Abstract: The subject invention provides devices and methods for alleviating discomfort associated with neuroma formation. The devices and methods of the invention effectively use the body's natural response of reconstructing implanted biomaterials to minimize the size of, isolate, and protect a neuroma. In preferred embodiments, the subject device is a cylindrical cap, wherein the internal chamber of the cylindrical cap physically partitions the nerve to enable an arrangement of nerve fibers (as opposed to haphazardly arranged nerve fibers often produced in neuromas). Tabs arranged on the outside of the cap can be used to manipulate the cap into place on a nerve. The open end can also be configured with flaps that can be used to widen the open end for easier insertion of the nerve into the cap. In addition, the cap's material remodels into a tissue cushion after implantation, which protects the neuroma from being stimulated and inducing pain.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for identifying and counting objects having identifiers entering and exiting a surgical field are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus has an entry scanner, a hand held scanner and an exit scanner for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. In another embodiment, the apparatus has a plurality of lower antennas and an upper antenna for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. Various surgical devices with identifiers and methods for preventing electromagnetic coupling between and protecting objects and identifier are also provided. The invention further provides apparatus and methods comprising a handheld scanner and a mat adapted to underlie a patient during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Surgical instrument RFID tag reading apparatus (10) comprises an interrogation zone (12) for receiving a surgical instrument set (14) comprising: a plurality of surgical instruments, each having a respective RFID tag containing identification information; an RFID tag reader (16); RF antenna (18) arranged to transmit an RF signal (20) and arranged to receive RF return signals from at least some of the RFID tags; guidance apparatus (22) arranged to cause predetermined relative movement between the RFID tags on the surgical instruments and the RF signal; and a controller (24) arranged to: receive the surgical instrument identification information from the RFID tag reader for each RFID tag from which an RF return signal is received; compare the received surgical instrument identification information with a surgical instrument list of the set; and; determine whether surgical instrument identification information has been received for each of the surgical instruments on the surgical instrument list, and if not, gen

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental tool having a shank region, which is formed for coupling to a dental handpiece, and also having a work region, which is connected to the shank region. In this case, the shank region of the dental tool is formed so that there is the possibility of latchable insertion and removal without actuation. In particular, at least the shank region can consist of plastics material. As a result, inter alia facilitated handling of the tool and inexpensive production of the tool are rendered possible.

Abstract: Dental articles and methods of using same. The dental article (510) includes a shell defining a volume, the shell (512) comprising a circumferential base (514) and an incisal/occlusal region (516) distal from the circumferential base. The dental article (510) further includes a hardenable dental composition (518) located within the volume, and an isolation film (520) located at the circumferential base of the shell.

Abstract: A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: determining an incrementally progressive series of adjustment appliances, each of the series of adjustment appliances having geometries selected to progressively reposition teeth; and determining for each of the series of adjustment appliances, a vertical displacement and a forward mandibular position for treating sleep apnea. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, method, apparatus and system for receiving digital representations of the initial parameters of a dentition; simulating a first orthodontic treatment process on the digital representations of the initial parameters, displaying a set of output results from the simulation of the first orthodontic treatment process, simulating a second orthodontic treatment process on the output results from the simulation of the first orthodontic treatment process, and displaying a set of output results from the simulation of the second orthodontic treatment process are provided.

Abstract: Described is a vibrating device for delivering energy to at least a portion of a dental appliance. The vibrating device may be inserted into a biting element or attached to a biting element to apply vibrations to the dental appliance to aid in aligning a user's teeth.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing stiffness of an orthodontic archwire for a tooth malocclusion of a patient with a computer system, the method including: constructing a model of a patient's teeth in the computer system; inputting material properties of the archwire to the computer system; and determining an adjusted stiffness of a first section of the orthodontic archwire, the first section associated with the tooth malocclusion of the patient. In some cases, the adjusted stiffness may be determined based on different variables associated with the patient's teeth, which may include at least one of interbracket distance, malocclusion magnitude, bracket slot size, wire size, teeth size or extent of stiffness modification of the archwire.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance has a post attached to a first upper tooth, and a button with a recess attached to a second upper tooth. An elongated arm has an eye at one end through which the post is inserted to allow the elongated arm to rotate about the post, and a tip at the other end for removable insertion into the recess of the button. The length of the elongated arm is selectable to maintain a desired spacing between the first and second upper teeth (e.g., by cutting the tip of the elongated arm). An elastic extends from either the post or button to an attachment point on the patient's lower dental arch to exert a force between the patient's maxilla and mandible.

