Abstract: Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is a microwave ablation system including an introducer having a lumen therethrough, a stylus configured for slidable engagement within the lumen of the introducer, and a microwave ablation antenna configured to deliver energy to a target during an ablation procedure, wherein the microwave ablation antenna is configured for slidable engagement within the lumen of the introducer.

Abstract: A microwave ablation antenna assembly (20) incorporates an improved choke assembly (40) which provides the antenna assembly (20) with both a largely spherical ablation pattern and an improved impedance matching characteristic.

Abstract: A method and system of treating connective tissue to increase flexibility of the connective tissue or decrease tension in the connective tissue includes forming perforations in the connective tissue to at least 90% of the depth or thickness of the connective tissue and maintaining the perforations in the connective tissue. The method alters the tissue to enhance the fundamental mechanisms involved the immunology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics of the metabolism of the connective tissue.

Abstract: Devices and methods for visually confirming the positioning of a distal end portion of an illuminating device placed within a patient include inserting a distal end portion of an illuminating device internally into a patient, emitting light from the distal end portion of the illuminating device, observing transillumination resulting from the light emitted from the distal end portion of the illuminating device that occurs on an external surface of the patient, and correlating the location of the observed transillumination on the external surface of the patient with an internal location of the patient that underlies the location of observed transillumination, to confirm positioning of the distal end portion of the illuminating device.

Abstract: A system for detecting instrument interaction with a surface includes a shape sensing enabled instrument (102) configured to pass along the surface. An interaction evaluation module (148) is configured to monitor shape sensing feedback from the instrument to determine modes of the shape sensing feedback that identify whether contact is made with the surface.

Abstract: An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a magnetic field of a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to introduction of the catheter. ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included in the integrated system to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart. Various methods for establishing a conductive pathway between a sterile field of the patient and a non-sterile field are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device sized and shaped for insertion into a body comprising: at least one mechanical limb comprising: a support segment; a first flexible section extending from the support segment and terminating in a coupling section; and a second flexible section extending from the coupling section and terminating in a tool or an connector for a tool; wherein one or more of the flexible sections is bendable by at least 120°; wherein a long axis length of the first flexible section is at least double a maximum extent of the first flexible section perpendicular to a flexible section long axis; wherein a long axis length of the second flexible section is at least double a maximum extent of the second flexible section perpendicular to a flexible section long axis.

Abstract: A medical robot system, including a robot coupled to an effectuator element with the robot configured for controlled movement and positioning. The system may include a transmitter configured to emit one or more signals, and the transmitter is coupled to an instrument coupled to the effectuator element. The system may further include a motor assembly coupled to the robot and a plurality of receivers configured to receive the one or more signals emitted by the transmitter. A control unit is coupled to the motor assembly and the plurality of receivers, and the control unit is configured to supply one or more instruction signals to the motor assembly.

Abstract: A force transmission mechanism for a surgical instrument includes a worm drive, a lever arm, and an actuation element. The lever arm may include a follower member at a first end of the lever arm. The follower member engages the worm drive and is configured to be driven by the worm drive. The actuation element is connected the lever arm. The actuation element is configured to transmit force to actuate an end effector of the surgical instrument. Rotational movement of the worm drive imparts translational movement to the actuation element via the lever arm.

Abstract: A method for selectively activating a virtual geometry includes establishing a plurality of virtual geometries, each virtual geometry having a target feature and being available to be activated to guide an instrument to the target feature by restricting movement of the instrument within the confines of the virtual geometry. The method further includes displaying the plurality of virtual geometries on a display to a user and receiving user input selecting a virtual geometry from the displayed plurality of virtual geometries. The virtual geometry is activated based on the selection.

Abstract: A multi-layer glove has a first glove layer and a second glove layer. A pathogen resistant substance is positioned between the first glove layer and the second glove layer.

Abstract: A surgical barrier or cover for covering a surgical instrument comprises an elongate bag having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a wall therebetween. The inner surface defines a cavity that is configured to receive the surgical instrument. A plurality of optical fibers or illumination elements is coupled to the elongate bag. The plurality of optical fibers or illumination elements are configured to deliver light from a light source to the distal end of the elongate bag.

