Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for precise intra-operative placement and positioning of components of hip prostheses, particularly with respect to avoiding acetabular prosthetic implant malpositioning in the human hip. In one embodiment the system includes at least a pair of electronic sensors as tilt and direction sensors, which are positioned on the patient's native bone structure and the prosthesis, plus at least one of an electronic angle sensor and an electronic leg length measurement unit, plus a computer processor running application software that is capable of receiving and using information from the various electronic sensors to calculate relevant angular relationships and, optionally, distance relationships. The system electronically measures a living subject's pelvic tilt and position while lying in the lateral decubitus position during the surgery.

Abstract: Described herein is an arm stabilization member for dampening inadvertent movement of the arm of a user during a surgical procedure, comprising an arm support and a movement mechanism coupled to the arm support. The arm support comprises an outer frame sized to support at least a portion of the user's arm and an inner pad lining an inner surface of the outer frame and configured to conform to the user's arm. The movement mechanism comprises a counterbalance system movably connected by joints and configured to compensate for the gravitational forces exerted by the arm of the user.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft assembly and an end effector. The shaft assembly includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A lumen extends along at least a portion of the shaft. A lateral opening is formed in the shaft at a longitudinal position between the proximal and distal ends. The lateral opening is in fluid communication with the lumen. The shaft assembly further includes a movable member that is configured to selectively cover the opening. The end effector is at the distal end of the shaft. The lumen and the lateral opening may be used to flush debris and bodily fluids from the lumen and other regions of the shaft assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and a cleaning device. The shaft assembly includes a first tube and an acoustic waveguide. The first tube has a first inner diameter and a distal end. The waveguide has a first outer diameter. The waveguide extends within the first tube. The first outer diameter of the acoustic waveguide and the first inner diameter of the first tube together define a gap. The ultrasonic blade extends distally from the distal end of the first tube. The acoustic waveguide is configured to communicate ultrasonic energy to the ultrasonic blade. The cleaning device is configured to actuate within the gap to thereby clean at least a portion of the shaft assembly and/or at least a portion of the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: An RFID transponder for a medical instrument and/or for an endoscope includes at least one printed circuit board carrying an antenna embodied as at least one conductor track of the printed circuit board and an RFID circuit coupled to the antenna, wherein the at least one printed circuit board has a substantially ring-shaped embodiment and the at least one conductor track is embodied on a radially extending surface of the printed circuit board. A medical instrument and/or endoscope including an RFID transponder, and to an assembly method for a medical instrument and/or endoscope including an RFID transponder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system of devices and a method for preparing a tooth to receive a restoration. The system includes a dental instrument for removal of portions of a tooth in the mouth of a patent and an overlay for guiding the dental instrument during the step of tooth removal. The overlay is designed for temporary installation into the mouth of the patient to guide the dental instrument to remove tooth material. The overlay has one or more sets of guide walls, with a predetermined configuration capable of contacting one or more guide projections of the dental instrument, and a receptacle capable of receiving and attaching to the dental instrument.

Abstract: A tail cap is disclosed having a body portion having a top side and a bottom side with the bottom side having a first plug portion and a second plug portion, a pull, and a central portion connected between the body portion and the pull.

Abstract: A dental bur (10) is disclosed having an elongated shank (11) which extends to a cutting head (12). The shank includes a gripping portion (14), a tapered transition portion (15), and a neck portion (16). The diameter of the neck portion (D1) is generally the same as the diameter of the cutting head (D2). The cutting head includes six helical cutting flutes (20) extending from the neck portion (16) to a tip (18). Each cutting flute has a top cutting edge (21) and a series of generally rectangular shaped cross-cut notches. The rectangular shaped cutting notches are formed by a generally flat floor (25) and two oppositely disposed sidewalls (26). The floor forms a floor cutting edge (28) while the sidewalls form sidewall cutting edges (29). The intersection of the floor cutting edge with the sidewall cutting edges form two interior cutting corners (30).

