Abstract: A syringe needle disposal container for disposing of a syringe needle having a needle holder detachably screw-fitted to an end of a syringe body and a needle body, which includes a lid that covers an opening of a container body and a moving member mounted on the lid so as to be slide-movable. A first holding part for holding one side of needle holder is provided at a predetermined part of the lid. The moving member is formed with a second holding part for holding the other side of the needle holder. An open end of the first holding part on the lid side is deviated toward the first holding part with respect to a reference center axis line L that passes through the center P of a syringe needle holding part in the holding position state and that is substantially perpendicular to a slide-moving direction of the moving member.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for measuring and displaying the magnitude of traction forces applied to a patient's lower limbs during surgery, and for measuring the direction and magnitude of counter-traction forces applied to the patient's body by the perineal post located at the patient's groin to oppose traction forces applied to the patient's lower limbs.

Abstract: An endoscope captures images of a surgical site for display in a viewing area of a monitor. When a tool is outside the viewing area, a GUI indicates the position of the tool by positioning a symbol in a boundary area around the viewing area so as to indicate the tool position. The distance of the out-of-view tool from the viewing area may be indicated by the size, color, brightness, or blinking or oscillation frequency of the symbol. A distance number may also be displayed on the symbol. The orientation of the shaft or end effector of the tool may be indicated by an orientation indicator superimposed over the symbol, or by the orientation of the symbol itself. When the tool is inside the viewing area, but occluded by an object, the GUI superimposes a ghost tool at its current position and orientation over the occluding object.

Abstract: An instrument fixation device includes a retaining ring, a ball joint disposed within and movable relative to the retaining ring, and a locking mechanism. The ball joint defines a channel configured to receive an instrument therethrough. The locking mechanism includes a locking sleeve and a lock. The locking sleeve is at least partially disposed within the retaining ring and engages the outer surface of the ball joint. When the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position, the ball joint is free to move within the retaining ring and when the locking mechanism is in a first locked position, the locking sleeve engages the outer surface of the ball joint to fix the ball joint relative to the retaining ring.

Abstract: An oral irrigator has a removable reservoir defining a reservoir cavity, a base unit housing a motor and a pump, and a handle for directing fluid flow from the pump removably connected to the base unit and fluidly coupled to the pump by a hose. The handle has a housing defining a slot formed in an outer wall of the housing. The slot is bounded by two opposing walls spaced apart from each other and a transverse wall at a terminal interior end of the opposing walls. The outer wall of the housing is open to the slot at lateral sides of the two opposing walls and at a base end of the opposing walls opposite the transverse wall.

Abstract: A drill guide assembly used to guide a drill into the jawbone of a patient during dental surgery includes at least one through going guide bore for guiding the drill, at least one attachment for securing a part of the drill guide assembly to the jaw of the patient during surgery, wherein the drill guide assembly includes a first part including the at least one first through going guide bore, the at least one first attachment and at least a first reference area for referring the first part to a first anatomical feature of the patient, a second part including a second reference area for referring the second part to a second anatomical feature of the patient, and a guiding structure for guiding the first part and the second into a desired configuration.

Abstract: Endodontic instruments are used to clean and enlarge the endodontic cavity space (ECS), also known as the root canal system, of a human tooth. This document describes novel endodontic instruments that are radially compressible, and methods for their use.

Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing a liquid has a generally cup-shaped receptacle formed by a circumferential side wall and a front wall. A piston is slidably accommodated within the receptacle. The receptacle and the piston in combination form a chamber in which the liquid is received. The piston forms a sealing structure bearing on an inner surface of the side wall. The inner surface of the side wall has an arithmetic average surface roughness of between 0.05 ?m and 4.5 ?m R?a.#191 The container allows for air to penetrate in the chamber while it provides for the liquid to be captured therein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides method, computing device readable medium, and devices for dental appliances with repositioning jaw elements. An example of a removable dental appliance includes a shell having a number of tooth apertures configured to receive and reposition a number of teeth of a patient along one jaw of a patient, a repositioning jaw element that extends from a buccal or lingual surface of the shell, the element having a first outer surface oriented to face the tongue of the patient surface and a second outer surface oriented to face the cheek of the patient, and a reinforcement member formed along at least one of the first and second outer surfaces to provide reinforcement of the repositioning jaw element.

