Patents Issued in December 21, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170360490
    Abstract: A dual-start fastener is disclosed having two threads helically wound about its shaft. The thread tooth profile (in section) constitutes substantially parallel upper and lower facets on each thread flank. A first thread has a crest diameter greater than a second thread. A distal end of the fastener includes self-tapping cutters formed on the threads which force shards of bone to advance into shallow troughs adjacent the cutters for subsequent resorption by adjacent osseous tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Gary Jack REED
  • Publication number: 20170360491
    Abstract: Bone anchor assemblies and methods are provided having a multi-component bone anchor that is configured to allow the shank of the bone anchor to be bottom loaded into a receiver member. In one embodiment, a bone anchor assembly is provided having a shank with a distal threaded portion and a proximal head portion, a ball having a spherical exterior surface and a central lumen sized to receive the head portion of the shank, and a clip configured to be engaged between the head portion and the ball such that the clip is effective to lock the ball in engagement with the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Frank Spratt, Thibault Chandanson, Ernest Quintanilha, Shawn D. Stad, Ralf Klabunde
  • Publication number: 20170360492
    Abstract: A bone anchor includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, a bore extending from the first end to the second end, and a plug member which is insertable into the bore and guidable through the bore for closing the bore at the second end. The bone anchor is suitable for minimally invasive surgery in such a way a guide wire can be guided through the bone anchor and after the bone anchor has been anchored in the bone the plug member is inserted to close the open end of the bone anchor. A bone cement or a pharmaceutical substance can be introduced into the bone anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis
  • Publication number: 20170360493
    Abstract: A system for rod bending for use in robotic spinal surgery, enabling the correct bending of a fusion rod to match the shape required to accurately pass through the heads of the pedicle screws. The system uses data generated by information provided to the robot by the surgeon's preoperative plan, optionally augmented by feedback from the robot control system of deviations encountered intraoperatively. Such deviations could occur, for example, when the surgeon decides intraoperatively on a different trajectory or even to skip screws on one vertebra, in which case, the robot will be commanded to perform the alternative procedure, with commensurate instructions relayed to the control system of the rod-bending machine. The system is also able to thin down the rod at predetermined locations along its length, adapted to be at selected intervertebral locations, for maintaining limited flexibility between vertebrae, instead of fixating them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Edo ZUCKER, Moshe Shoham
  • Publication number: 20170360494
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating conditions such as rhinitis are disclosed herein where a distal end of a probe shaft is introduced through the nasal cavity where the distal end has an end effector with a first configuration having a low-profile which is shaped to manipulate tissue within the nasal cavity. The distal end may be positioned into proximity of a tissue region having a post nasal nerve associated with a middle or inferior nasal turbinate. Once suitably positioned, the distal end may be reconfigured from the first configuration to a second configuration which is shaped to contact and follow the tissue region and the post nasal nerve may then be ablated via the distal end. Ablation may be performed using various mechanisms, such as cryotherapy, and optionally under direct visualization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Vahid Saadat
  • Publication number: 20170360495
    Abstract: Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: AERIN MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Scott J. Wolf, Andrew Frazier
  • Publication number: 20170360496
    Abstract: A plasma surgery apparatus includes an HF generator for generating an HF activation signal, a gas source for providing a plasma gas, and a plasma applicator having a channel which opens out at a distal end of the applicator and through which the plasma gas can flow. The apparatus also includes an HF electrode that is electrically connected to the HF generator. When the HF electrode is supplied with the HF activation signal, a plasma is provided originating from the distal end of the applicator. The apparatus also includes a control unit and a flow regulator for regulating a flow rate the plasma gas in the channel. The control unit receives or requests an operating variable of the HF generator and, according to a saved functional relationship, controls the flow regulator so that the flow rate of the plasma gas is correlated with a detected value of the operating variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas FAEHSING
  • Publication number: 20170360497
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a hollow cable for transmitting radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to an electrosurgical instrument, wherein the hollow cable is provided with electrical connectors for forming a bipolar electrical connection with an electrosurgical instrument that fits within, e.g. slides relative to, the hollow cable. The connectors can be conductive protrusions extending in an axial direction on opposite sides of the cable. The protrusions can be tabs, fins, rods, pins, or wires. The protrusions can be strips which engage corresponding terminals on the instrument. The transmission line structure of the invention can have a greater diameter than conventional coaxial cables, which can minimize loss whilst still providing access for control wires and/or fluid to reach a surgical instrument. The cable can be used with multiple instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher Paul HANCOCK, Malcolm WHITE, George Christian ULLRICH, David Edward WEBB, Louis TURNER
