Abstract: A device for repairing a bone fracture that is inserted intrafocally and deployed to properly position the fracture. The device includes an implant inserted intrafocally as a low profile fold and is then deployed to position the fracture.

Abstract: A system for delivering a surgical tack in tissue includes a driver, comprising: a shaft having a slot and a channel; and a handle slidably connected to said shaft and having a driving mechanism, said driving mechanism having a driving pin for providing a downward force through said shaft; and a tack cartridge having a plurality of tacks and adapted to be received in said slot and further adapted to feed said tacks between said driving mechanism and said channel.

Abstract: A cryotherapy system includes a cryotherapy catheter having an inflatable balloon portion and a pressure regulator. The inflatable balloon portion includes an outer balloon and an inner balloon within the outer balloon. The inner balloon is configured to receive during a cryotherapy procedure a cryogenic agent for extracting heat from body tissue at a desired location. The inflatable balloon portion is at a distal end of the cryotherapy catheter. The pressure regulator is adapted to maintain a positive pressure between the inner balloon and the outer balloon during a cryotherapy procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an electrosurgical device that include one or more floating electrodes and are specifically adapted to remove, resect, ablate, vaporize, denaturize, coagulate and form lesions in soft tissues, preferably in combination with a resectoscope, particularly in the context of urological, gynecological, laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and ENT procedures. Specific adaptations for urological and gynecological applications, for example BPH treatment, are also described.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a first unit including a generator, and a second unit including an electrode assembly, the second unit being detachably connectible to the first unit such that radio frequency power can be conveyed to the electrode assembly, wherein the second unit firstly includes a passive electrical identification component having a parameter of a finite non-zero value indicative of a characteristic of the electrode assembly, and the second unit additionally includes an output circuit adapted to generate an identifiable characteristic signal, the first unit firstly including a sensing circuit for determining the value of the electrical identification component so as to identify the second unit when the second unit is connected to the first unit, and the first unit additionally including means for receiving the identifiable characteristic signal from the output circuit when the second unit is connected to the first unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for the cooling of ablation technology used to treat tissue. The devices and methods disclosed herein utilize a multiple use generator assembly which includes an integrated cooling system, and a disposable, single-use subassembly which includes a disposable pump head and ablation device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. One or both of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members includes a jaw frame including an engagement recess defined on each lateral side thereof and a replaceable component configured for slidable positioning about the jaw frame. The replaceable component includes an outer jaw housing having an engagement tang disposed on each lateral side thereof. The engagement tangs are configured to engage the engagement recesses of the jaw frame upon slidable positioning of the replaceable component about the jaw frame to secure the replaceable component to the jaw frame. The replaceable component includes an electrically conductive tissue sealing plate engaged to the outer jaw housing to define a tissue sealing surface.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment system includes a holding section configured to hold a biological tissue, electrodes provided in the holding section and capable of outputting first high-frequency energy for sealing the biological tissue at a first sealing temperature and second high-frequency energy for dissecting the biological tissue at a first dissection temperature higher than the first sealing temperature, electrodes provided in the holding section and capable of outputting first thermal energy for sealing the biological tissue at a second sealing temperature higher than the first sealing temperature and second thermal energy for dissecting the biological tissue at a second dissection temperature lower than the first dissection temperature and higher than the second sealing temperature, and a control section configured to control temperature of each of the electrodes to output the second thermal energy after the output of the first high-frequency energy.

Abstract: Bipolar electrosurgical devices may include a handle assembly configured to control movement of components of the electrosurgical device to perform an electrosurgical procedure and a power cord assembly configured to electrically connect the bipolar electrosurgical device with a power source. For bipolar sphincterotomes, an active portion of the handle assembly may include a first active member that contacts and slides across a second active member as the gripping portion moves about a handle stem component of the handle assembly. The power cord assembly may include a pair of return contacts that are shorted together when connected with the handle assembly, which in turn may deactivate an alarm output by the power source.

