Abstract: A robotic system includes a bedside system comprising an axial drive mechanism and a rotational drive mechanism. An engagement mechanism engages and disengages a percutaneous device from at least one of the axial drive mechanism and rotational drive mechanism. A remote work station includes a user interface and a control system operatively coupled to the user interface. The control system is configured to communicate a control signal to the engagement mechanism to engage and disengage the percutaneous device from one of the axial drive mechanism and rotational drive mechanism.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments provide a remote controller for a catheter positioning system configured to be operated with a single hand by a catheter positioning system operator. In an embodiment, the remote controller may include a thumb joystick control, first wheel control, and second wheel control. In an embodiment, the remote controller may include various visual indicators and/or haptic feedback mechanisms providing information to a catheter positioning system operator.

Abstract: An actuation input mechanism for a teleoperated surgical instrument may include an interface structure and a shaft connected to the interface structure. The interface structure may be engageable with a drive structure of an actuation interface assembly of a teleoperated surgical system to be driven by the drive structure. The shaft may be rotatable in response to the interface structure being driven. The interface structure may comprise a depression shaped and sized to receive a fingertip. The interface structure may further comprise one or more gripping features disposed in the depression. A surgical instrument for a teleoperated surgical system may include an instrument shaft, an end effector, and a force transmission mechanism. The force transmission mechanism may comprise an actuation input mechanism to transmit drive forces to actuate the surgical instrument, the actuation input mechanism including an interface structure and a shaft.

Abstract: A package for an object such as a preferably-sterile medical component, includes: a support element provided with elements for coupling the object; a stopper that can be coupled to the support element in such a manner as to define a first chamber for containing the object, and such that a grip portion of the support element projects from the stopper; and a cover that can be coupled to the stopper in such a manner as to define a second chamber inside which the grip portion of the support element extends, and such that a portion of the stopper coupled to the support element projects from the cover.

Abstract: A hydrogel plug is placed under stress during its curing stage, in one embodiment, by application of an externally applied force. The stress may also be induced during or after the dehydration process. The direction of the externally applied force increases the length, width, depth, or radial extent of the plug. The elastic limit of the plug is exceeded when the external force is applied so that the plug substantially retains its stressed size and shape when the externally applied force is removed. When the stretched or otherwise deformed dehydrated plug is hydrated, it substantially returns to the configuration it had prior to its dehydration and prior to the application of the externally applied force.

Abstract: A hydrogel plug is placed under stress during its curing stage, in one embodiment, by application of an externally applied force. The stress may also be induced during or after the dehydration process. The direction of the externally applied force increases the length, width, depth, or radial extent of the plug. The elastic limit of the plug is exceeded when the external force is applied so that the plug substantially retains its stressed size and shape when the externally applied force is removed. When the stretched or otherwise deformed dehydrated plug is hydrated, it substantially returns to the configuration it had prior to its dehydration and prior to the application of the externally applied force.

Abstract: A system for endodontic therapy includes a radio-opaque tray having three or more fiduciary markers embedded in the tray, a leveling device, and one or more bite stops arranged to ensure maintenance of adequate bite registration or impression material between opposing teeth to allow 3D reconstruction of occlusal surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implant fixture remover. The fixture remover includes a remover screw which has a first thread formed on one side thereof to be screwed to a female screw portion of an implant fixture implanted into an alveolar bone, and a second thread formed on the other side thereof; and a remover driver including a torque transmitting portion which is slide-inserted into the remover screw, and a torque providing portion which is separated from the torque transmitting portion and screwed to the second thread so that the torque transmitting portion maintains contact with the fixture.

Abstract: A denture is manufactured in a single visit using a pre-formed dental template chosen from a plurality of different sized dental templates, based on the size of a patient's alveolar edentulous ridge. The dental template includes a base acrylic with prosthetic teeth attached thereto. A viscous material such as an acrylic is added to the selected dental template and the dental template with the added viscous material is placed on the patient's alveolar edentulous ridge. The viscous material is then allowed to solidify to form a rigid or semi-rigid material with the template in proper position in three planes and properly border molded. After solidification a denture is formed that consists of a first base acrylic portion in conterminous relation with a second portion formed of the solidified material that had been added as a viscous material, and with teeth joined to the base acrylic portion.

