Abstract: A method of jointed device movement inside a body comprising: measuring movement of at least one input object portion; mapping the measured input object portion movement to a jointed device portion movement; and moving the device portion according to mapped measured movements.

Abstract: A surgical isolation drape comprises a medical-grade flexible container body including an inside surface, a first end that is normally open, thus defining a first mouth, and a second end opposite the first end that is normally open, thus defining a second mouth. The surgical isolation drape also includes a first closure mechanism to close the first mouth. For instance, the first closure mechanism can include a first channel inside of the container body proximate the first mouth. A first closure line passes through the first channel, such that access to the first closure line is provided from a position inside the container body. The surgical isolation drape still further includes a first locking mechanism that engages the first closure line, such that access to the first locking mechanism is provided from a position inside the body.

Abstract: Neurosurgical apparatus has a guidance device having a guide tube and a neurosurgical instrument for insertion into the guide tube. The inner surface of the guide tube is arranged, for example profiled, to at least partially engage the outer surface of the neurosurgical instrument when inserted therein. The guide tube thus guides the neurosurgical instrument along a predefined path through the guide tube. At least one of the guidance device and the outer surface of the neurosurgical instrument are configured to provide a fluid return path for carrying any fluid displaced from within the guide tube during insertion of the neurosurgical instrument into the guide tube. A seal may also be provided for sealing the fluid return path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for radially compressing bodily tissue and performing medical procedures from a selected one of a plurality of circumferential positions and angles, a selected one of a plurality of different elevations and elevational angles. Some embodiments include a tissue-compression fixture having members that are configured to be moved to radially compress bodily tissue such that each of a plurality of areas of biological tissue are exposed between the plurality of members, and wherein the fixture is compatible with use in an MRI machine in operation; an actuator having a receiver for a medical-procedure probe; and a computer system operatively coupled to the actuator to move the probe. The computer receives user commands, and based on the commands, moves the actuator to a selected one of a plurality of different positions around the tissue-compression fixture and then extends the probe into the patient.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a debris removal system is provided for a body-space drainage system having one or more body tubes with a body tube lumen disposed therein. The debris-removal system comprises an elongated cleaning member and a cleaning head adapted to be advanced distally at least a portion of a length of the body tube lumen to dislodge debris therein. A collapsible sheath can be used to maintain a sterile field in the body tube lumen while the cleaning member is being used by enclosing at least a portion of the cleaning member that is not contained within the body tube lumen, and permitting external digital manipulation of the cleaning member through the sheath to advance and/or retract the cleaning member, and cleaning head, in the body tube lumen.

Abstract: Periodontal disorders such as disorders associated with a dental implant are treated. An average power for a laser is selected via a user interface on a tablet, along with a set of permissible laser parameters provided in response to the selected average power. A gingival trough or flap is created around the implant with the laser. Infected tissue is selectively ablated or denatured via photothermolysis, and a pocket is lased around the affected implant. Marginal tissues are compressed against the implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clinical dispenser and applicator and, more particularly, to a clinical dispenser and applicator that is structured to hold and dispense a micro amount (one to several drops) of liquids/solvents in a clinical setting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a dental restoration with enhanced adhesive or bonding strength are disclosed. The dental restoration comprises a zirconia based crown and a porcelain layer built-up on a top surface of the zirconia based crown. The zirconia based crown is to be bonded to a top of an abutment toothand has dimensions that are smaller than outer dimensions of the abutment tooth. A first surface of the zirconia based crown is configured to adhere to the abutment toothand a second surface of the zirconia based crown is configured to receive the porcelain layer built-up. The first surface and the second surface of the zirconia based crown are treated with a surface treatment solution which includes at least nitric acid (HNO3), hydrofluoric acid (HF) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Further, the zirconia based crown may be treated with an ultrasonic impact treatment in addition to the surface treatment of the zirconia based crown.

Abstract: A high fatigue resistant nickel-titanium alloy wire, the wire having a transition temperature AF from ?15° C. to +10° C. after annealing at a temperature in the range of 700° C. to 900° C., the wire being characterized by a Full-Width at Half-Maximum (FWHM) of austenite nickel-titanium diffraction peak in the range of 0.6° 2? to 0.7° 2? in a X-ray diffraction pattern using a Cu Ka radiation source.

Abstract: A hollow endodontic instrument having: a file axis; a proximal end; a tip; and a shaft portion between the proximal end and the tip; wherein the shaft portion defines a hollow void at least partially bounded by a plurality of fingers and a plurality of longitudinal spacings, each finger extends from the proximal end and includes an outer surface and an inner surface extending between longitudinal opposing walls; and wherein a portion of at least one of the longitudinal opposing walls includes a cutting edge.