Abstract: Helical push wire electrodes are provided. The electrodes may create a continuous helical lesion. One or more electrodes may wind around a support section and create a set of helixes having fixed ends and hitches. Pushing or pulling an end of the electrode transforms the electrodes between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration such that the set of helixes expand or contract axially. Different portions of the electrodes may be surrounded by sleeves. The sleeves may regulate how the wires transform and provide insulation. Various insulation configurations of the electrodes may provide creations of discrete lesions, efficient energy delivery and reduced power consumption.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus is provided. The electrosurgical apparatus includes a cannula insertable into a patient and positionable adjacent abnormal tissue. The electrosurgical apparatus includes a microwave antenna that includes a distal end having a radiating section receivable within the cannula and positionable within a patient adjacent abnormal tissue. The microwave antenna is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for transmitting electrosurgical energy to the radiating section. A portion of the radiating section substantially encompasses a portion of the abnormal tissue and may be configured to apply pressure thereto. The microwave antenna is actuated to electrocautery treat tissue to reduce blood flow to the abnormal tissue.

Abstract: An energy applicator for directing energy to tissue includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and a dielectric material disposed therebetween, and an antenna assembly having a radiating section operably coupled to the feedline. The energy applicator also includes a first balun structure configured to substantially confine energy to the radiating section when the energy applicator is energized and disposed in tissue, and a second balun structure configured to substantially prevent energy emitted from the radiating section from propagating proximal to the second balun structure along the feedline when the energy applicator is energized but not disposed in tissue.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a reflector and an optical fiber end portion disposed within a capillary for use in side-firing optical fibers. The reflector surface can be coated with a multilayer dielectric coating to increase the amount of side-fired laser energy. An outer member or cap can be used to protect the capillary when being inserted through a catheter or endoscope. The endoscope is then at least partially inserted into a patient's body to provide laser-based medical treatment. Multiple grooves can be defined on an outer surface of the optical fiber buffer layer to increase the surface area and improve the mechanical strength of the coupling between the optical fiber and the capillary. In some embodiments, the outer member or cap can also be coupled to the grooved surface portion of the optical fiber buffer layer.

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: The various embodiments herein relate to robotic surgical systems and devices that use force and/or torque sensors to measure forces applied at various components of the system or device. Certain implementations include robotic surgical devices having one or more force/torque sensors that detect or measure one or more forces applied at or on one or more arms. Other embodiments relate to systems having a robotic surgical device that has one or more sensors and an external controller that has one or more motors such that the sensors transmit information that is used at the controller to actuate the motors to provide haptic feedback to a user.

Abstract: A method for guiding a user during surgical planning includes receiving input information; applying an algorithm to the input information to develop an initial surgical plan; and guiding a user by providing a plurality of suggested actions to the user. If the user performs the plurality of suggested actions, the plurality of suggested actions leads the user to the initial surgical plan. The user has an option to deviate from one or more of the plurality of suggested actions by performing non-suggested actions. Deviation from one or more of the plurality of suggested actions leads to development of a final surgical plan that is different from the initial surgical plan.

Abstract: A method and system for automated decision support for treatment planning of arterial stenoses is disclosed. A set of stenotic lesions is identified in a patient's coronary arteries from medical image data of the patient. A plurality of treatment options are generated for the set of stenotic lesions, wherein each of the plurality of treatment options corresponds to a stenting configuration in which one or more of the stenotic lesions are stented. For each of the plurality of treatment options, predicted hemodynamic metrics for the set of stenotic lesions resulting from the stenting configuration corresponding to that treatment option are calculated.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including designating within an image of blood vessels of a subject, a target portion of the blood vessels. In response to a first input from a user that designates a single point on the image, a first location within the blood vessels in a vicinity of the designated point is designated. In response to second and third inputs from the user, proximal and distal locations within the target portion are designated. The target portion is designated such that the target portion passes from the proximal location of the target portion to the distal location of the target portion, and such that the target portion includes the first location. Quantitative vessel analysis is performed on the target portion of the blood vessels, and an output is generated based upon the quantitative vessel analysis. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for navigating a surgical device toward a target organ in the body of a patient. An example method includes providing a surgical needle and a guide wire, the surgical needle configured for insertion into a vein or a beating heart. The method also includes holding the guide wire within the surgical needle while the surgical needle is inserted into the vein or the beating heart. The method also includes generating output in two modes, the output based on at least one medical positioning system (MPS) sensor on the guide wire, the output corresponding to a position of the surgical needle and the guide wire for navigating the surgical needle and the guide wire toward a target in the vein or the heart. The methods can be carried out directly by a physician or via a computer processor-based surgical system.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: Transducer-based systems can be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Selection of a plurality of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause visual display of a corresponding activation path in the graphical representation. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a control system for user-guided robotic control of a medical device and includes an electronic control unit, a computer-readable memory coupled to the ECU, and a visualization system configured to provide a view of an anatomical model. The memory contains user interface logic configured to be executed by the ECU, and configured to obtain input from a touch screen display with respect to the view of an anatomical model. Control logic stored in the memory is also configured to be executed by said ECU and is configured to produce an actuation control signal responsive to the input to control actuation of a manipulator assembly so as to move the medical device.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for compensate for friction within powered automatic systems, particularly for telesurgery and other telepresence applications. Dynamic friction compensation may comprise applying a continuous load in the direction of movement of a joint, and static friction compensation may comprise applying alternating loads in positive and negative joint actuation directions whenever the joint velocity reading falls within a low velocity range.