Abstract: Dental devices and systems and methods for making dental devices are described herein. In some embodiments, denture base material may be adapted to fit a model of a patient's mouth, and a pre-set arch of denture teeth may be adjusted the model. The pre-set arch may be impressed into the denture base material to create a channel. In some embodiments, the cure may be a partial cure and/or a releasing agent may be used such that the pre-set arch may be removed, if needed for further adjustments, after assessing the fit of the denture device. If the fit is correct, another cure may be performed to finish the denture device. If the fit is incorrect, a new bite registration and/or adjustments to the denture base material and/or pre-set arch of denture teeth may be made.

Abstract: An attachable apparatus for tracking posture or movement includes a housing having an accommodation space; a sensor in the accommodating space to sense a moving object's posture or movement; a sensing circuitry in the accommodating space to process sensing signals; and a fastening member for detaching the housing from the moving object. Wherein the fastening member includes an object insertion groove that guides the sensor to be matched with the moving object according to a predetermined direction, a fastening member comprised of elastic material allowing detachment from variety of different size moving objects, and a housing coupling member to combine moveable object with the housing.

Abstract: A power toothbrush appliance (10) and a method for tuning a brushhead assembly system (41) thereof. The appliance includes a handle portion (16), a drive assembly and a brushhead assembly system (41). The drive assembly includes a DC motor (34) and an eccentric coupling (46) which drives the brushhead assembly system by means of a yoke mechanism. The brushhead assembly system includes a beam portion (50) which moves laterally about a pivot (47). A brushhead (12) is attachable to and removable from a distal end of the beam. The beam is tunable by changing the stiffness thereof, or the length thereof, or the cross-sectional moment thereof, in order to control the resonant frequency of the brushhead assembly system relative to the drive frequency of the appliance to maintain the amplitude of the brush member within a range of 1.0-2.5 mm, preferably 1.75 mm.

Abstract: A toothbrush configured to provide improved cleaning of the rear surface of the upper and lower central and lateral incisors. The toothbrush includes a handle having a first end and a second end. The handle further includes an upper surface and a lower surface and additionally a middle portion intermediate the first end and second end. Secured to the first end is a first bristle group that is configured to extend downward therefrom. Adjacent to the first bristle group is a divider. The divider include a first surface proximate the first bristle group and a second surface opposite thereto. A second bristle group is secured to the second surface of the divider and extends toward said second end of said handle being perpendicular in orientation to said first bristle group. A recess is formed in the lower surface of the handle above the second bristle group.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured such that passage of a fluid through an open port of a distal probe tip enables detection of a substance that may be present on a surface, e.g., a surface of a tooth, based on measurement of a signal correlating to a substance at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid through the open port. The apparatus includes a proximal pump portion and at least one distal probe portion configured to be immersed in another fluid, e.g., water in toothpaste foam. A corresponding system includes one or two such apparatuses. A method of detecting the presence of a substance on a surface includes probing an interaction zone for at least partial obstruction of flow of the fluid through the distal probe tip. The distal probe tip may have a structural configuration for preventing blocking of the open port. The distal probe tip may also have a non-uniform wear profile. The at least one distal probe portion may include two or multiple components to improve performance and reliability.

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: The present disclosure relates generally to systems, components, devices and methods for assisting a patient to empty his or her weakened or paralyzed bladder or a neobladder efficiently. The system and method includes a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure in the urinary bladder of a patient and an alert mechanism which alerts the patient of the bladder fullness and the need to void. An actuating device is operably coupled to the system to selectively activate a compression assembly. When activated, the compression assembly compresses the bladder to permit emptying of the bladder.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for implanting in a human or animal body, comprising a carrier device which provides a receiving means and which is made from a synthetic mesh or fabric material, and an electronic element which is fixed to the carrier device in the region of the receiving means. Also provided is a method for implanting the arrangement in a human or animal body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis (10) intended to be implanted at an implantation site, comprising information means designed to guide the surgeon in order to implant the prosthesis in a specified position, said prosthesis comprising at least one fabric called the base fabric (2) and having at least one apertured surface (3), said information means comprising at least one patch (4, 5) having a color different from that of the base fabric, said patch being provided with at least one barb (6) projecting from one of its surfaces and grippingly fastening said patch to said apertured surface of said base fabric at a specific place on said surface, the presence of said patch at said specific place bearing information designed to facilitate implantation of the prosthesis in said specified position. The invention also relates to a kit comprising a fabric and a patch.

