Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrumentation with a navigation system which comprises an optical detection unit comprising a camera, and a data processing unit coupled to the detection unit, with a stabilization element of a surgical fixation system and with a medical marking device which is held in a defined spatial arrangement on or is comprised by or formed by the stabilization element, the location and orientation of the marking device in space being determinable with the navigation system, it being possible for at least two images of the stabilization element and the marking device to be taken from a different orientation by means of the detection unit and for the shape of the stabilization element to be determined by the data processing unit on the basis of the two or more images. The invention also relates to a method for determining the shape of a surgical stabilization element.

Abstract: Minimally invasive methods and devices for introducing a spinal fixation element into a surgical site in a patient's spinal column are provided. In general, the method involves advancing a spinal fixation element in a first, lengthwise orientation along a pathway extending from a minimally invasive percutaneous incision to a spinal anchor site. As the spinal fixation element approaches the spinal anchor site, the fixation element can be manipulated to extend in a second orientation, which is preferably substantially transverse to the first orientation, to position the fixation element in relation to one or more spinal anchors.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device for the correction and reduction of bone deformities, such as metatarsus primus adductus, using a plate body with winged buttresses and dorsal loop. The method and device can be affixed to a bone without any drilling or violating of the bone and can use a tethering technique which does not require drilling into the second metatarsal, nor does it require the placement of a prominent suture knot/button device medially along the first metatarsal.

Abstract: In described embodiments, an implant assembly includes a first implant having a body with a first end and a second end and a hollow passage extending therethrough between the first end and the second end. The first implant is sized for insertion into a first bone segment. A connector has a first end rotatably connected to the first implant at the first end of the first implant, a second end insertable into a second bone segment, and a connector body extending through the hollow passage of the first connector. A method of inserting the implant assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for sterile packaging of a Kirschner wire (K-wire) and cap for shipping and storage, such that the K-wire and cap may be removed from the sterile packaging and used during a surgery. The method comprises sterile packaging the K-wire into a first container, sterile packaging the cap into a second container, and then bundling the first and second containers into a third container. In some embodiments, the first container may be comprised of a sterile interior environment within a double tube container, and the second container may be comprised of peel pouch configured to be unsealed during the surgery. In some embodiments, the K-wire and the cap may be placed together onto a mounting card that is then sterile packaged into a peel pouch that may be unsealed during the surgery.

Abstract: A device in the form of a kit for mixing and injecting a bone cement is described, in which a mixing unit and a transfer unit are two units distinct from and independent of each other, with no element in common, and are designed to be connected alternately, that is to say successively, to the same end of a hollow cylindrical body or mixing body of a main module, before this main module is connected to an injection unit via its other end.

Abstract: A device for bending a kirschner wire comprises: a retaining slot for fixing a kirschner wire, with a contact for applying a bending force to a steel needle fixed by the retaining slot being disposed at a lateral of the retaining slot. Compared with the prior art in which clamping heads are used to clamp a steel needle first and then the steel needle is forcibly bent in the clamped state in most cases, which may be time-consuming and strenuous, the present invention provides not only a device for bending and chipping off an orthopedic steel needle in one time, which is applicable to cases where chipping off of steel needles is required, but also a device capable of only bending a steel needle, which is low in requirement on material and low in manufacturing cost as the force for bending a steel needle is far smaller than the force for chipping off the same, and thus is applicable to cases where only bending of steel needles is required.

Abstract: A wire driver for driving a wire or pin into living tissue. A plural bar linkage that includes a lever is actuated to drive the components that selectively grasp the wire from a release state to a grasping state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cryoablation of a tissue. In at least one embodiment of a cryoablation system of the present disclosure, the cryoablation system comprises an expandable stent comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a sidewall defining a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a cryoablation chamber at the distal end, the expandable stent configured to permit blood flow therethrough, and a cryoablation device comprising at least one coolant tube at least partially positioned within the cryoablation chamber, wherein the at least one coolant tube is operable to produce a cryogenic environment sufficient to ablate at least a portion of a tissue engaged within the cryoablation chamber.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device is adapted for use through a port and within a body cavity. The device includes a gas supply supplying gas to a distal tip and a valve to regular such supply, and an electric supply for supplying electricity to the distal tip. A pressure relief system is provided to regulate an outflow of gas from within the body cavity to prevent exceeding a predetermined pressure. The inflow of the gas through the valve and outflow of gas through the pressure relief system may occur simultaneously.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a medical instrument comprises an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end and a pair of electrodes or electrode portions (for example, a split-tip electrode assembly). Systems and methods are described herein that perform contact sensing and/or ablation confirmation based on electrical measurements obtained while energy of different frequencies are applied to the pair of electrodes or electrode portions. The contact sensing systems and methods may calibrate network parameter measurements to compensate for a hardware unit in a network parameter measurement circuit or to account for differences in cables, instrumentation or hardware used.