Abstract: Techniques for a surgical system are provided that allow controlling a force applied by an electromechanical surgical tool coupled to an electromechanical surgical arm. A force limiter can be associated with at least one of the surgical arm and the tool and is used to limit the force applied by jaws of the tool to tissue when the tissue is engaged therebetween or when the tissue is otherwise manipulated. The force can be limited to a maximum force value, which can be preselected, and it can be adjustable based on user input or automatically. Also are provided techniques for a surgical system that allow controlling a stiffness of an electromechanical passive arm coupled to a fixture and having an active arm mounted thereon. The stiffness is adjusted, either manually or automatically, by adjusting a friction at a joint of the arm based on an angle at the arm's joint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for remotely monitoring the health of a patient in a real-time, continuous manner, remotely deliver therapeutic medications to the patient, and facilitating communication between the patient and a remotely located patient care provider.

Abstract: A medical sterile container includes a tray-like first container part, a lid-type second container part, a fastener and a ventilation valve to ventilate a container interior surrounded by the first container part and the second container part. The fastener is mounted on one of the container parts so as to be pivotable between a closed position, in which the container parts are locked to one another by the fastener, and an open position in which the container parts are unlocked.

Abstract: A bilateral hearing implant surgical template arrangement is described. An implant fits behind the outer ear pinna of a recipient patient and conforms against an underlying side of the head. The implant stimulator template has an implant outline defining an area corresponding to an implanted stimulator of the bilateral hearing implant system, and has an adjustable connection that allows adjustment of the position of the implant stimulator template with respect to the outer ear pinna so as to define stimulator implantation sites at symmetric locations on each side of the patient's head. A behind the ear (BTE) processor template also has a processor outline defining an area corresponding to an external BTE processor device of the bilateral hearing implant system and fits behind the ear pinna at the adjustable connection with the implant stimulator template, and conforms against an underlying side of the patient's head.

Abstract: A method for cleaning tooth surfaces with a powder and a powder mixture, preferably by powder blasting with a powder-jet device, said device mixing the powder or the powder mixture with air to form a powder/air mixture, wherein said powder and/or powder mixture is an alditol or contains such alditol. Preferably, mannitol and/or erythritol are used, because of their anti-cariogenic effect. Xylitol is also suitable for cleaning tooth surfaces, especially of less strongly mineralized tooth surfaces like dentine.

Abstract: A nozzle head (12) for a powder jet device (10) for use in applying dental material, the nozzle head (12) comprising: a first portion (16) and a second portion (18) transitioning into one another; the first portion (16) adjacent a first end (20) of the nozzle head (12) having a coupling (22) for removably connecting the nozzle head (12) to a hand piece (14) of the powder jet device (10); the second portion (18) adjacent a second end (26) of the nozzle head (12) forming a nozzle outlet (28) for the dental material; the second portion (18) comprising at least a first fluid channel (30) which is formed between the nozzle outlet (28) and a channel inlet (32); wherein the channel inlet (32) is arranged at the transition (34) between the first portion (16) and the second portion (18) between the nozzle outlet (28) and the coupling (22).

Abstract: An interdental laterally expansive wedge includes a prismatic wedge member having a furled bottom side expansible from a first position to an expanded position when fluid is forcibly directed into the wedge member through a proximal interconnect. Lateral expansion of the wedge member is thereby effected when each of a pair of basal ridges is forced apart to impress consistent and even pressure in contact with interproximal structure, such as approximal teeth and a matrix band inserted to gird a cavosurface for approximal filling preparation and finishing. Importantly, the present interdental laterally expansive wedge is laterally expansive without effecting deformation or ballooning between and around the teeth, and prevents invasion into the cavity proper.

