Abstract: A device and method is provided for a trackable suction tool for surgical use. The suction tool provides multiple configurations for the tip and reference tree, while allowing tracking by a navigation system. The tip and reference tree are attached to the suction tool handle by a snap fit, a threaded ring with key and slot connections or semi-Allen key connections, providing specific rotational configurations of the tip, handle and reference tree with each other. The handle may include a rotatable outer sleeve with a tear-shaped orifice for suction regulation and an inner sleeve with a corresponding opening, allowing variable placement of the tear-shaped orifice relative to the longitudinal axis of the suction tool. The features of the device allow a suction tool with multiple configurations to be trackable with a navigation system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interventional apparatus comprising an interventional device with a handle (6). The handle comprises a) a first guide (20, 51) guiding an optical fiber, which is also guided within the interventional device, from a first proximal opening (14) of the handle to a distal portion (21) of the handle, wherein the first guide only has radii of curvature being larger than 10 mm, and b) a second guide (22) for guiding an elongated interventional instrument from a second proximal opening (13) of the handle to the distal portion of the handle. Since the first guide is relatively straight, the optical fiber is substantially not bent or only slightly bent and the likelihood that the interventional instrument and the optical fiber press against each other can be significantly reduced. This allows for an improved accuracy of determining the position of the interventional device by optical shape sensing.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a device and methods for safely and accurately placing screws into bones with a powered driving device. By employing multiple layers of fail-safe features and image-guidance systems, the powered driving device provides safe, accurate, and efficient screw placement. That is, the powered driving device may continuously monitor a screw advancement and placement and may automatically shutdown when improper placement is detected. Monitoring placement may be conducted by a microcurrent-monitoring system, by an image-guidance system, or by any other appropriate sensory system. Additionally, upon detecting that screw insertion is complete, the powered driving device may be automatically shutdown.

Abstract: A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with surgical tools and a camera extending out of its distal end. To supplement the view provided by an image captured by the camera, an auxiliary view including articulatable arms of the surgical tools and/or camera is generated from sensed or otherwise determined information about their positions and orientations are displayed along with indications of range of motion limitations on a display screen from the perspective of a specified viewing point.

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: Control systems and methods for a medical instrument use measurements to determine and control the tensions that actuators apply through instrument transmission systems. The use of tension and feedback allows control of a medical instrument having transmission systems that provide non-negligible compliance between joints and actuators even when the positions of joints cannot be directly related to actuator positions. One embodiment determines joint torques and tensions from differences between desired and measured joint positions. Another embodiment determines joint torques and tensions from differences between desired and measured positions of a tip of the instrument. Determination of tensions from joint torques can be performed using sequential evaluation of joints in an order from a distal end of the instrument toward a proximal end of the instrument.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for catheter manipulation. In particular, systems as described herein can be used to drive a catheter while maintaining control along three degrees of freedom. Systems as described herein can be used in a wide variety of settings, including MRI in which small, non-magnetic robot systems having motors that remain stationary during use are advantageous.

