Abstract: A laser beam treatment system that delivers laser beam pulses to a dental treatment area according to a particular pattern is described. In various instances, the spacing of the pattern (e.g., locations at which pulses are delivered and the distances therebetween) and/or the timing of the pattern (e.g., amount of time between the delivery of pulses to a first location and a later location that abuts the first location) can have a demonstrable effect on ablation performance. The effects can include, for example: improved ablation efficiency, improved surface smoothness, improved material removal rate, and/or the absence of melt, carbonization or other negative surface features.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a method for providing an atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation treatment plan includes receiving imaging data for at least a portion of an atrial region of a subject's heart, and processing the imaging data to characterize tissue as one of fibrotic tissue or non-fibrotic tissue. The method further includes calculating a metric of spatial distribution of at least a portion of the tissue characterized as fibrotic tissue from the processing the imaging data, identifying a cardiac tissue ablation target based on the metric, and providing an AF treatment plan that includes the cardiac tissue ablation target as at least a portion of the AF treatment plan.

Abstract: A method for determining a predicted lesion size formed in a tissue by receiving or calculating a measure of contact force between the electrode and the tissue, determining a tissue characterization, and calculating the predicted lesion size using both the measure of contact force and the tissue characterization. A system comprising an electronic control unit configured to receive or determine a measure of contact force between the electrode and the tissue, characterize the tissue based on both the measure of impedance and the measure of contact force, and cause the tissue characterization to be either (a) presented to a user, or (b) applied to calculate a metric and cause the metric to be presented to the user.

Abstract: A positioning mark apparatus of a surgery navigation system and an implementation instrument thereof are disclosed. The positioning mark apparatus includes a positioning base and a frequency modulated radio frequency positioning module. One end of the positioning base is a lock portion having a screw structure, another end is a head having a joint structure, and a free end of the head has a fitting structure. The frequency modulated radio frequency positioning module has a sleeving structure that cooperates with the head structure and buckles with the joint structure. The frequency modulated radio frequency positioning module includes an antenna unit, a printed circuit board unit electrically connected to the antenna unit, and an electronic component battery unit supplying power to the printed circuit board unit. The frequency modulated radio frequency positioning module may transmit, according to a received frequency modulated signal, a feedback signal including a radio frequency signal to the external.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for use in electronic guidance systems for surgical navigation. A sensor is provided with an optical sensor and an inclinometer (e.g. accelerometer or other inclination measuring sensor) and communicates measurements of patient inclination to an inter-operative computing unit. The computing unit is configured to determine patient movement (e.g. relative to an initial patient position) and provide inclination measurements graphically via a GUI to represent patient movement during a procedure. The graphic may be selectively displayed. In one example, a bubble level graphic is displayed to indicate patient movement. A direction of the bubble level may utilize a registration coordinate frame of the patient and the current inclination expressed with respect to the anatomical directions of the patient.

Abstract: A system for managing a user interface comprising: a first teleoperated surgical system comprising: a communications subsystem configured to receive at the first teleoperated surgical system from a second teleoperated surgical system, an environmental variable describing operation of the second teleoperated surgical system; a video subsystem to: render a local scene at the first teleoperated surgical system, the local scene representing a state of operation of the first teleoperated surgical system; render a remote scene at the first teleoperated surgical system, the remote scene representing a state of operation of the second teleoperated surgical system and the remote scene based at least in part on the environmental variable; composite the local scene and the remote scene to produce a composite scene; and present the composite scene to a user of the first teleoperated surgical system.

Abstract: A system for controlling a user interface of a teleoperated surgical system, the system comprises a first master controller communicatively coupled to the teleoperated surgical system; and a display device communicatively coupled to the teleoperated surgical system and configured to display a graphical user interface; and wherein the first master controller is configured to transmit a first input signal to an interface controller, the first input signal caused by manual manipulation of the first master controller, the interface controller to use the first input signal to update a graphical user interface presented by the display device.

