Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a shaft assembly and an end effector having an ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm, and a clamp pad. The clamp arm is pivotally coupled with the shaft assembly. The clamp pad is configured to removably couple with the clamp arm while the clamp arm is pivotally coupled to the shaft assembly. The clamp arm includes a mortise and a pair of support gussets. The clamp pad includes a tenon and a pair of resilient projections where the tenon engages the mortise of the clamp arm and the projections contact the support gussets of the clamp arm.

Abstract: Present invention relates to a transplantation device for transplanting a follicular unit which comprises a gripper, a rail mechanism, a gripper holding mechanism, at least one camera and/or sensor and a plurality of motors. Also a gripper for harvesting and implanting a follicular unit including a cutting mechanism, a knife mechanism, a tubular body and an ejector is disclosed. Furthermore, independent claims are included for covering a method for follicular unit transplantation and a method for harvesting and implanting of a follicular unit.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to a specimen retrieval device having a high friction inner lining for reducing specimen deformation during removal. Certain embodiments are directed to a device that facilitates isolation and removal of specimens during minimally invasive surgery. In certain aspects the device is configured to disperse pulling tension over a larger area reducing the likelihood of specimen tearing during removal. The device enables quicker removal through a smaller hole or opening in the body wall.

Abstract: The invention resides in a filter apparatus configured for use in the evacuation of smoke and other contaminants from a laparosurgical operating site incorporating an integral variable flow control mechanism. The apparatus can have a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and configured to allow fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, and a filter component arranged between the inlet and the outlet for filtering surgical smoke. A structure is provided having an aperture for providing a channel for fluid flow between the inlet and outlet. A closure is also provided and is configured to releasably engage with the structure. The housing is configured to be movable, in relation to the closure or the structure, between (i) a first position in which there is fluid communication between and through the channel and (ii) a second position in which the structure and the closure engage to inhibit fluid flow through the housing.

Abstract: A dermal abrasion system includes a cream that may be applied to skin thereby facilitating the cream to liquefy contaminants in the skin. A scraper is provided and the scraper may be manipulated. The scraper frictionally engages the cream when the cream is applied to the skin. The scraper abrades the liquefied contaminants from the skin thereby enhancing cleanliness of the skin. The scraper has a scraping edge. The scraping edge is continuous such that the scraper may abrade the skin from a selected angle.

Abstract: Various bone fixation/fusion devices are sized and configured to be placed across fracture fragments or between bones that are to be fused.

Abstract: A spinal adjustment system which includes at least three implant modules, wherein each implant module includes: engaging means for engaging the implant module with a vertebra; and a semirigid, resilient elongated force application means which in use is secured to said engaging means and extends from one implant module to the or each adjacent implant module; wherein: said force application means in use engages said the or each adjacent implant to module such that said force application means can slide relative thereto in the plane of the force application means; each force application means in use applies a lifting force to the corresponding implant module and said at least three implant modules together in use apply a rotational force to said system; and the force application means extending from one implant module to an adjacent implant module extends alongside the force application means extending from said adjacent implant module to said one implant module.

Abstract: A screw-clamp apparatus is disclosed that may include a first clamp component comprising a first attachment end and at least one hook on a first hook end, a second clamp component comprising a second attachment end and at least one hook on a second hook end, a bone-screw hole located in one of the first clamp component and the second clamp component, a bone screw configured to be inserted through the bone-screw hole and to be inserted into bone, a first spacer-receiver located on one of the first clamp component and the second clamp component, and a length adjusting mechanism configured to adjust a longitudinal length of the screw-clamp apparatus. The first attachment end and the second attachment end are configured to attach the first clamp component and the second clamp component together. The first spacer-receiver is configured to secure a spacer.

Abstract: A spinous process plate fixation assembly is provided that has a pin plate including a first central aperture and a pin plate interior surface. The assembly has a lock plate including a second central aperture and a lock plate interior surface opposingly facing the pin plate interior surface. The interior surfaces have a pluralities of spikes extending therefrom. A pin receptacle is disposed within the pin plate and is configured to receive a lock pin. A pivoting lock mechanism is disposed within the lock plate. A connector shaft extends from the pin plate to the lock plate and passes through the first central aperture and the second central aperture. The connector shaft includes a pin side configured to receive the lock pin, and a lock side opposite the shaft side, the lock side configured to operatively engage the pivoting lock mechanism so as to secure the plates and the shaft.

