Abstract: A fixation system for spinal instrumentation comprising a cap (1), which houses the head of a screw (2), the end of said screw (2) projecting through a lower opening of said cap (1). A coupling element (3) having two tabs (33) on both side ends rests on the upper part of the head of said screw (2). Said coupling element (3) houses therein an adjusting ring (4) secured to a series of tabs (7), by which means the movement of the head of said screw (2) can be limited.

Abstract: Provided are rod coupler devices, systems, kits and methods, which include at least one saddle having a concave configuration that either abuts a bone fastener and/or a locking cap and is shaped so as to contact the rod in two or more lines of contact, which reduces pressure on the rod, and therefore permits use of a rod having various materials, such as PEEK, without significant deformation of the rod. Also provided is the saddle itself and integrated locking caps that include a saddle, the locking cap and a set screw. Also provided are elongate rods having advantageous shapes, configurations, and/or compositions for rod coupler devices, systems and methods. Further provided are screw and cap devices and systems that themselves include a concave configuration so as to contact a rod in two or more lines of contact, which reduces pressure on the rod.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enhancing the effectiveness of spinal stabilization, and particularly that of cervical spinal stabilization, are provided herein. More specifically, methods and systems are disclosed for effectively positioning occipital plates and spinal fixation assemblies within target vertebrae, while also reducing any associated patient trauma (e.g., muscle stripping, tissue damage, etc.). The systems and methods can utilize trans-lamina delivery of the spinal fixation assemblies to allow for the positioning of the fixation elements along the midline of the patient's spine.

Abstract: Spinal stabilization implant assemblies, as well as systems, instruments and methods are provided for implanting and stabilizing adjacent vertebra in connection with a surgical procedure, particularly a spinal surgery. The implant assemblies and instruments enable controlled spinal rod insertion and reduction, and controlled rotation or de-rotation of adjacent spinal bones for optimized compression to achieve enhanced sagittal balance in a treated spine.

Abstract: A rod reducer including a housing, a plurality of arm members, an anvil, a shaft, a sleeve, and a plurality of locking feet. The shaft and locking feet are coupled to the anvil. The housing is slidably disposed within a cavity of the sleeve and defines an opening to receive the shaft. The locking feet are additionally coupled to the sleeve and are pivotable between an engaged configuration with the sleeve in a distal position with respect to the anvil and a released configuration with the sleeve in a proximal position. In the engaged configuration an engagement surface of the locking feet couple to an outer housing of a dual layered housing of a bone screw such that proximal translation of the shaft drives the outer housing proximally with respect to an inner housing of the bone screw into a partially locked or locked configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant for the osteosynthesis of the PIP arthrodesis or the DIP arthrodesis of small joints and for the osteosynthesis and stabilisation of fractures of small bones of the human skeleton, said implant being resorbable by the human body. The implant consists of two shafts placed against each other. At least one fixing aid is located between the shafts, said fixing aid protruding beyond the diameter of the shaft. Each shaft can optionally have longitudinal grooves and transverse grooves. The implant consists of a magnesium-based material which can be resorbed by the human body. The invention provides an implant which has an extremely high tensile strength, excellent stability, optimal healing properties, and an optimally adapted resorption speed.

Abstract: A bone plate has first and second sides, each with the same structure. The plate includes nodes separated by deformable bridges. Each node defines a screw hole, and wings extending laterally therefrom. The wings taper in thickness between the first and second sides. Screw holes are threaded into the nodes. The plate can be shaped to the bone by deformation at the bridges or removal of portions of the plate at bridges.