Abstract: In a minimally invasive surgical system, a hand tracking system tracks a location of a sensor element mounted on part of a human hand. A system control parameter is generated based on the location of the part of the human hand. Operation of the minimally invasive surgical system is controlled using the system control parameter. Thus, the minimally invasive surgical system includes a hand tracking system. The hand tracking system tracks a location of part of a human hand. A controller coupled to the hand tracking system converts the location to a system control parameter, and injects into the minimally invasive surgical system a command based on the system control parameter.

Abstract: Provided is a medical manipulator system including: a manipulator including an end effector configured to treat a patient and a driver configured to drive the end effector; an operation input unit configured to generate an operation command for the manipulator; a storage configured to store a history information of each operator; and a controller comprising one or more processors, the one or more processors configured to: receive identification information of an operator by inputting of the operation input unit; get the history information of the operator from the storage based on the identification information; estimate a skill of the operator based on the history information; set a maximum operating speed of the manipulator and/or an operating range of the manipulator in proportion to the skill; qualify the operation command based on the maximum operating speed and/or the operating range; and control the driver based on the qualified operation command.

Abstract: A packaging assembly is arranged for holding an article at a predetermined location relative to the packaging assembly in closed and open configurations of the packaging assembly. The packaging assembly includes at least two sections arranged to be secured in place relative to one another in the closed configuration of the packaging assembly, and move relative to one another in the open configuration of the packaging assembly. The at least two sections form an inner surface defining an attachment area for receiving the article. The packaging assembly includes at least one instruction area located along the inner surface and having indicia pointing to features of an article for placement in the packaging assembly and displayed relative to the attachment area.

Abstract: A manual retraction tool for use with a surgical tool assembly of a surgical device includes a shaft, a rotation mechanism, and a trigger. The shaft is dimensioned to be inserted into a rotational connector of a surgical tool assembly and to effect rotation of the connector upon rotation of the shaft. The rotation mechanism configured to rotatably support the shaft. The trigger is operably connected to the rotation mechanism such that when the trigger is actuated from a first position to a second position, the rotation mechanism rotates the shaft about a longitudinal axis in a first direction to effect rotation of the rotational connector of the surgical tool assembly.

Abstract: A bilateral hearing implant surgical template arrangement is described. An implant fits behind the outer ear pinna of a recipient patient and conforms against an underlying side of the head. The implant stimulator template has an implant outline defining an area corresponding to an implanted stimulator of the bilateral hearing implant system, and has an adjustable connection that allows adjustment of the position of the implant stimulator template with respect to the outer ear pinna so as to define stimulator implantation sites at symmetric locations on each side of the patient's head. A behind the ear (BTE) processor template also has a processor outline defining an area corresponding to an external BTE processor device of the bilateral hearing implant system and fits behind the ear pinna at the adjustable connection with the implant stimulator template, and conforms against an underlying side of the patient's head.

Abstract: A system (1) and a method for robot-assisted medical treatment of a patient. The system comprises a manipulator (20), a medical visualization device (30), which is mounted on the manipulator (20) in order to be moved by said manipulator; and a medical instrument (40), which is provided with at least one marker (41) in order that the location of the medical instrument (40) can be detected. A control device (10) moves the manipulator such that the visualization device is orientated depending on the location or position of the medical instrument.

Abstract: A drill limit system includes a holder having drill stops removably coupled thereto and configured to receive a drill bit therethrough, and a platform coupled to the holder and configured to engage a tip end of the drill bits when received through the drill stops, wherein the holder and platform are movable relative to each other so that the position of the drill stops relative to the drill bits may be selectively varied. A method for attaching drill stops to a drill bit includes providing a holder and a platform movable relative to each other, the holder having a plurality of drill stops removably coupled thereto, inserting a plurality of drill bits through respective drill stops, moving the holder and platform relative to each other to select a desired height of the drill stops on the bits, and engaging the drill stops to the drill bits at the selected height.

Abstract: A dental tool comprises a guard having a concave inner surface at one end and an adapter. The adapter comprising a nose, a monolithic ball portion having an integral neck, and a ball receiver comprising a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, where the concave inner surface of the ball receiver engages a convex outer surface of the monolithic ball portion, the concave inner surface of the guard engages the convex outer surface of the ball receiver, and an opposite end of the guard rests upon the nose.

