Abstract: A handle connectable to a screw-type mechanical drive component for transmitting to the latter a first torque comprises first connection means, defining a constraint axis, for the connection of the handle to the mechanical drive component, a ring nut to which a second torque is manually applicable, support means of the ring nut for rotatably supporting the latter around an axis of rotation coinciding, in use, with the constraint axis, second means for connecting the ring nut to the support means, for connecting/disconnecting the ring nut and the support means in a mechanical and selective way, so that the ring nut is kinematically connected to the support means when rotated around the axis of rotation with a second torque lower than a threshold value and kinematically disconnected from the same upon exceeding such a threshold value.

Abstract: Storage and mixing systems for pasty two-component polymethyl methacrylate bone cements comprise a tubular cartridge having a cylindrical inner chamber, a cartridge head, which closes one end of the tubular cartridge at the front side, a partition that is disposed axially in the cylindrical inner chamber of the cartridge. The partition divides the cylindrical inner chamber of the cartridge bounded by the cartridge head into two cavities that are spatially separated from one another, wherein a first pasty cement component is present in the first cavity and a second pasty cement component is present in the separate second cavity.

Abstract: A surgical instrument kit comprising: (a) a robotic arm comprising a first jaw including a first bipolar electrode and a second jaw including a second bipolar electrode, wherein at least one of first jaw and second jaw is repositionable with respect to the other jaw; (b) a first surgical tool head including a first electrical load in electrical communication with a first pair of electrical terminals, the first surgical tool head adapted to be removably coupled to the robotic arm; and, (c) a second surgical tool head including a second electrical load in electrical communication with a second pair of electrical terminals, the second surgical tool head adapted to be removably coupled to the robotic arm, where the first pair of electrical terminals of the first surgical tool head are adapted to engage the first bipolar electrode and the second bipolar electrode to establish electrical communication between the first bipolar electrode and a first of the first pair of electrical terminals and between the second bi

Abstract: Disclosed is a cryotherapy device comprising at least one inflow channel, at least one outflow channel, control means for controlling the evacuation of expanded cryo-fluid from a body lumen, wherein the control means receive data from at least one sensor that gathers data regarding at least one parameter of the body lumen and wherein the cryotherapy device is introduced into the body lumen via an endoscope.

Abstract: A jaw assembly includes an electrically-conductive tissue-engaging structure, a jaw member including a support base, and a non-electrically conductive member including a first portion configured to engage the electrically-conductive tissue-engaging structure and a second portion configured to engage the support base of the jaw member. The non-electrically conductive member adapted to electrically isolate the electrically-conductive tissue-engaging structure from the jaw member. The electrically-conductive tissue-engaging structure and the non-electrically conductive member cooperatively define a longitudinally-oriented knife channel therethrough.

Abstract: A method includes receiving locations of multiple ablation sites formed on a surface of a heart. Distances are measured among at least some of the ablation sites based on the locations. One or more gaps between the ablation sites, which meet an alerting criterion, are identified. The identified gaps are indicated to an operator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method stimulate or sense neurons or groups of neurons in a subject, e.g., a human or animal brain, with positional dependence. This utility is provided in part by utilizing individually-addressable Radio-Frequency IDentification (RFID) coils so that locations of those coils in the brain would be monitored and known.

Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a radiofrequency treatment device to apply radiofrequency energy to tissue to treat tissue to create lesions without ablating the tissue. The system includes a device having flexible outer tube, an expandable basket having a plurality of arms movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position, a plurality of electrodes movable from a retracted position to an extended position to extend through the openings in the arms, and an advancer slidably disposed within the outer tube to move the electrodes. An elongated spacer is positioned within the outer tube, the spacer having a central lumen to receive the advancer and to maintain a central position of the advancer.

