Abstract: A percutaneous spinal cross link system for interconnecting a spinal fusion construct on one side of the longitudinal axis of the spine with a spinal fusion construct on the other side of the longitudinal axis may include a cross bar connected at each end by a respective connector to a respective spinal fusion rod of each of the spinal fusion constructs. The connector may include a rod receiving portion adapted to receive one of the spinal fusion rods and a cross bar receiving portion adapted to receive the cross bar in an orientation generally perpendicular to the spinal fusion rod. A cannula defined by two spaced apart blades may be connected to the connector for defining a minimally invasive pathway through body tissue for introduction of the cross bar to the connector. Other tools for use with the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spinal fusion at the facet joint using an irregularly shaped implant where the orientation of the implant can be preselected before implantation.

Abstract: A spinal implant for limiting flexion of the spine includes a tether structure for encircling adjacent spinal processes. Usually, a pair of compliance members will be provided as part of the tether structure for elastically limiting flexion while permitting an extension. A cross-member is provided between the compliance member or other portions of the tether structure to stabilize the tether structure and prevent misalignment after implantation.

Abstract: Provided is a wire stretcher, which is an apparatus which compresses the portion of the k-wire getting out behind the squeezing apparatus, the k-wire being passed through the wire retainer fitted on the bone surface, by rotating the holding part subsequent to being passed through the wire stretcher, thanks to the k-wire channel therein, and which enables, by rotating the outer body, the inner body with which the compressed k-wire is connected and the mid body to advance together in direction X, thereby stretching the k-wire.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes an intramedullary osteosynthesis or arthrodesis implant including a central body, a first pair of legs extending from the central body to a pair of leg tips, and a second pair of legs extending from the central body, in a direction opposite the first pair of legs, to a pair of leg tips such that the central body, first pair of legs and second pair of legs are positioned alongside a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail for surgical use with pediatric patients aged 18 months and older who are diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. The intramedullary nail is used to correct deformity, stabilize fractures, and to prevent fractures. The intramedullary nail includes male components that can be nested with a straight formed female component. The angled female component has a telescopic structure that grows together with the child's bone without hindering growth. The intramedullary nail also includes at least one telescopic nail with a corkscrew tip that provides minimal damage.

Abstract: A bone plate having at least one variable angle locking hole is described. The variable angle locking hole allows a bone anchor having a threaded head to be driven into underlying bone while oriented at an angle with respect to a central hole axis of the hole that is within a range of angles at which the head is configured to threadedly mate with the at least one thread of the bone plate. Accordingly, the bone anchor can be driven into the underlying bone until the threaded head threadedly purchases with the bone plate inside the variable angle locking hole.

Abstract: A bone plate having at least one variable angle locking hole is described. The variable angle locking hole allows a bone anchor having a threaded head to be driven into underlying bone while oriented at an angle with respect to a central hole axis of the hole that is within a range of angles at which the head is configured to threadedly mate with the at least one thread of the bone plate. Accordingly, the bone anchor can be driven into the underlying bone until the threaded head threadedly purchases with the bone plate inside the variable angle locking hole.

Abstract: An orthopedic assembly is described that comprises an orthopedic device, an anchor, and a locking mechanism. The orthopedic device can be a plate member having an aperture that is configured to receive the anchor. The anchor can include a head, neck and shank portion. The head portion can include a plurality of arms separated by grooves that are capable of splaying. The assembly is configured such that when the locking mechanism is inserted into the head portion, this causes expansion of the arms of the head. This expansion locks and secures the anchor to the orthopedic device. Various instruments are provided that can deliver the locking mechanism to the anchor, and can provide impact to lock functionality.

Abstract: A bone plate having at least one variable angle locking hole is described. The variable angle locking hole allows a bone anchor having a threaded head to be driven into underlying bone while oriented at an angle with respect to a central hole axis of the hole that is within a range of angles at which the head is configured to threadedly mate with the at least one thread of the bone plate. Accordingly, the bone anchor can be driven into the underlying bone until the threaded head threadedly purchases with the bone plate inside the variable angle locking hole.

Abstract: A load sharing bone plate has a plurality of directional apertures configured to effectively support and share the load with a fractured bone to promote healing. A load sharing bone plate may have a body portion that is thinner and be configured to be secured with smaller fasteners than conventional bone plates. A load sharing bone plate has a plurality of directional apertures, configured to direct a fastener is a specific orientation, such as in an oblique angle to the length and/or in an oblique angle to the width of the bone plate. A load sharing bone plate may be configured with a load sharing extension on at least one end that is configured to reduce stress concentration at the end of the bone plate. A load sharing extension may have a tapered thickness and/or width from the body portion to the extended end.

