Abstract: Disclosed herein are a tissue management impression material and a method of application into the sulcus of a patient, whereby the tissue management impression material is a part of the final dental impression made when manufacturing a dental device, such as a crown.

Abstract: A dental retraction cord band is used to create a gap between a tooth under repair and the surrounding gingival tissue. The gap between the tooth and the gingival tissue is necessary to make an accurate impression for subsequent construction of a crown or bridge. The dental retraction cord band is constructed from an elastic material such as cotton, fits snugly around the tooth and is pressed into the space between the tooth and gingival tissue. When the dental retraction cord band is removed, a gap is created between the tooth and gingival tissue for placement of the mold device and construction of an accurate impression of the tooth. The dental retraction cord band may be constructed of various sizes to fit around various sizes of teeth. The dental retraction cord band may also be constructed in different widths to make a larger or small gap as desired.

Abstract: The Modular system for the realization of orthodontic Gipsoteca models with the faithful tilting of the individual occlusal plane and mobile and fixed prostheses and other orthodontic aids such as bites or splints, comprises a first module consisting of a supporting device (1) and additional aids, such as bases, muffles, little frames, curved and flat plates, a base for the transfer of static relationships between the dental arches, the individual face bow and the injection piston, suitable to make up, in combination with the device (1), additional modules. The present invention allows to facilitate different dental, processing techniques and reduce processing times and possible errors caused by the realization and the squaring of the artifact.

Abstract: A system and method for optimising the preparation of dental restorations is provided. The system comprises a dental restoration surface processing unit, a dental restoration assessment unit, a database comprising a treatment parameters database and a processing protocols database, a processor operationally coupled to said dental restoration surface processing unit and a protocol selector. The method treats a dental restoration surface using the system and according to one or more selected processing protocol.

Abstract: A dental block for producing a dental prosthesis comprises a green body including zirconia and having a chemical composition including increasing amounts of yttria through a thickness of the green body. The green body has a substantially consistent optical characteristic of chroma and translucency across the thickness, and is subsequently millable and sinterable to form the dental prosthesis with an optical characteristic of decreasing chroma, increasing translucency, and decreasing strength, in one direction through a thickness of the dental prosthesis.

Abstract: Provided is a superstructure (3) coupled to a fixture (2) that is made of pure titanium or a titanium alloy and planted in a jawbone, the superstructure (3) including: a framework (5) made of a cobalt-chromium alloy; an artificial tooth (4) bonded to the outer surface of the framework (5); and a coupling member (6) made of a gold alloy and joined to a lower part of the inside of the framework (5) to couple the framework (5) to the fixture (2), wherein the framework (5) and the coupling member (6) are integrated by being soldered together with a solder (10) composed of a gold alloy containing gold and silver.

Abstract: The present patent application relates to a dental floss device which includes a floss holder and a floss tensioner. The floss holder is used for holding a dental floss, and the floss tensioner is connected with the floss holder and is used for tensioning the dental floss held by the floss holder.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for whitening teeth of a subject comprising administering one or more isolated, non-pathogenic, hydrogen peroxide-producing bacterial strains to an oral cavity of a subject.

Abstract: A tissue anchor system includes a support, a suture inserted through the support, an anchor having a fin forming an eyelet, where the suture is engaged with the eyelet of the fin. An introducer is provided having a cannula defining a bore sized to receive the anchor and a slot formed in a wall of the cannula, with the slot sized to receive the fin of the anchor.

Abstract: An auto-graft bio-synthetic mesh and a method of application for wound closure is described. The mesh is utilized for wound closure wherein an abdominal incision is effected through the peritoneum and the rectus abdominal sheath of the rectus muscle such as when repairing ventral or paracoslostomy hernias. The mesh comprises a flexible patch of woven fibers and wherein the patch is one of a substantially circular patch or a patch having a substantially circular delineation thereon whereby to provide guidance for the formation of stitches in at least one circle to secure the patch to the peritoneal peritoneum and the rectus abdominal sheath of the rectus muscle. The patch is secured by applying stitches all about an outer circular edge of the patch and an inner circle thereof. A suture clip for joining portions of bodily soft tissue is also described.