Abstract: An apparatus for endodontic treatment, comprising: a nozzle connected to a fluid source comprising: a tip small enough to be inserted into a pulp chamber of a tooth; an inner geometry which forms a flow parameters including non-axial flow direction of nozzle fluid flowing through the inner geometry such that discharge fluid discharged from the inner geometry increase rotation of root canal fluid within a root canal sufficiently to remove tissue from the root canal.

Abstract: A method for digitally designing a modified dental setup up on a digital 3D dental model representing at least a part of the jaws of a patient includes the steps of obtaining a pre-treatment digital 2D image of at least a part of the patient's teeth, obtaining a digital 3D representation of the at least a part of the patient's set of teeth, obtaining a proposed digital 2D image of a desired dental setup based on the pre-treatment digital 2D image, wherein at least one digital tooth modification has been provided, and transferring the at least one digital tooth modification from the proposed digital 2D image to the digital 3D representation. This provides a method where the practitioner with relative simple means can present the patient with a visualization of an expected outcome of a dental treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to orthodontic positioning appliances and related methods. An appliance in accordance with the present invention has teeth receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to the patient's teeth. At least one of the cavities of the appliance includes a portion shaped to compensate for non-elastic deformation due to use of the appliance.

Abstract: An orthodontic device is disclosed comprising a head configured to be coupled to a tooth, the head having a first geometric configuration such that actuation of the head facilitates adjustment of the tooth, a neck adjacent the head to facilitate coupling of the head to the tooth, the neck having a second geometric configuration, the neck operable to transfer a force exerted on the head to the tooth and at least one of the neck and the head comprising a flexible material. In some embodiments, the orthodontic device further comprises a member operable to engage the head such that actuation of the head facilitates physical adjustment of the tooth and the member comprises an aligner and the aligner further comprises at least one well configured to engage the head.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, computing device readable medium, devices, and systems having a dental attachment placement structure. One dental attachment placement apparatus includes a body having an attachment placement surface that is to be placed on an attachment affixing surface of a tooth and wherein the attachment placement surface includes a portion that is shaped to allow placement of an attachment at a particular position on the affixing surface of the tooth and a portion of the body having a contour that is shaped to correspond with a contour of an alignment surface of a tooth and when the contour of the body and the corresponding contour is aligned, the attachment is located at the particular position and can be secured to the affixing surface of the tooth.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides intra-oral devices for repositioning the relationship between upper and lower dental arches. The devices are attached to appliances on molar teeth of each arch and can be reactivated without removal or replacement of substantial components of the device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for subperiosteal minimally invasive aesthetic ridge augmentation and reconstruction, including of the mandible and maxilla. Implementation of procedures that manipulate the tissue to accept an implantable article are carried out. The reconstruction or augmentation involves selecting a surgical site at which an implantable article is to be installed, making one or more incisions in the tissue remote from the selected site, developing a tunnel leading to the site, forming a pouch under the periosteum at the site, and positioning an implantable article, such as a bone graft, in the pouch using the tunnel as the passageway. Implementations may include forming a customized bone graft to address a specific defect, and providing specially configured instruments for use in carrying out the method.

Abstract: Healing set capable of a connection to a dental implant during a cicatrisation phase of a dental restoration process, comprising a cicatrisation element (10) designed to be surrounded at least partially by a gum (63) and a post base (1) designed to be fixed in an implant (60), characterized in that the cicatrisation element has a lateral surface (13) designed to be integrated inside a gum in order to structurize the gum during its cicatrisation, and a terminal surface (14), one portion of the lateral surface (13) and of the terminal surface (14) forming an emergent surface, designed to remain outside the gum, which is asymmetrical with respect to at least a median perpendicular plane, and in that the post base has a longitudinal axis (L) for its entire length, able to be aligned with the axis of an implant (60).

