Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a jaw assembly having a first jaw that includes a support structure with an opening, an electrically insulative material disposed on the support structure, and an operative element for applying energy to tissue, wherein the electrically insulative material extends through the opening of the support structure to thereby secure the electrically insulative material to the support structure.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom having an axis A-A defined therethrough. The shaft is at least partially flexible and includes first and second jaw members attached at a distal end thereof. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A drive assembly is disposed in the housing and has a first actuator operably coupled to a drive rod for reciprocation thereof to move the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation to one another to a second position closer to one another for engaging tissue. A second actuator is disposed on the housing and is actuatable to articulate the shaft.

Abstract: A microwave applicator for insertion into living body tissue for use in microwave coagulation and ablation treatments includes a microwave transmission line extending between an attachment end of the applicator and an antenna toward an insertion end of the applicator with an outer conductive sleeve forming an enclosed cooling fluid space around the transmission line. Circulation of cooling fluid is guided in the cooling fluid space by a guide sleeve. A fluid circulation system provides a plurality of fluid supply connectors and fluid return connectors which can be connected and used with any number of applicators between one and the number of the fluid supply connectors provided by the system. A portion of the applicator inserted into the tissue can stick to the tissue to stabilize the applicator during treatment. A warning marking on the applicator can be used during track ablation to prevent ablation of the patient skin tissue.

Abstract: An emitter assembly can include a proximal shaft, a distal shaft, a shunt that connects the proximal shaft to the distal shaft, and a tip that is connected to a distal end of the distal shaft. An inner conductor can extend through the proximal shaft, the shunt, and the distal shaft and into the tip to provide microwave energy to the tip. An outer conductor can extend into the shunt. The shunt can therefore form an electrical connection between the outer conductor and a proximal ring of electrically conductive material formed on an exterior surface of the distal shaft. Distal shaft can be made of a thermally conductive but electrically insulated material to facilitate transfer of heat from the distal shaft to the proximal shaft.

Abstract: An electromagnetic surgical ablation system having a generator adapted to selectively provide surgical ablation energy to an ablation probe, and methods of operating same, are disclosed. The system includes a controller operatively coupled to the generator, and a tissue sensor probe operatively coupled to the controller. The tissue sensor provides a tissue temperature and at least one tissue dielectric property to the controller. During an electromagnetic tissue ablation procedure, the controller monitors tissue temperature and the at least one tissue dielectric property to determine tissue status, and to activate and deactivate the generator in accordance therewith.

Abstract: An optical device including an optical fiber having a longitudinal axis and an optical fiber core with a distal end having a distal terminating end configured to discharge a first laser energy in a first direction and a second laser energy in a second direction. The optical device also includes a fiber cap having an interior cavity and an opening to the interior cavity, where the distal end of the optical fiber core is received within the interior cavity through the opening. A cladding is included on the distal end of the optical fiber core between the optical fiber core and the fiber cap.

Abstract: A laser fiber has a distal end having a laser fiber face. A tip addition is attached to or formed onto the fiber face. The material of the tip addition one of fragments or melts when laser energy from a suitable laser device is passed through the laser fiber and through the tip addition.

Abstract: A robotic surgery system comprises a mounting base, a plurality of surgical instruments, and an articulate support assembly. Each instrument is insertable into a patient through an associated minimally invasive aperture to a desired internal surgical site. The articulate support assembly movably supports the instruments relative to the base. The support generally comprises an orienting platform, a platform linkage movably supporting the orienting platform relative to the base, and a plurality of manipulators mounted to the orienting platform, wherein each manipulator movably supports an associated instrument.

Abstract: It is disclosed an apparatus for restoring voluntary control of locomotion in a subject suffering from a neuromotor impairment comprising a multidirectional trunk support system and a device for epidural electrical stimulation. The robotic interface is capable of evaluating, enabling and training motor pattern generation and balance across a variety of natural walking behaviors in subjects with neuromotor impairments. Optionally, pharmacological cocktails can be administered to enhance rehabilitation results. It is also disclosed a method for the evaluation, enablement and training of a subject suffering from neuromotor impairments by combining robotically assisted evaluation tools with sophisticated neurobiomechanical and statistical analyzes. A method for the rehabilitation (by this term also comprising restoring voluntary control of locomotion) of a subject suffering from a neuromotor impairment in particular partial or total paralysis of limbs, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning instruments, which provides removal and collection of material from one or more surgical instruments. The cleaning apparatus may be a dry cleaning process or offered in conjunction with one or more fluids. In one embodiment, the cleaning apparatus continuously purges blood, bone and other debris quickly and may comprise a system for removing reusable material from the cleaning process for reuse.