Abstract: An implantable bioreactor containing a barrier which is designed to allow the release of cell-derived biomolecules, but restricts the entry of immunologic and other cells, or the egress of the cells contained within the bioreactor. Two broad classes of implantable bioreactors are envisioned, encompassing devices for both systemic delivery of the bio-products and local delivery at the target tissue. Bioreactors of both classes can be implanted via surgery, through percutaneous techniques, or other techniques which effect implantation.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns systems and methods for tissue volume reduction and control of the flow of substances through the body. Systems according to the various embodiments of the disclosure include check valves formed from wire coils which are deployable through a tubular lumen, such as the working channel of an endoscope, or a catheter.

Abstract: A stent graft for placement in the thoracic arch of a patient has a tubular body defining a main lumen therethrough, a plurality of zig zag stents along the tubular body, each of the stents comprising a plurality of struts and bends, the bends being between adjacent struts. At least a first stent and an adjacent second stent having at least a pair of adjacent bends on the first stent aligned with an adjacent pair of bends on the second stent, whereby a first pair of adjacent struts of the first stent and a second pair of adjacent struts of the second adjacent stent together define a diamond shape region. A recess is within the diamond shaped region with the recess extending into the lumen of the tubular body. A fenestration extending into the tubular body within the recess in the diamond shaped region and a graft tube leading from the fenestration into the main lumen. There can be one, two or three diamond shaped regions, recesses, fenestrations and graft tubes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved Bone Tendon Bone graft for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. Specifically exemplified herein is a Bone Tendon Bone graft comprising one or more bone blocks having a groove cut into the surface thereof, wherein said groove is sufficient to accommodate a fixation screw. Also disclosed is a method of harvesting grafts that has improved efficiency and increases the quantity of extracted tissue and minimizes time required by surgeon for implantation.

Abstract: Apparatus, including an enclosure, a fluid-tight bag located within the enclosure, and a fluid-tight valve connected to the fluid-tight bag. The apparatus also has a tube, having a first end connected to the fluid-tight bag via the fluid-tight valve, and a second end connected to a balloon within a breast implant fitted to an implantee. The apparatus further includes a spindle, located within the enclosure, connected to the fluid-tight bag, and configured to rotate under control of the implantee so as to roll the fluid-tight bag onto the spindle or to unroll the fluid-tight bag from the spindle, and thus transfer a fluid, contained in the balloon, the tube, and the fluid-tight bag, therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of ophthalmic systems and procedures. In particular, the invention relates to the determination of the post-operative position of an intraocular lens (termed “IOL”) in an eye of a patient undergoing lens replacement surgery, which involves determining the position of the existing crystalline lens in the pre-operative eye of the patient and using that information and a single numerical constant to predict the post-operative intraocular lens position. Related methods, and computer programs for performing the methods of the invention, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The intraocular aberration correction lens is shaped by an optical area that has a gradient in the chromatic dispersion value of the material or materials that shape it, in such way that said gradient is parallel to the optical axis. The net value of the chromatic dispersion in the anterior area of the lens is different from the value in its posterior area. For this, the use of a single material or various is possible. The anterior and posterior surfaces of the lens, as well as the separation between adjacent materials, if applicable, have a geometric shape so that the group comprising the intraocular lens and the eye that contains it display a correction, or significant reduction, of the optical aberrations, both the chromatic ones and the monochromatic ones on and outside the optical axis. The lens can be given areas with different optical powers in a way that enables clear and simultaneous vision at different distances.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an ophthalmic lens includes an optic having an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and an optical axis. At least one of the anterior surface and the posterior surface includes a first zone extending from the optical axis to a first radial boundary and a second zone extending from the first radial boundary to the edge of the optic. The first zone includes an inner region and an outer region separated by a phase shift feature, the phase shift comprising a ridge extending outwardly from the inner region and the outer region.