Abstract: An implant fixture is disclosed. The implant fixture contains an elongated shaft section, a head section, wherein the head section comprises at least one concave area for bone growth therein, and a protrusion extending from the head section.

Abstract: Dental component (1) for the individual prosthetic reconstruction of a tooth, intended to be received on a dental implant, comprising: a first element (3) with an angled through-passage (4), a second element (7) intended to be received against or in a dental implant (2), Means of assembly (9, 13a-13c) between the first (3) and second (7) elements make it possible effectively to limit the removal of material to be performed in the first element (3) in order to create the angled through-passage (4).

Abstract: A device including a coded pattern for use in dental procedures is provided. Related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and system is disclosed for dental modeling. The apparatus includes a first tray positioned opposite a second tray and a dearticulating hinge coupling the first tray to the second tray. The dearticulating hinge includes a first hinging element coupled to one of the first tray and the second tray and a second hinging element coupled to the other of the first tray and the second tray. At least one of the first hinging element and the second hinging element includes a disengaging element configured to engage a spur to uncouple the first hinging element from the second hinging element upon extending the first tray and the second tray beyond a predefined angle relative to one another.

Abstract: Provided is a method for quickly producing a dental prosthesis with a good accuracy. The method for producing a dental prosthesis including: a melting step of melting a material including no less than 60.0 mass % and no more than 80.0 mass % of SiO2, no less than 10.0 mass % and no more than 20.0 mass % of Li2O, and no less than 5.1 mass % and no more than 10.0 mass % of Al2O3; a glass blank production step of cooling to solidify the molten material to obtain a glass blank; a lithium disilicate blank production step of heating the glass blank to obtain a lithium disilicate blank whose main crystalline phase is lithium disilicate; and a processing step of processing the lithium disilicate by machining.

Abstract: The method is used for making a dental prosthesis or for the adaptation of an existing dental prosthesis for the inclusion in and attachment to existing residual dentition and/or at least one implant. Here, individual teeth and/or implants and/or the remains thereof form the anchor elements for anchoring the dental prosthesis. First, an imprint of the actual condition of the jaw of the patient occurs, from which a master model and a working model are molded. Then, the working model is adjustably fixed in a milling base and aligned with respect to the insertion direction in a milling machine or parallelometer. Next, adhesion surfaces (2) made from wax in the manner of wide-area brackets, an adhesive bridge or the like are molded onto the molded anchor elements (1). Then a molded connecting part (3) with a permanently attached parallelization pin (4) and/or retention anchor element is waxed thereon after successful alignment with the insertion direction by means of the parallelization pins (4).

Abstract: A oral irrigator device (10) for cleaning teeth, including a system (14) for producing a stream of liquid/air bursts and a nozzle (16) connected to the system, and through which the stream of liquid/air bursts are directed. The nozzle can include a guidance tip (26) including a base portion (30), a tip portion (28), and an orifice (31) through which the stream of liquid/air bursts exits at a flow output pattern, and a flow output pattern selection mechanism (90, 90?) connected to or positioned within the guidance tip. A flow output pattern selection mechanism can be configured to be selectively actuated and to vary, upon the actuation the flow output pattern between a first flow output pattern to at least a second flow output pattern.

Abstract: A method (30) for disinfection of a biofilm layer comprises thinning (34) the biofilm layer from an initial thickness to below a given thickness. The method further includes actively drying (36) the thinned biofilm layer for a predetermined active drying interval to disinfect and remove a substantial portion of the body of biofilm bacteria of the thinned biofilm layer. A device (50) for disinfection of a biofilm layer is configured for implementing the method.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument servicing system may comprise a socket-forming member that may include spaced wall members that define a socket. An at least partially open-cell foam body may be secured within the socket that is configured for cleaning contaminated instruments. The body may have an indentation force deflection greater than 120 pounds force (lbf) and be configured to substantially grip a rotating contaminated instrument in contact with the body without tearing the foam body.

