Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating tissue with electromagnetic radiation. A handpiece includes a housing and a baffle that divides an interior space of the housing into first and second channels. The housing further includes a first opening and a second opening coupled in fluid communication with the first opening by the first channel. The apparatus further includes a heat-generating element, such as a source of electromagnetic radiation, disposed at least partially in the first channel and an air-moving device coupled with the first channel. The air-moving device is configured to generate a forced flow of cooling air entering at the first opening and exhausted at the second opening. The cooling air receives heat transferred from the heat-generating element, which cools the heat-generating element, and the heated cooling air is exhausted from the second opening in a direction away from the tissue that is being treated with the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A dipole microwave applicator emits microwave radiation into tissue to be treated. The applicator is formed from a thin coax cable having an inner conductor surrounded by an insulator, which is surrounded by an outer conductor. A portion of the inner conductor extends beyond the insulator and the outer conductor. A ferrule at the end of the outer conductor has a step and a sleeve that surrounds a portion of the extended inner conductor. A tuning washer is attached to the end of the extended inner conductor. A dielectric tip encloses the tuning washer, the extended inner conductor, and the sleeve of the ferrule. The sleeve of the ferrule and the extended inner conductor operate as the two arms of the dipole microwave antenna. The tuning washer faces the step in the ferrule, and is sized and shaped to cooperate with the step in balancing and tuning the applicator.

Abstract: Laser energy delivery devices and methods are provided. A laser energy delivery device for providing treatment to a subject may include a coupling adapted to couple to a laser energy generator. A sheath is coupled to the coupling, the sheath including a distal end adapted to be disposed in the subject. A plurality of transport members are carried by the coupling and the sheath, the plurality of transport members being adapted to receive laser energy at the coupling, transmit laser energy through the sheath, and deliver laser energy to the subject. A sensor is adapted to detect transmission of laser energy through at least one of the plurality of transport members.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an eccentric balloon catheter are disclosed. In some embodiments, an eccentric balloon catheter includes an eccentrically positioned guidewire tube, with an interior lumen, that extends at least a portion of the length of the catheter body. Optical fibers may extend the length of the catheter body and may also be eccentrically positioned within the catheter body. An inflatable balloon may be positioned within a window within the catheter body near the distal end of the catheter. When inflated, the balloon and catheter may slide relative to one another. When used within a vessel, an inflated balloon may press against a vessel wall and bias the catheter toward an opposite vessel wall.

Abstract: A system for use in TFL lithotripsy procedures uses a silica trunk fiber semi-permanently mounted in an endoscope and includes a detachable and replaceable wave guide treatment tip, including hollow wave guides and fiber tips. The system provides for ready removal and replacement of wave guides damaged during lithotripsy. The trunk fiber in the endoscope tube is of diameter ?200 ?m, suitable for use in the lower pole of the kidney, and should be useful over-and-over with only the detachable wave guide removed and replaced, whether during a single procedure or for multiple procedures on different patients in which the endoscope tube and trunk fiber are sterilized between patients. Multiple connector assemblies are provided for optical coupling contact between the detachable wave guide and trunk fiber and include a gap for dissipation of heat between the trunk fiber and the wave guide when in optically coupling contact.

Abstract: A cleaning device for a medical implement is disclosed. The cleaning device includes a housing, a cleaning agent within the housing, and a movable septum in the housing that maintains the cleaning agent within the housing until receipt by the housing of the site of the medical implement. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for diagnosis or treatment of a vessel or organ. The apparatus includes a deformable body such as a catheter having a tissue ablation end effector and an irrigation channel in fluid communication therewith. At least two sensors are disposed within a distal extremity of the deformable body, the sensors being responsive to a wave in a specified range of frequency to detect deformations resulting from a contact force applied to the distal extremity. A microprocessor can be operatively coupled with the sensors to receive outputs therefrom, the microprocessor being configured to resolve a multi-dimensional force vector corresponding to the contact force. In one embodiment, the sensors are fiber Bragg grating sensors, and the wave is injected into the fiber Bragg grating strain sensors from a laser diode.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for positioning an end effector or remote center of a manipulator arm by floating a first set of joints within a null-perpendicular joint velocity sub-space and providing a desired state or movement of a proximal portion of a manipulator arm concurrent with end effector positioning by driving a second set of joints within a null-space orthogonal to the null-perpendicular space. Methods include floating a first set of joints within a null-perpendicular space to allow manual positioning of one or both of a remote center or end effector position within a work space and driving a second set of joints according to an auxiliary movement calculated within a null-space according to a desired state or movement of the manipulator arm during the floating of the joints. Various configurations for devices and systems utilizing such methods are provided herein.