Abstract: System for electrically ablating tissue of a patient through a plurality of electrodes includes a memory, a processor and a treatment control module stored in the memory and executable by the processor. The treatment control module generates an estimated treatment region based on the number of electrical pulses to be applied.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a first clamp portion; a pivot shaft; a second clamp portion rotatable around the pivot shaft, and movable between an opened position in which the second clamp portion is distant from the first clamp portion, and a closed position in which the second clamp portion is adjacent to the first clamp portion; and an electrode member provided on the second clamp portion, and opposed to the first clamp portion, the electrode member forming a clearance in cooperation with the first clamp portion in the closed position, the clearance in a second position distant from the pivot shaft being smaller than the clearance in a first position adjacent to the pivot shaft, to adjust holding pressure.

Abstract: A multiple thermocouple assembly with a reduced wire count is configured for use in an ablation catheter tip. In at least one embodiment, the assembly comprises a first metal material comprising a plurality of junctions; a plurality of conductors comprising a second metal material, each conductor connected to the first metal material at one of the plurality of junctions; and a common conductor that is physically paired with at least one of the plurality of conductors at a corresponding common conductor junction such that the common conductor forms a thermocouple pair with each of the plurality of conductors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guide assembly for an instrument comprising two legs, in particular forceps, the guide assembly comprising first and second guide elements, wherein the guide elements each comprise a base body, provision being made in each case on the outer side of the base body for an arrangement for snapping into place in an opening on an inner side of the legs of the instrument, provision being made on the inner side of the base body in the case of the first guide element for a protrusion and in the case of the second guide element for a recess, which is complementary to the protrusion, and provision being made in each case for a hollow on the outer side of the base body of the first as well as the second guide elements.

Abstract: Surgical end effectors with increased stiffness are described herein. Increased stiffness can be accomplished in a variety of manners, including by increasing a height of each jaw member of an end effector. For example, end effector jaw members can include tapered heights that decrease from a proximal end of the jaw member to a distal end thereof. In one embodiment, first and second jaw members can each have a height measured at a proximal end thereof that is greater than half of an overall height of the end effector, while at a distal end thereof a sum of heights of the first and second jaw members can approximately equal the overall height of the end effector. Overlapping or otherwise fitting such jaw members together can create an end effector with greater stiffness that can be used to apply greater compression force to tissue during operation.

Abstract: A bi-polar forceps for providing electro-cauterization of tissue and blood vessels including first and second elongated beams extending from a rearmost interconnected end to forward most separated probe ends. The beams each include rearmost base portions, intermediate angled portions and forward most extending portions such that the probe ends are established in a non-linear arrangement relative to the rearmost portions. First and second pins extend from the rear end and, upon activating with the probe ends placed in communication with a tissue or vein location to be cauterized, electrically communicate with the forward probe ends.

Abstract: A device for treating ligamentum flavum by radio frequency includes a hand grip and a cannula fixed at its proximal end to the hand grip extending longitudinally from the hand grip to an opposed distal end of the cannula configured to reach the ligamentum flavum. At least one electrode is electrically connectable to a radio frequency generator. The device also includes an actuating device of the electrode provided in the hand grip for moving the electrode. The actuating device includes a slider along a sliding guide having a first and a second sliding portion placed in succession. The first portion is shaped to allow an axial translation of the slider along the guide to generate a translation of the electrode in the cannula. The second portion is configured to allow rotational translation of the slider along the guide to generate a corresponding rotational translation of the electrode outside the cannula.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft module and a handle module selectively separable from one another. The elongated shaft module includes an elongated shaft member and a pair of jaw members supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft member, at least one of the jaw members moveable relative to the other jaw member between open and closed positions. The handle module includes a housing including an opening extending longitudinally therethrough. The opening is dimensioned to permit passage of the pair of jaw members in the closed position. The handle module also includes a movable handle movable relative to the housing to move the pair of jaw members between open and closed positions, and a lock to secure the elongated shaft module in place within the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure, hypertension and renal failure by stimulating the renal nerve. The goal of therapy is to reduce sympathetic activity of the renal nerve. Therapy is accomplished by at least partially blocking the nerve with drug infusion or electrostimulation. Apparatus can be permanently implanted or catheter based.