Abstract: A bone fixation screw device for implantation into a bone of a patient is disclosed. The screw device includes a screw body having an outer surface. A plurality of outer screw threads extends around the outer surface of the screw body. A plurality of apertures or passages is defined through the outer surface. A plurality of anchors can extend out of corresponding apertures in the screw body. The anchors can be inserted into a patient's bone to further fixate and purchase the bone screw within the patient's bone. The screw body can include an inner cavity, the plurality of apertures each being open to the inner cavity. The anchors can extend out of corresponding apertures from the inner cavity.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is a new implant for medical use enabling the fixation of at least two adjacent bone elements in a rapid, secure and minimally invasive manner. Said implant is a device in two distinct parts forming a screw once said two parts are assembled. The present invention describes also a fixing method of at least two adjacent bone elements implementing said new implant forming a screw. Said method is particularly adapted for joining at least two vertebrae in order to achieve an arthrodesis; said implant forming a screw is then of a curved shape that makes it particularly well adapted for the spine surgery.

Abstract: The inventive method of manufacturing a cryoprobe uses an assembly pin (25) for receiving a sleeve (20) that is to form a part of the head (13) of the cryoprobe and comprises three abutment surfaces (27, 29, 30) that are axially offset relative to each other, said abutment surfaces ensuring, following the attachment of the sleeve (20) and the nozzle (24) to the tube end (19), the correct axial positioning of the nozzle (24) and the sleeve (20), in particular, relative to the distal end surface (18) of the tube end (19). Consequently, the position of the nozzle (24) in the expansion chamber (23) that formed after the sleeve (20) was closed and thus the function of the cryoprobe are ensured.

Abstract: A jet impingement cooling apparatus is provided including a housing having a surface to be directed at a treatment area, an optically transparent region on the surface of the housing through which electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from a source can be directed from the housing to the treatment area, and at least one opening on the surface of the housing through which a fluid flow can be directed to the treatment area to maintain the treatment area at a therapeutically acceptable temperature range while avoiding interference with the EMR being directed at the treatment area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pen for the treatment of dermatological disorders, such as warts and the like, by means of a coolant. The pen includes a distal part having a holder for the storage of a coolant and a proximal part with an applicator for the administration of the coolant to the dermatological surface for treatment. These parts extend axially and are in coolant communication by means of a coolant passage in the proximal part, in which a valve body is provided for closing off and/or opening the passage. The passage is provided with at least one bypass for the coolant. In addition, the invention relates to a method for the administration of the pen.

Abstract: Devices and methods for efficiently and reproducibly heating fluid for use in fluid enhanced ablation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an ablation device is provided having an elongate body, at least one wire extending through an inner lumen of the elongate body, and at least one spacer disposed within the inner lumen. The at least one wire extends through the at least one spacer such that the at least one spacer is effective to maintain an adjacent portion of the at least one wire in a substantially fixed geometric relationship with the inner lumen, thereby preventing electrical shorts and providing for the consistent and uniform heating of fluid flowing through the inner lumen of the elongate body.

Abstract: A method of operating a power source device for a high-frequency treatment instrument adapted to perform high-frequency treatment for biological tissue includes causing a high-frequency power source circuit to output power; setting a target impedance value which gradually increases from a change-over impedance value to a stop impedance value; regularly comparing a measured impedance value to the target impedance value; causing the high-frequency power source circuit to lower the power by a first ratio if the measured impedance value is greater than the target impedance value, and to raise the power by a second ratio if the measured impedance value is smaller than the target impedance value; and causing the high-frequency power source circuit to terminate the output upon the value for impedance reaching the stop impedance value.

Abstract: A multi-pole synchronous pulmonary artery radiofrequency ablation catheter may comprise a control handle, a catheter body and an annular ring. One end of the catheter body may be flexible, and the flexible end of the catheter body may be connected to the annular ring. The other end of the catheter body may be connected to the control handle. A shape memory wire may be arranged in the annular ring. One end of the shape memory wire may extend to an end of the annular ring and the other end of the shape memory wire may pass through a root of the annular ring and be fixed on the flexible end of the catheter body. The annular ring may be provided with an electrode group. The device possesses advantages of simple operation, short operation time and controllable precise ablation. The device can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension with pulmonary denervation.

