled with the first subassembly. The third subassembly is similar to the second subassembly except that the second clamp arm of the third subassembly is configured to be located on the second side of the longitudinal axis of the body when the third subassembly is coupled with the first subassembly.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a single surgical instrument configured for grasping tissue, performing sealing procedures using electrosurgical or ultrasonic energy, suctioning fluid, and providing irrigation. An end effector of the surgical instrument may include multiple members arranged in various configurations to collectively perform the aforementioned functions. The suction and irrigation elements may comprise one or more fluid paths configured to deliver fluid to or evacuate fluid from a surgical field. In this way, a user, such as a clinician or surgeon, may rely on a single surgical instrument to perform these tasks typical in surgery while having an extra hand available and so as to not need to divert his or her concentration away from the surgical site in order to access multiple devices. Further, the timing for performing each of the functions may be made quicker, due to not needing to switch using multiple devices.

Abstract: In an energy treatment unit and an energy treatment instrument, a jaw openable and closable relative to a probe distal portion of a probe is attached to a distal portion of an energy transmission portion. A liquid feed conduit extends between the energy transmission portion and the probe in a cavity portion, and a liquid ejected from an ejection port, that is formed at a distal end of the liquid feed conduit, flows into a jaw cavity in an inside of the jaw. A liquid outflow portion is provided on an outer surface of the jaw, and the liquid flowing into the jaw cavity flows to an outside of the jaw from the liquid outflow portion.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system for providing an electrosurgical signal to a patient is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes a control circuit, wherein the control circuit is programmed to: provide the electrosurgical signal to a first electrode and a second electrode, receive a plurality of input variables, wherein the plurality of input variables are indicative of a short being either present or absent between the first electrode and the second electrode, and apply a short detection algorithm to the plurality of input variables to indicate either a short circuit or no short circuit between the first electrode and the second electrode during the provision of the electrosurgical signal. The plurality of input variables may include at least one impedance level between the first electrode and the second electrodes during the provision of the electrosurgical signal. The short detection algorithm applied may include a fuzzy logic algorithm, a neural network algorithm, or neuro-fuzzy algorithm.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for monitoring—via an ultrasonic imaging device—the delivery of radio-frequency energy are described herein. The articles may be ultrasonically echogenic to assist with guidance.

Abstract: An energy delivery system may include an expandable member having a plurality of electrodes, including pairs of adjacent electrodes, and a generator configured to supply an electric voltage to each of the plurality of electrodes. The energy delivery system also may include a controller coupled to the plurality of electrodes and the generator. The controller may be configured to measure an impedance of tissue disposed between the electrodes of each pair of adjacent electrodes, and determine, based on the measured impedances, whether cancerous tissue is disposed between any of the electrodes of each pair of adjacent electrodes. The controller also may be configured to apply a voltage between the electrodes of each pair of adjacent electrodes determined to have cancerous tissue disposed between them.

Abstract: A medical device is provided comprising a shaft comprising a first segment and a second segment. The first segment is configured to buckle upon application of a first critical force. The second segment includes an outer surface and an inner surface and is configured to buckle upon application of a second critical force. The second critical force is lower than the first critical force. The medical device further comprises a coil disposed radially inwardly of the inner surface of the second segment.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for performing an ablation procedure on tissue with flow monitoring using flow sensors. The devices include a catheter, and at least one flow sensor disposed on the catheter, and a component for applying the ablation procedure. An assessment module provides an indication of the efficacy of the ablation procedure based on the flow measurement from the flow sensor.

Abstract: An irrigated catheter with uniform cooling and/or uniform fluid distribution in longitudinally spaced apart elution holes by varying the diameter of a fluid delivery lumen. A number of elution holes are provided in a tip region of a catheter body, and these elution holes are in fluid communication with the lumen through ducts. The fluid delivery lumen may be provided with a flow constrictor to restrict flow of fluid towards the distal region.

