Abstract: The invention concerns a cassette comprising a sterile barrier. The sterile barrier comprises attachment brackets each attached to a drive member for driving an elongate flexible medical device, and flexible portions between two adjacent attachment brackets. The flexible portions are connected to the attachment brackets. The drive surfaces of the attachment brackets come into contact with the elongate flexible medical device.

Abstract: A medical-robotic device that has a kinematic chain of movable components with an end effector at one end, with at least one force or torque sensor for the detection of at least one force or torque value on the kinematic chain. A control processor that controls the kinematic chain. An additional mechanical component is attached directly to the end effector or one of the movable components so that the additional component can transmit a force external to the device or a torque external to the device to the end effector or the movable component. The control processor determines the force external to the device or the torque external to the device on the basis of the at least one force or torque value detected, and controls the kinematic chain in dependence on the determined force external to the device or the determined torque external to the device, in order to increase the accuracy of the medical-robotic device.

Abstract: A medical robotic system and method of operating such comprises taking intraoperative external image data of a patient anatomy, and using that image data to generate a modeling adjustment for a control system of the medical robotic system (e.g., updating anatomic model and/or refining instrument registration), and/or adjust a procedure control aspect (e.g., regulating substance or therapy delivery, improving targeting, and/or tracking performance).

Abstract: Systems and methods for driving a flexible medical instrument to a target in an anatomical space with robotic assistance are described herein. The flexible instrument may have a tracking sensor embedded therein. An associated robotic control system may be provided, which is configured to register the flexible instrument to an anatomical image using data from the tracking sensor and identify one or more movements suitable for navigating the instrument towards an identified target. In some embodiments, the robotic control system drives or assists in driving the flexible instrument to the target.

Abstract: A medical manipulator system including: a manipulator provided with an elongated portion, a movable portion which has one or more joints, and a driving portion which is disposed at a proximal end of the elongated portion and which drives the movable portion; a medical device having a channel that can accommodate at least a portion of the elongated portion and the movable portion; a manipulation input portion that generates an operation instruction for moving the manipulator between a treatment state in which the movable portion protrudes from a distal end of the channel and an accommodated state in which the movable portion is accommodated in the channel in accordance with a manipulation instruction input; and a notifying portion that notifies a situation in which the manipulator is shifting from the treatment state to the accommodated state.

Abstract: A percutaneous catheter system for use within the human body and an ablation catheter for ablating a selected tissue region within the body of a subject. The percutaneous catheter system can include two catheters that are operatively coupled to one another by magnetic coupling through a tissue structure. The ablation catheter can include electrodes positioned within a central portion. The ablation catheter is positioned such that the central portion of a flexible shaft at least partially surrounds the selected tissue region. Each electrode of the ablation catheter can be activated independently to apply ablative energy to the selected tissue region. The ablation catheter can employ high impedance structures to change the current density at specific points. Methods of puncturing through a tissue structure using the percutaneous catheter system are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for ablating a selected tissue region using the ablation catheter.

Abstract: A shipping member for selective attachment to a replaceable loading unit is provided. The shipping member includes an annular extension configured for selective engagement with a loading unit and configured to prevent movement of a knife assembly of the loading unit. The shipping member further includes first and second legs configured to prevent movement of a staple pusher assembly. The shipping member also includes a staple retaining surface configured to retain staples within a staple cartridge of the loading unit.

Abstract: The instrument for artificial knee joint replacement surgery includes a holding mechanism that includes a holding portion having a contact portion to be brought into contact with a contact target of a patient on whom artificial knee joint replacement surgery is to be performed and that holds the patient in a state in which the contact portion is in contact with the contact target, and an indicating mechanism that is attached to the holding mechanism and includes a position identification target indicating portion to be arranged at a position corresponding to a position identification target in a state in which the holding mechanism holds the patient. The position at which the position identification target indicating portion is to be arranged is determined based on a positional relationship between the contact target and the position identification target that is obtained in advance prior to surgery.

Abstract: A system for intracranial access that includes a support assembly is described. The support assembly has a hub and lobes surrounding a central aperture for introducing a sheathed core that can accommodate an endoscope and/or other devices. Some embodiments include a collar and a ring, each of which can be tightened to secure the sheathed core in place. An accessory device for use during intracranial aspiration procedures is described.

