Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) scanner device for generating a three dimensional (3D) surface model of shaped objects, such as dental structures, applicable for use in the field of dentistry, particularly to dental prosthetics manufacturing is described. The scanning device can include a probe head having a particular configuration and utility. Methods and systems relating to the device and components thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the computer-aided editing of a digital 3D model (1) of a dental object using digital tools (T1, T2, T3) provides for the identification of different dental-specific regions (R1, R2, R3) of the 3D model (1) that are affected by the tool (T1, T2, T3) in different ways, for computation of the effect on the whole 3D model and for display thereof as a proposal model (2) together with the 3D model (1). The proposal model (2) is then rejected or accepted in part or in full. If it is accepted in part, at least one subregion of the 3D model (1) is selected as a region (10) and a result model (6) is formed from the 3D model (1) and the proposal model (2) by virtue of the 3D model (1) being taken as the starting point for replacing the selected region (10) or at least a central portion of the selected region (10) with a corresponding region of the proposal model (2) or approaching the latter using a strength factor (S).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for generating computer 3D models of an object, by registering two or more scans of physical models of an object. The scans may be 3D scans registered by a curve-based registration process. A method is provided for generating a 3D model of a portion of a patient's oral anatomy for use in dental restoration design. Also provided are scanning workflows for scanning physical models of an object to obtain a 3D model.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a blank from a ceramic material, wherein at least two layers of ceramic material of different compositions are filled into a die layer-by-layer and after filling of the layers they are then pressed and sintered, wherein after filling of a first layer this is structured on its surface in such a way that the first layer, viewed across its surface, differs in its height from region to region, and then a layer with a composition that differs from the first layer is filled as a second layer into the mold.

Abstract: The present invention is a pre-made set of temporary dentures with various sizes of an elastomeric material which provides a satisfactory physical appearance.

Abstract: A brushhead assembly (10) for a power toothbrush (1), which includes a bristle plate (12) and a set of bristles (14) mounted to the bristle plate (12). The set of bristles (14) is characterized such that some or all of the bristles have a dipole whip motion during operation at a selected drive frequency, including arrangements where the bristles in a first portion (32) have a different motion than the bristles at a at least a second portion (34) of the brushhead assembly (10).

Abstract: A mouthpiece delivery apparatus and methods for the using the same are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the mouthpiece delivery apparatus can include: a mouthpiece that can include a top receiving wall, a bottom receiving wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, where the bottom receiving wall can include a base member and an edge member; an adapter section, where the adapter section is configured to attach to a dispensing apparatus; and a body section, where the body section is attached to the mouthpiece at a first end and attached to the adapter section at a second end.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a micro-needle device (100, 200, 300, 400) that includes a micro-needle array (102, 202, 302, 402) and a liquid connection port (104, 204, 304, 404). The micro-needle array includes a base (106, 206, 306, 406), a sidewall (108, 208, 308, 408) and a top (110, 210, 310, 410), where the base includes two or more of an elongate micro-needle (112, 212, 312, 412) having an interior surface (114, 214, 314, 414) defining an opening 8116, 216, 316, 416) through the elongate micro-needle. The base has a first major surface (118, 218, 318, 418) and a second major surface (120, 220, 320, 420) through which the opening of the elongate micro-needle passes to provide a passage across the base. The top has an interior surface (122, 222, 322, 422) and the sidewall has an interior surface (126, 226, 326, 426), where the interior surface of the side wall, the interior surface of the top and the first major surface of the base define a volume (130, 230, 330, 430).

Abstract: The present invention provides an implant for pelvic organ prolapse support, comprising an implant for anterior vaginal wall prolapse support which comprises first body having a first angle and a second angle, a pair of first arms and a pair of second arms. The implant for pelvic organ prolapse support of the present invention can treat cystocele and stress urinary incontinence simultaneously, and can optionally combine with an implant for posterior vaginal wall prolapse support and an auxiliary supporter to treat cystocele, stress urinary incontinence, enterocele, uterine prolapse, rectocele prolapse, anal prolapse, and vaginal vault prolapse at one time.