Abstract: An endoscopic submucosal dissection device includes: a cap that is separably attached to a distal end of an insertion portion of an endoscope; a first holding portion and a second holding portion; a wire portion at least one part of which protrudes from the first holding portion and the second holding portion and is formed into a loop shape, and which is held by the first holding portion and the second holding portion to be movable forward and backward; an electrode portion that is provided at the part of the wire portion; an insulation member; and an operation portion that is connected to the wire portion and moves the electrode portion between the first holding portion and the second holding portion, wherein the first holding portion and the second holding portion are formed at opposite sides with a center axis of the cap being interposed therebetween.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and systems, as well as associated methods of using them, that employ a remote Dicke switching element—i.e., distal to a radiometer. The devices, systems, and methods are suitable for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications in a wide variety of tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to comprehensive systems, devices and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, systems, devices, and methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy.

Abstract: Various high-strength microwave antenna assemblies are described herein. The microwave antenna has a radiating portion connected by a feedline to a power generating source, e.g., a generator. The antenna is a dipole antenna with the distal end of the radiating portion being tapered and terminating at a tip to allow for direct insertion into tissue. Antenna rigidity comes from placing distal and proximal radiating portions in a pre-stressed state, assembling them via threaded or overlapping joints, or fixedly attaching an inner conductor to the distal portion. The inner conductor is affixed to the distal portion by, e.g., welding, brazing, soldering, or by adhesives. A junction member made from a hard dielectric material, e.g., ceramic, can be placed between the two portions and can have uniform or non-uniform shapes to accommodate varying antenna designs. Electrical chokes may also be used to contain returning currents to the distal end of the antenna.

Abstract: Laser energy delivery devices and methods are provided. A laser energy delivery device may include a housing, and a coupling is carried by the housing and adapted to couple to a laser energy generator. A sheath is carried by the housing, and the sheath includes a distal end adapted to be disposed in the subject. A plurality of transport members are carried by the sheath, and the plurality of transport members are adapted to receive laser energy at the coupling, transmit laser energy through the sheath, and deliver laser energy to the subject. A fluid-driven motor is carried by the housing and adapted to be driven upon receiving a fluid from a fluid source. A drive wire is carried by the sheath and eccentrically coupled to the distal end of the sheath, and the drive wire is adapted to be rotatably driven by the fluid-driven motor and rotates to eccentrically rotate the distal end of the sheath.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for surgical planning and/or surgical navigation. A surgical navigation and/or planning system is also provided, that can include aspects of the computer-implemented method, which allows virtual implant planning, and receives real-time data from a tracker. The system can also include one or more hardware components which allow real-time imaging of one or more surgical instruments onto, relative to or over a patient's anatomy. The system and computer-implemented method improve the precision and safety of image based surgery, for example precision placement of bone implants during surgery. A software application is used to manage drill-guide assisted surgery and image-guided surgery. This provides a method and system for Computer Assisted Surgery (CAS) which improves accuracy and safety of a variety of surgical procedures.

Abstract: An input device includes a plurality of orientation blocks each representing a portion of a catheter assembly and a controller configured to determine an orientation of the plurality of orientation blocks relative to one another. The controller is further configured to output a control signal that causes a tip of a catheter assembly to adopt the orientation determined by the controller. A system includes an actuator configured to manipulate a position and orientation of the catheter assembly. The controller of the input device is configured to output a control signal to the actuator to make a tip of a catheter assembly adopt the orientation determined by the controller. The input device can be virtually represented on a computing device.

Abstract: A robotic instrument driver for elongate members includes a first elongate member, and at least one manipulator mechanism configured to manipulate the first elongate member, and at least one articulating drive configured to articulate the first elongate member, positionable on a bed and beside a patient access site. The manipulator and articulating drive are positioned relative to each other a distance less than the insertable length of the first elongate member, stationary in position.

Abstract: A medical instrument according to the present invention includes an end effector that fulfills a predetermined function, a motor unit that generates power for driving the end effector, a transmission member that is connected to the end effector and the motor unit so as to transmit the power to the end effector, a tension holding portion that has a tension generation portion and a tension pulley which is connected to the tension generation portion and which comes into contact with the transmission member the tension pulley being configured to move such that tension applied to the transmission member in a predetermined magnitude, and a switch that can fix a position of the tension pulley.