Abstract: The present devices and methods relate generally to vacuum or suction powered medical devices and methods for cutting, resecting, excising, morcellating and/or evacuating tissue from various regions of a patient's body. In certain variations, the devices may produce a rotational motion by converting a linear reciprocating motion to a rotational motion, causing a cutting shaft or other tool to rotate to perform work on a tissue in various regions of the body.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a forceps and a blade. The forceps includes a first working jaw and a second working jaw. The blade extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a notched section. The blade is located between the first working jaw and the second working jaw. A first therapy current can be connected to the first working jaw, the second working jaw, or both so that tissue gripped between the first working jaw and the second working jaw and within the notched section can be coagulated. While the tissue is gripped between the first working jaw and the second working jaw, the blade is moveable along its longitudinal axis so that the tissue is cut with the notched section without repositioning the first working jaw, the second working jaw, or both.

Abstract: A microsurgical bipolar forceps may include an actuation structure, a hypodermic tube, a first electrical conductor, and a second electrical conductor. The actuation structure may include an actuation structure distal end, an actuation structure proximal end, and a plurality of actuation limbs. The hypodermic tube may be disposed in the actuation structure. The first electrical conductor may be disposed in the hypodermic tube and the actuation structure wherein the first electrical conductor is electrically connected to a bipolar cord. The second electrical conductor may be disposed in the hypodermic tube and the actuation structure wherein the second electrical conductor is electrically connected to the bipolar cord. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to decrease a distance between a first jaw of the first electrical conductor and a second jaw of the second electrical conductor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft, an end effector assembly, and a circuit board. The housing includes at least one first electrical connector adapted to connect to an energy source. The shaft extends from the housing. The end effector assembly is disposed proximate a distal end of the shaft and includes at least one second electrical connector. The circuit board is positioned on the shaft. The circuit board extends from a proximal end to the distal end of the shaft and includes at least one proximal contact at a proximal end thereof configured to electrically couple to the at least one first electrical connector and at least one distal contact at a distal end thereof configured to electrically couple to the at least one second electrical connector to thereby electrically couple the energy source to the end effector assembly.

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 first treatment device having a plurality of electrodes. The electrodes are maintained in axial alignment and fixed radial spacing in retracted and extended positions. The device includes a basket having a plurality of arms. The arms are maintained in a fixed radial spacing in the collapsed position of the basket.

Abstract: An electrosurgical balloon includes an inflatable balloon body formed of a non-conductive substrate material. One or more electrodes are disposed on an exterior surface of the balloon body. The electrodes can include a pair of bipolar electrodes, and the balloon body can have at least one fluid outlet hole configured to provide fluid to the pair of bipolar electrodes. A second inflatable balloon body can be disposed inside the first inflatable balloon body. The electrosurgical balloon can be incorporated into a catheter assembly, in which the electrosurgical balloon is a balloon electrode tip at a distal end of a catheter.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for creating an effect using microwave energy to specified tissue are disclosed herein. A system for the application of microwave energy to a tissue can include, in some embodiments, a signal generator adapted to generate a microwave signal having predetermined characteristics, an applicator connected to the generator and adapted to apply microwave energy to tissue, the applicator comprising one or more microwave antennas and a tissue interface, a vacuum source connected to the tissue interface, a cooling source connected to said tissue interface, and a controller adapted to control the signal generator, the vacuum source, and the coolant source. The tissue may include a first layer and a second layer, the second layer below the first layer, and the controller is configured such that the system delivers energy such that a peak power loss density profile is created in the second layer.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device and a method for the treatment of diseases of the skin, glands, mucousae, connective tissue, nerves and/or horny tissue. The device is adapted for the treatment of diseases of the skin, glands, mucousae, connective tissue, nerves and/or horny tissue and has at least one applicator, which applicator is arranged outside the device housing; at least one radio wave module, which radio wave module is adapted to generate an adjustable electromagnetic radiation with a variable frequency or with at least one constant frequency with an adjustable variable or at least one adjustable constant intensity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high power VCSEL laser treatment device with a skin cooling function, comprising VCSEL array (4) packaged on a laser heat sink (2), an optical transmission device (8) arranged in front of light-exiting faces of the VCSEL array (4) and a high-heat-conductivity optical window sheet (6) adhered to the light-exiting port end of the optical transmission device (8). An integrally molded cooling conduction metal piece (1) is arranged on the outer sides of the laser heat sink (2), the optical transmission device (8) and the high-heat-conductivity optical window sheet (6). In addition, one or more semiconductor chilling plates (7) are arranged between the cooling conduction metal piece (1) and the laser heat sink (2). In the above-mentioned high power VCSEL semiconductor laser treatment device, the semiconductor chilling plates (7) and the VCSEL array (4) share the heat sink, so that the inner structure is simplified.

