Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a system of apparatuses to correct spinal deformities along with associated surgical techniques. The apparatuses comprise passages or channels in which spinal rods of differing diameters may be secured to allow a surgeon to vary the diameter of rods used along the length of the spine. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention are directed toward instrumentation for reduction of spinal rods into spinal pedicle screws.

Abstract: A crosslink is provided for securing orthopedic implants, such as facet joint replacement implants, together. The crosslink has a pair of implant coupling components, a pair of rod coupling components, a rod, and a pair of fasteners. Each facet joint implant may include a semicylindrical interface received in a resilient member of the corresponding implant coupling component to permit relative cephalad/caudal adjustment between the crosslink and the implants. The resilient members grip the semicylindrical interface of the implant to enable at least temporary attachment of the implant coupling components to the implants independently of the rod. Clocking features on the semicylindrical interfaces and on the interfacing areas of the implant coupling components and rod coupling components may limit assembly of the crosslink to discrete relative orientations and prevent play after assembly. The fasteners secure the rod coupling components to the rod at the desired positions along the rod.

Abstract: An instrument for provisionally tightening a screw body member to a head of a polyaxial bone screw includes a barrel body, an inner shaft, a handle and lever, and a load link assembly. The barrel body includes a distal end with a pair of rotatable tangs configured to engage the screw body member. The inner shaft includes a distal end configured to engage a bushing within the screw body member. The lever pivotally couples to one of the handle and the barrel body. The load link assembly couples to the inner shaft and the lever. Actuation of the lever towards causes the load link assembly to longitudinally displace the inner shaft toward the distal end to contact the bushing and advance the bushing into frictional fit between the screw body member and the head of the polyaxial bone screw.

Abstract: A bone plate having a first, bone-facing surface and an opposing second surface has an elongate shaft portion and a head portion that is shorter and wider in comparison thereto, with at least one through hole extending through the bone plate from the first surface to the second surface in the shaft portion. The through hole comprises a variable-angle portion with a hole axis configured to receive a threaded head of a locking screw therein at a desired angle within a permitted range of angulation relative to the hole axis. The second surface has at least one depression which extends therein along a portion of the second surface between the side wall and the through hole, the depression extending about a periphery of the through hole.

Abstract: An anterior cervical includes a plate portion for stabilizing a human or animal spine by being placed ventrally of the spinal column and affixed to two or more different vertebral bodies, and a plurality of fastening portions adapted to be anchored in the different vertebral bodies. At least one of the fastening portions is rigidly connected to the plate portion and includes a sheath element with a longitudinal opening that is accessible from a proximal side and at least one hole that reaches from the longitudinal opening to an outside. The anterior cervical plate further includes a thermoplastic element that may be inserted in the sheath element and that is capable of being liquefied by, for example, mechanical energy acting on the thermoplastic element.

Abstract: A bone fixation device includes (a) a threaded shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end; (b) a head located at the proximal end of the shaft; (c) a connector threadably engaging the threaded shaft and movable therealong; and (d) an extension member movable between an insertion configuration for insertion through an opening in a cortex of a bone to a locked configuration when pressed against an inner surface of the cortex. The profile of the wing in the locked configuration in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft is increased relative to the insertion configuration to distribute forces transmitted between the bone fixation apparatus and the bone over an increased area of the cortex.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system for performing an electrosurgical procedure is provided and includes an electrosurgical generator and a calibration computer system. The electrosurgical generator includes one or more processors and a measurement module including one or more log amps that are in operative communication with the processor. The calibration computer system configured to couple to a measurement device and is configured to measure parameters of an output signal generated by the electrosurgical generator. The calibration computer system is configured to compile the measured parameters into one or more data look-up tables and couple to the electrosurgical generator for transferring the data look-up table(s) to memory of the electrosurgical generator. The microprocessor is configured to receive an output from the log amp(s) and access the data look-up table(s) from memory to execute one or more control algorithms for controlling an output of the electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for locally monitoring nerve activity that may be incorporated into a nerve ablation catheter. Such a catheter is equipped with magnetic sensing for both identifying nerves and assessing the success of the ablation. The catheter is also equipped with an ablation instrument for both stimulating and destroying nerve tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods deploy an electrode structure in contact with the tissue region. The electrode structure carries a sensor at a known location on the electrode structure to monitor an operating condition. The systems and methods provide an interface, which generate an idealized image of the electrode structure and an indicator image to represent the monitored operating condition in a spatial position on the idealized image corresponding to the location of the sensor on the electrode structure. The interface displays a view image comprising the idealized image and indicator image. The systems and methods cause the electrode structure to apply energy to heat the tissue region while the view image is displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: A bipolar sphincterotome may include an elongate tubular member, a cutting wire, and a return path. The return path may include a conductive ink portion disposed on an outer surface at a distal portion of the tubular member. The return path may also include a return wire disposed within the tubular member that is electrically coupled to the conductive ink portion. In some example embodiments, the return wire may be disposed within a lumen configured to have two or more functions, one of which being to house the return wire. Additionally, in some example embodiments, the conductive ink portion may be circumferentially disposed on the outer surface to provide visual access to a wire guide lumen. Also, for some example embodiments, the bipolar sphincterotome may include two electrically isolated return paths.

