Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical guide for receiving and guiding a surgical instrument, the guide including; an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the elongate body including at least one aperture for receiving and guiding the surgical instrument; at least one positioning mechanism, the positioning mechanism adapted to be directly or indirectly connected to the body and adapted to engage or abut an anatomical location of a patient on which the guide is to be used. The guide is particularly useful in aiding canine tibial tuberosity advancement procedures.

Abstract: There is provided an MRI apparatus in which, when a quantitative value, which does not depend on imaging parameter values, is computed from a plurality of image data having different pixel values that are acquired by performing imaging the plurality of times with different imaging parameter values in the same pulse sequence, pixel values which are acquired from the imaging parameter values are predicted for each of a plurality of predetermined quantitative-value candidate group, and an initial value of the quantitative value is selected from the quantitative-value candidate groups with reference to the predicted pixel values. The optimal quantitative value is computed through a localized optimization technique using the selected initial value.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for supporting an arm of a user using a harness configured to be worn on a body of a user; and an arm support coupled to the harness configured to support an arm of the user, the arm support configured to accommodate movement of the arm while following the movement without substantially interfering with the movement of the user's arm. One or more compensation elements may be coupled to the arm support to apply an offset force to at least partially offset a gravitational force acting on the arm as the user moves and the arm support follows the movement of the user's arm, the one or more compensation elements providing a force profile that varies the offset force based on an orientation of the arm support.

Abstract: A dental implant identification system of the non-contact type has a dental implant (260) and a non-contact tip (262) of a reader probe (263). The dental implant (260) has a non-contact RFID tag (264), which is cylindrical in shape, positioned immovably inside an open cylindrical cavity (266) within the main body of the dental implant (260), The non-contact tip (262) of the reader probe (263) includes, at its leading end, a reader antenna coil (268) (which is a transmitter receiver element in the form of a power coil), a coil positioning spring (270) and a reader positioning collar (272). The reader antenna coil (268) is electrically connected to, and receives its power through, wiring (273) from a match circuit (274) along which current flows.

Abstract: A dental laser comprises a hand piece (100) having a grip region (100a) and a treatment tip (101) with an outlet point (101a), arranged at a distal end, for laser light (102), and further comprises a light source (103) and light conduction means (105) for providing laser light (102) at the outlet point (101a). The laser light (102) has a wavelength (104) of 445±20 nm, in particular, 445±10 nm and more particularly 445±5 nm, and an optical power output is provided at the outlet point in a power range of at least 2 W, advantageously at least 3 W and, in particular, 3.5 W. In another dental laser the laser light (102) has a wavelength (104) of 410±10 nm, and an optical power output is provided at the outlet point (101a) in a power range of no less than 1 W to no more than 2 W.

Abstract: A bone foundation guide system having a bone foundation guide with a foundation guide body forming an open surgical space connecting a top of the bone foundation guide body with a bottom of the bone foundation guide body, the bottom contoured to removably affix the bone foundation guide body to the bone of a dental implant surgical site, the body further contoured to guide the cutting of bone from a dental implant surgical site and supporting a dental implant surgical guide; the dental implant surgical guide contoured to removably mate to the bone foundation guide body; wherein a combination of the bone foundation guide and the dental implant surgical guide forms a double open-ended placement channel that passes through a plurality of guiding cylinders held in tandem alignment to aid in the placement of a dental implant that is anchored in a site remote from the mouth.

Abstract: The surgical guide for the placement of dental implants of the invention is intended to guide the surgeon during the drilling of the bone bed of a patient, prior to the placement of an implant within the operation for the replacement of one or various dental pieces, basically comprising a handle having a hole in at least one of its ends and a drill reducer sleeve which is joined to the handle through said hole and having a circular through hole having a constant diameter to allow close-fitting passage of a drill during the drilling operation, a first portion connected to the hole of the handle and a second portion capable of closely fitting by friction to the inner diameter of the guide hole of a surgical template, and wherein, furthermore, a tool used for the assembly and disassembly of the drill reducer sleeve in the handle is described, made up of a stand and a plunger.