Abstract: An endodontic file includes a uniform tapered working length made of shape memory material with at least two helical shaped flutes and narrow spiraled lands in between, having a width no greater than 0.075 mm as measured in a plane perpendicular the central axis of rotation of instrument. The land width is preferably constant along the working length but may vary provided the width of the lands in a waist portion of the file are no greater than those above or below the waist portion. The instrument resists mid-root transportation and exhibits superior fatigue performance and cutting efficiency compared to prior art instruments.

Abstract: A self-ligating bracket system comprising a body, an archwire slot receivable for an archwire, and a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism configured to allow a ligating sliding member to move between an open position, such that an archwire may be inserted into and/or removed from the archwire slot, and a closed position, such that an archwire is retained within the archwire slot.

Abstract: A dental implant device for insertion into a bore defined in bone for use with a prosthetic tooth or dental appliance includes an abutment with a plurality of male keys disposed about the distal end of the abutment capable of being affixed to the prosthetic tooth or dental appliance, an implantable anchor having a proximal and distal end, a plurality of female keyways defined into the proximal end of the anchor, the keyways capable of coupling to the male keys of the abutment and thereby preventing relative rotation of the abutment and anchor, an interlocking thread helically defined around a longitudinal axis of the anchor, the thread being adapted to couple to the bore defined in the bone and means for coupling the abutment to the implant anchor.

Abstract: In a method for forming a dental part, a laser beam is guided over a powder layer of biocompatible material. The laser is guided by a computer controlled laser scanning system based on data representing the shape of the cross-section through the shaped body. The powder is substantially melted by the laser beam to form a layer in the shaped body, to build the shaped body entirely from layers of laser-melted material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a dental prosthesis with the chronological steps: A) Inserting the prosthetic teeth into the prosthetic base and connecting them with it in such a way that after their insertion into the prosthetic base the prosthetic teeth have limited movability in the prosthetic base B) Changing the position and/or the orientation of at least one prosthetic tooth in the prosthetic base; C) Fixing the prosthetic teeth on the coronal side in a key, and securing the orientation and position of the prosthetic teeth to one another in the changed position and/or orientation; D) Separating the prosthetic teeth from the prosthetic base; F) Fastening the prosthetic teeth in the prosthetic base with a cement or an adhesive, the gaps between the surfaces of the prosthetic base that are provided for fixation of the prosthetic teeth and the prosthetic teeth being filled with the cement or the adhesive; and G) Allowing the cement or adhesive to harden, the prosthetic teeth being solidly c

Abstract: A device with controllable switch terminal voltage, comprising: a switch signal unit for outputting a corresponding switch signal according to the state of a switch, wherein the switch is coupled between the switch signal unit and an output of a power supply; a biasing unit coupled to the switch signal unit for outputting a bias voltage to the switch signal unit; wherein when the switch is open and a conductive liquid and/or the stream of conductive liquid exists inside the switch, the biasing unit cooperates with the switch signal unit so as to control the terminal voltage of the switch and the current flowing through the switch. The disclosed switch design allows the switch terminal voltage to be less than 1V when the switch is opened, which greatly depresses the electrochemical reaction of the switch, thus prolonging the switch life, and avoiding the possibility of hydrogen explosion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, computing device readable medium, devices, and systems having a dental attachment formation structure. One dental attachment formation apparatus includes a body having a first surface shaped to conform to the contours of an exterior surface of a tooth and including a portion of the first surface shaped to accommodate an attachment that is to be attached to the exterior surface of the tooth and a light source attachment structure for attachment of a light source to the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, computing device readable medium, devices, and systems having a dental attachment formation structures. One dental appliance includes a body having a first surface shaped to abut an exterior surface of a tooth and a well portion of the first surface shaped to form an attachment that is to be attached to the exterior surface of the tooth, a release layer formed over a surface of the well to allow the attachment to be removed from the well, and an attachment material that is used to form the attachment positioned within the well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for collecting semen from boars. The device is characterized in that it has a simple structure and is therefore inexpensive to produce and, during the method, it reduces contamination, in particular the microbe count. The device has a glove (1) with a fingers portion (2) and a thumb portion (3) for receiving a hand and, on one side of the glove (1) between the fingers portion (2) and the thumb portion (3), it has a film tube (5) with an opening (6) which is held open by a spring element (10), and of which the opposite, second end (13) is closed, wherein the film tube (5) is connected to the glove (1).