Abstract: Surgical end effectors are disclosed having angled tissue-contacting surfaces. The end effectors may have a first jaw member that is movable relative to a second jaw member between an open position and a closed position. The first jaw member may have a first positively-angled tissue-contacting surface. The second jaw member may have a second positively-angled tissue-contacting surface. At least one of the jaw members may have at least one active electrode configured to deliver RF energy to tissue located between the first jaw member and the second jaw member when in the closed position.

Abstract: Described herein generally are surgical pencils which define a channel to enable suctioning of materials and methods of operating the surgical pencils. In one example embodiment, the surgical pencils perform cutting and coagulation. In one example embodiment, the surgical pencils include a lighting device.

Abstract: A system, in particular for image-guided surgery, comprising: at least two display devices; a position determinator for determining the relative position of the display devices; and an image generator for generating images, which are to be displayed by the display devices, in accordance with the determined relative position.

Abstract: A system, in particular for image-guided surgery, comprising: at least two display devices; a position determinator for determining the relative position of the display devices; and an image generator for generating images, which are to be displayed by the display devices, in accordance with the determined relative position.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a method for cleaning endotracheal tubes comprises inserting a cleaning device within an endotracheal tube while a cleaning member is in a compressed position, radially expanding the cleaning member to an expanded position within the endotracheal tube, and withdrawing the cleaning device from the endotracheal tube with the cleaning member in the expanded position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an ultrasonic tip for an apicoectomy, such that the tip has a shape suitable for the shape of a tooth root, comprising the steps of: forming a feedstock by mixing a metal powder including stainless steel with a binder; injecting the feedstock to form an injection-molded part having a plurality of projections integrally formed on the surface thereof; performing debinding to remove the binder from the injection-molded part; sintering the injection-molded part; and performing annealing to increase the ductility and facilitate the bending of the sintered part.

Abstract: An improved vibrating orthodontic device is provided wherein motor speed is controlled by capacitive sensor, and thus lacks moving parts that are required by encoder use. The improved device also uses a tungsten offset weight, reducing size by more than 50%, yet still produces the needed force. The device is thus smaller, lighter and more robust.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an orthodontic system and a method of using the same to perform orthodontics. In one example, an orthodontic system is presented. The orthodontic system includes a tube having at least one sidewall and two opening ends, and a luting agent. The luting agent is disposed on at least a portion of one or more of the at least one sidewall of the tube and a portion of a surface of a tooth onto which the tube is directly attached or adhered. The two opening ends of the tube remain substantially open so that a wire can move along the tube.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide implants for an artificial tooth that does not require a period, for integration of implant bodies and a jawbone as in the background art, enables treatment even of a patient whose jawbone is small in bone amount or thickness, can reduce the treatment period and the number of times of treatment for many patients, and can lighten the mental and physical burden of a patient by minimizing the impact to the jawbone, and this invention is characterized by the following means, an artificial tooth, implant device with an arrangement where at least two implant bodies, each having a shaft portion, form a pair, a hook portion, hooked in a hook hole bored in a jawbone, is provided on the shaft portion of each implant body, the hook, portion is bent with respect to the shaft portion, and when the respective implant bodies are hooked onto the jawbone, tip portions of the hook portions are positioned so as to face each other inwardly, the arrangement being provided with a fixing means fo

Abstract: A dental prosthetic arrangement and a dental prosthetic system include a combination of a lower part assigned to a jaw implant and an upper part assigned to a prosthesis body in a connection section, wherein in particular two bearing faces are produced in the connection section when in the connected state, the bearing faces being cylindrical, preferably circular-cylindrical in relation to a center axis and being spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. The axial extent of the cylindrical bearing faces is advantageously small compared to the axial extent of the connection section. The two cylindrical bearing faces are preferably situated in axially opposite end regions of the connection section and are connected to each other by approximately conical wall faces of a cut-out in the upper part and a projection of the lower part that projects into the latter.

Abstract: A method produces one or more dentures wherein the dentures have a base element that holds at least two tooth blanks. The method comprises producing a negative mold by machining on the basis of a digital image of a tooth situation and shortening, by machining, a length dimension of the tooth blanks that are preassembled and held in the negative mold from a basal side in order to achieve a tooth line adapted to the tooth situation. The method also comprises connecting the base element and the shortened tooth blanks to form the dentures.