Abstract: A reciprocating endodontic hand tool in which the torque applied to an instrument such as a debriding file can be set at or below an endurance limit of the file below which failure of the instrument will not occur. In preferred embodiments the tool can switch between settings in which the torque applied to the instrument is between the endurance limit of the file and an elastic limit of the file, by setting forward and reverse angles of rotation within specified limits. This reduces or eliminates opportunites for plastic distortion, fatigue and breakage of the file during the canal debriding/cleaning/shaping process in a root canal treatment or retreatment. In some embodiments the torque may be set to at or below a durability limit of the file below which failure of the instrument will not occur through repetitive strain over the course of a particular root canal treatment or retreatment.

Abstract: Endodontic instruments are described which have at least a section with a center of mass offset from an axis of rotation so that when the instrument is rotated, the section bends away from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A complex orthodontic system comprises: multiple sets of dental appliances, and the dental appliances have cavities of respective predetermined geometric shapes to move teeth of a patient from an initial tooth arrangement to an expected tooth arrangement gradually, wherein at least one set of the multiple sets of dental appliances comprises two or more dental appliances of substantially the same geometric shape. The resilience force of the dental appliance can be maintained during the use period by using the complex orthodontic system, which can also shorten the treatment cycle, save materials, and improve the treatment results and the use comfort.

Abstract: Maxillary protraction device comprising a cranial support (1) that may be attached with straps (4) or similar on the forehead of the user. A guide (8) in a central position on the support (1) attaches to the upper end (9) of a vertical rod (2), at the lower end (13) of which a horizontal rod (3) is arranged with gripping points for the rubber bands that provide a tractive force on the jaw to be treated. Between the two ends (9, 13) of the rod, a ratchet mechanism (12) or similar may be arranged to adjust the angle, while the lower end (13) can be telescopic.

Abstract: A healing abutment assembly for disposing on an implant by an auxiliary tool includes a healing abutment and a connecting member. A body includes an accommodating space, a healing surrounding surface, a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is connected to the implant. The healing surrounding surface is connected between the top surface and the bottom surface. The accommodating space is communicated with the top surface and the bottom surface. An outline of the top surface is formed in a non-circular shape, and the healing surrounding surface is formed in a non-conical shape. A positioning structure is disposed on the top surface and removably connected to the auxiliary tool. The connecting member is removably connected to the body and the implant. The connecting member is passed through the body and disposed in the implant so as to fixedly connect the body to the implant.

Abstract: A dental implant includes an implant body with a coronally open cavity as well as at least one exit opening from an inside to the enossal outer surface. A thermoplastic element in the solid condition is arranged in the cavity or is introducible into the cavity and can be brought into an at least partly flowable condition by way of applying a pressing force, which is directed apically into the cavity, and mechanical oscillations and in this condition at least a share of the flowable material of the thermoplastic element can be pressed through the at least one exit opening into surrounding bone tissue on account of the pressing force, when the implant body is arranged in an opening in the bone tissue and the enossal outer surface is in contact with the bone tissue.

Abstract: A tooth implant comprises a tooth body sized to correspond to a tooth to be replaced and a layer of microscopic protrusions on an outer surface thereof.

Abstract: A dental implant for implantation in the jawbone for the purpose of fastening a superstructure. The implant includes an implant body that extends between a coronal and an apical end and which defines an enossal outer surface. The implant body defines a cavity that is open coronally as well as at least one exit opening from an inside to the enossal outer surface. An outer thread is shaped on the implant body. A thermoplastic element is moreover present in the solid condition and is arranged in the cavity or introducible into the cavity, wherein the thermoplastic element can be brought into an at least partly flowable condition by way of applying a pressing force, which is directed apically into the cavity, and mechanical oscillations and can be pressed through the at least one exit opening into surrounding tissue on account of the pressing force.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis includes a dental implant, a post and core and a crown. The implant is adapted to be fixed to a bone and the post and core is adapted to be fixed to the implant with a screw that passes through the inside of the post and core, a first portion of the post and core including a first portion to be introduced into the implant and second portion protruding from the implant, providing a connection between the implant and the crown. A separation area is provided between the area where the crown is housed in the post and core and the area where the post and core is housed in the implant and the second portion of the post and core has a profile that converges from the implant toward the crown, without increases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screw and corresponding screw driver for driving the screw into a dental implant at an angle from the longitudinal axis of the implant. The screw has a polygonal interface and the screw driver has a matching interface for driving the screw to rotate.

