Abstract: In general, devices, systems, and methods for driving an anchor into bone are provided. In one embodiment, a surgical tool is provided that includes a driver tool with a handle and an elongate shaft. A resistance element is disposed within the handle. An inner portion of an anchor is retained on a distal end of the elongate shaft, and a guidewire extends between the resistance element and an outer portion of the anchor that is in bone. As force is applied distally to the handle, the guidewire pushes the anchor into the bone before overcoming force of the resistance element and thereby allowing the inner portion of the anchor to be driven into the outer portion of the anchor.

Abstract: An energy output section outputs first electric energy so that a high-frequency current flows between electrodes through a treated target, and outputs second electric energy so that heat occurs in an end effector. A controller outputs the first electric energy at the same time as the second electric energy in at least a part of a period during which the heat is continuously denaturing the treated target from an output start of the second electric energy. The controller makes, based on judging that the treated target entered a predetermined state, an electric power of the first electric energy increased.

Abstract: The energy treatment instrument includes an end effector performing treatment using treatment energy, and a moving part disposed so as to be movable relative to a housing and moving relative to the housing based on an operation input to move the end effector or an operation input to supply treatment energy to the end effector. The energy treatment instrument includes an energy converter converting kinetic energy due to a movement of the moving part into electric energy and storing the converted electric energy in an electricity storage.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to devices, systems, and methods of shaping, shrinking, opening, dilating, stiffening, or otherwise modifying a Eustachian tube and its surrounding tissue in order to improve the Eustachian tube's function. For example, patients with blocked, closed, or hypertrophic Eustachian tubes may be able to achieve improved function including easier equalization of pressure between the inner ear and environment.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes: a power supply configured to output a DC waveform; a current or voltage source coupled to the power supply and configured to output current; and a power converter coupled to the current source. The power converter includes at least one power switching element operated at a switching waveform and configured to generate a radio frequency waveform based on the energy from the current or voltage source. The radio frequency waveform includes at least one pulse having an overshoot peak. The electrosurgical generator further includes a clipper circuit coupled to the current source and the power converter, the clipper circuit configured to generate a clipping voltage to clip the overshoot peak; and a controller coupled to the power converter and configured to modulate the switching waveform to generate the radio frequency waveform.

Abstract: An energy treatment device includes, a first power accumulator which accumulates electric power; a clock generation portion which generates a clock signal based on the electric power; a controller which uses the clock signal to control supply of an energy to be used for treatment at a treatment portion; a trigger portion which generates a trigger signal that permits the clock generation portion and the first power accumulator to be electrically connected so that the controller receives the clock signal; and a switching portion which, in accordance with a presence/absence of the trigger signal at the trigger portion, switches between a connected state, where the clock generation portion and the first power accumulator are electrically connected, and a disconnected state, where the clock generation portion and the first power accumulator are electrically separated.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a tissue ablation system including an ablation device to be delivered to a target site and achieve both resection and coagulation of tissue. The ablation device can be used during an electrosurgical resection procedure to both resect tissue and further selectively coagulate surrounding tissue in the resection site so as to prevent or stop fluid accumulation (e.g., blood from vessel(s)) as a result of the resection of tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an end effector operably coupled thereto and configured to mechanically engage tissue. The instrument further includes an energy transfer switch disposed on the housing and configured to operably engage a tip of an electrosurgical instrument such that upon activation of the electrosurgical instrument, electrosurgical energy is transmitted to the end effector of the surgical instrument to treat tissue in an electrosurgical fashion.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a heat treatment device, wherein the heat treatment device includes: a heating resistor configured to be electrically connected to an energy output source to form a circuit such that the energy output source causes current flow through the heating resistor to generate heat for treating a target object, and wherein the control device includes: a detection circuit configured to detect one or more of a resistance component and a capacitance component of the circuit caused by a fluid; and one or more processors configured to control the energy output source to control a characteristic of the current flow through the heating resistor based on the one or more of the resistance component and the capacitance component detected by the detection circuit.

