Abstract: An improved joint fusion screw for transiliac fixation has a screw head and extending therefrom an elongate hollow shaft. The hollow shaft has an externally threaded end portion extending to a tip end and a non-externally threaded shank portion having a plurality of window openings. At or near the tip end is a start of a thread with a bone cutting flute. The bone cutting flute has a cutting edge on a circumferential exterior of the threaded tip to cut bone and directs the cut bone internally into a bone receiving opening in the hollow shaft directly in front of the cutting flute. The cutting edge lies at the start of the thread extending radially above the bone receiving opening at least partially overhanging the opening configured to cut bone.

Abstract: A retention member for a spinal plate system where at least one or more segments of the retention member cover the head portion of a bone anchor member to inhibit movement of the bone anchor member that is inserted into the plate. The retention member allows for ease of insertion of the bone anchor member and once the bone anchor member is fully seated the retention member is in place.

Abstract: A method for implanting a bone screw in a vertebra may first involve inserting the bone screw and a bone screw delivery mechanism through a proximal end of a guide tube along a first trajectory. A proximal end of the bone screw is attached to a distal end of the bone screw delivery mechanism, and a distal end of the guide tube is positioned adjacent the vertebra. The method may next involve advancing the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism through a bend in the guide tube to cause the bone screw to exit the distal end of the guide tube along a second trajectory and contact the vertebra. The method may further involve rotating the delivery mechanism to cause the bone screw to screw into the vertebra and detaching the bone screw delivery mechanism from the bone screw.

Abstract: A method for reducing a fixation rod is provided. The method minimizes the surgical corridor by performing fixation within the surgical corridor defined by the screw extender. The screw extender is attached to the spinal implant. The method includes the steps of coupling the proximal end of a first cannulated body with the screw extender and rotating a second cannulated body within the first cannulated body. The method proceeds to the step of actuating a rod pusher with a first driving feature so as to engage the rod pusher with the fixation rod. The rod pusher includes a bore. The method proceeds to the step of rotating an inserter shaft within first cannulated body, second cannulated body and bore of the rod pusher, the inserter shaft including a proximal end with a second driving feature and a distal end with a setscrew attachment feature.

Abstract: A rod reducer including a housing defining an opening, a body member defining an opening and a slot, a shaft disposed through the opening of the housing and coupled to the opening of the body member, an anvil including a linkage extending therefrom, the linkage coupled to the body member and the anvil, a plurality of arm members, and a biasing element disposed between the body member and the anvil. A pin of the linkage is slidably disposed within the slot, and the biasing element is configured to bias the anvil distally with respect to the body member. Rotation of the shaft translates into linear movement, relative to the housing, of the shaft, the body member, and the anvil. The arm members are coupled to the housing and movable towards a parallel configuration as the anvil is advanced away from the housing to engage a bone screw.

Abstract: Mechanotronic implant for use in the human body, with a first element, a second element, a drive unit, which is connected in fixed manner to the first element, wherein the drive unit contains an output unit which is connected to the second element in order to move the second element relative to the first element, an implantable energy receiver connected to the drive unit for wireless powering of the drive unit with energy, and a switch in order to switch the drive unit from a first operating direction to a second operating direction.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is provided. The orthopedic device can include an intramedullary implant defining a longitudinal bore along a longitudinal axis. The intramedullary implant can define at least one bore formed along an axis for receipt of a fastener. The orthopedic device can include a fixation device receivable within the longitudinal bore. The fixation device can have at least one guiding bore formed along a guiding axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The orthopedic device can include at least one collet received within the at least one guiding bore for positioning and locking the fastener at a variable angle relative to the guiding axis of the fixation device and the axis of the intramedullary implant.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant device and system support the fusion of bones in the medial column of the human foot. An exemplary implant uses an improved lag screw and supplemental components, including a washer plate and transverse screws which penetrate transverse through holes in the shaft of the lag screw. Additionally, a surgical procedure is described which may employ such an implant. The improved lag screw may be inserted at the plantar surface of the first metatarsal and support the fusion of, for example, the transverse tarsal joint, the cuneonavicular joint, and the tarsometatarsal joint.

