Abstract: A hand-held skin treatment device comprises a source of electromagnetic radiation, an energy supply electrically coupled to the source and a controller arranged to control the energy supplied to the source of electromagnetic radiation. The source, the energy supply and the controller are enclosed in a watertight housing allowing use of the hand-held skin treatment device in a wet environment. To provide sufficient cooling of the source, the device comprises an internal heat exchanger in heat conducting relation with the source, an external heat exchanger outside of the watertight housing, and a heat path from the internal heat exchanger to the external heat exchanger that passes hermetically through a wall of the watertight housing. With this device, users can conveniently integrate their skin treatment activities with the daily washing routine in a shower or bath. The device is especially useful in the context of hair removal.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cooling microwave antennas are disclosed herein. The cooling systems can be used with various types of microwave antennas. One variation generally comprises a handle portion with an elongate outer jacket extending from the handle portion. A microwave antenna is positioned within the handle and outer jacket such that cooling fluid pumped into the handle comes into contact directly along a portion of the length, or a majority of the length, or the entire length of the antenna to allow for direct convective cooling. Other variations include cooling sheaths which form defined cooling channels around a portion of the antenna. Yet another variation includes passively-cooled systems which utilize expandable balloons to urge tissue away from the surface of the microwave antenna as well as cooling sheaths which are cooled through endothermic chemical reactions. Furthermore, the microwave antennas themselves can have cooling lumens integrated directly therethrough.

Abstract: A system for providing feedback during an electrosurgical procedure on a target tissue is provided. The system includes an electrosurgical energy source; an electrode probe assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein the electrode probe assembly includes at least one electrode assembly having a needle configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue; at least one thermal feedback assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein each thermal feedback assembly includes at least one temperature sensor assembly; and a hub configured to selectively support the electrode probe assembly and each thermal feedback assembly such that the needle of the electrode probe assembly and each temperature sensor assembly of each thermal feedback assembly are proximate one another when disposed proximate the target tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to enhanced efficacy of agents (such as drugs) for treatment of skin tissue with photoactive particles, such as plasmonic nanoparticles, and light. Enhanced efficacy may result from, for example, enhanced delivery, activity, or release of the drug that is caused by the localized heat generated via the nanoparticles. Treatments are useful for cosmetic, diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A template for orthopaedic bone implants formed from bio-compatible steel using photo chemical machining and etching. The template is processed on both faces to form right and left guides for implant fasteners and length indicators. Indicia are etched on opposite faces so that it does not overlie one another and presents sufficient contrast to be observed in an x-ray. The manufacturing cost is sufficiently low that the template may be provided in a single use form.

Abstract: System and method for controlling a surgical manipulator to apply an energy applicator to a patient. The surgical manipulator cooperates with a navigation system to position the energy applicator with respect to a boundary so that the energy applicator is constrained from moving outside the boundary. The boundary is generated based on energy applicator parameters measured after manufacture of the energy applicator.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning a cut guide using navigation-based techniques are discussed. For example, a system for use in an orthopedic surgery on a target bone can comprise a cut guide adjustably positionable onto the target bone via two or more coupling receptacles created on the target bone. The coupling receptacles can include one or more guide members and a plurality of landing members. The system also includes an input interface that can receive a target bone representation, and a model receiver module that can receive a generic post-coupling bone model. The target bone representation can include a data set representing two or more landing sites of the target bone, and the generic post-coupling bone model can include a data set representing a bone having two or more coupling receptacles each sized, shaped or otherwise configured to receive and secure the respective coupling feature of the landing members.

Abstract: Trackable apparatuses and methods involving at least one arrangement of at least one trackable feature configured for disposition in relation to at least one substrate, each arrangement of the at least one arrangement having a distinct pattern of trackable features configured to facilitate determining at least one of: an identity of at least one object and at least one subject, a disposition of at least one object and at least one subject, a disposition between at least one object and at least one subject, and a disposition among at least one object and at least one subject, and each arrangement of the at least one arrangement configured to optimize tracking by a 1 navigation tracking system, whereby at least one spatial relationship among the at least one object and the at least one subject is optimizable. The navigation tracking system is optionally multi-modal.