Abstract: A method employs a closed system mouthpiece using light and heat generation to activate a gel formulation to increase its volume. The gel formulation is coated into the mouthpiece, which is inserted into the user's mouth. Application of heat above a threshold temperature causes the gel to transform into foam and expand out of the mouthpiece and into the oral cavity. The mouthpiece creates a hermetic seal such that the foam expands out throughout the oral cavity into nooks and crannies that are normally difficult to access. Activation of a light source embedded within the mouthpiece enhances the bacteria killing properties of the foam material. The pH balance of the mouth is restored by the inventive method and apparatus to a neutral level in the range of 6.75 to 7.25.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing at least one temperature sensor to an animal, intended to be placed in the auditory canal of an animal. According to the invention, such a device comprises a first portion (31, 41, 51, 61, 71) defining at least one seat (311, 411, 511, 611, 711) for receiving at least one temperature sensor and means for transmitting at least one temperature value, and a second portion (32, 42, 52, 62, 72) forming a spring, the first portion and/or the second portion being configured to bear on at least two separate zones of the auditory canal of the animal, said second portion (42, 52) comprising at least one leaf spring, and said first portion (41, 51) being a helical element connected to said at least one leaf spring.

Abstract: This application relates to a method of covering a pessary device for relief of female incontinence with an overwrap. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of conforming the overwrap to the pessary device using a sealing mechanism.

Abstract: A new titanium-based implant is disclosed, which is formed by a titanium coating manufactured with biomaterials with applications in osseous implantology. The nanotopographical characteristics of these implants inhibit bacterial adhesion and the formation of a bacterial biofilm on the surface, whilst simultaneously presenting suitable properties for the adhesion, stretching and proliferation of bone-forming cells. Moreover, the invention comprises a method for manufacturing the implant by means of oblique-incidence techniques and the use thereof in osseous implantology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monolithic multi-layered material having at least a first layer, from which anisotropic pores originate, and a second layer, in which the anisotropic pores continue. The present invention further relates to a monolithic medical material having at least a first layer, from which anisotropic pores originate, and a second layer, in which the anisotropic pores continue. The present invention further relates to a process for the production of a multi-layered material having anisotropic pores. It further relates to a multi-layered material which can be produced by the process according to the invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to tissue matrix products. The products can includes tissue matrices that have holes or perforations located at certain positions to improve certain in vivo functions without substantial loss of strength or other important properties.

Abstract: A vascular filter system and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the filter system comprises a dispensing needle, a guidewire and a catheter releasably attached to a filter dispenser which stores a length of filter wire. The filter wire dispenser has a guide tube which guides the filter wire into the catheter and then into a vein during surgical implantation. The filter wire is configured to form into a predetermined shape as it is deployed from the needle. The shape of the filter wire captures blood clots in the blood stream. The filter wire may be configured with a perforated section and a non-perforated section. Perforations are in fluid communication with an inner hollow lumen in the filter wire.

Abstract: A method for filtering particulate matter from a blood vessel in a patient, including inserting a device into the blood vessel, the device including at least an outer structure capable of insertion into the blood vessel; and an inner filter anchored to the outer structure, the inner filter having a one-way valve though which a medical instrument may be passed.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed for collecting substances inside a body lumen. The medical device includes an elongated shaft portion; a filter portion that has multiple gaps, that is formed in a net shape, that is deformable to be in an expanded state where the filter portion has a basket shape so as to form a concave portion, and that is deformable from the expanded state to be in a contracted state where an opening end portion of the concave portion is contracted; and a support portion that is formed to include a gap larger than gaps of the filter portion and that includes an interlock portion interlocked with the opening end portion of the filter portion and a support side connection portion connected to the shaft portion.

Abstract: There is provided a treatment method that is capable of reducing burden on a patient when a medical sheet is indwelled in the body of the patient. A treatment method includes an introduction of introducing a catheter, which has stored a medical sheet (e.g., a myocardial cell sheet), to a heart inside a living body, and an indwelling step of drawing the myocardial cell sheet from the catheter and indwelling the myocardial cell sheet in the heart.

Abstract: Provided is a treatment method and medical apparatus for preventing an object that becomes a causative agent causing pathogenesis of aspiration pneumonitis from invading a lung The treatment method includes a disposing step of disposing a first instrument, which allows the object that becomes a causative agent of aspiration pneumonitis to move from an esophagus to a stomach and suppresses movement of the object from the stomach to a larynx, in the esophagus and disposing a second instrument, which suppresses the object from invading the lung, in at least the larynx.

Abstract: A double-weave vascular prosthesis includes an inner layer that contacts a flow of blood, and an outer layer in contact with the inner layer and having an inner layer-covering rate C (%) of 15%?C?75% defined by formula (1): C=[{(W1×D1+W2×D2)×25.4?W1×W2×D1×D2}/(25.4×25.4)]×100 ??(1), where D1 is a warp density (ends/25.4 mm) of the outer layer, D2 is a weft density (picks/25.4 mm) of the outer layer, W1 is an apparent width (mm) of a warp yarn of the outer layer, and W2 is an apparent width (mm) of a weft yarn of the outer layer, and the apparent width of each yarn is determined as a mean of measurement values for the widths of randomly selected five threads exposed on a surface of the woven structure.