Abstract: A speculum drape for use in ophthalmic procedures. The speculum drape has at least a first sleeve made of surgical drape material and being is to envelop at least a first retaining portion of a speculum or retractor. The sleeve is an elongate hollow structure with first and second open ends through which at least the first retaining portion is insertable. The sleeve is adapted and arranged such that, with the first retaining portion of the speculum or retractor inserted into the sleeve and with the speculum or retractor in an operating position with the respective retaining portions of the speculum or retractor engaged with opposite edges of an eyelid of a patient, the sleeve (i) envelops the inserted first retaining portion (ii) is maintained in a disposition between the inserted retaining portion and the eyelid of the patient solely by compressive force and (iii) covers an eyelash of the patient.

Abstract: A system for containment and organization of a medical wire features a clamp. A first ridged and grooved clamping block is located on a clamp first side posterior end and a second ridged and grooved clamping block is located on a clamp second side posterior end. A first side compression member is located on an inside surface of a clamp first side and a second side compression member is located on an inside surface of the clamp second side. An adjustable ratcheting lock attaches the clamp first side and the clamp second side. A first finger grip is located on an outside surface of the clamp first side and a second finger grip is located on an outside surface of the clamp second side. A Medical wire is placed between the first side compression member and the second side compression member then the clamp is compressed against the medical wire.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which changes in the position and/or orientation of an anatomical structure or of a surgical tool can be measured quantitatively during surgery. In some embodiments, the systems and methods disclosed herein can make use of inertial motion sensors to determine a position or orientation of an instrument or anatomy at different times and to calculate changes between different positions or orientations. In other embodiments, such sensors can be utilized in conjunction with imaging devices to correlate sensor position with anatomical landmarks, thereby permitting determination of absolute angular orientation of a landmark. Such systems and methods can facilitate real-time tracking of progress during a variety of procedures, including, e.g., spinal deformity correction, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a spinal surgical procedure are described. Specifically systems and methods for calculating global spinal alignment are described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing an ophthalmic surgical procedure include pulsed illumination of target tissue. The systems may include an illumination instrument arranged to illuminate tissue at a surgical site during the ophthalmic surgical procedure. A light source provides illumination to the illumination instrument for emission from the illumination instrument toward the surgical site. A controller communicates with the light source and activates the light source to provide illumination pulses at a frequency above the flickering perception in humans and with enough light for cameral exposure and human light perception. The light source pulses to minimize phototoxicity.

Abstract: A system for illuminating a surgical field comprises a surgical imaging element and an illumination element. The surgical imaging element images the surgical field and has an image axis. The illumination element or the imaging element may be moved independently of the other in order to control illumination or field of view.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a technique for localizing structures of interest in projection images (e.g., x-ray projection radiographs or fluoroscopy) based on structures defined in a preoperative 3D image (e.g., MR or CT). Applications include, but are not limited to, spinal interventions. The present invention achieves 3D-2D image registration (and particularly allowing use with a preoperative MR image) by segmenting the structures of interest in the preoperative 3D image and generating a simulated projection of the segmented structures to be aligned with the 2D projection image. Other applications include various clinical scenarios involving 3D-2D image registration, such as image-guided cranial neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, biopsy, and radiation therapy.

Abstract: A method for generating an augmented reality image for supporting the adjustment of the position of a surgical instrument during sinus surgery comprising the steps of: selecting at least one of sinus cells, cavities and orifices of the sinus in a pre-operative image by marking them with at least one geometric primitive or tube shaped object; using real-time intra-operative imaging for displaying the operating field; determining the relative positions at least between the real-time imaging of the patient and the pre-operative image data; computing a virtual image corresponding to a real-time image comprising at least one marked geometric primitive or tube shaped object based on the determined relative positions; combining the virtual image and the real-time intraoperative image for visualization in an augmented reality image.

Abstract: A fiducial marker and method for use in the navigation of a surgical procedure is described. The fiducial marker includes a means to readily guide a navigation probe and includes an upper surface with a sloped guide surface for guiding the probe, the upper surface further including a substantially centrally positioned well to receive at least part of the probe. The guide surface may alternatively be configured to align with a complementary portion of part of the navigation probe.

Abstract: A device for inserting a marker into tissue at a biopsy site including an elongate shaft that moves conjointly with a plunger, and a spring secured to the distal end of the shaft. The device may comprise a cannula configured to receive a distal end of the shaft, and with a crimp, dimples, or other features formed near the shaft's distal end. The cannula may comprise a lateral aperture where a marker may be ejected from the lumen thereof. A ramp portion may be formed in communication with the lateral aperture, and the ramp portion may comprise a preselected slope that controls the angle at which the marker is ejected.

