Abstract: An implant insertion device including a body having a first portion for coupling to a proximal end of an intramedullary rod and a second portion extending in a spaced position from the intramedullary rod in the vicinity of an aperture in a proximal end of the rod when the rod is coupled to the first portion. The second portion can include a targeting assembly having a passageway for receiving a guide sleeve and for pivoting the guide sleeve relative to the aperture through an angular range for inserting the fastener into the aperture of the rod. An implant insertion device for use with an implantable device is additionally provided.

Abstract: A device for handling a bone screw to be connected with a vertebral rod includes an essentially cylindrical and hollow housing and an adjustment tool which axially traverses the housing and which has a section provided with an outer threading and is screwed into an internal threading of the housing, wherein the housing is constructed pliers-like and has a first and a second jaw which relative to the user each have a proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal ends engage at the head of the bone screw, wherein the two jaws are pivotably connected with each other via a pivot axis which is situated between the distal and proximal ends and extends orthogonally in relation to the longitudinal axis of the housing, and wherein the internal threading of the housing is provided on a proximal end of a single one of the jaws.

Abstract: A force dissipating impactor device comprises a bar member including a hollow shaft, a first end, and a second end. The first end of the impactor device provides an impaction surface and the opposite second end of the impactor device provides an implant engagement surface. The implant engagement surface is contoured to mate with a surface of the implant member. The impaction surface is configured to be struck with a mallet or other tool. A plurality of holes are provided in the shaft and penetrate the surface of the bar member. The plurality of holes provided on the shaft surface of the bar member may be arranged such that a line passing axially along the shaft surface intersects at least one of the plurality of holes. Further, the plurality of holes may be arranged in a staggered matrix around the shaft surface.

Abstract: Compositions and formulations for use with devices and systems that enable tissue cooling, such as cryotherapy applications, for alteration and reduction of adipose tissue are described. Aspects of the technology are further directed to methods, compositions and devices that provide protection of non-targeted cells (e.g., non-lipid-rich cells) from freeze damage during dermatological and related aesthetic procedures that require sustained exposure to cold temperatures. Further aspects of the technology include systems for enhancing sustained and/or replenishing release of cryoprotectant to a treatment site prior to and during cooling applications.

Abstract: A fault-detection method, system, and device for a cryosurgical system that avoids a false-positive detection of a fault condition, such as fluid ingress within the system. The fault-detection mechanism may generally include a driver having an active mode and an inactive mode, the driver generating an output signal when the driver is in active mode, a detector, the detector capable of receiving the driver output signal, and a detector verification controller in communication with the driver and the detector, the detector verification controller changing the driver from the active mode to the inactive mode when the detector receives the driver output signal. The controller may determine a true fault condition if the controller determines there is a correlation between the signal received by the detector and the driver output signal. All other possible fault conditions may be ignored if the controller determines that the signals are not correlated.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for enhancing cooling uniformity and efficiency of cryogenic fluids and providing a treatment element the shape of which can be adjusted for multiple purposes. The device may include a balloon catheter and fluid dispersion element, the fluid dispersion element directing the flow of coolant from a fluid injection element the interior wall of the balloon. The method of changing the shape of the treatment element may include retracting and extending a shaft to which the distal neck of a balloon is coupled, so that the balloon goes from a first shape to a second shape.

Abstract: An energy delivery system for use in performing a medical procedure is provided. The medical procedure can employ an energy source, the energy source can be connected to an energy delivering device via a transmission line. The energy delivery system can include a measurement system, the measurement system can be configured to sample an output signal generated by the energy source. The energy delivery system includes a control system, which includes a calibration unit. The calibration unit can be configured to generate a calibration signal. The calibration signal can have a magnitude and phase, wherein the magnitude and phase is representative of the output signal and the transmission line loss information. The energy delivery system can also include a control unit, the control unit being configured to receive the calibration signal and adjust the energy source as needed.

Abstract: A return electrode monitoring (REM) system for an electrosurgical system is disclosed. The REM system includes circuit components or circuitry for monitoring the magnitude of an interrogation or drive signal, and one or more electrode pads including one or more pairs of split electrode pads. The REM system, while sweeping an interrogation signal over or across a frequency range, monitors the magnitude of the interrogation signal. The REM system determines if there is a frequency shift in the interrogation signal. If there is a frequency shift, the REM system determines the frequency shift and uses it to calculate a reactance value of the impedance. The complex impedance can then be determined. The complex impedance, or at least the reactance value, can be used to determine the capacitive coupling between the patient and pad interface.

