Abstract: A method of ablating a tissue site includes at least two stages. A first stage involves conducting bipolar ablation between a first pair of electrodes situated in an opposing arrangement on opposing sides of the tissue site to form a pair of opposing first stage ablation regions extending from respective sides of the tissue towards the center. A second stage involves conducting bipolar ablation between a second pair of electrodes situated in a diametrical arrangement with respect to the first stage ablation regions, which forms a second stage ablation region intermediate the pair of first stage ablation regions. The second stage completes the ablation through the entire depth of the tissue site. Since the overall process can accommodate incomplete ablation during the first stage, lower power, reduced ablation times or both may be used during the first stage, avoiding overheating and with a decrease in ablated tissue volume.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for providing and using an ablation catheter. The catheter may include an expandable member having a plurality of electrodes, where each electrode is in association with at least one contact sensor and at least one light emitting element. Light is emitted in response to the contact of the contact sensor with the tissue to be ablated. A light sensor disposed centrally to the catheter gathers light emitted from the light emitting elements and sends a signal to a system controller for display.

Abstract: A catheter for diagnosing and ablating tissue is disclosed that has a stabilized spine electrode assembly. The stabilized spine electrode assembly has at least two spines secured to the catheter body at their proximal ends and at least one tether, secured between locations distal of the proximal ends of adjacent spines. The spines have a collapsed arrangement in which the spines are arranged generally along a longitudinal axis of the catheter body and an expanded arrangement in which at least a portion of each spine bows radially outwards from the longitudinal axis and the at least one tether exerts tension on the adjacent spines.

Abstract: A device (10) for navigation within a patient's body, said apparatus comprising a tubular structure having an inner lumen and relatively rigid proximal (15) and distal portions (14) separated by at least one very flexible joint (12) with constant inner diameter and small bending radius. At least one magnetic element (13) is embedded in the distal portion of the device and responsive to externally applied magnetic fields, such that the orientation of distal portion aligns approximately with an externally applied magnetic field (B). The inner lumen of the device allows a flexible medical instrument (17) (e.g. catheter, endoscope, etc.) to be inserted and retracted, such that the flexible medical device is effectively steered in the direction of the lumen's distal section.

Abstract: Ablation catheters and systems include multiple inline chambers for containing and heating an ablative agent. The heating chamber includes one or more channels to increase the contact surface area of the ablative agent with the walls of the heating chamber to provide more efficient heating. Induction heating is used to heat a chamber and vaporize a fluid within by wrapping a coil about a ferromagnetic chamber and providing an alternating current to the coil. A magnetic field is created in the area surrounding the chamber which induces electric current flow in the chamber, heating the chamber and vaporizing the fluid inside. Positioning elements help maintain the device in the proper position with respect to the target tissue and also prevent the passage of ablative agent to normal tissues.

Abstract: A method of inducing local cell death in patient tissue is provided. The method includes generating first and second radiation, conveying the radiation to a focusing element, and focusing the radiation on a target with the focusing element. A system for inducing local cell death in patient tissue is also provided. The system includes a power source for generating narrowband and/or ultra-wideband radiation, and a focusing element for focusing the radiation on a target.

Abstract: A surgical ablation system features a source of ablation energy, a handle adapted to operably couple to the source of ablation energy, and an ablation probe adapted to operably couple to the handle. The handle includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, a hub included within the housing having a plenum defined therein, and a proximal feedline in fluid communication at a proximal end thereof with the plenum and joined at a distal end thereof to a first coupling member. The ablation probe includes a probe hypotube shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a second coupling member disposed at a proximal end of the probe hypotube shaft adapted to operably couple with the first coupling member, a distal tip adapted to penetrate tissue. Ablation energy is deliverable by the ablation probe when the source of ablation energy is operably coupled to the handle and the handle is operably coupled to the ablation probe.