Abstract: A glove or finger cot may be formed of a polymer and include one or more pads over the back side of one or more distal finger joints. The glove or cot may optionally be lubricated, sterile, reversible and/or disposable, and may incorporate indicia indicating the location of the pads. The pads may provide protection from, e.g., repetitive stresses in tapping vials or syringes in medical examination, surgery, laboratory procedures, or other clinical contexts.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a water-resistant VAD lifestyle bag including a removable strap connected to two connectors along the top of the bag, a lower unit having two curved top edges connected to two connectors and having at least one water bottle pocket to contain water bottles and a front pocket cover flap, a zipper configured along the top of the lower unit, an emergency information window made of clear material to view the status of a VAD device, a plurality of pockets built into the back of the bag, at least one credit card pocket built into the bag, a VAD controller pocket having clips and configured to secure a VAD controller, and at least one VAD battery pocket having clips and fitted to house at least one VAD battery for powering the VAD device. The plurality of pockets is configured to secure pens, phones, and snacks.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical system includes an imaging device configured to acquire a first image of a fundus of an eye and a hemorrhage detecting unit. The hemorrhage detecting unit includes a processor configured to receive the first fundus image from the imaging device, analyze the first fundus image to detect a hemorrhage in the eye, and in response to detecting the hemorrhage, send a signal to an intraocular pressure controller. The ophthalmic surgical system further includes the intraocular pressure controller, which includes a processor configured to receive the signal from the hemorrhage detecting unit, in response to the received signal, determine if a current intraoperative pressure of the eye is below a predetermined threshold, and in response to determining the current intraoperative pressure of the eye is below the predetermined threshold, generate a signal to increase the intraoperative pressure of the eye.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices to facilitate insertion of a lead for cardiac therapy into an intercostal space associated with the cardiac notch of a patient are described including devices, methods and medical procedure templates to facilitate insertion proximate to a lateral margin of the patient's sternum.

Abstract: A navigation arm system for supporting a navigation device of a navigation system, capable of coupling with a navigation display cart, the navigation arm system involving: an arm assembly configured to position the navigation device, the arm assembly including a first arm linkage having a tension adjustment feature and releasably connectable to the navigation device; a second arm linkage capable of connecting the arm assembly to the navigation display cart; and at least one joint coupling at least the first and second arm linkages; and a locking mechanism configured to maintain a disposition of the arm assembly in relation to the navigation display cart in a locked stored position and a unlocked deployed position, the locking mechanism configured to lockably couple the arm assembly in relation to the navigation display cart, the locking mechanism including a plurality of locking modes, whereby structural stability is providable

Abstract: A surgical robotic arm support system includes a rail and one or more mounting members configured to be coupled to the rail at a selected one of a plurality of discrete robotic arm mounting positions. Each mounting member is configured to support a surgical robotic arm. Distances from the discrete mounting positions to a surgical site access point on a patient may be calculated based on the mounting position locations and a patient dimension and/or a placement position of the patient on a surgical table. An optimal mounting position for each of an optimal number of the surgical robotic arms for a selected surgical procedure may be identified from the calculated distances.

Abstract: A mounting device for a stand device for arrangement in the operating room and to position or displace a medical apparatus in the operating room, in particular by means of a rotational movement, incorporates a mounting apparatus, which extends along an axis of rotation in a longitudinal direction and has a cavity, which in particular is cylindrical and which is oriented in the longitudinal direction, for accommodating a rotatably supportable connection component of the stand device, in particular a spindle; and an adjustment apparatus for arranging the connection component in a position, which can be predefined, in relation to the mounting apparatus; wherein the mounting device forms a rotational coupling for supporting the connection component on the mounting apparatus, which rotational coupling can be adjusted about the axis of rotation. The invention further relates to a mounting system including such a mounting device.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods, systems, and computer program products for digital orthodontic setup using a prescribed ideal arch form. The invention may include an imaging system, an orthodontic device production system, and an orthodontic treatment system interconnected by way of a network. The orthodontic treatment system may facilitate manipulating one or more reference teeth into a position by the dental practitioner. The orthodontic treatment system may further facilitate selection of an ideal unit-less arch form and scaling of the ideal unit-less arch form into a scaled ideal arch form to fit the reference teeth. After the selected ideal unit-less arch form is scaled to fit the reference teeth, the remaining teeth are positioned with respect to the scaled ideal arch form, either manually by a dental practitioner or automatically by an alignment algorithm.

Abstract: The intraoral vibratory multifunctional device and wireless system for interaction between device, patient, and dentist, which stands out, among other things, for being comprised by independent segments, so that the applicability of the activation protocols by isolated segments of the arch becomes very simple, and can also be activated together, all segments simultaneously. In short, the invention provides a broad and real time relationship between the dental professional and the patient, in addition to offering other entertainment which could possibly be used. The invention consists of a dental device that has vibration characteristics by means of vibration and a clamping element attached to the dental arch or braces, with the dental braces (AP) composed of microvibrators (1), vibration band (2), and sensors (S1). A remote interaction system provides interactive communication between patient (P), dentist (D1), and the system itself.

