Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes an end effector comprising a moveable cutting instrument to cut an object and a motor coupled to the end effector. The motor actuates the cutting instrument in response to a current therethrough, causing the cutting instrument to move between a proximal-most position and a distal-most position. The instrument includes an interlock coupled to the end effector and to the motor to prevent actuation of the cutting instrument based on the current through the motor.

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 a first actuator, a linkage member having opposing first and second portions, and a drive member. The first portion of the linkage member is operatively coupled to the first actuator such that actuation of the first actuator moves the first portion in a first direction and the second portion in a second direction opposite of the first direction. The drive member is operatively coupled to the second portion of the linkage member. The surgical instrument includes a driven member operatively associated with the drive member of the instrument drive unit and an end effector operatively coupled with the driven member, wherein translation of the driven member effects a first function of the end effector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument for surgery and, more specifically, to an instrument for surgery which can be manually operated in order to be used for laparoscopic surgery or various types of surgery.

Abstract: A packaging assembly comprising an outer tray and a lid coupled to the outer tray. The lid and the outer tray define a sterile cavity therein. The packaging assembly further includes an inner tray housing a delivery system within the sterile cavity. The outer tray includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a hinged portion coupling the proximal portion to the distal portion. To aseptically present the inner tray for removal from the outer tray, the lid is partially or completely removed. The proximal portion is then bent downward to expose the inner tray for removal.

Abstract: An integrated tray and wrap system for supplying components used in medical procedures is provided and a method of manufacturing the tray while filling and sealing in one continuous process. The trays can be formed on a process line, such as by a thermo-form-fill-seal technique, and once the cavity of the tray is formed, the desired medical components can be loaded into the tray cavity as the formed trays are advanced down the process line. After the components are loaded, a pre-folded drape or non-woven sheet can be affixed to an inner ledge of the tray along an inner fenestration of the drape or sheet, thus attaching the drape or sheet to the tray. Once the drape has been attached, the tray continues to advance along the process line to receive a cover film that can be heat-sealed to the outer rim of the tray.

Abstract: A container for carrying a medical instrument such as an endoscope after use and before cleaning, comprises a perimeter wall having a height h and defining an enclosure with a diameter d. The perimeter wall is substantially rigid in the height dimension. A flexible base and a flexible cover are attached to the wall. The wall is compressible to a reduced diameter configuration for storage and expandable to an increased diameter configuration for use. The wall may comprise a series of adjacent panels foldable concertina-style to reduce the diameter.

Abstract: Provided is a medical observation device including an imaging unit configured to capture an image of an object to be observed, and output a video signal, and a support unit configured with a plurality of arm units rotatably connected to each other via joint units, and configured to support the imaging unit. An actuator that applies driving force with respect to rotation about a rotational axis of at least one joint unit that defines an attitude of the imaging unit, among a plurality of the joint units that form the support unit, is provided. The at least one joint unit and the actuator are arranged separated from each other, and are connected together via a power transmission mechanism that transmits rotary movement between two rotational axes that are substantially orthogonal to each other.

Abstract: An illumination device for use with a standard electrocautery pencil is described, having a distal end capable of telescoping for use with cautery extenders. The illumination device also has a light source on the distal end to reduce shadow problems, and a tube is provided for evacuation of smoke from the surgical field. The device is sized to fit on any standard electrocautery pencil. The light-emitting component on the device reduces shadows and evacuates smoke from the treatment sight without necessitating purchase of a new electrocautery device.

Abstract: A medical stand for use during anesthesia procedures, comprising a tray, a clamp to be connected to a fixed support, wherein upper and lower jaws of the clamp include circular and rectangular slots for grasping and securing the clamp to various types of stationary objects, and wherein jaws of the clamp pass by each other in a fully closed position, and flexible pole having a first end connected to a releasable connector on the bottom of the tray and a second end opposing the first end connected to the clamp.