Abstract: A system and device for cryoablation of tissue that is suitable for use within an MRI environment. The device may include an elongate body, a treatment element at the distal portion of the elongate body, and one or more pull fibers. The pull fibers may be composed of a non-ferromagnetic material, such as a polymer. Likewise, none of the other device components may be composed of a ferromagnetic material. The device may also include at least one fiber optic sensor. The elongate body distal portion may include a distal tip to which the pull fibers are directly coupled. Additionally or alternatively, the elongate body may include one or more pull fiber lumens configured to allow the pull fibers to deflect the distal portion when a pull force is exerted on the pull fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device that may include a catheter body having proximal and distal portions, a fluid injection lumen disposed within elongate body, and a guidewire lumen disposed within the elongate body. A tip portion defining a cavity in fluid communication with the fluid injection lumen may be coupled to the distal end of the guidewire lumen, and an expandable element may be coupled to the distal portion of the catheter body and to the tip portion, such that the expandable element is in fluid communication with the fluid injection lumen. A shaping element may at least partially surround the expandable element, where the shaping element is configurable in a first geometric configuration and a second geometric configuration.

Abstract: A method of nonsurgical orbital fat reduction includes providing an electromagnetic energy system that includes an electromagnetic energy source and a patient interface coupled to the electromagnetic energy source. The patient interface includes an elongate member configured to deliver electromagnetic energy generated by the electromagnetic energy source to tissue of a medical patient. The method also includes inserting at least a distal portion of the elongate member into an orbital fat pad of the medical patient and delivering a sufficient amount of electromagnetic energy from the electromagnetic energy source to the orbital fat pad to cause the orbital fat pad to shrink in volume.

Abstract: A long-term implantable ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly effected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.

Abstract: Provided is a catheter including a shaft having a distal end and a loop disposed near the distal end and configured to curl around a tissue and receive, via the shaft, energy to denervate at least a portion of the tissue.

Abstract: An ultrapolar electrosurgery blade and an ultrapolar electrosurgery pencil that can be used in both monopolar and bipolar modes for cutting and coagulating tissue. The ultrapolar electrosurgery blade includes a non-conductive member with opposing planar sides, a cutting end with a sharp cutting edge, and an opposite non-cutting end, an active electrode located on one of the opposing planar sides of the non-conductive member, and a return electrode located on the other opposing planar side of the non-conductive member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending therefrom, an end effector assembly supported by the shaft, a movable handle, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a translatable drive member for actuating the end effector assembly, and a torsion spring including first and second legs. The first leg is configured to translate through the housing in response to movement of the movable handle relative to the housing. The second leg is configured to translate through the housing in cooperation with the first leg to move the drive member longitudinally when a force acting on the drive member is less than a threshold force, and to remain in fixed position, thereby tensioning the torsion spring and retaining the drive member in fixed position when the force acting on the drive member is equal to or exceeds the threshold force.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft, the shaft including a plurality of stepped sections along the length of the shaft. The apparatus further includes a plurality of electrodes disposed along the length of the shaft, each electrode characterized by a geometric aspect ratio of the length of the electrode to the outer diameter of the electrode. Each electrode is located at a different stepped section of the plurality of stepped sections of the shaft and includes a set of leads. Each lead of the set of leads is configured to attain an electrical voltage potential of at least about 1 kV. The geometric aspect ratio of at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes is in the range between about 3 and about 20.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, a method and a catheter that provide improved ablation capabilities and improved energy efficiency by selectively energizing catheter electrodes on the basis of impedance measurements. In particular, the invention is directed to the selective energization of catheter radial electrodes that together with a tip electrode form a generally continuous tissue contact surface, wherein the selection is made on the basis of impedance measurement as an indication of the amount of tissue contact of each radial electrode.

Abstract: A microwave antenna assembly includes proximal and distal radiating sections and a junction member. The proximal radiating section includes inner and outer conductors and DC power and neutral conductors. The inner conductor is disposed within the outer conductor and the DC power and neutral conductors are disposed radially outward therefrom. The junction member mates the distal and proximal radiating sections such that the distal and proximal radiating sections are positioned relative to one another. The junction member further includes a microwave signal amplifier (MSA) that receives a signal at a first energy level from the inner and outer conductors and a DC power signal from the DC power and neutral conductors. The MSA amplifies the signal from the first energy level to an additional, greater energy level. The junction member provides the microwave signal at the additional energy level to the proximal and distal radiating sections.