Abstract: A surgical system includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members, a generator, and one or more machine learning applications. The first and/or second jaw member is movable relative to the other from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members are configured to conduct energy therebetween and through tissue grasped therebetween. The generator includes an energy output configured to supply energy to the jaw members, a main controller configured to control the energy output, and sensor circuity configured to sense impedance and/or power. The machine learning application(s) is configured to determine a type of tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members based upon the impedance and/or power sensed by the sensor circuitry.

Abstract: Various exemplary systems, devices, and methods for robotic bi-polar instruments are provided. In general, a surgical tool can include an elongate shaft, an end effector, a wrist that couples the end effector to the shaft at a distal end of the shaft, and a tool housing coupled to a proximal end of the shaft that is configured to control the operation various features associated with the end effector and to operatively couple to a robotic surgical system.

Abstract: Device and method for sub-xiphoid ablation of patient tissue. A sub-xiphoid access clamp has a handle, an elongate neck coupled to the handle and first and second opposing jaws. The first and second opposing jaws have first and second opposing relief segments being generally co-planar and concave with respect to one another to form a void therebetween, and first and second opposing elongate ablation elements positioned along the first and second opposing jaws and distal of the first and second opposing relief segments relative to the handle. The first and second opposing jaws are articulate between a closed position and an open position to admit, at least in part, a second portion of tissue of the patient within the void created by the first and second opposing relief segments while the first portion of tissue is positioned between the first and second ablation elements in the closed position.

Abstract: A treatment tool includes a first gripping member, a second gripping member configured to be opened and closed with respect to the first gripping member, a heat radiating member and a first heat conductive member. A predetermined position between a closed state and an opened state is defined as a switching position in a process of changing the closed state to the opened state, a first region is defined as a region from the closed state to the switching position, and a second region is defined as a region from the switching position to the opened state. The first heat conductive member brings the first gripping member and the heat radiating member into a non-thermally contacted state in the first region, and brings the first gripping member and the heat radiating member into a thermally contacted state in the second region.

Abstract: An elongated shaft assembly includes a rotatable inner cutting sleeve and a non-rotating outer sleeve. A window of the inner cutting sleeve is selectively rotatable within an opening of the non-rotating outer sleeve to cut tissue with a sharpened cutting blade when rotated in a first rotational direction and to cut tissue with an electrode when rotated in a second rotational direction.

Abstract: A device is described for treating a nasal airway by modifying a property of a nasal tissue of or near a nasal valve of the airway, without using a surgical incision or an implant, to decrease airflow resistance or perceived airflow resistance in the nasal airway. Various embodiments include an elongate shaft, a bipolar radiofrequency delivery member extending from one end of the shaft, and a handle attached to the elongate shaft at an opposite end from the radiofrequency delivery member. The radiofrequency delivery member is sized to be inserted into a nose and configured to at least temporarily deform the nasal tissue and deliver radiofrequency energy. The radiofrequency delivery member includes two rows of protruding electrodes disposed on a tissue contact surface, and the device is configured to deliver radiofrequency energy from one row of electrodes to the other row of electrodes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, systems, and apparatuses for providing real time intraprocedural operational feedback to the operator as to the success of a renal denervation procedure and its overall effectiveness for reducing the blood pressure of a subject to allow for more precise and thorough ablation of the renal artery and better patient outcomes. Using this real time feedback generated through the electrical stimulation of multiple points about the circumference of the renal artery at specific times during the procedure, the operator can assess the desired procedural endpoint and whether the amount of renal denervation provided to the subject is sufficient, or whether the subject may benefit from further denervation of the renal artery. The present disclosure provides means for providing real time intraprocedural feedback to the operator that can be incorporated into conventional renal denervation catheters and equipment.

Abstract: A system for controlling delivery of ablation energy by an ablation catheter to tissue in a body is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit configured to determine, responsive to a measurement signal from the ablation catheter, a value for a characteristic associated with the delivery of ablation energy to the tissue. In one embodiment, the characteristic is the degree of contact between the ablation catheter and the tissue. The unit is further configured to generate a control signal, responsive to the determined value of the characteristic, to control an amount of energy delivered from an ablation delivery element on the ablation catheter to the tissue. The amount of energy varies in response to the determined value of the characteristic when the determined value of the characteristic meets a predetermined condition relative to a threshold value for the characteristic.