Abstract: An inventive system and method for touch free operation of an ablation workstation is presented. The system can comprise a depth sensor for detecting a movement, motion software to receive the detected movement from the depth sensor, deduce a gesture based on the detected movement, and filter the gesture to accept an applicable gesture, and client software to receive the applicable gesture at a client computer in an ablation workstation for performing a task in accordance with client logic based on the applicable gesture. The system can also comprise hardware for making the detected movement an applicable gesture. The system can also comprise voice recognition providing voice input for enabling the client to perform the task based on the voice input in conjunction with the applicable gesture. The applicable gesture can be a movement authorized using facial recognition.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for the treatment of tissue via an electrode assembly is disclosed having at least one active electrode and an aspiration system for configured to collect aspirated materials and to remove those aspirated materials from a surgical site while preventing the materials from melting and thereby clogging the aspiration system. In at least one embodiment, the aspiration system may include an internal aspiration collection chamber positioned at a distal end of the instrument to collect aspirated material and insulate the aspirated material to prevent the aspirated material from melting within the aspiration system and thereby clogging the aspiration system. The internal aspiration collection chamber may also be subjected to reduced heating from the active electrode by limiting the exposure of the internal aspiration collection chamber to a minimally sized support arm extending from active electrode to the channel of the aspiration system in the electrosurgical instrument shaft.

Abstract: A treatment instrument includes a first treatment portion including a first member with a first contact surface and a second member with a second contact surface; a movement mechanism to switch between a closed position where the first and second contact surfaces are close to each other and an open position where the first and second contact surfaces are separated each other; and a second treatment portion juxtaposed to the first treatment portion. A distal end of the second treatment portion is located at a distal side in the longitudinal axis than a distal end of the first treatment portion on the closed position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for resecting an organ in a cavity of a living body. The device includes a guide with a tube and a tube, both cylindrical, the tube being mounted in the first tube; an electrical conductor surrounded by an electrically insulating sheath, the tube being a cylinder of revolution with an inner radius of value R1, the tube including a part which is a cylinder of revolution with an outer radius of value R2<R1 and with an angle at the center of a value Ac, and a part which is not a cylinder of revolution and has an angle at the center of value “360°?Ac”; the insulated conductor contacts the part of the tube, between the outer and inner walls of this tube; and a unit for keeping this insulated conductor in contact with the part of the tube.

Abstract: A jaw member for use with a surgical instrument includes a support base, a jaw liner, and an elongated plate. The support base defines a cavity therein configured for receipt of the jaw liner. The elongated plate is configured to be seated in the cavity of the support base adjacent the jaw liner to secure the jaw liner relative to the support base.

Abstract: Bipolar electrosurgical forceps are provided with dual irrigating tubes that deliver irrigating liquid to the opposed surfaces of the tips of the forceps to prevent the sticking of body tissue to the tips. To reduce the manufacturing costs of the forceps and enable the forceps to be single use, disposable forceps, each tube of the dual irrigating tools is a plastic tube adhered along one of the opposing surfaces of the pair of forceps arms. Each tube also has a flat nozzle at the distal end of the tube that disburses irrigating liquid across the opposed surfaces of the forceps arm distal and tips.

Abstract: A device is designed to remove blockages in a lumen such as a thrombus, blood clot, or embolus. The device comprises a manipulating wire and a structure that can conduct electrical current to a lumen blockage. The electrical current is preferably in radio frequency (RF). The RF electric current in the blockage can excite the contents such as proteins of the blockage, so that cross-linking density and interfacial adsorption of the entire blockage is enhanced. The enhanced cross-linking density can result in increased fracture resistance of the blockage such that fracture of the blockage during the removal process is unlikely. The enhanced interfacial adsorption results in increased interfacial fracture resistance between the device and blockage so that the blockage can be securely captured during the removal process without using radially applied force.

Abstract: A catheter includes a braid assembly having a dual-laminate coating. The braid assembly includes a plurality of braid members interwoven to provide for interstices between the braid members, each braid member having an electrically conductive element, a flexible non-electrically-conductive polymer coating that insulates the electrically conductive element and a thermoplastic bonding adhesive coating. The braid assembly is formed between an inner polymer layer and an outer polymer layer. One or more of the braid members may be coupled to an energy delivery element.

