Abstract: A method of determining the position of a medical device to be localized, comprising: a) acquiring main position data comprising reference structure position information which describes the position of a reference structure in a global coordinate system, the main position data having been gathered by a main detection device; b) acquiring supplement position data comprising relative position information which describes the position of the medical device relative to the position of the reference structure in a reference coordinate system, the supplement position data having been gathered by a supplement detection device; c) determining, based on the relative position information and the reference structure position information, medical device position data comprising medical device position information which describes the position of the medical device in the global coordinate system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for correcting for artificial deformations in anatomical modeling. One method includes obtaining an anatomic model; obtaining information indicating a presence of an artificial deformation of the anatomic model; identifying a portion of the anatomic model associated with the artificial deformation; estimating a non-deformed local area corresponding to the portion of the anatomic model; and modifying the portion of the anatomic model associated with the artificial deformation, based on the estimated non-deformed local area.

Abstract: A shape sensing enabled instrument includes a flexible longitudinal body (103) including an outer surface which encapsulates interior features. The interior features include an optical fiber lumen (105) configured to receive one or more optical fibers for optical shape sensing, and a mechanical member (107) forming a hollow extending longitudinally down the body. The mechanical member is configured to receive the optical fiber lumen therein to permit rotation and translation of an optical fiber and to protect the optical fiber.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for image-assisted navigation, wherein an imaging specification for imaging a point in a three-dimensional system of coordinates in a point in a two-dimensional system of coordinates is determined, wherein a location of the imaging device is detected, and wherein the location of the imaging device is displayed in the two-dimensional reference image (RB).

Abstract: A modular reconfigurable surgical robot for use in association with a surgical tool is disclosed. The surgical robot includes a linear module for linear movement; a turret module for rotational movement, and elbow roll module for rotational movement, and a wrist tilt module for rotational movement. The turret module has a turret rotational axis. The elbow roll module for rotational has an elbow roll rotational axis at an angle to the turret rotational axis. The wrist tilt module has a wrist tilt rotational axis at an angle to the turret rotational axis and the elbow roll rotational axis. The linear module, turret module, elbow roll module and wrist tilt module are operably connectable together to form the surgical robot and one of the modules is operably connectable to the surgical tool. The surgical robot may include an arch device unit attachable to one of the other modules.

Abstract: A manipulator system 1 includes an arm that is operated such that a manipulator 3 is put into actuation, a tapping sensor unit 22 that is provided on the arm and detects tapping by an operator on the arm, a system control unit 4 that implements control set for each tapping in association with tapping detected by the tapping sensor unit 22.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to automatically adjust the angle of an end effector to improve on the operability of medical treatment tools. The medical system of the invention comprises a slave medical treatment tool to be controlled and including a moving joint for adjusting the angle of a first end effector relative to a first shaft; a master medical instrument serving as a master control instrument and including a second end effector located at a distal end of a second shaft; a sensor that produces a sensor signal including at least an angle of the second end effector; and a controller that enables follow-up processing for driving a driver such that the angle of the first end effector follows a follow-up criterion set on the basis of a sensor signal produced out of the sensor.

Abstract: A wearable remote control worn on a finger of a user is provided. The wearable remote control is for use with a medical equipment component. The wearable remote control has a housing, a switch located on the housing, the switch configured to provide a control signal to a control module, and an interface connector attached to the housing and the switch. The interface convector connects the wearable remote control to the control module. The housing of the wearable remote control may include a collar worn around the finger.

Abstract: A method for mounting a sheath onto the distal end of a surgical shaft instrument, in particular the tool tip of a dilation instrument. The method makes handling easy and allows the sheath to be fastened on the instrument in a rapid manner sparing of material, characterized by these steps: a) fastening the sheath on an apparatus for mounting a sheath onto the distal end of a surgical shaft instrument; b) radially widening at least the proximal end of the sheath and inserting the distal end of the surgical shaft instrument into the widened sheath c) transferring the sheath from the apparatus to the distal end of the surgical shaft instrument; and d) removing the distal end of the surgical shaft instrument from the apparatus. The invention also relates to an apparatus to perform this method.