Abstract: A system and method for supplying energy to an implanted medical device is disclosed. The system comprises an internal charger having a first coil, an external charged arranged to wirelessly transmit energy to supply the internal charger with energy, the external charger comprising a second coil, and a wireless feedback system arranged to transmit feedback information from the internal charger to the external charger. The feedback information is based on information obtained from at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) transmitter.

Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system contains an instrument configured to fit in a patient's anatomy, an optical sensor associated with the instrument, a processing unit receiving data from the optical sensor, and a display displaying position of the instrument in the patient's anatomy based on the data from the optical sensor.

Abstract: A reinforcement for a dental restoration substructure is provided. The reinforcement is a generally annular structure that protrudes from the body of the substructure generally near an occlusal portion of the restoration. The annular structure provides a support for veneering porcelain at the location of the greatest thickness of the porcelain and at the location where occlusal stress is applied, and fractures of veneering porcelain are commonly experienced.

Abstract: A dental matrix according to the present invention comprises (a) a metal matrix band comprising an internal surface and an external surface; and (b) an organic light emitting diode (OLED) layer disposed on at least a first portion of the internal surface of the metal matrix band, the OLED layer comprising a first electroluminescent polymer disposed between a first and a second electrode layer. Applying an electrical current across the OLED generates light energy suitable for curing dental restoration material with the light energy being applied from the interproximal space.

Abstract: An automated procedure for correcting teeth misalignment in orthodontics using the steps of Generating a 3D digital model of a jaw having the misaligned teeth. Processing the 3D model to generate a corrective plan. Designing a set of corrective elements capable of applying corrective forces to the misaligned teeth through elastic forces. Designing a set of attachments that react to the corrective forces. identifying locations for applying the attachments to the surfaces of the teeth; Bonding the attachments to the identified locations. Rescanning the jaw of the patient and generating a final 3D model of the jaw with aligned teeth. Fabricating the corrective element in accordance with geometry of the final 3D model of the jaw. Applying the corrective element to the teeth wherein. Removing the attachments. A second 3D scan can be made to determine errors, and finite element analysis may be used to determine force vectors.

Abstract: Tooth attachments are provided comprising one or more convex surfaces for engagement by a surface of an orthodontic appliance. Polymeric shell appliances are provided in which the polymeric shell appliances are configured to provide one or more activation forces to facilitate tooth movement. The polymeric shell appliances may comprise one or more tooth receiving cavities. The polymeric shell appliances may further comprise an engagement portion with a surface configured to engage a convex attachment surface in order to apply a tooth moving force.

Abstract: A method of constructing an anterior guidance package (AGP) equipped appliance, the AGP comprising a mandibular guidance component and a maxillary guidance component, and the appliance comprising a mandibular retentive piece configured to be placed about a mandibular arch of a user and a maxillary retentive piece configured to be placed about a maxillary arch of the user, the method comprising: maintaining of the mandibular guidance component in a correct orientation relative to the maxillary guidance component; indexing, while maintaining the mandibular guidance component in the correct orientation relative to the maxillary guidance component, the AGP onto the mandibular retentive piece and the maxillary retentive piece; and enabling, after indexing the AGP onto the mandibular and maxillary retentive pieces, the mandibular guidance component to move from the correct orientation relative to the maxillary guidance component.

Abstract: A method of attaching a dental article to the surface of a tooth includes providing the dental article and applying a coating including upconversion phosphors to a surface of the dental article. The method also includes applying a dental cement composition to the surface of the tooth and placing the dental article on the surface of the tooth such that the coating is adjacent the dental cement composition. The dental cement composition includes a polymerizable resin and a photoinitiator and is substantially free of upconversion phosphors. The method further includes irradiating the coating with a radiation source that emits radiation at a pre-determined fixed wavelength that causes the upconversion phosphors to emit radiation at an activation wavelength of the dental cement composition photoinitiator such that the dental cement composition cures in a region adjacent the coating and removing remaining uncured dental cement composition outside the dental article from the tooth.

Abstract: A fixation pin for fixing a dental drill template. The fixation pin has a head having a bearing surface that is intended to bear at least partially on the drill template, or a sleeve provided in the drill template. The fixation pin has a rod having a shape of an essentially circular cylinder and extending from the bearing surface at an essentially right angle. The rod is intended to be inserted into the drill template or the sleeve provided in the drill template.