Abstract: An injector for ejecting an intraocular lens into an eye, comprises a longitudinal injector body, in which an injector piston rod can be guided in an axially displaceable manner, an injector nozzle at a front end of the injector body, in the direction of which the injector piston rod can be displaced, a displacement mechanism for pushing the injector piston rod forwards, and an actuating element for the manual actuation of the displacement mechanism. The displacement mechanism includes a transmission mechanism, by means of which the actuating element and the injector piston rod can be placed in an articulated driving connection, and an operating region for the actuation of the actuating element is formed at a longitudinal side of the injector body.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for providing improved intraocular lenses (IOLs), include features for reducing side effects, such as halos, glare and best focus shifts, in multifocal refractive lenses and extended depth of focus lenses. Exemplary ophthalmic lenses can include a continuous, power progressive aspheric surface based on two or more merged optical zones, the aspheric surface being defined by a single aspheric equation. Continuous power progressive intraocular lenses can mitigate optical side effects that typically result from abrupt optical steps. Aspheric power progressive and aspheric extended depth of focus lenses can be combined with diffractive lens profiles to further enhance visual performance while minimizing dysphotopsia effects. The combination can provide an increased depth of focus that is greater than an individual depth of focus of either the refractive profile or the diffractive profile.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for providing improved intraocular lenses (IOLs), include features for reducing side effects, such as halos, glare and best focus shifts, in multifocal refractive lenses and extended depth of focus lenses. Exemplary ophthalmic lenses can include a continuous, power progressive aspheric surface based on two or more merged optical zones, the aspheric surface being defined by a single aspheric equation. Continuous power progressive intraocular lenses can mitigate optical side effects that typically result from abrupt optical steps. Aspheric power progressive and aspheric extended depth of focus lenses can be combined with diffractive lens profiles to further enhance visual performance while minimizing dysphotopsia effects.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for providing improved intraocular lenses (IOLs), include features for reducing side effects, such as halos, glare and best focus shifts, in multifocal refractive lenses and extended depth of focus lenses. Exemplary ophthalmic lenses can include a continuous, power progressive aspheric surface based on two or more merged optical zones, the aspheric surface being defined by a single aspheric equation. Continuous power progressive intraocular lenses can mitigate optical side effects that typically result from abrupt optical steps. Aspheric power progressive and aspheric extended depth of focus lenses can be combined with diffractive lens profiles to further enhance visual performance while minimizing dysphotopsia effects. The combination can provide an increased depth of focus that is greater than an individual depth of focus of either the refractive profile or the diffractive profile.

Abstract: Catheter apparatuses and methods are provided for repairing heart valves, particularly mitral valves. The method includes providing a catheter having an elongate, flexible body, with a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end can be transluminally advanced from the left atrium through the mitral valve. A distal anchor zone or portion coupled with the proximal end can extend and along the left ventricular outflow tract into the ascending aorta. A valve repair device is deployed to permanently connect leaflets at a mid-section of a mitral valve while permitting medial and lateral portions of the natural leaflets to open and close. The catheter apparatuses may be positionable using a steering device. The valve repair device detachably connects the distal and proximal ends of the catheter. The valve repair device can be detached using low profile devices actuatable from the proximal or distal ends, e.g., at a venous or arterial access site.

Abstract: A polymeric valve which may include a heart valve, and also may include a trileaflet heart valve includes a stent having a base and a plurality of outwardly extending posts from the base and equidistant from each other. A plurality of leaflets each connected to a corresponding one of the posts at one end, and each of the leaflets connected to the base. Each of the leaflets having an operative end opposite the end connected to the post, and the operative ends of the leaflets being biased in a closed position such that the operative ends abut each other. The operative ends are configured to rhythmically open and close in relation to each other, and the leaflets include multiple cross sectional thicknesses at different portions of the leaflets.

Abstract: A microcatheter device for crossing a patient's aortic valve has a guidetube combined with a free-floating and removable guidewire. The guidetube is generally hollow with a main shaft and a distal ring, the main shaft and the distal ring formed from flexible plastic. The distal ring is larger in diameter than the main shaft, and is configured to conform to an internal guidewire for insertion into the aorta, and then to deploy to form a downwardly-extending loop when in place in the left ventricle. A guidewire is received by the guidetube and is configured to advance into the distal ring to cause a diameter of the distal ring to expand, retract, or completely straighten. The distal ring diameter is thus adjustable to fit the size of the patient's left ventricle.