Abstract: A probe tip for communicating and laterally directing electromagnetic radiation comprises a waveguide, a primary capsule, a compressible member and a malleable secondary capsule. The waveguide is configured to communicate electromagnetic radiation and includes a beveled surface at a distal tip for redirecting electromagnetic radiation in a lateral direction. The primary capsule is attached over the distal tip of the waveguide. The compressible member covers a portion of the primary capsule. The malleable secondary capsule is positioned over the primary capsule and the compressible member, and includes a crimp that compresses the compressible member against the primary capsule and secures the secondary capsule to the primary capsule.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a plurality of actuation controls of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually curve the flexible housing tube. A gradual curving of the flexible housing tube may gradually curve the optic fiber. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually straighten the flexible housing tube. A gradual straightening of the flexible housing tube may gradually straighten the optic fiber.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure may involve a method of generating resection plane data for use in planning an arthroplasty procedure on a patient bone. The method may include: obtaining patient data associated with at least a portion of the patient bone, the patient data captured using a medical imaging machine; generating a three-dimensional patient bone model from the patient data, the patient bone model including a polygonal surface mesh; identifying a location of a posterior point on the polygonal surface mesh; creating a three-dimensional shape centered at or near the location; identifying a most posterior vertex of all vertices of the polygonal surface mesh that may be enclosed by the three-dimensional shape; using the most posterior vertex as a factor for determining a posterior resection depth; and generating resection data using the posterior resection depth, the resection data configured to be utilized by a navigation system during the arthroplasty procedure.

Abstract: Example methods and systems to facilitate osteocutaneous free flap reconstructions are provided. One example method involves causing a surgical navigation system to display a representation of a patient undergoing surgery; receiving input data representing one or more osteotomies made during the surgery to form a defect within the patient; determining a donor site for a bone graft having a contour that corresponds to the defect within the patient using a geometric alignment algorithm to identify, as the donor site, a portion of the bone graft that virtually aligns with the defect; generating a virtual template representing the bone graft; displaying the generated virtual template representing the bone graft within the representation of the patient as a navigational guide for harvesting of the bone graft; and displaying the generated virtual template positioned into the defect within the representation as a navigational guide for reconstructing the defect using the harvested bone graft.

Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods for facilitating efficient anatomical registration in surgical navigation are disclosed. Such systems and devices can have a data collection unit and a scaling device. The scaling device has a main body having an anatomical registration feature defined therein and at least one scaling marker pathway that is selectively oriented with respect to the anatomical registration feature to facilitate repeatable gross placement of a scaling marker relative to a selected anatomical feature. The scaling marker is selectively displaceable along a scaling marker pathway about and between a first end and a second end thereof to fine-tune scaling marker placement prior to image capture.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for predicting coronary plaque vulnerability, using a computer system. One method includes acquiring anatomical image data of at least part of the patient's vascular system; performing, using a processor, one or more image characteristics analysis, geometrical analysis, computational fluid dynamics analysis, and structural mechanics analysis on the anatomical image data; predicting, using the processor, a coronary plaque vulnerability present in the patient's vascular system, wherein predicting the coronary plaque vulnerability includes calculating an adverse plaque characteristic based on results of the one or more of image characteristics analysis, geometrical analysis, computational fluid dynamics analysis, and structural mechanics analysis of the anatomical image data; and reporting, using the processor, the calculated adverse plaque characteristic.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of performing intra-operative navigation during a surgical procedure, which method comprises the steps of arranging a video imaging device on a radioscopic imaging apparatus; obtaining an initial radioscopic image of a target and identifying a desired trajectory in a target; determining a first position of the radioscopic imaging apparatus relative to the target for which a central image axis of a radioscopic imaging unit is aligned with the desired trajectory; positioning the radioscopic imaging apparatus to align a central image axis of the video imaging device with the desired trajectory; and showing a live video feed of the surgical procedure on a monitor to track the position of a surgical implement relative to the desired trajectory.