Abstract: PROCEDURE FOR PRODUCING IMPLANTS WITH A PERSONALISED SURFACE that involves the cleaning/activation of the implant surface by means of plasma technology using oxygen or argon plasma to obtain surfaces with no organic compounds or oxide layers, and the application of a liquid solution that is designed for each patient and contains a single osteoconductive, osteoinductive, antibiotic, antibacterial or probiotic component, or a combination of any of them. The cleaning/activation of the implant surface by means of plasma technology may be carried out in the clinic or in the implant production plant and the liquid solution may be applied in the dental clinic just before the implant placement procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for preventing an abutment from being loosened in a dental implant comprising: a fixture (10) which is fixedly installed in a jawbone (1); the abutment (20) coupled to the fixture (10) includes an upper hole (23a) having a bottom surface (24) and a lower hole (23b); and a fastening screw (40) for fixing the abutment (20) to the fixture, wherein the apparatus suppresses unfastening of the fastening screw (40) fastened to the screw part (13) of the fixture (10), thereby preventing the abutment (20) from being loosened from the fixture (10).

Abstract: Dental implantation systems and methods are provided, including a system comprising a patient-interacting device having an instrument for preparing a site within a patient's mouth for a dental implant. A guiding device in communication with a fiducial marker engaged with the patient's mouth receives the patient-interacting device, and guides the instrument, relative to the fiducial marker, in conjunction with user manipulation of the patient-interacting device. A controller device including a processor is in communication with the guiding device, and directs the patient-interacting device via the guiding device to prepare the site to receive the dental implant. An engagement sensor is operably engaged with the patient-interacting device and communicates with the controller device. The controller device is responsive to sensed disengagement between the patient-interacting device and the user to direct the guiding device to maintain the patient-interacting device at a minimum vertical disposition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a milling machine for producing a dental component, such as a crown or an abutment for example, from a blank. The milling machine includes a stop and a holder for the blank. The invention is characterized in that the holder is designed such that the holder can be surrounded by a mounting, which surrounds the holder, of the blank, and the surrounding mounting of the blank can be brought into contact with the stop for positioning purposes. The invention further relates to a corresponding blank.

Abstract: A method for positioning a semifinished product, has the steps of: providing a semifinished product having at least one position mark aligned with the center of contraction or expansion, and providing a machining device for machining and finishing the semifinished product, which is positioned, preferably reproducibly positioned, in the machining device via fastening means and the position mark.

Abstract: A dental coloring stamp has a transfer pad for transferring a dental coloring solution to a precursor of a dental restoration. The transfer pad is at least partially formed of an open-celled elastic sponge and has a free transfer surface. The cross-section of the transfer pad is greater than a circular area of 10 mm in diameter so that a side of a dental restoration precursor can be stamped and thus colored. The invention helps facilitating the coloring of dental restorations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tooth replacement including at least one posterior tooth having a mesial contact surface, a distal contact surface, and an occlusal surface. The occlusal surfaces includes at least one buccal cusp having a buccal cusp tip, a lingual cusp having a lingual cusp tip, a central fissure which has at least one tooth pit and passes through the occlusal surface in the mesiodistal direction between the two cusps, a first gradient which slopes downward from the buccal cusp tip in the direction of the central fissure, and a second gradient which slopes downward from the lingual cusp tip in the direction of the central fissure. The tooth replacement according to the invention is characterized in that the mesial contact surface, the distal contact surface and/or the occlusal contact surface comprise expansion spaces that have been incorporated in a targeted manner to obtain a dynamic occlusal guidance.

Abstract: A dental retention pin made of composite material includes a core consisting of fibers embedded in a resin matrix. The fibers, which have a refractive index (n), are radio-opaque, and the refractive index (n?) of the resin forming the matrix has a value close to that of the fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined model scanning and oral cavity scanning apparatus. The combined model scanning and oral cavity scanning apparatus includes an optical three-dimensional measurement unit configured to generate light, acquire intraoral shape information , and acquire model shape information, a data processor configured to generate three-dimensional tooth data, a data transmission unit configured to transmit the three-dimensional tooth data, a main body accommodating the optical three-dimensional measurement unit, the data processor, and the data transmission unit, and at least two intraoral scanning tips configured to be alternately detachable to the main body and provide light paths, wherein the at least two intraoral scanning tips includes a model scanning tip for scanning a dental model.