Abstract: The present invention regards a sterile workspace with removable layers for use on medical surfaces such as anesthesia workstations, as well as other surfaces. The assembly of the present invention generally includes a plurality of sterile workspaces, layered to form the assembly. Each workspace has a foam layer and a barrier layer. In some configurations, the workspace also has a tray, and the foam layer is secured to the top surface of the tray. The tray may have a raised border about its perimeter. In some configurations the foam layer has a non-porous bottom surface. The assembly may have a support surface under the bottom-most workspace layer, with an elastomer or adhesive affixed thereto to prevent the assembly from moving during use. The barrier layer is affixed to either the foam layer, or the tray (if present), and is removed to expose a sterile workspace when in use.

Abstract: A surgical drape having an attachable fluid control pouch and geometric alignment feature are described. The surgical drape may be fenestrated and include a base drape panel, an absorbent intermediate panel, and a mounting panel. The mounting panel may have a fluid impervious top surface that forms a higher quality adhesive seal with the adhesive attachment areas of the fluid control pouch. The surgical drape panels may be joined together by a continuous fluid impervious seal surrounding the fenestration. The fluid control pouch attachment edge may include a geometric structure that aligns with a corresponding geometric structure of the fenestration such that the fluid control pouch can be effectively positioned regardless of its rotational orientation relative to the surgical drape.

Abstract: A medical support structure is disclosed, which comprising a framework having a main axis and comprising at least one supporting member and a plurality of leg members, and a top surface locatable atop the framework and adapted to support one or more refuse containers each having an aperture and a bottom portion. The supporting member is locatable intermediate the top surface and a lower portion of the plurality of leg members, and is adapted to support at least one medical waste container having an aperture and a bottom portion. At least a first longitudinal portion of the supporting member forms an obtuse angle relative to a second longitudinal portion of the supporting member so as to angle the or each medical waste containers in a position in which its aperture is higher than its bottom portion but not orthogonal to the top surface.

Abstract: A navigation support system for medical instruments comprises a signal processing unit with an input for real-time video image signals from an optical instrument, input for instrument position signals and access to tomography image data, and output for outputting image signals. The signal processing unit generates output image signals from the image signals, the image data and the position signals and generates the output image signals such that the real-time video image signals are displayed permanently centrally on an image display unit connected to the navigation support system in a round or oval central image display of an overall image, wherein the central image display extends at least in one direction of extension across more than half of the overall image and that the secondary images generated by tomography image data, in dependence on the instrument position signals, are displayed adjacent to or partially superimposed over the central image display.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an emission marker for being indwelled in a lumen, the emission marker having: a base part; a coil wound around the base part; an emission part electrically connected to the coil; and a cover part for covering at least the base part and the coil, wherein the emission part has a light source that emits visible light. Additionally, the present invention relates to a detector for detecting, from outside of a lumen, an emission marker indwelled in the lumen, the detector having a detection unit having an antenna that acts with a coil of the emission marker.

Abstract: A cannula for a surgical system may include a magnet located in a position to be sensed by the surgical system in a mounted position of the cannula to the surgical system. At least one of a presence of the magnet and a polarity of the magnet is sensed in the mounted position of the cannula to provide identification information relating to the cannula. Exemplary embodiments further encompass a patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system, the patient side cart including a base, a main column, and an arm connected to the main column. The arm may include a mount to receive a cannula and a reader to sense a magnet of an identification device in the cannula so as to receive identification information relating to a mounted cannula.

Abstract: A guide element is constructed for arrangement on a device for the penetrating extension of a blind hole created in hard tissue, in particular in the jawbone, wherein the device includes a hollow body that forms a pressure chamber and that has a distal working opening and an inlet opening opposite the working opening.

Abstract: a rotatable fastening device with an integral torque limiter that comprises an house component and a coupler assembly wherein the coupler assembly comprises means having at least one springy arm and wherein from the instant of its installation within an inner space of the house component, the springy arm tip is biased to be integrated into a recess of a recesses and protrusions array formed in the house component, and wherein the house component is liable to be actuated by providing a rotatable moment on it, around its lengthwise axis in a manner that as long as the actuated torque being actuated is at a level that does not exceed a pre-set threshold level, the springy arm tip remains integrated within a recess of the recesses and protrusions array of the house component and thus—transfers the torque for turning the 10 coupler assembly concurrently with a rotation of the house component, around the longitudinal axis of the house component and thus—fastening a threadable component to which it is connected; and