Abstract: Multi-mode torque drivers employing anti-backdrive units for managing pedicle screw attachments with vertebrae, and related systems and methods are disclosed. A spinal column includes vertebrae in an articulating structure protecting a spinal cord. Medical intervention may involve limiting the relative motion between vertebrae by fusing vertebrae together with mechanical assemblies, including pedicle screws attached to the vertebrae. A torque driver may be used to form the pedicle screw attachments with vertebrae. By including an anti-backdrive unit and a motor assembly enclosed within a handle body as part of a multi-mode torque driver, the user may apply sequential combinations of manual and motorized torques to the screws with high levels of tactile feedback as desired. In this manner, pedicle screw attachments may be efficiently achieved with fewer injuries to the patient and surgeon while minimizing screw attachment failures.

Abstract: A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws. The tool set includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Intermediate guide tools having guiding pass through slots are utilized to guide intermediate locations along the rod toward associated bone screws. An attachment structure operably connects the guide tools to the bone screws. The guide tools each include a lower guide and advancement structure to allow a closure tope with mating structure to be rotated and driven downward against the rod and to cooperate with similar structure in the bone screw to seat and lock the rod therein. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the rod in the patient.

Abstract: A fixing device is for a surgical anchor member. The fixing device may include a control component joined to a connecting portion, which is in turn connected to a shaft provided at one end with coupling units for connecting the fixing device to a fastening element suitable to couple with a respective fastening seat of a surgical anchor element. The fixing device may include a centering component for the coupling of the fastening member with the respective fastening seat of the surgical anchor member.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to intramedullary nails that can include a keel configured for rotational stabilization and/or a multi-sectioned rod configured to apply compression to a fracture.

Abstract: A metatarsal fixation device is provided for fixation of osteotomy or fracture of a distal metatarsal metaphysis bone of the human foot and for fixation of an associated capsule to the metatarsal head. The device includes a metallic bone plate with a series of screw holes along an elongated portion of the plate and a combination of a singular screw hole and a resilient clamp on an end of the elongated portion. The resilient clamp has two arched resilient arms extending laterally outward from an end of the elongated portion. Each arm has a plurality of spikes on an inner surface thereof providing points of contact that compress and attach a metatarsal phalangeal joint capsule portion to the medial and/or lateral aspect of the metatarsal head, thereby facilitating realignment of the metatarsophalangeal joint and respective digit. The resilient arms are biased to grasp lateral sides of a metatarsal head and any associated capsule portion.

Abstract: The invention comprises an orthopedic construct comprising an active compression orthopedic plate that can in the alternative, include either compression screws or an elastic or superelastic staple which is capable of inducing compression into the associated bone, and in alternative embodiments, the plate is a compound plate or has a translating portion which receives a leg of the bone staple.

Abstract: A bone plate has bone facing side, a front side being arranged substantially opposite to and facing away from the bone facing side, and at least a first and a second elongated guiding channel The first and second guiding channels are configured to receive a flexible elongated member such as, for example, a cerclage wire, and the first and second guiding channel are each further configured to guide the elongated member along a respective first and second guiding channel axis (A, B) from a first to a second lateral region of the bone plate. The first and second guiding channel axes (A, B) cross each other in at least one region of the bone plate outer front side.

Abstract: A system and a bone fixation plate for preventing a fastener from rotating so as to prevent the fastener from backing out is provided. The system includes a plate having an opening. A retention member having an arm extending into the opening is configured to engage the head of the fastener so as to prevent the fastener from rotating after the fastener is seated within a vertebral body or implant. In one embodiment, the retention member engages a top surface of the head of the fastener. In another embodiment, the retention member engages a side wall of the head of the fastener.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various embodiments of a plate and guide that enable fixation of a fractured bone while reducing damage to tissue in the vicinity of the fractured bone. The plate may be sized and dimensioned such that the plate may be slid underneath a muscle or other tissue and positioned into a proper location for providing fixation of the plate to the fractured bone without requiring cutting of the muscle or other tissue. The guide may be sized and dimensioned to interface with the plate such that the guide is place over the top of the muscle or other tissue, thereby enabling the guide to be used for providing screws or other devices (e.g., rods, K-wires, etc.) to the plate in a proper orientation to provide fixation to the fractured bone without requiring cutting of the muscle or other tissue.