Abstract: A dental implant installation assembly including a dental implant body having an opening and at least a first surface peripheral to the opening, an implantation tool having a portion adapted for insertion in the opening and at least a second surface peripheral to the portion and a screw for connecting the implantation tool to the dental implant body such that when the portion is inserted in the opening and the at least first and second surfaces are in mutual contact and a torque is exerted by the implantation tool on the dental implant body during installation of the dental implant body, the torque is distributed over the dental implant body at least as a torsion torque at the opening and a friction torque at the first surface.

Abstract: A method of performing a sinus lift procedure comprising the use of a sidecutting drill as one step in the procedure. The sidecutting drill creates a circumferential lateral cut near the sinus floor, thereby allowing upfracturing of the sinus floor over a greater area than would otherwise be possible absent the circumferential lateral cut. The sidecutting drill includes a tip extending in a planar nonuniform manner from the centerline of said drill with one or more cutting edges located on the extended portion for cutting through tissue.

Abstract: A method of performing a sinus lift procedure comprising the use of a sidecutting drill as one step in the procedure. The sidecutting drill creates a circumferential lateral cut near the sinus floor, thereby allowing upfracturing of the sinus floor over a greater area than would otherwise be possible absent the circumferential lateral cut. The sidecutting drill includes a tip extending in a planar nonuniform manner from the centerline of said drill with one or more cutting edges located on the extended portion for cutting through tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed, by use of which an external fiducial element positioned in the mouth serves as a geometrical constraint on oral arch geometry. In some embodiments, the fiducial element is an oral insert which reaches to a plurality of oral arch regions to present surface details which are in well-defined distance and/or angular relationships to one another. These spatial relationships optionally comprise a spatial frame of reference which serves to constrain reconstruction of the geometry of one or both of the oral arches, for example reconstruction from a collection of digitally registered, partially-overlapping scans made along the oral arch.

Abstract: To provide a dental temporary calcined body including an inside colored by a coloring material wherein, the inside of the dental temporary calcined body is colored by a coloring liquid containing the coloring material and a penetrant containing a permeating liquid.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of recognizing dental information associated with a dental model of dentition includes training a deep neural network to map a plurality of training dental models representing at least a portion of each one of a plurality of patients' dentitions to a probability vector including probability of the at least a portion of the dentition belonging to each one of a set of multiple categories. The category of the at least a portion of the dentition represented by the training dental model corresponds to the highest probability in the probability vector. The method includes receiving a dental model representing at least a portion of a patient's dentition and recognizing dental information associated with the dental model by applying the trained deep neural network to determine a category of the at least a portion of the patient's dentition represented by the received dental model.

Abstract: To provide a mill blank for dental CAD/CAM for preparing a dental restoration by being installed in a CAD/CAM device, wherein, the mill blank for dental CAD/CAM has a substantially columnar shape, the mill blank for dental CAD/CAM has at least one recess in a circumference portion, the recess does not extend over the whole of the circumference portion of the mill blank for dental CAD/CAM, and the recess of the mill blank for dental CAD/CAM is to be engaged with the CAD/CAM device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hermetic tooth cleaning device, and more particularly, to a hermetic tooth cleaning device including: a main body which includes an outer case; a cleaning body which is coupled to the main body, and has an internal fluid conduit formed therein such that at least one nozzle is formed to be opened at one end of the internal fluid conduit, and an accommodating portion is formed at the other end of the internal fluid conduit; a connecting unit which couples the main body and the cleaning body, and has a connecting flow path formed therein, one side fixedly coupled to the main body, and the other side inserted into the accommodating portion; and a first sealing unit which is provided between the cleaning body and the connecting unit, and has a hollow space formed therein, thereby preventing a loss of positive pressure or negative pressure and a leak of gargling water or a cleaning solution by improving sealing performance of a flow path that connects a drive unit and the nozzle.