Abstract: A device suitable for the subsequent positioning of a dental implant, comprising: a handle extending along a longitudinal axis and having a proximal and a distal end, and a bifurcated abutment means at the distal end and at the proximal end of the handle, each comprising two legs, whereby the configuration of the two legs on the proximal abutment means is mirrored with respect to the configuration on the distal end, wherein at least one bifurcated abutment means is adapted to embrace the processus pyramidalis ossis palatini and/or the processus pterygoideus ossis sphenoidalis and/or the tuberosity of the maxilla.

Abstract: The invention relates to dental micro-applicators having a body with a distal and a proximal end, whereby, on the proximal end, an application aid is provided, at least in part, with at least one additive selected from metals, metal-containing compounds, and organometallic compounds for affecting the polymerisation of dental materials, as well as a method for the production thereof and a kit comprising the applicator and a dental adhesive.

Abstract: A polishing jig for machining tools which makes it possible for a deteriorating machining tool to be used again without detaching the machining tool, with which a processing machine is quipped, from the processing machine is provided. The polishing jig for machining tools comprises an attachment part to be attached to a processing machine; and a polishing face that is at least part of a surface of the polishing jig, the polishing face adapted to polish a processing part of a machining tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental carpule with that includes a nozzle for dispensing a dental composition and a burnisher for burnishing the dispensed composition. The carpule allows burnishing a dental composition with the same device used to dispense the dental composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of endodontic instrumentation, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for manufacturing that include applying a variable heat-treat to an endodontic file blank based on geometric parameters that will be formed in the blank.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthodontic process phased into two or more sub-processes for repositioning a patient's teeth. In each sub-process, a complete treatment plan is established, but not all (i.e. only some) appliances in the plan are fabricated to move the teeth, out of the expectation that teeth movement may not completely follow the full course as planned. The entire orthodontic process is thus featured with dynamic planning and incremental implementation of the plans, to address ever-changing treatment profile.

Abstract: Methods and systems of the present disclosure are directed to providing dental treatment utilizing a mixed reality device. A patient's physical arch is scanned to produce a virtual arch that is then rendered in a computing environment for analysis and manipulation. Virtual targets, e.g., brackets, implants, etc., and/or a grid, are applied to the virtual arch to produce a virtual dental treatment template. The virtual dental treatment template is rendered in the mixed reality device and aligned the template with the physical arch of the patient in the mixed reality device. A practitioner is thus provided with this template and the patient within the same field of view, so that installation of dental apparatus can be simply a matter of aligning physical dental apparatus with the corresponding virtual dental apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides method, computing device readable medium, and devices for dental appliances formed with folded material components. An example of a method of forming a dental appliance, includes forming a shell having a number of tooth apertures configured to receive and reposition a number of teeth of a patient along one jaw of a patient, the shell having a number of specialized components and wherein the number of specialized components are formed from folding multiple sections of the first sheet of material over each other.

Abstract: An orthodontic skeletal expander attached to the jaw bone with mini implants needs a safety mechanism to allow easy removal in emergency cases. The safety release orthodontic skeletal expander includes two bodies with two incomplete holes in each body. The incomplete holes will not only provide enough surface to guide and hold the mini implants, but also enough open area to remove the expander if needed. Each incomplete hole has two safety-release wings opposite to each other that can bend easily under enough pressure allowing the emergency removal of the expander and/or removing the bent mini-implant(s). The four incomplete holes have two different inclinations to allow the mini-implants either to be placed parallel to each other or in a V-shaped configuration based on the palate shape of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to osseointegrated implants. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to extraosseous implants, for example, supra crestal implants, that are configured to substantially continuously cover the 3D topography of a top and a lateral surface of a bone, for example, a crestal and a lateral surface of the jaw. For example, the implants may be used on partially or completely edentulous jaws. Also, embodiments of the present invention relate to such implants made from biocompatible material of suitable porosity and elastic modulus. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to improved implants suitable for implantation to bone deficient in quantity or quality, such as severely resorbed jaw bone. Further embodiments relate to a unique composite material comprising PEEK, bioglass and PMMA, and formed using triacrylate.