Abstract: A hybrid bone plate has a first plate portion, having a first top surface and a first bottom surface and comprises a hard titanium alloy. A second plate portion has a second top surface and a second bottom surface and comprises a pure titanium or a soft titanium alloy. The first plate portion has a higher material yield strength than the second plate portion. The first plate portion and the second plate portion are connected to each other at a transition region by for example welding wherein in the transition region the first top surface and the second top surface together form a closed top integral surface and the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface together form a closed bottom integral surface.

Abstract: A general anatomic self-locking plate for medial acetabulum includes a left plate and a right plate mirrored with respect to the left plate. The right plate is a one-piece and includes a horizontal plate body and a vertical plate body. The horizontal plate body and the vertical plate body form a T shape. A through-hole is provided on the vertical plate body along a length direction thereof. Hole pathways of screw holes in the horizontal plate body lean downwardly along the free end of the horizontal plate body. The self-locking plate further includes stress bridges, automatic reduction holes and temporary positioning holes. An auxiliary apparatus of an anatomic self-locking plate for medial acetabulum includes a locking sleeve, a screw placing sleeve and a pair of gripping pliers. The right plate has excellent reduction and stable fixation, and is beneficial to accurately fix fractures without shaping and cutting during operation.

Abstract: Composite material screws and construction techniques are described comprising reinforcing fibers directed in different winding directions and/or angles at different layers (radial depths) of the screw. Optionally, the screw comprises composite material layers wound with fibers at both the pitch of the thread of the screw and at a steeper pitch (for example, about 45°). Optionally, an outer layer of the screw comprises a relative radiolucent construction and/or material, with a more radiopaque construction and/or material positioned underneath the outer layer such that at least a portion of the screw outline is delineated by a radioimaging technique (for example, fluoroscopy, CT, or MRI), while maintaining a sufficiently artifact-free image around the screw that the image characteristics of the surrounding tissue are still determinable.

Abstract: A bone cement delivery system including a mixer, a reservoir for holding bone cement, a cannula that is connected to the reservoir and through which the bone cement is delivered into living tissue. A plunger that is advanced by a drive assembly, pushes the bone cement out of the delivery tube into the cannula for discharge from the cannula. A valve is located upstream of the cannula. A control unit regulates both drive assembly and the setting of the valve. The control unit is configured to, when deactivating the valve so as to stop the advancement of the plunger, close the valve. The closing of the valve reduces the extent to which the bone cement, which is under pressure continues to flow into and be discharged out of the cannula.

Abstract: Described embodiments include an apparatus that includes an electrical interface and a processor. The processor is configured to receive, via the electrical interface, a temperature sensed by a temperature sensor at a distal end of an intrabody probe, to estimate a temperature of tissue of a subject, based on the sensed temperature and a parameter of an ablating current driven, by an ablation electrode at the distal end of the intrabody probe, into the tissue, and to generate an output in response to the estimated temperature. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A multi-probe system and a method of lesioning for targeting a region of a vertebral body are disclosed. The method includes inserting a first introducer assembly into a first target location of the vertebral body to provide a first trajectory to access the vertebral body, the first introducer assembly including a first cannula. The method also includes inserting a second introducer assembly into a second target location of the vertebral body to provide a second trajectory to access the vertebral body, the second introducer assembly including a second cannula. The method further includes inserting a first bipolar probe through the first cannula of the first introducer assembly, the first bipolar probe including a first active tip at a distal end of the first bipolar probe, the first active tip including at least two electrodes.

Abstract: A forceps includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a shaft, an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft, and a drive assembly including a drive bar. The end effector assembly includes jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions. The drive bar is slidably disposed within the shaft and coupled to the end effector assembly such that translation of the drive bar relative to the shaft moves the jaw members between the spaced-apart and approximated positions. The second portion includes a housing (or portion thereof) and a handle assembly including a movable handle that is coupled to the housing and movable relative thereto between first and second positions. The first and second portions are releasably couplable with one another to operably couple the movable handle with the drive bar such that moving the movable handle actuates the jaw members.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly operably coupled to the shaft includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from an open configuration, to a clamping configuration. A knife blade assembly includes a knife blade translatable within the first and second jaw members. A knife blade lockout mechanism is in operative communication with the knife blade assembly and includes an elongated cam slot with a cam pin translatable therein from a distal end of the elongated cam slot corresponding to the knife blade lockout mechanism engaged with the knife blade assembly, to a proximal position corresponding to the knife blade lockout mechanism disengaged from the knife blade assembly.