Abstract: A prophylactic kit apparatus configured to be used with only a single patient includes a plurality of sealed modules and a housing configured to contain those sealed modules such that only one of the plurality of sealed modules can be removed from the housing at a time. This kit may include a physically-discrete informational patient aid disposed within the housing and having information disposed thereon. By one approach these physically-discrete informational patient aids can have a bookmark form factor. So configured, a medical services provider can readily provide the physically-discrete informational patient aid to a patient to thereby facilitate the patient becoming informed regarding the corresponding prophylactic service with little or no burden on the service provider.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for identifying and counting objects having identifiers entering and exiting a surgical field are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus has an entry scanner, a hand held scanner and an exit scanner for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. In another embodiment, the apparatus has a plurality of lower antennas and an upper antenna for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. Various surgical devices with identifiers and methods for preventing electromagnetic coupling between and protecting objects and identifier are also provided. The invention further provides apparatus and methods comprising a handheld scanner and a mat adapted to underlie a patient during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A system for performing a scanning session of a patient's body, the system comprising: a radiation source; a radiation sensor; a patient positioner for placing the patient between the radiation source and the radiation sensor in a fixed position during each scan; at least one Pseudo-Random Grid (PRG) comprising randomly spaced perpendicular gridlines, the PRG being at least partially radiopaque and positioned between the radiation source and the radiation sensor in a fixed manner with respect to the patient positioner during the scanning session, wherein at least one of said radiation source and said radiation sensor is configured to move independently, and wherein at least one of said radiation source and said radiation sensor is moved to multiple different positions during the scanning session such that energy emitted from the radiation source passes through said PRG and said patient's body and collected by a surface of said radiation sensor.

Abstract: A method for cutting with a tool comprises rotating the tool in a first direction. Then, at a predetermined moment, quit rotating the tool and allow the tool to coast in the first direction. While the tool coasts, a parameter is determined that represents drag experienced by the tool as the tool coasts. If the determined parameter does not exceed a predetermined limit then the tool is rotated in the first direction. If the determined parameter exceeds the predetermined limit, then the tool is rotated in another direction opposite the first direction. The predetermined moment when the tool begins to coast may be any desired moment, such as when the tool rotates through a specific distance or for a specific period of time.

Abstract: A tooth cleaning device having an internal fluid conduit formed therein, and the tooth cleaning device includes: a main body which has a tube provided in the main body and selectively connectable with a drive unit; and a cleaning body which is assembled to one side of the main body, and has the internal fluid conduit formed in the cleaning body and connectable with the tube, in which at least one nozzle is formed to be opened at one end of the internal fluid conduit. Further, when the main body and the cleaning body are assembled, one end of the tube is connected to one end of the internal fluid conduit so as to form a single continuous flow path, and through the single continuous flow path, a cleaning solution may be discharged or a fluid is sucked and then discharged to the outside.

Abstract: A powder jet device (10) for dispensing a dental material comprises a nozzle head (12) comprising a discharge nozzle. The powder jet device (10) further comprises a housing (14) comprising a valve portion (28), which is connected to the nozzle head (12) and is adapted to receive a valve member (16), and a chamber portion (30) comprising at least a first chamber (32) for storing a powder material. The chamber portion (30) comprises a proximal end (34) located adjacent the valve portion (28), a distal end (36) located away from the valve portion (28) and a fluid channel (38) extending from the distal end (36) substantially to the proximal end (34) into the chamber. The powder jet device (10) further comprises a valve member (16) disposed within the valve portion (28).

Abstract: An IR laser bite plate for orthodontic remodeling is disclosed, and the device can be combined with vibrational forces.