Abstract: A compression plate kit that allows for manual compression of a bone discontinuity includes a bone plate, two or more reduction screws, and a compression clamp. The compression clamp can include engagement members configured to engage the reduction screws, thereby allowing a practitioner to compress a bone discontinuity by manually closing the compression clamp. One or more implementations of a kit of the present invention can provide a practitioner with physical or tactile feedback during the compression of a bone discontinuity, and thus, provide the practitioner with the ability to better control the compression and spacing of bone portions during a reduction.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to an orthopedic device including a plate and a single-step self-locking mechanism. The plate includes one or more tapered apertures and a slot defined in a top surface of the plate, the slot extending from each aperture. The locking mechanism is slidably seated in the slot and is operable to be positioned in a first position along the slot where a portion of the locking mechanism extends over the aperture or positioned in a second position along the slot where the portion of the locking mechanism is fully retracted from the aperture.

Abstract: A method for automated implantation of an implant or for an automated augmentation process of hard tissue and/or hard tissue replacement material using a sheath element is provided. The implantation apparatus includes a casing, a converter operable to generate mechanical vibrations the converter inside the casing and displaceable in a longitudinal direction relative to the casing, and a sonotrode coupled to an output location of the converter. A shaft portion with a retention structure is rotationally coupled to the casing and is equipped for cooperating with a rotationally asymmetric element of the sheath element to rotationally couple the casing to the sheath element. An axial coupling is equipped for locking the casing to the sheath element. The shaft portion, the axial coupling and the sonotrode are mutually arranged so that the distal end of the sonotrode may be introduced into a longitudinal opening of the sheath element.

Abstract: A kit for implanting a woven retention device into bone includes a woven retention device, a delivery tube, and a push rod. The woven retention device includes a distal end that is tapered to a distal tip, a proximal end for receiving a fastener, and a sleeve body between the distal and proximal ends. The delivery tube includes distal and proximal openings, and a compression portion over at least a distal end of the delivery tube. The push rod can be slideably received within the delivery tube and has a distal end for pushing the woven retention device through the distal opening of the delivery tube.

Abstract: A device, system and method for temperature-based lesion formation assessment and mapping functionality using an accessory usable with an over-the-wire balloon catheter. The device may include a first annular element, a plurality of wires coupled to the first annular element, and a second annular element, the plurality of wires passing from the first annular element through the second annular element and into an elongate wire conduit coupled to the second annular element. At least one of the plurality of wires may include at least one temperature sensor and/or at least one mapping electrode. The first annular element coupled to an outer surface of a sheath. As a balloon catheter is advanced out of the sheath lumen, the distal tip of the catheter engages the second annular element and pushes the wires out of the sheath lumen, everting them over the balloon of the catheter.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for applying energy to tissue, and more particularly relates to a system for ablating or modifying structures in a body with systems and methods that generate a flow of vapor at a controlled flow rate for applying energy to the body structure.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, systems, and devices for increasing IL-10 expression, inhibiting inflammation, and treating inflammatory conditions using thermal ablation.

Abstract: A smoke evacuation system for an open surgical site is disclosed which includes a filter cartridge assembly including a housing having an inlet port, a flow path extending from the inlet port, and a filter element disposed within the flow path, a flexible conduit having a proximal end connected to the inlet port of the filter assembly, and a smoke evacuator configured for detachable connection to a distal end of the flexible conduit for drawing smoke away from the surgical site and into the filter assembly through the conduit.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a first electrode spaced alongside a second electrode. The device can be operated as either a bipolar device or a monopolar device and includes a switch to inhibit capacitive coupling to one of the electrodes when the other electrode is used in monopolar fashion.