Abstract: The inventive ablation element comprises an elongated cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula defines an internal lumen and a cannula axis. A plurality of conductors contained within the lumen, each having a proximal end proximate the proximal end of the cannula, and a distal end proximate the distal end of the cannula. A plurality of ablation stylets each has a proximal end and a distal end, and each coupled to the distal end of a respective conductor, the conductors together with their respective stylets being mounted for axial movement. A trocar point defined proximate the distal end of the cannula. A deflection surface positioned between the trocar point and the proximal end of the cannula, the deflection surface being configured and positioned to deflect at least some of the stylets laterally with respect to the cannula axis in different directions defining an ablation volume.

Abstract: An electro-surgical system (100) with an optical feedback functionality for performing electro-surgery on tissue (200) of patient. An electro-surgical device (105) has an electrode portion (110) with an optical guide (114) integrated therein. An optical unit (160) performs optical characterization of tissue type and/or condition, and is arranged for performing an analysis of the tissue type and/or condition. A control unit (170) generates a feedback control signal (FEEDCON) based on the analysis of the tissue type and/or condition, optical guide allows inspecting the tissue that is e.g. just a few millimeters ahead of the electrode portion (110) performing e.g. the cutting. As a result of the fast and reliable analysis performed by the spectrometer in the optical unit according to the present invention, the system can proactively react to what kind of tissue is in front of the electro-surgical portion i.e. the ‘blade’ of the electro-surgical device or the electro-surgical ‘knife’.

Abstract: A medical device includes an end effector configured to apply bipolar energy to target tissue along a working portion thereof and a fluid control system to control the flow of a fluid produced when the end effector applies the bipolar energy to heat the target tissue. The fluid control system includes a fluid path element defining a fluid path, a distal fluid port configured to intake the fluid adjacent to the working portion of an end effector for transport through the fluid path, and a proximal fluid port configured to intake the fluid transported through the fluid path and to exhaust the transported fluid.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft that extends therefrom and a handle pivotable relative thereto. An end effector assembly is attached to a distal end of the shaft and includes first and second jaw members. The first jaw member is pivotably attached to a distal end of the shaft and the second jaw member extends along a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and fixed to the distal end of the shaft by a living hinge. The first jaw member, upon actuation of the handle, is movable relative to the second jaw member between spaced-apart position, an approximated position for grasping tissue, and a second position for over-compressing tissue grasped between jaw members. A knife is disposed within a channel defined within the second jaw member and is exposed to cut tissue when the first jaw member over-travels to over-compress the second jaw member.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The forceps also includes a source of electrical energy connected to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. A generally tube-like cutter is included which is slidably engaged about the elongated shaft and which is selectively movable about the elongated shaft to engage and cut tissue on at least one side of the jaw members while the tissue is engaged between jaw members.

Abstract: A device for performing a surgical procedure comprises an elongated shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end and defines an outer surface and an inner surface. An expandable member is disposed at the distal end and is configured to receive inflation material. At least one electrode is disposed with the inflatable member. A cooling mechanism is configured to cool surrounding tissue that the device comes in contact.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device and a method of orienting the electrosurgical device are provided. The device includes a rotation mechanism including a first and a second connector where the first connector is rotatable relative to the second connector. The device also includes a handle operably connected to the first connector; and a catheter operably connected to the second connector where the handle is rotatable relative to the catheter. The device further includes a first wire having a distal portion anchored to a distal portion of the catheter so that the distal portion of the wire is orientable by rotation of the handle relative to the catheter. At least one of the rotation mechanism or a proximal portion of the wire forms a conductive connection that operably connects a power source to the distal portion of the first wire to energize the distal portion of the first wire in the electrosurgical device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides ablation catheters that are constructed such that they may be inserted into the body and into a target blood vessel in a linear conformation and subsequently changed into a helical conformation using a pull wire secured to the ablation catheter prior to an ablation procedure to allow electrodes present on the ablation catheter to contact the wall of the blood vessel. After the ablation is complete, the helical-shaped ablation catheter may be returned to its linear conformation by reversing the tensioned pull wire for extraction from the body.