Abstract: Optical probes for port-based corridor surgery are provided, including a device comprising: a surgical tool mounting adaptor configured for mounting to a surgical tool; an optical probe attached to the surgical tool mounting adaptor, the optical probe comprising: an optical interface end; an optical output end, distal the optical interface end, the optical output end comprising illumination optics and collection optics, the illumination optics configured to illuminate tissue proximal the optical output end, the collection optics configured to collect an optical signal from the tissue; one or more illumination optical fibers configured to convey illumination light from the optical interface end to the illumination optics; and, one or more collection optical fibers configured to convey the optical signal collected by the collection optics to the optical interface end.

Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods for facilitating efficient anatomical registration in surgical navigation are disclosed. Such systems, devices, and methods can provide for relatively rapid collection of individual physical space data corresponding to a plurality of surface points during a dynamic data collection mode of a detection unit. Additionally or alternatively, such systems, devices, and methods can provide for collection of a plurality of data at a single point collection mode of a detection unit. The system can have a data collection unit and a registration probe. A distal portion of the registration probe can have an engagement tip. The engagement tip can be a dynamic engagement tip or a functional engagement tip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a concept for computer-assisted procedures of surgery and diagnosis that target rigid, non-deformable anatomical parts such as bone, tissue, or teeth. The disclosure describes attaching small visual markers to instruments and anatomy of interest (e.g. bone surface), with each marker having a printed known pattern for detection and unique identification in images acquired by a free-moving camera, and a geometry that enables estimating its rotation and translation with respect to the camera using solely image processing techniques.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and tools for tool tracking using image-derived data from one or more tool-located references features. In some embodiments, an associated medical system includes a tool having a distal end that is insertable into a patient body, a stereo image capture device insertable into the patient body so that the stereo image capture device captures a stereo image of at least a portion of the a two-dimensional marker at least partially surrounding a portion of the tool, and a processor coupled to the image capture device and configured to determine a pose of the tool by processing the stereo image. Associated methods and tools are also provided.

Abstract: A medical manipulator system including an endoscope; a manipulator, the manipulator comprising a through-hole configured to hold the endoscope, wherein the manipulator is configured to move the endoscope; an operating unit configured to output an operating command; and a controller comprising one or more processors, the one or more processors configured to: acquire an image of the endoscope in a first configuration, the first configuration being a configuration of the endoscope at least partially inserted into the through-hole, the image comprising an inner surface of the through-hole; recognize a type of the endoscope based on the image; assign the endoscope to a recognized type of endoscope; receive an operating command from the operating unit; change the operating command based on the recognized type of endoscope to a changed operating command; and control the manipulator under the changed operating command.

Abstract: A drive unit for providing drive from a robot arm to an instrument, the drive unit comprising: a plurality of drive elements for engaging corresponding elements of the instrument, each drive element being movable along a drive axis and the drive axes of each of the drive elements being substantially parallel to each other; and a load cell structure comprising a plurality of deflectable bodies coupled to the drive elements for sensing load on the drive elements parallel to their drive axes, and a frame comprising an integral member supporting the deflectable bodies in such a way as to isolate each deflectable body from load applied to the or each other deflectable body.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Certain embodiments include various modular medical devices for in vivo medical procedures.