Abstract: Assembly (10) for positioning an electrode assembly (16) for radiofrequency ablation, comprising a first linear motion guide (11) defining a first axis of motion (103) and comprising a first carriage (111) operable to move along the first axis of motion (103), an XY positioner (12) operable to move a second carriage (123) in a two-dimensional space defined by a second axis of motion (104) and a third axis (105) orthogonal to the second axis of motion. The XY positioner is positioned relative to the first linear motion guide (11) such that the second axis of motion and the third axis are orthogonal to the first axis of motion (103). A first coupling means (125, 14) couples the electrode assembly (16) to the second carriage (123). A second linear motion guide (13) defining a fourth axis of motion (106) is disposed such that the fourth axis of motion is parallel to the second axis of motion (104).

Abstract: Provided is a surgical display system. The circuitry (200) is configured to receive user identification information and determine a display (100A, 100B) setting for each of a plurality of head-mounted displays based on display setting information associated with the received user identification information. The circuitry is further configured to set the display settings of the plurality of head-mounted displays based on the determined display settings to display an image from a surgical imaging device.

Abstract: A method for attaching a test fixture to a surgical instrument comprising removing a valve member from a valve chamber of a surgical instrument and removing another valve member from another valve chamber of the surgical instrument. The method further comprises inserting a valve member analogue extending from a frame of a test figure into the valve chamber, wherein the valve member analogue comprises a first seal and a second seal, and wherein the first and second seals are configured to seal at least a portion of the valve chamber of the surgical instrument. The method further comprises inserting another valve member analogue extending from the frame, wherein the valve member analogue and the another valve member analogue define a longitudinal axis extending substantially therebetween. The method further comprises securing the test fixture to the surgical instrument by moving the housing substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis into a locked position.

Abstract: An instrument that includes a tod; a tool-holder; complementary means for vibrational coupling of the tool to the tool-holder which can be activated by relative movement of the tool and the tool-holder along a vibrational coupling/uncoupling stroke; and complementary rclcaaable means for attaching the tool to the tool-holder allowing, when the tool is attached to the tool-holder, the vibrational coupling/uncoupling stroke. The attachment means may include two attachment members, male and female, which can be attached together by relative movement along an attachment/detachment stroke. The attachment members cannot be deformed during the attachment/detachment stroke. The stroke includes an axial component and a component in a plane substantially transverse to the axial component, referred to as the transverse component.

Abstract: Disclosed is an orthodontic archwire with a varied cross-sectional structure. The archwire includes a rectangular cross section along every region, and a height and/or a width of the cross section between at least one ligating portion configured to be ligated to a slot of a bracket and the bracket is different from each other. The archwire includes an anterior region located at a center thereof, and a pair of posterior regions located at left and right sides of the anterior region. The anterior region includes at least one anterior wire protrusion protruding in a direction toward a patient's tongue from the ligating portion to be ligated to the slot of the bracket, and the posterior region has a constant cross section or has posterior wire protrusion protruding in the direction toward the patient's tongue from the ligating portion.

Abstract: A scan body for intraoral scanning includes a snap-in retention capability for engagement with a dental implant having a first engagement section. The second engagement section is configured for a snap-in or frictional fit with the first engagement section to releasably secure the scan body to the implant.

Abstract: Provided is a technique of accurately forming a shape of a scaffold demanding high precision and fast manufacturing the scaffold with low costs, so that the scaffold for dental treatment may be immediately placed after tooth extraction and may be accurately placed in a tooth extraction socket.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a ring prepared from osteoinductive and/or osteogenic material for a use in a dental and orthognathic surgery in case of bone surface deficiency for the introduction of intraosseous dental implants.

Abstract: To provide a multilayer resin material for dental milling and machining, comprising an inorganic filler in a content of 40% by weight or more and a plurality of layers different in transparency and color tone from each other, wherein the thickness of the uppermost layer (U) and the thickness of the lowermost layer (L) are each 1 mm or more, the contrast ratios (uppermost layer: CU, lowermost layer: CL) as indices for the transparency of the uppermost layer (U) and the transparency of the lowermost layer (L) satisfy the following relations: 0.30?CU?0.60 0.55?CL?0.

Abstract: A dental floss threader adapted to minimize discomfort of the user comprising: a shank extending between a first end and second and being elastically deformable; an eyelet integrally joined at said first end of said shank; and a covering enclosing said second end of said shank.

Abstract: A dental floss holder includes a connecting section and at least four floss supporting arms extending from said connecting section. Each of the floss supporting arms has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the connecting section, and the second end includes a floss fastening portion for fastening a string of dental floss. The floss fastening portions of the at least four floss supporting arms are configured such that a string of dental floss attached to the floss fastening portions of the at least four floss supporting arms may be arranged to constitute the edges of a polyhedron.