Abstract: A dental abutment assembly that comprises a dental abutment having a tubular passage with an internal abutment thread at a lower end of the tubular passage, a dental implant fixture having an upper socket with an internal implant fixture thread, and a screw shaft having an upper external thread with an upper external helix twisted in a first direction and a lower external thread having a lower external helix twisted in a second direction, the upper external thread and the lower external thread are located at opposite ends of a connecting shaft. The first direction and the second direction are opposite to one another.

Abstract: A reinforcement for a dental restoration substructure is provided. The reinforcement is a generally annular structure that protrudes from the body of the substructure generally near an occlusal portion of the restoration. The annular structure provides a support for veneering porcelain at the location of the greatest thickness of the porcelain and at the location where occlusal stress is applied, and fractures of veneering porcelain are commonly experienced.

Abstract: A system including a method and associated structures creates efficiencies in the manufacture of prosthetic tooth support frameworks. Pre-manufactured teeth with matching internal keys are used in the setup of a patient prototype. Each key includes a shaft, a cervical platform, a retention knob and preferably at least one channel for the expulsion of excess adhesive fluid. The cervical platforms are shaped to provide intimate contact with a base of their respective tooth. The same tooth/key pairs are then used to make a framework pattern from the setup positioning. The pattern can be cast or scanned for direct machining to produce the finished framework.

Abstract: Device for producing tooth replacements, which device has a milling cutter (36) for shaping the front face of the tube portion (16), which milling cutter (36) has at least one abutment face which is intended to bear at least indirectly on a surface of the abutment (10), in particular on the collar (14) of the abutment, and via which milling cutter (36) the length or height of the tube portion (16) of the abutment (10) can be fixed, in particular the tube portion can be shaped. Tool set consisting of a milling cutter (36) and of a sleeve (42), wherein at least one abutment face (76) is formed on the milling cutter and extends towards the sleeve (42), and wherein the sleeve (42) has a supporting face (78), in particular for supporting on an abutment (10).

Abstract: A dental all-ceramic restoration and manufacturing method thereof; the outer surface of the dental all-ceramic restoration has neither visible marks remaining from the removal of the connecting bars (7) nor local grinding traces and chipping, and is smooth with uniform structure. The manufacturing method thereof is wet-forming or milling. No connecting bars are needed to connect the dental restoration bodies (3) with a surrounding mould blank or ceramic blank. This eliminates the need for manually cutting off the connecting bars (7) to separate the forming body from the surrounding ceramic blank, further grinding and polishing process to treat the excessively rough outer surface, and thereby reducing the risk of chipping and premature failure. In the manufacturing processes thereof, the hardened ceramic green body (2) made by wet-forming technique has more homogenous microstructure and less particle packing defects than the dry-pressed blanks and partially sintered blanks.

Abstract: A method of making a dental restoration has the steps of capturing an image of a tooth, posterizing the image, determining a tooth color structure, providing information about a multicolored block having a block color structure, matching the tooth color structure and the block color structure, based on the matching, determining a position within the block in which the tooth color structure and the block color structure match, and machining the dental restoration from the block at the determined position. The invention helps facilitating the making of dental restorations at maximized aesthetics.

Abstract: Flossing device according to the present invention comprise a flossing material attachment platform, a handle and a plurality of flossing material attached to the platform. The device is put into the users mouth and chewed thereby compressing the flossing material and producing tooth joint and subgingival penetration. The plurality of flossing material is systematically trimmed to varying lengths creating an interior angle of 90 degrees which automatically positions the flossing material at the optimum angle in relation to the tooth surface. While the device is chewed in the users mouth, the device dislodges bacteria from between teeth, along the side plane of the tooth, as well as the sulcular pocket. In the process this new device also gently stimulates and massages the gum surface promoting blood circulation and the healing properties associated with increased circulation.