Abstract: A series of appliances including a first shell and a second shell can be designed to incrementally implement a treatment plan. The first and second shells can have cavities designed to receive teeth of a jaw. The first shell can be designed to interface with a first surface of a plurality of surfaces of an attachment structure to provide a first engagement force specific to a first stage of the treatment plan. The second shell can be designed to interface with a second surface of the plurality of surfaces of the attachment structure attached to the at least one tooth of the first jaw to provide a second engagement force specific to a second stage of the treatment plan.

Abstract: A bracket system for orthodontic appliances including a bracket combinatorial library having a plurality of brackets each interchangeably fixedly mountable to each of a plurality of teeth within a dentition group in a dental arch, whereby the plurality of brackets can be configured to provide incremental variation in tipping force moments, in-out force moments, and torqueing force moments over the entire useful range of orthodontic mechanics, allowing an orthodontic practitioner to prescribe a combination of tipping force moments, in-out force moments, and torqueing force moments unique for each tooth in relation to the plurality of teeth of a patient.

Abstract: An abutment is provided with a screw access hole and a slot in its sidewall adapted to allow a driver to access a screw in the screw access hole at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the screw. The abutment may include a screw seat and may be connected to an implant via a screw in the screw seat. A prosthesis, which may include a driver access channel that has a diameter less than the outer diameter of the drive portion of the screw, may be placed over the abutment. Methods of making a dental prosthesis and methods of attaching and removing the dental prosthesis from the implant are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a prosthesis for dental replacement, the prosthesis includes a root. The root includes an abutment and a base portion. The abutment is adapted for affixation of a dental crown thereto. The base portion is shaped for insertion into a tooth socket. The base portion includes a core, a metallic oxide layer on the core and a film-like stem cell layer on the metallic oxide layer. The metallic oxide layer has a number of holes.

Abstract: A method of increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw having at least one tooth with an orthodontic brace thereon includes: (1) holding a handle of a device, the device having an elongate member extending from the handle and a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member; (2) moving a sleeve along the elongate member to set a length of exposed screw tip; (3) locking the sleeve in place relative to the screw tip; (4) drilling a hole with the screw tip through a cortical bone of a jaw to increase movement of the tooth; and (5) stopping the drilling when the length of exposed screw tip has penetrated the jaw.

Abstract: Methods and systems for scanning an intraoral cavity of a patient provide capturing one or more viewfinder images of the intraoral cavity and scanning the intraoral cavity with an intraoral scanner to generate one or more topography scans of the intraoral cavity. The one or more topography scans may correspond to the one or more viewfinder images. The methods and systems further provide capturing a viewfinder image of a portion of the intraoral cavity, the viewfinder image overlapping with the one or more viewfinder images. An area of overlap of the viewfinder image with the one or more viewfinder images can be determined. One or more indicators of the area of overlap can be displayed on one or more locations of a display in order to provide guidance for positioning a field of view of the intraoral scanner.

Abstract: A method of coloring pre-sintered dental restoration, comprises: securing a pre-sintered dental restoration; applying a preceding liquid on the dental restoration; dipping the dental restoration, with the preceding liquid thereon, into a subsequent liquid for coloring; and sintering the dental restoration to acquire a fully sintered dental restoration. The subsequent liquid is different from the preceding liquid. The preceding liquid at least partly blocks or interferes with an infiltration of the subsequent liquid into an area where the preceding liquid was applied. The fully sintered dental restoration has less color/chroma in the area where the preceding liquid was applied.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a form for producing a pre-molded prosthesis base blank, wherein the pre-molded prosthesis base blank is provided for producing a prosthesis base for a dental prosthesis with a subtractive CAM method, wherein the form features an inner surface which is a negative of the prosthesis base blank to be produced, wherein the inner surface features a negative of a dental arch or a dental arch section with a thickening in the occlusal direction, and the form consists of at least two parts, which are affixed in such a manner that are detachable from each other or which are detachably affixable to each other. The invention also relates to a method for producing a prosthesis base blank with such a form, in which a hot polymer or cold polymer is filled into the at least dual-part compiled form, the hot polymer or cold polymer is then hardened, and as a next step, the parts of the form are detached from the hardened prosthesis base blank.