Abstract: An ablation catheter, wherein the catheter includes: a flexible elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongated member defines an irrigation lumen along its length and the elongated member encapsulates at least one wire; and wherein at least one electrode is attached to the outer surface of the elongated member near to the distal end and the at least one electrode is electrically connected to at least one wire and wherein the at least one electrode includes a plurality of holes that is in fluid communication with the irrigation lumen.

Abstract: Provided is an ablation device including a narrow insertion section insertable into a body, a distal end section provided at a distal end of the insertion section and having a narrow cauterizing surface that is formed in a longitudinal direction in one area in a circumferential direction and that releases energy to biological tissue, and a radiopaque marking section provided at the distal end section and substantially parallel to the cauterizing surface. The marking section has a three-dimensional shape such that projection shapes obtained when projected from different sides in a radial direction of the distal end section are different from each other.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for reducing sweat production via, for example, the removal, disablement, and incapacitation of sweat glands in the epidermis, dermis and subdermal tissue regions of a patient. In one embodiment, a method of treating a patient is provided which involves identifying a patient having a condition of excessive sweating, positioning an energy delivery device proximate to a skin tissue of the patient and delivering energy to sweat glands to halt secretion of sweat. The energy delivery device may include microwave delivery devices, RF delivery devices, and cryogenic therapy devices. Some embodiments may include using a cooling element for avoiding destruction of non-target tissue and/or a suction device to localize treatment at specific portions of the skin fold.

Abstract: An ablation system for directing energy to a target volume of tissue is provided. The ablation system comprises an ablation antenna probe including at least one radiating portion configured to output electromagnetic radiation and at least one electromagnetic shielding reflector configured for removable positioning on the antenna probe. The at least one electromagnetic shielding reflector is configured to block electromagnetic radiation from the at least one radiating portion through the at least one electromagnetic shielding reflector such that a particular directionality of the electromagnetic radiation from the at least one radiation portion to a target volume of tissue is achieved.

Abstract: A system for surgical planning and assessment of spinal deformity correction is provided that has a spinal imaging system and a control unit. The spinal imaging system is configured to collect at least one digitized position of one or more vertebral bodies of a subject. The control unit is configured to receive the at least one digitized position, and calculate, based on the at least one digitized position, an optimized posture for the subject. The control unit is configured to receive one or more simulated spinal correction inputs, and based on the inputs and optimized posture, predict an optimal simulated postoperative surgical correction.

Abstract: An injection aid system and a social aid system having a computing system with at least one processor and a memory device. The computing system can be configured to generate a at least one of a virtual environment and an augmented environment. A display device can be coupled to the computing system and configured to visually display the environment. The injection aid system can further include an injection tool and a treatment target configured to receive a simulated injection by the injection tool. The injection tool can have a needle and a plunger.

Abstract: Devices and systems are provided for tracking a position and orientation of a handheld implement, such that the handheld implement may be trackable with an overhead tracking system. A support member secures one or more markers relative to a longitudinal portion of the handheld implement, and a marker plane containing the markers is orientated an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion. A marker assembly may include a support member for supporting the markers, and a connector for removably attaching the marker assembly to one or more handheld implements. The marker assembly may be configured to be removably attachable to a plurality of connection adapters, where each connection adapter is further connectable to a handheld implement, optionally at a calibrated position, such that a single connection adapter can be optionally employed to track a plurality of handheld implements. The handheld implement may be a medical instrument.

Abstract: A handheld surgical tool includes a handle, an instrument shaft, and a navigation device, which includes at least one sensor unit for sensing positional data, a computing unit configured to determine a position in space based on signals of the sensor unit, at least one set key and a position memory configured to store a data set for a position upon activation of the at least one set key. A comparator is operatively connected to the position memory for comparing an actual position against a stored position in at least two different operation modes and for generation of a deviation signal, wherein operation modes differ in that a first mode is configured for a reduced comparison only which lacks at least one spatial dimension. A feedback device is provided supplied with the deviation signal and being configured to indicate direction and preferably magnitude of any deviation.

