Abstract: An irrigated ablation catheter includes a tip electrode with a thin shell and a plug to provide a plenum chamber. The tip electrode has an inlet of a predetermined size and noncircular shape, and outlets in the form of fluid ports formed in the thin shell wall. The plurality of the fluid ports is predetermined, as is their diameter. Each fluid port has a tapered configuration, for example, a frustoconical configuration, with a smaller inlet diameter and a larger outlet diameter.

Abstract: A microwave applicator having a probe which comprises an elongate shaft (14), the shaft having an external tubular wall (18), a radiating portion (15) disposed at the distal end of the shaft (14), a transmission line (17) extending to the radiating portion internally of the tubular external wall (18), and an elongate flow dividing member (19) which co-extends with the transmission line (17) longitudinally of the shaft (14), the side wall of the transmission line (17) and the side wall of the flow dividing member (19) contacting each other and contacting the internal surface of the external tubular wall (18) at two-spatially separated discrete positions, thereby defining a pair of flow channels (20, 21) inside the shaft (14). In use, cooling fluid can pass down one channel (20) and return via the other channel (21). The structure of the probe is uncomplicated and the probe is straightforward to assemble.

Abstract: A microwave ablation device including a cable assembly configured to connect a microwave ablation device to an energy source and a feedline in electrical communication with the cable assembly. The microwave ablation device further includes a balun on an outer conductor of the feedline, and a temperature sensor on the balun sensing the temperature of the balun.

Abstract: A method of removing tattoos or pigmented lesions by generating at least two laser pulses having a pulse width in the picosecond range, where the peak power of each pulse is less than 15 GW/cm2 and where the spacing between the pulses is less than ten nanoseconds, and directing the pulses to the tattoo or pigmented lesion to be removed.

Abstract: A comfortable, light weight device to properly position and elongate breast tissue for extended periods of time during radiotherapy and other medical procedures. In one embodiment, the breast fixation device is a generally cylindrical inflatable enclosure that wraps around the breast tissue. In another embodiment, the breast fixation device is composed of multiple rings that are placed around the breast tissue and inflated. In a further embodiment, the breast fixation device consists of multiple inflatable fingers which drape around the breast tissue and then squeeze the breast tissue into an elongated position as they are inflated.

Abstract: A joint alignment method comprises using imaging data of at least a portion of a leg to create a leg model, wherein the leg model includes a femur having medial and lateral condyles and a tibia having tibial plateaus that are configured to engage the medial and lateral condyles at a knee joint, displaying an image of the leg model for manipulation by a user, locating a pivot point within one of the medial or lateral condyles, and rotating, in the displayed image, the tibia with respect to the femur, about the pivot point, to obtain a desired knee joint articulation in a specified plane.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to model-based surgical planning. One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a surgical planning tool that can be implemented on a computer to be used for model-based surgical planning. The surgical tool can determine a coordinate system related to gravity from a plurality of standing images of a joint of a patient. The coordinate system can be used to plan a patient-specific arthroplasty procedure. As such, the surgical planning can include orienting a model of an implant for the joint at an optimal location in the coordinate system based on a weighting between an edge loading value and an impingement value.

Abstract: The description relates to surgical computer systems, including computer program products, and methods for implant planning using captured joint motion information. Data is captured representative of a range of motion of a joint associated with a particular individual, where the joint includes a first bone and a second bone. The first bone of the joint is represented and a first implant model is associated with the representation of the first bone. Based on the captured data, a relationship is determined between the first implant model and a representation of the second bone or a second implant model through at least a portion of the range of motion of the joint. Information is displayed representative of the determined relationship.

Abstract: A medical system includes a sensor location module, a first module, and a second module. The sensor location module determines a location of a magnetic field sensor within a magnetic field. The first module determines an acceleration of the magnetic field sensor. The second module indicates a modified location of the magnetic field sensor in an image of a medical patient based on the acceleration and one or more previously determined locations.