Abstract: Providing a surface treatment agent for a wax pattern containing solvent; boron nitride; and a surface-active agent.

Abstract: A bite rim system includes a plurality of dental bite rims having a shape and size that is suitable for use in a human mouth. A plurality of anatomically correct replica teeth is constructed from wax, and also includes various tooth characteristics of different shapes, thicknesses, sizes and colors. A series of replica teeth are removably pre-mounted onto one or more of the bite rims in an anatomically correct pattern. The system also includes one or more replica teeth strips having a front facing surface with the image of one or more teeth imprinted thereon, and a back facing surface that is coated with an adhesive material for mating with one of the dental bite rims.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a teeth washer structure, which includes: a guiding tube and an ejecting tube; the guiding tube includes a connection part, a tube body, an engage part and a first flow channel formed therein, a surface of the connection part is formed with a thread, and the portion of the first flow channel defined in the engage part is formed with a gradually-shrinking structure. One end of the ejecting tube is formed with a water inlet part connected to and communicated with the connection part in a watertight manner, another end thereof is disposed with an ejecting nozzle, the end of the ejecting tube where the ejecting nozzle is disposed is formed with a bendable structure, the interior of the ejecting tube is formed with a second flow channel mutually communicated with the first flow channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical implants with adjustable size features, and methods for treating pelvic conditions by use of the implants.

Abstract: Described are surgical implants that include releasable reinforcement, and related methods, particular example implants and methods being useful for treating pelvic tissue, cardiac tissue, and hernia, wherein the releasable reinforcement can be released (removed or disabled) during a surgical procedure to affect a mechanical property of the implant or a portion of the implant.

Abstract: The disclosure may relate to implant systems, kits, implants, devices, and associated methods that can quickly, easily and accurately deliver a soft tissue implant with minimal incisions/trauma to surrounding tissue. The soft implant may include one or more features disposed on or within the implant configured to engage an implant insertion tool. The one or more features may include one or more of a channel disposed along the length of the soft implant, groove, slot, notch, among others, or any combination thereof. The implant insertion tool may include an implant interface section configured to engage the one or more features.

Abstract: Materials for soft tissue repair, and in particular, material for hernia repair. These materials may be configured as an implant, such as a graft, that may be implanted into a patient in need thereof, such as a patient having a hernia or undergoing a hernia repair surgical procedure. These grafts may include a first layer comprising a substrate (e.g., mesh) and a second layer comprising a sheet of anti-adhesive material. The layers may be attached with a plurality of relatively small attachment sites that are separated by regions in which the two layers are not attached, to provide a highly compliant graft.

Abstract: A dissection prosthesis system for implantation within a blood vessel includes a first prosthesis and a second prosthesis. The first prosthesis includes a first stent ring, a second stent ring, a first graft material band coupling the first stent ring to the second stent ring, a third stent ring, and a second graft material band coupling the second stent ring to the third stent ring. The second stent ring includes a plurality of openings that enable fluid flow from a lumen of the first prosthesis through the plurality of openings. The graft material bands may include band openings disposed therethrough to enable fluid flow from the lumen through the band openings. The second prosthesis includes a stent coupled to a graft material. The second prosthesis is configured to be disposed within the lumen of the first prosthesis.