Abstract: Systems and methods that utilize optical sensors and non-optical sensors to determine the position and/or orientation of objects. A navigation system includes an optical sensor for receiving optical signals from markers and a non-optical sensor, such as a gyroscope, for generating non-optical data. A navigation computer determines positions and/or orientations of objects based on optical and non-optical data.

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

Abstract: A surgical robotic system is provided for use in a surgical procedure. The surgical robotic system comprises a surgical arm (080) comprising a movable arm part (082) for mounting of a surgical instrument (119), the movable arm part having at least one degree-of-freedom to enable longitudinal movement (109) of the surgical instrument towards a surgical target (123). A human machine interface (020) is provided for receiving positioning commands (022) from a human operator for controlling the longitudinal movement of the surgical instrument, and an actuator (060) is configured and arranged for actuating the movable arm part to effect the longitudinal movement of the surgical instrument. The actuator is controlled by a processor in accordance with the positioning commands and a virtual bound (132-135). The virtual bound establishes a transition in the control of the longitudinal movement of the surgical instrument in a direction towards the surgical target.

Abstract: Devices, Systems, and Methods for detecting a 3-dimensional position of an object, and surgical automation involving the same. The surgical robot system may include a robot having a robot base, a robot arm coupled to the robot base, and an end-effector coupled to the robot arm. The end-effector, surgical instruments, the patient, and/or other objects to be tracked include active and/or passive tracking markers. Cameras, such as stereophotogrammetric infrared cameras, are able to detect the tracking markers, and the robot determines a 3-dimensional position of the object from the tracking markers.

Abstract: Featured is a medical instrument driver, a robotic apparatus embodying such a medical instrument driver and methods related thereto for inserting a medical instrument into tissue of a mammal (e.g., human). Such medical instruments include medical needles, biopsy needles, trocars, cutters and introducers. Such a medical instrument driver according to the present invention is configured and arranged so that medical instrument is rotated as it is being moved longitudinally for insertion into the tissue such that the medical instrument is spiraling as it pierces and traverses the tissue to the target area.

Abstract: A medical manipulator system including: a medical manipulator having a joint; an operating section having an operating system; and a control unit controlling the medical manipulator according to an operation applied to the operating section. The operating section includes a switch enters or releases a command. The control unit determines whether a deviation between the joint and the operating system exceeds a threshold while the command is entered, carries out a first motion for moving the joint by a displacement corresponding to the displacement of the operating system if the deviation is equal to or smaller than the threshold, carries out a second motion for approaching the joint to the operating system angle if the deviation exceeds the threshold, and stops the motion for approaching the joint to the operating system angle when the command is released when the deviation exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: An anatomical drape, such as a dental drape, for covering a treatment area of an anatomical part, the drape comprising an elastomeric material capable of conforming to the contours of the anatomical part and including a curing agent wherein activation of the curing agent, for example by a light source, causes selective hardening of the stretched material to at least partially set the drape in a configuration conforming to the anatomical part. The semi-rigid set drape is liquid impermeable but gas permeable. A method of manufacturing the drape is also disclosed.

Abstract: A protective cover (800) for a medical device includes a body (700) and a cap (100) that is selectively attachable to the body. The cap 100 includes an annulus 101 and a rounded vault (102) spanning an interior portion (118) of the annulus. The rounded vault defines a convex exterior (301). A plurality of partial arch trusses (103,104,105,106,107,108,109) extends from the annulus along the convex exterior toward an apex (601) of the convex exterior. Distal ends (613,614,615,616,617,618,619) of the plurality of partial arch trusses define an interstice (611) at the apex. The partial arch trusses provide longitudinal deflection of impact forces to protect the medical device.

Abstract: A medical instrument holding apparatus and related methods are disclosed. The apparatus includes a medical instrument container. A medical instrument holding platform is positioned within the medical instrument container, wherein the medical instrument holding platform has a textured surface. At least one marking is positioned on the textured surface. When a quantity of light emitted from a lighting fixture is applied to the textured surface, a reflection from the quantity of light may be prevented.