Abstract: The present application describes computer apparatus and software programs useful to the field of corrective spinal surgery. The apparatus and software implement and facilitate methods for assessing the degree of balance and alignment achieved through corrective measures applied to the spine prior to completing a surgical procedure. The apparatus and software facilitate pre-operative planning and virtual testing of the corrective measures to be applied. The apparatus and software further facilitate intra-operative reconciliation with the pre-operative plan prior to completing the surgery.

Abstract: This system is a system for analyzing blood flow of a target vascular site by means of simulation, having a fluid analysis unit, by a computer, for determining state quantities of blood flow at each position of a lumen of the target vascular site by means of computation by imposing computational conditions including boundary conditions relating to the blood flow to three-dimensional shape data of the target vascular site; a three-dimensional shape modification unit for modifying the three dimensional shape data by simulating a surgical treatment method and for outputting the three-dimensional shape data after the modification; and a comparison display unit for displaying computed results of before and after the modification of the three-dimensional shape for comparing the results, by causing the fluid analysis unit to re-compute the state quantities based on the three-dimensional shape data after the modification.

Abstract: The endoscope treatment system includes an endoscope treatment tool that has an operating part having a distal end and a proximal end, and a sheath that is connected to the distal end of the operating part and is formed with a lumen through that enables a guide wire to be inserted therethrough; a guide wire holder around which a tube member housing the guide wire is wound circumferentially; and a fixing member that couples the operating part to the guide wire holder such that the distal end and the proximal end of the operating part are located outside the circumference of the guide wire holder.

Abstract: Provided is a micro-robot which is integratedly or detachably coupled to one end of a catheter or a guidewire for performing a medical operation using the catheter. Steering and drilling are independently performed by using a catheter thinner in thickness than a related art catheter. The a micro-robot is smoothly inserted into a lesion part and removes a risk of injury and infection in an opening operation through precise steering.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling a motor of a robotic surgical system are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a surgical operation by wire (SOBW) type surgical operation apparatus including an end effector configured so as to remove or minimize configurations of a mechanical cable. The SOBW type surgical operation apparatus includes: a body part; an extension part having one end connected to the body part; and an end effector formed at the other end of the extension part, and receiving electrical energy transferred through the body part and the extension part and converting the electrical energy into mechanical energy.

Abstract: Less invasive surgical techniques for performing brain surgery are disclosed in which a dilating obturator and cannula assembly is inserted into brain tissue until the obturator tip and cannula are adjacent to the target tissue. The obturator is removed and surgery is performed through the cannula. In preferred embodiments the obturator and cannula are placed using image guidance techniques and systems to coordinate placement with pre-operative surgical planning. A stylet with associated image guidance may be inserted prior to insertion of the obturator and cannula assembly to guide insertion of the obturator and cannula assembly. Surgery preferably is performed using an endoscope partially inserted into the cannula with an image of the target tissue projected onto a monitor. Dilating obturator structures having a rounded or semi-spherical tip and/or an optical window for visualizing brain tissue during expansion are contemplated.

Abstract: Less invasive surgical techniques for performing brain surgery are disclosed in which a dilating obturator and cannula assembly is inserted into brain tissue until the obturator tip and cannula are adjacent to the target tissue. The obturator is removed and surgery is performed through the cannula. In preferred embodiments the obturator and cannula are placed using image guidance techniques and systems to coordinate placement with pre-operative surgical planning. A stylet with associated image guidance may be inserted prior to insertion of the obturator and cannula assembly to guide insertion of the obturator and cannula assembly. Surgery preferably is performed using an endoscope partially inserted into the cannula with an image of the target tissue projected onto a monitor. Dilating obturator structures having a rounded or semi-spherical tip and/or an optical window for visualizing brain tissue during expansion are contemplated.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods of and for an ophthalmic illumination system are disclosed. In an exemplary implementation, an ophthalmic illumination system includes a collimator having at least one lens. The system includes a first mirror arranged to reflect light towards the collimator. The first mirror is configured for use with a first light source that emits a first light beam having a first parameter. The system includes a second mirror arranged to reflect light towards the collimator. The second mirror is configured for use with a second light source emitting a second light beam having a second parameter that is different than the first parameter. The second mirror is shaped and arranged to cause a reflected portion of the second light beam to have the first parameter. The first mirror and the first light source, and the second mirror and the second light source, are separately usable with the collimator.

Abstract: A hands-free lighting system comprising: a master control unit, a light unit, and a remote control unit. The master control unit is configured for controlling the operation of a remote light unit based on a signal received from a remote control unit. The light unit comprising at least one light source.