Abstract: A medical device for tissue ablation may include a catheter shaft, an expandable member disposed on or coupled to the catheter shaft, and a plurality of elongate electrode assemblies each constructed as a flexible circuit. The expandable member may be configured to shift between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The plurality of electrode assemblies may be disposed on an outer surface of the expandable member. Each of the plurality of electrode assemblies may include a temperature sensor aligned with two or more electrodes.

Abstract: The present application relates to an optical system (1) comprising a plurality of optical components, a pulse generating arrangement (3) configured to generate a treatment pulse along a treatment pulse optical path through said optical components, said pulse generating arrangement also being configured to generate a probe pulse along a probe pulse optical path extending through said optical components, a sensor (8) configured to generate information indicative of an optical characteristic of said probe pulse that has passed along said probe pulse optical path through said optical components, and a controller (5) configured to control said pulse generating apparatus (3) to selectively emit said treatment pulse along said treatment pulse optical path (2), in dependence on the information generated by the sensor (8).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a surgical guide tool for use in total hip replacement surgery. The surgical guide tool may include a customized mating region and a resection guide. The customized mating region and the resection guide are referenced to each other such that, when the customized mating region matingly engages a surface area of a proximal femur, the resection guide will be aligned to guide a resectioning of the proximal femur along a preoperatively planned resection plane.

Abstract: A method for electromagnetic navigation registration is provided. The method includes storing, in a memory, a mapping that associates electromagnetic field-based signal values with corresponding locations within a three-dimensional model of a luminal network. An ultrasound signal is received from an ultrasound probe. Based on the ultrasound signal, an ultrasound-based location of a target in a patient relative to the three-dimensional model is determined. At least a portion of the mapping is updated based on the ultrasound-based location of the target.

Abstract: An electronic sensor device test fixture includes an electronic sensor device receiving mechanism arranged to receive an electronic sensor device. The electronic sensor device test fixture also includes a plurality of electromagnetic coils removably or permanently arranged in known positions relative to the electronic sensor device receiving mechanism.

Abstract: A method of navigation for a medical device, including, but not limited to, a sinuplasty device, within a portion of a patient's body, the method including mapping a route through a three-dimensional model of the portion patient's body using a target location, manipulating the three-dimensional model so the field of view matches a real-time image, determining whether the target location has been reached, comparing the field of view of the three-dimensional model, determining whether the field of view includes route and non-route passageways through the patient's body, and highlighting and displaying these passageways with different visual markers.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable medium are provided for utilizing augmented reality visualization to assist surgery. An example method includes generating a three dimensional reconstruction of an image stack representing a target area of a patient, and superimposing, by a head-mounted display, a projection of the three dimensional reconstruction onto a field of view of a user. The method further includes maintaining alignment between the projection and the user's actual view of the target area using a plurality of fiducial markers associated with the target area. In some embodiments, the method further includes scanning the target area to generate the image stack.

Abstract: Transducer-based systems can be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Selection of a plurality of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause visual display of a corresponding activation path in the graphical representation. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers.

Abstract: A robotic surgery system for supporting a patient and a robotic surgical manipulator. The robotic surgery system includes a base, a pillar coupled to the base at a first end and extending vertically upwardly to an opposing second end, and an attachment structure coupled to the second end of the pillar. A patient table is coupled to the attachment structure. A robot support arm has a first end coupled to the attachment structure. The robot support arm extends vertically upwardly from the first end to a second end. The robot support arm may further extend horizontally over the patient table to support a robotic surgical manipulator that will extend generally downward from the robot support arm toward a patient supported by the patient table to place an end effector of the robotic surgical manipulator adjacent a desired surgical site on the patient.

Abstract: Surgical assemblies, instruments, and related methods are disclosed that control tissue gripping force. A method for controlling grip force in a robotic surgical instrument includes actuating an input link of a spring assembly. An actuation force is transferred from the input link to an output link of the spring assembly. Relative movement is inhibited between the input link and the output link when the transferred actuation force is below a predetermined level with a preloaded spring of the spring assembly. The input link is moved relative to the output link by deforming the preloaded spring when the transferred actuation force increases above the predetermined level. A grip mechanism is actuated via the output link.