Abstract: A quick connector includes a socket including a threaded portion detachably fastenable to a water tap, an opposing free end portion and three inside flanges equiangularly spaced between the threaded portion and the free end portion, and a connection member including a connector body defining an axial through hole in communication with the socket and a fitting defining three insertion grooves for the insertion of the respective inside flanges and three sliding grooves respectively connected to the insertion grooves corresponding to the three inside flanges and disposed adjacent to the position-limit surface for allowing sliding therein of the respective inside flanges. Thus, the user can use to the quick connector to rapidly and detachably connect an oral irrigator to a water tap in a convenient and hygienic manner, avoiding the problem that oral irrigator cannot effectively clean tartar due to insufficient water pressure caused by a leakage of water.

Abstract: A dental valve device is disclosed having a valve body having a tip receiving end, a hose receiving end, a lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, a partial opening formed in the valve body and a rotatable valve sealing body adapted to be inserted into the partial opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a bore for alignment with the lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, the bore having a tip receiving opening and a hose receiving opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a check valve positioned in the bore.

Abstract: An oral care system for cleaning teeth and gums includes a housing, an oral hygiene unit, and a gooseneck arm attached to the housing and releasably coupling the oral hygiene unit to the housing, the gooseneck arm being adjustable to hold the oral hygiene unit at a defined position and orientation relative to the housing. The oral hygiene unit has a mouthpiece having at least one arcuate channel adapted to receive and surround the teeth. The mouthpiece includes at least two modalities chosen from a group consisting of a mechanical modality, an iontophoretic modality, and a disinfection modality, wherein the mechanical modality brushes the teeth and gums and dislodges food debris, the iontophoretic modality breaks up plaque buildup, and the disinfection modality removes the food debris and plaque. The oral care system includes a control unit which controls transmission of the modalities and tracks utilization of the system.

Abstract: A multi-function charging coil bobbin (90) for a power toothbrush (10) configured to improve the durability of the toothbrush and to simplify the assembly process. The coil bobbin (90) provides a bridge spring (98) for tolerance mitigation and shock protection, and also provides a coil winding surface (92) such that the bobbin (90) can be wound prior to final assembly. The coil bobbin (90) may be unitary in structure for low cost.

Abstract: A holder for safely securing a gauze pad for use in a post-surgical area in the intraoral cavity of a patient in order to allow a blood clot to form in safe, hygienic and sanitary conditions. The holder provides a holding cavity wherein the gauze pad is secured and held. It also requires a handle section that allows the external control of the gauze pad by the patient. Embodiments having holding sections with different ergonomic shapes according to the particular position of the intraoral surgical area requiring placement of the gauze pad are described.

Abstract: A light irradiation device that emits a light patch of uniform intensity. The device may be a dental light wand. The device has a light source, a lenslet array and an optional relay lens. The light source may be a laser or a collimated LED. Each lenslet of the lenslet array has two convex surfaces, a front convex surface, and a rear convex surface that is opposite to the front convex surface. The front convex surface has a focal point on the principal plane of the rear convex surface. The focal length of the front convex surface differs from the focal length of the rear convex surface. Light beams emitted by the light source pass through the lenslet array, and if a relay lens is present then pass through the relay lens, forming a light patch of uniform intensity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular supramolecular bioresorbable or biomedical material comprising (i) a polymer comprising at least two 4H-units and (ii) a biologically active compound. Optionally, the supramolecular bioresorbable or biomedical material comprises a bioresorbable or biomedical polymer as third component to tune its properties (mechanical and bioresorption properties). The supramolecular bioresorbable or biomedical material is especially suitable for biomedical applications such as controlled release of drugs, materials for tissue-engineering, materials for the manufacture of a prosthesis or an implant, medical imaging technologies.

Abstract: Systems are delineated for treating urinary incontinence (UI). More generally, systems are delineated for providing medical treatment, wherein such systems include means for attaching a structure to a patient and removing the structure without damage to the structure or the patient. An exemplary system for providing medical treatment comprises a structure for attachment to a patient utilizing at least one retractable barb.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for treating a vascular condition by restoring patency to a vessel while reducing the likelihood that emboli become dislodged into the bloodstream. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a graft having proximal and distal regions, a first support member attached to the distal region of the graft, and a second support member attached to the proximal region of the graft. The first and second support members may comprise first and second stents, respectively. The first stent is deployed distal to a vascular condition, and the second stent is deployed proximal to a vascular condition, such that the graft spans the length of the vascular condition to entrap emboli during treatment of the vascular condition. In an alternative embodiment, the graft is adapted to be everted to form a pocket adapted to entrap emboli dislodged during treatment of the vascular condition.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed primarily to a stent for use in the trachea. The stent has a nominally deployed state, an axially extended state and an axially compressed state. The stent has a length. In the axially extended state, the length is at least 20% greater than in the nominally deployed state.