Abstract: The present invention features soft tissue implants comprising major and minor struts and methods for making same. The implants can includes a biocompatible film that is rendered porous due to the inclusion of uniformly or non-uniformly patterned cells, and the film has a thickness of less than about 0.015 inches in the event the starting material is non-porous and less than about 0.035 inches in the event the starting material is a microporous film. Multi-film implants can also be made.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to implantable medical devices which include grip-members and methods of reinforcing tissue with such devices.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the stomach and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device to the stomach and a flexible sleeve. When implanted within the intestine, the sleeve can limit the absorption of nutrients, delay the mixing of chyme with digestive enzymes, altering hormonal triggers, providing negative feedback, and combinations thereof. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.

Abstract: An orthotopic artificial bladder endoprosthesis includes two portions connected to each other; each portion including a respective resorbable cap made of a PGA fiber fabric and a respective frame, associated with the cap, obtained by means of PGA/PLA copolymer; the portions being connected together in order to define a closed enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biocompatible and biodegradable elastomer, comprising a hard segment and a soft segment. The hard segment is formed by reacting diisocyanate and a chain extender; and the soft segment is comprising a biodegradable oligomer diol, wherein the biodegradable oligomer diol is selected from the group consisting of polycaprolactone diol, polyethylene butylene adipate diol (PEBA diol), poly-L-lactic acid diol (PLLA diol), polylactic acid diol and any combination thereof. The biocompatible and biodegradable elastomer of present invention can be used to produce vascular graft, cell carrier, drug carrier or gene carrier.

Abstract: A tissue fixation system provides a primary fixation plate with a depending graft retention loop and a longer auxiliary fixation plate which fits to the primary fixation plate via upwardly projecting pegs which fit into suture holes in the primary fixation plate. The system has particular utility in cortical fixation procedures in which a graft channel is over-drilled and a longer fixation plate is indicated.

Abstract: Breast implants with anatomical morphology have the problem of possibly rotating from their implantation position in the patient's body, which causes an aesthetic anomaly. With the implant of the invention, this problem is resolved, owing to the arrangement of silicone strips (5-8) fixed to the frontal face (2) and/or to the rear face (3) of silicone cover of the implant. The strips are provided at their free end with respective orifices (7, 9) for the passage of a suture point, such that these suture points enable the implant to be fixed to the corporal tissue of the user, such as for example to the breast tissue, to the pectoralis major muscle, to the fascia of the pectoralis major muscle, etc., the implant thus remaining immobilized. The implant also includes a mark (10) made of radiological material which enables the position of the implant in the patient's body to be checked by means of conventional radiology or other means.

Abstract: A tool for endothelial implantation comprising a base frame on a stem and a covering frame such that the base frame is insertable between a stroma and a Descemet's membrane and the covering frame is positionable over the base frame to lockingly engage the base frame trapping a section of Descemet's membrane between the base frame and the cover frame for surgical separation of the section by cutting therearound.

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: A prosthetic heart valve including a stent frame and a valve structure. The valve structure is disposed within a lumen of the stent frame. The stent frame is configured to self-expand from a compressed condition for transluminal delivery. The stent frame has a lattice structure forming a tubular shape defining a circumference and a plurality of closed cells arranged to define a band exhibiting a variable radial stiffness. The prosthesis can be deployed such that the band applies a minimal force on to anatomical locations relating to the heart's conductive pathways. A region of the band otherwise having low radial stiffness is located at or over a conductive pathway upon final implant.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis is adapted to operate in conjunction with native heart valve leaflets. The prosthesis includes an annulus and a skirt extending from the annulus. The skirt may be configured to be positioned through a native heart valve annulus, and the skirt may be movable between an open configuration permitting blood flow through the skirt and a closed configuration blocking blood flow through the skirt in cooperation with opening and closing of the native heart valve leaflets.

Abstract: Prosthetic mitral valves described herein can be deployed using a transcatheter mitral valve delivery system and technique to interface and anchor in cooperation with the anatomical structures of a native mitral valve. This document describes prosthetic heart valve designs that interface with native mitral valve structures to create a fluid seal, thereby minimizing mitral regurgitation and paravalvular leaks. This document also describes prosthetic heart valve designs and techniques to manage blood flow through the left ventricular outflow tract. In addition, this document describes prosthetic heart valve designs and techniques that reduce the risk of interference between the prosthetic valves and chordae tendineae.