Abstract: A blade assembly comprising: a tip including two or more tubes, wherein the two or more tubes include at least: an outer tube and an inner tube; and a mechanical enclosure including: a locking spline having a longitudinal axis; and a slide lock; wherein the slide lock slides along the longitudinal axis of the locking spline and over the locking spline forming a locked state so that rotational movement of the locking spline, around the longitudinal axis of the locking spline, is prevented; and wherein the outer tube is coupled to the locking spline so that rotational movement of the outer tube, around the longitudinal axis of the locking spline, is prevented during the locked state.

Abstract: A catheter including an elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, where the catheter includes a thermal element at the distal end thereof. The thermal element may be used in an ablation procedure or other procedure to heat a tissue adjacent a vessel. In some instances, the thermal element may be positioned in a first vessel and may operate to heat tissue adjacent a second vessel or adjacent an ostium between the first vessel and the second vessel. Further, the catheter may include an expandable portion on which the thermal element may be connected or positioned. The expandable portion(s) may comprise a basket or cage, a balloon, a memory shape and formable portion, and/or to other mechanical expanders.

Abstract: A laser can produce pulses of light energy to eject a volume of the tissue, and the energy can be delivered to a treatment site through a waveguide, such as a fiber optic waveguide. The incident laser energy can be absorbed within a volume of the target tissue with a tissue penetration depth and pulse direction such that the propagation of the energy from the tissue volume is inhibited and such that the target tissue within the volume reaches the spinodal threshold of decomposition and ejects the volume, for example without substantial damage to tissue adjacent the ejected volume.

Abstract: Medical devices robotically manipulated by a medical robotic system for performing a medical procedure on a patient are bundled together as a bundled unit and inserted into the patient through a single entry port. Bracing of the bundled unit at a surgical site is performed by extending a suction surface disposed at a distal end of the bundled unit towards a bracing surface at the surgical site and applying a suction force between the suction surface and the bracing surface. The suction surface is ring-shaped with holes distributed about the ring so that controllably extendable and retractable tubes coupled at distal ends to the holes provide suction to the suction surface when coupled at proximal ends to a vacuum source.

Abstract: An endolumenal robotic system provides the surgeon with the ability to drive a robotically-driven endoscopic device to a desired anatomical position in a patient without the need for awkward motions and positions, while also enjoying improved image quality from a digital camera mounted on the endoscopic device.

Abstract: A monitoring system tracks the non-visible structure of a body in three dimensions. A tracker obtains image information of the object and instruments in its vicinity, all bearing 3D tracking markers with at least one pattern segment. A controller spatially relates image information with previously obtained scan data of the object revealing non-visible structure of the object. For the scan a fiducial reference detectable in the scan is removably attached to a location on the object. Scan data and image information is used by the controller to provide the user with real time information on relative 3D locations and orientations of instruments and the non-visible structure of the body. The monitoring system may be used to model and track changes in the body itself. A model of the body and instruments is used to track contemplated actions and warn about possibly inappropriate instrument procedures.

Abstract: A system and method for image guided assisted medical procedures using modular units, such that a controller, under the direction of a computer and imaging device, can be utilized to drive and track low cost, purpose specific manipulators. The system utilizes modular actuators, self tracking, and linkages. The system can be optimized at a low cost for most effectively performing surgical procedures, while reusing the more costly components of the system, e.g. the control, driving, and tracking systems. The system and method may utilize MRI real time guidance during the above procedures.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for providing increased range of movement of the end effector of a manipulator arm having a plurality of joints with redundant degrees of freedom. Methods include defining a position-based constraint within a joint space defined by the at least one joint, determining a movement of the joints along the constraint within a null-space and driving the joints according to a calculated movement to effect the commanded movement while providing an increased end effector range of movement, particularly as one or more joints approach a respective joint limit within the joint space.

