Abstract: A radiopaque marker bead can be attached to an endoprosthesis by pressing an end of bead into a through hole formed into the endoprosthesis and allowing the opposite end of the bead to pass through the hole and protrude out of the other end of the hole. Both ends of the bead can then be pressed and flattened so as to frictionally engage both ends of the hole. A support tool having a curved outer surface can be inserted into the endoprosthesis to support the endoprosthesis luminal surface while the bead is being pushed into the hole. The support tool has a depression which allows the opposite end of the bead to protrude out of the hole.

Abstract: A computer assisted surgery method and apparatus for determining a change in a property of a joint of a patient caused by an arthroplasty procedure is described. The relative position of a first bone and a second bone of the joint is determined with the joint in a first position. The position of a pre-operative center of motion of the joint relative to the first bone is determined. The position of the second bone relative to the pre-operative center of motion is determined using the relative position of the first and second bones. The position of a post-operative center of motion resulting from a prosthetic component to be used in the joint is determined. The position of the second bone relative to the post-operative center of motion is determined. Any change in the property of the joint. is determined from the difference between the position of the second bone relative to the pre-operative center of motion and the position of the second bone relative to the post-operative center of motion.

Abstract: A patient reference device is provided for use during a medical procedure. The patient reference device includes a housing having a back side and a front side, at least three tracking markers attached to the front side of the housing, the housing extending around the at least three tracking markers and beyond a horizontal plane defined by tops of the at least three tracking markers, the housing terminating at a substantially continuous edge, and a sterile cover attached to the substantially continuous edge of the housing for covering the housing and the tracking markers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for moving or manipulating robotic arms are provided. A group of robotic arms are configured to form a virtual rail or line between the end effectors of the robotic arms. The robotic arms are responsive to outside force such as from a user. When a user moves a single one of the robotic arms, the other robotic arms will automatically move to maintain the virtual rail alignments. The virtual rail of the robotic arm end effectors may be translated in one or more of three dimensions. The virtual rail may be rotated about a point on the virtual rail line. The robotic arms can detect the nature of the contact from the user and move accordingly. Holding, shaking, tapping, pushing, pulling, and rotating different parts of the robotic arm elicits different movement responses from different parts of the robotic arm.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to surgical devices, systems, and methods. The system may include a port assembly and instrument arm assembly. The port assembly may have first and second end sections. The first end section may include a first end channel and first gate assembly. The second end section may include a second end channel, second gate assembly, and anchor port. The first and second gate assemblies may be configurable to transition between an open position to allow access through the first and second end channels, respectively, and a closed position to prevent access to same. The instrument arm assembly may include a shoulder section securable to the anchor port, first arm section secured to the shoulder section, elbow section secured to the first arm section, second arm section secured to the elbow section, wrist section secured to the second arm section, and end effector section secured to the wrist section.

Abstract: An instrument device manipulator (IDM) is attached to a surgical arm of a robotic system and comprises a surgical tool holder and an outer housing. The surgical tool holder includes an attachment interface that can secure a surgical tool in a front-mount configuration (where the attachment interface is on a face opposite of a proximal extension of the surgical tool) or a back-mount configuration (where the attachment interface is on the same face as the proximal extension of the surgical tool). The surgical tool holder may rotate continuously within the outer housing. In a back-mount configuration, the surgical tool holder may have a passage that receives the proximal extension of the tool and allows free rotation of the proximal extension about the rotational axis. A surgical drape separates the IDM and robotic arm from a tool, while allowing electrical and/or optical signals to pass therebetween.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for supporting an arm of a user using a harness configured to be worn on a body of a user; and an arm support coupled to the harness configured to support an arm of the user, the arm support configured to accommodate movement of the arm while following the movement without substantially interfering with the movement of the user's arm. One or more compensation elements may be coupled to the arm support to apply an offset force to at least partially offset a gravitational force acting on the arm as the user moves and the arm support follows the movement of the user's arm, the one or more compensation elements providing a force profile that varies the offset force based on an orientation of the arm support.

Abstract: A combination includes a dental handpiece and a prophy angle. The dental handpiece includes a nosecone threadably connected to the dental handpiece. The prophy angle includes a proximal body that matingly attaches to the nosecone. A plurality of elongated torque members are formed on each of the prophy angle proximal body and the nosecone. Each of the torque members is a male torque member or a female torque member and each male torque member formed on one of the prophy angle proximal body and the nosecone matingly couples with a female torque member formed on the other of the nosecone and the prophy angle proximal body. The prophy angle, including the plurality of elongated torque members formed on the prophy angle, is formed to also be attachable to a known standard doriot-style nosecone. Other specific features of the handpiece and prophy angle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental implant whereby an osteotomy cavity is formed in jawbone and then a base member of the implant is positioned into the cavity. The base member serves as a platform to secure an abutment member of the implant that in turn receives a dental restoration, such as a crown or denture.