Abstract: A method and system for treating maxillary transverse discrepancies in young orthodontic patients and in skeletally mature patients. The maxillary protraction device comprises a Hyrax provided with an adjustable screw and four bands connected to the Hyrax through connecting wires. Placement of Hyrax on first maxillary molars and second maxillary premolars would create enough space for effective treatment of maxillary hypoplasia.

Abstract: Orthodontic devices for segmental distalization in a patient are provided. The orthodontic device includes an elongated central arm; a distal part comprising a distal base surface adapted for attachment to a lingual surface of a molar, wherein the distal part is located at a distal end of the central arm. The device also includes a mesial part comprising a mesial base surface adapted for attachment to a lingual surface of a premolar, wherein the mesial part is located at a mesial end of the central arm. The mesial part and/or distal part comprising a first retention element for retention of a first end of an elastic element. The central arm is shaped to substantially follow a lingual side of a set of teeth. The present disclosure further relates to orthodontic kits and to methods for mounting orthodontic devices and to methods for treatment of malocclusions.

Abstract: A method of preparing an orthodontic bracket. Such an orthodontic bracket has a bracket bonding pad and a bracket body with a bracket slot. The method has steps of providing a precursor of an orthodontic bracket into a machine for modifying the shape of the orthodontic bracket precursor. The orthodontic bracket precursor has an alignment structure of a pre-determined geometry. Further the alignment structure and the bracket slot are spatially arranged relative to each other at a pre-determined distance and orientation. The method further has the steps of aligning the orthodontic bracket precursor based on the alignment structure and embedding the orthodontic bracket precursor at least partially in a liquid. The liquid is cause to solidify and thereby the orthodontic bracket precursor is retained in position. The so retained orthodontic bracket precursor is changed in shape.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for extracting a broken fragment of a dental abutment screw from a dental implant. An exemplary system comprises an extractor tool having a tubular outer body and a conductor positioned within the tubular outer body, and an applicator that receives and end of the extractor tool and also includes a heating element that converts electrical energy into heat that is conducted to the extractor tool to melt a thermoplastic adhesive in a cavity at the distal end of the extractor tool, such that the melted thermoplastic adhesive can conform to and engage with a broken fragment of a dental abutment screw within a dental implant when the adhesive cools. The extractor tool can then be rotated to unscrew the broken fragment from the dental implant.

Abstract: A dental device is described that comprises a monolithic support structure for use in implant-supported dental restoration applications for partially or fully edentulous patients. The monolithic support structure comprises a unitary support body with one or more teeth projections projecting from the support body, and at least one support region providing a framework for integrating discrete artificial teeth adjacent the teeth projections. An implant-supported dental device is also provided that comprises the monolithic support structure, one or more artificial teeth, and a gingival region comprised of a formable material that secures artificial teeth within the framework of the monolithic support structure.

Abstract: A method of making a customized dental blank. The method has steps of obtaining from a dental practitioner a first color scheme and a different second color scheme as well as a first dimensional information for the first color scheme and a different second dimensional information for the second color scheme. The first and second dimensional information each relate to a size and/or a location within dimensions of the dental blank. The method further has the step of manufacturing the customized dental blank which has a first portion based on the first dimensional information according to the first color scheme and a second portion based on the second dimensional information according to the second color. Further the method has the step of providing the dental practitioner with the customized dental blank. The method helps facilitating the making of a dental restoration from a blank.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a method of using a hardenable dental article. The method can include providing the hardenable dental article; applying the hardenable dental article to a dental structure; customizing the shape of the hardenable dental article; and at least partially curing the hardenable dental article.