Abstract: A method of locating and ablating a target tissue is described. The method includes providing a catheter that has at least one light guide, where the light guide is adaptable to receive light from a light source. A distal portion of the catheter is advanced through vasculature of a patient towards the target tissue. A nanoparticle dye is introduced into the patient, where the nanoparticles selectively bind to the target tissue. The target tissue is mapped by detecting fluorescence light emitted from the nanoparticle dye bound to the tissue. The distal tip of the catheter is positioned adjacent to the mapped target tissue, and a light pulse is transmitted through the light guide to ablate at least a portion of the target tissue.

Abstract: A computer-assisted surgery system may have a robotic arm including a surgical tool and a processor communicatively connected to the robotic aim. The processor may be configured to receive, from a neural monitor, a signal indicative of a distance between the surgical tool and a portion of a patient's anatomy including nervous tissue. The processor may be further configured to generate a command for altering a degree to which the robotic aim resists movement based on the signal received from the neural monitor; and send the command to the robotic arm.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving a surgical instrument into engagement with a grip actuator of a teleoperational activation system. The surgical instrument includes movable jaws, and the surgical instrument is received in a prearranged gripping configuration with the jaws gripping a surgical accessory. The method includes generating a first control signal for manipulating the surgical instrument while maintaining the surgical instrument in the prearranged gripping configuration. The method further includes generating a second control signal for manipulating the surgical instrument to move from the prearranged gripping configuration to a second configuration.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a target location for a medical device having complex geometry relative to an anatomical feature, and for navigating and positioning the medical device at the target location. The system may include a medical device including a treatment element having a centroid, one or more navigation electrodes, and a longitudinal axis and a navigation system in communication with the one or more navigation electrodes, the navigation system including a processing unit. The processing unit may be programmed to define a plane that approximates a surface of the anatomical feature, define a centroid of the anatomical feature, define a vector that is normal to the plane and extends away from the centroid of the anatomical feature, and determine a target location for the treatment element of the medical device based on the vector to assist the user in placing the device for treatment.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a location of a treatment element relative to an anatomical feature and for estimating contact between the treatment element and the anatomical feature in the context of a navigation system. The system may include a medical device including at least one treatment element and at least one navigation electrode and a navigation system in communication with the one or more navigation electrodes, the navigation system including a processing unit. The processing unit may be programmed to determine a plurality of points that define a surface geometry of the at least one treatment element, calculate a distance between each of the points and a closest point on the anatomical feature, and estimate the likelihood of contact between the points.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for use in tracking are described, using optical modalities to detect spatial attributes or natural features of objects, such as, tools and patient anatomy. Spatial attributes or natural features may be known or may be detected by the tracking system. The system, methods and devices can further be used to verify a calibration of a tool either by a computing unit or by a user. Further, the disclosure relates to detection of spatial attributes, including depth information, of the anatomy for purposes of registration or to create a 3D surface profile of the anatomy.

Abstract: Devices, Systems, and Methods for detecting a 3-dimensional position of an object, and surgical automation involving the same. The surgical robot system may include a robot having a robot base, a robot arm coupled to the robot base, and an end-effector coupled to the robot arm. The end-effector, surgical instruments, the patient, and/or other objects to be tracked include active and/or passive tracking markers. Cameras, such as stereophotogrammetric infrared cameras, are able to detect the tracking markers, and the robot determines a 3-dimensional position of the object from the tracking markers.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a controller, a surgical instrument supporting an end effector, and one or more connector members coupled to the end effector and movable to operate the end effector. Memory is operably coupled to the controller and is configured to maintain reference data of the one or more connector members. A sensor is secured to the one or more connector members and is disposed in electrical communication with the controller. The sensor is configured to register real-time data of the one or more connector members and communicate the real-time data to the controller. The controller is configured to compare the real-time data to the reference data and provide an output signal in response to a comparison of the real-time data to the reference data. A pair of connector members may be coupled to the end effector to impart three outputs.

Abstract: A teleoperational assembly is disclosed which includes an operator control system and a plurality of manipulators configured to control the movement of medical instruments in a surgical environment. The manipulators are teleoperationally controlled by the operator control system. The system further includes a processing unit configured to display an image of a field of view of the surgical environment, determine association information about the manipulators and the operator control system, and display badges near the medical instruments in the image of the field of view of the surgical environment. The badges display the association information for the medical instrument they appear associated with.