Abstract: An access port tracking apparatus is provided having a frame including two arms positioned at a relative angle, a coupling member attached to the frame, the coupling member for coupling the tracking apparatus to an access port, and a coupling attached to the frame for connecting a tracking marker to the frame.

Abstract: Tracking devices for use in a navigation system and methods of manufacturing the same. The tracking device comprises a tracking head and a plurality of emitters supported by the tracking head to emit light. A plurality of dome-shaped lenses having arcuate inner and outer surfaces define an outer wall of uniform thickness disposed over the emitters so that light is emitted through the outer wall in a manner that minimizes light refraction.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems of resuscitating a patient including accessing an arterial vessel positioning a catheter into the arterial vessel advancing the catheter through the arterial vessel to position it below a vessel supplying blood to a heart and a brain expanding an expandable portion of the catheter to prevent blood from flowing past the expanded portion and infusing a substance retrograde into the artery within the arterial section between the bean and the expanded portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A system and method for converting intraoperative 2D C-Arm images into a 3D representation of the position and orientation of surgical instruments relative to the patient's anatomy is provided.

Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument comprising: a shaft; an articulation at a distal end of the shaft for articulating an end effector, the articulation driveable by pairs of driving elements; and an instrument interface at a proximal end of the shaft, the instrument interface comprising an internal portion which is within the projected profile of the shaft and an external portion which is outside of the projected profile of the shaft, the instrument interface comprising instrument interface elements for driving pairs of driving elements, wherein a first instrument interface element engages a first pair of driving elements in the internal portion.

Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument comprising: a shaft; an articulation at a distal end of the shaft configured to articulate an end effector, the articulation driveable by a pair of driving elements; and an instrument interface at a proximal end of the shaft, the instrument interface comprising: an instrument interface element configured to drive the pair of driving elements, the instrument interface element displaceable over a displacement range, the pair of driving elements fast with the instrument interface element such that a displacement of the instrument interface element is transferred to the pair of driving elements; a tensioning mechanism configured to tension the pair of driving elements; and an alignment mechanism configured to set the displacement position of the instrument interface element to a predetermined alignment position when the end effector has a predetermined configuration, the alignment mechanism being independent of the tensioning mechanism.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes improved microsurgical tools providing multiple degrees of freedom at the wrist level, including roll, pitch, and grasp DOFs, a tight articulation bending radius, low radial offset, and improved stiffness. Some implementations include an end effector platform moveable along a fixed trajectory on a fictional axle so as not to interfere with a central-axis aligned working channel; a crossed-arm mechanical linkage for articulating an end-effector platform throughout a pitch DOF with an amplified pitch angle; and a partial pulley system to articulate the arms while maximizing pulley radius to shaft diameter, and permitting a constant transmission efficiency to the arms throughout the range of articulation. In some implementations, a tool shaft outer diameter may be smaller than 3 mm; a pitch DOF range may be ±90°, a roll DOF range may be ±180°, and a grasp DOF range may be 30°.

Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument comprises an articulation at its shaft's distal end and an instrument interface at its proximal end. The articulation is driveable by pairs of driving elements to articulate an end effector. The instrument interface comprises instrument interface elements configured to drive the driving elements. The instrument interface elements engage drive assembly interface elements of a drive assembly interface of a surgical robot arm when the robotic surgical instrument engages the surgical robot arm. A guide bar is located at an external face of the instrument interface, which, on engaging the instrument interface with the drive assembly interface, is received in the drive assembly interface prior to the instrument interface elements. Once received in the drive assembly interface, the guide bar constrains a relative orientation at which the instrument interface and the drive assembly interface are permitted to engage so as to align their longitudinal attitudes.