Abstract: Surgical assemblies, instruments, and related methods are disclosed that control tissue gripping force. A surgical assembly includes an end effector including a jaw operable to grip a patient tissue and a spring assembly. The spring assembly includes an output link drivingly coupled with the jaw, an input link drivingly coupled to an articulation source, and a spring coupled with the input and output links to transfer an articulation force from the input link to the output link. The spring is preloaded to inhibit relative movement between the input link and the output link while the transferred articulation force is below a predetermined level and so as to allow relative movement between the input link and the output link when the transferred articulation force is above the predetermined level.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a medical procedure includes a first multi-linked mechanism comprising a plurality of first links, and a lumen therethrough; a second multi-linked mechanism comprising a plurality of second links, wherein the second multi-linked mechanism is constructed and arranged to be slidingly received by the lumen of the first multi-linked mechanism, and where the first and second multi-linked mechanisms are configured to transition from a limp state to a rigid state; a set of proximal cables comprising at least a first proximal cable and a second proximal cable; a set of distal cables comprising at least a first distal cable and a second distal cable; a cable control assembly constructed and arranged to independently apply tension to the first proximal cable and the second proximal cable; a cable interface assembly constructed and arranged to receive a force from at least the first proximal cable and the second proximal cable and to transmit a corresponding force to at least the first

Abstract: A robotic surgical system employs a surgical instrument (20), a robot (40) for navigating the surgical instrument (20) relative to an anatomical region (10) within a coordinate system (42) of the robot (40), and a robot controller (43) for defining a remote center of motion for a spherical rotation of the surgical instrument (20) within the coordinate system (42) of the robot (40) based on a physical location within the coordinate system (42) of the robot (40) of a port (12) into the anatomical region (10). The definition of the remote center of rotation is used by the robot controller (43) to command the robot (40) to align the remote center of motion of the surgical instrument (20) with the port (12) into the anatomical region (10) for spherically rotating the surgical instrument (20) relative to the port (12) into the anatomical region (10).

Abstract: A workstation assembly that can be collapsed into a portable container. The portable container has a first section and second section that can be selectively joined and separated. A lift mechanism is provided that interconnects the first section and the second section. The lift mechanism has an extended configuration and a compressed configuration. When in its extended configuration, the lift mechanism separates the first section from the second section of the portable container by a selected distance. Conversely, when in its compressed configuration, the lift mechanism causes the first section to abut against the second section along a common seam. Wheels are connected to the portable container so that the portable container can roll. A handle is also connected to the container for pulling the container on wheels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medicine ingestion state management method capable of objectively managing medicine ingestion states of patients. The medicine ingestion state management method involves an operation of prescribing medicine (10) encapsulating, together with a medicament, a medicine information transmitting unit (20) having a function of transmitting medicine information capable of specifying a type and a quantity of the medicament to each individual patient, and an operation of grasping the medicine ingestion state of each patient by collecting the medicine information from each medicine information transmitting unit (20) in each patient.

Abstract: In order to develop mixing and application capsules known from the prior art, so that limitations regarding the dental preparations that can be obtained are overcome, a mixing capsule (22) for producing a dental preparation is proposed in which the mixing capsule (22) has: a capsule body (1) having a mixing chamber for receiving a mixing component and for mixing the dental preparation from the mixing component, a first fluid and a second fluid and having an outlet opening (4) for expelling the dental preparation, a first cavity for receiving the first fluid, a first piston body (2) which delimits the mixing chamber in the capsule body (1) and which has a first passageway for guiding the first fluid from the first cavity into the mixing chamber, a second cavity for receiving the second fluid and a second piston body (2) which delimits the mixing chamber in the capsule body (1) and which has a second passageway for guiding the second fluid from the second cavity into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biomimetic matrix for providing structural support and scaffolding that allows for regeneration of dentin, pulp, and periodontal tissues. A method of making the biomimetic matrix provides the ability to select both a size of a pore or tubule formed in the biomimetic matrix and a density of pores or tubules disposed throughout the biomimetic matrix. The present invention discloses an approach of successful tubular dentin regeneration both in vitro and in vivo using the biomimetic matrix.

Abstract: A method for digital archiving and manufacturing of dental prosthetics and a prosthesis, and teaching and training for the method are provided. The method mainly includes the following steps: preoperative scanning: creating a first digital model file; optical positioning and turning treatment: creating a second digital model file from a turning process; physical model calculation: creating reversely an autologous crown model file of a patient; and fixed denture manufacturing: manufacturing, according to the second digital model file and the autologous crown model file, a fixed denture that meets needs of the patient, so that an inner layer structure of a crown of the fixed denture can be tightly bound to an abutment, and it may be decided to retain an original crown contour according to needs. A tooth model based on a teaching digital model file can be used for teaching and training of a trainee with the foregoing method.