Abstract: A method of delivering a prosthetic mitral valve includes delivering a distal anchor from a delivery sheath such that the distal anchor self-expands inside a first heart chamber on a first side of the mitral valve annulus, pulling proximally on the distal anchor such that the distal anchor self-aligns within the mitral valve annulus and the distal anchor rests against tissue of the ventricular heart chamber, and delivering a proximal anchor from the delivery sheath to a second heart chamber on a second side of the mitral valve annulus such that the proximal anchor self-expands and moves towards the distal anchor to rest against tissue of the second heart chamber. The self-expansion of the proximal anchor captures tissue of the mitral valve annulus therebetween.

Abstract: A method of delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus while a patient's heart is beating is disclosed. The method includes accessing the left ventricle through an intercostal incision and forming a puncture in the left ventricle. A guidewire is advanced into the left ventricle and through the aortic valve. An introducer is passed over the guidewire and into the left ventricle. A valve delivery device is advanced over the guidewire and through the introducer until a prosthetic heart valve positioned thereon is located within the aortic valve. The prosthetic heart valve is then radially expanded within the aortic valve annulus for replacing the function of the native aortic valve.

Abstract: Apparatus, comprising: (i) a catheter (64); (ii) an implant (100), comprising a flexible longitudinal member (102), and a linking member (104) that extends from a first linking site (106a) of the longitudinal member to a second linking site (106b) of the longitudinal member, the implant having: (a) a delivery state in which the longitudinal member is coaxial with the catheter, and at least a portion of the linking member is disposed alongside the longitudinal member, and (b) an implanted state in which a first distance between the first linking site and the second linking site, measured along the longitudinal member, is greater than a second distance between the first linking site and the second linking site, measured along the linking member; and (iii) a plurality of tissue anchors (46), slidable through the catheter and with respect to the longitudinal member. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in the transcatheter treatment of mitral valve regurgitation, specifically a coaptation enhancement element for implantation across the valve; a system including the coaptation enhancement element and anchors for implantation; a system including the coaptation enhancement element, catheter and driver; and a method for transcatheter implantation of a coaptation element across a heart valve.

Abstract: A bone implant includes a bore extending entirely through the bone implant. The bone implant also includes a light source to emit light onto bone adjacent the bone implant to stimulate bone growth and/or reduce bone loss.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bone regeneration device which forms an electric field on a scaffold inserted into a bone damage site. The present bone regeneration device comprises: a battery; a first electric conductor to be connected to a first electrode of the battery and inserted into a bone located on one side of the scaffold; and a second electric conductor to be connected to a second electrode of the battery and inserted into a bone located on the other side of the scaffold, wherein the battery forms an electric field on the scaffold by applying voltage to the first electric conductor and the second electric conductor.

Abstract: Spinal spacing implants, spinal spacer assembly, expander and insertion instruments, kits and methods of assembly and use are disclosed. The spinal implant replacement instrument kit including a distraction instrument, a spacer inserter, and a spinal implant. A distraction instrument includes a first inserter member, a second inserter member, a first arm coupled to the first inserter member, a second arm coupled to the second inserter member, a distraction system coupled to the first arm and second arm, a first handle coupled to the first arm and the distraction system, and a second handle coupled to the second arm and the distraction system. Spinal spacing implants, spinal spacer assemblies, and methods of assembling and using the implants assemblies, and instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Stand-alone interbody fusion devices for engagement between adjacent vertebrae. The stand-alone interbody fusion devices may include a spacer and one or more inserts or members coupled to the spacer. The inserts or members may be configured and designed to provide the apertures which are designed to retain bone fasteners, such as screws, and secure the implant to the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: Configurations are described for conducting minimally invasive medical interventions utilizing elongate instruments and assemblies thereof to stabilize and/or fixate a sacro-iliac joint. In one embodiment, a tool assembly may be advanced from a posterior approach into the SI junction and configured to create a defect defined at least in part by portions of both the sacrum and the ilium, the defect having a three dimensional shape defined in part by at least one noncircular cross sectional shape in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool assembly. After a defect is created, the tool assembly may be retracted and a prosthesis deployed into the defect.