Abstract: A surgical system for selective connection to a robotic arm includes an instrument drive unit and a surgical instrument detachably coupled to the instrument drive unit. The instrument drive unit includes first and second actuators and a first translatable member operatively coupled with the first actuator. The surgical instrument includes an adapter portion, an elongate member extending distally from the adapter portion, and an end effector mounted on a distal end of the elongate member. The adapter portion has a first rotatable member operatively associated with the first translatable member. The first rotatable member is rotatable in response to translation of the first translatable member. The end effector is operatively coupled with the first rotatable member, wherein rotation of the first rotatable member effects a first function of the end effector.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to surgical systems comprising an end-effector assembly and arm assembly. The end-effector assembly may include a first instrument assembly having a first instrument and first instrument driven portion configurable to be driven to move the first instrument relative to a first axis. The arm assembly may include first and second arm assembly bodies, first arm assembly joint portion for joining the first and second arm assembly bodies, first instrument drive assembly, and first arm assembly drive assembly. The first instrument drive assembly may include a first integrated motor and first instrument drive portion controllable by the first integrated motor to drive the first instrument driven portion. The first arm assembly drive assembly may include a second integrated motor and first arm assembly drive portion controllable by the second integrated motor to drive the first arm assembly body to move relative to the second arm assembly body.

Abstract: A surgical system can include a surgical probe having a deflectable tip, and a plurality of guide arms that are movable so as to cause the tip to deflect. Thus, the surgical probe can be steered toward a target anatomical location. The surgical system can further include a control system that includes a free floating user interface, and a motion sensor that detects motion of the user interface. The control system is configured to cause the probe tip to deflect in response to the detected motion of the user interface.

Abstract: A medical manipulator including an insertion portion, where the insertion section including a bending portion and an end effector disposed on a distal end side of the insertion portion. The medical manipulator further including a motor configured to generate a first drive force for moving the bending portion; a lever configured to generate a second drive force for moving the bending portion, the lever being used to move the bending portion instead of the motor; a wire configured to transmit the first drive force or the second drive force to the bending portion; and a transmission blocking device configured to switch from the first drive force to the second drive force.

Abstract: A medical manipulator including: a flexible elongated section composed of an electrically conductive material and capable of transmitting torsional torque; a joint section disposed at a distal end of the elongated section, having a joint, and composed of an electrically conductive material; a treatment section attached to a distal end of the joint section; a cylindrical connection member composed of an insulating material, disposed between the elongated section and the joint section, and connecting the elongated section and the joint section; an electric cable that extends internally through the elongated section, the connection member, and the joint section in a state where the electric cable is electrically insulated from the elongated section and the joint section; and a cover composed of an insulating material and covers outer surfaces of the joint section and the elongated section.

Abstract: A medical navigation system is provided for controlling medical equipment during a medical procedure. The medical navigation system includes a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an RFID sensor for detecting the passive RFID tag, a controller coupled to the RFID sensor, and a robotic arm having an end effector and controlled by the controller. The RFID sensor provides a signal to the controller indicating presence of an activated passive RFID tag. The passive RFID tag has an antenna, an RFID circuit, and a switching device coupled to the RFID circuit for activating the passive RFID tag. The passive RFID tag is used to control a payload attached to the end effector.

Abstract: A package for a medical device includes a folder having bottom and top panels, the bottom panel including a leading edge, a trailing edge, and at least one medical device securing element. The top panel has a leading edge, and a trailing edge joined with the trailing edge of the bottom panel. The folder has an unfolded configuration in which the leading edges of the top and bottom panels face in opposite directions, and a folded configuration in which the top panel is folded over the bottom panel so that the leading edges of the top and bottom panels face in the same direction and are aligned with one another. The folder is insertable into a sealable pouch having a seal with a first leg whereby the leading edges of the folder are abutted against the first leg of the seal of the pouch.

Abstract: A package assembly for an elongate surgical device in which two or more elongate surgical devices are secured and oriented in a coiled configuration so that a distal end of a first elongate surgical device may be inserted into a proximal end of a second elongate surgical device. In this assembly, the elongate surgical devices remain in a protected coiled state in the package while in the sterile field and so that a medical professional may prep the elongate surgical devices without removing from the package prior to use. In this package assembly, the elongate surgical devices reduce space required and eliminate the risk of damage to the devices and/or the chance of the elongate surgical devices become unsterile prior to use.