Abstract: An oral care implement and a refill head therefor. The refill head may include a sleeve portion and a head portion, a passageway extending through the head portion from a rear surface of the head portion to a front surface of the head portion, a plurality of bristle tufts mounted to the head portion and extending from the front surface of the head portion, and an integrally-formed monolithic mass of an elastomeric material comprising: (1) an elastomeric pad portion located on the rear surface of the head portion; (2) an elastomeric tooth contact element extending from the front surface of the head portion; and (3) an elastomeric anchor portion in the passageway connecting the elastomeric tooth contact element and the elastomeric pad portion.

Abstract: An oral care implement having an arrangement of tooth cleaning elements thereon. The oral care implement may include a head extending from a proximal end to a distal end and comprising first and second peripheral sides. A plurality of tooth cleaning elements extend from the head and are arranged in groups including a first peripheral grouping of tooth cleaning elements positioned adjacent the first peripheral side of the head and having first and second types of tooth cleaning elements, a distal grouping of tooth cleaning elements positioned adjacent the distal end of the head and having a third type of tooth cleaning element, and a proximal grouping of tooth cleaning elements positioned adjacent the proximal end of the head and having the third type of tooth cleaning element. The first, second, and third types of tooth cleaning elements are different in at least one more structural characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temporary dental prosthesis for determining abrasion facets, having at least one prosthetic tooth, in which at least the occlusion surface of the prosthetic tooth or at least one of the prosthetic teeth is made of a material that is abradable such that, within a maximum of 12 weeks of use as a dental prosthesis by a patient, abrasion facets are produced on the prosthetic teeth and are suitable for ascertaining the chewing movements of the jaw of the patient. The invention also relates to a method for determining the chewing movement of a set of teeth from measured abrasion facets, in which a temporary dental prosthesis made of an abradable material is inserted in a patient, and to a method for producing a final dental prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implant that includes inflatable anchors that are configured to assume an inflated state and a relaxed state. The implant includes a tubular member mechanically coupled to one or more anchors of the inflatable anchors. The tubular member includes a lumen that provides a passageway for circulating a fluid through the one or more of the plurality of inflatable anchors and allow them to protrude and pierce through bodily tissues. In an embodiment, the implant may include a plurality of bi-directional barbs instead of the inflatable anchors. The plurality of barbs may be activated by a flexible member such that the activation is configured to cause anchoring of the barbs into soft tissues during a surgical procedure. The present invention provides a method for placing an implant.

Abstract: A surgical fastener includes a head section and a tissue snaring section. The head section includes an arm member pivotably disposed on an outer surface of the head section. The tissue snaring section defines a longitudinal axis and extends away from the head section. At least one helical thread defined along an outer surface of the tissue snaring section. The tissue snaring section is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis in a first radial direction, and the arm member is configured pivot outwardly from the head section in the first radial direction.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate methods and synthetic scaffolds for regenerating gastrointestinal tissue (e.g., esophageal tissue).

Abstract: An implant carrier assembly, including a first housing, a second housing, a mixing pot for receiving powder, and a sealed container for receiving liquid, is provided. The first housing and the second housing are detachably assembled to each other to form a receiving space. An implant is received therein or removed therefrom. The second housing has a hole communicating with the receiving space. The sealed container is inserted into the mixing pot, and the mixing pot is assembled to the second housing, such that the sealed container is packed and squeezed inside the mixing pot and broken and the liquid flows out of the sealed container. The powder and the liquid are mixed and flow into the receiving space through the hole.

Abstract: A stent according to the present invention includes: a stent main body that has a plurality of holes formed in the surface thereof and a circumferential part of which the inside is hollow; and a cover that covers one side of the outer circumferential surface of the stent main body, in which the stent main body has an exterior path that provides a channel through which the body fluid secreted from a diverging duct can flow along the longitudinal direction of the stent main body to the outside of the cover.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for measuring the diameter of an airway in a human or animal subject are disclosed. The device comprises a flexible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end. Flexible sizing elements are disposed along and extend approximately orthogonally from the catheter body. The sizing elements have different heights from one another and are configured to fit through the working channel of a bronchoscope. Devices, systems, and methods for redirecting airflow through a lung airway are also disclosed. The method comprises introducing into the airway a catheter comprising a distal end, a proximal end and an elongated portion therebetween, wherein the distal end comprises an airway closing mechanism, and wherein the proximal end comprises an actuator to actuate the airway closing mechanism; and actuating the airway closing mechanism to at least partially close the airway.