Abstract: The invention, in various embodiments, is directed to systems, devices, and methods relating to pre-pubic approaches to delivering a supportive sling to periurethral tissue of a patient.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to synthetic tissue or organ scaffolds and methods and compositions for promoting or maintaining their structural integrity. Aspects of the disclosure are useful to prevent scaffold damage (e.g., delamination) during or after implantation into a host. Aspects of the disclosure are useful to stabilize tissue or organ scaffolds that include electrospun fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis (100) comprising an openworked three-dimensional knit (101) comprising a front face and a rear face, each face being formed with one or more laps of yarns defining pores on said face, the front face being bound to the rear face by connecting yarns defining a spacer, characterized in that the connecting yarns are distributed so that they define an entanglement of yarns crossing each other at the spacer, without obstructing the pores of the front and rear faces.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis for repairing or reinforcing a tissue or muscle wall defect is provided. The implantable prosthesis includes a first biocompatible structure having a tether attached thereto for maintaining stable deployment of the implantable prosthesis through an abdominal wall; a rigid reinforcement member positioned adjacent a bottom side of the first biocompatible structure, the rigid reinforcement member including an inner circumferential ring, a plurality of spoke elements, a plurality of openings, and a plurality of guide members molded thereon; a mesh structure positioned adjacent a bottom surface of the rigid reinforcement member, the mesh structure overlapping the inner circumferential ring of the rigid reinforcement member; a second biocompatible structure and an anti-adhesion barrier having a collagen coating positioned on a bottom surface of the second biocompatible structure.

Abstract: The present invention features soft tissue implants and methods for making same. The implants can includes a biocompatible film that is rendered porous due to the inclusion of uniformly or non-uniformly patterned cells, and the film has a thickness of less than about 0.015 inches in the event the starting material is non-porous and less than about 0.035 inches in the event the starting material is a microporous film. Multi-film implants can also be made.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing implantable medical devices, such as intravascular stents, wherein the medical device has a surface treated to promote the migration of endothelial cells onto the surface of the medical device. In particular, the surface of the medical device has at least one groove formed therein, the at least one groove may have a drug-eluting polymer disposed therein or a drug-eluting polymer coating may be provided on the surface of the medical device and grooves formed in the drug eluting polymer coating.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to percutaneously deliverable bioabsorbable closure devices for an ostium of a left atrial appendage which devices promote endothelialization across the ostium and then are bioabsorbed to leave little or no foreign residue, methods of manufacturing such bioabsorbable closure devices, and the use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes biomimetic nerve conduits that can be used as nerve regeneration pathways. The present invention further provides methods of preparing and using biomimetic nerve conduits. The disclosed compositions and methods have a broad range of potential applications, for example replacing a missing or damaged section of a nerve pathway of a mammal.

Abstract: Provided is a stent that is placed in the bile duct to facilitate bile secretion into the duodenum. The stent includes an elastically deformable body, a film part, and an anti-inversion part. The body has a predetermined diameter and length and is formed by interlacing wires in the form of a tube. The film part surrounds to cover at least a portion of the body, extends a predetermined length from one end of the body, and is made of a flexible material. The anti-inversion part is connected to the one end of the body from which the film part extends and prevents the film part from being inverted and folded inwardly toward the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices used in the management of bodily airways including tracheostomy tubes, laryngectomy tubes, bronchial stents, bronchial Y-tubes, bronchial TY-tubes, and nasal stents. The devices may comprise a protective coating to prevent the accumulation of mucus, crusting and granulation on or around airway management devices, as well as prevent adhesion to tissues which can cause bleeding upon removal, and prevent build-up of blood, or blood clots, to the stent.

Abstract: The present invention provides constructs including a tubular biodegradable polyglycolic acid scaffold, wherein the scaffold may be coated with extracellular matrix proteins and substantially acellular. The constructs can be utilized as an arteriovenous graft, a coronary graft, a peripheral artery bypass conduit, or a urinary conduit. The present invention also provides methods of producing such constructs.

Abstract: A stent graft system includes a plurality of stents that are configured to be assembled in situ to provide an aortal stent graft assembly. The system may include a tubular segment that is configured to engage healthy aortic tissue, a plurality of segments configured to sealingly engage the tubular segment and comprising one or a plurality of vents or side channels that are oriented proximally and are configured to receive and seal with smaller-diameter stent grafts. In some embodiments, the system further includes a tubular segment having a bifurcated distal end. For example, the system may be assembled to provide a flow channel and support structure for stent grafts that engage one or more of the right and left iliac arteries, the celiac artery, the superior mesenteric artery, and the renal arteries.