Abstract: A hinged tool includes a first member; a second member pivotally connected to the first member at a pivot; and an optical fiber. The optical fiber is fixed to the first member at a load application region and fixed to at least one of the pivot and the second member at a location such that the optical fiber bends when the first member and the second member are pivoted with respect to one another. A method of using a hinged tool includes measuring fiber strain in an optical fiber fixed to the hinged tool, and determining at least one of tool strain applied to the hinged tool and a degree of pivoting of the hinged tool using the fiber strain.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a proximal control mechanism. The proximal control mechanism has an opening through which a resilient latch arm can be inserted to engage a locking surface of a fixed latch structure contained within the proximal control mechanism. The resilient latch arm is contained entirely within the proximal control mechanism when engaged. A release channel extends from an outer periphery of the proximal control mechanism to the resilient latch arm entrance opening. The release channel provides a passage through which a release tool can be inserted to engage the resilient latch arm and provides a fulcrum for the release tool where the release channel is joined to the outer periphery of the proximal control mechanism. The surgical instrument can be released by prying the resilient latch arm away from the locking surface of the fixed latch structure with the release tool used as a lever on the fulcrum.

Abstract: An organizer comprising: a first arm; a second arm; one or more port, each port disposed on an arm, each port configured for attachment thereto of a medical device portion; a first grip on the first arm comprising a first concavity; a second grip on the second arm comprising a second concavity; a hinge connecting the arms, where arms extend distally from the hinge and are rotatable about the hinge; and a ratchet-lock, which locks the arms at plurality of distances, each distance separated from adjacent distances by a minimum step size; wherein the arms are flexible enough in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the hinge such that total elastic deformation of the arms is at least a quarter of the minimum step size under a level of force easily applied manually.

Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment mechanism for detachably coupling a first component to a second component as part of a surgical instrument. There is also provided a surgical instrument comprising the attachment mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a visualization apparatus for visualizing a quality of applying energy to an object. The quality of applying energy at a location on the object (3) is visualized based on a) a provided image of the object and b) a provided quality value which is a depth value indicative of the depth to which the applied energy has altered the object, representing the quality of applying energy to the object at the location on the object (3), wherein a visual property assigning unit (9) assigns a visual property to the location depending on the quality value and a display (10) displays the provided image and the assigned visual property at the location on the object shown in the image as a transmural region calculated using depth value(s) with respect to a wall of the object. In general a person who applies energy to the object is focused on the location at which energy is applied.

Abstract: A server receives a request from a client device initiated from a user operating the client device. The server determines a user action identifier (ID) based on the request, the user action ID identifying a user physical action that was captured by one or more sensors. One or more image processing commands are determined based on the user action ID in view of a first medical image currently displayed at the client device. An image processing operation is performed based on the first medical image by executing the one or more image processing commands, generating a second medical image. The second medical image is transmitted to the client device to be presented to the user at the client device.

Abstract: A carrier for retaining a plurality of implants each comprising a structurally encoded pin, the structurally encoded pin having a shape or surface characteristics discernable by an imaging modality such as x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, visible light, UV light, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and neutron imaging, from outside the carrier, the shape or surface characteristics representing structurally encoded data. The invention further discloses a carrier for viewing a plurality of implants, and associated reading systems for reading a plurality of implants. Finally, the invention discloses methods for reading a plurality of implantable devices retained within a carrier.

Abstract: An implant and method for manufacturing an implant comprising an implant body defining a longitudinal axis and a structurally encoded pin contained within the implant body and aligned substantially along the longitudinal axis, the structurally encoded pin having a shape or surface characteristics discernable by an imaging modality such as x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, visible light, UV light, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and neutron imaging, from outside the implant body, the shape or surface characteristics representing structurally encoded data. The structurally encoded pin is encoded via an electric discharge machining process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical device inventory tracking are described. One embodiment is a medical device inventory tracking system includes a shipping container configured to contain a medical device, a sensor coupled to the shipping container and configured to detect the presence of the medical device, and a processing circuit integrated into the shipping container. The processing circuit configured to receive a signal from the sensor and perform an action based upon the signal.

Abstract: A self-illumination dental handpiece includes a shell having a receiving space. The shell is assembled to a working room. An electricity-generation device is in the receiving space and includes first and second housings. A rotatable fan is in the second housing. The fan is coaxially connected to a magnet bar that is surrounded by a coil. The coil is electrically connected to a first conductive terminal engaged with a second conductive terminal, and the second conductive terminal is connected to a light-emitting device by a wire. A gas inlet pipe, a backflow pipe, a cooling-water pipe, and a cooling-gas pipe are in the receiving space. The pipes are positioned by a positioning member. The gas inlet pipe is connected to an external gas supply and the working room, and the backflow pipe is connected to the working room and the electricity generation device.