Abstract: A mouthpiece includes a first body configured to be secured over one or more teeth of a user. The first body comprises a frame for location about at least one of a molar or a premolar of user, as a first bite pad between upper teeth and lower teeth. The first bite pad is molded in the frame while in situ in the mouth of the user and the first bite pad is formed by a PVS material. The first bite pad is in contact with at least one of a molar or a premolar of user, and the first bite pad defines an exterior shape of at least a portion of the teeth of a user. There is a similar second body with a connector between the first body and the second body and together these form the appliance for the user.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a dental material has a cartridge with a dispensing end. The dispensing end has a dispensing opening for the dental material. The dispensing end further has in essence an axially symmetric shape with a truncation. The truncation provides the dispensing end with a generally flat dispensing surface through which the dispensing opening extends. The device has further a cap received on the dispensing end. The cap and the dispensing end are rotatable relative to each other between an open position, in which an orifice in the cap uncovers the dispensing surface, and a closed position, in which a closed space is formed between the cap and the dispensing surface. The device allows for a relatively convenient dispensation of dental material, in particular for a dispensation of a dental composite filling material.

Abstract: Rapid palatal expander made of a first and a second main body (5, 6) provided with aligned female threads (7, 8) that are engaged by the threaded stems (4) of an actuator element (2). This actuator element (2) is provided with a drive head (3) from which the stems (4) extend in opposite directions and aligned with opposite threads. Following the rotation of the drive head (2) the main bodies (5, 6) move parallel to the longitudinal extension direction Y of the actuator element (2). During the movement the main bodies (5, 6) are guided by a first and a second pair of rods (11, 12), which are fixed in a single body with the first and the second main body (5, 6), respectively, and are slidably mutually engaged with each other.

Abstract: A system for dental restorations may comprise an abutment comprising an implant engaging portion and a component supporting portion terminating in a coronal end of the abutment. The implant engaging portion may extend apically from the component supporting portion and may have an external surface feature configured to be received in mating engagement within an opening in a dental implant. The component supporting portion may comprise at least one first snap-fit retention feature disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the component supporting portion. The system may further comprise a temporary coping made from a material that permits chemical bonding of the temporary coping with a veneering material of a temporary tooth restoration. The temporary coping may comprise at least one second snap-fit retention feature configured for snap-fit engagement with the at least one first snap-fit retention feature of the abutment.

Abstract: In a desktop three-dimensional scanner for dental use of the related art, a two-axis rotation motion unit, on which a target object can be placed and rotated in order to image the entire shape of the target object, is coupled to the scanner, and thus, when a subject is placed on the imaging stage and is rotated along the horizontal axis of rotation of the stage, the subject is dropped from the stage by gravity after being inclined, and accordingly, additional fixing means or a receiving jig should be placed on the stage together with the subject to prevent same. In such a case, inconvenience is caused because the target objects to be scanned have various shapes and the fixing means or receiving jigs should fit the shapes thereof.

Abstract: The present application describes a method for designing and manufacturing a denture device for a patient. A method is described for designing a virtual denture and manufacturing a functional fitting replica denture from the virtual denture. An apparatus comprising a functional fitting replica denture is prepared having denture teeth having a fit substantially similar to the final denture. The methods and apparatus described herein reduce the number of visits required to manufacture the final denture.

Abstract: To provide a zirconia sintered body having both excellent translucency and bending strength, specifically a zirconia sintered body having both translucency and strength suitable as a denture for front tooth, and a process for its production. A translucent zirconia sintered body containing more than 4.0 mol % and at most 6.5 mol % of yttria and less than 0.1 wt % of alumina, and having a relative density of at least 99.82%, a total light transmittance of at least 37% and less than 40% to light with a wavelength of 600 nm at a thickness of 1.0 mm, and a bending strength of at least 500 MPa, and a process for its production.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus for recording and simulating the condylar movement of an individual. This invention also provides a dental articulator which is designed to simulate the jaw or condylar movements of a patient. This instrument enables a dentist to obtain the necessary diagnostic information for treatment of the occlusal irregularities, such as malocclusion, and the fabrication of dental cast or “dentures”.