Abstract: An aortic graft assembly includes a tubular component that defines a wall aperture having a proximal end that extends perpendicular to a major longitudinal axis of the tubular aortic component, and a tunnel graft connected to the wall of the tubular aortic component and extending from the wall aperture toward a proximal end of the tubular aortic component. The method for delivery of the aortic graft assembly includes delivering the aortic graft assembly through the wall aperture and into interferring relation with the tunnel graft.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for constricting a cornea of a human eye are disclosed. A control device external to the subject eye, such as an induction generator, may be configured to create a stimulus, such as a magnetic field, for an implanted ring that, when stimulated, may change the curvature, and thus the dioptric power, of the eye, thereby approximating natural accommodation.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) system includes an active lens element to provide dynamic optical power for active accommodation. The active lens element has mechanical indentations disposed along a perimeter of the active lens element and the mechanical indentations form structurally weakened locations in the active lens element. A first pair of the mechanical indentations defines terminal ends of a first folding line extending between the first pair of the mechanical indentations, and the first pair of the mechanical indentations promotes folding of the active lens element along the first folding line. The IOL system also includes control circuitry coupled to the active lens element to control the active lens element during the active accommodation.

Abstract: A haptic is provided for use in an accommodating intraocular lens. The haptic has multiple filaments, each connected to the edge of the optic at one end. Each filament has a shape that conforms to an equatorial region of the capsular bag. The haptic couples the forces exerted by the capsular bag of the eye during accommodation radially to the edge of the optic, produce a diametric expansion or compression of the optic. This diametric motion distorts the optic, producing a change in any or all of the anterior radius, the posterior radius, and the thickness. These changes affect the power of the lens and/or location of the image. The haptic may optionally have a thin membrane joining the filaments at the optic end, and may optionally have a connecting ring that joins the filaments at the end opposite that of the optic.

Abstract: Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide an IOL insertion device that facilitates the injection of the IOL in a controlled manner The insertion device includes a front modular portion and an injector. The modular portion may be preloaded with an IOL and coupled with the injector. The injector includes a distal portion, a body, and a plunger. The distal portion includes a front seal which has a longitudinal bore at the center, through which a distal portion of the plunger passes. The plunger tip is tapered. The plunger also includes a sealing element situated between its distal portion and its proximal portion. The sealing element includes a small aperture through which a fluid, such as a viscoelastic or a balanced salt solution (“BSS”) and the like, may pass toward the proximal end of the body when the plunger advances distally. As the fluid passes through the small aperture on the sealing element on the plunger, a constant speed and force is maintained as the IOL is ejected into the eye.

Abstract: Disclosed is an artificial valved conduit that is a composite valved graft comprising double sewing cuffs, which can be easily used in aortic root replacement. The composite valved graft comprises a valve and a conduit part connected to the valve. The conduit part comprises a sewing cuff positioned on the outer circumference thereof. The sewing cuff comprises a first sewing cuff and a second sewing cuff positioned below the first sewing cuff. Accordingly, a double suture is easily performed, so that it is possible to prevent the loss of blood after a surgery and to reduce surgical time at the same time.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition, the stent having a proximal end, a distal end and a plurality of commissure features. The heart valve further includes a valve assembly secured to the stent, the valve assembly including a cuff and a plurality of leaflets, each of the leaflets having a free edge having a first end and a second end, and a second edge secured to the cuff, the second edge having a first end, a second end, a first folded portion adjacent the first end, a second folded portion adjacent the second end, and an unfolded portion between the first and second folded portions. The first and second folded portions couple the leaflet to ones of the commissure features.

Abstract: Methods of quickly and easily implanting a quick-connect heart valve prosthesis during a surgical procedure are provided. The heart valve may include a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a plastically-expandable frame, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. A system and method for deployment includes an integrated handle shaft and balloon catheter. A safety member disposed between the balloon catheter and handle shaft prevents premature catheter advancement prior to heart valve placement at the annulus, and also may prevent premature balloon inflation prior to full catheter advancement.

Abstract: A method for treating a heart valve of a patient includes inserting into a heart and in contact with a valve surface, an implant including an elongate element and a locking mechanism coupled to the elongate element. The locking mechanism has a resting position that provides a locked state preventing movement of the elongate element with respect to the locking mechanism. The heart valve is treated by facilitating movement of the elongate element with respect to the locking mechanism by maintaining application of a force to the locking mechanism using a tool, and thereby maintaining the locking mechanism in an unlocked state during the facilitating of the movement of the elongate element with respect to the locking mechanism. Subsequently, the locking mechanism is transitioned to the resting position by decoupling the tool from the locking mechanism.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods related to various heart valve implants and for delivery of those heart valve implants are described. The implants may be used to re-size a native valve annulus or to replace a native heart valve. The implants include a re-sizable frame having angled struts. Anchors secure the implant to tissue and collars are used to decrease the angle between the struts and contract the frame. The implant thus expands from a first size inside of a delivery catheter, to a second and larger deployed size inside the heart to engage and anchor with the tissue, and then to a third and contracted size to re-size the annulus and/or provide a secure fit for a replacement heart valve. Various delivery systems including imaging capabilities for precise delivery, positioning and anchoring of the various implants are further described.