Abstract: A container (110) used for sterilization of medical components and utensils has a body (112) with a floor (114) and an upstanding wall (116). At least one vent (30), for entry of steam or the like, is formed in the floor. The vent has a plurality of vent holes, within a periphery defined by a ridge (34). A ledge (36) and a pair of raised portions (148) are provided inside the body to receive a rack on which the medical components are placed. A plurality of channels (144) in the floor of the body have a floor that is lower than the floor of the body, allowing gravity flow of liquid into the channels. The floor of each channel is adapted to enhance droplet formation, enhancing evaporation. The container is unitarily formed from a polymeric material selected for stability in the presence of high temperature and corrosive chemicals.

Abstract: A waste container includes a neck defining an opening through which waste can be inserted into the waste container, and an insert snap-fit into the opening. The insert has an engagement portion engaged with the neck to secure the insert into the opening, and a body portion having a plurality of differently-sized apertures for allowing passage of waste through the insert and into the waste container.

Abstract: There is provided a medical apparatus, including medical vibration detection circuitry that is detachable from a medical instrument at an attachment position of the medical instrument in a longitudinal direction and that is configured to detect vibration generated in a distinct portion of the medical instrument, the distinct portion including at least a portion disposed toward a distal end of the medical instrument from the attachment position.

Abstract: A tissue marker and tissue marking system is provided for treating and/or marking a site within a patient from which tissue has been removed. The tissue marker includes a press-formed marker body of 65% (by wt.) powder of corn starch or potato starch and 35% (by wt.) methylcellulose binder.

Abstract: A holding arm for medical purposes, in particular for holding a mechatronic assistance system, includes a proximal end for attaching the holding arm to a base and a distal end for receiving the surgical mechatronic assistance system, an assistance interface at the distal end for coupling the holding arm to the assistance system to control the assistance system, an assistance operating device designed to detect an operator action by an operator which is directed at controlling the assistance system and if necessary to transmit a request signal representing the operator action to the assistance interface for the purpose of controlling the surgical mechatronic assistance system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding arm for medical purposes, the holding arm including at least a first and a second arm segment, where the first arm segment is connected to a first joint and the second arm segment is connected to a second joint, and where each joint can be released and locked by means of an releasing device. The holding arm also includes an operating unit for bringing the holding arm into a desired pose and a control unit which is coupled to the operating unit and the releasing device to transmit signals from the operating unit to the releasing device. According to the invention, an interface for receiving a key and a detecting means for detecting an identity of the key are provided, where the control unit is designed to control the releasing device according to the identity of the received key.

Abstract: A powder-mixed-gas generator (20) includes a chamber (42) for containing powder (47) (the chamber being constituted of a vessel body (23) and a lid (24)), a gas injector (25) located within the chamber (42) for injecting a gas (54), and a mixture-gas discharger (26) for discharging a mixture gas (55) in which the gas and the powder (47) is mixed to the outside. The gas injector (25) injects the gas (54), thereby forming a circulation stream (52) that circulates inside the space (53). The mixture-gas discharger (26) has a mixture-gas suction port (49) for receiving the mixture gas (55). The mixture-gas suction port (49) has an opening that faces a direction in which the circulation stream (52) flows.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a chamber structure configured to contain endodontic material. An electrically conductive heating layer is provided adjacent to the chamber structure. A first electrode is positioned at one side of the cartridge, with the first electrode being in electrical contact with the heating layer, and a second electrode is positioned at a second side of the cartridge, with the second electrode being in electrical contact with the heating layer. An outer sleeve encases the chamber structure, the heating layer, and the electrodes, with an air gap being formed between the outer sleeve and the heating layer.

Abstract: A method of using hardenable dental articles. The method can include placing a film (30) onto a dental structure (40) to cover at least a portion of the dental structure (40); providing a hardenable dental article (10); and applying the hardenable dental article (10) to the dental structure (40) covered by the film (30).