Abstract: An oral irrigator handle has a handle housing with a swivel assembly for connection to a hose further connected to a fluid source. A tip for directing a focused stream of fluid is releasably connected to a first end of the handle. The swivel assembly is received within the housing and fluidly coupled to tip. The hose is connected to the swivel assembly and fluidly coupled to the tip via the swivel assembly. The swivel assembly prevents translation of rotational movement of the handle or the hose to the other.

Abstract: A denture cleaning brush for use in removing food, debris, and bacteria from dentures. The denture cleaning brush includes a handle having a first end with a head thereon and a second end to be held by the user. The handle includes one or more gripping regions thereon that include a high friction or ridged surface to allow the user to more easily hold the handle. The head includes a plurality of tufted bristles extending radially outward therefrom. The bristles are located on the sides and front end of the head and are positioned on a lower portion of the brush head. In this way, the bristles are configured to contact the bottom and sidewalls of the channel of dentures when the denture cleaning brush is positioned therein, allowing the user to easily and fully clean the dentures.

Abstract: A vibrating toothbrush is provided with vibration-isolating zones that substantially isolate vibrations in the head and reduce vibrations transmitted to the handle without sacrificing structural integrity around the vibration-isolation zones. Such zones may generally comprise neck material that is reduced in cross-section, thinned, replaced by dampening material, or removed altogether to create transmission-inhibiting voids. The vibration-isolating zones may be further supported by the housing of the vibratory element to maintain the structural integrity around the zones and to thereby alleviating weakness conditions that might subject the toothbrush to fatigue and breakage conditions.

Abstract: A single use fluid delivery system including a fluid containing vial fitted with a non-removable sealing plug; a separate fluid applicator non-removably installable on the fluid vial; and a ball seal structure located on the fluid vial and configured to seal the fluid vial until the applicator is installed. The fluid filled and sealed vial and the applicator are provided as separate pieces, and during use of the single dose fluid delivery system the applicator is installed onto the vial, and during installation of the applicator onto the vial, the seal is dislodged and opens a channel for the fluid to flow to the applicator.

Abstract: A method and device for delivering one or more solutions onto a container of animals, such as poultry hatchings, that is being transported along a conveyor line. The method and device are capable of delivering highly viscous gels, having viscosities in the range of 5000 to 10,000 centipoise, and also of delivering multiple solutions to a single container of hatchlings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis (1) for hernia repair comprising a reinforcement layer (2), a first barrier layer (3) of anti-adhesion material covering at least a part of a surface of the reinforcement layer, and a second barrier layer of anti-adhesion material covering a remaining part of the surface of the reinforcement layer, the second barrier layer being formed of one or more flap member(s) (4).

Abstract: Medical devices, systems, methods, and kits for the medialization of a vocal cord are described. A method comprises creating a passageway in thyroid cartilage of a patient, advancing a light source through the passageway, activating the light source, viewing light emitted from the light source to confirm placement of the passageway relative to the vocal cord, and advancing a medical device through the passageway to move the vocal cord toward a midline of the larynx of the patient.

Abstract: Excessive dilation of the annulus of a mitral valve may lead to regurgitation of blood during ventricular contraction. This regurgitation may lead to a reduction in cardiac output. Disclosed are systems and methods relating to an implant configured for reshaping a mitral valve. The implant comprises a plurality of struts with anchors for tissue engagement. The implant is compressible to a first, reduced diameter for transluminal navigation and delivery to the left atrium of a heart. The implant may then expand to a second, enlarged diameter to embed its anchors to the tissue surrounding and/or including the mitral valve. The implant may then contract to a third, intermediate diameter, pulling the tissue radially inwardly, thereby reducing the mitral valve and lessening any of the associated symptoms including mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vascular prosthesis system for inserting into and for supporting a blood vessel of a patient. The vascular prosthesis system comprises (i) a stent graft element comprising a prosthesis material, and (ii) a stent element free of prosthesis material. Furthermore, a strip-like prosthesis material segment is provided, by means of which the stent graft element and the stent element are connected to each other, in such a way that the strip-like prosthesis material segment forms a prosthesis material bridge.