Abstract: A kinematic connector assembly for kinematically coupling two objects is provided. The kinematic connector assembly comprises a receiver defining a cavity and having a plurality of constraint surfaces accessible in the cavity. The kinematic connector assembly further comprises a key having a triplicity of kinematic elements to repeatably position the key in the receiver. The kinematic connector assembly further comprises a preloading mechanism having a load member movable between a clamped position and an unclamped position to secure the key in the receiver, so that the kinematic elements contact the receiver at the plurality of constraint surfaces such that the key is kinematically constrained to the receiver by being constrained by six points of contact with the receiver.

Abstract: Systems and methods for moving or manipulating robotic arms are provided. A group of robotic arms are configured to form a virtual rail or line between the end effectors of the robotic arms. The robotic arms are responsive to outside force such as from a user. When a user moves a single one of the robotic arms, the other robotic arms will automatically move to maintain the virtual rail alignments. The virtual rail of the robotic arm end effectors may be translated in one or more of three dimensions. The virtual rail may be rotated about a point on the virtual rail line. The robotic arms can detect the nature of the contact from the user and move accordingly. Holding, shaking, tapping, pushing, pulling, and rotating different parts of the robotic arm elicits different movement responses from different parts of the robotic arm.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for controlling a telesurgical system are disclosed. In accordance with a method, a first tool connected to a first manipulator of the system, and a second tool connected to a second manipulator of the system, are controlled. A swap of the tools such that the first tool is connected to the second manipulator and the second tool is connected to the first manipulator is then detected. The first tool connected to the second manipulator and the second tool connected to the first manipulator are then controlled.

Abstract: A correction jig of a medical master-slave manipulator system limits a straight state of a master manipulator, in a state where the correction jig is attached to the master manipulator.

Abstract: This operation input device is an operation input device for inputting an operating command to a manipulator for observing or treating an affected area. Provided is an operation input device including: a grip gripped by an operator with his/her hand; and an arm for movably supporting this grip, wherein this arm includes at least two link members, and at least one joint for linking a neighboring pair of the link members tiltably about joint axes intersecting the longitudinal axes thereof, and each of the joints includes: a sensor for detecting the relative angle displacement of each of the link members that are linked; and a friction generation section configured to generate a frictional torque in a direction opposite to the direction in which a torque is applied.

Abstract: A manipulator system including a manipulator having a flexible manipulator provided with an elongated flexible insertion portion, a movable portion provided at a distal end of insertion portion, a driving portion provided at a proximal end of insertion portion and drives movable portion; an operation input portion operated by operator and with which an operation instruction for flexible manipulator is input; a control unit that controls driving portion based on operation instruction input via operation input portion; an information input portion with which treatment-site specifying information for specifying a treatment target by using flexible manipulator is input; and an information storage portion that sets a control parameter for controlling driving portion based on treatment-site specifying information, control unit controls driving portion based on the treatment-site specifying information input via information input portion using control parameter set by information storage portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provided to remove biopsy specimens from bone and/or associated bone marrow. A powered driver may rotate a biopsy needle at an optimum speed to obtain the biopsy specimen. A thread or a groove may be disposed on interior portions of the biopsy needle. The thread or groove may engage a biopsy specimen and enhance removal of a bone marrow core from cancellous bone. Manufacturing procedures are provided for bonding a single helical thread with interior portions of the biopsy needle. The apparatus may also include a biopsy sample ejector and/or ejector funnel. A biopsy needle set may include a cannula and a trocar with respective tips having optimum configurations, dimensions and/or orientations relative to each other to optimize penetration of a bone and/or bone marrow with minimum patient trauma and enhanced reliability of obtaining a biopsy specimen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of fixating a mesh implant to a tissue of a subject comprising attaching said mesh implant to said tissue, covering said mesh implant by an antiadhesive barrier, wherein said antiadhesive barrier is attached to said mesh implant by a biocompatible adhesive.