Abstract: A method of performing a sinus lift procedure comprising the use of a sidecutting drill as one step in the procedure. The sidecutting drill creates a circumferential lateral cut near the sinus floor, thereby allowing upfracturing of the sinus floor over a greater area than would otherwise be possible absent the circumferential lateral cut. The sidecutting drill includes a tip extending in a planar nonuniform manner from the centerline of said drill with one or more cutting edges located on the extended portion for cutting through tissue.

Abstract: Method for positioning artificial posterior teeth (1, 2, 3, 4, 19, 20, 21, 22) on an entirely edentulous or at least partially edentulous jaw model (5, 6), wherein several artificial posterior teeth (1, 2, 3, 4, 19, 20, 21, 22) are combined to form at least one tooth block (7), wherein the artificial posterior teeth (1, 2, 3, 4, 19, 20, 21, 22) in this tooth block (7) are arranged in a fixed geometric relationship to one another, and geometric parameters of the tooth block (7) are established on the tooth block (7), and geometric parameters of the jaw model (5, 6) are established on the jaw model (5, 6), and, in order to position the tooth block (7) on the jaw model (5, 6), the geometric parameters of the tooth block (7) are assigned to the geometric parameters of the jaw model (5, 6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to oral care and dental implants. In particular, the present invention is a dental implant with a removable protective film that is used to prevent implant loss and remove unwanted residual cement.

Abstract: Described herein are regimens for whitening the teeth, comprising administering to the teeth an effective amount of a first oral care composition comprising a bleaching agent and allowing the first oral care composition to remain on the teeth for at least 30 seconds, and brushing the teeth with a second oral care composition. Kits comprising a first oral care composition comprising a bleaching agent, wherein said first oral care composition is adapted to remain on the teeth for at least 30 seconds; a second oral care composition; and instructions for use, are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for intra-vaginal bowel control.

Abstract: Described are pelvic implants and methods of surgically placing pelvic implants, the implants optionally including the ability to engage a spreader tool for spreading the implant within the patient, also optionally including a stiffening frame (306), exemplary implants being capable of being used to treat pelvic floor disorders, for example by supporting of levator tissue.

Abstract: An insertion device includes an elongate member and a stylet. The elongate member has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and defines a lumen therethrough. The stylet has a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and is slidably coupled to the elongate member. The stylet is configured to move from a first position to a second position with respect to the elongate member. The distal end portion of the stylet is configured to removably couple a mesh carrier thereto. A portion of the distal end portion of the stylet is disposed outside of the lumen of the elongate member when the stylet is in its first position and is disposed within the lumen when the stylet is in its second position.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a medical device may include an elongated shaft configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The elongated shaft may include a retaining area configured to retain an implant. The medical device may include a sheath disposed around a portion of the elongated shaft. The elongated shaft may be configured to move in relation to the sheath. The elongated shaft may be configured to move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis between a first position and a second position. When the elongated shaft is in the first position, the retaining area is disposed outside of a cavity defined by the sheath. When the elongated shaft is in the second position, the retaining area is disposed within the cavity defined by the sheath.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a support portion disposable within a pelvic region and a strap extending from the support portion. The strap has a length and is configured to be disposed at least partially within a pelvic tissue. A sleeve is releasably disposed over at least a portion of the strap. The sleeve has a length that is longer than the length of the strap. In some embodiments, the length of the sleeve is at least twice as long as the length of the strap. In some embodiments, a suture couples the sleeve to the strap. The apparatus can also include a suture disposed at least partially within an interior of the sleeve and forming two strands of suture within the interior of the sleeve. The two strands are separated by a distance defined by a separator portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A unitary or homogeneous patterned implant is provided. The implant is constructed of patterned cells formed by way of a molding, die casting, laser etching, laser cutting, extruding, and the like. Portions of the implant can be formed into sinusoid or other waveform strut members. One or more undulating anchor arms or rods extend out from the implant for tissue fixation, with the one or more undulating anchor arms including one or more arcuate bends.