Abstract: A corrective device for the positioning of a foot is an apparatus used to treat foot drop. The apparatus includes a spring, a bone anchor assembly, and a tendon anchor assembly. The spring is used to prevent the foot from drooping downward. The spring includes a coil, a first spring coupler, and a second spring coupler. The first spring coupler is used to connect the coil to the bone anchor assembly. The bone anchor assembly anchors the apparatus to a human tibia. The second spring coupler is used to connect the coil to the tendon anchor assembly. The tendon anchor assembly is used to anchor the apparatus to one or more tendons in the foot. Because the coil is anchored above and below the ankle, rotations about the ankle may be limited by the coil.

Abstract: An intraocular lens system is presented that comprises an electro-active lens comprising multiple independently controllable zones or pixels, and a controller capable of being remotely programmed.

Abstract: An Accommodating Intraocular Lens (AIOL) is disclosed herein, that is comprised of a flexible optic and a flexible haptic rim that conforms to the human eye capsule. The spherical or custom shape of the optic is engineered to be maintained during accommodation through the mechanical/optic design of the implant and the interaction between the implant and the naturally occurring position and actuating forces applied through ciliary muscles/zonules/and capsule as the brain senses the need to increase the diopter change or magnification when an object of fixation approaches the eye. The axial relocation or position of the AIOL may also be further adjusted anatomically to further improve the affect needed to achieve improved accommodation. Optionally, the Accommodating Intraocular Lens (AIOL) is foldable or injectable for delivery of the lens into the eye.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL), system, and method having a base lens and a complementary lens selected to form a curved image surface matching a retina surface when placed in an eye's line of sight.

Abstract: A multifocal ophthalmic lens includes an ophthalmic lens and a diffractive element. The ophthalmic lens has a base curvature corresponding to a base power. The diffractive element produces constructive interference in at least four consecutive diffractive orders corresponding a range of vision between near and distance vision. The constructive interference produces a near focus, a distance focus corresponding to the base power of the ophthalmic lens, and an intermediate focus between the near focus and the distance focus.

Abstract: Devices and methods are configured to allow transcervical or subclavian access via the common carotid artery to the native aortic valve, and implantation of a prosthetic aortic valve into the heart. The devices and methods also provide means for embolic protection during such an endovascular aortic valve implantation procedure.

Abstract: A transcatheter atrio-ventricular valve prosthesis for functional replacement of an atrio-ventricular heart valve in a connection channel, the prosthesis comprising a radially expandable tubular body extending along an axis, and a valve arranged within and attached to the tubular body. The tubular body is provided with an outer circumferential groove which is open to the radial outside of the tubular body, whereby the tubular body is separated by the outer circumferential groove into first and second body sections. The tubular body is provided with a first plurality of projections which extend from the first or second body section in an axial direction of the tubular body and each of which has a free end arranged to overlap the outer circumferential groove. An elongate outer member may be disposed at the exterior of the connection channel wall structure at a level of the circumferential groove.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a sheet of bioprosthetic tissue for use as a prosthetic valve leaflet are disclosed. A method includes positioning a sheet of bioprosthetic tissue across an engagement face of a first patterned substrate. The engagement face defines a pattern having at least one raised region and areas of relief adjacent the at least one raised region. The tissue is compressed against the engagement face to deform the tissue to a deformed state corresponding with the pattern.

Abstract: An assembly and methods for providing a contoured biological tissue are described. The assembly comprises a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is configured to receive a biological tissue. The second plate is configured to contact and compress the biological tissue received on the first plate. One or both of the first and second plates comprise a defined shape and a contoured area within the defined shape. The contoured area comprises at least first and second elevations. One or more energy sources are associated with one or both of the first and second plates. The one or more energy sources deliver energy upon compression of the biological tissue.