Abstract: The system and method disclosed herein prevent a patient from interrupting the vacuum created by the vacuum line attached to the saliva ejector so that suction continues to be present even if the patient clamps his or her lips tightly about the shaft of the saliva ejector. In the illustrated embodiment, the backflow prevention mechanism includes a sleeve positionable on the shaft of the saliva ejector and engageable by the patient's lips. The sleeve includes at least one conduit that remains open to allow air to enter the patient's mouth even when the patient's lips are tightly closed. The air entering the patient's mouth via the at least one conduit enables the vacuum line to continue to draw bodily fluids and contaminants from the patient's mouth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosage projectile for administering an active agent to an animal, the projectile configured to contain an active agent and having a frangible shell adapted to fragment on impact with an animal to deliver the active agent to the animal and produce a plurality of shell fragments associated with the animal after impact to provide a visible mark on the animal.

Abstract: A system is provided for collecting cellular material from fish for subsequent DNA analysis. A channel includes a sample collection zone. A fluid ejector is directed into the sample collection zone. A fluid collector is communicated with the sample collection zone. A controller is configured to coordinate ejection of a fluid jet from the fluid ejector and collection of a fluid sample by the fluid collector. The fluid jet dislodges cellular material such as scales and mucous from the fish. The fluid collector collects that cellular material in a fluid sample for subsequent DNA analysis.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to supportive tissue and adjusting the implant.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating urinary incontinence, comprising a node; a support section adapted for providing urethral support attached to the node; and, an anchoring section adapted for resisting movement of the apparatus attached to the node; wherein the node is no longer than 30% of the entire length of the apparatus comprising the node, support section and the anchoring section together.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a medical assembly including an elongate member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion with a tapered tip. The tapered tip is configured to slide through a bodily tissue. The elongate member has a width referred to as a first width across at least a portion of the elongate member. The medical assembly further includes an implant having a first surface and a second surface. The implant is coupled to the elongate member such that a portion of the first surface of the implant is overlaid over a portion of the elongate member while the second surface faces opposite to the elongate member and is configured to contact the bodily tissue while being inserted. The implant has a width referred to as a second width such that the second width is smaller than the first width of the elongate member.

Abstract: A method of repairing a pelvic floor disorder and a system for carrying out the method are provided. The method is effected by positioning an imaging device in an abdominal, rectal, perianal or vaginal cavity, advancing a surgical instrument through a vaginal wall under guidance of the imaging device to thereby reach a target tissue and using the surgical instrument to attach the tissue repair device to the target tissue.

Abstract: In a method and system for producing an implant, the latter is designed with one or more surfaces extending in the longitudinal direction of the implant. Two or three production stages can be used. In one stage, either a topography with a long wave pattern is produced by means of cutting work, or laser bombardment or further cutting work is used to produce a topography with an intermediate-length wave pattern. In addition, an oxidation process or shot-peening or etching is used to produce an outer layer. When using two of said production stages, said cutting work or said laser bombardment or further cutting work is followed by the oxidation process or the shot-peening or etching method. When using all three production stages, cutting work is followed by laser bombardment, or further cutting work, which in turn is followed for example by the oxidation process. The invention also relates to an implant which is produced using the method and is identified, ordered and produced using the system.

Abstract: An implant device may include a body of a first material and defining a lumen and at least two arcuate rings of a second material embedded within the body. In one embodiment, the second material does not connect a first ring of the at least two arcuate rings to an adjacent second ring of the at least two arcuate rings.

Abstract: A self-expanding main vessel stent-graft includes a trunk portion configured for placement within the abdominal aorta and a bifurcated portion configured for placement above the aortic bifurcation of the common iliac arteries. The trunk portion includes a proximal end section having an anchor stent and a seal stent that accommodates a scallop or open-top fenestration; a suprarenal body section having at least one stent of variable stiffness to accommodate branch vessel prosthesis deployed alongside the main vessel stent-graft; a branch connection section having opposing couplings for connecting the main vessel stent-graft to branch vessel prostheses deployed within the renal arteries; an infrarenal body section having at least one stent of uniform stiffness; and a transition section for transitioning into the bifurcated portion. The main vessel stent-graft is configured to treat short-neck infrarenal, juxtarenal, and/or suprarenal aneurysms in a wide range of patient anatomies.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to protect a medical device from scarring a body after implanting the device in the body by creating a bonding matrix on a surface of the device; exposing the surface to hyaluronic acid (HA) or polyethylene glycol (PEG); cross linking the HA or PEG; and preventing capsular contracture after implanting the device in the body.

