Abstract: A tool driver for use in robotic surgery includes a base configured to couple to a distal end of a robotic arm, and a tool carriage slidingly engaged with the base and configured to receive a surgical tool. In one variation, the tool carriage may include a plurality of linear axis drives configured to actuate one or more articulated movements of the surgical tool. In another variation, the tool carriage may include a plurality of rotary axis drives configured to actuate one or more articulated movements of the surgical tool. Various sensors, such as a capacitive load cell for measuring axial load, a position sensor for measuring linear position of the guide based on the rotational positions of gears in a gear transmission, and/or a capacitive torque sensor based on differential capacitance, may be included in the tool driver.

Abstract: A medical navigation system is provided including a surgical positioning system for positioning a payload during a medical procedure. The medical navigation system has a robotic arm having a plurality of joints, the robotic arm forming part of the surgical positioning system and having an end effector for holding the payload, an input device for providing input, and a controller electrically coupled to the robotic arm and the input device.

Abstract: A device to regulate tension of an actuation element for actuating movement of a surgical instrument includes an elastically deformable body configured to be coupled to the actuation element. The deformable body is configured to elastically deform in response to a state of slack occurring in the actuation element. As slack occurs in the actuation element, the deformable body is configured to divert a path of the actuation element to accommodate the slack so the path of the actuation element differs from an axis the actuation element follows prior to the actuation element developing slack. A force transmission mechanism for a teleoperated surgical instrument includes a chassis, an actuation input mechanism, an actuation element, and a tension regulator coupled to the actuation element to compensate for slack of the actuation element.

Abstract: Nano-actuators having a helical member formed with a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy (FSMA) are disclosed that are elastically deformable between a compressed state and an expanded state by the application of a magnetic field. The nano-actuators may include a ferromagnetic head portion, that may be formed from the FSMA or from another material. A thin biocompatible external layer provides a platform for attaching a ligand that is selected to bind with a target cell type, for example, a target cancer cell. The nano-actuators are magnetically propelled to the target cells, and oscillated and/or rotated to mechanically damage the target cells to induce apoptosis. The nano-actuators may be formed by electro deposition of the FSMA into a nano-helical template.

Abstract: A drape for covering a microscope during a medical procedure includes a body portion, a tubular portion, and an elastic ring. The body portion is configured to drape over a body of the microscope. The tubular portion corresponds to an eyepiece tube of the microscope and is connected to the body portion at a first end and terminating at a second end. The elastic ring is positioned at the second end of the tubular portion. The elastic ring includes an elastic material and the elastic ring is sized to grip an eyepiece or the eyepiece tube of the microscope.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterile surgical drape comprising a cover portion for a tracking reference array, wherein at least a part of the cover portion is formed inherently stable and has a form adapted to accommodate multiple tracking markers of a tracking reference array for computer-assisted surgery. Further, it relates to a surgical draping system and a medical navigation method using such a drape.

Abstract: An apparatus including a sterilizable tray having a base and at least one fixture connected to the tray adapted for removably securing an implant insertion device to the tray. The tray can be free of a first wall portion for permitting the proximal end of an implantable device to axially align with the end of the implant insertion device for coupling to the implant insertion device and can be free of a second wall portion for permitting a tool to axially align with the end of the implant insertion device so as to threadedly couple the implant insertion device to the implantable device. Related methods and apparatus are provided.

Abstract: Tissue expansion system includes a pump, a controller, and inflatable bladder, and a pressure sensor. The pump is adapted for substantially continuous operation in response to a pressure within a subcutaneously implanted inflatable bladder. The pump is thus able to deliver inflation medium to the bladder when the pressure within the bladder is below a predetermined lower threshold while stopping delivery of the fluid when the pressure rises above a higher threshold or reaches a predetermined maximum volume.

Abstract: A system and method of force or torque limit compensation includes a surgical instrument for use with a computer-assisted medical device. The surgical instrument includes an end effector located at a distal end of the instrument, a drive unit for operating a degree of freedom of the instrument, a shaft coupled to the drive unit, and one or more drive mechanisms in the shaft for coupling force or torque from the drive unit to the end effector and the articulated wrist. To control the degree of freedom, the instrument is configured to determine a current position of the degree of freedom, determine a force or torque limit compensation based on the current position, alter one or more force or torque limits based on the force or torque limit compensation, and adjust the degree of freedom subject to the one or more force or torque limits.