Abstract: A medical manipulator is disclosed, which includes a multiple-degree freedom arm which can be mounted with a medical instrument, an insertion port position which indicates a spatial position of an insertion port for inserting the medical instrument mounted in the multiple-degree freedom arm into a human body is retained. An insertion posture of the medical instrument is determined so as to cause an extended line of a major axis of the medical instrument to pass through the spatial position indicated by the retained insertion port position, outside the human body. The multiple-degree freedom arm is controlled so as to realize the determined insertion posture.

Abstract: A medical tool kit is provided for packaging, storing, and transporting medical instruments and tools of various types. The medical tool kit is capable of providing continuing sterilization to the medical instruments and toots kept inside the medical toot kit after the tool case is opened during its normal use in a medical procedure. The medical tool kit is further capable of emitting a GPS tracking signal to identify the location of an opened medical tool kit during an emergency as well as creating hands free communication between the user of the medical tool kit and local emergency institutions.

Abstract: Provided is a system for endodontic treatment of a root canal. The system includes a handpiece containing a rotary motor adapted to rotate an endodontic file secured by the handpiece. A control unit executes a regime of motion of the motor to produce a regime of file motion in which episodes of oscillation of the file are separated by a rotation of the file. When the arc of a rotation is less than the arc of the oscillation that preceded the rotation, the arcs of the episodes of oscillation overlap and the formation of ridges in the root canal is avoided.

Abstract: Various features are provided for a custom orthodontic appliance manufacturing or designing system. These include features for inputting of data of patient anatomy and practitioner decisions, features for interactively or automatically manipulating data to arrive at applicant characteristics, and features for affecting design or manufacture of the appliance.

Abstract: System and methods for positioning 3D virtual brackets on teeth for the precise positioning of conventional brackets and wire. Various reference features may be calculated for the teeth and used to calculate a position for the virtual bracket. Reference features that are calculated include curve of Spee, Andrew's plane, and a facial axis of the clinical crown for the teeth.

Abstract: Embodiments include dental appliances, dental appliance systems, and methods of making and using such appliances. In one embodiment, a dental appliance includes a number of tooth apertures for the placement of teeth therein and a tab representing a position of a tooth that has not fully erupted and oriented to be received over the position of the tooth that has not fully erupted.

Abstract: A dental bracket has a base and an engaging unit. The base has two engaged protrusions and two limiting protrusions. The engaging unit is mounted on the base and forms a space between the base and the engaging unit. The engaging unit has a plate, two engaging arms, and a blocking protrusion. The plate has a first surface and a second surface being flat and opposite the first surface. The two engaging arms are formed on the first surface of the plate and respectively engaged with the two engaged protrusions of the base. The blocking protrusion is formed on the first surface of the plate, is arranged between the two limiting protrusions of the base, and divides the space into two channels for inserting an archwire. The second surface of the engaging unit is flat and is able to decrease the foreign body sensation in the mouth.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket extension system for orthodontic braces, the orthodontic bracket extension system including a plurality of bracket base extensions adapted for coupling one each to a corresponding plurality of brackets to increase a bracket bonding surface area for greater securement of each of the plurality of brackets to each of a corresponding plurality of teeth.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides method, computing device readable medium, and devices for dental appliances with repositioning jaw elements. An example of a method can include identifying a misaligned jaw of a patient from a virtual image of the patient's jaw, and providing a treatment plan for the patient including a virtual model of a dental appliance having a first shell and a second shell configured to reposition at least one tooth of the patient. The virtual model of the dental appliance including repositioning jaw elements on the first shell and the second shell configured to move a position of the misaligned jaw of the patient.

Abstract: A dental implant system with a ceramic implant and with an abutment, which moreover includes an insert element for the ceramic implant. The insert element is either manufactured from non-ceramic material or is manufactured essentially of injection molded ceramic. The insert element matches with a recess a proximal region of the ceramic implant and is inserted or insertable into the recess. The insert element serves for the fastening of the abutment and for this is equipped with fastening structures. The insert element, which is arranged in the recess of the ceramic implant, is connectable or connected to the ceramic implant by way of a frictional connection and/or positive connection with respect to axial traction.