Abstract: A medical imaging system comprises a teleoperational assembly configured to control the movement of a medical instrument including an instrument tip and a processing unit including one or more processors. The processing unit is configured to determine an instrument tip position and determine a position error associated with the instrument tip position. The processing unit is also configured to determine at least one instrument tip bounding volume based upon the position error and determine if the instrument tip is within a field of view of an imaging instrument.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus may transmit, to a surgical manipulator, a movement type instruction to be executed by the surgical manipulator. The apparatus may comprise a movable operating handle positioned within an operation area. The movable operating handle may receive the movement type instruction. The apparatus may further comprise a support mechanism that supports and transforms the operating handle between a first posture in which the operating handle at a center position of the operation area is positioned and held at a first vertical position located at a height of 85 centimeters or more from a floor surface where the remote control apparatus is placed, and a second posture in which the operating handle is shifted down by 48 centimeters or more from the first vertical position to a second vertical position at which the operating handle at the center position of the operation area is positioned and held.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods designed to make it easier to couple end effectors to surgical instruments are provided. A variety of features are disclosed, which can be used independently or in conjunction with each other. The resulting benefits include enhanced visualization, more secure coupling, easier communication that coupling has occurred, self-clocking components with respect to each other, and more component modularity. In one exemplary embodiment, an end effector assembly having an end effector and an attachment arm includes a terminal end surface of the attachment arm having a three-dimensional configuration such that a portion of the end surface extends further away from a set location than another portion of the end surface extends from the location. In another exemplary embodiment, end effector assemblies include chambers having curved configurations that assist in self-clocking the assemblies with respect to surgical devices. Other features, devices, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument comprising an articulation connecting an end effector to a distal end of a shaft. The articulation comprises joints permitting the end effector to adopt a range of orientations relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. An instrument interface connects to a proximal end of the shaft. Pairs of driving elements drive the joints. The driving elements extend from the instrument interface to the joints. Each driving element comprises a spoke which terminates at a distal end in a distal flexible portion that engages the articulation and at a proximal end in a proximal flexible portion that engages the instrument interface. In a straight configuration of the robotic surgical instrument in which the end effector is aligned with the shaft, the distal ends of the spokes of adjacent driving elements are offset along a longitudinal direction of the shaft.

Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument comprising a shaft and end effector element connected by an articulation. The articulation comprises first and second joints, driveable by first and second pairs of driving elements. The first joint permits the end effector element to rotate about a first axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. A pulley arrangement comprises a first set of pulleys rotatable about the first axis and a redirecting pulley between the first set of pulleys and the second joint, both of which constrain the second pair of driving elements. The redirecting pulley is rotatable about a redirecting pulley axis which is angled to the first axis so as to cause the redirecting pulley to redirect a first one of the second pair of driving elements from a take-off point of a first pulley of the first set of pulleys to a pick-up point of the second joint.

Abstract: Provided herein is a tool for use in surgical procedures. The tool includes a portion having distal links and a portion having proximal links, each link being movable in multiple degrees of freedom relative to an adjacent link The tool includes an articulation mechanism for manipulating the distal links of the distal portion, the articulation mechanism including pairs of links and tension load bearing members. The tool includes an articulation lock between the distal portion and the proximal portion, each set of tension load bearing members connecting the proximal link and corresponding distal link of one of the pairs of links The articulation lock has a disengaged state wherein the links move freely and an engaged state wherein the adjacent distal links are forced into frictional engagement and the adjacent proximal links are forced into frictional engagement to impede movement of the distal and proximal portions.

Abstract: A motorized surgical system includes at least one support positionable within a sterile field in proximity to a patient positioned on a surgical table. An instrument driver is carried by the support and includes a steerable distal end positionable in a body cavity. A user input device is carried by the support and is configured to generate movement signals in response to manual manipulation of a portion of the user input device by a user. One or more steering motors are operably coupled to the instrument driver and are operable to deflect the steerable distal end of the instrument driver in response to the movement signals.

Abstract: A method for navigating therapeutic, diagnostic or imaging agents in a vascular network or body cavity is introduced. The method is characterized by high directional gradients and a high magnetic field strength. The latter is used to saturate the magnetization of magnetic therapeutic agents such that when combined with high directional gradients, improved navigation of the magnetic therapeutic agents can be provided at various depths within a patient's body.