Abstract: The shield for an electrosurgical suction coagulator includes a cylindrical cuff and a shielding portion. The cylindrical cuff is sized for releasably engaging a distal end of a shaft of an electrosurgical suction coagulator. The shielding portion has an arcuate cross-sectional contour and is mounted on the cylindrical cuff such that the shielding portion extends distally therefrom. The shielding portion has a radius of curvature equal to a radius of curvature of the cylindrical cuff and is positioned coaxially therewith. A plurality of shields for the electrosurgical suction coagulator may be provided in a kit, along with the electrosurgical suction coagulator. In the kit, a circumferential length of each shielding portion of each shield is unique, such that a user of the electrosurgical suction coagulator may select a desired one of the shields for a desired amount of shielding coverage.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assessing tissue contact based on dielectric properties and/or impedance sensing are disclosed. In some embodiments, one or more probing frequencies are delivered via electrodes including an electrode in proximity to a tissue (for example, myocardial tissue). In some embodiments, dielectric parameter values, optionally together with other known and/or estimated tissue characteristics, are measured to determine a contact quality with the tissue. In some embodiments, dielectric contact quality is used, for example, in guiding the formation of a lesion (for example, RF ablation of heart tissue to alter electrical transmission characteristics).

Abstract: Disclosed are a structure for automatically identifying a predetermined length of a tourniquet, and a method for quickly identifying the predetermined length. The structure for automatically identifying a predetermined length of a tourniquet comprises a box and tourniquets, wherein the box has at least one receiving cavity in which the tourniquets are placed and an opening configured to be passed through by an end of the tourniquets, wherein apertures are formed in the tourniquets at an interval of the predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the tourniquets, the box is provided with a protrusion configured to cooperate with the apertures during the extraction of the tourniquets, and the apertures are configured to identify the predetermined length of the tourniquets and facilitate tearing off of the tourniquets during the tearing off of the tourniquets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable trajectory guide having a guide portion adapted to hold or provide a guiding for a medical instrument along a defined trajectory, and at least one adjustment section comprising: at least one elongated flexible beam member connected at its first end to the guide portion, and having at its second end a first engagement interface adapted to provide a connection to a support structure holding the trajectory guide; at least one second engagement interface which is movable relative to the at least one beam member and which is adapted to provide a connection to an actuator, at least one coupling member coupling the first end of the beam member to the second engagement interface, wherein the coupling member is capable of transmitting force and/or torque from the second engagement interface to the first end of the beam member.

Abstract: A lighthead identification system for controlling lightheads of a surgical lighting system. The lighthead identification system includes illuminated indicator lights that visually indicate to an operator that an associated lighthead has been selected for adjusting parameter settings on a user interface.

Abstract: An aiming and status indicator system for surgical lightheads, cameras, and other lighting system accessory devices. The system includes a plurality of marker lights mounted to a housing for the accessory device. Each marker light produces a respective marker light beam that is directed towards a work area (surgical site) to provide a marker indicator pattern. The marker indicator patterns can be used to indicate the boresight of a lighthead or camera, whether a lighthead is in a focused or unfocused condition, and status information associated with the lighting system.

Abstract: A surgical site is simultaneously illuminated by less than all the visible color components that make up visible white light, and a fluorescence excitation illumination component by an illuminator in a minimally invasive surgical system. An image capture system acquires an image for each of the visible color components illuminating the surgical site and a fluorescence image, which is excited by the fluorescence excitation component from the illuminator. The minimally invasive surgical system uses the acquired images to generate a background black and white image of the surgical site. The acquired fluorescence image is superimposed on the background black and white image, and is highlighted in a selected color, e.g., green. The background black and white image with the superimposed highlighted fluorescence image is displayed for a user of the system. The highlighted fluorescence image identifies tissue of clinical interest.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that provide an improved method of marking a patient requiring an endourologic procedure such as an ureteroscopy are disclosed. The apparatus is an adhesively-backed sheet with a radiopaque marking symbol designed to eliminate risk of a wrong site surgery by creating a visible, unambiguous marking symbol on an intraoperative medical image. The marker sheet is removably applied to the correct side of the patient's body on the groin or abdomen area before the patient is draped for surgery. The marker is visible to the naked eye before it is covered by drapes and visible on an X-ray or other intra operative imaging device whether covered by drapes or not. The visible marking symbol indicia on the X-ray will be unambiguous and will communicate whether the procedure should or should not be performed on that location.