Abstract: A medical assembly and method are provided to effectively treat abnormal tissue, such as, a tumor. The target tissue is thermally ablate using a suitable source, such as RF or laser energy. A cooling shield is placed in contact with non-target tissue adjacent the target tissue, and actively cooled to conduct thermal energy away from the non-target tissue. In one method, the cooling shield can be placed between two organs, in which case, one of the two organs can comprise the target tissue, and the other of the two organs can comprise the non-target tissue. In this case, the cooling shied may comprise an actively cooled inflatable balloon, which can be disposed between the two organs when deflated, and then inflated. The inflated balloon can be actively cooled by pumping a cooling medium through it. In another method, the cooling shield can be embedded within the non-target tissue. In this case, the cooling shield can comprise one or more needles.

Abstract: The invention provides a left-right parallel loop bipolar electrode. At its front-section part, a metal sleeve and a rigid tube are arranged in parallel at an interval on left and right, two insulating tubes are fixed at heads of the metal sleeve and the rigid tube respectively, one end of a positive electrode is connected with a wire, led from the rigid tube, with an insulating layer in the corresponding insulating tube, and another wire with an insulating layer is welded with the metal sleeve. At its rear-section part, a tail end of the metal straight tube is connected with a binding post, the binding post is connected with a double-core wire, and the two wires with the insulating layers penetrate through the metal straight tube to be correspondingly connected with the double-core wire respectively; the other end of the positive electrode is fixed in the other insulating tube.

Abstract: The tissue cutting device comprises an elongated assembly including both an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has a tissue-receiving window, and the inner sleeve has a distal end which cuts tissue as the inner sleeve is advanced past the window. The tissue is received into a lumen of the inner sleeve, and the inner sleeve lumen is typically enlarged in a proximal direction to reduce the tendency of resected tissue to lodge therein. The tissue displacement member is optionally provided at a distal end of the outer sleeve to further aid in dislodging tissue which becomes captured in a distal end of the inner sleeve of the lumen.

Abstract: A method for use with an intra-body probe, a distal end of which includes an ablation electrode and a temperature sensor, is described. While (i) the ablation electrode is driving an ablating current into tissue of a subject, and (ii) fluid is passed from the distal end of the intra-body probe at a fluid-flow rate, a processor receives a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor. The processor estimates a temperature of the tissue, based at least on the sensed temperature and at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of: the fluid-flow rate, and a parameter of the ablating current. The processor generates an output in response to the estimated temperature. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The current invention concerns a method of ablation designed for the treatment of sick sinus syndrome and other medical conditions characterized by abnormal sinus bradycardia. The method includes the steps of inserting an ablation catheter into a heart of a living subject and directing energy from the ablation catheter towards tissue at a targeted location for ablation. In the method, a specific limited location at level of the junction between the right atrium and the superior vena cava is targeted.

Abstract: This specification provides a light source radiation apparatus for radiating light, a kit for lipolysis having a manual describing a method for dissolving fat by radiating light, and a slimming method for radiating light to skin. According to the specification, the present invention can dissolve neutral fat in a fat cell by radiating light of a wavelength in a range of light harmless to the body, thus can safely and effectively dissolve fat, and can be used for the slimming method by having the advantage of being more economical and convenient than a conventional lipolysis method.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a medical instrument. The medical instrument includes a housing and an end effector assembly operably connected to the housing. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each having a tissue contacting surface, at least one of the first and second jaw members movable between a first, spaced-apart position and a second proximate position, wherein in the second position, the jaw members cooperate to define a cavity configured to receive tissue between the jaw members. The end effector also includes at least one light-emitting element coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members, the at least one light-emitting element adapted to deliver light energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members to treat the tissue.