Abstract: A medical device includes an energy delivery device. The energy delivery device has an elongate member, a first arm extending from the elongate member and a second arm extending from the elongate member. The first arm is configured to move with respect to the second arm. The energy delivery device includes an energy element. The energy element is configured to delivery energy to a portion of a filament when the filament is disposed between the first arm and the second arm. The energy device includes an actuation member. The actuation member is configured to move the first arm with respect to the second arm in response to the actuation member being actuated. The actuation member is operatively coupled to the energy element such that the energy element is activated in response to the actuation member being actuated.

Abstract: Implants are provided, comprising the implant and a plurality of sensors. Briefly stated, implants (also sometimes referred to as ‘devices’ or medical devices’) are provided comprising an implant along with one or more sensors to monitor the integrity, position and efficaciousness of the implant. The sensors may be positioned on the inside of the implant, within the body of the implant, or on the outer surface (or surfaces) of the implant, and/or between the implant and any device that might be utilized to deliver the implant (e.g., another implant, catheter, tunneling catheter, endoscope, balloon implant, or other medical device).

Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a housing, a firing system disposed in the housing, an actuator coupled with the housing for activating the firing system, an elongated shaft extending from the housing, the elongated shaft having a proximal end secured to the housing, a distal end, and a first axis extending between the proximal and distal ends, one or more surgical fasteners disposed in the elongated shaft, and a distal end cap secured to the distal end of the elongated shaft. The distal end cap has a surgical fastener dispensing window for dispensing the one or more surgical fasteners from the distal end cap. The firing system includes a firing rod that extends through the elongated shaft for dispensing the one or more surgical fasteners from the distal end cap. The firing rod has a proximal section that moves along the first axis of the elongated shaft and a distal section that moves along a second axis that defines an angle with the first axis.

Abstract: A deployment device for positioning a soft tissue repair prosthesis includes a self-expanding support body releasably attachable to the prosthesis. The support body may be removably insertable into a pocket of the prosthesis. A handle coupled to the support body facilitates positioning the patch and/or removal of the support body from the pocket. The support body may substantially occupy the pocket in an expanded configuration. The handle may be arranged to direct a pulling force to the outer peripheral edge of the support body and/or cause a portion thereof to be pulled downward and below the body during withdrawal of the deployment device from the prosthesis. The support body may include support segments pivotally coupled together and foldable to collapse the support body for insertion into and removal from the pocket. One or more resilient support members may be provided for collapsing and expanding the support body and the prosthesis.

Abstract: A deployment device for positioning a soft tissue repair prosthesis includes a self-expanding support body releasably attachable to the prosthesis. The support body may be removably insertable into a pocket of the prosthesis. A handle coupled to the support body facilitates positioning the patch and/or removal of the support body from the pocket. The support body may substantially occupy the pocket in an expanded configuration. The handle may be arranged to direct a pulling force to the outer peripheral edge of the support body and/or cause a portion thereof to be pulled downward and below the body during withdrawal of the deployment device from the prosthesis. The support body may include support segments pivotally coupled together and foldable to collapse the support body for insertion into and removal from the pocket. One or more resilient support members may be provided for collapsing and expanding the support body and the prosthesis.

Abstract: A deployment device for positioning a soft tissue repair prosthesis includes a self-expanding support body releasably attachable to the prosthesis. The support body may be removably insertable into a pocket of the prosthesis. A handle coupled to the support body facilitates positioning the patch and/or removal of the support body from the pocket. The support body may substantially occupy the pocket in an expanded configuration. The handle may be arranged to direct a pulling force to the outer peripheral edge of the support body and/or cause a portion thereof to be pulled downward and below the body during withdrawal of the deployment device from the prosthesis. The support body may include support segments pivotally coupled together and foldable to collapse the support body for insertion into and removal from the pocket. One or more resilient support members may be provided for collapsing and expanding the support body and the prosthesis.