Abstract: A portable emergency treatment kit for allergic and anaphylactic reactions. The kit comprises a carry case comprising a first panel and a second panel detachably connected together by a fastening member such as a zipper unit. A plurality of compartments on the inner face of the panels housing at least one oropharyngeal airway device, epinephrine injection, histamine H2 receptor antagonist and allergy relief product. The kit provides ready access to vital medications and airway device for emergency treatment of allergy.

Abstract: A forceps includes a pair of shafts each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. One (or both) of the shafts is moveable relative to the other about a pivot pin between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to move the jaw members between an open position and a closed position. A knife assembly includes a knife blade mechanically keyed to the pivot pin and moveable between an initial position, wherein the knife blade is disposed within one of the jaw members, and an extended position, wherein the knife blade extends between the jaw members. An actuator arm(s) is mechanically keyed to the pivot pin and extends therefrom. The actuator arm(s) is moveable between an un-actuated position and an actuated position to rotate the pivot pin relative to the jaw members to move the knife blade between the initial position and the extended position.

Abstract: Stereoscopic system including a portal component, first sensor and first cable, second sensor and second cable, first display and second display. The portal component includes an axis, a first channel and second channel extending along the axis. The first sensor is secured within the first channel at a first angle with respect to the axis and directed inwardly toward a location. The first cable extends from the first sensor. The second sensor is secured within the second channel at a second angle with respect to the axis and directed inwardly toward the location. The first angle and second angle converge at the location to define a depth of perception. The second cable extends from the second sensor. The first display structure is disposed in proximity to a left aperture of an eyeframe, and the second display structure is disposed in proximity to a right aperture of the eyeframe.

Abstract: The invention relates to an active marker device (100) for being introduced into a human tissue and for tracking a region of interest of a human body. The active marker device comprises a light source (101) for emitting light such that the emitted light can be detected by an optical sensor. In this way, the active marker device and/or the region of interest can be tracked by a tracking system comprising the optical sensor. The active marker device (100) further comprises a switch (102) for turning the light source on and off and for operating the light source in a pulsed mode.

Abstract: A device for establishing and maintaining a sterile environment for conducting surgical procedures is disclosed. In particular, the tent-like device provides an interior space attachable to a patient's skin to allow surgical treatment of the patient. Several aspects of the invention are directed to devices to be used in connection with such a surgical procedure using the tent-like device. According to the invention, an isolation device for providing a sterile operation chamber above a skin region of a patient is provided, in particular for performing a surgical procedure, said isolation device comprising an inflatable bag coupled to a support frame, the support frame having a transport configuration and an operation configuration. In the transport configuration, the first inflatable bag is confined, such as to have compact dimensions. In the operation configuration, the first inflatable bag is extended, such as to form said sterile operation chamber.

Abstract: A carrier arm joint device for a carrier arm of a stand device for arranging in the operating room and for displacing a medical device held on the carrier arm is configured for setting a payload corresponding to a weight of the medical device to be taken up by the carrier arm. The device includes at least one pivot axis for mounting at least one strut of the carrier arm, respectively; and a support axis for supporting a lever configured to transmit forces holding the carrier arm between the strut and the carrier arm joint device A distance between the axes is adjustable within an adjustment range in order to set the payload; the size and/or the extent of the adjustment range is independent of the position of the pivot axis. It is possible to maximize the adjustment range and therefore the payload spectrum in a comparatively compact and structurally rigid joint. A carrier system and a stand device can include at least one such carrier arm joint device.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for an internal bore formed in a feeding tube has a shaft with a distal end and an opposing proximal end. The distal end terminates at a blunt tip and the proximal end terminates at a cap. The shaft has a length such that when inserted into the feeding tube, the cap aligns with a proximal end of the feeding tube and the blunt tip extends only partway out of a distal end of the feeding tube. At least one disc is mounted on the shaft adjacent the blunt tip. Each disc has a diameter equal to or greater than said first diameter of the internal bore so that tip portions of the disc deflect and travel along the internal bore of the feeding tube providing a squeegee-like cleaning action.