Abstract: A tip protector for electrosurgical forceps is provided. The tip protector includes two sleeves connected by a bridge spacer. Each sleeve fits over a respective forceps tine to protect the tips of the forceps. The bridge spacer is sufficiently rigid to maintain the spacing between the tips and prevent the tines from closing or opening. In this manner, the tips can be protected from damage and the tines can be protected against misalignment.

Abstract: An assembly for protecting and cleaning a medical instrument having an operational part and a hand grip part. The assembly has a protection element with cooperating retention parts for fixing the hand grip of the medical instrument in the protection element. A cavity is formed by a wall for protecting the operational part of the medical instrument. The assembly further has a cleaning assist element with a tubular shape and being fixable to the wall of the protection element.

Abstract: A product allows gaseous manufacturing by-products to be vented from the inside a sealed package tray. An exemplary method for packaging a device includes sealing the device inside a package tray with a gas-permeable sealing material, resulting in a sealed package tray. The sealing material allows volatile substances to vent from inside the sealed package tray to outside the sealed package tray.

Abstract: This dissolvent is an inorganic compound of silica gel that is stabile and lasts for decades. Pleasant gold color, no evident odor or vapor, and it will not spill, or degrade over the decades, while awaiting use. After full and complete use with several syringes needles being dissolved at one location, these sharps will blacken and corrode and dissolve away, and the gel then becomes ordinary harmless waste to be conveniently discarded. This dissolvent gel will blunt sharp points and edges of sharps instantly to become totally useless. The useless sharps and needles will carry no infection, no living organism, no viruses, no pathogens, no bacterium, just nothing, just scrap! Nothing sharp or dangerous or infectious is left to be in the trash, or in the landfill, or in the ocean—it's just harmless scrap.

Abstract: Tissue expanders and methods of use. In some embodiments the tissue expanders are adapted to reduce wear on one or more components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical apparatus having a medical optical appliance and a holding device with at least two holding arms which are connected movably to one another with at least one degree of freedom of movement via a joint and with an actuator which is connected to the two holding arms in such a way that a force can be exerted via the actuator between the two holding arms in the direction of the degree of freedom of movement. A control unit comprises a first regulator for outputting a first control signal to the actuator via an adjusting element. The medical optical appliance is mounted on the holding device.

Abstract: The present invention describes an autonomous light tracking device which hands-off tracks the physician's line-of-sight while examining a patient utilizing infrared targeting and tracking techniques, thereby maintaining sterility of the examination by eliminating the need for the physician to manually adjust the overhead lighting to better view the patient.

Abstract: Projection system for image projection of anatomical features on a subject. Intraoperative position markers (10) are disposed on a first body surface (6), and a moveable first detector (12) with a detection line of sight is provided. A control unit (14) is arranged for registering detected intraoperative position markers (10) with a plurality of preoperative position markers (4) in preoperative images. A movable projector (16) is provided for projecting an image representation (18) of the one or more anatomical features of interest. The projection line of sight is substantially parallel to the detection line of sight. The control unit (14) is in communication with the first detector (12) and projector (16) and arranged for real-time image projection of the image representation (18) on the second body surface (20) by the projector (16) independent from synchronized movement and varying detection/projection angles of the first detector (12) and the projector (16).

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and methods are provided for reducing infectious agents at a sterile site by preventing infectious agents from coming into contact with the sterile site. A barrier is produced for infectious agents that may come in proximity or otherwise communicate with the site. The apparatus is configured to create a void-free barrier in which infectious agents are reduced with minimal exposure of potentially harmful effects of the barrier to the sterile site, objects, or users of the apparatus.