Abstract: A sequential orthodontic appliance includes a body and one or more first magnets disposed on the body and arranged to provide either repulsive or attractive force between one or more second magnets disposed on a surface of a tooth in need of repositioning. One or more temporary anchorage devices are used to secure the appliance to a person with the body disposed approximate the tooth.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for utilizing metallic portions in dental positioning appliances. One embodiment includes a removable dental positioning appliance having a shell having one or more cavities shaped to receive and reposition one or more teeth from a first orientation to a successive orientation and where at least a portion of the shell is formed from a metallic mesh material.

Abstract: Embodiments include dental appliances, dental appliance systems, and methods of making and using such appliances. In one embodiment, a dental appliance includes a number of tooth apertures for the placement of teeth therein and a tab representing a position of a tooth that has not fully erupted and oriented to be received over the position of the tooth that has not fully erupted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to indirect bonding orthodontic brackets to a patient's teeth. A geometric index pin is attached to the orthodontic bracket enabling the orthodontic bracket to be precisely held by a plastic tray. A computer program positions the index pin/bracket combination for a patient's teeth in a determined position and designs the tray to carry each bracket to the patient's tooth in its computer selected position. The index pin eliminates the necessity for the tray material to enclose the bracket which results in a dental tray one third the normal dental tray which saves tray material and reduces the print time of the tray. The ease of removal of the tray from the teeth after placement of the brackets is enhanced by clipping the index pins with a pin cutter.

Abstract: A dental implant has a substantially cylindrical configuration and a pair of wing members projecting outwardly from diametrically opposite side wall portions of the implant. The wing members have a substantially right triangular configuration with one leg of each right triangle effectively connecting the wing member to the body of the implant, the other leg of the right triangle extending outwardly from the body of the implant at an orientation that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the implant body, and the hypotenuse side of the right triangle being radiused so as to promote osseointegration. In addition, two winged implants may be connected together by means of a connecting bar or plate. In accordance with this dual implant, the wing members are only provided upon the laterally external side wall portions of each implant while the oppositely disposed internal portions of each implant are integrally connected to the intermediary connecting bar or plate.

Abstract: An dental implant has a substantially cylindrical solid base member; an abutment; an implant-abutment junction (IAJ) portion at one end of the base member to retain the abutment to the base member, so that the abutment is able to move within a predetermined distance in an axial direction of the base member, a first cushion adapted to be mounted between the abutment and the base member, and a second cushion, preferably an elastomer, which is sandwiched between the IAJ portion and the abutment, wherein the first and second cushion are able to provide a resistance force when the abutment is pressed to move relatively toward the base member and providing a bouncing back force when the abutment is released from the pressing.

Abstract: A maxillary barrier membrane is a device that physically supports the elevated schneiderian membrane during a non-grafted sinus-lifting procedure. The device is inserted into an open space formed by creating a lateral bony window at the desired location and elevating the schneiderian membrane. The device is inserted into the open space in between the maxillary sinus floor and the elevated schneiderian membrane to provide support. The device features a sealing membrane that forms a seal around the lateral bony window. An at least one primary supporting member is connected to a rigid base that is embedded into the sealing membrane. The at least one primary supporting member provides a tenting effect to the elevated schneiderian membrane. The at least one primary supporting member may be adjusted and reoriented in order to accommodate the open space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tip for an intraoral scanner, comprising: a housing body having an imaging unit through which images are transferred to an imaging module of the intraoral scanner, at least one aperture adapted to provide gas streams, wherein said at least one aperture is configured such that during a scanning session a scanned region is first being cleaned (e.g., from blood or oral particles) by gas streams prior to the actual scanning of said region by said imaging unit, while after the cleaning and during the actual scanning of said region, said at least one aperture causes gas streams to diffuse around the entire periphery of said cleaned and scanned region.