Abstract: Provided is a device for generating data on a clear aligner, which is equipped with a module for generating the data on the clear aligner, which generates 3D data relating to the clear aligner, the module including; a first module that receives data on a current dental state from a scanning apparatus that scans patient's teeth; a second module that generates 3D data on a state of the patient's teeth and of the vicinity of the patient's teeth based on data that results from the scanning a third module that generates data relating to a 3D clear aligner with a predetermined thickness; and a fourth module that processes the data relating to the 3D clear aligner in such a manner that at least one of a shape and a feature of the 3D clear aligner is changed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed enabling an orthodontist or a user to create an unified three dimensional virtual craniofacial and dentition model of actual, as-is static and functional anatomy of a patient, from data representing facial bone structure; upper jaw and lower jaw; facial soft tissue; teeth including crowns and roots; information of the position of the roots relative to each other; and relative to the facial bone structure of the patient; obtained by scanning as-is anatomy of craniofacial and dentition structures of the patient with a volume scanning device; and data representing three dimensional virtual models of the patient's upper and lower gingiva, obtained from scanning the patient's upper and lower gingiva either (a) with a volume scanning device, or (a) with a surface scanning device. Such craniofacial and dentition models of the patient can be used in optimally planning treatment of a patient.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire with a tooth includes a bracket body configured to be mounted to the tooth and having an archwire slot adapted to receive the archwire therein. A rotatable closure member is movable relative to the bracket body between an opened position in which the archwire is insertable into the archwire slot, and at least one closed position in which the closure member retains the archwire in the archwire slot. The orthodontic bracket further includes a retention mechanism having a first element associated with the bracket body and a second element associated with the closure member, the first and second elements cooperating to rotatably secure the closure member to the bracket body and to provide at least one positive stop in the rotation of the closure member relative to the bracket body.

Abstract: Methods of selecting or designing an implant to be used in a patient are provided. A CT scan of a patient's mouth is performed. A 3D CAD model of the patient's mouth is created utilizing data generated by the CT scan. Properties of the patient's mouth are determined based upon CT scan data and assigned to the 3D CAD model. A desired location for an implant is selected. A FEA simulation is performed on the 3D CAD model to choose an implant or to design an implant that optimizes a selected variable.

Abstract: Articulator—semiadjustable, arcon with lower and upper parts that could be detached from one another or interconnected, with two mechanical joints. An upper horizontal shoulder (5) is fixed to an elevator (4), said elevator (4) is connected to an upper vertical body (11) and can move vertically to adjust the vertical position. A lower vertical body (10) is fixed to the base (1) and holds an axis with two joint heads (14). The upper vertical body (11) is pivotably connected to the lower vertical body (10) through the two joint heads (14), the distance between the joint heads can vary due to an elastic element (18), thus reproducing the lateral shift. The articulation between the vertical bodies (11 and 10) can be locked and unlocked via an elbow shaped piece (13). The articulator lower part has an incisive platform (8) with a position angle that could be adapted.

Abstract: A dental blank is provided for yielding a metal frame having a desired shape according to a dental CAD/CAM system and a machining process. The dental blank is formed from a metal powder sintered body and contains Co as a main component, Cr in a proportion of 26% by mass or more and 35% by mass or less, Mo in a proportion of 5% by mass or more and 12% by mass or less, and Si in a proportion of 0.5% by mass or more and 1.0% by mass or less. Further, part of the Si is silicon oxide, and the ratio of the silicon oxide to the total amount of Si is preferably 10% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dental floss comprising a basic amino acid or salt thereof.