Abstract: A system for ablating internal heart tissue in an ablation pattern on a surface of the tissue within the heart. The system includes an ablation catheter with a distal end having an ablating tip portion operative to allow selective ablation of tissue. A guiding device is engageable with the ablation catheter and includes a tissue anchoring portion operable to engage with tissue proximate to the tissue to be ablated so as to temporarily anchor the guiding device relative to the tissue. Engagement of the guiding device with the ablation catheter operates to assist with guiding the ablating tip portion in moving along the pattern. Various devices and methods of use are further disclosed.

Abstract: An energy delivery probe and method of using the energy delivery probe to treat a patient is provided herein, The energy delivery probe has at least one probe body having a longitudinal axis and at least a first trocar and a second trocar. Each trocar comprises at least two electrodes that are electrically insulated from each other, and each electrode is independently selectively activatable. An insulative sleeve is positioned in a coaxially surrounding relationship to each of the first trocar and the second trocar. The probe also has a switching means for independently activating at least one electrode. The method involves independently and selectively activating the first and second electrodes to form an ablation zone, then repeating the ablation by delivering energy to a second set of electrodes, producing one or more overlapping ablation zone, and eliminating the need to reposition the ablation probes.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device (10) operable to deliver microwave energy to cause targeted tissue ablation is provided. The electrosurgical device (10) comprises an antenna (26), a reflector (30), and a dielectric material (34) disposed therebetween. The selection of the dielectric material (30) and the relative positioning of the antenna (26) and the reflector (30) provide impedance matching between the antenna (26) and a transmission line (12) so as to minimize heating along the length of the device (10) during use.

Abstract: An electromagnetic surgical ablation probe having a coaxial feedline and cooling chamber is disclosed. The disclosed probe includes a dipole antenna arrangement having a radiating section, a distal tip coupled to a distal end of the radiating section, and a ring-like balun short, or choke, which may control a radiation pattern of the probe. A conductive tube disposed coaxially around the balun short includes at least one fluid conduit which provides coolant, such as dionized water, to a cooling chamber defined within the probe. A radiofrequency transparent catheter forms an outer surface of the probe and may include a lubricious coating.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the use of medical devices for the treatment of vascular conditions. In particular, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for using laser-induced pressure waves to disrupt vascular occlusions. The present disclosure not only provides devices and methods for using laser-induced pressure waves to disrupt vascular occlusions or portions thereof, but the present disclosure also provides devices and methods for disrupting calcium in the media and/or intima layer of an arterial wall.

Abstract: The navigation systems and methods facilitate aligning a tool in relation to a trajectory in real-time to receive input data from a pre-operative plan image, at least one multi-modal image, and at least one real-time multi-modal image; interactively track at least one neural fiber, whereby interactively tracked fiber data is obtainable; automatically generate output data by way of data transformation using the input data and the interactively tracked neural fiber data; and transmit the output data to at least one of: at least one display device for rendering at least one real-time interactive navigation display for facilitating neural navigation, and at least one drive device for positioning at least one tracking device in relation to the tool in real-time, whereby real-time alignment data is achievable, and whereby at least one neurological structure is preservable.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for planning and/or carrying out a total knee replacement surgical procedure on a knee of a leg of a patient are described. Anatomical data for the leg of the patient is obtained, which allows the femoral mechanical axis, the tibial mechanical axis and the joint line of the knee to be determined. A planned proximal tibial cut angle and a planned distal femoral cut angle are determined. A total knee replacement procedure is carried out on the knee of the patient, wherein a distal femoral cut is made using the planned distal femoral cut angle and a proximal tibial cut is made using the planned proximal tibial cut angle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for planning and performing image free implant revision surgery are discussed. For example, a method for generating a revision plan can include collecting pre-defined parameters characterizing a target bone, generating a 3D model, collecting a plurality of surface points, and generating a reshaped 3D model. Generating the 3D model of the target bone can be based on a first portion of the pre-defined parameters. Generating the reshaped 3D model can be done based on the plurality of surface points collected from a portion of the surface of the target bone.