Abstract: A digital dental tray system is described including a dental tray shaped to at least partially surround a plurality of teeth and a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) optical imaging elements attached to the dental tray. Each of the 3D optical imaging elements comprises a structured light projector to project a light pattern onto one or more teeth of the plurality of teeth and a camera to capture an image of the one or more teeth.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for determining surface topography of a three-dimensional structure. The apparatus can include a probe and an illumination unit configured to output a plurality of light beams. In many embodiments, the apparatus includes a light focusing assembly. The light focusing assembly can receive and focus each of a plurality of light beams to a respective external focal point. The light focusing assembly can be configured to overlap the plurality of light beams within a focus changing assembly in order to move the external focal points along a direction of propagation of the light beams. The apparatus can include a detector having an array of sensing elements configured to measure a characteristic of each of a plurality of light beams returning from the illuminated spots and a processor coupled to the detector and configured to generate data representative of topography of the structure based on the measured characteristic.

Abstract: A dental articulator is provided in which at least one of the two arms thereof has a base member that is articulated with respect to a bracket element onto which a dental model may be mounted, allowing independent movement of the dental model with respect to the pivot axis hingedly linking the arms.

Abstract: A wax model of a required coping is produced using CNC machining techniques based on a virtual model of the coping created from digital data obtained from the intraoral cavity. The dental coping is then fabricated from the wax model.

Abstract: The present application describes a method for designing and manufacturing a denture device for a patient. A method is described for designing a virtual denture and manufacturing a functional fitting replica denture from the virtual denture. An apparatus comprising a functional fitting replica denture is prepared having denture teeth having a fit substantially similar to the final denture. The methods and apparatus described herein reduce the number of visits required to manufacture the final denture.

Abstract: A dental floss holder comprising a holding portion, and a head portion disposed on the upper end thereof and bent obliquely upward from the holding portion. The head portion has first and second arm portions which symmetrically extend from the lower end of the head portion to both sides. Third and fourth arm portions symmetrically extend from the upper end of the head portion to both sides. First and second spaces for tensioning first and second segments of dental floss are formed between tail ends of the first and third arm portions, and the third and fourth arm portions, respectively. A third space for tensioning a third segment of dental floss is formed between tail ends of the fourth and second arm portions. The first and third segments of floss are parallel to the lengthwise direction of the holding portion, with the second segment of floss perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: A dental flossing device comprising a first body circumscribing a void adapted to receive one or more fingers of a user, an outward-facing surface, opposite from the void, having a first segment comprising at least one pair of cleats arranged to define a circumferential groove for receiving and carrying one or more revolutions of the dental floss formed by wrapping the dental floss along the circumferential groove. A second segment of the outward-facing surface includes a fastener comprising a depression, a crown with a base wall and a niche in the base wall, and a pedestal that connects the base wall of the crown to a floor of the depression. The base wall, niche and the pedestal are configured to provide a space located between the floor of the depression and the base wall to receive and secure a free end of the dental floss.

Abstract: A method for treating an aneurysm can include inserting a medical device partially in a first artery and partially in a third artery. The device can be expanded radially outwardly from a first position to a second position to engage an inner surface of the first artery and an inner surface of the third artery, so as to maintain a fluid pathway through said arteries. Further, the device can be positioned such that, when the device is in the second position, a porous membrane of the device is located at a neck of the aneurysm.

Abstract: An intra-annular mounting frame for an aortic valve having native aortic cusps is provided which includes a frame body with native leaflet reorienting curvatures and interconnecting points; the curvatures shaped to be received inside the valve below the native aortic cusps and to reorient the native aortic cusps within the aortic valve, where each of the curvatures extends concavely upward from a reference latitudinal plane tangential to each curvature's base.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having an outflow end and an inflow end, a plurality of commissure features attached to the stent, a plurality of anchoring features disposed on legs of the stent, the plurality of anchoring features being coupleable to a delivery device for repositioning, and a valve assembly disposed within the stent. The anchoring features may be configured to attach to heart tissue to help secure the prosthetic heart valve in an operating position.