Abstract: Prosthetic mitral valves described herein can be deployed using a transcatheter mitral valve delivery system and technique to interface and anchor in cooperation with the anatomical structures of a native mitral valve. This document describes prosthetic heart valve designs that interface with native mitral valve structures to create a fluid seal, thereby minimizing mitral regurgitation and paravalvular leaks. This document also describes prosthetic heart valve designs and techniques to manage blood flow through the left ventricular outflow tract. In addition, this document describes prosthetic heart valve designs and techniques that reduce the risk of interference between the prosthetic valves and chordae tendineae.

Abstract: Prosthetic mitral valves described herein can be deployed using a transcatheter mitral valve delivery system and technique to interface and anchor in cooperation with the anatomical structures of a native mitral valve. This document describes prosthetic heart valve designs that interface with native mitral valve structures to create a fluid seal, thereby minimizing mitral regurgitation and paravalvular leaks. This document also describes prosthetic heart valve designs and techniques to manage blood flow through the left ventricular outflow tract. In addition, this document describes prosthetic heart valve designs and techniques that reduce the risk of interference between the prosthetic valves and chordae tendineae.

Abstract: A system is provided for delivering respective anchors into spaced apart locations along an annulus of a mitral valve. The system includes a first catheter member having a first lumen formed therein for receiving a first guide wire and also includes a second catheter member that is configured to move between an expanded position and a collapsed position relative to the first catheter member. The second catheter member has a lumen formed therein for receiving a second guide wire when the second catheter member is in the expanded position. The second catheter member is fixedly connected to the first catheter member by a first connector (that defines first and second living hinges) which is configured to deploy under a select condition to automatically cause the second catheter member to move to the expanded position.

Abstract: A method of providing a patient with an implanted penile prosthetic adapted to provide improved flow of blood to a glans penis dilating a first portion of tissue in the corpora cavernosum and creating a first space and leaving a segment of vascularized tissue in the corpora cavernosum un-dilated and undisturbed, and engaging a channel formed in an exterior surface of a penile prosthetic with the segment of vascularized tissue.

Abstract: A method for preparing bones of cerebral cranium, including: a) selecting polyetheretherketone (PEEK) as a raw material according to data obtained by computed tomography (CT) of a patient; b) heating the PEEK material in a heating device to reach a softening point of 260°±10°; c) hot pressing the heated PEEK material obtained in step b) in a forming die, cooling and shaping the PEEK material to yield a blank; d) curing the blank, and placing the blank in a thermostat for removal of internal stress and resilience; e) removing surface crystals and impurities of the blank resulting from the hot pressing; f) mechanically processing the blank according to the CT data of the patient to yield a product having desired size and shape; and g) washing, disinfecting, and packaging the product.

Abstract: A method and system for repairing a defect area in a surface of a joint include providing a mold having a first surface and a second surface, positioning the mold within the joint such that at least part of the mold first surface overlies the defect area, and depositing a repair material under the mold first surface within the defect area to create a repaired site within the joint.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system of gender specific pharmaceuticals. The system includes a first package of a pharmaceutical for use by a male and a second package of a pharmaceutical for use by a female. The first package includes at least one male dosage having a first dosage amount, an insert positioned in the first package, the insert including a recommended male dosage and a recommended female dosage that is different than the male dosage, and a male label coupled to the first package, the label including a male gender specifier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilized ankle prosthesis configured for use in patients with compromised soft tissue in the ankle. The prosthesis of the present invention is a two-component design comprising a stabilizing lip configured to constrain movement in the general direction of compromised soft tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical implants, including spinal implants and bone grafts, for fixation and integration with hard tissue. The bone medical implants include at least one rotational fixation mechanism that further includes or is attached to one or more sharp protrusions configured to penetrate and become lodged into hard tissue to provide support and positional stability. Such support is useful to ensure that the spinal bone graft may be used without additional stabilizing or anchoring structures, such as supporting plates or screws.

Abstract: Prosthetic intervertebral discs and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The prosthetic discs described herein include one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece structures. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the sagittal plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components of the discs. The interface mechanism between the endplates and the core members of several embodiments of the described prosthetic discs enables a very easy surgical operation for implantation.

Abstract: Devices for fixing interbody fusion devices to bone by helically or corkscrew-shaped elements are provided. Methods for surgically implanting an interbody fusion device using helically-shaped fixation wire are provided.