Abstract: An interdental cleaning device (1) for being inserted into an interdental space to clean the interdental space includes a rod-shaped core portion (12); and a soft portion (20) being softer than the core portion (12) and covering the outer surface of at least a part of the core portion (12) including a core front end (P1) as the front end of the core portion (12), wherein the soft portion (20) has a partial length of 0.5 mm or more between the core front end (P1) and a soft front end (P2) as the front end of the soft portion (20).

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing an interdental cleaning device (1) including a base portion (10) having a handle portion (11) and a core portion (12); and a soft portion (20) having a cleaning soft portion (21), a non-slip portion (22), and connecting portions (23) extending from two sites of the non-slip portion (22) and being connected to the cleaning soft portion (21). The method includes causing a second gate (49) of second molds (40) and (41) for molding the soft portion (20) to open at a position substantially equally distant from positions of two communicating openings (48a) of a non-slip molding space (47) for molding the non-slip portion (22), the two communicating openings (48a) communicating with connecting portion molding spaces (48) for molding the connecting portions (23); and charging the elastomeric material from the second gate (49) into a second molding space (42) for molding the soft portion (20) to fill the molding space (42).

Abstract: A toothbrush is disclosed. The toothbrush includes a handle, a brush tip connected to the handle, wherein the brush tip includes a plurality of bristles operably connected thereto, a power source, a direct current motor in selective electrical communication with the power source, wherein the motor includes a drive shaft, a drive assembly connected between the brush tip and the drive shaft, wherein the drive assembly converts rotation of the drive shaft into movement of the plurality of bristles, and a control assembly in electrical communication with the motor and the power source; wherein during operation of the motor, the control assembly monitors a current draw by the motor and adjusts a current applied to the direct current motor based on the current draw.

Abstract: A medical device tray for carrying a plurality of medical devices includes: a base made of a substantially rigid material, the base forming at least one base through-hole that has an associated visual indicator; and a covering affixed to the base, the covering being made of a material which is softer than the substantially rigid material of the base and substantially transparent, the covering forming at least one covering through-hole, the at least one base through-hole and the at least one covering through-hole cooperating to form at least one medical device tray through-hole configured for directly supporting a respective one of the plurality of medical devices.

Abstract: A bite registration tool includes tooth casts (UZF and OZF) that are placed on top of one another in the occlusal position, and a bite registration tool set includes at least one bite registration tool for the upper and lower jaws (OKB and UKB) and a molding material. A bite registration method, especially for a full prosthesis, uses the bite registration tool and tool set.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for stabilizing a bite fork in a patient's mouth. The apparatus may comprise an elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer. The elastically deformable bite fork stabilizer may comprise an elastically deformable layer, an adhesive layer on one side of the elastically deformable layer, and a removable layer adhered to the adhesive layer.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions that include isolated, non-pathogenic, hydrogen peroxide-producing bacterial strains and genetically engineered LDH-deficient bacterial strains, which can be used to whiten teeth and treat periodontal disease.