Abstract: An operation device for performing a procedure on a lumen in a body comprises: a single protection tube formed of a flexible material; first and second tube members provided in the protection tube; and first and second clamp-type effectors respectively provided at respective front ends of the first and second tube members, wherein operational wires, respectively, are inserted into the first and second tube members to connect the clamp-type effectors positioned at the front ends thereof with first and second manipulation handles positioned at rear ends thereof, wherein the first and second clamp-type effectors are manipulated by moving the operational wires using the first and second manipulation handles in front or rear directions, and wherein electric lines are connected with the first and second clamp-type effectors to electrothermally treat a lesion portion in the body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and performing tissue modulation are disclosed. An example system may include an elongate shaft having a distal end region and a proximal end and having at least one modulation element and one sensing electrode disposed adjacent to the distal end region. The sensing electrode may be used to determine and monitor changes in tissue adjacent to the modulation element.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved ablation catheter. In particular, the present disclosure provides an improved renal denervation ablation catheter and system including a catheter handle and a means for tracking, monitoring, and/or recording the circumferential angular history of the renal denervation ablation catheter handle. The renal denervation ablation catheters in accordance with the present disclosure are well-suited for use with a renal denervation ablation system that can record the circumferential angular history of the renal denervation catheter handle, and hence the circumferential angular ablation history of the catheter electrode within a vessel, and use this data in combination with other known information to estimate the percent circumferential denervation of the vessel.

Abstract: Guided ablation instruments are disclosed for creating lesions in tissue, especially cardiac tissue for treatment of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. In one aspect of the invention, a percutaneous catheter is disclosed with an endoscope positionable in the instrument's distal end region to obtain an image. The image allows the clinician to determine whether contact has been achieved (or blood has been cleared from an ablative energy transmission path) before ablation begins or while ablation is occurring. In one embodiment, percutaneous ablation catheters are disclosed having at least one central lumen and one or more balloon structures at the distal end region of the instrument. Also disposed in the distal end region are an illuminating light source and an endoscope capable of collecting sufficient light to relay an image to the user. The instruments can further include an ablation element.

Abstract: A medical device includes an insertion tube, having a longitudinal axis and having a distal end adapted for insertion through a body passage into a cavity within a body of a patient. An electrode is located on the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured to contact tissue in the cavity. A resilient member is contained within the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured, when unconstrained, to cause the distal end to bend away from the longitudinal axis in a curved shape and to straighten toward the longitudinal axis when subjected to a force.

Abstract: A microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween. A radiating portion is also included having an unbalanced dipole antenna including a proximal portion and a distal portion that are of different lengths. The proximal portion includes at least a portion of the inner conductor and the inner insulator and the distal portion includes a conductive member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to comprehensive systems, devices and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, systems, devices, and methods are provided for delivering energy to difficult to access tissue regions (e.g. peripheral lung tissues), and/or reducing the amount of undesired heat given off during energy delivery.

Abstract: An ablation instrument having an ergonomic handle that includes an actuator adapted to selectively extend and retract a blade that is pivotably mounted within an aperture assembly coupled to the housing by a shaft. The shaft extends distally from the handle and includes a coaxial feedline, a wire conduit disposed along a longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a pull wire disposed within the wire conduit and having a proximal and a distal end, wherein a proximal end of the pull wire is operably coupled to the actuator. The aperture assembly is coupled to a distal end of the shaft and includes a reflector having a closed upper portion, and an open lower portion from which the blade may be extended for use. Also disclosed is an ablation system that includes the above-described ablation instrument, a source of ablation energy, and optionally, a source of coolant for cooling the shaft and aperture assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser system and laser handpiece and process for skin treatment. The system includes components for producing a continuous or pulse laser beam, and components for delivering a substance to the damaged region of skin. The system is designed to control and utilize the laser beam for damaging small volume of skin tissue and using a disposable tip to deliver a substance which is applied simultaneously or with some delay producing a combination of laser action with the action of named substance at the same time.

Abstract: A device for treating truncal and/or collateral varicose veins, such that they may be treated fully at outpatient clinics, without the need to use local anesthetic, wherein the device links the energy or power flow emitted by the laser to the effect of the sclerosant foam and, using a method which links the physio-chemical properties of the two synergistically, removes the exceptional venous endothelium, in addition to reducing both the concentration of the sclerosant substance and that of the energy released by the laser into the vein/varicose vein, such that the entire method may be carried out fully at outpatient clinics and performed in the usual work area, without the need for a strict surgical environment or local anesthetic, with the exception of the same being used at the entry point, it not being necessary to administer local anesthetic in a perivenous, tumescent and/or truncal way.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscopic abrasion device and methods of use thereof. The device includes a catheter having an inflation balloon including one or more elements disposed on the balloon for abrasion of tissue when the balloon is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the catheter. The device may be used to treat and diagnose diseases of the esophageal passage, such as Barrett's disease.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a portable device for identification of surgical items with magnetic markers, method for identifying surgical objects with magnetic markers and system for the prevention of retention of surgical items with magnetic markers. The present invention can be used in surgical centers, with the aim of detecting surgical elements/objects (5) retained in the patient after surgery. The present invention aims to provide instrumental support in object location surgical (5) retained inside the body cavities for detecting artifacts forgotten after a surgical procedure, by means of device and specific objects and method and system for their identification.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a surgical step or surgical procedure with visual guidance using an optical head mounted display are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for controlling the movement of a mechanical body. In accordance with a method, desired movement information is received that identifies a desired motion of a mechanical body, the mechanical body having a first number of degrees of freedom. A plurality of instructions are then generated by applying the received desired movement information to a kinematic model, the kinematic model having a second number of degrees of freedom greater than the first number of degrees of freedom, each of the instructions being configured to control a corresponding one of the second number of degrees of freedom. A subset of the plurality of instructions are then transmitted for use in controlling the first number of degrees of freedom of the mechanical body.