Abstract: A system to produce a replacement anatomical structure, comprising: a quantitative three-dimensional (Q3D) endoscope disposed to image a structure within a field of view that includes target tissue; at least one processor configured to: produce a first Q3D model of an anatomical structure that includes target tissue; produce a second Q3D model of the anatomical structure that includes remainder tissue in a location from which the target has been tissue removed; and produce a third Q3D model of a replacement structure based at least in part upon the first Q3D model and the second Q3D model.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a method for providing prosthetic implants for a total knee replacement procedure. This method includes receiving data representative of a knee joint of a patient and determining anatomical parameters from the received data. The method also includes creating a graphical model of the knee joint based on the determined anatomical parameters, and providing a femoral component of a knee joint implant based on at least one of the determined anatomical parameters and the graphical femoral portion. This method also includes providing at least one cutting instrument configured to facilitate removing a portion of the femur of the patient based on at least one of determined anatomical parameters and the graphical model.

Abstract: Methods of orthopedic fixation and imagery analysis are provided. Images of first and second bone segments attached to a fixation apparatus are captured. Fixator elements identified in the images can be used to obtain imaging scene parameters. Bone elements identified in the images can be used with the imaging scene parameters to reconstruct a three dimensional representation of positions and/or orientations of the first and second bone segments with respect to the fixation apparatus.

Abstract: Robotic and/or surgical devices, systems, and methods include kinematic linkage structures and associated control systems configured to facilitate preparation of the system for use. One or more kinematic linkage sub-systems may include joints that are actively driven, passive, or a mix of both, and may employ a set-up mode in which one or more of the joints are actively driven in response to manual articulation of one or more other joints of the kinematic chain. In an exemplary embodiment, the actively driven joints will move a platform structure that supports multiple manipulators in response to movement of one of the manipulators, facilitating and expediting the arrangement of the overall system by moving those multiple manipulators as a unit into alignment with the workspace. Manual independent positioning of the manipulator can be provided through passive set-up joint systems supporting the manipulators relative to the platform.

Abstract: A system for use in surgery includes a central body, a visualization system operably connected to the central body, a video rendering system, a head-mounted display for displaying images from the video rendering system, a sensor system, and a robotic device operably connected to the central body. The visualization system includes at least one camera and a pan system and/or a tilt system. The sensor system tracks the position and/or orientation in space of the head-mounted display relative to a reference point. The pan system and/or the tilt system are configured to adjust the field of view of the camera in response to information from the sensor system about changes in at least one of position and orientation in space of the head-mounted display relative to the reference point.

Abstract: A joint assembly for a guiding device comprises a plurality of guiding elements that are concentrically aligned with respect to one another and at least sectionally spherically shaped. The guiding elements are arranged as components of a combined spherical bearing and comprise spherical contact areas. At least two of the guiding elements are integrally manufactured. The at least two guiding elements enable a relative pivot movement therebetween. A guiding device for an instrument incorporates a respective joint assembly. A method of manufacturing a joint assembly involves integrally manufacturing at least to guiding elements that form components of a combined spherical bearing. Uses of a joint assembly involve a use as a spherical bearing in an instrument holder for a simulation system or an assistance system for minimally invasive operations.

Abstract: A method of operating an end effector of a surgical instrument includes supplying voltage to a motor disposed in a transmission mechanism of a surgical instrument having a shaft and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft; moving a component of the end effector between a first position and a second position via a drive system coupled to the motor; and placing a limit switch in a first state during moving of the end effector component, and in a second state when the end effector component is at one of the first position or the second position.

Abstract: Telerobotic, telesurgical, and surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods selectively calibrate end effector jaws by bringing the jaw elements into engagement with each other. Commanded torque signals may bring the end effector elements into engagement while monitoring the resulting position of a drive system, optionally using a second derivative of the torque/position relationship so as to identify an end effector engagement position. Calibration can allow the end effector engagement position to correspond to a nominal closed position of an input handle by compensating for wear on the end effector, the end effector drive system, then manipulator, the manipulator drive system, the manipulator/end effector interfacing, and manufacturing tolerances.

Abstract: A system and method of maintaining a tool pose for a computer-assisted medical device with an articulated arm including one or more first joints and one or more second joints, a tool distal to the first joints and the second joints, and a control unit coupled to the first joints and the second joints. The control unit maintains a pose of the tool during movement of the first joints using the second joints by determining a reference coordinate frame for the tool, determining a reference transform of the tool in the reference coordinate frame prior to the movement of the first joints, determining an actual transform of the tool in the reference coordinate frame while the first joints are being moved, determining differences between the reference transform and the actual transform, and maintaining the pose of the tool by driving the second joints based on the differences.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns magnetic or electromagnetic systems and methods for tissue resection. Systems according to the various embodiments of the disclosure include a first component such as a thin plate or a plurality of beads which, in either case, include magnetic materials and are sized to be inserted between mucosal and submucosal tissue layers, and a second component that may be used to apply an attractive (e.g. magnetic) force to the first component.