Abstract: The present application relates to an implant system, preferably for the sacroiliac joint, comprising an implant body with at least two adjacent apertures, at least two screws and an insertion instrument assembly. Each screw comprises a screw head and a threaded elongated shaft. The at least two screws are rotatably engaged within said at least two apertures. The insertion instrument assembly includes a basis, a first holding means and at least one rotatable driving means configured for engagement with a drive of at least one of said at least two screws. The at least two screws or said insertion instrument assembly comprises transmission means such that a rotational movement of a first screw of said at least two screws is transferred to the at least one further screw.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for orthopedic implants. The implants may include a base member, such as an acetabular shell or an augment, that is configured to couple with an augment, flange cup, mounting member, or any other suitable orthopedic attachment. Any of the implantable components may be include one or more porous surfaces. The porous surface may be textured by protrusions that connect to and extend from the surface. The sizes and concentration of the protrusions may be varied for specific applications to accommodate different implants and patient anatomies. A porous implant may also include one or more internal or external solid portions that strengthen the implant.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an elbow prosthesis, including: at least one ulnar section, including a stem portion extending along a substantially longitudinal axis (x-x) between a proximal end and a distal end; at least one humeral section, including a stem portion extending along a substantially longitudinal axis (y-y) between a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the humeral section delimiting an engagement seat with the proximal end of the ulnar section; articulation means between the distal end of the humeral section and the proximal end of the ulnar section, available along an axis (z-z) perpendicular with respect to the substantially longitudinal axis (y-y) of the humeral section. The proximal end of the ulnar section is engageable in the housing seat.

Abstract: A revision implant component comprising a body having a plurality of screw holes and a tapered head configured to engage a talar dome component of a multi-component ankle prosthesis. A surgical method is disclosed which includes creating an incision in a patient, exposing a multi-component ankle prosthesis implanted in a patient, disassembling at least one component of the multi-component ankle prosthesis, affixing a revision implant component to non-damaged bone using screws, and coupling the revision implant component to a talar dome of the multi-component ankle prosthesis.

Abstract: A subtalar joint implant (20) is disclosed for replacing a natural subtalar joint existing between the talus (102) and calcaneum (104) bones of a patient. In an embodiment the implant comprises talar (22) and calcaneal (24) portions that are configured to slide over each other in the implanted state. The implant is shaped so that the sliding is constrained to trajectories that involve pivoting of the talar portion relative to the calcaneal portion about a pivot point (36) or a line (38) of pivot points.

Abstract: An inter-vertebral disc prosthesis intended for percutaneous deployment comprises an expandable annular enclosure and an expandable nuclear enclosure. The expandable annular enclosure incorporates a reinforcing annular band along its periphery and is filled with in-situ curable rubber. The expandable nuclear enclosure is filled with a gas. The nuclear prosthesis further incorporates a novel, integrally molded sealing valve assembly and is stretchable and collapsible into a minimal profile for ease of insertion into a specially designed delivery cannula, and is inflation-assisted expandable into an inter-vertebral disc in which complete percutaneous nuclectomy has been performed.