Abstract: A sizing tool for use in implanting a composite valved conduit having a prosthetic heart valve on a distal end attached to a conduit graft that extends to a proximal end. The tool includes a proximal handle and a distal shaft, a prosthetic heart valve sizer having an axis affixed to a distal end of the shaft, and a conduit graft replica having an axis mounted on the shaft proximal to the heart valve sizer. A method of securing a composite valved conduit includes introducing to an excised ascending aorta the sizing tool, measuring the aortic annulus with the prosthetic heart valve sizer, and determining whether the coronary arteries have sufficient length or whether an additional tubular coronary extension segment is required to add to one or both of the ends of the coronary arteries by extending the coronary arteries toward the conduit graft replica.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing localized pressure to a region of a patient's heart to improve heart functioning, including: (a) a jacket made of a flexible biocompatible material, the jacket having an open top end that is received around the heart and a bottom portion that is received around the apex of the heart; and (b) at least one inflatable bladder disposed on an interior surface of the jacket, the inflatable bladder having an inelastic outer surface positioned adjacent to the jacket and an elastic inner surface such that inflation of the bladder causes the bladder to deform substantially inwardly to exert localized pressure against a region of the heart.

Abstract: The femoral stem prosthesis includes a prosthesis body having a neck, stem, and porous coating receiving area. A portion of a transition between the porous coating receiving area and the stem is defined by a recess where the porous coating receiving area inwardly extends by a depth relative to the stem while the porous coating receiving area is approximately flush with the stem about a remainder of the transition between the porous coating receiving area and the stem. A porous coating overlying the porous coating receiving area has a thickness approximately equal to the depth of the recess to define a smooth transition between the porous coating and the stem along the portion of the transition by the at least one recess and a collar outwardly extending relative to the stem by approximately the thickness along the remainder of the transition between the porous coating receiving area and the stem.

Abstract: A prosthesis to replace a portion of the anatomy, such as the humerus, can include a first shell. A second prosthesis can be positioned relative to the shell to provide the bearing surface to articulate with a glenoid prosthesis or glenoid. The second prosthesis can include a connection portion to engage a connection portion in the shell.

Abstract: A glenoid implant is provided and may include a body portion and a stem portion. The stem portion may extend from the body portion along a longitudinal axis. The body portion may include an articular side and a bone-engaging side opposite the articular side. At least a portion of the bone-engaging side may be disposed at a non-parallel angle relative to at least a peripheral edge of the articulation side.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a first member having a wall that defines an axial cavity. A second member extends between a first end and a second end and defines a longitudinal axis. The second member is configured for disposal with the axial cavity and translation relative to the first member. A third member has an outer surface engageable with tissue and an inner surface disposed to dynamically engage the first end in response to the engagement of the outer surface with the tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged disc between two vertebrae of a spine and methods for inserting said discs. The intervertebral prosthetic discs are provided with connections for facilitating implantation and removal and features which enhance primary and secondary stability over time.

Abstract: A system for implanting an interbody device between adjacent vertebrae comprises an interbody device having a plurality of lobes extending outwardly from a longitudinal rib, and having a relaxed shape approximating the shape of the disc being replaced. An insertion guide has a bore therein from a proximal end to a distal end thereof to accept the interbody device in an unrelaxed shape. The distal end is shaped for insertion into an intervertebral space. The insertion rod may be positioned within the bore of the insertion guide whereby the interbody device is positioned within the intervertebral space by advancing the insertion rod into the insertion guide.

Abstract: A PEEK spacer for use in the spine is disclosed. The PEEK spacer may be configured to fit through Kambin's Triangle and expand upon insertion.

Abstract: An expandable interbody spacer (10) is provided that includes a pair of oppositely facing endplate components (20, 40) and an interior component that includes one or more vertically extending stacks of arranged C-clip members (70) radially surrounding one or more bosses (30) protruding interiorly from one of the endplates, wherein the size and configuration of the bosses and the C-clip members are designed to allow the incremental expansion of expandable interbody spacer.

Abstract: An expandable prosthetic implant for engagement between vertebrae includes a first member having a first end, a second end, a plurality of extensions and a hollow interior portion extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the plurality of extensions extend from the first end to the second end. A second member includes a first end, a second end, a hollow interior portion extending from the first end to the second end, and a plurality of extensions extending from the second end to the first end. The plurality extensions of the first member are configured to coaxially interdigitate with the second member, and the plurality of extensions of the second member are configured to coaxially interdigitate with the first member. The first member of the implant is moveable relative to the second member along a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A robotic assembly control system is disclosed. The robotic assembly control system includes an exoskeleton apparatus adapted to be worn by a user, at least one robotic assembly, the at least one robotic assembly controlled by the user by way of the exoskeleton, and at least one mobile platform, the at least one mobile platform controlled by the user and wherein the at least one robotic assembly is attached to the at least one mobile platform.