Abstract: This document provides implantable intraluminal stent graft medical devices. In some embodiments, the stent graft devices provided herein are implantable in bodily conduits that have side branches, and the stent graft devices are operable to allow the flow of fluids between the conduit and the side branches. In some embodiments, the walls of the stent graft devices provided herein include compliant channels which allow for fluid communication between the interior and the exterior of the stent graft devices. In some embodiments, the compliant channels are configured to inhibit or reduce tissue ingrowth, tissue bridging, and/or endothelialization.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a stent graft comprising a first stent graft having a first and a second stent and a first and a second inner graft supported by the first stent, and an outer graft. The second inner graft can be spaced apart from the first inner graft so that a portion of the first stent is not covered by either the first inner graft or the second inner graft. A first and second portion of the outer graft can be attached to the first stent, the outer graft being unsupported by the stent between the first and second portions so as to form a fillable space between the outer graft, the first inner graft, and the second inner graft. Some embodiments further comprise a second stent graft deployable within the inside of the first stent graft to sealingly cover the uncovered portion of the first stent.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient is provided that includes an expandable vascular device having a body having a substantially uniform porosity that is adapted to change by adjusting an axial length of the body. The system also includes an expanding member positioned within a central lumen of the device, the expanding member configured to engage the body, as the body is radially expanded from a collapsed configuration, and to reduce a porosity of the body within a body region more than the body porosity is reduced outside the region.

Abstract: A medical product comprises a biodegradable filament and a non-biodegradeable coating. The biodegradable filament forms a stent body having a first end portion, a middle portion, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The middle portion extends between the first and second end portions. The non-biodegradeable coating encapsulates the at least one biodegradable filament along the middle portion of the stent body. The non-biodegradeable coating forms a barrier such that the non-biodegradeable coating prevents degradation of the at least one biodegradable filament along the middle portion. The first and second end portions are uncoated. After implantation, the end portions of the stent may biodegrade. The middle portion will not biodegrade due to its encapsulation by the non-biodegradeable coating.

Abstract: A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for a graft fixation device for fixing a graft member within a bone tunnel. In one embodiment, a graft fixation device is provided having a radially expandable sheath adapted to be disposed within a bone tunnel, and a sheath expander adapted to be received within the radially expandable sheath to expand the sheath and thereby anchor a graft between the sheath and the bone tunnel. In an exemplary embodiment, the graft fixation device is particularly useful to affix a graft within a femoral tunnel.

Abstract: Provided is an intraocular lens insertion device capable of omitting a repeated operation after the intraocular lens is inserted into the eye. The intraocular lens insertion device (1) comprises a lens setting part (11) for mounting an intraocular lens (5) having an optic (6) and one or two or more supporting portions (7a and 7b) disposed at the outer edge of the optic (6), a plunger (4) for pushing out the intraocular lens (5) mounted in the lens setting part (11), and a nozzle (13) for releasing the intraocular lens (5) pushed out by the plunger (4). This plunger (4) includes a lens contact portion (32) for abutting against the outer edge of the optic (6), and a pushing portion (33) for pushing out the supporting portion (7b) arranged in the backward direction of a lens advancing axis (A).

Abstract: A lens and cartridge packaging system and method of use which simplify the removal and transfer of an IOL to an IOL insertion device is disclosed. The packaging system enables a user to easily load an IOL into a cartridge without the use of forceps. In addition, the packaging system also allows a user to fold and insert the IOL into a cartridge without damaging the IOL and/or compromising IOL sterility. In addition, the related methods of use minimize and/or eliminate damage to the IOL during unpackaging, folding, transfer and loading procedures.

Abstract: A prosthetic atrioventricular tissue valve comprising a continuous tubular member formed from a first biocompatible material, the tubular member having proximal and distal ends, and at least one valve leaflet formed therein, the distal end of the tubular member including cardiovascular structure engagement means for connecting the tubular member to a cardiovascular structure, the cardiovascular structure engagement means comprising a plurality of elongated members that extend distally from the distal end of the tubular member.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis and implantation device, and methods for use are provided. The devices may be used for transcatheter delivery of an aortic valve prosthesis or transapical delivery of a mitral valve prosthesis. The implantation device utilizes movable claspers for both positioning and anchoring the valve prosthesis, reducing the extent of imaging needed during the implantation procedure.

