Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a universal bone screw screwdriver and in particular to a universal screwdriver that permits the removal of screws from bone plates that are manufactured by different manufacturers having distinct characteristics. The universal bone screw screwdriver is adapted to removably receive an elongated tool bit having a hollow center. The elongated tool bits correspond to the screw heads of different manufacturers and comprises a torque limiting and locking spring assembly to secure the elongated tool bit to the driver shaft and inhibit over-tightening of the bone screw into the bone or bone plate as the case may be.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for treating a patient having a sympathetically mediated disease associated at least in part with augmented peripheral chemoreflex or heightened sympathetic activation. The treatments include ablating one or more peripheral chemoreceptors or associated afferent nerves to reduce or remove afferent neural signals from the peripheral chemoreceptor.

Abstract: A treatment energy application structure includes a flexible substrate having an electric resistance pattern and a lead wire connection portion. A heat transfer plate faces the flexible substrate and transfers heat to the body tissue. An insulating adhesive sheet is interposed between the flexible substrate and the heat transfer plate. The insulating adhesive sheet comprises a first area to cover an entire surface of the electric resistance pattern and the heat transfer plate and a second area protruding from the heat transfer plate to cover a part of the lead wire connection portion. The heat transfer plate has a chamfered corner facing the insulating adhesive sheet. An adhesive may adhere the second area to at least one of the heat transfer plate and the substrate. The insulating adhesive sheet may adhere the substrate to both the heat transfer plate and the bridge portion of a cover.

Abstract: A medical device is described having a handle and an end effector coupled to the handle. The end effector has at least one electrode for providing electrical signals to a tissue or vessel to be treated. An RF drive circuit is provided for generating an RF drive signal that is applied to the end effector electrode. The RF drive circuit includes a resonant circuit and a frequency controller is used to vary the frequency of a signal passed through the resonant circuit in order to control the power supplied to the end effector electrode.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for providing selective surgical instrument trigger lockout are provided herein. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument can include a distal end effector, a proximal actuator portion, a first trigger, a second trigger, and a lock arm. The lock arm can be configured to move between a first position, in which it interferes with actuation of the first trigger, and a second position, in which it permits actuation of the first trigger. Further, actuation of the second trigger can be effective to move the lock arm from the first position to the second position. Actuation of the first trigger can therefore be prevented if the second trigger is not already actuated. Selective trigger lockout can be useful in a variety of instruments, including, for example, surgical instruments that grasp, seal, and transect tissue.

Abstract: A handheld electrosurgical instrument with jaws at a distal end of a shaft. For moving the jaws, the instrument includes a linkage structure with at least three pivots which are movable relative to the housing and with at least pivot which is fixed to the housing. By this arrangement, one of the movable pivots may move as a substitute for movement of the jaws, and the instrument may therefore always have the same limits for handle movement e.g. also if the jaws are prevented from moving. Additionally, a more uniform closure pressure may be ensured independently on the force applied to the handle.

Abstract: A medical treatment device includes: a pair of holding members configured to grasp a target part to be connected in a body tissue; an energy application portion provided on at least one holding member of the pair of holding members, the energy application portion being configured to contact the target part when the target part is grasped by the pair of holding members to apply energy to the target part; and a processor including hardware. The processor is configured to cause the energy application portion to: apply high-frequency energy to the target part for a first period; apply ultrasound energy to the target part for a second period subsequent to the first period; and apply heat energy to the target part for a third period subsequent to the second period.

Abstract: Ablation catheters and systems include coaxial catheter shafts with an inner lumen for delivering an ablative agent and an outer lumen for circulation of a cooling element about the catheter. Induction heating is used to heat a chamber and vaporize a fluid within by wrapping a coil about a ferromagnetic chamber and providing an alternating current to the coil. A magnetic field is created in the area surrounding the chamber which induces electric current flow in the chamber, heating the chamber and vaporizing the fluid inside. Positioning elements help maintain the device in the proper position with respect to the target tissue and also prevent the passage of ablative agent to normal tissues.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides catheter systems, electrode assemblies, and methods for electrically stimulating one or more points about the circumference of the renal artery to provide real time intraprocedural operational feedback to the operator of a renal denervation procedure to allow for more precise and thorough ablation of the renal artery and better patient outcomes. In many embodiments, an electrode assembly is provided that includes multiple splines that extend from an insulated proximal hub to an insulated distal hub and are interconnected to an electrical wire to allow the splines to independently function as electrical stimulation electrodes. The electrically active splines can then be energized at one or more desired points during a renal denervation procedure to provide operational feedback.