Abstract: An unbalanced tongue-pressing occluder used in oral cavity includes a tongue depressing member, a first occluded member, and a second occluded member. The tongue depressing member resists against a tongue. The first occluded member and the second occluded member are connected with the tongue depressing member and occluded by a left teeth row and a right teeth row, respectively. The thickness of the first occluded member is different from the thickness of the second occluded member. Due to the thickness of the first occluded member differing from the thickness of the second occluded member, a height difference exists between the left teeth row and the right teeth row, such that the myofascia passing through the whole body produces a potential difference to cause a microcurrent variation, so as to alleviate the myofascial pain.

Abstract: An injector device for veterinary use, such as to inject vaccine into the chicken breast muscle. The device includes a finger-held unit connected to a vaccine pumping main unit using a flexible conduit. The operator can quickly start an injection by stroking alongside the breast edge of a grasped chicken, using his fingertips to touch and select the muscle, then start an injection by pressing the finger-held unit against the chicken breast in a designated way. The electric buttons in the finger-held unit may activate a process that actuates a mechanism to inject a hypodermic needle into the chicken's muscle, the pumping system may-then be actuated to pump the vaccine into the muscle through the injected needle.

Abstract: A system and method of administrating conventional hyperbaric chamber therapy as well as supplemental oxygen therapy at ambient conditions to an animal using a veterinary hyperbaric chamber. The hyperbaric chamber can function in its usual mode of operation; i.e., providing oxygen at greater than atmospheric pressure and also in a second mode of operation to administer supplemental oxygen thereafter at ambient pressure conditions. In the second mode of operation, the method and apparatus may deliver approximately 80 liters per minute continuous flow of 0.21 through 1.0 FI02 adjustable oxygen gas mixture. The mixture is delivered at ambient pressure from one end of the chamber, flows across the animal positioned within the hyperbaric chamber, and exits at the opposite end for exhaust to ambient conditions. A high flow gas mixture is utilized to maintain accurate gas mixture concentrations with fluctuating supply pressures of medical air and medical oxygen gases.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence includes providing a device having a cuff configured to coapt a urethra of a patient in treating diagnosed urinary incontinence, a pump, and a tube attachable between the cuff and the pump. The method includes providing the tube with a first lumen separated from a second lumen by a wall internal to the tube, and providing at least a portion of an exposed exterior wall of the second lumen to expand to provide the second lumen with an inflatable storage compartment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems, components, devices and methods for assisting a patient to empty his or her weakened or paralyzed bladder or a neobladder efficiently. The system and method includes a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure in the urinary bladder of a patient and an alert mechanism which alerts the patient of the bladder fullness and the need to void. An actuating device is operably coupled to the system to selectively activate a compression assembly. When activated, the compression assembly compresses the bladder to permit emptying of the bladder.

Abstract: An implant for attachment to a human pelvic bone for cosmetic purposes. The implant is attachable to the iliac crest. A silicone cover is attachable to the implant. Implant plates may be attached to the humeral bone, the tibia, and the femur, and silicone may be attached to the plates.

Abstract: Novel mesh implant positioning systems for use in laparoscopic body wall defect repairs, such as hernia defects, are disclosed. The systems utilize one or more bar members combined with surgical sutures and needles to position a mesh implant adjacent to a body wall defect without the need for stay sutures. Also disclosed are assemblies of the positioning systems with surgical mesh repair implants, and methods of repairing body wall defects such as hernias with the assemblies.