Abstract: An anchoring system and related methods are provided for treatment of dilated hearts and of functional valve regurgitation, the system comprising one or more self-expandable or manually expandable anchors and associated devices for fixating a valve splint within the heart. For example, a spade-shaped assembly may be configured to be deployed in a right ventricle of the heart and to stabilize a puncturing instrument to puncture the septum. Various puncturing instruments may also be part of the anchoring system, including one or more of a flexible needle having a multiplicity of slits disposed along the length of the needle, a trocar catheter with a retractable head, and a catheter needle having a blunt introducer to protect nearby tissue within the heart during advancing a guidewire. A cutter catheter and puncture location catheter may also be part of the system and be used during treatment.

Abstract: Ultrasound probe systems and methods for using an ultrasound probe to assist during treatment of conditions of the human heart are provided. The method may comprise loading a medical instrument into a guide fastened to the ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe may be inserted into a patient by way of an incision. The distal end of the ultrasound probe may be navigated to a location adjacent to an exterior surface of the heart. A treatment site may be identified on the exterior surface of the heart based on images obtained from an ultrasound transducer disposed within a distal end of the ultrasound probe. The medical instrument may be advanced within the guide to the treatment site and the medical instrument used for treatment. After treatment, the medical instrument may be withdrawn from the treatment site.

Abstract: A bone void filling prosthesis, which includes a body and a plurality of legs. The body includes an aperture extending therethrough. The plurality of legs are each connected to the body. Each of the plurality of legs includes at least one selectively removable portion for adjusting a length of each of the plurality of legs.

Abstract: Femoral heads, mobile inserts, acetabular components, and modular junctions for orthopedic implants, e.g., hip replacement implants, and methods of using femoral heads, mobile inserts, acetabular components, and modular junctions for orthopedic implants are provided. Prosthetic femoral heads, mobile inserts, and acetabular components are provided that can alleviate soft tissue impingement, reduce implant wear, and/or reduce frictional torque. Modular junctions are provided that can minimize the incidence of loosening and micromotion that can occur at modular junctions of orthopedic implants.

Abstract: Implementations described herein provide for a bone implant having a cylindrical member and an articulating member. The cylindrical member extends along an implant axis from a first end to an opposed second end thereof. The cylindrical member has a void disposed therein extending from the first end towards the second end. The cylindrical member has an interconnected open-pore structure for promoting bone tissue in-growth. The articulating member has an articulating portion and a core portion extending away from the articulating portion. The articulating member is coupled to the cylindrical member such that the core portion extends into the void disposed in the cylindrical member and the articulating portion is positioned adjacent the first surface of the cylindrical member and extends radially outward from the implant axis to cover the first surface of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an intervertebral implant may include a body including a superior and an inferior surface. The implant may include a first channel extending from an anterior end towards the posterior end of the body. The implant may include a first anchor channel. The implant may include a first guide member positionable in the first channel. The implant may include a first anchor. When the first guide member moves from a first position to a second position the first anchor may be conveyed through the first anchor channel and couple the body to an adjacent vertebra. In some embodiments, the implant may include a first locking mechanism which inhibits, during use, the first guide member from moving from the second position to the first position upon activation of the first locking mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant configured for positioning within the intervertebral space between adjacent vertebral bodies is disclosed. The spinal implant includes a first body, a second body, a ratchet, and a locking mechanism. The first and second bodies are pivotably affixed to each other on respective first ends thereof and are capable of movement relative to each other in a medial-lateral direction with respect to the adjacent vertebral bodies. The ratchet is pivotably supported within a slot defined in the first body and is capable of engaging the second body thereby permitting movement of the first and second body relative to each other in a first direction, but not in a second direction that is different than the first direction. A method of performing spinal surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods of treating spinal deformity, including one or more intervertebral implants to be introduced laterally into respective intervertebral spaces, a plurality of bone screws introduced generally laterally into vertebral bodies adjacent to the intervertebral implants and/or the intervertebral implants themselves, and a cable dimensioned to be coupled to the bone screws and manipulated to adjust and/or correct the spinal deformity.