Abstract: A shape sensing system includes a plurality of shape sensing enabled medical devices (118) each having at least one fiber (122). The system is preferably a system for shape sensed robotic ultrasound comprising an endoscope, an ultrasound probe, a medical device and a robot. An optical sensing module (130) is configured to receive optical signals from the at least one optical fiber and interpret the optical signals to provide shape sensing data for each of the plurality of shape sensing enabled medical devices. A registration module (134) is configured to register the plurality of shape sensing enabled medical devices together using the shape sensing data.

Abstract: A trajectory guidance alignment system configurable to receive input data from an image, interactively track at least one user position, interactively track a tool position, automatically generate output data by way of data transformation using at least one of the input data, the user position data, and the tool position data, and transmit the output data to the display of a navigation system for rendering a real-time interactive navigation view corresponding to a surgical view for facilitating navigation of a medical procedure.

Abstract: A slave manipulator manipulates a medical device in response to operator manipulation of an input device through joint control systems. The stiffness and strength of the slave manipulator are adjustable according to criteria such as the mode of operation of the slave manipulator, the functional type of the medical device currently being held by the slave manipulator, and the current phase of a medical procedure being performed using the slave manipulator by changing corresponding parameters of the control system. For safety purposes, such changes are not made until it is determined that it can be done in a smooth manner without causing jerking of the medical device. Further, an excessive force warning may be provided to surgery staff when excessive forces are being commanded on the slave manipulator for more than a specified period of time.

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. The instruction signals can be configured to cause the motor assembly to selectively move the effectuator element.

Abstract: A rotatable wrist connecting a gripper tool to the distal end of a positioning shaft. The rotatable wrist includes a wrist hub that is non-rotatably connected to the distal end of the shaft. A wrist capstan is rotatably connected to the wrist hub and non-rotatably connected to an actuatable device (e.g., a gripper). A flexible wire loop extends through the wrist hub and partially contacts the wrist capstan. Linear movement of the flexible wire loop through the shaft causes rotation of the wrist capstan due to friction between the flexible wire loop and the wrist capstan. The wrist also supports selective detachability and control of roll, pitch and roll, pitch yaw and roll according to different embodiments.

Abstract: An instrument control unit for use with a surgical instrument, is provided. The instrument control unit comprises first and second plates, first and second lead screws, first and second yokes, and first and second motors. The first and second plates define a sleeve therebetween. Each of the first and second lead screws is disposed between the first and second plates. Each of the first and second yokes is threadedly engaged with its respective lead screw. The motors are disposed in mechanical cooperation with respective lead screws. Actuation of the motors causes rotation of its respective lead screw, which results in movement of its respective yoke along the longitudinal axis, and which is configured to effect a first function of a surgical instrument engaged with the instrument control unit.

Abstract: A method of deploying an interventional instrument comprises identifying a target structure in an anatomic frame of reference. The method further comprises determining a target region in the anatomic frame of reference with respect to a current position of the interventional instrument and recording a first engagement location of the interventional instrument within the target region.

Abstract: A guiding apparatus comprises a plurality of collapsible support members and a plurality of retraction assemblies. Each of the plurality of retraction assemblies is coupled to a respective one of the plurality of collapsible support members. The plurality of collapsible support members have an extended configuration in which the plurality of support members are arranged to form a channel extending along a longitudinal axis. The channel is sized to receive an elongated instrument. The plurality of support members have a collapsed configuration in which each of the plurality of support members is retracted within the respective coupled retraction assembly as the elongated instrument is advanced along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising: a jaw assembly; a slider beam; first and second distal jaw-mounted coaxial pulleys rotatably mounted to a distal portion of the second assembly; a two degree of freedom wrist that includes first and second pitch axis pulleys rotatable about a pitch axis and that includes a yaw pulley rotatable about a yaw axis; a first cable that is secured to the slider beam, that wraps about the first distal jaw-mounted pulley and that extends parallel to the jaw assembly to opposite sides of the first pitch axis pulley; a second cable that is secured to the slider beam, that wraps about the second distal jaw-mounted pulley and that extends parallel to the second jaw assembly to opposite sides of the second pitch axis pulley; and at least one yaw cable wrapped about at least a portion of the yaw pulley.