Abstract: A prosthetic assembly for repairing a target tissue defect within a target vessel region configured includes an exclusion structure sized to substantially bypass target tissue defect, and includes a branch assembly. The branch assembly can include a self-expanding outer branch prosthesis having an inflow region configured to deform to a non-circular cross-sectional-shape when deployed, and a support structure at least partially disposed within the inflow region. The support structure preserves blood flow to the branch vessel while the deformed inflow region inhibits blood leakage between and/or around the prosthetic assembly.

Abstract: A stent/graft assembly includes a tubular graft connected in substantially end-to-end relationship with a generally tubular stent. Free ends of the stent and graft extend in opposite directions from the end-to-end connection during a pre-deployment orientation of the assembly. However, the graft is inverted during deployment so that free ends of the graft and the stent extend in substantially the same direction from the end-to-end connection in a post-deployment orientation. Thus, at least a portion of the stent is disposed within at least a portion of the graft in a post-deployment orientation of the assembly.

Abstract: A stent/graft assembly includes a tubular graft connected in substantially end-to-end relationship with a generally tubular stent. Free ends of the stent and graft extend in opposite directions from the end-to-end connection during a pre-deployment orientation of the assembly. However, the graft is inverted during deployment so that free ends of the graft and the stent extend in substantially the same direction from the end-to-end connection in a post-deployment orientation. Thus, at least a portion of the stent is disposed within at least a portion of the graft in a post-deployment orientation of the assembly.

Abstract: The disclosure describes implantable medical products, that include dry or partially hydrated biocompatible biostaples suitable for ligament repairs or replacements comprising collagen fibers that may be configured to expand in situ after implantation to frictionally engage a bone tunnel wall or bone sleeve to thereby affix the construct in the bone tunnel.

Abstract: A long term absorbable matrix brassiere including a circular tube member adapted to be fixed to the chest of a woman, a membrane or tarpaulin fixed within the tube member; and a cup held within the tube member.

Abstract: Procedural methods are provided that are capable of forming a protuberant region, in which the surface of a living body protrudes, in a less-invasive manner and a medical device capable of forming the protuberant region in a less-invasive manner. A procedural method for forming a protuberant region, in which a surface of a living body protrudes, includes an introduction step of introducing a container having flexibility into the living body, a protuberant region forming step of forming the protuberant region, in which the surface of the living body protrudes, by filling the container with a filling material to expand the container, and a placement step of placing the expanded container in the living body.

Abstract: The invention consists on an absorbable prosthetic circular ring, for the correction and prevention of mammary areolas asymmetry. Its surgical implantation in the plane inferior to the areola allows reduction of traction and postsurgical tension exerted on the skin, thanks to a structure of hollow openings that permit uniform suturing of surrounding contiguous tissue, and that also reduces the risk of fibrosis by enabling passage of blood through. The structure is composed by an absorbable principal body (1) that consists on a single piece of circular surface (4), with hollow openings (2) trespassing completely and with vertical orientation the principal body. Its absorbable character avoids the necessity of secondary surgery for its extraction. Currently, there is no antecedent of any type of prosthesis designed for this purposes, being this unique and innovative invention in the sector of plastic surgery.

Abstract: A method of designing a multifocal ophthalmic lens with one base focus and at least one additional focus, capable of reducing aberrations of the eye for at least one of the foci after its implantation, comprising the steps of: (i) characterizing at least one corneal surface as a mathematical model; (ii) calculating the resulting aberrations of said corneal surface(s) by employing said mathematical model; (iii) modelling the multifocal ophthalmic lens such that a wavefront arriving from an optical system comprising said lens and said at least one corneal surface obtains reduced aberrations for at least one of the foci. There is also disclosed a method of selecting a multifocal intraocular lens, a method of designing a multifocal ophthalmic lens based on corneal data from a group of patients, and a multifocal ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: An intraocular lens that is capable of being inserted through a micro-incision includes an optic having an anterior and a posterior surface and a plurality of projections extending from the anterior and posterior surfaces. The anterior and posterior surfaces include a recess. The optic is implanted such that a rim of the capsulorhexis is disposed in the recess such that the plurality of projections grip the capsular bag.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, inter alia, materials, devices, kits and methods that may be used to treat chronic sinusitis.