Abstract: A deployment device for positioning a soft tissue repair prosthesis includes a self-expanding support body releasably attachable to the prosthesis. The support body may be removably insertable into a pocket of the prosthesis. A handle coupled to the support body facilitates positioning the patch and/or removal of the support body from the pocket. The support body may substantially occupy the pocket in an expanded configuration. The handle may be arranged to direct a pulling force to the outer peripheral edge of the support body and/or cause a portion thereof to be pulled downward and below the body during withdrawal of the deployment device from the prosthesis. The support body may include support segments pivotally coupled together and foldable to collapse the support body for insertion into and removal from the pocket. One or more resilient support members may be provided for collapsing and expanding the support body and the prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthesis for repairing a hernia defect includes a patch body, a hoisting frame releasably attachable to the patch body, and a tether attached to the hoisting frame with a free end extendable through the thickness of the patch body and accessible from the side of the patch body opposite to where the hoisting frame is releasably attached. The patch body and/or the hoisting frame includes a self-expanding support member. The hoisting frame includes a frame body with an outer frame component and a force translation component for directing pulling forces on the tether across the frame body. The outer frame component has a loop configuration to generally follow the patch periphery with overlapping end portions or a gap between free ends thereof. The force translation component is separable into multiple segments to facilitate withdrawal of the hoisting frame through an opening when released from the patch.

Abstract: A prosthesis for repairing a hernia defect includes a patch body, a hoisting frame releasably attachable to the patch body, and a tether attached to the hoisting frame with a free end extendable through the thickness of the patch body and accessible from the side of the patch body opposite to where the hoisting frame is releasably attached. The patch body and/or the hoisting frame includes a self-expanding support member. The hoisting frame includes a frame body with an outer frame component and a force translation component for directing pulling forces on the tether across the frame body. The outer frame component has a loop configuration to generally follow the patch periphery with overlapping end portions or a gap between free ends thereof. The force translation component is separable into multiple segments to facilitate withdrawal of the hoisting frame through an opening when released from the patch.

Abstract: A prosthesis for repairing a hernia defect includes a patch body, a hoisting frame releasably attachable to the patch body, and a tether attached to the hoisting frame with a free end extendable through the thickness of the patch body and accessible from the side of the patch body opposite to where the hoisting frame is releasably attached. The patch body and/or the hoisting frame includes a self-expanding support member. The hoisting frame includes a frame body with an outer frame component and a force translation component for directing pulling forces on the tether across the frame body. The outer frame component has a loop configuration to generally follow the patch periphery with overlapping end portions or a gap between free ends thereof. The force translation component is separable into multiple segments to facilitate withdrawal of the hoisting frame through an opening when released from the patch.

Abstract: Single filter and multi-filter endolumenal methods and systems for filtering fluids within the body. In some embodiments a blood filtering system captures and removes particulates dislodged or generated during a surgical procedure and circulating in a patient's vasculature. In some embodiments a filter system protects the cerebral vasculature during a cardiac valve repair or replacement procedure.

Abstract: An embolic protection device comprises a tubular filter body attached to a sheath. The tubular filter body has an open upstream end and a generally closed downstream end for capturing emboli. A self-opening passage through the emboli capture end of the tubular filter body allows multiple catheters to be advanced from the sheath or otherwise into the filter body simultaneously or sequentially. The sheath is attached to a peripheral support structure near the emboli capture end of the filter body to facilitate deployment and retrieval of the filter body through a restraining delivery catheter.

Abstract: The invention provides an embolic protection device for removing emboli from a blood vessel in a patient's body. The device comprises an elongate host element, an embolic protection element having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and a flexible tether connected to a distal end of the host element and to a proximal portion of the embolic protection element. The tether allows the host element to move axially and laterally relative to the embolic protection element over a limited range of motion when the embolic protection element is in an expanded configuration. The embolic protection device has a landing zone of 4 cm or less.

Abstract: An implantable digestive organ is provided for the transport of materials through the digestive tract and in one particular application to an artificial large bowel for replacing all or part of a colon. The prosthetic organ of one embodiment includes an outer support structure, an expandable member or members located within the support structure, and a flexible inner member forming a conduit for passage of material. The inner member is located within the outer member and the expandable member(s) is located between the inner member and the support structure. The expandable members are expanded and contracted, or inflated and deflated to provide pumping action that pumps material through the organ. The prosthesis may also include valves or sphincters at its entrance and/or exit points where material moves into and out of the prosthesis. An implantable pump may be included for inflating and deflating the expandable members in a desired sequence.