Abstract: A foldable intraocular lens for providing vision contains an optic body that includes an optical zone and a peripheral zone entirely surrounding the optical zone. The optic body has an anterior face, a substantially opposing posterior face, an optic edge, and an optical axis. The anterior face comprises a central face, a peripheral face, and a recessed annular face therebetween that is disposed posterior to the peripheral face. The intraocular lens further comprises at least one haptic that is integrally formed with the peripheral zone. The haptic comprises a distal posterior face, a proximal posterior face, and a step edge disposed at a boundary therebetween. The haptic further comprises a side edge disposed between the optic edge and the step edge. The proximal posterior face and the posterior face of the optic body form a continuous surface. An edge corner is formed by the intersection of the continuous surface with the optic edge, the side edge, and the step edge.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use with a mitral valve of a heart of a subject. The apparatus includes a P1-anchor, a P2-anchor, and a P3-anchor, that are anchored to tissue in a vicinity of, respectively, P1, P2 and P3 segments of a posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, a tether being fixedly coupled to the P2-anchor, and slidably coupled to the P1 and P3 anchors. A cardiac-site anchor anchors the tether to an anchoring location that is at a cardiac site that is anterior and inferior to the posterior leaflet. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic heart valve leaflets of particular shapes that control bending character. In accordance with an embodiment, a prosthetic heart valve comprises a leaflet frame having a generally tubular shape with attached film. The leaflet frame defines a plurality of leaflet windows. The film defines at least one leaflet extending from each of the leaflet windows. Each leaflet attachment zone on the leaflet frame has substantially the shape of an isosceles trapezoid having two leaflet sides, a leaflet base and a leaflet free edge opposite the leaflet base. The two leaflet sides diverge from the leaflet base, wherein the leaflet base is substantially flat.

Abstract: An expandable member that is configured to engage an interior region of a prosthetic valve and capable of transitioning from a pre-deployment configuration at a pre-deployment temperature, where the expandable member is capable of being positioned in the valve at an interior valve region when the valve is disposed in a cardiovascular structure, to a post-deployment configuration when the expandable member is subjected to cardiovascular tissue temperature, where an outer surface region of the valve proximate the interior valve region is placed in intimate contact with host cardiovascular tissue of the cardiovascular structure at a first position and seals perivalvular leaks present at the first cardiovascular structure position.

Abstract: A transcatheter, percutaneously implantable, prosthetic heart valve is provided that comprises a lattice frame and two or more integrated cusp and leaflet folded structures attached to the lattice frame. The two or more integrated cusp and leaflet folded structures each comprise a flat sheet of biocompatible membrane that is folded to include a substantially conical shape according to a flat folding pattern. The substantially conical shape is further formed by joining apposing sides of the substantially conical shape along a seam. The two or more integrated cusp and leaflet folded structures are each attached along their respective seams to the lattice frame in a direction substantially parallel to an axis of the lattice frame. Embodiments of valves described herein have application within the entire vascular system.

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: The invention relates to a biological or artificial valve prosthesis (4, 5) for use in the human or animal body for replacement of an organ valve or a vessel valve, in particular a cardiac valve prosthesis or venous valve prosthesis, with a stent (8) or without a stent, with a supporting valve framework, with at least one valve (7) and with at least one conductor loop (2) that forms the inductance of an electrical resonance circuit. In order to provide a simple and inexpensive valve prosthesis that can be viewed in the MR imaging technique and is also easy to implant, the invention proposes that the at least one conductor loop (2) forms the valve framework and/or the valve (7) or supporting areas of the valve framework and/or supporting areas of the valve (7).

Abstract: A cardiac support device including a jacket and elastic attachment structure for self-securing the jacket to a heart. The attachment structures can include undulating metal and polymer elements, a silicone band and elastomeric filaments on a base end of the jacket.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing a cardiac support device (CSD) on a heart. The apparatus includes a body, a deployment mechanism on the body for supporting the CSD in an open position for placement on the heart, and a release mechanism coupled to the deployment mechanism for releasably mounting the CSD to the deployment mechanism. The release mechanism includes a release element for releasably engaging the CSD, and a release actuator coupled to the release element for actuating the release element to release the CSD.