Abstract: An end-effector assembly includes opposing first and second jaw members, at least one of which is movable relative to the other from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically-conductive, tissue-engaging structure extending along a length thereof. Each electrically-conductive, tissue-engaging structure is configured to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue grasped between the opposing first and second jaw members to effect a tissue seal. The end-effector assembly includes a split electrode including a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion spaced apart from the first electrode portion and electrically-isolated therefrom by a gap defined therebetween.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument including a housing, an elongated member, an end effector assembly, a drive assembly, a solenoid assembly, and a switch assembly. The end effector assembly is coupled to a distal end of the elongated member. The end effector assembly includes a first jaw member and an opposing second jaw member. The drive assembly is disposed within the elongated member and operably coupled to the end effector and configured to move the first jaw member from a first position to a second position. The solenoid assembly is disposed within the housing. The solenoid assembly is operably coupled to the drive assembly and adapted to connect to a power source. The switch assembly is activatable to energize the solenoid assembly such that the solenoid assembly actuates the drive assembly to move the first jaw member from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a reusable component and a limited-use component. The reusable component includes a first electrical contact. The limited-use component is releasably engagable with the reusable component. The limited-use component includes a second electrical contact configured to electrically couple to the first electrical contact to establish electrical communication between the reusable component and the limited-use component. The second electrical contact is movable from a first position, wherein the second electrical contact is positioned to electrically couple to the first electrical contact upon engagement of the limited-use component and the reusable component to one another, to a second position, wherein the second electrical contact is positioned to inhibit electrical coupling to the first electrical contact upon engagement of the limited-use component and the reusable component to one another.

Abstract: A coil electrode for use with an RFA (radio frequency ablation) apparatus, has a lead portion, and a helical portion coupled to the lead portion, the helical portion being formed of Nitinol SE510. Further, an RFA (radio frequency ablation) apparatus, comprises an applicator, the applicator including a handle and a cannulating delivery needle mounted to the handle, the cannulating delivery needle including a tip spaced apart from the handle. A coil electrode includes a lead portion housed in the cannulating delivery needle, and a helical portion coupled to the lead portion, the helical portion formed of Nitinol. The helical portion has a retracted state when housed within the cannulating delivery needle and a deployed state when moved out of the tip of the cannulating delivery needle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a patient's mucus hypersecretion condition are disclosed herein. Certain implementations may involve a method for reducing mucus secretion in an upper airway of a patient to treat at least one of post nasal drip or chronic cough. The method may include advancing a treatment delivery portion of an energy-based treatment device into a nostril of the patient. The treatment delivery portion may contact mucosal tissue of the upper airway without piercing the mucosal tissue. The treatment delivery portion may deliver treatment to at least one tissue selected from the group of the mucosal tissue and another tissue underlying the mucosal tissue to modify a property of the at least one tissue and thus treat at least one of post nasal drip or chronic cough in the patient.

Abstract: An irrigated ablation catheter includes a tip electrode with a thin shell and a plug, defining a plenum chamber. The tip electrode has an inlet of a predetermined size and noncircular shape, and a predetermined number of outlet fluid ports having a predetermined diameter shell wall. The tip electrode thus considers a diffusion ratio of total fluid output area to fluid input area, and a fluid port ratio, and considers a fluid inlet aspect ratio where the fluid inlet has a noncircular radial cross-section. The plenum chamber has a narrow proximal portion opening to a wider distal portion so that fluid pressure decreases while fluid velocity increases thereby increasing turbulence which decreases momentum for a more uniform distribution of fluid in the tip electrode. Extending distally from the plug is a baffle member shaped to diffuse fluid entering the tip electrode and to house an electromagnetic position sensor.

Abstract: An irrigated ablation catheter includes a tip electrode with a thin shell and a plug, defining a plenum chamber. The tip electrode has an inlet of a predetermined size and noncircular shape, and a predetermined number of outlet fluid ports having a predetermined diameter in the shell wall. The tip electrode thus considers a diffusion ratio of total fluid output area to fluid input area, and a fluid port ratio, and considers a fluid inlet aspect ratio where the fluid inlet has a noncircular radial cross-section. The plenum chamber has a narrow proximal portion opening to a wider distal portion so that fluid pressure decreases while fluid velocity increases thereby increasing turbulence which decreases momentum for a more uniform distribution of fluid in the tip electrode. Extending distally from the plug is a baffle member shaped to diffuse fluid entering the tip electrode and to house an electromagnetic position sensor.