Abstract: A method of fabricating a customized orthodontic appliance includes a setup model forming step of preparing a setup model corresponding to teeth after ideal orthodontic treatment for a patient, an arch wire forming step of preparing an arch wire corresponding to a dental arch of the setup model while being disposed to closely approach tooth surfaces of teeth of the setup model, and an orthodontic bracket forming step of forming a bracket body corresponding to each of the teeth with reference to the arch wire. Through this, the customized orthodontic appliance capable of minimizing the distance between the tooth surface and the arch wire to accurately perform the ideal orthodontic treatment is fabricated. Also, convenience and accuracy of procedure is improved, and irritating sensation in the oral cavity is minimized.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating a three-dimensional occlusogram are disclosed. One method includes determining a virtual three dimensional (3D) mesh model object of at least one tooth of a patient and displaying the determined virtual 3D mesh model object of at least one tooth of a patient wherein the 3D mesh model object includes a plurality of data sets associated with a set of occlusal information for the at least one tooth of the patient.

Abstract: An orthodontic direct bonding stent facilitates ideal positioning of physical attachments on a patient's teeth. Novel designs of direct bonding stents include uniquely configured windows for guiding placement of the attachments. Windows of reduced depth leave a majority of each attachment exposed beyond the stent for easy grip and manipulation, and use of a reduced height wall opposite the window-equipped wall eases removal of the stent without disruption of the adhered attachments. Use of elastomeric material at the window boundaries provides an improved seal with the tool for less adhesive splay, and inter-arch stents enable maxillary and mandibular placement with a single appliance. Lingual windows enable lingual placement of attachments for reduced visibility, and reduced wall thickness between adjacent windows provides improved mesial access to attachments.

Abstract: A detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system includes bracket bases, brackets, and an arch wire for guiding alignment of teeth. The bracket bases are positioned on a lingual surface and/or a facial surface of the teeth. Each bracket base includes a first surface, a second surface, and at least one first interlocking element. The first surface is rigidly attached to the lingual surface and/or the facial surface of the teeth. The second surface opposes the lingual surface and/or the facial surface of the teeth. The first interlocking element is attached to and positioned in a direction substantially perpendicular to or parallel to the second surface of each bracket base. The brackets include at least second interlocking element that interlocks with the first interlocking element. The arch wire is inserted through a slot channel of each bracket. The bracket and the arch wire are infused and rigidly anchored within enclosing layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for selectively treating parts of the surface of a porous dental zirconia article, the process comprising the steps of providing a liquid composition and a porous 3-dimensional dental zirconia article having an outer and inner surface, applying the liquid composition to only a part the outer surface and/or inner surface of the porous dental zirconia article, the liquid composition comprising a whitening agent comprising a phosphorous containing component, the phosphorous containing component comprising a phosphate, phosphone or phosphine moiety, with the proviso that at least one P—O unit of the phosphate, phosphone or phosphine moiety is dissociable or able to otherwise interact with zirconia. The invention also relates to a dental zirconia article obtainable or obtained by such a process and a kit of parts comprising a container containing a certain liquid composition.

Abstract: A fastening system (100) for a dental implant (30) comprising a ball shaped portion (31), wherein the fastening system (100) comprises a body (12) having a seat (10, 20) forming a cavity. The fastening system is characterized in that the body (12) comprises at least two parts (10a, 10b, 20a, 20b) together forming the seat (10, 20). The parts (10a, 10b, 20a, 20b) are arranged such that the seat (10, 20) can engage around the ball shaped portion (31) of the dental implant (30) and in that the seat (10, 20) is movable between a first position in which the parts (10a, 10b, 20a, 20b) are allowed to move relative each other, and a second position in which the parts (10a, 10b, 20a, 20b) are prevented from moving relative each other.

Abstract: A screw and a driver tool are used in dental procedures. The screw has an apical and coronal end and comprises a bore extending from the coronal end of the screw along a portion of the screw towards the apical end. The bore includes a plurality of recesses arranged circumferentially around an inside surface of the bore, wherein each successive pair of recesses is connected by a contact surface on the inside surface of the bore. Two sets of recesses and contact surfaces may be present to allow for optimal contact with a conventional hex driver using one set and an inventive driver with the other set. The driver comprises a driver head having an apical and a coronal end. The driver head has a plurality of edges with a rounded outer shape and a plurality of surfaces extending between successive edges. The surfaces are generally concave.