Abstract: Systems and methods deploy a therapeutic or diagnostic element into contact with a body tissue region. The systems and methods can sense position of the therapeutic or diagnostic element relative to a targeted tissue region without direct or indirect visualization, by sensing fluid pressure in a fluid path having an outlet located at or near the therapeutic or diagnostic element. The systems and methods can also inflate the therapeutic or diagnostic element during use, while taking steps to avoid over-inflation and/or while dynamically monitoring the pressure conditions within the expanded element.

Abstract: A catheter for use with a suction source for removing excess fluid from a tissue treatment site has a catheter body, a distal section and a fluid evacuation path, where the distal section includes a multi-lumened member and at least one evacuation port, and the fluid evacuation path extends through a lumen in the multi-lumened member to provide suction communication between the suction source and the at least one evacuation port. The fluid evacuation path may also be configured for two-way flow, including distally and proximally along the catheter.

Abstract: A method of determining the status of a fluid cooled microwave ablation system is provided including providing an electrical current to a pump to pump fluid through an ablation system along a fluid path to cool the ablation system, measuring an electrical current drawn by the pump, and determining a status of the ablation system based on the measured electrical current. In another aspect of the disclosure, an ablation system is provided including an ablation probe defining a fluid path for circulation of fluid therethrough, a generator configured to supply energy to the ablation probe for treating tissue, a pump configured to pump fluid through the fluid path of the ablation probe to cool the ablation probe, a sensor configured to measure an electrical current drawn by the pump, and a computing device configured to determine a status of the ablation system based on the measured electrical current.

Abstract: An esophageal ablation system including a positioner, an elongated, flexible shaft extending from the positioner, and a microwave emitter assembly disposed near the distal end of the shaft. The emitter assembly includes one or more microwave antennae and a balloon tor spacing the antennae relative to target tissue. The device may have an inner balloon for deploying the antenna. The systems, devices and methods disclosed are useful for treating Barrett's Esophagus, Esophageal Adenocarcinoma, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Abstract: The invention relates to a skin treatment device comprising a handle with an energy supply, an application head with at least one heat source comprising at least one semiconductor light source, and at least one heat sink comprising cooling fins. The heat sink is located remote from the heat source within the handle. Further, the heat source is thermally connected to the heat sink by means of a heat transfer system (6, 6?, 6?) which comprises a hermetically sealed tubular body containing a working medium, wherein the pressure within the tubular body is chosen such that the working medium is a saturated liquid at room temperature and may be vaporized by the heat source.

Abstract: A minimally invasive fat cell removal system and method is provided using a numbing component, a laser component, and a NIL component. A cannula and fiber of the laser component are insertable into a body of a patient at a biopsy punch to liquefy a fat cell via a tumescent fluid and/or a laser. A NIL cannula of the NIL component is insertable into the body to remove the fat cell via suction and/or nutation. An anesthetic device of the numbing component may reduce sensation of the body where the cannula is insertable. The fat cell may be harvested and implanted at another location of the body.

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: A method for implantation of non-spherical, asymmetric implants is provided that includes devising a pre-surgical plan with pre-operative planning software operating on a computer to define at least one of shape, orientation, type, size, geometry, or placement of the non-spherical, asymmetric implant in an operative bone of a subject. A computer assisted surgical device is used to place the non-spherical, asymmetric implant. The implant is positioned within the bone by the computer assisted surgical device in accordance with pre-surgical plan. A non-spherical, asymmetric implant for insertion in a bone formed of separate stem, neck, and head portions and suitable for implantation by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: For personalizing a vessel stent, images associated with a subject generated by various imaging modalities are aggregated. The images are then processed for identifying Regions of Interest (ROIs) and various parameters associated with the ROIs. Further, a model and a composition of the vessel stent to be administered to the subject to alleviate the condition in the vessel are computed. Thereafter, the model is verified for compatibility using information derived from patient stratification parameters. Upon successful verification of the model, a format of the model is generated that can be used directly for fabricating the vessel stent using additive manufacturing processes known in the art.