Abstract: An assembly for protecting and cleaning a medical instrument having an operational part and a hand grip part. The assembly has a protection element with cooperating retention parts for fixing the hand grip of the medical instrument in the protection element. A cavity is formed by a wall for protecting the operational part of the medical instrument. The assembly further has a cleaning assist element with a tubular shape and being fixable to the wall of the protection element.

Abstract: This disclosure provides marking implements for making radiopaque markings, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: An implantable tissue marker incorporates a contrast agent sealed within a chamber in a container formed from a solid material. The contrast agent is selected to produce a change, such as an increase, in signal intensity under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An additional contrast agent may also be sealed within the chamber to provide visibility under another imaging modality, such as computed tomographic (CT) imaging or ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-invasive method of realignment of maloccluded teeth of a patient suffering from a periodontal and/or an orthognathic condition that includes application of flexible aligners to induce the movement of the maloccluded teeth toward a realigned position along an ideal arch.

Abstract: Liquid radiation curable resin compositions for additive manufacturing comprising: from about 5 to about 30 wt % of an oxetane; a (meth)acrylate component; a cationic photoinitiator; a free-radical photoinitiator; and from about 50 to about 80 wt % of an epoxy, which further comprises a cycloaliphatic epoxy component, and an epoxy component having an aromatic glycidyl ether group, wherein the majority of the epoxy is the cycloaliphatic epoxy component are described and claimed. Also described and claimed is a process for using the liquid radiation curable resins for additive manufacturing to create molds for dental aligners, and the three-dimensional molds made from the liquid radiation curable resins for additive manufacturing.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket extension system for orthodontic braces, the orthodontic bracket extension system including a plurality of bracket base extensions each having an aperture in which a corresponding one of a plurality of bracket base can be disposed 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 invention relates to an apparatus for temporomandibular joint-related corrections of tooth position, taking into account a variant of the registration or construction of the bite predetermined by the user. The invention is characterized in that a base module extending at least on the occlusion-bearing part of one side of the jaw is supported in an intermaxillary manner and has cavities formed by a setup technique to accommodate teeth, by means of which the tension forces necessary for tooth movements can act on the teeth, in that the base module has a three-dimensionally defined jaw support designed in accordance with specifications of the user, and in that the jaw support is formed by bite blocks and/or interceptors which have cavities filled with a filling material of predeterminable elasticity.

Abstract: An improved dental system is disclosed for implanting into a jawbone of a patent comprising a dental implant having a coronal end and a small apical end with an orifice extending from the coronal end toward the apical end. An orientation portion is disposed in the orifice for aligning an abutment relative to the dental implant. A threaded portion is disposed in the orifice for receiving a threaded portion of the abutment for securing the abutment to the dental implant. Preferably, the orifice extends at least one-half the length of the dental implant.

Abstract: A device for detecting the three-dimensional geometry of objects (9), in particular teeth, includes a handpiece (1) which is provided with at least one position sensor (12) for detecting the change of the spatial position of the handpiece (1), and an optical device (2) having at least one camera (5, 6) for capturing images and at least one light source (3) for at least one projector (4). The position sensor (12) in the handpiece (1) initially determines the size of the change of the spatial position of the device. It is determined therefrom, how many pictures the camera (5, 6) can take in a defined time unit.

Abstract: A method for planning, visualizing, and/or optimizing dental restoration on the pre-prepared teeth of a patient. The method includes obtaining 3D digital models of the pre-prepared teeth and the prepared teeth, and aligning these 3D models. A CAD model of a dental restoration for the prepared teeth is designed based on the 3D digital model of the pre-prepared teeth.

Abstract: A system for fabricating a dental restoration to restore a tooth at a restoration site in a dentition of a patient is disclosed. The dentition includes a restoration dental arch and an opposing dental arch. The restoration dental arch include the restoration site and the opposing dental arch is opposite the restoration dental arch. The system includes an impression apparatus, a motion capture apparatus, an interface apparatus, and a restoration design system. The impression apparatus is configured to capture an impression of the dentition of the patient. The motion capture apparatus is configured to capture a plurality of location data points that represent the locations of the opposing dental arch relative to the restoration dental arch. The interference model generation system is configured to generate an interference model for the restoration site. The restoration design system is for designing a restoration using the interference model.