Abstract: A planning and guiding method and excavation guiding device correctly implant an artificial tooth root at a predetermined site, perform various excavation processes on a cortical bone section and a spongy bone section by stage-based guidance, and guide eccentric excavation of the cortical bone section and concentric excavation of the spongy bone section according to a bone pattern, such that the artificial tooth root thus implanted is not only positioned at a planned ideal site but also manifests appropriate initial stability.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus for installation in a patient's mouth is disclosed. The orthodontic apparatus includes a first extension wire, a second extension wire, and a palatal archwire. Each of the first and second extension wires includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal and distal portions and the palatal archwire are manipulatable to apply corrective buccal, labial, and transverse forces on the patient's dento-alveolar complex (DAC), to correct the shape of the patient's palate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, computing device readable medium, devices, and systems having a dental attachment placement structure. One dental attachment placement apparatus includes a body having an attachment placement surface that is to be placed on an attachment affixing surface of a tooth and wherein the attachment placement surface includes a portion that is shaped to allow placement of an attachment at a particular position on the affixing surface of the tooth and a portion of the body having a contour that is shaped to correspond with a contour of an alignment surface of a tooth and when the contour of the body and the corresponding contour is aligned, the attachment is located at the particular position and can be secured to the affixing surface of the tooth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental implant with a post section that can be implanted in a jaw with a designated mounting component. A crown may be attached to the mounting component. The cmounted components are designed in multiple sections, preferably in two sections, in which a first mounted component with an attached formed first contact pin can be firmly inserted into an allocated recess in the post section, and a second mounted section with an attached formed second contact pin can be inserted into the recess in the second mounted section.

Abstract: A cement system for forming an implant comprises a reactive glass ionomer cement (GIC) powder, a polycarboxylic acid or salt, and a filler. The polycarboxylic acid or salt is included to initially provide a paste having a pH less than 7 when the cement system is mixed with water. In one embodiment, the filler is substantially inert when mixed with water and is selected from (CaO)(AI2O3)6, (CaO)(AI2O3)2, calcium silicate (CaOSiO2), and mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, the filler is substantially reactive when mixed with water and is selected from (CaO)2(SiO2), (CaO)3(SiO2), and mixtures thereof, and the cement system includes an additional acid to maintain the paste at a pH less than 7 for at least one hour after the cement system is mixed with water.

Abstract: A dental implant two-piece fixture mount includes an implant fixture-mount base portion at its distal end, and a snap-on, separate, separable top piece at its proximal end, the top-piece including an insertion-tool-engaging surface and a distal cylindrical skirt with a plurality of protrusions on the skirt's inner surface, and a distal insertion projection, the fixture-mount base portion including a separable proximal portion that includes a groove near the bottom of the separable proximal portion for engagement with the protrusions, a longitudinal through passage to receive a fixation screw for attachment of the fixture mount base portion to a dental implant, and that includes an internal, multi-sided region to anti-rotationally engage the distal insertion projection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endosseous implant assembly adapted for treatment of peri-implantitis. The implant assembly comprises an implant core body configured to receive and couple with implant insert structures that potentially facilitate treatment of peri-implantitis.

Abstract: Root canal abutment devices and methods which facilitate the adjustment or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured within a pulp chamber of a pre-existing tooth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory alloy sleeves or plates or elements extending along the abutment. Each of the sleeves has a length with at least one curved or arcuate portion. Energy may be applied to the elements such that the arcuate portion flattens to allow for the oral appliance to be placed thereupon while removal of the energy allows the elements to reconfigure into its curved configuration thereby locking the oral appliance to the abutment. Removal of the oral appliance may be effected by reapplication of energy to the elements.

Abstract: A method, a user interface and a system for use in determining shade of a patient's tooth, wherein a digital 3D representation includes shape data and texture data for the tooth is obtained. A tooth shade value for at least one point on the tooth is determined based on the texture data of the corresponding point of the digital 3D representation and on known texture values of one or more reference tooth shade values.