Abstract: The tool for treatment of interdental surfaces includes a strip (10) having an abrasive field (12) on at least one of its longitudinal sides (11). The field is situated at a distance (A) from the apical edge (11a) of the longitudinal side, the latter being blank between the apical edge and the field.

Abstract: A post for a dental crown is disclosed having improved structural features—including increased post strength and reduced likelihood of root fracture. In one embodiment, the post includes a quadrangle (4-way) split shank for increased compliance and root stress reduction while providing very high mechanical grip strength and pull-out resistance. In another embodiment, a shortened threaded section and a thread-free shank tip minimize the possibility of root fracture while still providing high grip strength and pull-out resistance. Embodiments also include a radiused transition from a primary thread to a secondary thread portion of the shank for stress reduction; and axial grooves, cross-axis through holes and other shape features of the post head for increased crown retention strength.

Abstract: An archwire for use with a passive self-ligation orthodontic bracket is described and which includes a resilient main body which is received in the archwire slot, and which further has a predetermined width dimension, and a variable thickness dimension, and wherein the variable thickness dimension of the archwire can be varied so as to facilitate an adjustable application of a force to the passive self-ligation orthodontic bracket so as to achieve a clinician selectable and controllable second and third order movement of a patient's tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is described and which includes an archwire slot for receiving and cooperating with an archwire having a given shape, and wherein the bracket body has multiple forms each having an immovable anterior facing surface which lies in a given plane, and wherein the various forms of the bracket body can be rendered operable to express first, second or third order movement to a patient's tooth undergoing a clinician directed orthodontic treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental implant that can deal with a subsequent reduction in bone mass while reducing a burden on a patient, and a set thereof. The present invention is directed to a dental implant comprising: a first stage implant 1 that has a bottomed tubular shape, a male thread 3 formed on an outer periphery thereof, and a female thread 4 formed in an inner periphery thereof; and a second stage implant 2 that has a tip part 6 having a male thread 5 threadably engaged with the female thread 4 of the first stage implant 1 and a rear end part 7 to which an upper prosthesis is to be attached via an abutment 8, wherein the female thread 4 of the first stage implant 1 and the male thread 5 of the second stage implant 2 are tapered threads.

Abstract: The replacement of teeth using dental implants has always been done sequentially with the placement of the implant into a patient's bone followed by the creation of a prosthesis and subsequent insertion of the prosthesis. The process can take numerous visits and is done over a period of many months. This patent describes a method of using a digitally designed and created dental prosthesis as the drill guide to place the implants. Rather than the stent acting as a guide to place the implants, the drill guide itself comprises a stent encasing the final prosthesis. The final prosthesis—whose placement was digitally predetermined—is then secured with small-diameter implant screws, and the case is completed in one short visit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental member, which has a reduced size, and thus prevents damages to tooth roots upon implantation, has high strength and low elasticity, and is excellent in engraftment stability after implantation. The dental member is produced with an amorphous alloy having a composition represented by formula: ZraNibCucAld [wherein “a” ranges from 60 to 75 at. %, “b” ranges from 11 to 30 at. %, “c” ranges from 1 to 16 at. %, and “d” ranges from 5 to 20 at. %] and is used as an orthodontic anchor screw wherein the screw part has a core diameter of 0.5-1.0 mm or a length of 2-5 mm, a one-piece-type dental implant wherein the screw part has the largest diameter of 0.5-2.9 mm and a length of 2-13.4 mm, or a two-piece-type dental implant wherein the screw part has the largest diameter of 0.5-2.9 mm and a length of 2-5.9 mm.

Abstract: Custom dental prosthesis or implants each individually designed and manufactured to replace nonfunctional natural teeth positioned in a jawbone of a specific pre-identified patient are provided. An example dental prosthesis/implant includes a dental implant body having a prosthesis interface formed therein to receive an occlusally-facing dental prosthesis component. The prosthesis interface has a custom three-dimensional surface shape positioned and formed to create a form locking fit with respect to the occlusally-facing dental prosthesis component when positioned thereon.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a positional relationship between a dental restoration and a dental substructure. The method has steps of scanning a reference area and determining the shape of the dental substructure in its positional relationship to the reference area, and thereby providing a virtual dental substructure model and scanning the reference area along with scanning at least a portion of the dental restoration in fit position with the dental substructure to provide a virtual assembly model. The method further has the step of providing fitting quality information between the dental restoration model and the dental substructure model. The method utilizes superposing of further virtual models to provide the fitting quality information. The method facilitates the assessment of the quality of the fit between a dental restoration and a dental substructure.