Abstract: A dental prosthetic assembly includes a semi-flexible reinforcement bar and a polymer and glass outer layer chemically luted to the semi-reinforcement bar outside of the reinforcement bar. The semi-flexible reinforcement bar forms an interior of the dental prosthetic assembly and at least a portion of the polymer and glass outer layer forms teeth of the dental prosthetic assembly. A coupling system of a dental prosthetic assembly includes pins disposed in openings extending into the dental prosthetic assembly and implant abutments configured to be coupled with a mouth of a patient. The implant anchors have horizontal holes configured to receive the pins. The pins secure the dental prosthetic assembly to the implant abutments by moving into the dental prosthetic assembly through the openings and into the holes of the implant abutments.

Abstract: A method for removing a dental post from a tooth. The method includes (a) removing securing materials from around the dental post, (b) texturing the dental post to form a prepared dental post, (c) providing a dental post removal device with a hollow tubular structure and a fulcrum, (d) filling the hollow tubular structure with dental cement, (e) placing the dental cement-filled tubular structure over the prepared dental post, inserting a fluted file through the filled tubular structure and engaging file flutes between the prepared dental post and the wall of the tubular device and allowing the material to adhere together the tubular structure, the file, and dental post, and (f) applying a force on the fulcrum to remove the hollow tubular structure, the attached file and dental post from the tooth.

Abstract: A dental tray molding kit for making a custom dental tray includes a generic tray, a thermoformable member removably insertable into the generic tray and a deformable spacer member placeable onto the thermoformable material and bitable by the user upon placement of the spacer member onto the thermoformable member in the user's mouth. The generic tray may be a rigid carrier tray and the kit may include a partially deformable member placed between the rigid carrier tray and the thermoformable member. A method for dental tray molding includes providing a generic tray, heating a thermoformable member until sufficiently pliable, placing the thermoformable member over the generic tray, placing a deformable spacer member over the thermoformable member, applying a biting force from a user onto the thermoformable member through the deformable spacer member, cooling the thermoformable member and separating the thermoformable member, whereby the thermoformable member forms a custom dental tray.

Abstract: A system for fabricating a dental restoration to restore a tooth at a restoration site in a dentition of a patient is disclosed. The dentition includes a restoration dental arch and an opposing dental arch. The restoration dental arch include the restoration site and the opposing dental arch is opposite the restoration dental arch. The system includes an impression apparatus, a motion capture apparatus, an interface apparatus, and a restoration design system. The impression apparatus is configured to capture an impression of the dentition of the patient. The motion capture apparatus is configured to capture a plurality of location data points that represent the locations of the opposing dental arch relative to the restoration dental arch. The interference model generation system is configured to generate an interference model for the restoration site. The restoration design system is for designing a restoration using the interference model.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a workpiece unit containing a workpiece body, and a holding member which is arranged at least at a part of an outer circumferential portion of the workpiece body and directly contacts with at least a part of the outer circumferential portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for holding prosthetic teeth, the device comprising a negative form and at least one clamping unit, wherein in the negative form, recesses for holding coronal sides of the prosthetic teeth are provided, wherein the recesses are formed in such a manner that the prosthetic teeth can be inserted in an unequivocally position and orientation into the recesses, wherein the at least one clamping unit is affixable or is affixed to the negative form with a connecting means, and wherein the at least one clamping unit has at least one elastic holding means, wherein with the at least one elastic holding means, an elastic force is exercisable or is exerted from at least two different directions onto the prosthetic teeth inserted into the negative form, while the at least one clamping unit is affixed to the negative form, so that the prosthetic teeth are affixed in the device.

Abstract: A cleaning device 50 for cleaning a removable dental appliance 12 is described. The device 50 comprises a rotatable upper cleaning brush 14 comprising a plurality of downwardly protruding bristles 16 for cleaning an upper surface of a removable dental appliance. The device also comprises a lower dental appliance holder 18 for holding the dental appliance 12 and which is used in connection with the rotatable upper cleaning brush 14 to limit movement of the dental appliance 12 relative to the rotatable upper cleaning brush 14 wherein, in use, a cleaning action can be applied to the dental appliance 12 by rotating the rotatable upper cleaning brush 14 relative to the dental appliance. The cleaning device 50 further comprises a casing connector 30 for temporarily rotatably interconnecting the rotatable upper cleaning brush 14 and the lower dental appliance holder 18 so as to form a single integrated unit when assembled.