Abstract: A repositionable, lockable support arm assembly for surgical and other tools includes a base arm having a lower end and an upper end, a distal arm having a proximal end and a distal end, and a central joint, typically a rotational joint, directly or indirectly linking the upper end of the base arm to the proximal end of the distal arm. A lower joint, typically a spherical joint, is positioned at the lower end of the base arm, and an upper joint, also typically a spherical joint, is located at the distal end of the distal arm, A locking mechanism is coupled to the base arm at a location above the lower joint and is configured to simultaneously deliver locking forces to the lower joint, to the rotational joint, and to the upper joint. The locking mechanism usually includes a powered, bilateral force generator for actuating the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A positioning system for an imaging device, in particular a MR imaging device to position an insertion element on or in the body of a subject, in particular an animal, wherein the imaging device comprises a bore, in which the subject is received, wherein the positioning system comprises a robot which can be at least partially arranged in the bore of the imaging device and comprises a holding element to hold the insertion element; wherein the robot further comprises at least one actuator acting on the holding element, such that an end portion of the insertion element is movable, wherein said at least one actuator is arranged with a distance D from the bore to minimize magnetic and/or electromagnetic interferences between the imaging device and the at least one actuator and said first actuator is coupled to the holding element in a form-fit- and/or a force-fit-manner.

Abstract: A force transducer is coupled to a distal portion of a shaft of a surgical instrument. The force transducer includes proximal and distal portions, radial ribs, and a plurality of strain gauges. The radial ribs form a plurality of through passages. The surgical instrument further includes a flush manifold that receives a liquid from a proximal portion of the shaft, and that directs the liquid along a first subset of through passages of the plurality of through passages toward the distal portion of the force transducer. A plenum at the distal portion of the force transducer collects the liquid from the first subset of through passages and redirects the liquid back toward the proximal portion of the shaft along a second subset of through passages of the plurality of through passages different from the first subset of through passages.

Abstract: Examples of apparatus, methods, and compositions for endodontic treatments are described. The apparatus can include a fluid platform configured to substantially retain fluid in a tooth chamber during treatment. The fluid platform can help maintain fluid circulation in the tooth chamber as fluid flows into and out of the tooth chamber. The apparatus can also include a pressure wave generator configured to generate acoustic waves that can be used for cleaning root canals and tooth surfaces in the tooth chamber. Examples of pressure wave generators include a liquid jet, an electromagnetic energy delivery device, and an ultrasonic device. The fluid can include antiseptic or antibacterial solutions to assist in tooth cleaning. The fluid may be degassed to have a reduced dissolved gas content (compared to non-degassed fluids used in endodontic treatments), which may improve the effectiveness of the pressure wave generation or the cleaning.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to adding customized cut line information to a shell that is to be formed over mold of a dental arch. In one embodiment, a cut line is determined for the shell. A processing device determines one or more markings for the shell that will mark the cut line. The processing device determines one or more features to add to the mold over which the shell will be formed that will cause the shell to have the one or more markings. The processing device generates a digital model of the mold, the digital model comprising the one or more features, wherein the digital model is usable to manufacture the mold having the one or more features.

Abstract: A prescription management system is used by an orthodontic or dental lab and a plurality of prescribing users who send prescriptions for customized orthodontic or dental appliances to the lab. The prescriptions are stored in a database selectively accessible by the lab and plurality of prescribing users. A digital workspace is provided in the system in which the lab or prescribing users may create designs for the customized appliances. The designs of the appliances are stored in the database. A tracking record of fabrication of the appliances is stored in the database. A plurality of billings are simultaneously generated in response to the submissions and storage of the prescriptions, the designs of the customized appliances and the fabrication of the designed customized appliances.