Abstract: Prosthesis (1) comprising a patch (2) made of biocompatible material, said patch having a generally plane geometric shape that defines two opposite faces, a center, a length and a width of said patch, characterized in that said patch is provided, on one (2a) of its faces, with a single marking means (3) designed to indicate both the center (C) of the patch and also the longitudinal direction of said patch.

Abstract: An expandable vascular sheath utilizes a set of expandable members such as shape memory alloy wires for expanding its distal end. The wires are slidable along a portion of the sheath's elongate shaft. In certain embodiments, the distal end of the shaft is manufactured with a more pliable and elastic polymer relative to more proximal portions of the elongate shaft, so that as the wires advance into distal portions of the shaft, they expand, causing the distal end opening of the shaft to expand. A method for retrieving a foreign object from a vasculature utilizes a retrieval tool that can be advanced through the expandable vascular sheath.

Abstract: A device having one or more adjustable loops or coils associated with an implant body for use in soft tissue reconstructions is provided. One exemplary embodiment of a device includes a body and a suture filament, with the filament being used to form a self-locking sliding knot disposed on a top side of the body and a plurality of adjustable coils that are substantially disposed on the body's bottom side. Terminal ends of the filament located above the body's top side can be passed through an opening of a Lark's Head knot from opposite sides, thus forming a self-locking sliding knot, and then the terminal ends can be tensioned to adjust a circumference of the coils. Changing a coil's circumference changes a location of a ligament graft disposed on the coil. Other configurations of devices and systems, as well as methods for performing ACL repairs, are also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing a soft tissue site, and augmenting the soft tissue site, such as the breast(s), scar, depression, or other defect, of a subject through use of devices that exert a distractive force on the breast(s) and grafting of autologous fat tissue such as domes with sealing rims for surrounding each of the soft tissue site and a regulated pump. The method for preparing the soft tissue site, and enhancing fat graft results, entails application of the distracting force to the targeted soft tissue site at least intermittently for some period of time and preferably several weeks prior to the graft procedure. A related aspect of the invention includes following the preparation steps by transfer of fat from other areas of the subject to the subject's soft tissue site, and then reapplication of the distractive force to the soft tissue site that received the autologous fat graft.

Abstract: A method of reducing the risk of macular degeneration is provided. The method includes inserting an intraocular collar stent into a portion of a mammalian eye, such that the stent is in contact with soft tissue of the anterior chamber. When inserted in the eye, the stent applies pressure to a surface centered on a transition zone, between an anterior limit of a trabecular meshwork and a posterior limit of a corneal endothelium of the eye, to a surface of the peripheral iris of the eye, and in circumferentially expanding direction to the irideocorneal angle. The pressure is applied continually. The method also includes creating an environment of a reduced negative pressure state within the retina as a result of the application of the pressure; and, while the reduced negative pressure state is present, permitting drusen precursors formed by extracellular material to flow through the eye for removal by vasculature of the eye.

Abstract: A keratoprosthesis and system and method of using same for corneal repair. The keratoprosthesis comprises a biocompatible support and an optic member disposed through a channel within the support. The support includes metal, preferably titanium, and treated, such as by sandblasting and/or acid etching, to create textured surfaces that promote soft tissue adhesion. A locking member interconnects the optic member and support. An outer surface of the locking member a collar extending from the support and disposed around the optic member is also metal, preferably titanium, and is similarly treated to promote soft tissue adhesion. A locking member interconnects the optic member and support. The system includes the keratoprosthesis positioned within an isolated soft tissue segment of a non-ocular tissue, such as buccal mucosa, placed on the anterior cornea.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical interventional procedures, including approaches to valve implantation. In one aspect, the methods and systems involve a modular approach to mitral valve therapy.