Abstract: A floss arm in a generally cylindrical configuration has a distal end, a proximal end, and an exterior surface there between. The distal end is formed with a distal recess. A replaceable flosser has a central base and two outwardly extending legs. The outwardly extending legs have free ends. A piece of floss is secured between the free ends. The central base is removably received in the distal recess. A floss guard is formed with a center attached to the distal end of the floss arm. A plurality of short arms extend from the center to limit the depth of penetration of the floss. Two laterally spaced long legs extend from the center and span the plurality of short legs to define a central zone for optimal flossing.

Abstract: An oestrus detector includes a reservoir portion which contains a coloured liquid. The detector further includes a generally planar portion that is attached to and sealed from the reservoir portion, except for an open or closed passage in a seal line separating the reservoir portion and the generally planar portion. In use the liquid is squeezed from the reservoir portion, through the passage, and into the generally planar portion, when the reservoir portion receives pressure.

Abstract: Various embodiments of craniofacial implants, surgical instruments, and techniques are described to provide improved surgical results.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tissue fillers. The tissue fillers can include a plurality of tissue particles formed from acellular tissue matrix fragments. The tissue fillers can be used to fill tissue sites, such as voids formed after tissue resection.

Abstract: Excessive dilation of the annulus of a mitral valve may lead to regurgitation of blood during ventricular contraction. This regurgitation may lead to a reduction in cardiac output. Disclosed are systems and methods relating to an implant configured for reshaping a mitral valve. The implant comprises a plurality of struts with anchors for tissue engagement. The implant is compressible to a first, reduced diameter for transluminal navigation and delivery to the left atrium of a heart. The implant may then expand to a second, enlarged diameter to embed its anchors to the tissue surrounding and/or including the mitral valve. The implant may then contract to a third, intermediate diameter, pulling the tissue radially inwardly, thereby reducing the mitral valve and lessening any of the associated symptoms including mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: A method for producing an implant and the implant itself, particularly an intraluminal endoprosthesis, wherein the implant is produced from a preferably hollow cylindrical semifinished article (10), wherein the semifinished article contains magnesium or a magnesium alloy, the method comprising preparing the semifinished article (10), and shaping the semifinished article at a temperature of between 250° C. and 550° C. using a tool, which has a metallic lubricant containing gallium and/or a gallium compound on at least a part of its surface that will come into contact with the semifinished article.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis including a radially expandable support member having interior and exterior surfaces and a wall with openings, a first covering member including a biocompatible polymer material at least partially positioned against the interior surface, and a second covering member including a biocompatible polymer material at least partially positioned against the exterior surface. The first covering member attaches to the second covering member at predetermined bonding locations within less than all of the openings thereby leaving unbonded regions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to instruments and methods for manipulating soft tissue during a soft tissue repair procedure. The instruments and methods may include use of a handle and a shaft coupled to the handle, the shaft including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion of the shaft may include a tip with at least two prongs and a channel located between the prongs.

Abstract: A tissue graft suspension device includes a platform member, a graft connecting element coupled to the platform member such that a portion of the graft connecting element forms a loop for attachment to a tissue graft, and an enclosure member coupled to the loop of the graft connecting element and configured to enclose a biologic material. The enclosure member defines an opening configured to receive the biologic material. The graft connecting element and the enclosure member are configured such that, during use, the tissue graft is coupled to the loop and in contact with the enclosure member.

Abstract: A long term absorbable matrix brassiere including a circular tube member adapted to be fixed to the chest of a woman, a membrane or tarpaulin fixed within the tube member; and a cup held within the tube member.

Abstract: Described herein are intraocular lenses and methods of implantation. In one aspect, the lens includes a shape changing optical element; a force translation element having a first end region coupled to the optical element and a second end region extending towards a ciliary structure, and an attachment portion coupled to the second end region of the force translation element and configured to contact the ciliary structure. The force translation element is configured to functionally transmit movements of the ciliary structure into a force exerted upon the optical element to effect an accommodating and a disaccommodating change of the optical element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intralaryngeal prosthesis which is not at risk of getting blocked and which allows the patient to breathe comfortably. For this purpose, the prosthesis comprises a tubular body pierced by a proximal opening and a convex dome-shaped valve (10), the valve being arranged such that: the distal end (15) of the valve forms a rim (16) which covers a portion of the tubular body (2), and such that a space (17) exists between the distal end (15) of the valve and the tubular body (2) such that air can enter the proximal opening (8) of the tubular body through said space (17).