Abstract: A dental forceps that include an elongated handle and a pair of tooth engaging members or jaws extending out of the one end of the handle and a post located in the handle with a disc at the top with a ball at the other end of the post. The post ball end inserts into the post ball holder to provide a stable support so that the dentist has leverage to extract the tooth straight out. The post disc and post ball provide the forceps with side-to-side and back-and-forth movement, thus allowing the forceps to align to the growth angle of the tooth to be extracted.

Abstract: Provided is a soft flexible oral appliance having protuberances that mimic naturally occurring dental Tori. An upper, palatial appliance and a lower, mandibular appliance may be used in conjunction or separately to alleviate a variety of disorders, improve facial tone, and increase physical performance. The appliances are lightweight, thin, and do not prohibit normal speech patterns when in use. Small protuberances are strategically molded along key surfaces of each appliance to stimulate nerves in the tongue and affect forward protrusion. Forward positioning of the tongue dilates the airways of the throat improving breathing while the use is sleeping, playing sports, or talking. It also reduces bruxing, or grinding of the teeth. A method is further provided, for adding protuberances to other types of oral appliances, thereby conferring some of the benefits listed above on appliances originally intended for other dental uses.

Abstract: A tooth protection device that is operable to provide impact protection and thermal protection for a damaged tooth within a user's mouth. The tooth protection device includes a base layer that is rectangular in shape and is manufactured from a malleable gum resin. The base layer further has an internal thermal layer that is operable to provide a thermal barrier so as to inhibit the change of temperature proximate the tooth. The base layer further includes a medicament impregnated therein that is operable to provide pain relief to the area. The medicament comprises a natural medicament or a synthetic medicament. The base layer extends from the gum line on a first side of a tooth, across the top of the tooth and reaching the gum line on the second side of the tooth.

Abstract: A tooth positioner is combined with a vibrational source, thus speeding orthodontic remodeling. In more detail, the device includes a tooth positioner shaped to closely fit a patient's dentition and apply a straightening force to at least one of said patient's teeth, the tooth positioner contacting labial, lingual and occlusal surfaces of said patient's dentition, the tooth positioner operably connected to a housing enclosing a power source operably connected to a vibratory source, the vibratory source being able to vibrate, thus vibrating the tooth positioner. Methods of using the positioner-vibrator combination are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved shapeable bite plates for use with orthodontic vibratory devices and devices offering other treatment modalities. The shapeable bite plates can be manually shaped to fit the Euro arch, arch form I, the Roth arch, and even widest Damon Arch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental implant that can deal with a subsequent reduction in bone mass while reducing a burden on a patient, and a set thereof. The present invention is directed to a dental implant comprising: a first stage implant 1 that has a bottomed tubular shape, a male thread 3 formed on an outer periphery thereof, and a female thread 4 formed in an inner periphery thereof; and a second stage implant 2 that has a tip part 6 having a male thread 5 threadably engaged with the female thread 4 of the first stage implant 1 and a rear end part 7 to which an upper prosthesis is to be attached via an abutment 8, wherein the female thread 4 of the first stage implant 1 and the male thread 5 of the second stage implant 2 are tapered threads.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for dental of an anterior tooth. The system includes an abutment having a generally cylindrical post extending from a base. A bore is defined through an anterior face of the post and extends through the base. A protrusion extends from an aft end of the base and is configured to receive a threaded fastener to secure a crown to the abutment. The abutment is secured to a dental implant via a screw extending through the bore into the implant.

Abstract: The female part for forming a releasable connection to a male part (50) that is configured to be fastened in a mouth includes a housing (20), which is configured to be fastened to a dental prosthesis, an insert (1), which is insertable into the housing and rotatable with respect to the housing and in which a portion (51) of the male part can be accommodated, and an adjusting mechanism that is formed in the housing and on the insert and that cause a change in the diameter of the insert when the insert is rotated with respect to the housing. At least one protrusion (5b, 5c) and at least one recess are provided to form the adjusting mechanism. The female part has a locking mechanism, which is formed on the housing and in the insert for defining discretely arranged locking positions, wherein the insert is compressed more in at least one locking position than in at least one other locking position.

Abstract: An interdental cleaner has a rod-shaped carrier formed of plastic, which has a structuring with structural elements radially protruding from the carrier on at least one section of an axial length thereof. The carrier is twisted in at least one part of the section having the structuring together with the structuring about a carrier longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The transmission according to the invention for an electric toothbrush serves for the transmission and reforming of a rotational movement provided by an electric motor into a particularly careful and effective cleaning movement of a cleaning element. The ratio of the distance between the longitudinal mid-axis of an output shaft and the longitudinal mid-axis of a drive shaft of the transmission and of the distance between the longitudinal mid-axis of a shaft driving a cam of the transmission and the longitudinal mid-axis of the cam amounts to at least 10:1.