  • Publication number: 20170360498
    Abstract: A method and apparatus or system are disclosed for a procedure with minimal or no fluoroscopy, for example an electrosurgical procedure, and which uses a three dimensional mapping system. The procedure typically involves electrical measurement of the electrode of a needle to determine its position. Some embodiments further include intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) for tracking devices. The apparatus includes a needle with a tip electrode, an electroanatomical mapping (EAM) system, and an electrical generator, wherein a switching device is used to restrictively electrically connect the needle to only one of the mapping system or generator at a given time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Gareth Davies, Ellen Harfield, Rodney Horton, David Wells, Jason Woo
  • Publication number: 20170360499
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument has dual zone smoke evacuation for providing efficient capture and evacuation of smoke generated during an electrosurgical procedure. A hand piece with a proximal and a distal end is coupled to a front piece having a distal opening leading into an interior conduit. An extendable section is at least partially disposed within the interior conduit and extends distally out of the distal opening of the front piece. The extendable section is selectively translatable within the interior conduit. A negative pressure source enables the capture and evacuation of smoke through both the extendable section and the interior conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Darcy W. Greep, Chad S. Frampton
  • Publication number: 20170360500
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes mutually movable instrument legs each comprising one or more electrode faces between which tissue can be clamped and treated in electrothermal manner. The movement of the instrument legs relative to each other can be delimited by at least two spacers which are spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the instrument legs and act on the instrument legs. At least one electrode face portion subjected to deflection in a closed position of the instrument legs is formed to be bow-shaped, in particular concave, the curvature being contrary to the bending direction to be expected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Christoph Rothweiler, Eugen Herner, Christian Huber
  • Publication number: 20170360501
    Abstract: Some implementations include a coaxial bipolar ablation instrument comprising an outer needle and an inner needle inserted into the outer needle. The instrument can also include a first insulating layer disposed between the inner needle and the outer needle, and a second insulating layer disposed over a portion of the outer needle. The instrument can further include a first exposed region of the instrument disposed near a proximate end of the instrument, the first exposed region including a first exposed portion of the inner needle and a first exposed portion of the outer needle, the first exposed region constructed to provide contact to a connector, and a second exposed region of the instrument disposed near a distal end of the instrument, the second exposed region forming the active region of the instrument and including a second exposed portion of the inner needle and a second exposed portion of the outer needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel Igor Branovan
  • Publication number: 20170360502
    Abstract: An implantable electrode catheter device comprising an inner electrode catheter and an outer electrode catheter. The outer electrode catheter including a catheter shaft having at least one electrode at a distal end and a lumen to receive the inner electrode catheter therein. The outer electrode is adjustable or movable relative to the inner electrode catheter in an axial direction. The inner electrode catheter has a fixation element disposed at a distal end. The inner electrode catheter together with the fixation element forms an indifferent electrode whereby radio frequency catheter ablation occurs between the electrode and the indifferent electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Peter Osypka
  • Publication number: 20170360503
    Abstract: An improved gastric tube for displacing a section of an esophagus during cardiac ablation procedures is disclosed. The improved gastric tube is an elongated flexible tube designed to be inserted in the esophagus of a patient and extended past the portion of the esophagus which overlies the heart. The improved gastric tube includes a first lumen extending the length of the tube which receives a control wire, plastic stylet, or other apparatus which would function for displacement of the portion of the esophagus overlying the heart. A second lumen is included which extends to the operative section of the gastric tube, where the esophagus overlies the heart, so that contrast liquid or cooling liquid can be injected into the esophagus at that location. A temperature sensor can also be included to measure the temperature of the esophageal wall, as well as electrodes to connect to a three-dimensional mapping system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Steven W. Miller
  • Publication number: 20170360504