Abstract: This implant (1) has a frame (2) and a membrane (3) covering this frame; —the frame (2) has: —an elongated base portion (5) formed by two curved or chevron branches being connected to connecting areas (7) of the implant (1) for connecting to the annulus of the mitral valve (100); —a longitudinal hoop (8) extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane in which extends said base portion; —the membrane (3) is flexible and extends from one branch to the other while passing near the hoop (8), this membrane being connected to said branches without being stretched between these branches and this hoop so that the two thereby formed lateral portions (3a) of the membrane (3) on both sides of the implant are able to adopt either a concave shape, outwardly convex, or a recessed shape, outwardly concave.

Abstract: A stented valve including a stent structure having a generally tubular body portion, an interior area, a longitudinal axis, an first end, an second end, and an outer surface; at least one outflow barb extending from the outer surface of the stem adjacent to the first end of the stent structure and toward the second end of the stent structure; at least one inflow barb extending from the outer surface of the stent adjacent to the second end of the stent structure and toward the first end of the stent structure; and a valve structure attached within the interior area of the stent structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mitral valve repair having a docking station and a valve implant. The docking station is an anchoring device having a helix structure. The valve implant is made of an expandable frame and a valve, and is radially expandable to a diameter that is at least the same as an expanded diameter of the anchoring device. The method of delivering the docking station and valve implant is performed by inserting the components through device delivery catheters.

Abstract: A transcatheter valve prosthesis includes an expandable tubular stent, a prosthetic valve within the stent, and an anti-paravalvular leakage component coupled to and encircling the tubular stent. The anti-paravalvular leakage component includes a radially-compressible annular scaffold, which is a sinusoidal patterned ring of self-expanding material, and an impermeable membrane extending over the annular scaffold. The anti-paravalvular leakage component has an expanded configuration in which at least segments of the annular scaffold curve radially away from the tubular stent. Alternatively, the anti-paravalvular leakage component includes a plurality of self-expanding segments and an annular sealing element coupled to inner surfaces of the segments. The anti-paravalvular leakage component has an expanded configuration in which the segments curve radially away from the tubular stent and the annular sealing element is positioned between an outer surface of the tubular stent and inner surfaces of the segments.

Abstract: A system for replacing a deficient native aortic valve includes an implantable prosthetic valve having a self-expandable frame and a valve assembly formed with three valve leaflets. The self-expandable frame includes a plurality of support beams, each support beam having a plurality of preformed bores for allowing the valve assembly to be anchored to the frame at least in part by stitching that extends through the leaflets and through the preformed bores of the support beams. The system also includes a restriction tube adapted for insertion into a patient's body. The prosthetic valve is capable of being crimped for insertion into the restriction tube and capable of self-expansion upon release from the restriction tube for deployment in the deficient native aortic valve.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly includes a heart valve, a self-expandable and collapsible stent, and a sealing member. The stent includes an inflow end and an outflow end and is configured to support the heart valve internally. The sealing member is connected to and extends circumferentially around the stent. The sealing member includes a plurality of radially outward extending protrusions comprising a fold of material of the sealing member.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering an implant, the catheter comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a bore; a first joint in the shaft, the first joint being configured to permit adjacent portions of the shaft to rotate in relation to each other; a second joint in the shaft located distal of the first joint, the second joint being configured to permit adjacent portions of the shaft to rotate in relation to each other; wherein, the first joint and the second joint are separated by a first digit that is rotationally rigid at all points between the first joint and the second joint; further wherein, the second joint and the distal end are separated by a second digit that is rotationally rigid at all points between the second joint and the distal end, the second digit being sized to receive an implant.

Abstract: A quick-connect heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The heart valve includes a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a plastically-expandable frame, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. A small number of guide sutures may be provided for aortic valve orientation. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available valve with a sewing ring with the frame attached thereto. The frame may expand from a conical deployment shape to a conical expanded shape, and may include web-like struts connected between axially-extending posts. A system and method for deployment includes an integrated handle shaft and balloon catheter. A valve holder is stored with the heart valve and the handle shaft easily attaches thereto to improve valve preparation steps.

Abstract: An elongated member and a method of manufacturing an elongated member may include first, second, and third elongated rod mandrels. The first, second, and third elongated rod mandrels may be fixed together at predetermined proximal and distal locations and at a ball tip. The first, second, and third rod mandrels may be disposed within a tubular coupling element and fixed to the tubular coupling element at the ball tip. The tubular coupling element may be placed into abutment with and fixed to the distal end of an elongated shaft.