Abstract: Methods and devices described herein facilitate improved treatment of body organs.

Abstract: A renal nerve ablation device may include an elongate tubular member having a distal region. An expandable member may be coupled to the distal region. An electrode support may be coupled to the distal region of the elongate tubular member and extend over a body of the expandable member. The electrode support may be free of connection to the body of the expandable member. One or more electrodes may be coupled to the electrode support.

Abstract: A microwave spacer for guiding and positioning microwave energy delivery devices during a surgical procedure includes a spacer including a body forming a plurality of device apertures defined therein. The plurality of device apertures includes at least two lumens and at least one arcuate slot. The lumens are configured to receive an energy delivery device therethrough. The arcuate slot includes a length, a width and a radius of curvature and is configured to receive an additional energy delivery device therethrough.

Abstract: A system for monitoring ablation size is provided and includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing at least one control algorithm. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. An ablation zone control module is in operative communication with a memory associated with the power source. The memory includes one or more data look-up tables including data pertaining to a control curve varying over time and being representative of one or more electrical parameters associated with the microwave antenna. Points along the control curve correspond to a value of the electrical parameters and the ablation zone control module triggers a signal when a predetermined threshold value of the electrical parameter(s) is measured corresponding to the radius of the ablation zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an IPL apparatus that is used as a hair removing machine or cures skin ailments by periodically irradiating Xenon lamp light on the user's skin, the IPL apparatus comprises: a double-voltage unit which has a double-voltage capacitor, and outputs a high voltage by superposing an inputted supply voltage with a voltage charged in the double-voltage capacitor; a charging capacitor which charges energy for turning on a Xenon lamp by accumulating electric charges supplied from the double-voltage unit; a reference voltage generator which sets a charging voltage level charged in the charging capacitor; and a switch unit which is positioned between the double-voltage unit and the charging capacitor, and switches on and off the movement of the electric charges to the charging capacitor from the double-voltage unit by setting an output of the reference voltage generator to a control signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixation system for attaching a medical image registration matrix (40) to a patient holder (2) which is to be covered by a sterile drape (10), wherein the fixation system comprises at least one fixation set (L, R) comprising a lower part (6) which is adapted to be connected to the patient holder (2) and an upper part (26) which is adapted to be connected to the registration matrix (40) or one of its supporting elements, wherein: the lower and upper parts (6, 26) can be connected to each other by a connector (25) which does not penetrate the drape (10); the lower and upper parts (6, 26) comprise mutually engageable profiled interfaces (8, 28) which are formed so as to accommodate and clamp the drape (10) between them; and wherein the profiled interfaces (8, 28) fit together over a continuous zone of engagement.

Abstract: Disclosed are various advanced methods, devices, and systems for implants, tools and techniques that facilitate the surgical repair of a knee joint while allowing retention of more natural kinematics and preserving controlled rotation and translation of the repaired joint.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the measurement of vital signs such as a respiratory rate or a heart rate. In particular, a system (1) for determining a vital sign of a subject (100), comprising an imaging unit (2) for obtaining video data of the subject, a marker (10, 20, 60, 61) directly or indirectly attached to a body of the subject, wherein the marker comprises a graphical pattern (11, 21), an image processing unit (3) for detecting said marker in said video data, and an analysis unit (4) adapted to extract a vital sign parameter related to the vital sign of the subject from said video data and to determine the vital sign from said vital sign parameter. Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a device and a method for determining a vital sign of a subject and a computer program for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A device for controlling an endoscope system for laparoscopic surgery. The device includes a wearable interface and an automated assistant for maneuvering an endoscope to a desired location, and at least one wearable operator. The wearable operator includes a transmitter that is in communication with at least one instrument. The system also includes a wireless receiver to receive signals from the transmitter and a computerized laparoscopy system that is in communication with the wireless receiver and that provides a visual depiction of a selected instrument.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the placement of a prosthetic heart valve in a structure of interest. The method comprises acquiring one or more depictions of an anatomical region of interest that includes the structure of interest, wherein each depiction shows the structure of interest and/or the blood pool volume of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) of the patient's heart. The method further comprises designating one or more positions in at least one of the one or more depictions wherein each position corresponds to a respective position in the structure of interest at which the prosthetic valve may be placed. The method still further comprises predicting, for each of the one or more designated positions, an amount of blood flow obstruction through the LVOT of the patient's heart that would occur if the prosthetic valve was to be placed at a corresponding position in the structure of interest.