Abstract: A surgical system for connection to a robotic arm includes an instrument drive unit and a surgical instrument detachably coupled to the instrument drive unit. The instrument drive unit includes a motor assembly and an adapter assembly. The motor assembly has a motor and a shaft extending from the motor. The adapter assembly includes an adapter body and a tab lock supported by the adapter body. The adapter body is connected to the shaft and movable along the shaft. The surgical instrument supports an instrument tab that is engagable with the tab lock to move the tab lock relative to the adapter body from a first position to a second position. The tab lock moves from the second position to the first position so that the adapter assembly secures to the instrument tab.

Abstract: Example surgical systems include end-effector assembly, arm assembly, and elbow joint assembly. Arm assembly includes proximal and distal ends. Elbow joint assembly secures proximal end of arm assembly to distal end of second arm assembly. Elbow joint assembly includes first and second elbow joint portions. First elbow joint portion includes first end section secured to proximal end of arm assembly, second end section, and first joint joining first and second end sections of first elbow joint portion. Second elbow joint portion includes first end section secured to second end section of first elbow joint portion, second end section secured to distal end of second arm assembly, and second joint joining first and second end sections of second elbow joint portion. First end section of first and second elbow joint portion are pivotable relative to first and second axes, respectively, formed by center line drawn through first and second joints, respectively.

Abstract: Surgical end effectors are disclosed having angled tissue-contacting surfaces. The end effectors may have a first jaw member that is movable relative to a second jaw member between an open position and a closed position. The first jaw member may have a first positively-angled tissue-contacting surface. The second jaw member may have a second positively-angled tissue-contacting surface. At least one of the jaw members may have at least one active electrode configured to deliver RF energy to tissue located between the first jaw member and the second jaw member when in the closed position.

Abstract: A surgical manipulator includes an internal working end having an internal joint, and an external control interface linked to the internal working end for controlling the internal working end. The external control interface includes at least one lever defining a grip volume for a surgeon's hand when gripping and operating the at least one lever, and an external joint linked to the internal joint for controlling the internal joint. The external joint is positioned substantially within the grip volume.

Abstract: Techniques for a surgical system are provided that allow controlling a force applied by an electromechanical surgical tool coupled to an electromechanical surgical arm. A force limiter can be associated with at least one of the surgical arm and the tool and is used to limit the force applied by jaws of the tool to tissue when the tissue is engaged therebetween or when the tissue is otherwise manipulated. The force can be limited to a maximum force value, which can be preselected, and it can be adjustable based on user input or automatically. Also are provided techniques for a surgical system that allow controlling a stiffness of an electromechanical passive arm coupled to a fixture and having an active arm mounted thereon. The stiffness is adjusted, either manually or automatically, by adjusting a friction at a joint of the arm based on an angle at the arm's joint.

Abstract: A surgical robotic drape for enveloping a surgical robotic arm that comprises a drive assembly for providing drive to an instrument, the drive assembly comprising an interface for coupling to a corresponding interface of the instrument, the drape comprising: a covering for enveloping the robotic arm to define a sterile boundary thereover; an interface element attached to the covering, the interface element being configured to engage the drive assembly interface and the instrument interface to couple the drive assembly to the instrument to thereby provide drive to the instrument through the drape; and a guiding structure attached to the covering for locating the interface element relative to the drive assembly interface, the guiding structure being deformable between a storage configuration for when the drape is to be stored, and an operative configuration in which the guiding structure is configured to attach to the robotic arm to position the interface element with respect to the interface of the drive assem