Abstract: An orthodontic/orthognathic device for correcting and changing tooth placements and bone structure, and a method of using orthodontic/orthognathic device for tooth movement, correcting syndromic conditions of the mouth and osteogenetic correction. The device may be used for maxillary distraction and expansion as well as mandibular separation and expansion. The device can be controlled by computer to direct tooth and bone placement.

Abstract: A tooth bracket extraction device which comprises a motor housed within a motor housing, and a motor shaft extending from the motor. A gear cover is fastened to the motor housing, and a first shaft is coupled to the motor shaft, where the first shaft receives the drive from the motor via the motor shaft. A first gear is attached to the first shaft, and a second shaft comprises a second gear, where the second shaft is in communication with the first shaft via engagement of the second gear to the first gear. A torque generated from the motor is transferred to the second shaft, and the second shaft comprises a head receiver member which is configured to receive and mount a plurality of heads. Each head is configured to transfer the torque to a bracket section attached to teeth, thereby removing the bracket section from the teeth.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket extension system for orthodontic braces, the orthodontic bracket extension system including a plurality of bracket base extensions each having an aperture in which a corresponding one of a plurality of bracket base can be disposed to increase a bracket bonding surface area for greater securement of each of the plurality of brackets to each of a corresponding plurality of teeth.

Abstract: An orthodontic device comprising a biasing member and first and second anchors for attaching the biasing member within a patient's mouth, wherein the biasing member exerts a bias under compression or extension, wherein the biasing member comprises a limiter for preventing movement of the biasing member past a predetermined limit, and wherein at least one of the first and second anchors is inelastic.

Abstract: A root implant includes a body portion, a drilling portion formed on the body portion, a positioning hole formed opposite to the drilling portion, and a thread portion spiraled on the body portion. The body portion and the coarse thread have respective first openings and second openings spaced apart by equal distances. The first openings and second openings accommodate accretions grown from the alveolar bone when the root implant interfaces with the alveolar bone. The body portion and the coarse thread includes first joint sections and second joint sections formed between any two of the first openings and the second openings respectively to allow the accretions to clamber and link together to provide a tight combination between the root implant and the alveolar bone, preventing the loosening problem caused by an external force and promoting a positioning effect of the root implant.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for adjustably retaining an oral appliance to an abutment assembly are disclosed. In one variation, a securement apparatus can comprise a sleeve having a sleeve frame and a number of locking flaps. The sleeve can define a lumen therethrough for positioning upon an abutment assembly. The locking flaps can have varying length dimensions and can project radially inward or outward relative to the sleeve frame. The outward flaps can lock against surface features defined along an inner surface of a coping coupled to the oral appliance and the inward flaps can lock against surface features defined along a portion of the abutment assembly. The sleeve can release the oral appliance from the abutment assembly when the locking flaps of the sleeve are actuated by an actuation unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a template for forming a veneer on a tooth using a composite resin material that is curable by radiation. The template includes a tooth-contacting portion having a smooth concave surface for contacting the composite, the smooth concave surface having a shape that is complementary to a desired natural tooth shape. The tooth-contacting portion is formed of a material capable of transmitting the radiation such that the composite is curable through the tooth-contacting portion to form a veneer having a surface shape that conforms to the desired natural tooth shape. Also disclosed is a kit including a plurality of such templates and a method of using the templates to form a veneer.

Abstract: A layered denture having at least one of an integrated layer, balanced occlusion, and a root approximating structure is disclosed. The resulting denture may be suitable for use without an underlying reinforcement bar and may provide enhanced aesthetics by approximating natural dentition and roots both above and below the gum line.

Abstract: A method and system for making a dental restoration are provided. The method comprises the step of providing a computer model of a three-dimensional reference surface that is based for example on a tooth structure of a tooth to be restored in a patient's dentition. The method further comprises the steps of visualizing the three-dimensional reference surface, providing a user operable virtual material deposition tool, and using the virtual material deposition tool to deposit a plurality of differently colored layers on the reference surface. The system provides functionality to perform the method of the invention. The invention preferably helps maximizing optical and geometrical quality in a dental restoration.