Abstract: A method of delivering a prosthetic heart valve to a native aortic valve is disclosed. The prosthetic heart valve comprises a radially compressible and expandable metallic stent and a flexible valvular structure. A delivery system comprises a selectively steerable section and a pusher member extending through a central lumen of the steerable section. The prosthetic heart valve is compressed and inserted into a distal end portion of the delivery system. The delivery system and prosthetic heart valve are advanced through a femoral artery and around an aortic arch. A pull wire is actuated for selectively controlling a curvature of the steerable section during advancement around the aortic arch. The pusher member is advanced for ejecting the prosthetic heart valve from the delivery system into the native aortic valve, wherein the prosthetic valve self-expands after ejection.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains generally to prosthetic devices and related methods for helping to seal native heart valves and prevent or reduce regurgitation therethrough, as well as devices and related methods for implanting such prosthetic devices. In some cases, a spacer having a single anchor can be implanted within a native heart valve. In some cases, a spacer having dual anchors can be implanted within a native heart valve. In some cases, devices can be used to extend the effective length of a native heart valve leaflet.

Abstract: A penile prosthetic includes an inflatable member that is implantable into a penis of a user, a reservoir that is implantable in an abdomen, and a pump. The pump is configured to be attached between the inflatable member and the reservoir and is implantable in a scrotum. The pump includes a pump bulb formed by first and second end sections, a mid-section and concave portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bone substitute (1) comprising A) a container (2) made of a porous casing (4) which is at least partly provided with openings; and B) a plurality of filler elements (5) which are not connected to one another and which are enclosed in the container (2); wherein C) the filler elements (5) consist of interconnected particles with an average diameter Dp; and D) the openings of the casing (4) are interconnected pores or channels with an average diameter of DM.

Abstract: A component of an artificial joint according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, inter alia, a hollow tube including bone ingrowth material. Further, the hollow tube is selectively expandable. The bone ingrowth material allows the component to become biologically fixed to adjacent bone. Further, expansion of the hollow tube increases friction between the hollow tube and the adjacent bone, which increases stability.

Abstract: To provide a prosthetic member that is less likely to degrade its mechanical properties even when using it in the presence of squalene, and a method of producing the same. The prosthetic member in the present invention includes a substrate exhibiting excellent antioxidant properties and including an antioxidant and a polymer material, and a polymer film(s) covering a surface of the substrate and comprising a (meth)acrylate compound. The method for producing the prosthetic member in the present invention includes the steps of: forming a substrate comprising an antioxidant and a polymer material, cleaning a surface of the substrate with a cleaning liquid, and covering the cleaned surface of the substrate with a polymer film(s) comprising a (meth)acrylate compound.

Abstract: A porous coating for a medical implant, wherein the porous coating comprises a porous, shape memory material.

Abstract: An implant providing for both short and long term stability and fixation is disclosed. The implant includes a plurality of projections extending from a bone contacting surface, and a porous material covering at least portions of the surface and projections. The orientation of the projections and the porous material provide for the stability and fixation. Methods of forming and utilizing the implant are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant manufacturing method. The method includes preparing a pre-operative surgical plan for a specific patient, the surgical plan including a three-dimensional image of a patient's joint indicating at least one resection plane, communicating the surgical plan to a surgeon of the patient, and receiving approval of the surgical plan and the resection plane by the surgeon. The method also includes providing automated osteophyte/protrusion removal control for surgeon manipulation, receiving a modified three-dimensional image of a patient's joint indicating an osteophyte/protrusion removal and a recommendation for a corresponding selected orthopedic implant from the surgeon, and requesting manufacture of the selected orthopedic implant.

Abstract: An orthopedic prosthetic joint comprising a joint couple having a first bearing surface made of a poly aryl ether ketone (PAEK) and a second joint component having a second bearing made of a polymer that is softer than the PAEK such as UHMWPE the first and second bearing surfaces in sliding engagement with one another.

Abstract: A system includes a constrained acetabular insert, a dual mobility liner, and a femoral head. The constrained acetabular insert has its perimeter extending beyond hemisphere and the dual mobility liner has its perimeter extending beyond hemisphere and configured to tilt and rotate within the constrained acetabular insert. The femoral head is configured to tilt and rotate within the dual mobility liner. The constrained acetabular insert may include a plurality of tabs and the dual mobility liner may include screw threads for receiving the plurality of tabs.