Abstract: A vascular filter device (1) comprises a plurality of filter elements (6) which are movable from a capturing position to an open position upon elapse of a predetermined period of time. In the capturing position the filter elements (6) are configured to capture thrombus passing through the inferior vena cava. In the open position the filter elements (6) are configured to facilitate unrestricted blood flow. The filter elements (6) are biased towards the open position. The filter (1) comprises a holder member (10) to temporarily hold the filter elements (6) in the capturing position until elapse of the predetermined period of time. The holder member (10) comprises a biostable wire element (12) which extends through an opening (13) in each filter element (6), and a biodegradable/bioabsorbable stop element (11). Upon biodegrading/bioabsorbing of the stop element (11), the filter elements (6) are free to move from the capturing position to the open position.

Abstract: An intravascular delivery system includes a threaded coil. The threaded coil includes one or more wires coiled to form a spiral coil with at least one thread extending along a length of the threaded coil. The threaded coil is plastically deformable for delivery of the threaded coil to a target location in the body and is rotatable to longitudinally position an intravascular device at the target location.

Abstract: A stent comprising: two or more stent sections; one or more rods extending between the two or more stent sections; wherein one the one or more rods is fixedly connected to a fixed anchor that is connected to a first of the two or more stent sections, and a second of the two or more of stent sections are movable connected to one of the one or more rods by a movable anchor; and wherein the stent supports an opening of an anatomical passageway.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for reducing aberrant optical effects includes an anterior surface, a posterior surface and a peripheral region/zone disposed about a central optical axis. The peripheral region/zone has an inflection region/transition area that is inclined with respect to the anterior surface at an angle between about 40 degrees and 120 degrees with respect to the optical axis.

Abstract: Delivery devices for delivering an ophthalmic device into an eye. In some embodiments the delivery devices are adapted to deliver an intraocular lens into an eye.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems used to deliver a prosthetic heart valve to a deficient valve. In one embodiment, for instance, a support member is positioned to at least partially surround the native leaflets of a valve. A locking member is used to couple both ends of the support member, forming a support band. An expandable prosthetic heart valve is delivered into the native heart valve and expanded while the expandable prosthetic valve is at least partially within the support band, thereby causing one or more of the native leaflets of the native heart valve to be frictionally secured between the support band and the expanded prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve can include a radially collapsible and expandable annular frame having a plurality of struts defining openings. The prosthetic heart valve can further include a plurality of leaflets that regulate the flow of blood through the frame. The prosthetic heart valve can also include a sealing member mounted on the frame and having an inner layer and an outer layer. At least the outer layer is mounted on the outside of the frame, and the inner layer covers at least the openings in the frame between adjacent cusp portions of adjacent leaflets and the inner layer does not cover one or more openings in the frame at locations facing the outflow surfaces of the leaflets to permit retrograde blood to flow through the one or more uncovered openings in the frame and into space between the outer layer and the frame.

Abstract: A distal portion of a catheter is transluminally advanced to a heart of a subject. Via an atrium of the heart, a ventricular anchor-helix is transluminally advanced out of the distal portion of the catheter to a ventricular site in a ventricle of the heart. An atrial anchor-helix is transluminally advanced out of the distal portion of the catheter to an atrial site. A prosthetic valve, in a compressed state thereof, is transluminally delivered to a mitral valve of the heart. The prosthetic valve is expanded at the mitral valve and held in place using the ventricular anchor-helix and the atrial anchor-helix, such that an upstream portion of the prosthetic valve is disposed in the atrium, and a downstream portion of the prosthetic valve is disposed in the ventricle. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A stentless support structure capable of being at least partly assembled in situ. The support structure comprises a braided tube that is very flexible and, when elongated, becomes very long and very small in diameter, thereby being capable of placement within a small diameter catheter. The support structure is preferably constructed of one or more thin strands of a super-elastic or shape memory material such as Nitinol. When released from the catheter, the support structure folds itself into a longitudinally compact configuration. The support structure thus gains significant strength as the number of folds increase. This radial strength obviates the need for a support stent. The support structure may include attachment points for a prosthetic valve.