Abstract: A method of designing an orthopedic implant comprising: (a) iteratively evaluating possible shapes of a dynamic orthopedic implant using actual anatomical shape considerations and kinematic shape considerations; and, (b) selecting a dynamic orthopedic implant shape from one of the possible shapes, where the dynamic orthopedic implant shape selected satisfies predetermined kinematic and anatomical constraints.

Abstract: A medical system employs a sensing coil that includes a flexible core containing a magnetically permeable material and an electrical conductor wound around the flexible core. The electrical conductor may be wound in a manner that permits use of the sensing coil in a range of configurations from straight to bent with a minimum radius of curvature.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with an endoluminal device that includes one or more radiopaque portions and that moves through a lumen of a subject. A sequence of radiographic images of a portion of the subject's body, in which the lumen is disposed, is acquired, during movement of the endoluminal device through the lumen. Locations at which the one or more radiopaque portions of the endoluminal device were imaged during the movement of the endoluminal device through the lumen are identified, by analyzing the sequence of radiographic images. A set of locations at which the one or more radiopaque portions were disposed during the movement of the endoluminal device through the lumen is defined, and an endoluminal path of the device through the lumen is estimated based upon the set of locations. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including an endoluminal device configured to move along a portion of a lumen of a subject's body, an extraluminal imaging device, and at least one computer processor. While the endoluminal device moves along the portion of the lumen, a display displays an extraluminal image of the lumen in which a first indication of a location of the lumen is shown. The extraluminal imaging device acquires a sequence of extraluminal images of the endoluminal device moving along the portion of the lumen. The indication of the location of the lumen that is displayed is updated based upon the acquired sequence of extraluminal images, and the acquired sequence of images is displayed with the updated indication of the location of the lumen overlaid upon the images. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A method for providing a guided relative movement of a first object and a second object includes obtaining the first object; obtaining the second object and a 3D model of the second object, and deriving from the 3D model a first preferred relative arrangement between the first and second objects; obtaining a pre-process plan describing a preferred path for the relative movement of the first and second objects towards the first preferred relative arrangement; performing a movement procedure that includes 3D scanning at least a region of said second object using the 3D scanner and determining a present relative arrangement of the first and second objects from a result of the 3D scanning; calculating information for correcting in real-time for deviation in the relative movement from the preferred path; and providing a relative movement of the first and second objects towards the first preferred relative arrangement.

Abstract: A virtual reality surgical navigation method includes the steps of preparing a multi dimension virtual model associated with an anatomy inside of patient; receiving data indicative of a surgeon's current head position, including direction of view and angle of view; rendering a first virtual three-dimensional image from the virtual model, the virtual three-dimensional image being representative of an anatomical view from a first perspective at a location inside the patient, wherein the perspective is determined by data indicative of the surgeon's current head position; communicating the first rendered virtual image to a virtual headset display; receiving data input indicative of the surgeon's head moving to a second position, wherein the head movement comprises at least one of a change in angle of view and a change in direction of view; and rendering a second virtual three-dimensional image from the virtual model, the second virtual three-dimensional image being representative of an anatomical view from a seco

Abstract: A surgical system includes a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end including a grip, a sensor attached to the distal end of the shaft, at least one visual indicator disposed at the distal end of the shaft, and a controller coupled to the sensor and the at least one visual indicator, the controller actuating the at least one visual indicator according to a signal received from the sensor.

Abstract: An interlocking system for a joystick in a catheter procedure system includes a joystick configured to generate a first voltage output signal based on a linear activation of the joystick and a second voltage output signal based on a rotational activation of the joystick. A joystick cover is disposed over the joystick and includes an upper portion having an electrode plating on an inner surface of the upper portion and a lower portion having an inner surface. A capacitive touch detection circuit is coupled to the electrode plating of the upper portion of the joystick cover and is mounted on the inner surface of the lower portion of the joystick cover. The capacitive touch detection circuit is configured to detect a proximal change in capacitance in the electrode plating of the upper portion of the joystick cover and to generate a touch output signal to indicate whether a change in capacitance has been detected.