Abstract: An apparatus for removal of an animal body part, the apparatus comprising a ligature applicator, the ligature applicator being configured to move a ligature between a first, extended state in which the ligature can be passed over the animal body part to a selected application position, and a second, retracted state in which the ligature applies a compressive force at the application position to restrict blood flow in the animal body part; and a substance applicator, the substance applicator being configured to deliver a substance to the animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance for vaginal penetration, comprising a grip (2), said appliance being designed to receive a working tool, especially an insemination gun (4) that passes through the grip, characterised in that it comprises a guiding tube (8) extending the grip (2) in order to form a compact assembly, said guiding tube being designed so as to receive the front tip of the working tool (12) therein and receiving a video viewing means such as an endoscopy-type tube (14) comprising a lighting element on the front end thereof, the appliance for vaginal penetration comprising an electronic cell receiving the video images, provided with means for transmitting images to a remote screen.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method for treating male urinary incontinence, which includes the following steps: 1) male urethral reconstruction surgery, 2) preparation of a urethral clamp, and 3) application of the urethral clamp. The urethral clamp and the surgical treatment of male urinary incontinence are low in medical costs, and no artificial material is implanted into the body. The method and the clamp device have the advantages of accurate urine control effect, simple manipulation of urination, minimal urethral reconstruction surgery, high success rate, and simple operation. It does not affect the sensation of penis and cavernous erection. It does not affect the appearance of penis, and it is easy for patients to accept the method and the clamp device. A controlled urethral clamp for the treatment of male urinary incontinence is also disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques for mesh augmentation and prevention of incisional hernia, including systems and methods for affixing mesh to a fascial incision. A mesh strip can be integrated with one or more uni-directional fasteners. Each fastener can include an anchoring mechanism adapted for affixation to anterior abdominal wall fascia and a mating interface. An applicator can include tension arms adapted to interface with the mating interfaces of the fasteners to maintain a vertical tension of the mesh strip and a handle coupled with the tension arms adapted to spread the tension arms and thereby control a horizontal tension of the mesh strip. The mesh strip can be configured to be aligned over a fascial incision using the applicator and affixed under tension to anterior abdominal wall fascia by tissue penetration of the anchoring mechanisms of the one or more fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for deploying and/or retrieving an object (e.g., a vena cava filter) in a cavity (e.g., a vena cava) using a system configured to: (i) maintain grip of the unsheathed object in the cavity until deliberately released, (ii) prevent premature release of the object in the cavity, and/or (iii) facilitate retrieval by first everting said object, then withdrawing the object through a guiding catheter (e.g., retrieval via eversion).

Abstract: A thrombus capture and lysis device including a filter sized to be implanted within a blood vessel. The filter includes a plurality of hollow elements defining a mesh sized to span an area of the blood vessel. Each of the plurality of hollow elements defines a plurality of pores being sized to allow passage of a thrombolytic drug out through the pores and to prevent a thrombus forming component from entering the pores.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for deploying and/or retrieving an object (e.g., a vena cava filter) in a cavity (e.g., a vena cava) using a system configured to: (i) maintain grip of the unsheathed object in the cavity until deliberately released, (ii) prevent premature release of the object in the cavity, and/or (iii) facilitate retrieval by first everting said object, then withdrawing the object through a guiding catheter (e.g., retrieval via eversion).

Abstract: A structure of aligned (e.g., radially and/or polygonally aligned) fibers, and systems and methods for producing and using the same. One or more structures provided may be created using an apparatus that includes one or more first electrodes that define an area and/or partially circumscribe an area. For example, a single first electrode may enclose the area, or a plurality of first electrode(s) may be positioned on at least a portion of the perimeter of the area. A second electrode is positioned within the area. Electrodes with rounded (e.g., convex) surfaces may be arranged in an array, and a fibrous structure created using such electrodes may include an array of wells at positions corresponding to the positions of the electrodes.

Abstract: Provided is a ureteral stent for placement in a bladder, a kidney and a ureteral passageway connecting the bladder and the kidney. The ureteral stent includes a solid bladder portion free of a lumen positionable in the bladder, a tubular kidney portion positionable in the kidney and the ureteral passageway, and a tether connecting the bladder portion and the ureter portion to allow the bladder portion to float in the bladder and to allow a ureter orifice connecting the ureteral passageway to the bladder to move between a compressed state and an uncompressed state. By not having a lumen, the solid bladder portion allows the bladder to have a smaller diameter while maintaining a necessary uncoil force. The smaller diameter also allows the bladder portion to be inserted into a scope alongside a pusher tube, thereby avoiding loading the bladder portion onto a guidewire.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate methods and synthetic scaffolds for regenerating gastrointestinal tissue (e.g., esophageal tissue).

Abstract: A vascular graft includes deformable sleeves that include an electrical component. The electrical component can be variable-resistance or piezoelectric, in embodiments, such that deformation of the sleeves due to pressure changes create or modify an electrical signal. A transponder can then transmit information relating to the pressure inside and outside of the vascular graft.