Abstract: A manipulator and a manipulator system adjust the initial tension easily yet unerringly during assembling. The manipulator includes a main unit, an elongated portion that extends from the main unit, a distal end that is connected to the elongated portion, a wire for transmission of power for putting the distal end into actuation, a drive unit for generation of power to the wire, a rotary unit which is located in the main unit, around which the wire is wound and which is rotated by the drive unit, and an elastic unit for connecting the wire to the rotary unit.

Abstract: A method of controlling a movement of a medical instrument comprises receiving an input instruction from an operator input device movement and determining a control factor based on the input instruction. The method also comprises receiving a motion scaling parameter determined from the control factor and mapping the input instruction to an output instruction for a medical instrument movement. The mapping includes applying the motion scaling parameter to the input instruction to create the output instruction. The method also includes moving the medical instrument according to the output instruction.

Abstract: Disclosed are a surgical bib and kit useful in assisting a surgeon in locating and orienting the situs of a surgical incision. Generally, the surgical drape kit includes a fenestrated surgical drape and a fenestrated surgical bib sized to cover the drape fenestration and having a bib fenestration formed therein to permit surgical access therethrough. The surgical bib includes at least one surgical guide marking that may be used to position the surgical bib on the patient with reference to one or more anatomic features of the patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for use in screening for and assessing neuropathies, such as severe diabetic neuropathies of the feet, also known as Loss of Protective Sensation (“LOPS”). The methods and apparatuses described herein employ a kit including one or more of an insert having at least one testing instrument attached thereto, the at least one testing instrument comprising at least a holder and a monofilament; an enclosure including inner compartments for holding and securing the insert; a folder having one or more pockets for securing the insert and one or more of a mirror, a packet and other material, such as instructions. The apparatuses safely secure and protect the testing instrument(s) so that the risk of breaking or otherwise damaging the testing instruments during storage and/or shipping is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A user-incontinence cleaning kit including at least one of a scent blocker and a facial mask, a plurality of gloves sized configured to be worn by the user in an overlapping relationship with respect to each other and corresponding to a select order of use for cleaning a patient, and a plurality of incontinence pads sized and shaped to be interposed between a backside of a patient and a top of a patient support structure.

Abstract: An implant positioning device is fitted on to an orthodontic brace of a patient and used in between an X-ray projecting machine and an X-ray film. The implant positioning device includes a measuring standard member, that forms a detection region by means of a radiopaque material and has a positioning unit on one side of the detection region. The detection region is provided with at least one set of measuring scales. An encircled member is integrated with one side of the measuring standard member and forms an encircling main body that is connected to the orthodontic brace. A sleeved space is collectively formed by the encircling main body and the measuring standard member.

Abstract: In a dental treatment apparatus, a control circuit controls a drive motor in accordance with a drive sequence. The drive sequence includes a plurality of drive patterns and at least one of the plurality of drive patterns is different from other drive pattern. The plurality of drive patterns include at least one drive pattern having such drive that a cutting tool is rotated in a cutting direction for cutting a treatment portion and drive for rotating the cutting tool in a non-cutting direction which is reverse to the cutting direction.

Abstract: An assisted guidance and navigation method in intraoral surgeries is a method using computerized tomography (CT) photography and an optical positioning system to track medical appliances, the method including: first providing an optical positioning treatment instrument and an optical positioning device; then obtaining image data of the intraoral tissue receiving treatment through CT photography, precisely displaying actions of the treatment instrument in the image data, and real-time checking an image and guidance and navigation. Therefore, during the surgery, the existing use habits of the physicians are not affected and accurate and convenient auxiliary information is provided, and attention is paid to using the treatment instrument in physical environments such as a patient's tooth or dental model.