Abstract: A multi-layer coating of alternating titanium nitride (TiN) and titanium carbo nitride (TiCN) layers is applied to at least part of a dental device for use in attaching crowns, overdentures, and the like in a patient's jaw, where the outermost layer is TiCN with a predetermined percentage of carbon to produce a pink color. The pink outermost layer is of sufficient thickness to conceal the color of the underlying layers, and is very hard and resistant to wear and damage in use. At the same time, the outermost TiCN layer is of a color consistent with the gingival anatomy, and is very hard and resistant to wear and damage in use.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for treating periodontal disease and/or other oral wounds using particularized oral appliances and associated negative pressure systems. The various oral appliances include one or a plurality of surfaces for engagement with various anatomical structures within the oral cavity, where the engagement can include sealing engagement with soft tissue (gingival) surfaces of the upper and/or lower dental arches. Additional features disclosed can further promote healing of regions affected by periodontal pocket formation.

Abstract: A dental appliance case for receiving a dental appliance is provided. In some embodiments, the case may include a power source, a sound device, an occupancy sensor, and a processing unit. The sound device may be configured to create an audible alert sound. The occupancy sensor may be operable to detect the presence of a dental appliance. The processing unit may be in electrical communication with the power source, occupancy sensor, and the sound device. The processing unit may be operable to operate the sound device to create an audible alert in response to an electronic communication from the occupancy sensor.

Abstract: Apparatuses, components, devices, methods, and systems for determining jaw movement are provided. An example patient assembly for capturing motion data of a patient includes a clutch configured to be worn by the patient on a dentition of the patient. The clutch includes a dentition coupling device configured to couple to the dentition of the patient and includes an extension member configured to protrude through the patient's mouth. The clutch also includes a position indicating system rigidly connected to the dentition coupling device. An example position indicating system emits a plurality of light beams. Some examples also include an imaging system and a motion determining device. An example imaging system captures a plurality of image sets that each include at least one of a plurality of screens upon which the light beams project. An example motion determining device processes the captured image sets to determine the motion of the patient's dentition.

Abstract: Parabolic pessary characterized in that it is composed of a ring-shaped component (1) that is open in a lunette shape or closed in a ring shape, with a raised distal posterior part (4) of cube shape or flat shape, having the role of supporting the uterus and two lateral branches (5, 5?) that are thinner than the distal part (4), and a proximal anterior part (6) that is positioned at the median part of the feminine urethra, this ring-shaped component (1) having an upper face (2) with a paraboloid shape that adapts to the pelvic paraboloid, and a posterior face (3) having the shape of a more-open paraboloid having, at its median part, a thicker part (8) allowing it to bear on the pelvic floor.

Abstract: Surgical instruments, implantable articles and surgical procedures disclosed for treating medical disorders, particularly incontinence. Improved surgical sling procedures are disclosed. Novel surgical instruments and kits for use in sling procedures are also disclosed. The present invention affords options for surgeons with concomitant advantages to the patient and the healthcare provider.

Abstract: A reinforcement device comprises a sheet of biocompatible material equipped with a plurality of hooks for reinforcing the closure of a surgical incision, including elongated abdominal incisions. The reinforcement device, when implanted through surgery, reduces the likelihood of and/or prevents incisional hernias. The reinforcement device may be included in a surgical kit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to devices and methods for providing filtration of debris within a body lumen. More particularly, embodiments of the invention related to devices and methods for providing distal protection to a medical procedure by filtration of debris generated by the medical procedure using filters having a frame with a slidable crossover point.

Abstract: An orthotopic artificial bladder endoprosthesis includes a casing defining an enclosure for containing the urine of a patient; the casing being made of a PGA fiber fabric; two first connectors connected to the casing and connectable to the ureters of the patient to allow the entrance of the urine into the enclosure; a second connector connected to the casing and connectable to the patient's urethra to allow the outflow of the urine from the enclosure; a catheter inserted in the enclosure through the second connector and including a duct and an expandable element in fluid communication with the duct.