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided for implantation at a native semilunar valve of a native valve complex, the native valve complex having three semilunar sinuses and three native commissures. The prosthesis includes a valve prosthesis support, which comprises a support structure comprising exactly three engagement arms that meet one another at three respective junctures. The engagement arms are shaped so as define three peak complexes at the three respective junctures, and three trough complexes, each of which is between two of the peak complexes. Upon implantation of the prosthesis, each of the engagement arms is at least partially disposed within a respective one of the semilunar sinuses, such that each of the peak complexes is disposed distal to and in rotational alignment with a respective one of the native commissures, and each of the trough complexes is disposed at least partially within the respective one of the semilunar sinuses.

Abstract: A collapsible and expandable stent body includes a generally tubular annulus section, one or more prosthetic valve elements mounted to the stent body, and a cuff attached to the stent body. The prosthetic valve is operative to allow flow in an antegrade direction but to substantially block flow in a retrograde direction. The prosthetic heart valve may include paravalvular leak mitigation features in the form of first and second sealing members. The sealing members are attached to the cuff and extend circumferentially around an abluminal surface of the stent body. The sealing members each have an open side facing in a first axial direction and a closed side facing in an opposite second axial direction. Flow of blood in the second axial direction will tend to force blood into the sealing members and cause the sealing members to billow outwardly relative to the stent body, helping to mitigate paravalvular leak.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus can include a handle portion and at least one rotatable drive shaft. The handle portion can have an actuation mechanism with a motor. The rotatable drive shaft can have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion of the rotatable drive shaft can be coupled to the motor, and the distal end portion of the rotatable drive shaft can be configured to be releasably coupled to a prosthetic heart valve. The actuation mechanism can be configured to control and monitor expansion of the prosthetic heart valve and to control and monitor torque of the motor.

Abstract: In a representative embodiment, an implantable prosthetic heart valve device comprises an elongated body having first and second end portions, the body being configured to be implanted around a native leaflet of a heart valve such that the first end portion is on an atrial side of the leaflet and the second end portion is on a ventricular side of the leaflet and such that the body can coapt with and move away from an opposing native leaflet during operation of the heart valve. The device can further comprises a fastener configured to be mounted on a suture that extends from one of the first or second end portions, through the native leaflet and through the other of the first or second end portions such that the body is secured to the native leaflet.

Abstract: A chamber assembly for testing a valve includes a proximal chamber portion that defines a proximal interior space, and a distal chamber portion that defines a distal interior space. The distal interior space includes a gas space. When a liquid is inserted into the proximal and distal chambers there is an interface between the liquid and a gas in the gas space. A valve holder is disposed adjacent to the proximal interior space and the distal interior space. The valve holder is configured to receive the valve in a bore of the valve holder. A shortest distance between a center of the valve when in the bore and the interface is at least about 45 mm.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating a heart of a patient may make use of structures which limit a size of a chamber of the heart, such as by deploying one or more tensile member to bring a wall of the heart and a septum of the heart into contact. A plurality of tension members may help exclude scar tissue and provide a more effective remaining ventricle chamber. The implant may be deployed during beating of the heart, often in a minimally invasive or less-invasive manner. Trauma to the tissues of the heart may be inhibited by selectively approximating tissues while a pressure within the heart is temporarily reduced. Three-dimensional implant locating devices and systems facilitate beneficial heart chamber volumetric shape remodeling.

Abstract: A method includes inserting a stem into a bone, positioning a solid articulating portion of a mounting element within a tapered bore so that the mounting element is substantially free to pivot in multiple degrees of freedom relative to the stem while maintaining substantially contiguous engagement between the solid articulating portion and a portion of a surface of the tapered bore defining a circle, engaging the joint component to the mounting element, manipulating the mounting element to vary an angular position of the joint component with the mounting element positioned in the tapered bore while maintaining the substantially contiguous engagement, and mechanically locking the solid articulating portion in the tapered bore to fix a position of the mounting element relative to the stem after manipulating the mounting element by forcing the solid articulating portion toward a bottom of the tapered bore.

Abstract: Methods for the prevention, or delayed onset or progression of, bone marrow edema or bone marrow lesion, and subchondral treatment to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis of a joint are disclosed. The methods involve treating the subchondral bone, while preserving, as much as possible, the joint's articular and cartilage surface. The methods could be performed before, during, or after an initial arthroscopic surgery to repair the joint. Associated devices and instruments for treatment of the subchondral bone are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a variety of fracture fixation options should a fracture occur after total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty, and provides associated methods and apparatus for application of provided fixation. The ability to pre-engineer fracture fixation contingent solutions into femoral or tibial components provides for a distinct clinical advantage in the planning and execution for periprosthetic fracture fixation. Said methods and apparatus include targeting devices which allow for intimate association of fixed angle locking screws in pre-drilled holes in an existing prosthetic, femoral nail, or other components including additional fixation components. Use of pre-engineered fracture fixation contingent solutions into femoral or tibial components provides for a distinct clinical advantage in the planning and execution for periprosthetic fracture fixation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for repairing articular surfaces in a knee joint. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable for each patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. Kits are also provided to enable customized repairs to be performed.