Abstract: A modular femoral prosthesis for use during performance of a hip revision procedure includes a proximal body component, a distal stem component, and a locking bolt. Surgical instruments and methods for use in implanting such a modular femoral prosthesis are disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant to cover at least partially a surface of a bone of a patient. The orthopedic implant comprises a body having at least one retaining section, a bone-facing surface, and an articular surface. The at least one retaining section is configured to retain the orthopedic implant on the surface of the patient's bone along at least one axis by covering a corresponding retaining surface thereof. The bone-facing surface of at least one of the at least one retaining section nestingly conforms to an unresected portion of the surface of the bone of the patient. A method for conceiving and implanting an orthopedic implant is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthesis comprising a first component (10) and a second component (60), wherein the first and second components have respective inter-engaging parts (24,64) and wherein at least one of the first or second components comprises an anti-rotational element (32,66) configured to resist rotational movement between the inter-engaging parts and wherein the inter-engaging parts share an axis of rotation such that they are engageable in a plurality of relatively rotated positions and wherein the axis of rotation of the inter-engaging part of one of the first or second components is parallel to but offset from a central axis of said first or second component.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument includes a cup including an outer surface having an opening positioned on a component-engaging side and an inner wall extending from the opening of the outer surface to a back wall. The inner wall having a plurality of stepped surfaces facing the component-engaging side. Each of the plurality of stepped surfaces is sized to receive a platform of a tibial tray.

Abstract: Spinal implants are described that may be surgically implanted into the spine to replace damaged or diseased discs using a posterior approach. The implants are prosthetic devices that can approach or mimic the physiological motion and reaction of the natural disc. The implants are adapted to be used in minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion by posterior approach, designed to be inserted in pairs between two vertebral bodies, said prosthesis consisting of a prosthesis body extending in a longitudinal direction of intervertebral insertion, including peripheral faces delimiting, on the inside, an inner space for receiving a bone substitute. The prosthesis includes a prosthesis body of which the lower and upper bearing faces have a convex profile having continuously variable convexity in the longitudinal direction. The invention is intended for the treatment of individuals suffering from disc degeneration in the thoracic or lumbar vertebrae.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant has at least one arm (14) pivotally connected to a base (10). At least one worm gear configuration includes a worm in (18) mounted within the base (10) so as to be rotatable, and a set of gear teeth (20) associated with the arm (14). When the worm (18) is rotated about its central axis, the arm (14) is driven through a range of pivotal motion relative to the base so as to change an angle of inclination between a direction of elongation (16) of the arm and the direction of elongation (12) of the base. Embodiments of the invention include devices with a hollow proximal worm allowing access into the implant via the worm, distally deployed worms, and devices with a pair of worm gear assemblies that operate synchronously or independently.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant is configured to be fixed in an intervertebral space defined by a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body. The intervertebral implant includes an implant body sized to be inserted into an intervertebral space, and a fixation assembly configured to be attached to the implant body. The fixation assembly includes a housing that defines a first vertebral body facing surface and a second vertebral body facing surface spaced from the first vertebral body facing surface along a transverse direction. The fixation assembly further includes at least one fixation member supported by the housing and movable from a retracted position to an extended position, whereby in the extended position the fixation member extends out from the housing and into one of the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.

Abstract: A modular interbody fusion device for fusing adjacent spinal vertebrae that is adapted to be implanted in a prepared interbody space including a first modular segment having a width including a first rail extending at least partially along one side of the width and beyond a periphery of a body portion of the first modular segment, a second modular segment having a width and slidably connected to the first rail on one side of the width and having a second rail extending at least partially along another side of the width and beyond a periphery of a body portion of the second modular segment, a third modular segment having a width and slidably connected to the second rail on one side of the width and wherein the device has an expanded position and an implanted position in which the modular segments are combined to mimic the shape of the vertebra.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for distracting a spinal disc space and supporting adjacent vertebrae are provided. Trial instruments are insertable into the disc space to determine a desired disc space height and to select a corresponding implant. Implants can be also be self-distracting and the implant providing the desired disc space height can be implanted in the spinal disc space.

Abstract: An orthopedic surgical instrument and method for positioning an acetabular prosthetic component in a patient's surgically-prepared acetabulum is disclosed. The orthopedic surgical instrument has a base configured to engage the patient's pelvis, a first linkage pivotally coupled to the base, a locking mechanism operable to lock the first linkage in position relative to the base, and a second linkage removably coupled to the first linkage. The second linkage has an alignment axis corresponding to a desired abduction angle and a desired anteversion angle of the acetabular axis of the acetabular prosthetic component.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, media and signals for producing a representation of a mold for forming an appliance for a living body is disclosed. The method involves identifying points representing a line corresponding to an intended edge of the appliance on a surface of the mold, the surface being defined by an input plurality of points representing a general shape of the mold. The method also involves identifying regions extending along the surface on opposite sides of the line, adjusting at least one coordinate of at least one of the input plurality of points that falls within at least one of the regions to alter the shape of the surface in the at least one region to produce a modified surface representation, and storing the modified surface representation in a computer memory to produce a modified representation of the mold.