Abstract: A dental cleaning appliance includes a fluid reservoir for storing working fluid, a nozzle for delivering working fluid to the teeth of a user, a light source for illuminating the fluid reservoir and a control circuit for activating the light source to generate an alert which is conveyed to the user through the illumination of the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A device for brushing teeth having multiple brushes that provide rotary and/or oscillating motion. The device has a right lateral brush, a left lateral brush, and an upper brush. Each of the three brushes is connected to, and driven by, a respective supporting rod. Each of the supporting rods is driven by a respective gear. The device includes a motor or engine for generating rotational movement which is transferred to each of the gears by a transmission. The transmission is configured to simultaneously provide both rotary and lateral movement to the brushes, thereby creating an oscillating motion.

Abstract: One embodiment of the apparatus and method comprises a physical recording instrument (2000) for forming a right and a left side engraved analog (150), the analogs (150) being subsequently attached to a physical articulating instrument (3000), the analogs (150) with timing controls then serving as guides for simulating the motion of mounted patient dental models (142). Another embodiment comprises a digital recording system (4000) for generating the right and left side virtual engraved analogs (150), the analogs (150) being subsequently milled or digitally formed in a CNC rapid prototyping machine, the analogs (150) then being attached to the physical articulating instrument (3000), the analogs (150) with the timing controls serving as guides for simulating the motion. Some of the foregoing embodiments facilitate production of technologist fabricated dental restorative and orthodontic treatments.

Abstract: The straw comprises a tube (11) and a stopper (12) fixed relative to the tube (11) and comprising a male connector tip (29) configured in order that a syringe needle (44) having a female connector tip (45) with a frusto-conical internal surface in accordance with a standard can be connected to said stopper (12) by engagement of the female connector tip (45) of the needle on the male connector tip (29) of the stopper (12). The injection device comprises such a straw (10) and a syringe needle (44). The method of emptying the straw comprises the step of pushing the dose of liquid-based substance (21) packaged in the straw (10) towards the stopper (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a mesh having a barbed suture attached thereto, comprising the following steps: a) producing a knitted structure on a knitting machine comprising at least one needle-bed with three guide bars, on a length corresponding to N stitches ranging from 1 to N, wherein i) a first knit portion is produced along stitches ranging from 1 to x, where 1<x<N, ii) a second knit portion is produced for stitches ranging from (x+1) to N, in which the knitting pattern produces at least one weft stitched chain stitch, b) cutting the second knit portion on both sides of the weft stitched chain stitch and along an edge separating the second knit portion from the first knit portion, while maintaining the weft stitched chain stitch attached to the first knit portion. The invention also relates to the mesh obtained by this method.

Abstract: A multi-basket clot capturing device that includes a distal basket connected to a wire. The distal basket may be positionable distal of the clot and operable to capture a distal portion of a clot. A proximal basket may be connected to a hypotube that is slidably axially connected to the wire. The proximal basket may be positionable proximal of the clot and operable to capture a proximal portion of the clot. A cage can form between the proximal and distal baskets around multiple portions of the clot for capturing the clot. Sliding the wire distally, or microcatheter proximally, relative to the clot causes the distal basket to move from a collapsed state to an expanded state. The cage may be around at least two portions of the clot that are opposed.

Abstract: The embolic protection device comprises an embolic filter attached to an inner sheath. The embolic filter includes at least a first catheter access port and a second catheter port. At least the first catheter port will typically be radially expandable to receive catheters of different diameters and will be located at an atypical end of an aero conical structure at a downstream end of the filter.

Abstract: Artificial salivary gland devices and assemblies are provided. The present disclosure provides artificial salivary pump/gland devices and assemblies, and related methods of use. One embodiment utilizes the interstitial/marrow fluid reservoir within the underlying mandibular or maxillary bone as a source for replacement saliva. The salivary pump/assembly, which is implantable in the mandibular or maxillary bone as a dental implant and driven by incidental tooth contact and masticatory forces, harvests interstitial/marrow fluid and treats it via semi-permeable membrane technology and soluble particles as a continuously available saliva replacement. Masticatory forces and tooth contact power the pump to both harvest interstitial/marrow fluid and drive flow through a bed of ion-exchange resins and/or soluble particles to adjust fluid chemistry providing a continuously available saliva-like solution.