Abstract: Metal foils, wires, and seamless tubes with increased mechanical strength are provided. As opposed to wrought materials that are made of a single metal or alloy, these materials are made of two or more layers forming a laminate structure. Laminate structures are known to increase mechanical strength of sheet materials such as wood and paper products and are used in the area of thin films to increase film hardness, as well as toughness. Laminate metal foils have not been used or developed because the standard metal forming technologies, such as rolling and extrusion, for example, do not lend themselves to the production of laminate structures. Vacuum deposition technologies can be developed to yield laminate metal structures with improved mechanical properties. In addition, laminate structures can be designed to provide special qualities by including layers that have special properties such as superelasticity, shape memory, radio-opacity, corrosion resistance etc.

Abstract: A suture anchor for anchoring a suture in the selected portion of an anatomical portion for fixing a suture thereto. The suture anchor including an anatomical engaging portion and a suture engaging portion wherein both the anatomical engaging portion and a suture engaging portion are adopted to be substantially disposed below an exterior of the anatomical portion after implantation. Suture eyelets are provided in the suture engaging section and a suture passage is formed to interconnect the eyelets to allow a suture to be easily threaded in the suture engaging section from the first eyelet to the second eyelet.

Abstract: A soft anchor assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a sheath, a first flexible strand affixed as non-sliding relative to the sheath and a second flexible strand slidable relative to the sheath.

Abstract: An intraocular lens insertion device and a cartridge which enable the intraocular lens to be inserted into an eye more stably and easily than ever before. A supporting portion 102 of an intraocular lens 100 arranged on a lens-advancing side in a lens-advancing direction x is pressed against a protrusion 21 so as to be bent backward. Thus, releasing the intraocular lens 100 from a nozzle portion 13 is allowed to begin with the releasing of a curved portion of the supporting portion 102 that has become U-shaped and hard to move freely. As a result, there can be provided an intraocular lens insertion device and a cartridge which enable the intraocular lens 100 to be inserted into an eye more steadily and easily than ever before.

Abstract: An adaptively positioned mitral valve closure plate blocker for repairing mitral regurgitation, comprising a suture and shaping ring (4.1) sutured on a mitral ring (2.1) and a closure plate (4.2); the closing plate (4.2) comprises a tongue-shaped plate and a strut (4.3) located at the top of the tongue-shaped plate and connected to the suture and shaping ring; the closing plate (4.2) can be connected to the suture and shaping ring (4.1), being capable of flapping back and forth and twisting left and right. The suture and shaping ring is sutured on the valve ring (2.1) of the mitral valve (2) of a patient in a thoracotomy and open heart surgery, thus shaping the disease expanded mitral ring (2.1), and supporting the closing plate (4.2); when a heart contracts and valve leaflets close, the closing plate (4.2) flaps and twists depending on the position of a regurgitation opening at the free edge of the valve leaflets to realize adaptive positioning of the closing plate (4.2), so that the closing plate (4.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for the optimization of shoulder arthroplasty component design through the use of computed tomography scan data from arthritic shoulders.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a variety of fracture fixation options should a fracture occur after total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty, and provides associated methods and apparatus for application of provided fixation. The ability to pre-engineer fracture fixation contingent solutions into femoral or tibial components provides for a distinct clinical advantage in the planning and execution for periprosthetic fracture fixation. Said methods and apparatus include targeting devices which allow for intimate association of fixed angle locking screws in pre-drilled holes in an existing prosthetic, femoral nail, or other components including additional fixation components. Use of pre-engineered fracture fixation contingent solutions into femoral or tibial components provides for a distinct clinical advantage in the planning and execution for periprosthetic fracture fixation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for fusing two bones within a mammal. More particularly described is such a system and method for a transcortical fusion system wherein which a plate is affixed in a longitudinal slot or aperture cut into the anterior portion of the tibia and the talus, thereby achieving an fusion of the joint while placing the fusion site in the joint in compression.

Abstract: The invention is a compression device for arthrodesis, wherein a straight or angled bone implant device has two shafts thereon making up one compression device. The two shafts are either co-linear or one shaft is angled at a definite angle (between 0 and 15 degrees) compared to the linear angle of the other shaft. One end of the compression screw bears barbs formed by discontinuous threading, whereas the other end of the compression screw bears continuous threads or barbs formed by discontinuous threading.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wrist prosthesis (1), comprising a proximal prosthesis body (21) and a distal prosthesis body (11), wherein, at least in a deployed state of the wrist prosthesis, a portion of the proximal prosthesis body that faces away from the distal prosthesis body is provided with a convexly curved surface (22). Additionally, a portion of the distal prosthesis body that faces away from the proximal prosthesis body is furthermore provided with a convexly curved surface (12). Furthermore, the surfaces of the proximal prosthesis body and the distal prosthesis body that are facing each other are provided with complementary convex-concave curved surfaces (13, 23). The invention further relates to a set of components for such a wrist prosthesis, which allows the wrist prosthesis to be placed in a wrist, without anchoring means, and with a high degree of adaptation to the specific situation.