Abstract: An image guidance system for tracking a surgical instrument during a surgical procedure. The image guidance system includes a plurality of cameras adapted to be located external to a surgical area for capturing images of optically visible patterns. A processing system receives and processes the images to recognize the patterns and triangulate the locations and orientations of each pattern relative to a camera. The processing system uses a reference dataset to recognize the patterns.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a distal portion. A force sensor is operatively mounted on the distal portion. The force sensor includes a wireless package, which wirelessly provides (1) identification information of the surgical instrument and (2) strain data related to the distal portion. A surgical end effector includes a jaw and the distal portion is on a non-contact portion of the jaw. The wireless package includes a surface acoustic wave strain sensor with identification information. The wireless package also includes a small folded antenna electrically coupled to the surface acoustic wave strain sensor with identification information. The identification information includes an identification of a type of surgical instrument and unique identification of the specific surgical instrument in the type of surgical instrument.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for causing end effector motion with a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a surgical tool can be configured to releasably and removably couple to a robotic surgical system. The robotic surgical system can include two motors configured to provide torque to the surgical tool to drive one single function of the surgical tool. In at least some embodiments, at least one of the two motors configured to cooperate with another motor to drive the single function of the surgical tool can be configured to drive a second function of the surgical tool.

Abstract: A spinal implant device identifiable after implantation comprises an outer cage member and an implant body. The implant body is disposed between a first vertebra end and a second vertebra end of the outer cage and defines a plurality of planes. Each of the planes comprises separately readable indicia such that the indicia are discernible by at least one of x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: There is a need for a minimally invasive surgical treatment method for periodontitis for the removal of deep pockets, elimination of disease, creation of reattachment of the gingiva to the tooth surface and true regeneration of the attachment apparatus (new cementum, new periodontal ligament, and new alveolar bone) on a previously diseased root surface. The PerioLase® MVP-7™ including eGUI or another device capable of laser dosimetry, such as an original MVP-7™ type laser without the eGUI, achieves this with the LANAP protocol (laser-assisted new attachment procedure) and the LENAP protocol (laser excisional new attachment procedure).

Abstract: A bite plate allowing for contact with occlusal and facial and/or lingual maxillary and mandibular teeth is coupled to an extraoral housing containing a rechargeable battery coupled to a vibrator coupled to a processor coupled to data and charging port or ports. The housing is at least water resistant, and a hatch allows access to the data and charging port or ports only. The device is fitted with a very smooth and quiet vibrator, with minimal variance on operating specifications.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a device and method of treating bone formation disorders or conditions by bioengineering a targeted bone tissue and modulating the homeostasis of osteogenesis and bone resorption by a localized delivery of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and/or hematopoietic stem cells, and/or cells, such as osteoclasts, obtained by the ex vivo differentiation of these cells. A therapeutic strategy, as well as a device to deliver the therapeutic strategy, is described herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to prevent interference between two physical tooth models in a physical dental arch model by acquiring the coordinates of a plurality of points on the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models and digitally representing the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models by a mesh of points in three dimensions using the acquired coordinates. The meshes representing the surfaces of the two physical tooth models intersect at least at one point to form an overlapping portion. The method also includes calculating the depth of the overlapping portion between the two meshes to quantify the interference of the two physical tooth models.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket includes a bracket body and a ligating slide. The bracket body includes an aperture and an archwire slot. The ligating slide is slidable relative to the archwire slot between an opened position and a first closed position and is pivotable to an angular position in a second closed position. The orthodontic bracket further includes a resilient member that is coupled to the ligating slide and is slidable in the aperture. The ligating slide defines a first height from the base surface having a first value, and in the second closed position, the ligating slide defines a second height from the base surface that is greater than the first value. The bracket body includes a slide support portion having at least one wing extending laterally therefrom. The wing is tapered in thickness. The slide support portion defines a pivot point about which the ligating slide is pivotable.