Abstract: The present embodiments describe an endograft having at least two branches extending from two fenestrations on the endograft body, and methods for deploying the same. In one example, the system comprises one internal branch that is relatively straight, and one external branch that is helically curved. The fenestrations may be circumferentially located on substantially the same side of the endograft main body, and distal regions of the branches may be circumferentially located on substantially opposite sides of the main body. The branches may be longitudinally non-overlapping. Connection stents may be configured to extend from the branches to provide fluid communication with peripheral vessels. Peripheral vessels may include the coronary or renal arteries. In another example, the branches are both external to the main endograft body.

Abstract: Magnetic vascular grafts and methods for their use are provided herein.

Abstract: An implant for planar connection of tissue to bone is proposed, wherein the implant including a clamping surface and at least three securing members connected to the clamping surface, and wherein the clamping surface comprises an outer edge and an inner edge, wherein the outer edge is connected at least partially to the inner edge at least partially by at least one connecting web, and/or the clamping surface comprises an outer edge and at least one opening arranged within the clamping surface, which opening is connected by at least one connecting web at least to a partial area of the outer edge of the clamping surface.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant transfer device is provided that may be used to insert a prosthetic implant through a surgical opening. In some embodiments, the device may comprise a flexible sheet of material that may be formed into an elongated hollow structure. The flexible sheet of material includes a plurality of fasteners that may be selected and engaged to define a desired size distal opening.

Abstract: Described herein are devices for placement in surgically created soft tissue spaces, potential spaces, or cavities. The implantable devices generally include a bioabsorbable body having an open framework that facilitates attachment of tissue thereto in a manner that helps avoid post-surgical deformities. Methods for using the implantable devices in oncoplastic surgery are further described.

Abstract: Described herein are devices for placement in surgically created soft tissue spaces, potential spaces, or cavities. The implantable devices generally include a bioabsorbable body having an open framework that facilitates attachment of tissue thereto in a manner that helps avoid post-surgical deformities. Methods for using the implantable devices in oncoplastic surgery are further described.

Abstract: Described herein are devices for placement in surgically created soft tissue spaces, potential spaces, or cavities. The implantable devices generally include a bioabsorbable body having an open framework that facilitates attachment of tissue thereto in a manner that helps avoid post-surgical deformities. Methods for using the implantable devices in oncoplastic surgery are further described.

Abstract: Described herein are devices for placement in surgically created soft tissue spaces, potential spaces, or cavities. The implantable devices generally include a bioabsorbable body having an open framework that facilitates attachment of tissue thereto in a manner that helps avoid post-surgical deformities. Methods for using the implantable devices in oncoplastic surgery are further described.

Abstract: An optical device comprising an optical hydrogel with select regions that have been irradiated with laser light having a pulse energy from 0.01 nJ to 50 nJ and a wavelength from 600 nm to 900 nm. The irradiated regions are characterized by a positive change in refractive index of from 0.01 to 0.06, and exhibit little or no scattering loss. The optical hydrogel is prepared with a hydrophilic monomer.