Abstract: A medical device for treating a target site within a lumen having an arcuate portion is provided. The medical device includes a first tubular portion comprising a proximal and distal end, and a second tubular portion comprising a proximal and distal end. A linking portion couples the first and second tubular portions, and an opening defined between the distal end of the first tubular portion and the proximal end of the second tubular portion. At least part of the linking portion is configured to conform to at least a portion of the arcuate portion of the lumen. Associated methods for using a medical device are also provided.

Abstract: Endoprosthesis assemblies and methods for using the same. In at least one embodiment, the endoprosthesis assembly comprises an endoprosthesis comprising an impermeable inner wall defining an endoprosthesis lumen sized and shaped to permit fluid to flow therethrough, a distal balloon positioned at or near a distal end of the endoprosthesis and capable of inflation to anchor the distal end of the endoprosthesis within a luminal organ, and a proximal balloon positioned at or near a proximal end of the endoprosthesis and capable of inflation to anchor the proximal end of the endoprosthesis within the luminal organ, wherein when the endoprosthesis assembly is positioned within the luminal organ at or near an aneurysm sac, inflation of the distal balloon and the proximal balloon effectively isolates the aneurysm sac and prevents fluid within the aneurysm sac from flowing past the distal balloon and the proximal balloon.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and devices for securing a suture, graft, or other material to tissue with an anchor. The anchor of some embodiments includes an eyelet through which the suture, graft, or other material may be passed and mechanisms for selectively engaging the suture, graft, or other material through the eyelet. The mechanisms of some embodiments may also reinforce the anchor to provide a strengthened anchor to withstand actions such as impacting the anchor during insertion or applying bending stress to the anchor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an intraocular pseudophakic contact lens. The intraocular pseudophakic contact lens includes an optical lens configured to at least partially correct a residual refractive error in an eye. The residual refractive error includes a refractive error that exists in the eye after implantation of an artificial intraocular lens in the eye. The intraocular pseudophakic contact lens also includes one or more haptics configured to be inserted under an anterior leaflet of a capsular wall in the eye in order to capture and confine the one or more haptics under the anterior leaflet and secure the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens against the artificial intraocular lens.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an intraocular lens injector with which the tip side of a plunger can be finely formed while ensuring rigidity, and with which the occurrence of shaft deviation during contact with an intraocular lens can be effectively inhibited. A plunger (3) of this intraocular lens injector (1) is provided with: a tip-side shaft part (35) provided with an L-shaped section (36); a central shaft part (33) which is formed flat, and which is wider than the tip-side shaft part (35); and a part (40) to be restricted which is formed from the tip-side shaft part (35) to the central shaft part (33), and which protrudes from the flat surface at the central shaft part (33).

Abstract: An intraocular lens comprises a lens body customized for astigmatism in a particular eye. For the customization to work, the astigmatism in the lens has to be aligned with astigmatism in the eye. Thus the intraocular lens comprises four protrusions arranged outwardly around the lens body to form the four corners of a substantially rectangular profile. The profile locks the intraocular lens into a position of rotational stability when inserted into a capsular bag, thus preventing rotation of the intraocular lens, which would otherwise tend to occur both immediately after insertion into the capsular bag and later on during growth, shrinkage or other change to the capsular bag. The Intraocular lens may additionally be customized for other eye conditions and a multi-focal embodiment is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling blood pressure via electrical stimulation of the heart are disclosed. Embodiments may include at least two different stimulation patterns, each configured to reduce blood pressure to a different degree, and may alternate between stimulation patterns based on the need of a patient, for example, alternating between day and night or between periods of strenuous and light activity. Some embodiments may take advantage of a slow baroreflex response that occurs after treatment is stopped, suspending treatment for extended periods, and then resuming treatment before blood pressure levels reach pretreatment values. Embodiments may control blood pressure by controlling atrial pressure and atrial stretch.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve implant may include an expandable anchor member, a plurality of valve leaflets disposed within the anchor member, a seal member disposed about a distal portion of the anchor member, one or more whip sutures attaching a distal end of the seal member to a distal end of the plurality of valve leaflets at a joint, one or more distal lashing sutures attaching a distal portion of the seal member to a distal end of the anchor member, and a plurality of proximal lashing sutures attaching a proximal portion of the seal member to the distal portion of the anchor member, wherein the one or more distal lashing sutures does not extend through the seal member.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the treatment of cardiac valve dysfunction through the placement of lines and anchors. The lines and anchors can form artificial chordae between valve leaflets and the ventricular wall or papillary muscles or connect the two valve leaflets together. The methods and devices offer a mechanism for performing this technique with the heart still beating, and allows for the placement of multiple lines with a single device.