Abstract: Anatomic points within the body are projected outside the body through the use of extenders (180, 182, 188). The projected points may then be used for measurement, or to facilitate the selection or configuration of an implant that is positioned proximate the anatomic points using a slotted cannula (143). Such an implant may be a rod (270) for a posterior spinal fusion system. Pedicle screws (140, 142, 148) may be implanted into pedicles of the spine, and may then serve as anchors for the extenders. The extenders (180, 182, 188) may have rod interfaces (214, 216, 218) that receive the rod (270) in a manner that mimics the geometry of the pedicle screws (140, 142, 148) so that the selected or configured contoured rod (270) will properly fit into engagement with the pedicle screws (140, 142, 148).

Abstract: An illuminated microsurgical surgical instrument that allows for illumination of the interior of a body cavity during a surgical procedure is provided herein. The surgical instrument may include an elongate tubular member having a distal end for insertion through tissue, the elongate tubular member having an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a wall thickness. A longitudinal slot extending from the distal end of the elongate tubular member is formed in the elongate tubular member. The surgical instrument further may include an optical fiber extending within the longitudinal slot toward the distal end of the elongate tubular member. The optical fiber may be affixed within the longitudinal slot by an adhesive. The optical fiber may be positioned such that a distal tip thereof is protected from damage by a distal edge of the elongate tubular member during insertion of the instrument into the body cavity.

Abstract: A lamp having a front surface from which light is emitted and that includes a high efficiency light source assembly producing a beam having a 3 dB beamwidth of greater than 100°, and which includes a substrate, a high efficiency light source supported by the substrate; and a dome-lens that contains the high efficiency light source. Also, an optical assembly is positioned to receive light from the light emitting diode assembly and to produce a headlamp light beam emitted from the front surface of the lamp. Further, an annular light block defines an annulus and is placed about the lens, so that the lens protrudes through the annulus, thereby creating a sharp boundary for the output light beam.

Abstract: There is provided a patient specific stereotactic template for use in surgery, particularly minimally invasive spinal surgery. There is also provided a method of performing surgery using the template.

Abstract: Markers, probes, and related systems and methods are provided for localizing locations within a patient's body, e.g., a lesion within a breast. The marker includes an energy converter e.g., one or more photodiodes, for transforming light energy striking the marker into electrical energy, a storage device coupled to the energy converter for storing the electrical energy, a threshold element that closes a switch when the electrical energy reaches a predetermined threshold to discharge the electrical energy and cause the antenna to transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal. The system includes a probe that transmits light into the patient's body and a processor that correlate the frequency of the RF signals to a distance from the probe to the marker.

Abstract: A method of pre-treating a contaminated medical instrument that is to undergo decontamination involves inserting a distal tip of the instrument into a distal tip protector. The distal tip of the instrument is inserted through a rupturable resilient seal into an internal cavity of the protector that contains a fluid. The distal tip protector thereby maintains a fluid around the distal tip of the instrument until the distal tip protector is removed to allow reprocessing of the instrument to take place, facilitating decontamination of the instrument.

Abstract: A bone foundation guide system having a bone foundation guide with a foundation guide body forming an open surgical space connecting a top of the bone foundation guide body with a bottom of the bone foundation guide body, the bottom contoured to removably affix the bone foundation guide body to the bone of a dental implant surgical site, the body further contoured to guide the cutting of bone from a dental implant surgical site and supporting a dental implant surgical guide; the dental implant surgical guide contoured to removably mate to the bone foundation guide body; wherein a combination of the bone foundation guide and the dental implant surgical guide forms a double open-ended placement channel that passes through a plurality of guiding cylinders held in tandem alignment to aid in the placement of a dental implant that is anchored in a site remote from the mouth.

Abstract: An oral appliance that attaches to molars or bicuspids and that combines the capability for side-to-side and front-to-back expansion capability in one unite as a self-stopping mechanism. Further, this embodiment can be activated to compress or expand and be deactivated in two planes of side-to-side or front-to-back, along three different arms/bridges respectively. This is to say that one arm can compress front-to-back while the other arm expands, the jaw/teeth front-to-back, simultaneously). With proper arrangements and anchorage preparation the device shown and described can move front teeth forward or backward or back teeth forward or backward independently on either side of the mouth.