Abstract: Polymeric and co-polymeric compositions useful for preparing ophthalmic and ocular devices, such as implantable intraocular lenses (IOL) and contact lenses, and processes of forming the compositions and devices are provided. The disclosed polymeric or co-polymeric composition may include a curcuminoid compound as a UV-blocker, and is derived from a pre-polymerization mixture of monomers which comprises at least 50 weight percents acrylate monomers and exhibiting visible light transparency and ultraviolet light opacity. The disclosed co-polymeric composition may alternatively, or in addition, be derived from a pre-polymerization mixture of defined monomers.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a vision system and a method. A vision system includes a sensor circuit configured to detect a presence of a wearable ophthalmic element in an optical path incident on a vision correction device. The vision correction device includes an electronically controllable vision parameter and configured to be placed in an eye of a human subject. The vision system includes a controller circuit coupled to the vision correction device and configured to change the electronically controllable vision parameter of the vision correction device at least partially in response to the detected presence of the wearable ophthalmic element in the optical path. In an embodiment, the vision system includes the wearable ophthalmic element. In an embodiment, the vision system includes the vision correction device.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a vision system and a method. A vision system includes a receiver circuit configured to receive data indicative of a presence of a wearable ophthalmic element in an optical path incident on a vision correction device. The vision correction device includes an electronically controllable vision parameter and configured to be placed in an eye of a human subject. The vision system includes a controller circuit coupled to the vision correction device and configured to change the electronically controllable vision parameter of the vision correction device at least partially in response to the received data indicative of the presence of the wearable ophthalmic element in the optical path.

Abstract: Disclosed is an accommodating intraocular lens device for treatment of an eye including a stabilization haptic (120) configured to be positioned within a region of an eye and a lens body having a sealed chamber containing a fixed volume of optical fluid. The lens body includes a shape changing membrane (145) configured to outwardly bow in a region surrounding the optical axis of the eye; a shape deformation membrane configured to undergo displacement relative to the first shape changing membrane; and a static element (150). An inner surface of the shape changing membrane, an inner surface of the shape deformation membrane and an inner surface of the static element collectively form the sealed chamber. The lens device also includes a force translation arm (115) having a first end configured to contact an outer surface of the shape deformation membrane of the lens body and a second end configured to engage a ciliary structure of the eye.

Abstract: In a surgical method for improving cardiac function, an implantable scaffold or valve support device is inserted inside a patient's heart and attached to the heart in a region adjacent to a natural mitral or other heart valve. The scaffold or valve support device defines an orifice and, after the attaching of the scaffold or valve support device to the heart, or temporary support while native valve leaflets and/or subvalvular structures are captured, a prosthetic or bio-prosthetic valve seated in the orifice, and the native valve may be retracted into the scaffold/replacement assembly to create a gasket for sealing the complex.

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 delivery system for delivery of an implantable stented device to a body lumen that includes an elongated member having a distal tip and a proximal end portion, a wire connection member positioned between the distal tip and proximal end portion of the elongated member, and a plurality of capturing wires extending from a distal end of the wire connection member. Each of the capturing wires includes a distal end having a lower portion that is moveable relative to an upper portion between an open position and a closed position, and a slot defined by the upper and lower portions when they are in the closed position.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve can include an outer support assembly, an inner valve assembly, which define between them an annular space, and a pocket closure that bounds the annular space to form a pocket in which thrombus can be formed and retained. Alternatively, or additionally, the outer support assembly and the inner valve assembly can be coupled at the ventricle ends of the outer support assembly and the inner valve assembly, with the outer support assembly being relatively more compliant in hoop compression in a central, annulus portion than at the ventricle end, so that the prosthetic valve can seat securely in the annulus while imposing minimal loads on the inner valve assembly that could degrade the performance of the valve leaflets.

Abstract: A method of implanting a penile prosthetic includes using a tool and grasping a penile prosthesis between a first jaw and a second jaw of the tool.

Abstract: A variable angle blade augment including an augment component and a blade component. The blade component includes a buttress portion and a neck portion, with the neck portion having a body segment and a face segment that is contoured for mating engagement with an outer surface of the acetabular shell. The augment component has a first opening sized and shaped to receive insertion of the body segment, and which is also sized to accommodate selective adjustment of, when the body segment is positioned in the first opening, linear and angular orientations of the blade component relative to the augment component. Additionally, the body segment has a length that is sized to facilitate direct contact of the face segment with the acetabular shell when the variable angle blade augment is in an assembled configuration. Further, cement can be injected into the internal cavity to unitize the connection between the acetabular shell and the blade component.