Abstract: Casting jigs, methods, and kits that may be used in manufacture of anatomical healing caps. A casting jig may include a body having one or more wells within the body, each well being open at a proximal end thereof and having a negative shape corresponding to an anatomical healing cuff body of a given tooth position. Each respective anatomical healing cuff body negative shape includes an asymmetrical cross-section and an irregular surface so that an anatomical healing cuff body having said shape is configured to provide substantially custom filling of at least an emergence portion of a void where a natural tooth once emerged or should have emerged from the void (e.g., in the case of a congenitally missing tooth). The casting jig may further include a socket at a distal end of each well that is configured to receive therein a dental implant or dental implant analog.

Abstract: Floss cartridges are described. In one embodiment, a floss cartridge may comprise a cartridge chassis configured to hold floss, and a pair of rollers coupled to the cartridge chassis. The rollers may contact each other at a pinch point. The rollers may be configured to feed the floss through the pinch point at a feed angle. Methods of using a floss dispenser are also described. In one embodiment, the method may comprise coupling a floss cartridge to a housing. The floss cartridge may be configured to hold floss. The floss cartridge may have a pair of rollers contacting each other at a pinch point. The method may also comprise driving a pair of rollers to feed the floss from the pinch point at a feed angle.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle and a bristle-carrying head part, which are connected to each other by a neck part, the head part having a multiplicity of tufts of bristles consisting of bristles. An anchor is oriented at right angles to the longitudinal axis. Two or more tufts of bristles have a bristle tuft half with bristle ends standing up higher in relation to the bristle ends of the other bristle tuft half.

Abstract: A dental carrier comprises a thermoplastic carrier. The thermoplastic carrier has a pattern structure. After heating the thermoplastic carrier, the thermoplastic carrier is provided with a user to be impressed by teeth or alveolar ridge for forming teeth or alveolar ridge model of the user. Compared to the prior art, the dental carrier of the present invention can provide the dental medicament contained in the pattern structure to be precisely applied and hold onto the treatment area and the medicament can be evenly coated on the teeth, root, or periodontal tissue for the treatment of teeth. When the dental carrier is not used to carry medicament, the pattern structure can improve the mechanical strength and fitness of the dental carrier to be used as a biteplate, orthodontic retainer, periodontal dressing for treatment or protection or mouth guard in sports.

Abstract: An injection device for administration of an injection to an animal can include a main body, which contains an injection instrument, a contact device, which has a contact area which is shaped in conformity with a body part of the animal to which the injection is to be administered. A support device which supports the contact device on the main body can be movable in a pressure application direction. A force measurement device including at least one force sensor can be designed to measure at last one force with which the contact device acts on the main body. A control device can activate the injection instrument if the force measured by the force measurement device lies in a specified range.

Abstract: A health device for male urinary incontinence includes a strap suited to be wrapped and closed as a ring around the penis and provided with at least one projection that is directed towards the inside of the ring formed by the closed strap, the projection being suited to be positioned at the level of the urethral canal.