    Abstract: Techniques for treating a tumor and vaccinating against cancer are described. The techniques include treating the tumor by positioning electrodes over an interface between the tumor and non-tumor tissue and applying sub-microsecond pulsed electric fields. The positioning is facilitated by an imaginary contour line of a threshold value of the electric field. In an example, the imaginary contour line is overlaid over images that include the tumor such that the electrodes are properly positioned over the tumor. The techniques also include vaccinating against cancer by passing sub-microsecond pulsed electric fields through tumor cells of a subject sufficient to cause the tumor cells to express calreticulin on surface membranes. The tumor cells are extracted and introduced with the expressed calreticulin into the subject or another subject, thereby providing a vaccination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lee Nuccitelli, Jon Casey Berridge, Zachary Mallon, Mark Kreis, Brian Athos, Pamela Nuccitelli
  • Publication number: 20170360505
    Abstract: An electrosurgical return electrode configured for operable association with a transponder detection unit. The return electrode includes a conductive element having an aperture array configured to allow passage of a magnetic, electric, or electromagnetic interrogation signal from the transponder detection unit through the conductive element and through the return electrode. The return electrode is positionable over a transponder detection unit such that the return electrode may be placed upon the transponder detection unit and a patient may be positioned upon the return electrode. The return electrode enables the detection of a transponder located on, within, and/or near the patient without the need for repositioning the patient relative to the return electrode and without the need for positioning an ancillary transponder reader or transmitter above the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Michael D. Ehninger, Paul R. Borgmeier, Darcy W. Greep
  • Publication number: 20170360506
    Abstract: An energy-delivery device suitable for delivery of energy to tissue includes an antenna assembly, a chamber defined about the antenna assembly, and a cable having a proximal end suitable for connection to an electrosurgical energy source. The energy-delivery device also includes a flexible, fluid-cooled shaft coupled in fluid communication with the chamber. The flexible, fluid-cooled shaft is configured to contain a length of the cable therein and adapted to remove heat along the length of the cable during delivery of energy to the antenna assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Publication number: 20170360507
    Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting an appropriate prosthesis for a prospective implant recipient are discussed. For example, a method for selecting an appropriate prosthesis can include, accessing anatomical image data, receiving an indication of a plurality of landmark locations within the image data, constructing a femoral canal axial indication within the image data, producing a plurality of lateral anatomic structural measurements, and selecting the appropriate prosthesis to fit the prospective implant recipient. The anatomical image data can include sufficient detail to allow measurement of internal and external geometry of a proximal femur. The plurality of lateral anatomic structural measurements can include measurements along, and perpendicular to, the femoral canal axial indication that run along a femoral canal within the anatomical image data. The prosthesis can be selected based, at least in part, on the plurality of lateral anatomic structural measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Javad Parvizi
  • Publication number: 20170360508
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for virtual assessment of an implantation path for a medical device are presented. A system can analyze multi-dimensional medical imaging data regarding a patient body and a lesion area, generate a set of paths to reach the lesion area for deployment of a medical device, rank the set of paths to reach the lesion area, and recommend a subset of the paths for deployment of the medical device. The system can also generate a display of the recommendations and a multi-dimensional visualization of the recommended subset of paths for the deployment of the medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Sylvain Germain, Jerome Bausse
  • Publication number: 20170360509
    Abstract: A system and process for performing orthopedic surgery is provided that uses a patient's existing implant as a registration tool in an orthopedic surgical procedure. The systems and processes may be used with computer assisted systems or navigation systems to aid in the removal of bone, bone cement, or a bone prosthesis, typically a bone prosthesis used in hip replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery, and the like. The removal of the prosthesis may be done by conventional methods, with navigation systems, robotic assistance or articulating hand held systems. The removal of bone and/or bone cement may be performed with navigated systems, robotic systems, articulating hand-held systems and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel Patrick BONNY, Joel ZUHARS, Michael E. HOPPE
  • Publication number: 20170360510
    Abstract: The subject matter includes systems, methods, and prosthetic devices for joint reconstruction surgery. A computer-assisted intraoperating planning method can include accessing a first medical image providing a first view of a joint within a surgical site as well as receiving selection of a first component of a modular prosthetic device implanted in the first bone of the joint. The method continues by displaying a graphical representation of the first component of the modular prosthetic device overlaid on the first medical image, and updating a graphical representation of the first component based on receiving positioning inputs representative of an implant location of the first component relative to landmarks on the first bone visible within the first medical image. The method concludes by presenting a selection interface enabling visualization of additional components of the modular prosthetic device virtually connected to the first component and overlaid on the first medical image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Bischoff, Joanna Hucky