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket includes a bracket body, a slide member, and a resilient member. The slide member is movable relative to the bracket body between an opened position, a first ligating position, and a second ligating position. In the first ligating position and in the second ligating position, a surface of the slide member bounds the archwire slot on a side generally opposite to the base surface to retain the archwire. The resilient member is configured to engage the other of the slide member and the bracket body and has a deformed state for biasing the slide member toward the base surface in at least one of the first and second ligating positions. In the first and second ligating positions, the base surface of the archwire slot and the surface of the slide member are separated by different distances.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inner structure as an insertion geometry and/or as a rotation lock of a ceramic implant or of a ceramic attachment element. Thereby, a rotating disc for removing ceramic material is advanced in an advance direction of the rotating disc perpendicular to the rotation axis of the disc, into a proximally accessible surface of the ceramic implant or into an end surface of a ceramic attachment element.

Abstract: A breakable or deflectable mold includes a first section, a second section, and a weakened region that joins the first section to the second section. The weakened region is breakable or deflectable to enable the first section to be removed independently of the second section after a shell is formed over the breakable mold.

Abstract: Parasites are detected and ameliorative actions taken using unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with sensors and equipment for dispensing treatment materials. Physical characteristic data obtained by the sensors is supplemented using a risk management module that increases the confidence level that the diagnosis of a particular parasite on an animal is correct. The risk management module may further be used to assess additional factors, such as the potential harm in applying a selected treatment, in the decision of whether or not to take ameliorative action.

Abstract: A stand-alone chamber or multi-chamber inhalation system has at least two alternative vaporized test liquid supply systems for passive or self-administered delivery of vaporized test fluid and air to one or more test chambers based on operator selection of delivery on and off times in a passive mode or actuation of an actuator in the chamber by a test animal in a self-administered mode. In one case, a multiple inhalation chamber system has two or more separate test fluid delivery systems and provides options for selective passive uniform drug delivery to multiple chambers or selective delivery of two or more different drugs to different groups of chambers from different delivery systems so that two different drugs or different concentrations of delivered drugs can be tested simultaneously.

Abstract: A plug of an artificial insemination tube for livestock breeding includes a leading portion and a viewing portion, each having different color layers or different hardness layers, and being formed by stacking and combining different foam layers. In an artificial insemination for livestock breeding, the plug installed at the front of a sperm delivery duct is inserted into a reproductive organ of the livestock, and secretion or fluid is attached and shown on surfaces of the plug leading portion and the viewing portion with different colors to achieve the effect of detecting the physical and physiological conditions of the livestock. In addition, the leading portion is a foam layer with relatively greater hardness, density, and smoothness, so that the plug may be entered into the female livestock body more easily, and the injection hole will not be deformed easily, so as to improve the smoothness and efficiency of the artificial insemination.

Abstract: A method of treating pelvic organ prolapse in a female patient by accessing a prolapsed organ trans-vaginally through a vagina is disclosed. The method includes making an incision through a wall of a vagina of the female patient, and providing an implant with a mesh having a mass density of 50 g/m2 or less. The method additionally includes radially confining the implant with a tool, and inserting a portion of the tool and the implant through the incision formed in the wall of the vagina. The method includes releasing the implant from the tool in an area of the prolapsed organ in supporting the vagina of the female patient.