Abstract: A flexible stent-graft has polymeric, non-textile graft layers with a stent disposed between or among the graft layers while allowing for movement of the stent between or among the layers. The stent includes an undulating wire stent disposed within pockets of non-secured graft portions between graft layers. The stent may be a ribbon stent having a ribbon or ribbons of graft layers.

Abstract: A stent graft for deployment in a curved lumen such as the aortic or thoracic arch comprises a constraining mechanism at its proximal end. A stent provided at the proximal end of the stent graft includes loops of material that co-operate with restraining wires that extend between a central guide wire carrier and a restraining wire cannula. The constraining mechanism acts to maintain the proximal stent constrained at both the proximal and distal ends of the proximal stent. The proximal stent is thus allowed to expand after expansion of the remainder of the stent graft during deployment. In an embodiment, the constraining mechanism acts to constrain two adjacent struts of the proximal stent at three points radially therearound, at the proximal end of the stent and at the distal end of the stent. The proximal stent may then overlap with the interior of an adjacent stent at an inner part of a curved vessel.

Abstract: A graft retention device has an elongated body with a first and second ends and a midpoint therebetween. A pair of elongated slots formed through the body defines a tang therebetween. A graft retention loop is disposed over the tang and is slidable therealong. A trailing line connects to the body adjacent the slots and extends therefrom through the graft retention loop toward the first end. Tension applied to the trailing line thus tends to urge the graft retention loop away from the first end and toward the midpoint.

Abstract: A soft prosthetic implant, such as a silicone breast implant, is provided. The implant has a variety of different surfaces, for example, different textures, located on different areas of the outer surface of the implant.

Abstract: A prosthetic capsular device configured to be inserted in an eye after removal of a lens, in some embodiments, can comprise a housing structure comprising capable of containing an intraocular device and an equiconvex refractive surface. The housing structure can comprise an anterior portion comprising an anterior opening, a posterior portion comprising a posterior opening, and a continuous lateral portion between the anterior portion and the posterior portion.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to switchable lens devices, systems, and methods related to detecting one or more commands and switching one or more switchable lenses responsive to one or more detected commands.

Abstract: Cardiac repair prostheses, sets, and methods for implanting in an aorta are disclosed. Cardiac repair prosthesis sets can include a radially expandable support supporting a unidirectional valve that is configured for implantation into the aortic valve region of a patient and a second radially expandable support for a substantially blood impervious stent having a size and shape for implantation into the ascending aorta of said patient where the unidirectional valve and stent are configured for integration within the patient by at least one joining element. Cardiac repair prostheses can include a radially expandable support supporting a unidirectional valve configured for implantation into the aortic valve region of a patient and a second radially expandable support for a substantially blood impervious stent having a size and shape for implantation into the ascending aorta of said patient where the unidirectional valve and stent are joined by at least one joining element.

Abstract: Apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve, including: a replacement valve adapted to be delivered endovascularly to a vicinity of the heart valve; an expandable anchor adapted to be delivered endovascularly to the vicinity of the heart valve; and a lock mechanism configured to maintain a minimum amount of anchor expansion. The invention also includes a method for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments the method includes the steps of: endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve; expanding the anchor to a deployed configuration; and locking the anchor in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: Stented prosthetic heart valves including a stent frame having a plurality of stent frame support structures collectively defining an interior surface, an exterior surface and a plurality of cells. The stented prosthetic heart valve further including a valve structure including valve leaflets disposed within and secured to the stent frame and defining a margin of attachment. The stented prosthetic heart valve including one or both of an outer paravalvular leakage prevention wrap and an inner skirt for supporting the valve leaflets. In various embodiments, the outer wrap is positioned entirely on one side of the margin of attachment. In embodiments including an inner skirt, the outer wrap and the inner skirt are on opposite sides of the margin of attachment such that the inner skirt and the outer wrap do not overlap. In other embodiments, the outer wrap includes a plurality of zones having varying thickness.