  • Publication number: 20170360511
    Abstract: A method and system to treat headaches in a patient by performing surgery via at least one nostril. Data from a computer tomography scan of at least one nasal cavity and one sinus cavity of the patient and a completed headache questionnaire are matched to at least one nasal/sinus surgery plan to operate on at least one of; a nasal septum, at least one sinus cavity and at least one turbinate of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: KEVIN RAYNARD SMITH
  • Publication number: 20170360512
    Abstract: Systems and methods may be used to perform robot-aided surgery. A system may include a robotic controller to monitor a position and orientation of an end effector coupled to an end of a robotic arm. The robotic controller may apply a force to a bone using the end effector, such as via a soft tissue balancing component. The robotic controller may determine soft tissue balance using information from a tracking system, such as a position of a first tracker affixed to the bone. The soft tissue balance may be output, such as to a display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Pierre Couture, Alain Richard, Olivier Boisvert, Emily Gogarty, Louis-Philippe Amiot, Sebastien Parratte, Di Li
  • Publication number: 20170360513
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for resurfacing bones, and in particular, for detecting and resurfacing one or more femoroacetabular impingements (FAIs). A FAI resurfacing controller may be used to perform this detecting and resurfacing of FAIs. The FAI resurfacing controller may include a bone model generator to receive bone imaging and to generate a model of at least one osteophyte and of a surface of a native bone surrounding the at least one osteophyte. The FAI resurfacing controller may include an osteophyte identifier to set a virtual 3D boundary surface between native bone surface and the at least one osteophyte. The FAI resurfacing controller may include a resurfacing navigator to generate and output a navigation file. The navigation file may include the model with the 3D boundary surface between native bone surface and the at least one osteophyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Louis-Philippe Amiot, Seth Anderson Nash, John White
  • Publication number: 20170360514
    Abstract: A system for navigating a medical device is provided. In one embodiment, a magnetic field generator assembly generates a magnetic field. Position sensors on the medical device, on an imaging system and on the body generate signals indicative of the positions within the magnetic field. The generator assembly and reference sensors are arranged such that a correlation exists between them and the positions of the body and of a radiation emitter and a radiation detector of the imaging system. An electronic control unit (ECU) determines, responsive to signals generated by the sensors, a position of the medical device, a position of one of the radiation emitter and detector and a distance between the emitter and detector. Using this information, the ECU can, for example, register images from the imaging system in a coordinate system and superimpose an image of the device on the image from the imaging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Uzi Eichler, Alon Izmirli, Yuval Vaknin, Adi Raveh
  • Publication number: 20170360515
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrumentation, comprising a hand-held, integrated, medical navigation system which comprises an optical detection unit having a camera, a data processing unit and an optical display unit, the data processing unit being coupled to the detection unit and the display unit, it being possible for location and/or orientation data of a medical marking device which is detectable with the detection unit to be processed by the data processing unit and information relating thereto to be represented on the display unit, the instrumentation comprising an illumination unit with which light is emittable in the direction of the marking device detectable with the detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Josef Kozak, Jens Beger
  • Publication number: 20170360516
    Abstract: A surgical robotic arm drape for enveloping a portion of a robotic arm, the drape comprising: an exterior sheet defining an elongate cavity for housing a portion of a robotic arm; and a duct defined at least in part by material integral with the exterior sheet, the duct defining a fluid path along the longitudinal extent of the cavity to channel fluid to or from a robotic arm housed within the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Luke David Ronald HARES
  • Publication number: 20170360517
    Abstract: A medical robot system, including a robot coupled to an effectuator element with the robot configured for controlled movement and positioning. The system may include a transmitter configured to emit one or more signals, and the transmitter is coupled to an instrument coupled to the effectuator element. The system may further include a motor assembly coupled to the robot and a plurality of receivers configured to receive the one or more signals emitted by the transmitter. A control unit is coupled to the motor assembly and the plurality of receivers, and the control unit is configured to supply one or more instruction signals to the motor assembly. The instruction signals can be configured to cause the motor assembly to selectively move the effectuator element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Neil R. Crawford, Nicholas Theodore, Mitchell A. Foster
  • Publication number: 20170360518