Abstract: An interdental cleaning tool comprising: a handle base formed of a synthetic resin; and a cleaning part disposed on an end portion of the handle base, wherein a cleaning body substantially formed of a polystyrene elastomer in the cleaning part is covered with a perfume layer, and the perfume layer contains a glycerine fatty acid ester, an oil-soluble perfume as a flavor component, and gum arabic and/or starch octenylsuccinate as a water-soluble covering base.

Abstract: A comfortable way to daily remove inter-dental plaque would encourage dental hygiene and could improve health worldwide. The flossing by hand’ method is the most effect but its adoption is limited by the dexterity of the user especially among young and old people. Many efforts have been made to make flossing easier by extending floss from a device held outside the mouth, but most designs use a fixed, stretched, length of floss at the tooth. The method of use for these devices is dictated by the physical form of the device needed to mount the fixed stretched length of floss. But the goal of flossing devices is to emulate the ‘by hand’ method. This invention starts with the ‘by hand’ method and designs this device 1 to perform it. The “Loose Floss Method of Inter-dental Plaque Removal’ is strictly based on the ‘by hand’ method of flossing and provides a device 1 design exclusively to perform that method. closely without putting one's hands inside their mouth.

Abstract: A personal hygiene device has a drive unit, an energy storage, such as a rechargeable battery, a determination unit for repeatedly or constantly determining an energy storage level of the energy storage, and a control unit arranged for providing energy from the energy storage at the drive unit during an on state of the device and for gradually reducing the energy level from a nominal energy level to a first reduced energy level during a first energy level reduction time period when the determined energy storage level has fallen below a first energy storage level threshold but is above a second energy storage level threshold and for continuing provision of the first reduced energy level while the device stays in an on state and the determined energy storage level stays above the second energy storage level threshold.

Abstract: A brush head (100) having a distal end, including: an elastomeric matrix (30) including a first surface (32), and a plurality of retention rings (50) disposed in the elastomeric matrix, each of which includes a first end (51), a second end (53) positioned closer to the first surface of the elastomeric matrix than the first end, an interior wall (55) with a central longitudinal axis (111), and an exterior wall (57). The interior wall of at least a first retention ring is generally circular in shape; the interior wall of at least a second retention ring is generally non-circular in shape; the exterior wall is generally non-circular in shape; and at least one of the interior wall or the exterior wall includes a taper (61, 63). The brush head can also include a plurality of bristle tufts (21), each of which is inserted into one of the plurality of retaining rings.

Abstract: A case for a powered oral care implement and a powered oral care implement and case system. In one aspect, the case may include a housing having a base portion and a cover portion coupled thereto. The base portion may receive a body of a powered oral care implement. The housing may also include a processor, an input, charging circuitry, and a speaker that are operably coupled together so that the housing can charge the powered oral care implement and output audio signals as audible output. When the body of the powered oral care implement is positioned within the base portion of the housing, the charging circuitry of the housing may charge a power source of the powered oral care implement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a urine flow control system (50) including a catheter device (10, 100) for insertion into a urethra, the catheter device (10, 100) having: a proximal end portion (14) and an opposite distal end portion (16, 102), a conduit (C) between said proximal end portion (14) and said distal end portion (16) having a urine inlet opening (2) at said proximal end portion (14) and a urine outlet opening (4, P) at said distal end portion (16, 102), and a magnetically actuatable valve located at said distal end portion (16, 102) for controlled discharge of urine from said catheter device (10, 100) through said outlet opening (4, P), and a magnetic actuator device with an actuator magnet (201), separate from said catheter device (10, 100), for operating said valve, characterized in said magnetic actuator device (200) comprising a housing (205) for receiving urine discharged from said catheter device (10, 100), said housing (205) having a first open end (202) configured for receiving said distal end po

Abstract: A device for treating fecal incontinence in a subject is provided. The device includes a plug configured for positioning mostly within an anal canal of the subject.