Abstract: A cage device includes a first support member which has a bone contact surface and from which depend side surfaces that are provided with ratchet teeth. The first support member ratchets with a ratchet member, which in turn ratchets with a ratchet wall, such that the first support member and the ratchet member are movable independently of each other and form a multiple sliding mechanical mechanism.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: An adjustable spinal fusion intervertebral implant is provided that can comprise upper and lower body portions, and proximal and distal wedges. An actuator shaft disposed intermediate the upper and lower body portions can be actuated to cause proximal and distal wedges to converge towards each other. The implant comprises one or more channels that interact with a bone graft inserter to direct the flow of material through the implant. The bone graft inserter and methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: A spinal implant apparatus that is an expandable spacer including features to minimize or eliminate spacer cant or offset during and after completing the expansion process. The spacer includes a top component, a base component in engagement with the top component, and an expansion mechanism arranged to change the top component's position with respect to the base component. The mechanism for causing expansion may be a screw, a cam, a wedge or other form of distracting device. In one embodiment, the expandable spacer includes a base component with a set of towers and a top component with a set of corresponding silos, where the towers and silos are configured to minimize or eliminate tilt of the top component as it extends upwardly from the base component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for bone preparation with designed areas having accurate tolerance profiles to enable improved initial fixation and stability for cementless implants and to improve long-term bone ingrowth/ongrowth to an implant. A method of preparing a bone surface to receive a prosthetic implant thereon having an articular surface and a bone contacting surface includes resecting the bone surface at a first location to create a first resected region having a first tolerance profile with a first cross-section, resecting the bone surface at a second location to create a second resected region having a second tolerance profile with a second cross-section less dense than the first cross-section, and contacting the bone contacting surface of the prosthetic implant with the first resected region.

Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: Local swing leg control was developed that takes advantage of segment interactions to achieve robust leg placement under large disturbances while generating trajectories and joint torque patterns similar to those observed in human walking and running. The results suggest the identified control as a powerful alternative to existing swing leg controls in humanoid and rehabilitation robotics. Alternatively, a detailed neuromuscular model of the human swing leg was developed to embody the control with local muscle reflexes. The resulting reflex control robustly places the swing leg into a wide range of landing points observed in human walking and running, and it generates similar patterns of joint torques and muscle activations. The results suggest an alternative to existing swing leg controls in humanoid and rehabilitation robotics which does not require central processing.

Abstract: A method for estimating posture of robotic walking aid comprises: providing a motor controller, a motor encoder and a motor on right and left hip joints, and right and left knee joints of a robotic walking aid, providing an inertial sensor on upper body of the robotic walking aid, wherein the motor controller, the motor encoder, the motor and the inertial sensor are coupled to a control unit; installing the robotic walking aid on a user; inputting the lengths of the upper body, two thighs, two shanks, two feet of the robotic walking aid to the control unit, wherein the upper body, two thighs, two shanks, two feet form a plurality of points; obtaining an angle of the upper body corresponding to a reference frame with the inertial sensor; obtaining angles of those joints with those motor encoders; and calculating 3 dimensional coordinates of each point with a motion model.

Abstract: A system for powering a prosthetic arm is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal battery located in the prosthetic arm, at least one external battery connected to the prosthetic arm, and a master controller configured to connect either the at least one internal battery or the at least one external battery to a power bus to power the prosthetic arm.

Abstract: A prosthesis device can include a socket or a kit for forming a socket having a lanyard suspension system. In one example, the lanyard suspension system includes a tightening device having a housing, and tightening the lanyard gathers a tensioning line portion of the lanyard into an interior of the housing.

Abstract: A suspension liner is provided for use as an interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket. The liner has an elongate, generally conical liner body formed from at least one material segment that is at least radially elastically extensible from a relaxed non-extended condition and including proximal and distal end areas, and a seal component connected to the liner body and having an exterior surface defining at least one exterior seal protruding from the exterior surface and extending radially outwardly from the seal component relative to a longitudinal axis of the liner body. The at least one interior seal is located along an interior surface of the seal component and defines at least one blade extending obliquely toward the liner body. A portion of the seal component carrying the interior seal extends freely and is movable relative to the liner body.