Abstract: A medical assembly (100) includes a package (101) having an outer surface (102) with a major face (103) defining an aperture (701). An aperture-sealing label (702) selectively attaches to the outer surface to close the aperture and to be selectively peelable from the outer surface to expose the aperture. Five sheets (302,303,304,305,306) are arranged in a stacked configuration (309) within the package. Printed instructions (107) then define five steps (110,111,112,113,114) instructing when to use each sheet disposed within the package, and when to discard the each sheet disposed within the package, to clean a Foley catheter insertion site of either a male patient or a female patient, while reducing chances for causing a catheter associated urinary tract infection.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide devices (tags), systems, and methods to determine structural integrity and other states of orthodontic-elements, such as orthodontic-brackets, orthodontic-archwires, orthodontic-expanders, orthodontic-elastic-bands, and orthodontic-power-chains, to name a few, in a non-invasive and contactless way, with respect to monitoring; and using comparatively safe and/or low energy electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves. Negligible-sized backscatter-tags with sensors are implanted in or attached to such orthodontic-elements. Such arrangements may permit monitoring of forces acting on teeth by various orthodontic-elements. Using backscatter imaging technology, the structural integrity and other states of the orthodontic-elements may be monitored; which may allow non-invasive and contactless detection of problems such as cracking, bending, excessive pressure, improper temperature, and/or the like.

Abstract: A zero-suckback device for a disposable high-speed turbine dental drill handpiece includes two units respectively installed at two ends of the head of the handpiece. On one side of the handpiece head where a drill pin is installed, one unit consists of an elastic shaft sealing casing which is centrally embedded with a central framework made of hard substances and a non-elastic shaft sealing casing, and a lip portion of the elastic shaft sealing casing fits a wind wheel shaft with a tapered end. On the cover side of the handpiece head and between a button housing and a head housing, an O-shaped sealing ring is installed, and a one-way ball valve is installed at the center of the button housing. Suckback prevention measures are adopted at both sides of the handpiece head, so matters sucked back can be controlled to be a very low level, nearly zero.

Abstract: A method for continuously evaluating the effectiveness of debridement of a root canal of a tooth, the tooth having an open access cavity and an apex end, includes delivering a fluid to the open access cavity of the tooth, evacuating the fluid near the apex end of the tooth such that the fluid flushes most of the root canal before being evacuated, and continuously evaluating the evacuated fluid for at least one of a presence of debris, a concentration level of the debris, or a type of the debris. An apparatus for use in debriding a root canal of a tooth includes a microcannula or a macrocannula configured to evacuate a fluid in the root canal, and a sensing mechanism fluidically coupled to the microcannula or the macrocannula, the sensing mechanism configured to continuously sense debris in the evacuated fluid in real time.

Abstract: A system and associated methodology for the generation of digital models that account for the adaptation of the shape of the patient's gingiva is provided. The exemplary system uses an initial scan of the patient's gingiva as a base model, taking into account the type and morphology of the teeth, the shape, orientation and movements of the roots inside the gingiva, and other factors for a more accurate prediction of the changes in the shape of the gingiva throughout every step of the treatment. In particular, the system proactively determines the areas of the model that will be covered by the aligner and prevents changes to such areas, whereas the shape of the model outside these areas is altered in a way to minimize the size of model and to add any necessary features for the manufacturing of the aligners.

Abstract: A method includes to receive, via a computing device, data representing a plurality of teeth, identify data indicating which of the plurality of teeth are unerupted or erupting, predict at least one characteristic of a tooth of the unerupted or erupting teeth after they have fully erupted using one or more tooth eruption prediction factors, generate new data representing the unerupted or erupting teeth in multiple states of eruption based upon the predicted at least one characteristic of the fully erupted teeth, and generate a series of incremental tooth arrangements with the new data to define a proposed orthodontic treatment based on the new data representing the unerupted or erupting teeth in multiple states of eruption.

Abstract: An endosseous dental implant assembly includes a dental implant including an abutment portion for connecting to a tooth crown and a hollow base portion defining a cavity therein, and a bio-supportive or biodegradable scaffold carried by the hollow base portion of the dental implant in the biomimetic approach. The abutment portion is formed integrally with the hollow base portion. The scaffold is impregnated with regenerative stem cells, growth factors, biomorphic proteins, or autogenous cells. In the osseointegrated approach bone graft material can be carried to the extraction socket without a scaffold.