Abstract: A surgical microscope apparatus has a discharge pump unit that is attached to a rear arm of a parallel linkage mechanism and is exposed to an outside. The discharge pump unit, therefore, is easy to remove from a stand body when repairing or maintaining the same. Namely, the repair or maintenance of the discharge pump unit is easy to carry out. The discharge pump unit is not present inside a horizontal arm, and therefore, never increases the weight of the horizontal arm.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vitreous visualization system including a vitreous illuminator including a vitreous visualization light source and a vitreous visualization tool that transmits lights from the vitreous visualization light source into an eye having vitreous, a pupil, and a vitreous-pupil axis. The vitreous visualization system further includes a general illuminator, which may include a general light source and a general illumination tool that transmits light from the general light source into the eye. The present disclosure further provided a vitreous visualization system including only a vitreous illuminator that transmits light from the vitreous visualization light source into an eye having vitreous, a pupil, a vitreous-pupil axis, and a retina at an angle B with the vitreous-pupil axis of the eye such that the brightness of vitreous in the eye is higher than the brightness of the retina of the eye.

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: This disclosure is directed to improving the overall image of the patient's tissues displayed on the television monitor or optical googles or glasses and viewed by the surgeon or endoscopist when using dyes or other processes such as ICG.

Abstract: An arrangement for electromagnetic radiation based non-invasive monitoring of an anatomic object during an operation includes at least one imaging device for obtaining at least two or more images of at least one surface point on a surface of the anatomic object over at least one fraction of a characteristic movement cycle from the surface of the anatomic object. In addition the arrangement includes an output for a display device or the display device, and a control unit for determining deformation based on movements of the at least one surface point over the at least one fraction of the cycle between the at least two or more images of the surface of the heart in function of time. Further changes in the deformation is determined or determined deformation is compared to reference deformation values to find any deviation in the performance or state of the deformation determined.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are gross positioning systems for use with robotic surgical devices to provide gross positioning of the robotic surgical devices. The gross positioning systems have a base, a first arm link operably coupled to the base, a second arm link operably coupled to the first arm link, a third arm link operably coupled to the second arm link, and a slidable coupling component slidably coupled to the third arm link.

Abstract: A snap-on snap-off drill stop device for boring into a tooth and or in bone. The stop device that impedes insertion of the bore device into the tooth or bone tissue beyond predetermined depths at pre-selected stages of a drilling process by simplifying the tedious process of exchanging drill bits and drill stops for the ultimate size and depth bore.

Abstract: Dental treatments and methods, including treating gum disease, using peroxide gel and a viscous antibacterial agent including tetracycline to chemically debride and curettage a treatment area. Treatments and methods include non-surgically scaling and root plaining the treatment area with dental tools such as periodontal scalers and/or curettes during the active period of the chemical debridement. The working surfaces of dental tools can be sharpened for optimal root and tooth surfacing during treatment. Treatment can include instructions for co-therapy by or on behalf of treatment subjects between visits and for maintenance care.

Abstract: An isolating retractor instrument to protect the tongue and cheek during dental treatment either in the dental clinic or in operating under general anesthesia. This instrument helps to protect the tongue and cheeks and provides a dry, clean and light-reflecting environment.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for guiding the placement of orthodontic brackets are provided. The system can include an at least one indexing tool designed to conform to at least a portion of a patient's teeth or alveolar process. The system can receive signals from a sensor at the indexing tool as well as signals from a sensor at a bracket positioning tool in order to track spatial location—and/or orientation of one or more brackets relative to the surface of the patient's actual or modeled teeth. A method for guiding the placement of orthodontic brackets involves detecting the location and/or orientation of a bracket with respect to at least one tooth of a patient and notifying the orthodontist that the actual bracket position and/or orientation meets specified criteria with respect to planned placement coordinates for the bracket. The method can further include collecting the planned placement coordinates for each bracket tooth combo during a planning phase.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is disclosed having three archwire retention channels in the mesial-distal directions, a central channel and two side channels. The two side channels each include a pair of spaced apart inverted archwire retaining regions having a recess that opens generally towards the bracket base. Each such recess is for grasping or holding an archwire therein. Other aspects are directed to a self ligating orthodontic bracket system that includes a rotatable member for securing an archwire within a slot of a bracket; embodiments that include an orthodontic appliance and method of producing and using the same, and preferably employed in a lingual orthodontic system, that includes friction reducing features between an interior of an archwire slot portion of the appliance and an archwire placed within the archwire slot.