Abstract: Prosthetic valve systems for replacing a native valve exhibiting regurgitation comprises a support structure and a transcatheter heart valve (THV) that is separate from the support structure. The support structure can be configured to be positioned such that it extends annularly around the native valve leaflets. After the support structure is deployed around the native valve leaflets, the THV can be expanded within the support structure such that the native valve leaflets are engaged between the support structure and the THV.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described herein for use in the delivery and deployment of a prosthetic mitral valve into a heart. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a catheter assembly, a valve holding tube and a handle assembly. The valve holding tube is releasably couplable to a proximal end portion of the catheter assembly and to a distal end portion of the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing and a delivery rod. The delivery rod is configured to be actuated to move distally relative to the housing to move a prosthetic heart valve disposed within the valve holding tube out of the valve holding tube and distally within a lumen of the elongate sheath of the catheter assembly. The catheter assembly is configured to be actuated to move proximally relative to the housing such that the prosthetic valve is disposed outside of the lumen of the elongate sheath.

Abstract: A venous valve with a frame and a cover on the frame for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.

Abstract: A cardiac support device includes a jacket and elastic attachment structure for self-securing the jacket to a heart. The attachment structures can include undulating metal and polymer elements, a silicone band and elastomeric filaments on a base end of the jacket.

Abstract: An implantable mesh including demineralized bone fibers mechanically entangled into a biodegradable or permanent implantable mesh is provided. A method of preparing the implantable mesh is also provided. The method of preparing the implantable mesh includes mechanically entangling demineralized bone fibers with non-bone fibers to form the implantable mesh. The mechanical entanglement of the bone fibers into the implantable mesh is achieved by applying needle punching with barbed needles, spun lacing, entanglement with water jets or air jets or ultrasonic entanglement with ultrasonic waves. A method of implanting an implantable mesh at a target bone tissue site is also provided.

Abstract: An implant, such as a cranial implant, for attachment to a defect in a bone structure having an edge is described. The implant comprises a direction of extension and a rim extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the implant. The rim is configured to be attached to the edge of the bone structure and comprises at least one mounting portion configured to accommodate a fastener such that at least a portion of the fastener is extendible in a direction extending away from the rim at an angle which is at most acute with respect to the direction of extension of the implant. The implant is configured such that upon placing the implant in the defect, the fastener is extendible into the edge of the bone defect in a controllable manner.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a resilient implant for implantation into human or animal joints to act as a cushion allowing for renewed joint motion. The implant endures variable joint forces and cyclic loads while reducing pain and improving function after injury or disease to repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint integrity. The implant is deployed in a prepared debrided joint space, secured to at least one of the joint bones and expanded in the space, molding to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation. The implant has opposing walls that move in varied directions, and an inner space filled with suitable filler to accommodate motions which mimic or approximate normal joint motion. The implant pads the damaged joint surfaces, restores cushioning immediately and may be employed to restore cartilage to normal by delivering regenerative cells.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, for implantation in a mammal knee joint, comprising an artificial contacting surface adapted to replace at least one contacting surface of the knee joint and to be lubricated when implanted in said joint. The medical device further comprises a reservoir comprising a movable wall portion defining the volume of the reservoir, at least one inlet adapted to receive a lubricating fluid from the reservoir, at least one channel at least partly integrated in said artificial contacting surface, wherein the channel is fluidly connected with said at least one inlet for distributing said lubricating fluid to the surface of said artificial contacting surface.

Abstract: A total hip surface replacement implant, comprising a femur component and an acetabular cup component, wherein the femur component is in a half-spherical shell shape and is formed by polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or derivatives thereof; the shape of the acetabular cup component matches that of the femur component, and the acetabular cup component is tightly attached to an outer surface of the half-spherical shell of the femur component; the acetabular cup component is formed by ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene; or the femur component can be formed by ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, and meanwhile the acetabular cup component is formed by polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or derivatives thereof.