Abstract: Embodiments include a surgical implant delivery system for positioning and affixing a surgical implant (e.g., a surgical mesh, a surgical buttress, etc.) covering a surgical margin. The system includes a cartridge releasably holding the surgical implant and a plurality of fixation elements associated with the surgical implant. The system also includes a introducer having an elongate body, a head pivotably coupled to receive the cartridge forming a combined head and cartridge, and a handle including a grip and an in-line trigger. The introducer also includes an actuation mechanism connected with the in-line trigger of the handle configured to affix the surgical implant to the surgical margin using the one or more fixation elements.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes filter devices for deployment to body vessels where clots or emboli may need to be captured, particularly the vena cava. The filter device is of unitary construction, having been cut from a substantially planar sheet of a metal, in some instances a shape memory metal. The device has a construction including a plurality of petals, the petals containing an inner rib which curves in the deployed state. A method of making a filter device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for occluding airways in at least one direction are disclosed. In some cases, the devices include anchoring mechanisms configured to keep an operative portion of the device (e.g., a valve) in position along a length of a lumen in which the device is deployed. The anchoring mechanisms can include anchors configured to settle into the lumen walls with little or no axial movement of the operative portion of the device. In some embodiments, the anchoring mechanisms include a secondary set of anchors configured to engage with the lumen wall to reduce, inhibit, or prevent axial movement of the operative portion of the device when the primary anchors settle into the walls of the lumen.

Abstract: An intraluminal device and method includes positioning an intraluminal device in the recipient including positioning the intraluminal device in a lumen that experiences peristalsis. The intraluminal device has a surface defined by a wall. The surface is configured to generally conform to the shape and size of a portion of the lumen. The wall is adapted to reduce luminal spasm resulting from the peristalsis.

Abstract: Sealable and repositionable implant devices are provided with one or more improvements that increase the ability of implants such as endovascular grafts to be precisely deployed or re-deployed, with better in situ accommodation to the local anatomy of the targeted recipient anatomic site, and/or with the ability for post-deployment adjustment to accommodate anatomic changes that might compromise the efficacy of the implant. A surgical implant includes an implant body and a selectively adjustable assembly attached to the implant body, having adjustable elements, and operable to cause a configuration change in a portion of the implant body and, thereby, permit implantation of the implant body within an anatomic orifice to effect a seal therein under normal physiological conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing a ligament graft for a ligament reconstruction procedure are provided. In general, the described techniques utilize a graft holder construct having a graft preparation holder and a suture assembly removably coupled thereto. The graft preparation holder includes an elongate support rail having a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of leaf segments positioned along the longitudinal axis in a spaced relationship and extending laterally from the support rail. The leaf segments can bend to a graft holding configuration so as to define a graft receiving channel configured to receive a graft therethrough. The holder also has at least one support structure configured to mate with the leaf segments to provide stability and rigidity to the segments. The suture assembly has at least one suture tail that can be pulled to affix the suture assembly to a graft without penetrating the graft.

Abstract: An implantable device includes a hollow biocompatible shell and filling material. The shell is configured to be implanted in an organ of a patient. The filling material is configured to fill the shell so as to assume a specified shape of the implantable device, and is visually distinguished from tissue of the organ that surrounds the implantable device.

Abstract: An IOL delivery device which has a macro movement actuator which is actuateable to move an IOL into position in the device for the IOL to be delivered, and a micro movement actuator which is actuateable to deliver the IOL to the eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intraocular lens, including a first poly-p-xylylene film, a second poly-p-xylylene film and a liquid drop. The liquid drop is disposed between the first poly-p-xylylene film and the second poly-p-xylylene. The present invention further provides a method of forming the same.

Abstract: Eyewear is provided including a frame, and a camera connected with the frame, in which the camera is configured to be controlled by a remote controller. The camera may be configured to capture video and/or a photo. The eyewear may include data storage, and the camera may be connected to the data storage. A wrist watch may be configured to act both as a time piece and a controller of the camera. The eyewear may also include a heads up display and/or a video file player. The eyewear may also include an electro-active lens.

Abstract: Eyewear is provided including a frame, and a camera connected with the frame, in which the camera is configured to be controlled by a remote controller. The camera may be configured to capture video and/or a photo. The eyewear may include data storage, and the camera may be connected to the data storage. A wrist watch may be configured to act both as a time piece and a controller of the camera. The eyewear may also include a heads up display and/or a video file player. The eyewear may also include an electro-active lens.