    Abstract: A replica control tool (70) for remotely controlling a control handle (71) of an interventional tool (e.g., a probe, a catheter and a flexible scope) robotically controlled by a robotic actuator (50). The replica control tool (70) employs a replica control handle (71) substantially being a replica of a structural configuration of the control handle (71) of the interventional tool, and a control input device (72) (e.g., a joystick or a trackball) movable relative to the replica control handle (71). The replica control tool (70) further employs a robotic actuator controller (75) for remotely controlling the robotic actuator (50) in response to any movement of the control input device (72) relative to the replica control handle. The replica control tool (70) may further employ an electromechanical device (73) (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: ARYEH LEIB REINSTEIN, ALEKSANDRA POPOVIC, DAVID PAUL NOONAN
  • Publication number: 20170360519
    Abstract: A medical manipulator system includes a manipulator having a first joint; a first detecting means detecting an orientation of the first joint; an operation unit having a second joint associated with the first joint for operating the first joint; a second detecting means detecting an orientation of the second joint; a control unit outputting a signal for operating the first joint, the signal being based on the orientation of the second joint detected by the second detecting means; and a display unit displaying information output by the control unit, wherein a display of the information by the display unit includes a first display indicating a predetermined range of an orientation determined by using the orientation of the first joint that is detected by the first detecting means as a reference and a second display indicating the orientation of the second joint that is detected by the second detecting means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryuichi YORIMOTO, Takahiro KOMURO
  • Publication number: 20170360520
    Abstract: A surgical robot comprising a base and an arm extending from a proximal end attached to the base to a distal end attachable to a surgical instrument via a series of links interspersed by articulations. The arm comprises a receiver, a proximity sensor and a controller. The receiver is configured to receive data from the surgical instrument over a short-range wireless communications link with the surgical instrument. The proximity sensor is configured to detect the proximal presence of the surgical instrument. The controller is configured to respond to the proximity sensor detecting the proximal presence of the surgical instrument by enabling the short-range wireless communications link between the receiver and a transmitter of the surgical instrument to be established.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Luke David Ronald Hares
  • Publication number: 20170360521
    Abstract: A robot arm and method for using the robot arm. Embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising: a robot arm; an end effector coupled at a distal end of the robot arm and configured to hold a surgical tool; a plurality of motors operable to move the robot arm; and an activation assembly operable to send a move signal allowing an operator to move the robot arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Norbert Johnson
  • Publication number: 20170360522
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical telemanipulator handle to control surgical instruments with articulated end-effectors, such as dissectors, scissors or graspers, enhancing a surgeon's performance during various surgical procedures. These surgical instruments may be inserted into surgical incisions in a body of a patient and the articulated end-effector is mounted on the distal extremity of the instrument shaft, comprising a plurality of links interconnected by a plurality of joints, whose movements are remotely controlled at the telemanipulator's proximal handle. This remote actuation is accomplished through mechanical transmission, optimally along flexible elements, which are able to kinematically connect the end-effector with the handle such that the movements applied on the handle are reproduced by the end-effector at a predetermined scaled ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: DistalMotion SA
    Inventor: Ricardo Daniel Rita BEIRA
  • Publication number: 20170360523
    Abstract: Safety-blade dispensers for safely storing surgical blades prior to surgery and optionally for retrieving used surgical blades after surgery. In either case, the safety-blade dispenser is configured to store one or more surgical blades in an orientation that allows a user to simply and safely attach a surgical tool handle to the surgical blades (and optionally remove the handle from the surgical blades) without requiring the user to physically touch or manipulate the surgical blades by hand. The safety-blade dispensers disclosed herein may be used alone or in conjunction with a system and method of preventing wrong-site surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Kaveh Khajavi, David E. Lane, II, Luke Boland, Christopher Davis, John G. Kerwood
  • Publication number: 20170360524
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for applying tensile force to one or more tissue regions within a body. Illustratively, an implant ball including a spherical side wall is received within a tubular organ, and tensile sutures extend through the implant ball for applying a tensile force to facilitate elongation of the tubular organ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Jose Peiro Ibanez
  • Publication number: 20170360525
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, a sterilization mat is provided that is configured to receive non-sterile surgical instruments, rolled to a rolled configuration, and sterilized while in the rolled configuration. In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a specialized surgical supply kit includes a package that retains surgical supplies having at least one surgical supply identified as a preferred surgical supply by the hospital or surgeon that is to perform the surgery. The surgical supplies are further arranged in a spatial arrangement based on the surgeon who is to perform the surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Woodward Brown, Rene Haag, Mary Schafer