Abstract: Method of assembling a distalizer comprising a mesial element and a distal element, and an arm connecting the distal element with the mesial element, the arm comprising a ball member at one end of the arm and the distal element comprising a receptacle for receiving said ball member, the method comprising providing the distal element with an opening of the receptacle that is large enough to introduce the ball member substantially without deformation, providing the arm with the ball member, introducing the ball member into the receptacle, and reducing the opening of the receptacle. The disclosure further relates to a distalizer obtainable by such a method.

Abstract: Force modules and assemblies for use in orthodontic corrections include an elongate hollow outer body extending between proximal and distal ends, a plunger, biasing member (e.g. spring), and push rod. The plunger and push rod are slidably received within different ends of the hollow outer body. The biasing member is positioned within the hollow outer body and provides an expansion force, which provides a desired corrective force. The outer body, plunger, biasing member, and push rod can be configured in a telescoping relationship in order for the components to be telescopically compressed and expanded during use. The distal end can include a bendable pin or latch mechanism for attachment to a buccal tube. The push rod can include a hook, hole, or slot for attachment to an archwire. Various connectors for coupling an orthodontic force module to a buccal tube portion of a molar bracket are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling structure between an abutment and a crown for an implant.

Abstract: An improved dental instrument is provided for facilitated placement of gingival retraction cord into the gingival crevice surrounding a tooth. The instrument includes a curved edge designed to conform to the curvature of a root surface of a tooth at the gingival level. The gingival retraction cord can thus be placed quickly and easily without significant risk of damage to periodontal attachment tissue at the base of the gingival crevice.

Abstract: Embodiments for estimating a surface texture of a tooth are described herein. One method embodiment includes collecting a sequence of images utilizing multiple light conditions using an intra-oral imaging device and estimating the surface texture of the tooth based on the sequence of images.

Abstract: Provided are: a workpiece unit (10) that makes it possible to attach a holding member (1) to a workpiece body (1) at a suitable position and that minimizes displacement of the holding member (2) after attachment thereof; and a method for producing the workpiece unit (10). The workpiece unit (10) is provided with a workpiece body (1) and a holding member (2) arranged on at least a part of the outer circumference (1c) of the workpiece body (1). The workpiece body (1) comprises at least one first positioning section (1d) at a part facing the holding member (2). The holding member (2) comprises a second positioning section (2d) that engages with at least a part of the first positioning section (1d).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush and provides an electric toothbrush comprising a hollow hand-held casing; the hand-held casing is disposed therein with a rechargeable lithium battery via a battery mount, and a brushless motor via a motor mount. The battery mount accommodates a PCT connected with the rechargeable lithium battery. The PCB is disposed with a control switch via a waterproof mount and a waterproof switch case. The press portion of the control switch is exposed from the switch hole of the hand-held casing. The vibration shaft of the brushless motor passes through the motor mount to an exterior of the hand-held casing. The vibration shaft is connected to a toothbrush head. The hand-held casing is threadedly connected to the rear cap at a bottom end thereof. The hand-held casing has a cross section in shape of a circle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inspection apparatus for osseointegration of implants, which comprises an inspection base, a holding end, and an inspection end. The holding end is disposed at one end of the inspection base; the inspection end is disposed at the other end of the inspection base. Beside, the inspection end is disposed on one side of the holding end. The holding end includes a signal processing module and a wireless transmission module therein. The inspection end includes an inspection probe, disposed at one end of the inspection end. The inspection probe includes one or more excitation device and a receiver located on the same side of the inspection probe. According to the present invention, the inspection apparatus detects the condition of an object under inspection in a non-contact manner by using an excitation source. An acquired displacement difference is then transmitted to an electronic apparatus through wireless transmission.

Abstract: A dental device was designed to improve the process for a dentist to evaluate crown interproximal contacts during a dental crown delivery procedure. The device may temporally attach to an adjacent tooth to the crown being inserted. The device positions a marking material approximately at the interproximal contact area which allows for marking of contact pressure and location upon insertion of a new dental crown for evaluation prior to cementation. The device provides an improved method compared to existing methods for evaluating crown contacts.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial sphincter employing an easily controlled electro-mechanical pump system. The artificial sphincter includes an inflatable cuff, a control pump fluidly coupled to the inflatable cuff, and an electro-mechanical pump system. The inflatable cuff is adapted to surround a urethra or rectum of the patient to facilitate continence. An inflation element or balloon can be included to further control pressure to the cuff.