Abstract: Due to the low suction strength or an unsuitable positional relationship or distance between the suction feed and the oral cavity, conventional extra-oral intake devices exhibit the problem of not being able to fully suck particulate matter and droplets from teeth, shavings from repair products, saliva, bacteria, blood, rinse water, tooth surface cleaning agents, etc., that are dispersed to outside the oral cavity during practice. In order to improve suction strength, the present invention provides an intake device that is equipped with a protruding airflow-regulating member, the top of which is oriented in the direction in which the fluid flows into the opening part of the suction feed, and that can efficiently suck dispersed particulate matter and droplets within a wide range.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of increasing genetic merit of swine by establishing a plurality of mating subtypes for a line of swine, and determining a percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or a percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes, that would result, relative to a control, in an increase in genetic merit in the line; the invention further relates to sorting a sperm cell sample from a male swine in one of the mating subtypes into one or more subpopulations of sperm cells, wherein a majority of sperm cells in a subpopulation of sperm cells bear X chromosomes or Y chromosomes, and inseminating one or more female swine in the one of the mating subtypes with the subpopulation of sperm cells to achieve the percentage of progeny that are male, or the percentage of progeny that are female, determined to increase genetic merit relative to the control.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods, compositions, devices and kits which pertain to the attachment of surgical meshes to tissue by application of an energy source to the meshes and tissue in the presence of a bonding material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resorbable multifilament comprising a number of individual resorbable filaments of a first type having a first degradation time and a number of individual resorbable filaments of a second type having a second degradation time, wherein the filaments of the first type and the filaments of the second type are arranged in close relationship to form a composite multifilament having a length and a specific composite cross-section comprising cross-sections of the individual filaments of the first type and second type, wherein the cross-sections of the individual filaments of the first and second type are located at determined relative positions, wherein the relative positions amongst the individual cross-sections of the filaments of the first and second types are invariant over the length of the composite multifilament.

Abstract: Embolic protection devices useful for filtering emboli during interventional cardiac, vascular, or other procedures are described. The device can include first and second expandable mesh filters having open and closed ends. The first filter is attached to a catheter at its closed end. The second filter is attached to a steerable guide wire at its closed end. The second filter includes a cinching wire circumferentially attached to the filter. The filters are deployed in separate vessels, such as the brachiocephalic artery and the left common carotid artery. A procedure is performed, and the filters trap any emboli travelling through the path of the filters. At the end of the procedure, the second filter is closed using the cinching wire, and retracted into the first filter. Both the first and second filters are collapsed into a sheath and removed from the body with along with any emboli trapped in the filters.

Abstract: Blood flow into vascular tissue is filtered in a manner that can also be useful for trapping particulates while allowing the flow of blood. Consistent with one or more embodiments, a filter apparatus includes a filter, an outer delivery sheath such as a catheter, and one or more shafts that are operable to manipulate the shape of the filter for positioning within vascular tissue. The filter conforms to various types of vascular tissue, and filters blood flow passing through openings in the vascular tissue. In some implementations, the filter is used to trap particulates that have been collected on the filter, and collapses to trap and draw the particulates into the outer delivery sheath.

Abstract: Blood flow into vascular tissue is filtered in a manner that can also be useful for trapping particulates while allowing the flow of blood. Consistent with one or more embodiments, a filter apparatus includes a filter, an outer delivery sheath such as a catheter, and one or more shafts that are operable to manipulate the shape of the filter for positioning within vascular tissue. The filter conforms to various types of vascular tissue, and filters blood flow passing through openings in the vascular tissue. In some implementations, the filter is used to trap particulates that have been collected on the filter, and collapses to trap and draw the particulates into the outer delivery sheath.

Abstract: The disclosure describes implantable medical products, that include dry or partially hydrated biocompatible constructs comprising collagen fibers configured to expand in situ after implantation to frictionally engage a bone tunnel wall to thereby affix the construct in the bone tunnel.

Abstract: A soft anchor assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a sheath and a flexible strand at least partially surrounded by the sheath.

Abstract: Devices and methods for securing a graft with respect to bone are provided. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical implant includes a flexible filament body and a suture filament or repair construct that extends through the filament body at multiple locations. The repair construct is formed into one or more coils, which can receive a graft. The flexible filament body can be configured to be actuated between unstressed and anchoring configurations, the latter of which sets a location of the suture filament, and associated graft, in a bone tunnel. More particularly, the flexible filament body can ball up, or become denser, to a size that cannot pass into the bone tunnel in which the suture filament holding the graft is disposed. The present disclosure also provides for feedback units to assist a surgeon in knowing a location of the implant. Further, other exemplary devices and methods are provided.

Abstract: A method for preparing a sterilized human acellular dermal allograft where the dermal allograft is sterilized by irradiation and has a greatly reduced bio-burden and enzymatic and antigenic activity. This product line of allografts can be easily used by surgeons in soft tissue replacement or repair and has an extended shelf life, of up to at least about three years.

Abstract: Devices and methods for handling and depositing corneal implants onto corneal tissue. Devices and methods for packaging and storing corneal implants.