Abstract: A bio-compatible packaging for an optoelectronic device is presented, to essentially eliminate moisture ingress and corrosion of the internal electronics of the device after it is implanted for in-vivo use. In some implementations, the optoelectronic device includes an optoelectronic assembly that includes an electronic module, an optoelectronic module, a power source, configured to energize the electronic module and the optoelectronic module, and an electronic interconnect to provide electronic couplings between the electronic module, the optoelectronic module, and the power source. The device further includes a bio-compatible packaging, having a transparent front window and a transparent back window, the bio-compatible packaging configured to enable light to enter the optoelectronic device through the front window, propagate through the optoelectronic module, and leave the optoelectronic device through the back window, and to hermetically seal the optoelectronic assembly.

Abstract: An accommodating IOL includes a flexible optic membrane, a flexible skirt extending from an outer periphery of the flexible optic membrane and defining an outer periphery of the accommodating IOL, and a capsular contact ring configured to be positioned anterior to the flexible optic membrane and having a diameter less than a diameter at the outer periphery of the accommodating IOL. The accommodating IOL further includes a plurality of strut assemblies connecting the capsular contact ring and flexible skirt. When the capsular bag transitions from an accommodative state to a disaccomadative state, the capsular bag exerts a force on the capsular contact ring, at least a portion of that force being transferred to the flexible skirt by the plurality of strut assemblies. The transferred force causes a flattening of the flexible optic membrane in a manner that reduces the optical power of the accommodating IOL.

Abstract: A secondary foldable intraocular lens, IOL, (2) is provided that is surgically implanted in addition to at least one primary IOL (1) in the patient's pseudo-phakic eye. The secondary IOL (2) is arranged optically coaxial to the primary IOL (1) focusing a combined image onto the retina (5) of the patient's eye (4) additionally magnifying at least a central part of the image of the primary IOL (1) projected onto the macula (6) of the retina (5). The secondary IOL (2) comprises one or more haptics (7) for fixing and stabilizing it within the sulcus ciliaris (8) of the patient's eye (4)—and an optically active portion (9) designed to project the image through the primary IOL (1) onto the retina (5). The optically active portion (9) of the secondary IOL (2) comprises a central optical portion (10) and a peripheral optical portion (11) extending around the central optical portion (10), forming two different, but coaxially positioned lenses from one block.

Abstract: Medical devices, medical device kits, and related methods of treatment are described. An exemplary medical device comprises a proximal portion having an outer surface defining a thread and an inner surface defining a passageway having a keyed portion, a distal portion providing an atraumatic tip, and a flexible main body extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The medical device can be positioned in contact with a paralyzed vocal cord to cause a desired medialization for treatment of the vocal cord. The flexible main body allows for deflection upon contact and/or interaction with another device passed into the airway of a treated patient.

Abstract: An inflatable implant is disclosed. The inflatable implant comprises at least one inflation channel for forming an inflatable structure of the inflatable implant; and an inflation media disposed within the at least one inflation channel, wherein the inflation media comprises a mixture of an epoxy resin and a hardener, the mixture is configured to gel at about 37° C. in less than about 2.5 hours after mixing to form a gelled mixture.

Abstract: A textured fabric for an implantable bioprosthesis is provided. The textured fabric can include a woven base layer and a plurality of loops projecting from the woven base layer. The plurality of loops are formed from a composite core-sheath yarn. The core can be made of a material that is different from the sheath. The core material can be selected to impart strength and resiliency to bending and the sheath material can be selected to impart a larger surface area or texture that facilitates cellular or tissue in-growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthetic mitral valve device for implanting at the native mitral valve region of a heart. The prosthetic mitral valve coaptation enhancement device comprises a main body consisting of a stentframe and a valve element attached thereto, wherein the main body has a sealing section and a valve-bearing section, the valve-bearing section; the shape of the sealing section of the main body, in the compressed state, has a form that is adapted to the coaptation zone of the native mitral valve during systole, and the sealing section of the main body, the radial rigidity of the stentframe is lower than the radial rigidity of the valve-bearing section; the prosthetic mitral valve coaptation enhancement device further comprises at least one anchoring element, which anchoring element is coupled to the main body and is capable to anchor the main body within the native mitral valve region of a heart.