Abstract: A custom dental irrigation device has: a user dentition model; a custom made mouthpiece made according to the user dentition model, a pump configured to pump fluid to the mouthpiece; a suction pump configured to remove fluid from the mouthpiece; a fluid tank; and a controller. The custom made mouthpiece is configured to deliver fluid to the dental target while removing used irrigation fluid. The mouthpiece is fabricated with 3-D print techniques. The mouthpiece is designed in two pieces to cover an upper portion of a dental target and a lower portion of a dental target separately. The mouthpiece has an inner surface following the shape of the user dentition model, wherein the inner surface touches the gingiva tissue to form a sealed space once the mouthpiece is set in a user's mouth, whereby fluid is delivered to the dental target, and removed from the sealed space.

Abstract: A dental cleaning appliance includes a nozzle having a fluid chamber, a fluid outlet and a channel extending between the fluid chamber and the fluid outlet. A water reservoir provides water to a pump for generating a burst of pressurized water, which is supplied to the nozzle by a fluid conduit. Following the delivery of the burst of water to the teeth of the user, a valve draws water back into the fluid chamber from the channel to prevent that water from dripping from the fluid outlet before the next water burst is generated by the pump. Simultaneously, air may be drawn into the fluid chamber, for example, through the fluid outlet, for mixing with the next water burst to generate a fluid burst for delivery to the user's teeth.

Abstract: A curing instrument with closed-loop control that is configured to manage the quantity of delivered energy to a curable material, including a composite restoration for a tooth. The closed-loop curing instrument is configured to analyze a signal indicative of the temperature at the curable material, and optionally the light reflecting from the curable material, and to adjust light output based on the analysis.

Abstract: Bird carriers and methods of restraining birds are disclosed. Each bird carrier may include a torso support, one or more leg clamps, and a head support. The head support may further include a beak receiving passage such that at least a portion of the birds' beaks are exposed. The bird carriers may restrain one or both legs and heads of the birds while supporting their torsos. Restraining the legs and the heads of the birds while supporting their torsos may produce a calming effect such that the birds exhibit significantly reduced struggling in an attempt to free themselves from the carrier.

Abstract: A therapeutic garment assembly includes a garment that may be worn on an animal. The garment is infused with a copper material to ease joint pain. The garment is comprised of a resiliently stretchable material to facilitate compression therapy. A pair of straps is provided and each of the straps is coupled to the garment. Thus, each of the straps may be wrapped around the animal thereby retaining the garment on the animal.

Abstract: A system and method for closing a fascial opening is disclosed. The system may include a strap that may be locked into each of a pair of anchors placed anterior to a muscle and on opposite sides of a fascial opening, one or more delivery tubes for delivering the anchors, and a needle for pulling the strap into each anchor. The method may include the steps of placing a dilating port through a skin incision, inserting an anchor through the dilating port, placing a strap into the body cavity, whereupon the strap may be pulled through the anchor. A second anchor may be placed on the contralateral side of the defect so that the strap may be pulled through the second anchor and cinched tightly closing the defect. The anchors may have a locking aperture that engages with the strap.

Abstract: Provided is a delivery system for inserting an implant into a surgical pocket, including a flexible sleeve having a first end and a second end and being sealed around its entire outer periphery forming an interior space, wherein the flexible sleeve is tapered toward at least one of the first end and the second end; and an implant contained and sealed within the interior space; in which the interior space and the implant contained and sealed therein are in a sterile condition. Further provided are a method of making the delivery system and a method of inserting an implant into a surgical pocket in a patient.

Abstract: Embolic protection devices useful for filtering emboli during interventional cardiac, vascular, or other procedures are described. The device can include first and second expandable mesh filters having open and closed ends. The first filter is attached to a catheter at its closed end. The second filter is attached to a steerable guide wire at its closed end. The second filter includes a cinching wire circumferentially attached to the filter. The filters are deployed in separate vessels, such as the brachiocephalic artery and the left common carotid artery. A procedure is performed, and the filters trap any emboli travelling through the path of the filters. At the end of the procedure, the second filter is closed using the cinching wire, and retracted into the first filter. Both the first and second filters are collapsed into a sheath and removed from the body with along with any emboli trapped in the filters.