Abstract: A template 13 comprises a cusp base forming part 11 having a shape corresponding to a cusp base is provided to obtain cusp material for dispersing stresses exerted on the cusp. Such a cusp forming template may further comprise wing forming parts 15 corresponding to wing parts provided outside the cusp base forming part 11. As examples of the wing forming part, there may be employed a single or plural holes provided at a part or parts corresponding to the outline of each wing, and guide parts provided at parts corresponding to the outline of wings.

Abstract: Systems and methods of delivering and deploying a stented prosthetic heart valve having a wrap that is automatically deployed to prevent or mitigate paravalvular leakage. In various embodiments, during transcatheter delivery of the stented prosthetic heart valve, the wrap is extends beyond a stent frame of the stented prosthetic heart valve so that the profile of the stented prosthetic heart valve is not increased during delivery. The disclosed embodiments are arranged and configured so that upon expansion of a stent frame of the stented prosthetic heart valve, a plurality of elongated members automatically pull the wrap distally into a deployed arrangement.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve can comprise an annular frame comprising an inflow end and an outflow end and being radially collapsible and expandable between a radially collapsed configuration and a radially expanded configuration, the frame defining an axial direction extending from the inflow end to the outflow end, a leaflet structure positioned within the frame and secured thereto, and an annular outer skirt positioned around an outer surface of the frame, wherein the outer skirt comprises an inflow edge secured to the frame at a first location, an outflow edge comprising a plurality of alternating projections and notches, wherein the projections are secured to the frame at a second location, and the notches are not directly secured to the frame, an intermediate portion between the inflow edge and the outflow edge that comprises a plurality of openings.

Abstract: A tubular portion (32) of a valve frame (30) circumscribes a longitudinal axis, and defines a lumen along the axis and a plurality of valve-frame coupling elements (31) disposed circumferentially around the axis. An outer frame (60): (a) comprises a ring (66) defined by a pattern of alternating peaks and troughs, the pattern having an amplitude, (b) comprises a plurality of legs (50), coupled to the ring at respective troughs, and (c) is shaped to define a plurality of outer-frame coupling elements (61), each coupled to the ring at a respective peak, and fixed with respect to a respective valve-frame coupling element. Compression of the tubular portion from an expanded state toward a compressed state reduces a circumferential distance between each of the outer-frame coupling elements and its adjacent outer-frame coupling elements, and increases the amplitude of the pattern of the ring.

Abstract: A method of crimping an implantable prosthetic valve can include placing protective material over at least a portion of the implantable prosthetic valve. The protective material can be configured to occupy space between open cells of a frame of the implantable prosthetic valve to prevent damage to a leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve. The method can also include crimping the implantable prosthetic valve with the protective material on the implantable prosthetic valve, and removing the protective material from between the frame and the leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including an intracardiac annuloplasty structure configured for placement on an annulus of a heart valve, a first rotatable ring coupled to the annuloplasty structure and a second rotatable ring coupled to the annuloplasty structure. The first and second rotatable rings are arranged such that the first rotatable ring is rotatable to contract the annuloplasty structure while the second rotatable ring remains stationary, and the second rotatable ring is rotatable to contract the annuloplasty structure while the first rotatable ring remains stationary. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a disc or vertebral defect packing tape for use in disc fusion, disc regeneration or for the creation of artificial disks. The tape comprises a tape body and one or more support members. Each of the support members is contained within the tape body and/or adhered to an external surface of the tape or tape body. The tape body is configured as a packing material and each of the support members is configured to hold the tape body together.

Abstract: A femoral neck prosthesis (10) with a cross-section defined by a perimeter comprising: first and second arcuate portions (12, 14) disposed opposite one another; and first and second substantially straight portions (16, 18) disposed opposite one another and in between the first and second arcuate portions, wherein the first and second straight portions are non-parallel with respect to one another.