Abstract: A dental implant surgical guide includes an upper guide member including a tooth mold and a plurality of first mating connector components, an intermediate guide member including a guide portion, a plurality of first connection portions and a plurality of second mating connector components, and a lower guide member including a body having a downward-facing recess, a plurality of second connection portions located on the top side of the body, a support bar having two opposite ends thereof respectively connected to the body at two predetermined locations and a mounting portion formed on the body.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument includes a cutting portion having upper and lower ends spaced apart along an axis, a cutting surface extending helically along the axis, and a non-contact surface extending helically along the axis. A cross section of the cutting portion in a plane perpendicular to the axis has a non-circular circumference. The cutting surface extends about a first portion of the non-circular circumference, and the non-contact surface forms a linear segment that extends about a second portion of the non-circular circumference. The cutting portion can further include a second cutting surface extending helically along the axis, and a second non-contact surface extending helically along the axis.

Abstract: Disclosed are endodontic filling materials and methods. A method for filling a dental root canal may include providing a hydrosetting filling material and inserting the hydrosetting filling material into the dental root canal, the material setting in the root canal to form a biocompatible filling. The hydrosetting filling material comprises a hydrogel former and a filler. The hydrogel former is at least one of a reactive organic hydrogel formers, an inorganic hydrogel formers, and a non-reactive organic hydrogel formers, and the filler is at least one of a self-hardening and a non-hardening filler. Plural filling material precursor compositions that collectively contain hydrogel formers and fillers may be provided.

Abstract: A prescription management system is used by an orthodontic or dental lab and a plurality of prescribing users who send prescriptions for customized orthodontic or dental appliances to the lab. The prescriptions are stored in a database selectively accessible by the lab and plurality of prescribing users. A digital workspace is provided in the system in which the lab or prescribing users may create designs for the customized appliances. The designs of the appliances are stored in the database. A tracking record of fabrication of the appliances is stored in the database. A plurality of billings are simultaneously generated in response to the submissions and storage of the prescriptions, the designs of the customized appliances and the fabrication of the designed customized appliances.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a transparent aligner for dental alignment is disclosed. The method may include: determining a tooth contour model which includes a contour portion surrounding a surface of a tooth requiring rotational correction; determining an axis of rotation for the tooth requiring rotational correction; determining two points touching exterior surfaces of the tooth requiring rotational correction based on the axis of rotation and a direction of rotation required for correcting the tooth requiring rotational correction, the two points being symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation; determining a rotational correction model for the rotational correction by protruding the contour portion towards a tooth surface and towards a direction of rotation at the two points; and generating the 3D dental alignment model data by applying the rotational correction model.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cleaning system (30) for a dental implant part (2) that has been introduced into the jaw bone of a patient. For this purpose, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a securing element, which is adapted on the end side to connect to a corresponding connection element in the dental implant part, particularly preferably which can be screwed into a thread of the dental implant part by the end side, and to which a distribution element for a cleaning fluid as well as an electrical contact element can be attached, which distribution element can be connected to an external media reservoir via a media channel, and via which electrical contact element, a power source that is connectable to an external power source can be electrically connected to the dental implant part.

Abstract: A dispensing device for a dental material, comprises a container that has a passageway with a front opening for releasing the dental material, and a rear opening. The device has a first fill opening in the passageway arranged between the rear opening and the front opening. The device further has a second fill opening. The device is adapted to receive a piston in the passageway which is movable between the rear opening and the front opening.

Abstract: A computing device comprises a processor that uses a field curvature model that is calibrated to a confocal imaging apparatus. The processor receives intensity measurements generated by pixels of a detector of the confocal imaging apparatus. The processor determines, for each pixel, a focusing setting of the confocal imaging apparatus that provides a maximum measured intensity. The processor determines, for each pixel, a depth of a point of a 3D object associated with the pixel that corresponds to the determined focusing setting. The processor adjusts the depth of at least one point of the 3D object based on applying the determined focusing setting for the pixel associated with the at least one point to the field curvature model to compensate for a non-flat focal surface of the confocal imaging apparatus. The processor determines a shape of the 3D object based at least in part on the adjusted depth.