Abstract: A system is provided to provide haptic feedback during a medical procedure comprising: a quantitative three-dimensional (Q3D); a surgical instrument disposed to deform a tissue structure; a haptic user interface device configured to provide an indication of tissue structure deformation in response to information indicative of the measure of tissue structure deformation; and a processor configured to produce a Q3D model that includes information indicative of a measure of tissue structure deformation and to provide the information indicative of the measure of tissue structure deformation to the haptic user interface device.

Abstract: A method is provided to align a quantitative three-dimensional (Q3D) model of a three dimensional (3D) structure with a 3D visual representation of a sub-surface target object internal to the anatomical structure, the method comprising: identifying fiducial points within the external surface of the 3D structure represented in the 3D visual representation; identifying the same fiducial points within the Q3D model; aligning the identified fiducial points in the 3D visual representation with the identified fiducial points in the Q3D model; and producing a visual image representation of the 3D structure that includes a view of an external surface and a view of the internal sub-surface target structure.

Abstract: A syringe assembly is provided comprising a syringe cylinder extending from an opening configured to receive a plunger to an end configured to couple with a needle and/or medical tubing, a cap configured to couple to the end, and barrier material at least partially encompassing the cap and the end. A syringe assembly is provided comprising a syringe cylinder extending from an opening configured to receive a plunger to an end configured to couple with a needle and/or medical tubing, a plunger extending from one end to a seal end, and at least one cap configured to couple to the one end. A syringe assembly is provided comprising a syringe cylinder extending from an opening configured to receive a plunger to an end configured to couple with a needle and/or medical tubing, and a plunger extending from one end to a seal end, the one end of the plunger defining a recess configured to receive at least one cap.

Abstract: A device used for applying an antiseptic preparation to a surgical site of a patient prior to surgery outside of an operating theater. A loose-fitting bag is provided which encloses the surgical site by securing the open end(s) to the patient by closing means. A high friction scrub surface is provided in the bag. A method and apparatus are also provided for releasing antiseptic into the interior of the bag. The method provides that the surgical site can be scrubbed within the bag so as to properly prepare the skin for surgery. A temperature indicator for the antiseptic preparation is also provided.

Abstract: An ornament for attachment to orthodontic braces, the orthodontic braces having an arch wire overlying a laterally adjacent pair of teeth, the ornament having a web having a front end and a rear end; the ornament further having a first arm fixedly attached to and extending downwardly from the web's front end; the ornament further having a second arm fixedly attached to and extending downwardly from the web's rear end; the ornament further having a channel bounded by structures including the web, the first arm, and the second arm, the channel being fitted for, upon a passage of the arch wire between the first and second arms, nestingly receiving the arch wire.

Abstract: Techniques and methods for utilizing ion implantation to modify dental archwires are provided. An example of a method of ion implanting a wire target includes providing the wire target in an ion implant system, implanting ions into the wire target such that a color of the wire target material after the implanting exhibits a changed appearance from the color of the wire target material before the implanting, and removing the wire target from the ion implant system. An example of a copper-aluminum-nickel (CuAlNi) wire includes an ion implanted atomic species wherein a color of an implanted CuAlNi wire is white, off-white and/or silver and further wherein the implanted CuAlNi wire exhibits mechanical properties of an unimplanted CuAlNi wire.

Abstract: A dental implant assembly includes an implant, an abutment, and a fixing element. The implant is placed in the alveolar bone. The abutment is assembled to the implant and includes a tapered position-restricting part and an elastic pressing part. The tapered position-restricting part has an abutment fixing channel substantially matching the tapered position-restricting outer wall of the tapered position-restricting trench. The elastic pressing part includes the elastic pressing structures extended from the tapered position-restricting part. The fixing element includes the fixing head and the fixing rod extended from the fixing head. A tolerance allowable gap is formed between the abutment fixing channel and the fixing rod.