  • Publication number: 20170360526
    Abstract: Selective reflection of light by ureters and by tissue around the ureters is used to safely and efficiently image the ureters. In one aspect, a plurality of surgical site scenes is captured. Each of the plurality of surgical site scenes is captured from reflected light having a different light spectrum. The plurality of captured surgical site scenes is analyzed to identify ureter tissue in the captured surgical site scenes. A surgical site scene is displayed on a display device. The displayed surgical site scene has ureter tissue artificially highlighted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. DiCarlo, Ian E. McDowall, Jonathan M. Sorger
  • Publication number: 20170360527
    Abstract: A cleaning fixture for cleaning a medical device includes a shaft receiving portion configured to receive a shaft and an end effector assembly of the medical device. The shaft receiving portion includes a nozzle disposed towards a distal end of the shaft receiving portion such that the nozzle is positioned adjacent the end effector assembly of the medical device upon receipt of the shaft and end effector assembly of the medical device within the shaft receiving portion. A handle receiving portion is configured to receive the housing and handle of the medical device. The handle receiving portion is releasably securable with the shaft receiving portion to enclose the medical device therein. The handle receiving portion includes a lever activation assembly positioned adjacent the handle and operable to selectively actuate the handle to manipulate the end effector assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: LANCE FAGAN, STEVEN BRAGG, SETH MASEK, JEAN-PAUL DEEB
  • Publication number: 20170360528
    Abstract: An ablation procedure. The ablation procedure may be applied to tooth buds and result in tooth agenesis. The ablation procedure may be applied to lesions or tumors. A method for using a tooth bud ablation system in a tooth bud ablation procedure for ablating a tooth bud, said tooth bud having a middle, said procedure resulting in the agenesis of said tooth. The tooth may be a third molar in a human patient. A method for creating a third molar tooth bud ablation system including a custom surgical stent and an ablation probe tip for use in a third molar tooth bud ablation procedure that results in the agenesis of a third molar in a human patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Triagenics, LLC
    Inventor: Leigh E. Colby
  • Publication number: 20170360529
    Abstract: A guide for planning and drilling for the subsequent placement of dental implants, especially indicated in cases in which angled perforations must be performed in the bone tissue based on a previously performed first vertical hole, and which essentially comprises a support, a plate with an angle at at least one of the ends thereof fastened on the support such that it may move and be detached with respect it, a guide body located at the end of the plate and a rod that in turn comprises an upper end that is joined to the support through rotation that enable the relative movement between both, and a lower end that is inserted in the bone tissue of the patient's mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: PHIBO DENTAL SOLUTIONS, S.I.
    Inventors: Francesc ALSINA FONT, Antonio LÓPEZ PÉREZ
  • Publication number: 20170360530
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for filling root canals of teeth in order to prevent bacteria passing thereinto following removal of the nerve from the tooth and preparation of the canal for root filling. Owing to the importance of this remedial action, several methods and tools have been developed to facilitate root canal obturation by injection of a leak-proof material. The present invention discloses a plug made from plastic or any other biocompatible material, comprising: a central, conical, cylindrical, longitudinal cavity; lateral elliptical openings connected to said longitudinal cavity; discontinuous lateral guiding supports having rounded angles and spaces therebetween; and a double leak-proof cap. The plug does not require a gripping part, which facilitates the placement of a post inside the root in order to support fixed prosthodontics and to prevent leakage of the obturating material injected into the tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Mohammed AL SHEHRI
  • Publication number: 20170360531
    Abstract: A system for maximum intercuspation articulation, including a database including patient records and images, and a server in communication with the database and including processing circuitry configured to receive virtual modeling geometrics of two opposing dental models as an input, wherein the two opposing dental models include an upper dental model and a lower dental model of the patient. The processing circuitry is also configured to detect intersection regions between the upper dental model and the lower dental model and perform a simulation on the two opposing dental models, wherein the simulation includes applying simulated physics rules at the two opposing dental models. The processing circuitry is further configured to repeat the detection of the intersection regions and the simulation to generate a maximum intercuspation alignment of the two opposing dental models, mark the intersection regions on the maximum intercuspation alignment, and output the maximum intercuspation alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: CLEARCORRECT OPERATING, LLC
    Inventors: Hamed JANZADEH, Paul Doan DINH
  • Publication number: 20170360532