Abstract: Described are implants and tools for use in treating pelvic conditions such as incontinence, including urinary incontinence in a male or female, for example an incontinence sling and delivery system that can include a sling implant and delivery tool system, wherein the implant can include a mesh sling and one or more anchors provided at or extending from a portion of the sling to facilitate tissue fixation; the delivery tool system can include at least a tunneler having a lumen, and an insertion tool; and wherein useful methods can involve inserting the tunneler through an incision and into a pelvic region of a patient, connecting the insertion tool to the sling, and inserting the sling into the tunneler to place the sling to provide tissue support.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a delivery device for delivering a medical implant can include a handle, a shaft having a first curved portion and terminating in a conical tip at a distal end and a transitional portion coupling the shaft with the handle. The transitional portion can include a first substantially straight section, a second substantially straight section and an angled section disposed between the first and second substantially straight sections. The angled section can define an angle between the first substantially straight section and the second substantially straight section. The first substantially straight section can extend from the distal end of the handle and have an outside diameter greater than an outside diameter of a distal end of the second substantially straight section. The second substantially straight section can have a distal end axially adjacent to the proximal end of the shaft and have a diameter that decreases distally.

Abstract: A surgical device that is implantable to treat female urinary incontinence includes a support, a first suspending member connected to the support, a second suspending member connected to the support, a first anchor connected to the first suspending member, and a second anchor connected to the second suspending member. A distance measured along the second suspending member between the second anchor and the support is adjustable.

Abstract: Biocompatible coatings and spin finishes that can be applied to polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers, and medical devices made from PHA polymers, have been developed. The coatings impart good lubricity to PHA polymers, particularly to fibers and braids made from these materials, making the coatings ideal for use on medical devices such as PHA braided sutures. The spin finishes can be applied to PHA fibers to facilitate their manufacture, and also for their conversion to other products, including medical textiles. The spin finishes serve to protect multifilament fiber bundles, and keep them intact following extrusion, and also to impart lubricity to the fiber bundles and monofilament fibers so that they are not damaged in subsequent processing steps particularly in textile processing. The coating reduces tissue drag of, for example, braided sutures.

Abstract: An occlusion system includes a delivery catheter having an elongate body defining a delivery lumen, and an occlusion device including a bundle of elongate occlusion wires configured for simultaneous delivery through the delivery lumen. At least a portion of each of the occlusion wires includes a shape memory material and has a preformed shape. The occlusion system includes a delivery configuration in which each of the occlusion wires is positioned within the delivery lumen, urged against the preformed shape, and substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the delivery lumen, and a post-deployment configuration in which each of the occlusion wires is released from the delivery lumen and conforms to the preformed shape. According to the preformed shape, each of the occlusion wires has a longitudinal segment remaining parallel to the longitudinal axis and a curved end providing an outward radial force with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An embolic protection device includes an outer surface that is configured to form a substantially sealed relationship with a body lumen such that emboli are deflected and/or captured by the outer surface before such emboli can travel to other parts of the body. An inner surface of the embolic protection device includes a longitudinally extending lumen through which instrumentation may be inserted, facilitating passage of such instrumentation through the body lumen while minimizing risk to the patient from emboli.

Abstract: An aortic flow diverter or filter is described that diverts particles away from the carotid vessels and right subclavian artery. The diverter includes a stent-like portion formed from a plurality of braided or woven wires that can radially self-expand. The stent-like portion is generally tubular and is fixed over the distal end of a catheter or shaft. A sheath is located over both the catheter and stent-like portion, maintaining the stent-like portion in a compressed configuration. When withdrawn proximally, the sheath releases the stent-like portion, allowing it to expand against the walls of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a body lumen graft base that is a thin film, has adequate flexibility and low permeability, and can be inserted in a catheter with a small diameter. The body lumen graft base of the present invention is obtained by subjecting at least one surface of a woven fabric comprising a fiber having a total fineness of 1 to 80 decitex and a single fiber fineness of less than 0.1 decitex to press treatment using a calender machine.

Abstract: A tissue graft fixation device including a body having an upper and lower surface, a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the first and second end portions, the intermediate portion comprising at least two tabs extending transverse to the intermediate portion, the intermediate portion defining at least one hole located between the at least two tabs, and each of the at least two tabs comprising a keel extending transverse to the intermediate portion and including a cutting edge.