Abstract: A prosthesis for repairing a blood vessel, wherein the prosthesis is inserted intraluminally and fixed in the vessel so as to isolate a diseased section thereof and maintain the flow of blood from the vessel to collateral vessels involved the diseased section, and the prosthesis comprises a stent support and a flexible fabric liner of woven material comprising a plurality of concentric layers, wherein each of said layers has a very open fabric web which allows the passage of blood flow through the layers during the installation or the prosthesis but which allows the sealing of layers once the prosthesis is installed. A method is also provided for safe installation of the prosthesis.

Abstract: Stent graft comprising a stent (1) having a plurality of ring segments (3) arranged side by side and connected with each other by connecting webs (7) having a meandering pattern, and at least one membrane (2), characterized in that a plurality of connecting webs (7) between adjacent ring segments (3) are provided with flexible tongues (6), which are arranged in a form-closed manner in the connecting webs (7) and which are resiliently movable against the connecting webs (7), wherein the membrane (2) being clamped between flexible tongues (6) and connecting webs (7).

Abstract: Examples of prostheses are provided having an internal branch. A tubular graft body of the prosthesis defines a main lumen extending between an inflow end and an outflow end of the graft body. A stent structure is coupled along the graft body. A trough is at least partially defined by a trough wall extending into the main lumen from a sidewall of the graft body. A side branch defines a branch lumen and extends from the trough within the main lumen towards one of the inflow or outflow ends of the graft body. A branch lumen facing surface of the trough wall is a continuous surface with an outer surface of the sidewall of the graft body. A boundary of the trough may be configured to provide a smooth transition surface between the trough and the sidewall.

Abstract: A surgical procedure of preparing bone holes to dispose an implanted tendon to a femur when performing reconstruction of a ligament in a knee joint, includes: forming a first bone hole in the femur; and applying ultrasonic vibration from a treatment portion of an ultrasonic treatment instrument to the femur, thereby cutting and expanding the first bone hole from the inside of the knee joint to the first bone hole of the femur along a predetermined depth, and forming a second bone hole having a polygonal shape, an approximately polygonal shape, an elliptical shape or an approximately elliptical shape to receive the implanted tendon.

Abstract: A soft anchor assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a sheath and a flexible strand at least partially surrounded by the sheath.

Abstract: A multifocal intraocular lens has an anterior lens surface which includes a first optic of a first radius and a second optic of a different radius. The posterior surface of the lens include an aspheric surface.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to intraocular lens systems having a plurality of materials therein, with at least some of the materials having a diffraction pattern therein and an electrically-modifiable index of refraction collectively configured to selectively alter the focal length of the intraocular lens system. Methods of modifying a focal length of an intraocular lens system are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure features elongated prosthetic devices that can be used to repair, e.g., resurface or occlude, a defect of a semicircular canal, e.g., a superior semicircular canal dehiscence, as wellmethods of making and using these devices. For example, the devices can be made using three-dimensional (3D) printing.

Abstract: A speech synthesis device detects beta peak firings corresponding to intended vocalizations by a subject having a scalp, a mastoid process and a speech motor cortex. A EEG electrode and a negative electrode are disposed on the scalp of the subject adjacent to the speech motor cortex. A transmitter is electrically coupled to the electrodes, and is configured to transmit wirelessly electronic representations of the neural potentials detected by the electrodes. A remote unit receives the electronic representations of the neural potentials from the transmitter. The remote unit is programmed to: detect beta peaks firings in the neural potentials; correlate the beta peaks firings with beta peaks associated with phonemes, words and phrases; and generate audible representations of the phonemes, words and phrases.

Abstract: Methods are described herein for delivering a replacement mitral valve to a native mitral valve location. In one method, ventricular anchors of the replacement mitral valve are released and allowed to reverse orientation while positioned in the left atrium of a human heart. After reversing orientation, the ventricular anchors extend in a generally proximal direction. The ventricular anchors can then be advanced through the mitral annulus into the left ventricle and then moved back toward the left atrium to capture native mitral valve leaflets between the main body and the ventricular anchors of the replacement mitral valve. In one modification, the ventricular anchors are allowed to reverse orientation at a level adjacent the mitral annulus. The implantation methods described herein are preferably performed via a transseptal delivery approach or a transapical delivery approach.