Abstract: An acetabular cup structure of the present invention includes a ball-and-socket prosthesis and a liner, where a ball wall of the ball-and-socket prosthesis has a groove formed by connecting at least two continuous straight lines, and the groove connects an outer surface of the ball wall to an inner surface of the ball wall, so that an expandable sheet is formed between the groove formed by connecting the at least two continuous straight lines and having an angle there-between and two ends of the groove that are not connected, and the liner, for connecting a femoral stem, is tightly attached to the inner surface of the ball wall, and when the liner is tightly attached to the inner surface of the ball wall, the liner presses the sheet and extends to the groove, so that the liner is attached to the ball-and-socket prosthesis more tightly.

Abstract: Methods of selecting and implanting prosthetic devices for use as a replacement meniscus are disclosed. The selection methods include a pre-implantation selection method and a during-implantation selection method. The pre-implantation selection method includes a direct geometrical matching process, a correlation parameters-based matching process, and a finite element-based matching process. The implant identified by the pre-implantation selection method is then confirmed to be a suitable implant in the during-implantation selection method. In some instances, the during-implantation selection method includes monitoring loads and/or pressures applied to the prosthetic device and/or the adjacent anatomy. In some instances, the loads and/or pressures are monitored by a trial prosthetic device comprising one or more sensors. Methods of implanting meniscus prosthetic devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implant assembly for re-establishing a glenohumeral joint between a scapula and humerus. A first receiver is adapted to being mounted to a reconditioned glenoid cavity defined in the scapula, with a second receiver adapted to being mounted to a reconditioned humeral head associated with the humerus. A three dimensional and at least partially spherical shaped component is interposed between the first and second receivers for establishing each of a first articulating surface with the first receiver and a rotating interface with the second receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular humeral prosthesis for an inverse shoulder prosthesis, comprising an anatomical shaft (1) and a separable epiphyseal head (2) which may be angularly orientated by rotation about the longitudinal axis (XX) of the anatomical shaft. The anatomical shaft and the epiphyseal head comprise complementary angular indexing means (11, 28) for relative rotational fixation.

Abstract: A total ankle replacement prosthesis may comprise a tibial implant, a talar implant, and an intermediate implant. The intermediate implant may fixedly attach to the tibial implant and may articulate with respect to the talar implant. The intermediate implant may have unequal front and back angular extent, so as to discourage a particular direction of subluxation, and a kit may be provided containing various such intermediate implants. Various features may be provided in regard to dovetails, fins, recesses, the placement of fins and pegs, and the shape of the perimeter of the tibial implant. Recesses may allow a surgical blade to slice a latch off of an already-installed intermediate implant, in order to allow its removal from the tibial implant.

Abstract: An apparatus is designed to attach an implant to bone in a manner that permits rotational adjustment of the implant about multiple axes prior to securement via the apparatus. The apparatus includes separate rotational and translational fasteners that can be individually locked to independently restrict rotation and translation of the implant relative to the bone. The rotational fastener includes an interpositional member, an expandable engagement member, and a rotational locking member that urges the expandable engagement member to advance along the interpositional member. The resulting expansion of the engagement member causes it to engage the implant. The rotational fastener is slidable along a fixation member implanted in the bone until the translational fastener is applied to restrict relative translation between the rotational fastener and the bone.

Abstract: An expandable interbody device for use in the spine is configured to fit through Kambin's Triangle. The expandable interbody device can include a body defining a front end, a rear end and a plurality of sidewalls spanning between the front and rear ends, an expandable member pivotally attached to the body such that the expandable member pivots outwardly from one of the plurality of sidewalls and a screw threaded into the body through the rear end thereof. The expandable member defines an actuator flange that projects into the body. The screw abuts the actuator flange such that contracting the screw into the body causes the expandable member to pivot outwardly from the body.

Abstract: An implant for therapeutically separating bones of a joint has two endplates each having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side. A frame is slideably connected to the endplates to enable the endplates to move relative to each other at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the implant, in sliding connection with the frame. An actuator screw is rotatably connected to the frame. A carriage forms an open area aligned with the openings in the endplates. The openings in the endplates pass through the carriage to form an unimpeded passage from bone to bone of the joint. The carriage has ramps which mate with the ramped surfaces of the endplates, wherein when the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates move closer or farther apart.