Abstract: An assembly includes a prosthetic heart valve and a delivery apparatus. The prosthetic heart valve has a plurality of pivotably connected struts and one or more adjustable elements rotatably coupled to the struts. Rotating the adjustable elements in a first direction relative to the struts radially expands the prosthetic heart valve. Rotating the adjustable elements in a second direction relative to the struts radially contracts the prosthetic heart valve. The delivery apparatus includes one or more motors, one or more drive wires coupled to the motors, and a memory. The drive wires are coupled to the adjustable elements of the prosthetic heart valve. The motors are configured to rotate the drive wires and the adjustable elements to expand and contract the prosthetic heart valve. The memory is configured for storing one or more characteristics of the motors, the drive wires, or the prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward centrally-opening leaflet prosthetic valve devices having a leaflet frame and a mechanically coupled leaflet. The described leaflet frames have projections that are configured to couple with apertures located within the leaflet attachment region of a leaflet. Some embodiments are further directed toward pulmonary valved conduits incorporating such leaflet and leaflet frame constructs. Methods of making and using such prosthetic valve devices are also described amongst others.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a valve prosthesis includes an inlet portion that is substantially s-shaped and configured to engage the floor of the outflow tract of the native heart atrium. In some embodiments, a valve prosthesis includes a chordae guiding element configured to reduce bending of the chordae to reduce stress on the chordae during the cardiac cycle. In some embodiments, a valve prosthesis includes a central portion having an hourglass shape configured to pinch a native annulus in order to provide axial fixation of the valve prosthesis within a valve site. In some embodiments, a valve prosthesis includes a frame having an outflow end that is flared to provide a gap between an outflow end of the frame and an outflow end of prosthetic leaflets when the prosthetic leaflets are fully opened.

Abstract: A drive handle and system for delivering an implant are disclosed. The drive handle includes a manual control unit, an electrical control unit and a transmission mechanism. The manual control unit is connected to the transmission mechanism to actuate the transmission mechanism to drive a delivery catheter for delivering the implant. The electrical control unit is connected to the transmission mechanism to actuate the transmission mechanism to drive the delivery catheter. The drive handle is switchable between a manual drive/control mode and an electrical drive/control mode to drive the delivery catheter to deliver the implant. The operation is simple, and the operating physician can take full advantage of the two modes to perform the surgical procedure based on his/her own operational preferences. This can result in higher surgical accuracy. Further, by providing these two modes, the apparatus has an increased the security and a reduced surgical risk.

Abstract: A delivery device includes a central elongate structure including an annular member at the distal end, a sheath, a plurality of tethers extending through the central elongate structure, a handle, and a control on the handle. The handle is connected to the elongate structure, the sheath, and the plurality of tether. The control is configured to move the sheath proximally and distally over the central elongate structure. The annular member includes a plurality of pockets extending radially therearound. Each tether includes a feature on a distal end thereof configured to fit within a pocket of the plurality of pockets to hold the tether in place.

Abstract: A medical implant system for implantation in a patient to treat erectile dysfunction includes a first fluid path, an inflatable penile prosthesis cylinder, an electric pump, and implant controller, and an implantable power supply. The inflatable penile prosthesis cylinder is in fluid communication with the first fluid path and is configured for implantation in a corpus cavernosum of a patient. The electric pump is in fluid communication with the first fluid path. The implant controller is electrically coupled to the pump and is configured to activate the pump to drive a flow of fluid through the first fluid path and into the cylinder. The implantable power supply provides electrical power to the pump.

Abstract: An interbody spacer for spinal fusion surgery includes first and second opposite side walls that have open-cell metal foam at upper and lower faces, and a three-dimensional lattice disposed between open-cell metal foam at the upper and lower faces. The open-cell metal foam is in communication with the three-dimensional lattice so that bone growth can enter the three-dimensional lattice from the open-cell metal foam. The interbody spacer may be formed by additive manufacturing.