Abstract: A device to space vertebral members with first and second members that may have at least one ramped section. The first and second members may be positioned in a vertically overlapping arrangement with interior sides of the members facing together. The device may be positionable between a first orientation with the ramped section of the first member positioned away from the ramped section of the second member, and a second orientation with the ramped section of the first member positioned against the ramped section of the second member. The device may include a greater height measured between the exterior sides in the second orientation than in the first orientation.

Abstract: An expandable interbody fusion implant device has a frame, two ramp assemblies and two overlying base plates driven by two independent drive shafts. The two ramp assemblies include a distal ramp assembly and a proximal ramp assembly. Each ramp assembly has a translating ramp, a first pivoting hinged ramp and a second pivoting hinged ramp. The two overlying base plates include a first base plate overlying a second base plate. Each base plate is hinged to the distal ramp assembly and the proximal ramp assembly at an end of one of said pivoting hinged ramps of each ramp assembly. The two independently driven drive shafts include a first drive shaft for translating the distal ramp assembly and a second drive shaft for translating the proximal ramp assembly to independently expand the implant proximally or distally or both.

Abstract: An adjustable spacer instrument and method of use in a knee arthroplasty procedure are described. The instrument comprises a first member having a substantially planar upper surface and a second member having a substantially planar lower surface. An angular adjustment mechanism is interposed between the first and second members and is operable to adjust the degree of tilt between the upper surface and the lower surface and includes a releasable lock which can maintain the degree of tilt.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a lower limb device having at least one powered joint. The method includes detecting a stumble event based on one or more sensor signals associated with an overall motion lower limb device, classifying the stumble event based on sensor signals following the sensor signals associated with the stumble event, and selecting a stumble recovery strategy for the lower limb device based on the classification of the stumble event.

Abstract: Provided is a ureteral stent (=50) including a bladder portion (=52) positioned in a bladder of a patient, a kidney portion (=54) positioned in a kidney and ureteral passageway of the patient, and one or more tethers (=56) coupling the bladder portion to the kidney portion. The ureteral stent allows urine to pass around a blockage, and allows a ureter orifice connecting the ureteral passageway to the bladder to move between a compressed state and an uncompressed state to prevent or minimize urinary reflux, flank pain, blood in the urine, etc., while allowing the bladder portion to move freely in the bladder to prevent the bladder portion from irritating the trigone muscle.

Abstract: Bioresorbable polymer vascular scaffolds made of combinations of polylactide and polycaprolactone having a high molecular weight polymer, thin struts in a selected range and sufficient radial strength to support a vessel upon deployment. The scaffolds have degradation behavior of molecular weight, radial strength, and mass that are conducive to healing of a vessel including providing patency to a vessel, reduction of radial strength, breaking up, and resorbing to allow return of the vessel to a natural state.

Abstract: A medical device is provided. The medical device includes a vessel-engaging member attached to a distal end of a delivery wire via a connection mechanism. The vessel-engaging member includes a plurality of rows and a plurality of bridges positioned between each adjacent row, each of the bridges connecting a vertex of a first row with a corresponding vertex of a second row. The vessel-engaging member further includes first and second tapered sections coupled to the connection mechanism, each of the tapered sections projecting from a proximal row and tapering in a direction from the proximal row toward the connection mechanism, each of the tapered sections having a length measured along a longitudinal axis, wherein the length of the first tapered section is less than the length of the second tapered section.

Abstract: A bidirectional twistable stent is disclosed. The stent comprises a cylinder-shaped stent body having a plurality of axially arranged rows of struts encircling a central lumen and a plurality of flex connectors that connect at least two adjacent rows of struts in such a manner that allows the stent to be twisted clockwise or counter clockwise without causing deformation of any struts in the stent body. Also disclosed are the method of making the stent, method of using the stent, and a kit containing the stent.

Abstract: A catheter delivery device for a self-expanding stent is described. The delivery device includes a distal catheter component and a distal sheath that releases the stent by moving proximally relative to the distal catheter component and the stent. A proximal catheter shaft including a tube and a pull wire within a lumen of the tube may be provided, the pull wire being attached to the distal sheath such that pulling the pull wire proximally relative to the tube pulls the distal sheath proximally to release the stent progressively. A casing tube may be provided to surround the catheter shaft, the casing tube having a distal end that receives telescopically a proximal end of the distal sheath.