    Abstract: A method of forming an implant to be implanted into living bone is disclosed. The method comprises the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to produce a microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of immersing the microscale roughened surface into a solution containing hydrogen peroxide and a basic solution to produce a nanoscale roughened surface consisting of ranopitting superimposed on the microscale roughened surface. The nanoscale roughened surface has a property that promotes osseointegration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Robert L. Mayfield, Ross W. Towse
  • Publication number: 20170360533
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of guiding a dental implant treatment plan, a device and a recording medium therefore. The method of guiding a dental implant treatment plan according to the invention, by providing a guide to the area where the implant object is to be placed, the effects of reducing the complexity of the implant plan and decreasing procedure deviations depending on individual to individual can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: OSSTEMIMPLANT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyoo Ok CHOI, Tae Hwan KIM, Seung Yong HWANG, Seong Yun LEE
  • Publication number: 20170360534
    Abstract: This invention designs and builds multiple layers (two layers or more) of various dental devices, specifically denture base or denture, where printed multiple layered denture base with teeth cavities to receive artificial denture tooth materials to form final dental devices, such as partial and full dentures. It can also print denture teeth. This invention also designs and prints multiple layers (two layers or more) of denture base with artificial denture teeth to form final dental devices, such as partial and full dentures. A method for manufacturing a layered denture is provided. The invention provides a multiple layered denture base materials for printing a denture base. The invention also provides a multiple layered denture tooth materials for printing artificial denture teeth. Highly shape adjustable or shape memory polymer layer(s) may be used in these multiple layered denture base forms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. SUN, Dan AMMON
  • Publication number: 20170360535
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a dental restoration pre-form for use in a making a dental prosthesis is disclosed comprising providing a design of the prosthesis and a protocol for manufacturing the prosthesis and producing a dental restoration material pre-form having three dimensional (3D) characteristics based on said design of the prosthesis and steps of the protocol. There is also disclosed a method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis comprising providing dental restoration material pre-form having an associated 3D digital map, the 3D map comprising information on a spatial distribution of characteristics of the pre-form; and processing the pre-form according to a processing protocol the protocol based on a design of the prosthesis and the 3D map of the pre-form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: MICHAEL RYNERSON, JEAN-MARC PEROT, PIERRE-OLIVIER ROY
  • Publication number: 20170360536
    Abstract: A method for making ceramic fixed partial dentures comprising separating the as-sintered partial denture structure, rejoining the retainers and pontic with glass, which forms a strong joint between the retainers and pontic after sintering. This method may produce ceramic long-span fixed partial dentures with a better fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Firas Khalid ALQARAWI
  • Publication number: 20170360537
    Abstract: A fluid emitting dental pick device for cleaning is having a handle defined by a body having an interior cavity. A pick component engaged to one end of the body bifurcates a pressurized fluid stream into two individual fluid streams projecting in opposing directions to clean both sides of the teeth concurrently. An optional reservoir holding a secondary fluid can also be employed which mixes fluid from the reservoir into the pressurized fluid stream which is delivered to the teeth with the two individual fluid streams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Lisa Landau
  • Publication number: 20170360538
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric toothbrush handle and an electric toothbrush. The electric toothbrush handle comprises: a shell in the inner cavity of which at least one light emitting element is arranged; and a display interface arranged on the outer side of the shell and covering the light emitting element; wherein the display interface is provided with a mark in a set shape at a position corresponding to each light emitting element; the light of the light emitting element is capable of penetrating through the display interface so that the mark is visible. With the mark formed on the display interface, the machining process of the electric toothbrush handle is simplified, and the electric toothbrush with the electric toothbrush handle can effectively prevent water ingress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Ning Luo, Yanzhong Cai, Weibing Peng
  • Publication number: 20170360539
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric toothbrush handle and an electric toothbrush. The electric toothbrush handle comprises: a shell, in the inner cavity of which at least one light emitting element is arranged; and a shading part, comprising a light transmission plate arranged on the periphery of the at least one light emitting element, and a first coating arranged on the outer surface and/or the inner surface of the light transmission plate; wherein a light transmission area in a set shape is formed at a position corresponding to each light emitting element in the first coating; and the light of the light emitting element is capable of penetrating through the light transmission area so that the shape of the light transmission area is visible via the shell. The electric toothbrush handle can avoid damage and even failure of a display mark due to wear thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Ning Luo, Yanzhong Cai, Lingjun Guo