Abstract: A robot comprising: a base; a flexible arm extending from the base and having a plurality of joints whereby the configuration of the arm can be altered, a plurality of drivers arranged to drive the joints to move, a plurality of sensors for sensing the position of each of the joints and an attachment structure for attaching a tool to the arm, the joints permitting the angular attitude of the attachment structure relative to the base to be varied; and a control unit configured to control the drivers and to receive inputs from the sensors, and operable in a calibration mode in which, whilst a tool is attached to the attachment structure and captive in a port, it: (i) controls the drivers so as to permit the arm to be reconfigured by the action of an external force applied to the arm; (ii) monitors the configuration of the arm under the presence of an external force applied to the arm and transmitted through the tool to the port so as to cause the attitude of the attachment structure to the base to alter; whereb

Abstract: Mechanisms, assemblies, systems, tools, and methods include an offset drive shaft within an independently rotating member. An example method of transmitting torque through an offset drive shaft routed within a rotatable main shaft includes supporting a main shaft to rotate relative to a base so that the main shaft rotates about a main shaft rotational axis. A drive shaft is supported to rotate relative to the main shaft so that the drive shaft rotates about a drive shaft rotational axis that is offset from the main shaft rotational axis. The drive shaft is engaged with a drive feature having a drive feature rotational axis that is fixed relative to the base as the main shaft rotates. The main shaft is rotated relative to the base. The drive feature is rotated relative to the main shaft so as to rotate the drive shaft relative to the main shaft.

Abstract: MRI-guided robotics offers possibility for physicians to perform interventions remotely on confined anatomy. While the pathological and physiological changes could be visualized by high-contrast volumetric MRI scan during the procedure, robots promise improved navigation with added dexterity and precision. In cardiac catheterization, however, maneuvering a long catheter (1-2 meters) to the desired location and performing the therapy are still challenging. To meet this challenge, this invention presents an MRI-conditional catheter robotic system that integrates intra-op MRI, MR-based tracking units and enhanced visual guidance with catheter manipulation. This system differs fundamentally from existing master/slave catheter manipulation systems, of which the robotic manipulation is still challenging due to the very limited image guidance. This system provides a means of integrating intra-operative MR imaging and tracking to improve the performance of tele-operated robotic catheterization.

Abstract: A method, a non-transitory computer readable medium, and an apparatus for operating the robotic control system comprising a master apparatus (64) in communication with an input device (58, 60) having a handle (102) and a slave system (54, 74) having a tool (66, 67) having an end effector (73) whose position and orientation is determined in response to a current position and current orientation of the handle. The method involves producing a desired end effector position and orientation in response to a current position and orientation of the handle. The method involves causing the input device to provide haptic feedback that impedes translational movement of the handle, while permitting rotational movement of the handle and preventing movement of the end effector, when a rotational alignment difference between the handle and the end effector meets a disablement criterion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical instrument with an articulated end-effector, such as a dissector, scissor or grasper, to enhance a surgeon's performance during various surgical procedures. The longitudinal axis of the instrument is defined by a shaft, which may be inserted into a surgical incision or trocar in a body of a patient. The articulated end-effector is mounted on the distal extremity of the instrument shaft and comprises a plurality of links interconnected by a plurality of joints, whose movements are remotely actuated by the surgeon's hands. This remote actuation is accomplished through mechanical transmission, mainly along flexible elements, which are able to deliver motion from a set of actuation elements, placed at a proximal extremity of the shaft, to the instrument's articulated end-effector.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying a barrier to a medical scope are provided. An apparatus may comprise a source of film and a housing. The housing may comprise a chamber configured to support therein the source of film, and an opening provided through a wall of the housing to permit a portion of the film to extend out of the chamber when the film is dispensed. The housing may comprise a recess located such that the extended portion of the film is permitted to hang freely in proximity to the recess. The recess may be sized to receive a distal portion of the medical scope. The recess may be adapted to allow the extended portion of the film to be applied to the distal portion of the medical scope when the distal portion is placed into the recess with the portion of the film located therebetween.

Abstract: Packaging (4) for an injection device (6, 92), the packaging comprising: a compartment (32) forming a recess configured to house the injection device therein, the compartment extending in a longitudinal direction, a depth direction, and having a variable lateral width to accommodate the injection device; a first sidewall (54) extending in the depth direction and longitudinal direction contiguous a portion of the compartment; and a lip (56) adjoining the sidewall and said portion of the compartment, wherein the first sidewall is arranged within a field of width of the compartment, the lip arranged at a height (h) from a base of said portion of the compartment, such that the lip and first sidewall prevent user gripping of a housed injection device at said portion of the compartment.