Abstract: A method of reproducing a biological object includes 3D-imaging the object and generating a mold using a 3D printer; obtaining cells from a donor site on the object; preparing a live cell suspension using the cells from the donor site; forming a scaffold in the mold with collagen and seeding the scaffold with live cells, growing the cells in the mold and curing the collagen; and surgically implanting the object into a living subject, where the cells continue to live in the living subject.

Abstract: High resolution active matrix nanowire circuits enable a flexible platform for artificial electronic skin having pressure sensing capability. Comb-like interdigitated nanostructures extending vertically from a pair of opposing, flexible assemblies facilitate pressure sensing via changes in resistance caused by varying the extent of contact among the interdigitated nanostructures. Electrically isolated arrays of vertically extending, electrically conductive nanowires or nanofins are formed from a doped, electrically conductive layer, each of the arrays being electrically connected to a transistor in an array of transistors. The nanowires or nanofins are interdigitated with further electrically conductive nanowires or nanofins mounted to a flexible handle.

Abstract: A system for treating a cataractous lens of a patient's eye includes a laser source for generating a light beam, a scanning system for deflecting the light beam to form a treatment pattern of the light beam, and a controller operably coupled to the laser source and scanning system and configured to operate the scanner to form the treatment pattern. The treatment pattern is a plurality of cuts in the form two or more different incision patterns for segmenting the lens tissue into a plurality of patterned pieces. The incision pattern includes: a first incision pattern including two or more crossing cut incision planes; and a second incision pattern comprising one or more laser incision each extending along a first length between a posterior and an anterior surface of the lens capsule.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an ophthalmic lens includes an optic having an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and an optical axis. At least one of the anterior surface and the posterior surface includes a first zone extending from the optical axis to a first radial boundary and a second zone extending from the first radial boundary to the edge of the optic. The first zone includes an inner region and an outer region separated by a phase shift feature, the phase shift comprising a ridge extending outwardly from the inner region and the outer region.

Abstract: A deformable intraocular has a haptic that supports the optic around its equator and couples the optic to the capsular bag of the eye. The haptic may include a cap on one or both surfaces of the lens. The lens may include a force transfer member-that couples forces from the haptic to the cap, so that a radial force on the haptic changes the curvature of the cap. The cap may be made of the haptic material, which is stiffer than the optic material, and can influence the deformation of the lens during accommodation. A cap on the anterior surface may produce an axial movement of the lens in an anterior direction during accommodation. The cap may also protect the surfaces of the optic during handling and installation.

Abstract: An intraocular lens includes a lens capsule expanding device and an optical portion. A front supporting portion makes contact with an inner surface of an anterior capsule. A rear supporting portion makes contact with an inner surface of a posterior capsule while facing the front supporting portion. A connecting portion connects the front supporting portion and the rear supporting portion so as to have a biasing force to separate the front supporting portion and the rear supporting portion. Due to the biasing force, the front supporting portion presses the inner surface of the anterior capsule and the rear supporting portion presses the inner surface of the posterior capsule. The optical portion changes the curvature of a central portion according to movement of the connecting portion that moves the front supporting portion and the rear supporting portion closer to or away from each other with movement of the lens capsule.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valve leaflets of a particular shape that allows redundant coaptation height in the leaflets when a planar segment is present in each leaflet.

Abstract: A surgical sutureless valve that is attached to a stent frame for delivery to a location in a patient using percutaneous implantation devices and methods.

Abstract: Described is a transcatheter mitral valve. The mitral valve includes a saddle-shaped annulus frame with two prongs extending therefrom. Two leaflets are attached with the frame and prongs to form a bi-leaflet mitral valve. The frame is collapsible to a collapsed configuration that allows for delivery and implantation at a mitral position. When at the mitral position, the mitral valve expands into an open configuration and is secured in place by a fixture, such as clamps that extend from the frame.

Abstract: A tubular braided mesh scaffold for fabrication of heart valves is described. The tubular braided scaffold can be formed of a shape memory metal, such as Nitinol, and pinched or pressed to form a leaflet shape. When heat treated, the braided mesh scaffold holds and retains its valve-like shape.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a sheet of bioprosthetic tissue for use as a prosthetic valve leaflet are disclosed. A method includes positioning a sheet of bioprosthetic tissue across an engagement face of a first patterned substrate. The engagement face defines a pattern having at least one raised region and areas of relief adjacent the at least one raised region. The tissue is compressed against the engagement face to deform the tissue to a deformed state corresponding with the pattern.