Abstract: Adjustable-prescription orthodontic bracket assemblies. The orthodontic bracket assemblies include a bracket body, an arcuate core, and a retention structure. The bracket body defines an arcuate receptacle that extends toward a base of the bracket body from a top of the bracket body. The arcuate core is received within the arcuate receptacle and defines an archwire slot. The arcuate receptacle is shaped to retain the arcuate core therein and to permit rotation of the arcuate core therein. The retention structure is configured to selectively retain the arcuate core at a selected rotational orientation with the bracket body. The retention structure is configured to selectively transition between a disengaged configuration, in which the retention structure permits rotation of the arcuate core relative to the bracket body, and an engaged configuration, in which the retention structure retains the arcuate core at the selected rotational orientation.

Abstract: A dental implant for securing an abutment to a jawbone, the implant including a tapered body having a longitudinal axis, the body including a coronal end and an apical end, the coronal end including an inclined coronal surface. A first bore receives a base portion of the abutment, the first bore extending downwardly from the coronal surface and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. A second bore with a footprint larger than the first bore includes a flange adapted to be abutted by a top portion of the abutment, the diameter of the second bore being off-axis and larger than that of the first bore.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention concerns an overdenture retention implant (10) comprising an externally threaded implant body (12) to be screwed into a hole formed in a jawbone (70) and an implant end structure (14) at a proximal end of the implant body. The implant end structure includes a tool engagement portion (14.1) that can be engaged by an implant installation apparatus operable to rotate the implant to screw the body into the hole, and a threaded boss (14.2) to be engaged in threaded manner by an overdenture retention cap (100) configured for attachment of an overdenture. The tool engagement portion and boss have a common, central axis (22) which intersects the central axis (20) of the implant body at an acute angle (24). Other aspects of the invention concern the combination of the implant (10) and installation apparatus and the installation apparatus itself.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kit for use for the implantation of a dental implant, comprising an implant guide comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is configured to be detachably attached to a dental implant, said implant guide comprising a cylindrical body, wherein the cylindrical body comprises a cylindrical outer surface and a circumferential groove in the outer surface, and a template configured to be arranged at a predetermined location with respect to a jaw, wherein the template comprises at least one implantation channel to guide the cylindrical body of the implant guide in a desired implantation direction during implantation of a dental implant in the jaw, and a stop surface at an end of the implantation channel.

Abstract: A probe head for dental confocal imaging, comprises a light-guiding part for guiding a light beam towards a teeth portion, the light-guiding part having an entrance face through which the light beam enters the light-guiding part and an exit face through which the light beam exits the light-guiding part, wherein the light-guiding part is configured, in case of a linearly polarized light beam having two polarization components being perpendicular to each other, to change polarization of the linearly polarized light beam on its path through the light-guiding part in such a way that one of the two polarization components, compared to the other of the two polarization components, is retarded by an odd multiple of a quarter of a wavelength of the light beam along the path from the entrance face to the exit face.

Abstract: The present invention to a method of denture manufacture that incorporates CAM-formed zirconia teeth or zirconia tooth segment members, resulting in a natural fit, feel, and wear essentially equivalent to the wear properties of natural teeth, with wear and durability properties superior to dentures known in the art.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sinter blank (1) for producing a dental prosthesis in at least one sintering process, the sinter blank (1) including at least one product area (2), from which the dental prosthesis is produced, and at least one strut (3) that is to be removed after the sintering process, the strut (3) having at least one sliding knob (4) for supporting the strut (3) on a base surface (5) during the sintering process.

Abstract: Gingiva indexing devices and methods with various defined red colour regions have a colour grey card or grey card assigned to it for detecting the gingiva status, in particular for producing a gingival restoration. The devices and method comprise an analysis of at least one region of the gingiva status with regard to its shades of red, the position of the shades of red, the colour profile of the shades of red, their geometry and/or their morphology. The analysis can take place manually and/or digitally, and gingiva information is obtained, in particular in the form of a gingiva map, and optional production of a virtual or real model of a gingival restoration as a reproduction of the missing part of the gums and/or part of gingiva.