Abstract: A prosthetic apparatus for implantation in a native mitral valve includes a main body for placement within the native mitral annulus. The main body is compressible to a radially compressed state for delivery into the heart and is self-expandable from the compressed state to a radially expanded state for implantation. A valve structure is mounted within a lumen of the main body and preferably forms three leaflets made of pericardium. An atrial sealing member is disposed along an atrial portion of the main body and ventricular anchors are coupled to a ventricular portion of the main body. The atrial sealing member impedes the flow of blood between the main body and the native annulus. The ventricular anchors are positioned outside the main body for capturing native mitral valve leaflets between the main body and the ventricular anchors.

Abstract: This application relates to methods, systems, and apparatus for replacing native heart valves with prosthetic heart valves and treating valvular insufficiency. In a representative embodiment, a support frame configured to be implanted in a heart valve comprises an annular main body formed by a plurality of angled struts, the main body including a plurality of peaks formed by the intersection of respective adjacent struts. The support frame further comprises one or more leaflet-engaging mechanisms configured to engage leaflets of the heart valve. The support frame can be radially expandable and collapsible.

Abstract: A method for delivering a prosthetic valve to a patient's heart having a native valve with a plurality of valve leaflets includes providing a delivery device with a prosthetic valve, advancing the delivery device toward the native valve, and expanding a portion of the prosthetic valve to form a flanged region that is upstream of the valve leaflets. One or more tabs on the prosthetic valve are released so that they expand outward to a position that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve. The position of the prosthetic valve is adjusted relative to the valve leaflets and rapid pacing is applied to the patient's heart so that the valve leaflets move inward toward the prosthetic valve or the delivery device. The tabs are further released to allow the tabs to move into their final positions.

Abstract: A guide wire control device and methods of use are described herein. A guide wire is retained by a lock mechanism to a translating assembly within a stationary tubular structure. A rotating actuator controls the translation of the translating assembly and resulting guide wire. The guide wire control device provides improved control of guide wires and angles of a deployment capsule during transcatheter surgical procedures.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a frame, a prosthetic valve coupled to the frame, and a repositioning wire coupled to the frame. When pulled, the repositioning wire is configured to radially compress the valve assembly from a radially expanded fully deployed configuration to a radially compressed repositioning configuration. The repositioning wire includes a first end coupled to the frame and the repositioning wire extends around at least a portion of the circumference of the frame to a second end. The second end of the repositioning wire may include a lasso.

Abstract: A method and device for anchoring a prosthetic heart valve or annuloplasty ring to a valve annulus in a heart and a method of implanting same is disclosed. The device can include a prosthetic valve or annuloplasty ring with one or more anchors configured to be threaded or otherwise passed underneath a native leaflet and/or subvalvular tissue to secure the device at the native annulus.

Abstract: A method is provided including inserting into a heart a tissue-adjusting member selected from the group consisting of: one or more artificial chordae tendineae and an annuloplasty ring structure. An adjusting mechanism of the tissue-adjusting member adjusts tension of the tissue-adjusting member. The adjusting mechanism: (a) includes a locking mechanism configured to restrict adjusting of the tissue-adjusting member by the adjusting mechanism, and (b) is shaped to define a first coupling. The method further includes, using a tool reversibly coupled to the adjusting mechanism, restricting the adjusting of the tissue-adjusting member by the adjusting mechanism, by facilitating movement of the locking mechanism into a locked state. The tool is shaped to define a second coupling that mates with the first coupling of the adjusting mechanism. The first and second couplings are coupled together and remain mated during the restricting of the adjusting of the tissue-adjusting member.