Abstract: A prosthetic device that may be utilized as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device can restore shock absorption, stability, and function to the knee after the damaged natural meniscus is removed and replaced with the prosthetic device. In some embodiments, the meniscus includes an integral fixation anchor and additional features that minimize the requirement for modification of the implant for proper fit during surgery.

Abstract: A method of performing percutaneous interbody spinal fusion on adjacent vertebrae in a patient including the steps of: creating a percutaneous access opening on the patient, using indirect visualization to establish a surgical path through the access opening via neural monitoring, creating a cavity in a disc space between the adjacent vertebra, without retraction, evaluating the created cavity, inserting a container sized and configured to fit through the access opening into the cavity and filling the container with fill material.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral spacer has a plurality of arms. The arms can be retracted or extended. The spacer has a width that is narrower than the width between the nerve roots near the posterior approach to an intervertebral space. Once inserted into the intervertebral space, the arms can be deployed. The deployed arms expand the height and width of the spacer. Once deployed, the spacer stabilizes two adjacent vertebrae. The arms are interconnected mechanically to deploy simultaneously.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes a frame including an end member and an intermediate member pivotally coupled to the end member about a first pivot axis. The intervertebral implant includes a first vertebral contact member pivotally coupled to the frame about a second pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis, and a second vertebral contact member coupled to the frame. The frame is configured such that pivoting the intermediate member with respect to the end member about the first pivot axis changes both a width between the first vertebral contact member and the second vertebral contact member with respect to a direction that is substantially parallel to the second pivot axis, and changes a height between the first vertebral contact member and the second vertebral contact member with respect to a direction that is substantially parallel to the first pivot axis.

Abstract: Disclosed are surgical implants for providing therapy to a treatment site, tool sets and methods for minimally invasively accessing and deploying the implants within the spine. The treatment site may be a vertebral body, disc, and/or motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine.

Abstract: A modular anchor bone fusion cage is provided. The cage includes a spacer configured to fit into a space between the faces of two bones that are to be fused together. A fusion plate having at least a main body portion is coupled to the spacer by a connector. Fasteners extend through the fusion plate to engage the bone. At least some of the fasteners also extend through the spacer to engage the opposed faces of the bone. A cover plate is coupled to the fusion plate to inhibit the fasteners from backing out prior to fusion of the bones.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices and methods for use in spinal surgery. In particular, the disclosed devices relate to a spinal fixation system and an intervertebral spinal implant assembly sized and dimensioned for the lumbar spine implantable via an anterior or anterolateral approach. The devices include an implant, bone screws, and an improved locking mechanism to prevent the back out of screws.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for interbody fusion including distracting, in a given direction, and supporting opposing vertebral bodies. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the vertebral bodies to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the vertebral bodies so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Abstract: The claimed invention is directed to a spinal fusion device comprising a load-bearing interbody component configured to fit between two adjacent vertebrae, wherein the interbody component comprises one or more openings to allow access to the vertebrae, a retention component that is configured to at least partially close the one or more openings of the interbody component and one or more fasteners that are coupled to the retention component to compress the two adjacent vertebrae to the interbody component, and methods of using a spinal fusion device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for calculating dimensions for fabricating an artificial bone flap. Intra-operative data indicating dimensions of an opening in a portion of the patient's skull are obtained. 3D dimensions of the opening are calculated using the intra-operative data, registered to a reference image. The calculated 3D dimensions are provided for fabricating the artificial bone flap by a fabrication system.

Abstract: An acetabular device includes a patient-specific acetabular alignment guide including a bone engagement surface. The bone engagement surface has a first portion configured and shaped to be conforming and complementary to an acetabular rim surface and a second portion configured and shaped to be conforming and complementary to a periacetabular area of an acetabulum of a patient. The acetabular alignment guide includes a plurality of guiding formations extending through the second portion for guiding a plurality of alignment pins therethrough. The bone engagement surface and the plurality of guiding formations are prepared from a three-dimensional model of the acetabulum of the specific patient reconstructed pre-operatively from a scan of the patient.