Abstract: According to the present teachings, a support structure for cardiac prosthesis is disclosed. The support structure can include an annular outer ring that can be used to stabilize/anchor devices used for valvular repair or replacement or left atrial appendage closure. Additionally, a valve repair device that can be used to treat cardiac valvular regurgitation. Further, a left atrial appendage closure device that can be used for left atrial appendage closure.

Abstract: A holder for a hybrid heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The hybrid heart valve includes a non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a self-expandable anchoring stent, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. A first suture connects the holder to the valve and constricts an inflow end of the anchoring stent. A second suture connects the holder to the valve and extends down three holder legs to loop through fabric on the valve. Both sutures may loop over a single cutting well on the holder so that severing the first and second sutures at the single cutting well simultaneously releases the tension in the first suture, permitting the inflow end of the anchoring stent to expand, and disconnects the valve holder from the prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: Valve retainers and delivery systems with valve retainers are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a portion of the valve retainer can rotate about a central axis of the delivery system relative to a different portion of the valve retainer. In certain embodiments, a first portion of the valve retainer can include a plurality of first orientation markings. In certain embodiments, a second portion of the valve retainer can include a second orientation marking, which can be aligned with a first orientation marking on the first portion of the valve retainer.

Abstract: Aortic regurgitation can be treating by implanting in the aortic annulus a transvalvular intraannular band. The band has a first end, a first anchoring portion located proximate the first end, a second end, a second anchoring portion located proximate the second end, and a central portion. The central portion is positioned so that it extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by the closure of the aortic valve leaflets. The band may be implanted via translumenal access or via thoracotomy.

Abstract: Partitioning devices that may be secured and sealed within a heart chamber for separating a patient's heart chamber into a productive portion and a non-productive portion are described herein. The partitioning devices described herein may include a membrane with a plurality of inflatable elements. The membrane may include a valve disposed in a central region of the membrane with a plurality of inflation channels extending radially from the valve. These devices may be secured within the heart chamber by sealing them to the wall of the heart chamber, for example, by inflating the plurality of inflatable elements on the periphery of the device. The non-productive portion may be filled with a material, including occlusive materials. Sealing and/or filling the non-productive portion formed by the devices described herein may help prevent leakage from the non-productive region.

Abstract: In one aspect, an implant for replacing subject tissue includes a nonbiologic portion and a biologic portion grown on the nonbiologic portion. The biologic portion may be grown on the nonbiologic portion before being implanted in the subject. The nonbiologic portion may comprise a porous metal substrate (e.g., scaffolding). The nonbiologic portion may be formed by 3D printing (i.e., additive manufacturing). The nonbiologic portion may be patient-specific. A robot may be used to shape the implant before implantation and/or to shape bone being replaced/resurfaced.

Abstract: A surgical joint implant has a cap in the form of at least two intersecting circles of the same diameter having an articular outer surface and an inner surface for bone adhesion. At the center of each circle a peg, for bone insertion into a hole of a nominal diameter, extends. One peg is slightly larger than said nominal diameter, to achieve an interference fit and the other peg is slightly thinner, to achieve a slide fit. A tubular drill rig open at both ends and having an interior circumference corresponding to the outer shape of the implant, can be mounted over the bone surface to be repaired. It accommodates a double drill for drilling, at the same time, a shallow hole of the diameter of the intersecting circle and a deeper narrow hole at the center of the circle of said nominal diameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant component having at least one connection section. The connection section is coated at least partially with a TiNb coating and said coating has a thickness of 1-20 ?m, preferably 1-6 ?m. The invention also relates to a modular endoprosthesis comprising an implant component of this type.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surgical kit for cartilage repair in an articulating surface of a joint, comprising the steps of receiving radiology image data representing three dimensional image of a joint; generating a first three dimensional representation of a first surface of the joint in a trainable image segmentation process dependent on a trained segmentation process control parameter set and said radiology image data; generating a set of data representing a geometrical object based on said first surface, wherein said geometrical object is confined by said first surface; generating control software adapted to control a CAD or CAM system to manufacture a surgical kit for cartilage repair dependent on said set of data representing a geometrical object and on a predetermined model of components of said surgical kit.