Abstract: A method of inflating an implantable penile prosthetic includes providing the prosthetic with a lockout valve. The lockout valve is located in an inlet flow path between a reservoir containing liquid and a pump attached to the implantable penile prosthetic. The lockout valve has a core, an inlet flange connected to the core, a lockout flange connected to the core, an inflation channel formed through the core, a deflation pathway that is separate from the inflation channel and formed through a diameter of the core, and a one-way check valve disposed in the deflation pathway of the core. When a suction force is applied downstream from the reservoir, the core rotates, thus displacing the inlet flange and moving the liquid contained in the reservoir across the lockout valve and into the pump.

Abstract: Elevated levels of spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) gene expression expression were observed in breast, prostate and lung cancer cell lines. Elevated levels of SSAT gene expression were verified in tissues from patients with breast, prostate and lung cancer. Elevated SSAT gene expression is elevated in different human cancers and elevated SSAT gene expression may accordingly serve as a companion diagnostic biomarker for detection and monitoring of cancer progression.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for osteodistraction are provided. The systems and devices comprise ellipsoidal cams for providing controlled distraction of adjacent bone structures using a rotational force to produce displacement of the bone structures. An implantable distraction cam system is provided, along with instruments for achieving progressive osteodistraction with reduced risk to a patient.

Abstract: An implant comprises a U-shaped suture channel which extends along a center line which has first and second end openings opposite each other opening to a common face. In an aspect the suture channel has a middle portion with a first size in cross section with respect to the center line of the suture channel and at least one of the end openings has a second size in cross section larger than the first size. In another aspect the first and second end openings of the U-shaped suture channel are formed by a first hole and a second hole extending into the implant from the common face in respective first and second directions extending into the implant from the common face, the first hole and the second hole communicating within the implant and providing the U-shaped suture channel through the implant, for guiding curved suture needles through the suture channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for proper sizing and centralization of a shoulder humerus implant are provided. The method and apparatus replicate the proper stem height and position for a shoulder humerus implant, and may be used during trialing and maintaining the proper height and orientation during implantation. The apparatus further assists in maintaining the shoulder humerus implant stem at the center of the humeral canal to allow for proper cementing technique, and facilitates selection of the appropriate humeral head replacement.

Abstract: A hip stem prosthesis is provided for treating a deficient hip joint.

Abstract: An orthopaedic prosthesis assembly includes a first prosthetic component, a second prosthetic component, and a fastener. The first prosthetic component includes a threaded bore. The second prosthetic component includes an opening and a threaded inner wall that extends inwardly from the opening. The fastener includes a first axial section having a first plurality of threads engaged with the threaded inner wall the second prosthetic component, and a second axial section having a second plurality of threads engaged with the threaded bore of the first prosthetic component to secure the first prosthetic component to the second prosthetic component.

Abstract: Methods, techniques and apparatuses are disclosed including exemplary methods of performing a knee arthroplasty of the tibia. One exemplary method can include determining at least a depth of a distal fixation feature of a tibial implant, and forming a metaphyseal recess in a proximal portion of the tibia. The recess can be configured to receive the distal fixation feature therein and can be sized to exceed at least the depth of the distal fixation feature such that when a distal surface of the tibial implant contacts a proximal surface of the proximal portion of the tibia and the distal fixation feature is received in the metaphyseal recess, a gap remains between the distal fixation feature and one or more surfaces that form a portion of the metaphyseal recess.

Abstract: An orthopaedic prosthesis assembly includes a first prosthetic component, a second prosthetic component, a retainer, and a fastener and allows the removal of the first prosthetic component without having to remove the second prosthetic component from an intramedullary canal of a patient's bone. The fastener is received in an aperture of the first prosthetic component and the retainer is configured to engage the aperture of the first prosthetic component such that a part of the fastener is secured within the aperture. A rod of the fastener is configured to advance along the longitudinal axis through the first prosthetic component into the second prosthetic component. The end of the rod of the fastener is threaded into a threaded bore defined in the second prosthetic component.