Abstract: A holding device wherein: a holding tool including a curved and rigid surface formed in accordance with a shape of a body surface of a body part of a subject along with an adhesive layer having adhesiveness to a skin surface of the subject on the curved and rigid surface side; an elongated arm member having one end portion to which the holding tool is attached; and a fixing tool for fixing the arm member to a fixed object, attached to an end portion of the arm member on the side opposite to the end portion on the side to which the holding tool is attached.

Abstract: An instrument device manipulator (IDM) is attached to a surgical arm of a robotic system and comprises a surgical tool holder and an outer housing. The surgical tool holder includes an attachment interface that can secure a surgical tool in a front-mount configuration (where the attachment interface is on a face opposite of an elongated body of the surgical tool) or a back-mount configuration (where the attachment interface is on the same face as the elongated body of the surgical tool). The surgical tool holder may rotate continuously within the outer housing. In a back-mount configuration, the surgical tool holder may have a passage that receives the elongated body of the tool and allows free rotation of the elongated body about the rotational axis. A surgical drape separates the IDM and robotic arm from a tool, while allowing electrical and/or optical signals to pass therebetween.

Abstract: Articles and methods for preparing a surface for obtaining a patient sample, such as blood, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the methods involve wiping a surface of skin of a patient in preparation for obtaining a sample (e.g., a blood sample) from the patient. In some embodiments, the methods involve wiping the surface of the skin with two or more wipes. For instance, the surface of the skin may be wiped with a first wipe comprising a surfactant and a second wipe comprising an antiseptic solution. Advantageously, the use of a first wipe including a surfactant followed by a second wipe may remove a higher amount of certain contaminants (e.g., proteins, bacteria, viruses) from the surface of the skin as compared to the use of a single wipe or by hand-washing alone.

Abstract: A method produces a dental drill that has a shank and a work section. The shank contains a centrally arranged, continuous first channel. The work section contains one or more continuous, spiral-shaped further channels. The first channel and the further channels open into a common chamber connecting the shank and the work section. The shank is sintered with the work section in order to form a one-piece, sintered component that encloses the chamber connecting the shank and the work section.

Abstract: Various examples related to automatic light control for illumination of a feature of interest are presented. A lighting system can automatically track a feature of interest, and/or a target positioned in relation to a feature of interest, and position one or more light sources to maintain illumination of the feature of interest. The location of the target, or the feature of interest, can be tracked using images captured by an image capture device and the orientation of one or more light sources can be adjusted to direct beams of light at the feature of interest. The beams of light can produce substantially shadow free illumination of the feature of interest. The controller can automatically calibrate a light source based on identifiable features within a captured image to ensure accurate movement of the light sources when tracking the target or feature of interest in or near real time.

Abstract: The pediatric dental treatment technique with accompanying tools brings infant, toddler, and young child dental hygiene into a mainstream services menu. Carefully chosen and styled tools allow for maximum safety and thus enhance efficiency of the child, clinician, parent or other assistant. The treatment technique is refined to eliminate any extraneous movements or tools. Because the hazards posed by other instruments are removed with the use of these specialized instruments, the operator is able to focus on the patient and the treatment areas. Therefore, the treatment goes more quickly which is important for a small child or infant. The preferred tools comprise a single-ended handle with a miniature tip having a dual cutting surface and a single-ended, miniature, anterior sickle scaler. The entire cleaning is completed quickly to reduce accident risks.

Abstract: A dental instrument having first portion and a second portion connected to the first end of the first portion by a connection. The connection is between a protrusion and an indentation, the first end of the first portion comprising one of a protrusion or an indentation, the first end of the second portion comprising one of a protrusion or an indentation corresponding to the first end of the first portion to allow the first portion and the second portion to connect. The connection between the first portion is rotationally adjustable relative to the second portion, each of the first portion and the second portion comprising at a second end one of a lobed portion having a lobed tool or a blade portion having a carving edge, the lobed tool having at least one lobe.

Abstract: The Pressure Regulating Oral Appliance is an oral appliance which is designed to reduce reflux. The device prevents the buildup of negative pressure within the oral cavity that can create a vacuum promoting reflux of stomach content through the LES.