Abstract: A method of making a dental restoration has the steps of providing a three-dimensional model of a dental restoration, providing a three-dimensional virtual model (21) of an anterior incisal portion of a patient's tooth, superimposing the dental restoration model and the incisal portion model (21), and automatically recessing the dental restoration model, and thereby creating a reduced dental restoration model. The method helps combining the advantages of monolithic dental restorations and manual finishing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental prosthesis, produced from a one-piece or two-piece prosthesis blank which is constructed from a gum-colored material and a tooth-colored material (32), in particular in each case on a plastic base. It is characterized by the tooth-colored material (32) of the blank (10) which, in the blank state, has a size larger than a human dental arch. It is in particular at least 8 cm wide. The invention is further characterized in that the gum-colored and the tooth-colored material (10 and 32) are intensively connected to each other, whether by one-piece production, by adhesive bonding or by polymerization, in particular by polymerization. Viewed along the course of the dental arch, the interface between the materials has an undulating shape and, viewed in the vestibular direction, has a radial shape.

Abstract: A dental prophylaxis glossal angle and assembly for cleaning teeth, tongue, palate and cheek areas is provided. The dental prophy glossal angle has a head removeably attached to an dental handpiece. The head has a first face opposite a second face. The head has a plurality of driven rotors with knobs extending through apertures defined by the first face and outwardly from the first face to receive a respective plurality of prophy cups or brushes to clean and polish the teeth, tongue, palate and cheek areas, and the second face has a tongue scraper adapted to clean tongue, palate, and cheek areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of teeth, including one or more dental treatment applicators having at least two walls and a floor, the walls and floor defining a well configured to accommodate at least one human dental arcade and an active agent. Furthermore, one or more energy-applying elements such as electrodes or light sources are located on at least one of the walls.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a phototherapy device that can deliver light to tissues to activate photoactive agents that have been applied to the tissues or that are included within a fiber optic tip member of the device which may be coupled to a light source using a sleeve. The present disclosure also relates to methods of phototherapy using the phototherapy device such as anti-bactericidal treatment, anti-fungal treatment, anti-parasitic treatment, anti-viral treatment.

Abstract: A medical glove was designed to improve efficiency of operators in a variety of professions by combining the need for a mixing pad and/or dappan dish with a personal protective glove. The medical glove enables an operator to safely and ergonomically mix a variety of substances on their personal protective glove. The goal of the device is to increase procedural efficiency, increase working ergonomics, and increase protective safety of operators compared to current available products without decrease of overall glove tactile ability or comfort. The device provides an improved method compared to existing methods for ergonomic and safe placement and mixing of agents prior to placement in the working field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilising device for animals for medical treatment, for relieving strain, stabilising, securing, and to enable them to be lifted horizontally and carried, comprising various components. These include a flat belly element, which is designed to be attached in the belly region and has a flexible, anatomically adaptable supporting area and at least four connector elements with first closure means arranged thereon. The components of the stabilising device further include a flat back element which is designed to be attachable in the back region, and has at least one means for stabilising at least partially to the longitudinal axis, and at least four corresponding second closure means. The at least four connector elements are arranged on the belly element at a distance from each other mirror symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the belly element.

Abstract: A system and a method for observing piglet birth is provided. The method comprises detecting at a first detection zone, infrared electromagnetic radiation from a first radiation zone including at least a first area of a first delivery zone of a first farrowing sow or gilt, identifying a first event indicative variation in the detected infrared electromagnetic radiation, the first event indicative variation being indicative of a piglet birth, and determining a first piglet birth event by means of the identification of the first event indicative variation.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence by implanting a transvaginal mid-urethral sling into a person includes engaging an introducer needle with an extension of an implant; advancing the introducer needle and the extension of the implant from a vaginal incision, along a first path posterior to a pubic bone, and through an abdomen of the patient; and disengaging the introducer needle from the extension of the implant and withdrawing the introducer needle backward along the first path from posterior to the pubic bone out of the vaginal incision.