Abstract: This toothbrush is intended to create healthy gums while cleaning teeth. This toothbrush with its unique combination of bush geometry, specific rotational directions, and brush movement from gums to teeth crowns, will not loosen gums and will correctly position gums as the brush rotational motion and brush movement is always in the direction of gum growth, from gums to teeth crowns. All present toothbrushes, electric and manual on the market, tend to loosen gums as they brush across the direction of gum growth causing loose gums, receding gums, sensitive teeth, gum-line cavities, diseases as gingivitis, loss of teeth. When a dentist and/or hygienist clean under gums, or when a dentist does gum-line fillings, tooth extractions, tooth implants, and receding gum repair, gums need correct alignment to be maintained for a period of time while gums reattach.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis for the treatment of incontinence is disclosed having a support element designed to be placed under the urethra in order to prevent the urethra from moving away in the direction of the lower pelvis and to prevent any uncontrolled intra-urethral flow. A surgical instrument used to implant the prosthesis is also disclosed as is a method of implantation.

Abstract: A sling for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) may be placed and stabilized using a midurethral sling stabilizer. First, a sling may be placed beneath the urethra in a position to support the urethra, without tension. The midurethral sling stabilizer may then be inserted in a manner where the distal end partially encompasses and stabilizes the sling through a partial aperture and stabilizes the sling in a desired position, without tension. Once the sling is stabilized in the desired position, the sheath may be removed from the sling.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an inflatable contour-balloon useful in minimal invasive and/or open surgery. The inflatable contour-balloon positioned in the contour of a mesh and/or a patch and/or a net. The inflatable contour-balloon is adapted to spread and/or deploy the mesh and/or the patch and/or the net in the abdominal cavity and/or pre-peritoneal and/or space and/or hollow body organs and/or natural and/or artificial orifices and/or spaces and/or post operative spaces. The present invention also discloses an elongate open-bored applicator (EOBP) adapted to spread and/or deploy a mesh and/or a patch and/or a net. The EOBP is useful in minimal invasive surgery. The EOBP has a distal portion that is insertable into the abdominal cavity and/or pre-peritoneal and/or space arid/or hollow body organs and/or natural and/or artificial orifices and/or spaces and/or post operative spaces; and a proximal portion that remains outside the body.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a support member and a suture. The support member is configured to provide support to a portion of a body of a patient. The support member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the support member is configured to be disposed within a body of a patient. The suture is removably coupled to the first end portion of the support member and is configured to extend through an incision in the body of the patient from a location within the body of the patient to a location outside of the body of the patient.

Abstract: An embolic protection device comprises an intravascular flow-interactive surface supported by an expandable, substantially cylindrical frame, wherein the frame is configured to expand and engage the luminal surface of the ascending aortic arch, wherein said frame defines a longitudinal channel generally parallel to predominant blood flow vectors, and wherein a flow-modulating element is configured to alter fluid dynamics in a manner that redirects the cranial trajectory of embolic particles originating from the heart through and beyond the longitudinal channel. The embolic protection device may also comprise a plurality of independent or interconnected flow-modulating elements serially spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the primary vessel. The interstitial space between flow-modulating elements allows blood flow passage between one another in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a tissue construct having a composite structure. The method includes providing a biodegradable substrate, wherein the substrate is adapted to allow deposition or growth of a plurality of cells; providing a vascularized layer comprising a plurality of blood vessels therein; and adhering the vascularized layer to the substrate.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis may include a tubular main body and a branch. The main body may include proximal and distal end openings, a lumen, a sidewall, and a fenestration in the sidewall. The branch may include a tubular retrograde branch segment, a tubular antegrade branch segment, and a tubular branch junction. The retrograde branch segment may include an inlet opening fluidly coupled to the fenestration of the main body and an outlet opening fluidly coupled to the branch junction and positioned longitudinally between the proximal end opening and the fenestration of the main body. The antegrade branch segment may include an inlet opening fluidly coupled to the branch junction and an outlet opening positioned longitudinally distal of the inlet opening of the antegrade branch segment. The retrograde branch segment and the antegrade branch segment may be in fluid communication with one another through the branch junction.

Abstract: A self-expanding implantable medical device formed from one or more non-interlocking filaments. Stents, stent-grafts, occluder devices, and filters are manufactured from one or more filaments utilizing a non-interlocking crossing pattern.