Abstract: A dental light device which has a light output for providing blue light, and an air outlet arranged adjacent the light output. The air outlet is connected or connectable to an air supply. The dental light device provides for simultaneously irradiating an object and cooling the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flashlight device comprising at least one unit for generating flashlight and at least one unit for focusing the generated flashlight. The invention further relates to methods for the use thereof and to a set comprising at least one flashlight device according to the invention and a light-curable material, and to a device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a smart lighting system for applying light to teeth in the context of tooth whitening. This particularly concerns teeth that have been provided with a light-curable whitening varnish. The system comprises a light-generating unit, a light-patterning unit, a mouth imaging unit, a mouth image sensing unit, and an image processing and control unit, and is adapted so as to allow the image processing and control unit to adjust the light-patterning unit on the basis of information obtained from the mouth image sensing unit. By doing so, prior to allowing the light-generating unit to emit light, it can be ensured that light emitted to assist tooth whitening, does not affect soft tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing electricity are provided for non-human animals. Electrodes are used to deliver an electrical current to the gingival tissues of a mouth in order to achieve a number of therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits. These benefits include killing oral microbes, increasing oral vasodilation, reducing oral biofilm, improving oral blood circulation, reversing oral bone resorption, promoting oral osteogenesis, treating gum recession, and fostering gingival regeneration. Other benefits include the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral malodor, and other systemic diseases correlated with oral pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention provides highly advantageous and efficient methods for spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transfer for the generation of animals having valuable traits or genetic background.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes an electronic control system and an actuator. The actuator changes shape in response to a command or action of the electronic control system to treat an ailment of a person.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid surgical mesh that is partially absorbable or biodegradable. The hybrid surgical mesh described herein generally comprises a central absorbable or biodegradable portion surrounded on at least its sides by a non-absorbable portion which forms a support structure for supporting a prolapsed region. While the absorbable or biodegradable portion provides support to the prolapsed region immediately following the surgical procedure to correct such prolapse, over time the central absorbable or biodegradable portion dissolves so as to leave only the non-absorbable interrupted hammock-like support structure. Such configuration provides the initial structural support required after the surgical procedure necessary to ensure healing and strengthening of the prolapsed region, while significantly reducing the risk of healing abnormalities or complications resulting in the central portion of the graft.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wound closure device that includes (a) a biocompatible material configured to be brought into abutment with a tissue surface, and (b) a plurality of fixation components connected to and extending through the biocompatible material, where at least one of the plurality of fixation components is configured to allow a suture to be connected to and extend through the at least one fixation component.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a deployment device that includes (a) an elongate shaft having a first end and a second end, (b) a grasping assembly coupled to the first end of the elongate shaft, where the grasping assembly includes a first jaw and a second jaw rotatable with respect to the elongate shaft, where the grasping assembly is configured to accept a wound closure device between the first jaw and the second jaw, where the wound closure device comprises at least two fixation components connected to and extending therethrough, where each of the first jaw and the second jaw include at least one coupling element configured to be removably coupled to a respective fixation component when the wound closure device is coupled to the grasping assembly, and (c) an actuator coupled to the second end of the elongate shaft, where the actuator is configured to move the grasping assembly between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A medical device can include an elongate manipulation member, and a thrombectomy device connected to the elongate manipulation member. The thrombectomy device can have a first configuration and a second configuration, the thrombectomy device being expandable from the first configuration to the second configuration. The thrombectomy device can include an arcuate marker-mounting projection attached to a portion of the thrombectomy device configured to contact a thrombus. A marker can be coupled to, and extending around, the arcuate marker-mounting projection with the marker and the arcuate marker-mounting projection contacting each other at three discrete locations. A method for engaging a thrombus can include advancing a thrombectomy device to a location radially adjacent to a thrombus in a blood vessel.

Abstract: An absorbable vascular filter is disclosed for deployment within a vessel for temporary filtering of body fluids. A preferred embodiment is the placement of such absorbable vascular filter within the inferior vena cava (IVC) to filter emboli for the prevention of pulmonary embolism for a limited duration in time. Once protection from PE is complete, the filter is biodegraded according to a planned schedule determined by the absorption properties of the filter components. Hence the temporary absorbable vascular filter obviates the long term complications of permanent IVC filters such as increased deep vein thrombosis, neighboring organ puncture from filter fracture and embolization while also circumventing the removal requirement of metal retrievable IVC filters.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out a medical procedure at a site in a patient's blood circulatory system, including a device to be implanted in the circulatory system, a sheath surrounding device and having a first diameter; a hollow tube having a second diameter and having a pressure transducer at its proximal end, and a filter that is collapsible into the sheath and is expandable out of the sheath for blocking debris and passing blood in the circulatory system.