Abstract: A normal vector or a curvature at each of a plurality of vertexes that are included in data relating to an oral cavity shape including a tooth crown shape of at least one tooth and define the oral cavity shape is acquired. Then, a vertex group that defines the tooth crown shape of the at least one tooth is extracted from the plurality of vertexes based on the acquired normal vectors or curvatures. Further, the extracted vertex group is outputted as tooth crown shape information that specifies a tooth crown portion in the oral cavity shape. Consequently, automatic construction of a database for a tooth crown shape can be implemented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for shielding teeth to be treated in order to prevent an inflow of liquid, such as saliva or blood for example, and to a use of the device according to the invention. The invention relates to a partial dental dam (1) for protecting teeth to be treated, comprising a tensioning cloth (2) made of an elastic material and two actuation elements (3) arranged on opposing ends of the tensioning cloth (2). The tensioning cloth (2) is designed to be introduced into at least one intermediate tooth space (11) from the occlusal side in a first tensioned state, which can be achieved by pulling apart the actuation elements (3) in a tensioning direction (90), and to sealingly rest against the interdental gingiva and the approximal surfaces of the teeth (10) forming the at least one intermediate tooth space (11) in a second state after being introduced into the at least one intermediate tooth space (11).

Abstract: A removable dental appliance configured to reposition one or more teeth of a patient includes an appliance body forming an active band configured to surround two or more teeth of the patient. The appliance body includes a facial portion configured to register with facial sides of the surrounded teeth, a lingual portion configured to register with lingual sides of the surrounded teeth. The facial portion of the appliance body and the lingual portion of the appliance body form receptacles. Each receptacle is configured to accept at least one of the surrounded teeth. The receptacles separate the facial portion from the lingual portion at least along an anterior portion of the appliance body. The active band is configured such that occlusal surfaces of the surrounded teeth of the patient are exposed when the removable dental appliance is worn by the patient with the surrounded teeth positioned within the active band.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, with a computer system, a digital representation of a 3D tooth structure providing initial positions of one or more teeth of a patient, determining dimensions and shapes of a removable dental appliance, the dimensions and shapes being configured to reposition the one or more teeth from their initial positions to adjusted positions when the dental appliance is worn, and transmitting a representation of the dental appliance to a computer-aided manufacturing system. The dental appliance includes an appliance body configured to surround two or more teeth of the patient with a facial portion configured to register with facial sides of the surrounded teeth, and a lingual portion configured to register with lingual sides of the surrounded teeth. The appliance body is configured such that occlusal surfaces of the surrounded teeth of the patient are exposed when the removable dental appliance is worn by the patient.

Abstract: An oral appliance having an upper tray, a lower tray, and axial inserts attached to either the upper tray or lower tray to adjust the relative position of a user's upper jaw and lower jaw in order to treat sleep apnea and/or snoring while at the same time allowing orthodontic treatment of the subject.

Abstract: In an elastic ring installation tool for connecting braces to brackets attached to the teeth of a patient, comprising a housing with a barrel, at the front end of which a magazine holder with a magazine in the form of a strip provided with elastic rings for placement onto brackets provided on the teeth is arranged for mounting the braces to the teeth by the elastic rings, a rod with wire fingers is movably supported in the barrel section for picking up the elastic rings and transferring them to the tooth brackets. In accordance with the invention, the magazine holder is supported so as to be movable away from the wire fingers in a direction normal to the axis of the rod for pulling an elastic ring engaged by the wire fingers in a sideward direction for removing the elastic ring from the magazine.

Abstract: Advantageous dental analogs for dental restorations and related methods of use are provided. The present disclosure provides improved analog members for use in fabricating dental implant-supported restorations, and related methods of use. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous systems/methods for the design and use of protection analog members configured to protect cuff portions of coping members during the fabrication of dental restorations. The improved analog members include an added vertical rim or collar to contact and/or protect the cuff portion of coping members when an end of the analog member is screwed/mounted into place into an end of the coping member. This way, the resin added during fabrication will not contact/adhere to the cuff portion allowing a proper seating of the finished fixed implant-supported prosthesis. Use of the improved analog member also can eliminate scratches/damage to the cuff portion (e.g., during trimming and polishing).

Abstract: A single tooth implant for a fixed dental prosthesis includes a substantially cylindrical main part which can be inserted into a bore in a jaw bone; an abutment which can be inserted into an annular recess in the main part, the abutment having a bore for receiving a retaining screw and a securing head for the dental prosthesis; and a retaining screw which can be inserted into the blind hole of the main part and traverses the abutment; and at least one annular gap between the abutment and the main part, in which gap a damping element is arranged.

Abstract: A retainerless orthodontic dental implant system for positioning the mandible forward relative to the maxilla and for facilitating optimal airflow during sleep and a method of using such a system.