Abstract: A femoral head resurfacing implant is described comprising an external articulating surface and an internal fixation surface. A stem projects from the center of the internal fixation surface. The internal fixation surface comprises a top surface, surrounding and substantially orthogonal to a long axis of the stem, a chamfer surface extending downwardly and outwardly from the top surface and a side surface extending substantially parallel to the long axis of the stem. At least one projection is arranged on the internal fixation surface to provide a predetermined gap between the top surface and/or chamfer surface and a resected head onto which the implant is to be fitted. Furthermore, the side surface constitutes or comprises a cement containment feature configured to restrict or eliminate outflow of cement from the predetermined gap.

Abstract: A glenoid implant is disclosed which has a protruding surface on a first side arranged to engage the surface of a cavity formed in a glenoid extending between peripheral glenoid surfaces and a flat surface adjacent the protruding surface of the implant arranged to engage the peripheral glenoid surfaces adjacent the cavity. The implant also has a wear-resistant surface on a second side opposite the flat surface and the protruding surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.

Abstract: Surgically installed prostheses replace either the caudal portion of a natural facet joint, the cephalad portion of a natural facet joint, or both. The prostheses are readily attached to the pedicles of a vertebral body and support at least one element that defines an artificial facet joint structure. The caudal facet joint structure is sized and located to articulate with the cephalad facet joint structure. Together, the prostheses form a total facet replacement system. The system is suitable for use in virtually all levels of the spine.

Abstract: This disclosure provides vertebral implants, fastening devices for vertebral implants, and implant instrumentation, and various combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the implant comprises a peripheral wall extending according to a vertical axis between upper and lower surfaces of the implant, with each such surface configured to be placed in contact with a vertebral structure, respectively, at the top and the bottom of the vertebral segment replaced by the implant. Some embodiments comprise fastening means, deployment of which anchors the implant in the lower and upper vertebral structures. Some fastening means may be deployed by sliding parallel to the vertical axis of the implant, and may comprise a plate with at least one part remaining in contact with the peripheral wall of the implant when deployed and a pointed end projecting from one of the upper and lower surfaces of the implant to enter a vertebral structures on completion of deployment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being inserted between adjacent vertebrae to facilitate the fusion process. A method of installing an expandable fusion device may comprise introducing the expandable fusion device into an intervertebral space, wherein the expandable fusion device comprises a proximal end, a distal end, an anterior side connecting the proximal end and the distal end, and a posterior side connecting the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the expandable fusion device has an anterior height on the anterior side and a posterior height on the posterior side. The method may further comprise adjusting the anterior height of the expandable fusion device independently from adjustment of the posterior height. The method can also include changing the lordotic angle.

Abstract: A spinal implant has a first member defining a longitudinal axis. A second member includes an axial cavity configured for disposal of the first member. A third member is rotatable relative to the first member and defines a transverse cavity. A locking element is disposable in the transverse cavity and engageable with the first member to fix the third member relative to the first member. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Interbody fusion devices, interbody fusion device systems, insertion tools, methods for assembling an interbody fusion device, and methods a method for inserting a medical device between two vertebral bodies are disclosed. The interbody fusion device includes a body member with a pivot cylinder, a superior member with a pivot channel that is configured to engage the pivot cylinder, and a movement mechanism for moving the superior member relative to the body member. The interbody fusion device systems may include an interbody fusion device and an insertion tool. Also disclosed is a method of assembling an interbody fusion device. In addition, a method for inserting a medical device between two vertebral bodies in a spine is disclosed.

Abstract: A bone fusion device provides stability to bones during a bone fusion period. The bones include, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs attached to the bone fusion device by associated rotating means. The bone fusion device is preferably inserted by using an arthroscopic surgical procedure. During arthroscopic insertion of the device, the tabs are pre-configured for compactness. In this compact configuration, the tabs are preferably deposed along and/or within an exterior surface of the bone fusion device. After the bone fusion device has been positioned between the bones, one or more tab(s) are extended. In the preferred embodiment, the position of each tab is related to a positioning element and extending blocks. Typically, the tabs advantageously position and brace the bone fusion device in the confined space between the bones until the bones have fused.