Abstract: An insertion instrument for expandable spinal implants includes an elongate member, a shuttle, and a worm gear. The elongate member includes a handle portion of a proximal end and an end effector on a distal end, wherein the end effector is configured to be releasably engaged to an expandable spinal implant. The shuttle is slidably disposed within a cavity defined within the end effector and includes a wedged shaped distal end configured to engage an expandable spinal implant. The worm gear is rotatably disposed within the cavity defined in the end effector and is in mechanical communication with the shuttle, such that rotation of the worm gear effectuates movement of the shuttle. Distal movement of the shuttle effectuates articulation of an expandable spinal implant. A method of performing surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: Anchoring devices for rachidian implants, implants, surgical instruments, and surgical systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, an anchor comprises a stiff plate with a longitudinal axis, configured for penetration of its anterior end into a vertebral surface while its posterior end remains engaged with the implant. An implant may include a locking mechanism for the anchor. An anchor may include an abutment configured to abut a complementary abutment of an implant. In some configurations, inserting an anchor in a passage of an implant may displace a locking mechanism, which may resile and lock the anchor in the implant with complementary abutments of the anchor and implant abutting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spinal arthrodesis system including at least two types of implants from among the three following types: an intersomatic implant (IS), including at least one passage (40) mating at least one anchoring device (1); an interspinous implant (IE), including at least two wings able to run along a portion of the vertebral spines (EI, ES); a facet implant (IF) including a bone attachment.

Abstract: The embodiments provide a spinal implant that is configured for midline insertion into a patient's intervertebral disc space. The spinal implant may have a body and the body comprises one or more apertures. The apertures receive fixation elements, such as a screw and the like. The fixation element may comprise one or more anti-backout features, such as a split ring. In addition, at least some of the apertures are designed to permit a predetermined amount of nutation by a fixation element. The apertures that allow nutation enable the fixation element to toggle from one position to another, for example, during subsidence of the implant in situ. Some of the apertures may be configured to rigidly lock with the fixation elements. Moreover, the spinal implant may include features, such as one or more bores, that can accommodate imaging marks to help guide a surgeon.

Abstract: A corpectomy implant comprises a height/length-adjustable (expandable) cage and plate. The plate is mounted to the cage once height of the cage has been set. The cage has a first component and a second component that is movable with respect to the first component in order to increase height of the cage. The first and second components have cooperating structure that provides discreet cage height increments. The first component has a superior end configured to grip a superior vertebral body, while the second component has an inferior end configured to grip an inferior vertebral body, the superior end attached to the superior end of the plate, and the inferior end attached to the inferior end of the plate. The plate has holes for anterior fixation of the plate to superior and inferior vertebral bodies. Plates of incremental sizes accommodate differing heights of the cage.

Abstract: A vertebral body spacer of the present invention is used by being inserted between a vertebral body and a vertebral body (intervertebral space). The vertebral body spacer has a block body constituted of titanium or a titanium alloy as a main component thereof, and provided with a pair of contact surfaces to be made contact with the vertebral body and the vertebral body. The block body includes a frame-shaped dense part and a porous part provided inside the dense part, and a porosity of at least a surface of the porous part is larger than a porosity of the dense part. According to the present invention, it is possible to maintain an appropriate size between the vertebral bodies (intervertebral space).

Abstract: A method of implant a knee prosthesis includes forming a bone void at an end of a bone, implanting a void filler in the bone void, and implanting a knee prosthesis onto the end of the bone so that a stem of the knee prosthesis is received by the void filler.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a customized prosthetic socket based on a digital representation of a residual limb that is used to form a digital model of a prosthetic socket. The digital model is customized to alter its internal structure to produce differing areas of flexibility and support while maintaining the overall geometry of the model and without having to use different materials. The digital model is converted for use with a three-dimensional printing or manufacturing device and then used to print the customized socket.

Abstract: A device arranged to sustain and/or provide at least partial patency of a small blood vessel exhibiting an occlusion, the device constituted of a tubular body expandable from a first small diameter state for manipulation to, and through, the occlusion of the small blood vessel and a second large diameter state, the inner dimensions of the second large diameter state being no more than 50% of the diameter of the small blood vessel at the occlusion location, the device presenting a conduit for blood flow through the occlusion when in the large diameter state. In one embodiment the small blood vessel is an intracranial blood vessel.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis that includes a support structure having a plurality of struts and an anchor that is attachable to the support structure. The anchor includes an anchor body and one or more barbs extending outwardly from the anchor body. The anchor body includes a cannula having a first end, a second end, and a middle section. The middle section includes a plurality of open portions arranged in a plurality of arrays around the anchor body.