Abstract: A system for repairing an atrioventricular valve of a patient is provided. First and second tissue-engaging elements are configured for implantation at first and second implantation sites of the patient, respectively. First and second flexible longitudinal members are coupled at respective first end portions thereof to the first and the second tissue-engaging elements, respective. Each of the first and the second flexible longitudinal members comprises a braided polyester suture or a plurality of wires that are intertwined to form a rope structure. First and second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling elements are coupled to respective second end portions of the first and the second flexible longitudinal members. The first and the second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling elements are configured to be couplable together during an implantation procedure to couple together the first and the second flexible longitudinal elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a leaflet sizer comprising first and second commissure indication parts to be contacted with two commissures of a cardiac valve, the first and second commissure indication parts being movable relative to each other.

Abstract: A moldable bone composition consists of a mixture of: cortical bone and cancellous bone. The cortical bone is formed in three portions, a mineralized shaving portion and a demineralized shaving portion and a mineralized powder portion. The cancellous bone is formed in a mineralized crushed cancellous portion. The portions are free-dried and mixed together to form a freeze-dried moldable bone composition.

Abstract: A bone gel composition consists of cortical bone. The cortical bone is made from cut pieces freeze-dried then ground into particles and demineralized then freeze-dried. A volume of the particles is placed in a solution of sterile water to create a mixture, the water volume being twice the second portion, the mixture is autoclaved under heat and pressure to form a gelatin, the resulting bone gel is placed in jars and kept at room temperature or frozen for later use. The cortical bone has the cut pieces having a width, a length and a thickness in the range of 1 to 4 mm The cortical bone pieces are ground to a particle size up to 125 microns.

Abstract: A cohesive bone composition is made from a moldable bone composition intermixed with a bone gel composition. The cohesive bone composition is made from human cadaver bone. A fluid can be added, the fluid may also be laden with cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a synthetic block intended for filling in a bone defect. The block is made up of a part made of ceramic material which has a shape that enables same to fill in the bone defect, and which is capable of being stabilized once placed in the bone defect, a three-dimensional network of channels communicating with one another being formed at least partially in the part such as to allow through the fluids and cells that enable revascularization with a view to cell growth once the part is in place in the bone defect, the channels opening onto each surface of the bone defect in contact with the part once it is placed in the bone defect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for stabilising joints, comprising a receptacle (20), wherein the receptacle (20) is filled with a filling medium (30), a first body (40) for interaction with the filling medium (30), wherein the first body is arranged displaceably in the receptacle (20), a force-transmission means (50) for the transmission of an external force onto the first body (40), a second body (60) for interaction with the filling medium (30) which is arranged displaceably in the receptacle (20), wherein the second body is coupled elastically to the first body (40) via a coupling element (70), wherein at least one of the second body (60) and the first body (40) have at least one outlet opening (64) through which the filling medium (30) can flow, and wherein the first body (40) forms a valve body and the second body (60) forms a valve seat so that a flow of the filling medium (30) through the outlet opening (64) can be allowed or prevented as a function of the valve position.

Abstract: An implant for repairing a cartilage defect comprising a first layer and a second layer. The first layer comprises a membrane-like structure and the second layer comprises a sponge-like structure with directional and/or interconnected pores. The first layer is facing the synovial space and the second layer is located towards bone.