Abstract: Devices and methods can be used to deliver thermal therapy to treat tissue. For example, this document provides devices and methods for treating varices, varicosity, other bleeding vessels, polyps, and cancer using microwave-delivered thermal therapy in a minimally invasive fashion. In some embodiment's provided herein, a multidirectional thermal therapy that does not injure surface tissues but causes endothelial injury and coagulation is described. In some implementations, varices are suctioned into a cup that is configured to deliver thermal therapy to the varices, resulting in coagulation.

Abstract: A method of performing denervation with a cooled microwave denervation catheter assembly includes advancing a catheter body over a guide wire in a body lumen of a patient to a treatment location adjacent targeted nerves, with the guide wire being located in an interior lumen of the catheter body, inflating the balloon with cooling fluid to contact a wall of the body lumen of the patient, removing the guide wire from the interior lumen of the catheter body, and inserting a microwave antenna catheter into the interior lumen of the catheter body, so that denervation treatment may be performed by simultaneously circulating cooling fluid in the balloon and supplying power to the microwave antenna, to cause the targeted nerves to be heated to a temperature sufficient to cause thermal damage while the wall of the body lumen is maintained at a temperature where thermal damage does not occur.

Abstract: An ablation probe comprising an elongate body extending a length along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end, the first end extending into a housing and the second end comprising an ablation probe tip configured for insertion into a biopsy tract in a patient. In example forms, the elongate body of the ablation probe can be inserted into a patient through an existing trocar needle or biopsy access cannula following completion of a biopsy. In other example forms, the elongate body of the ablation probe defines a lumen. In one example form, the lumen contains a wire for heating the ablation probe tip, which may be composed of graphite, a resistive metal, or another electrically-resistive material. In another example form, the lumen additionally contains a thermocouple or other temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the ablation probe tip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser system and laser handpiece and process for skin treatment. The system includes components for producing a continuous or pulse laser beam, and components for delivering a substance to the damaged region of skin. The system is designed to control and utilize the laser beam for damaging small volume of skin tissue and using a disposable tip to deliver a substance which is applied simultaneously or with some delay producing a combination of laser action with the action of a named substance at the same time.

Abstract: Provided and described herein are exemplary embodiments of apparatus, system, computer-accessible medium, procedure and method according to the present disclosure which can be used for providing laser steering and focusing for, e.g., incision, excision and/or ablation of tissue in minimally-invasive surgery. For example, an exemplary apparatus is provided that can include at least one optical element which can be configured to refract and/or diffract light provided in a structure which can be configured to be inserted into a body, where at least one of the optical element(s) is structured to receive the light at a first angle and generate a refracted and/or diffracted light at a second angle which can be different from the first angle relative to an optical axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a ureteroscope and a method for dusting stones in a body cavity. The ureteroscope includes a flexible probe and a handle. The flexible probe includes a working channel and a deflecting tip. The working channel accommodates a laser fiber in a distal end of the flexible probe to be deflected against a target stone for dusting. The deflecting tip at the distal end of the flexible probe is configured to be deflected and in turn deflect the laser fiber. The handle includes a plurality of selection switches and a deflection control module. The selection switches are configured to provide digital dusting signals corresponding to selection of a dusting amplitude and a dusting frequency of the deflecting tip by a user. The deflection control module is configured to control a motor assisted movement of the deflecting tip in response to the digital dusting signals.

Abstract: An image correction design system for an oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Abstract: A system for tracking a femoral frame of reference in computer-assisted surgery comprises a sensor unit. The sensor unit is adapted to be secured to the femur. The sensor unit comprises accelerometer and gyroscope sensors that produce orientation data. A processing unit receives gyroscope and accelerometer data. The processing unit comprises a gyroscope-data calculator to provide calculated acceleration data resulting from movements of the femur, an accelerometer-data calculator to calculate measured acceleration data resulting from movements of the femur, and an acceleration comparator to relate an orientation of the sensor unit to the femur to define a femoral frame of reference. The femoral frame of reference is defined from the comparison between the calculated and the measured acceleration data. A sensor orientation interface provides orientation data for the femur from a tracking of the femoral frame of reference. A method for tracking a femoral frame of reference is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical robot comprising a surgical robot arm and a surgical instrument. The surgical robot arm terminates at its distal end in a drive assembly comprising a first drive interface element. The surgical instrument comprises a shaft, an articulation attached to the distal end of the shaft, and a driving mechanism at the proximal end of the shaft. The articulation is for articulating an end effector, the articulation driveable by at least a first driving element and a second driving element. The driving mechanism comprises a first instrument interface element to which the first driving element is connected and a second instrument interface element to which the second driving element is connected.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for aiding insertion of a surgical implant by providing a threaded guide tube configured to engage a threaded surgical instrument such that an end-effector of a robot may provide force to drive the surgical implant into a patient. In addition, devices, systems, and methods relating to a dilator system for use with a robotic system that allows independent and separate control of tools within the dilator system.

Abstract: The present invention is relates to a user controller having a thumb sheath with an open side defined in the thumb sheath. Further embodiments relate to thumb presence sensors and sensory feedback components associated with the thumb sheath. Additional embodiments relate to an adjustable thumb sheath. Still other embodiments relate to systems comprising such user controllers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handle device for a surgical light, which comprises a handle element, prepared for attachment to a receiving body of the surgical light and forming a handle surface in an exterior region. A voice control module that has at least one acoustic sensor is detachably connected to the handle element. The invention further relates to a surgical light having said handle device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical fastening system for fastening a medical marker device to an anatomical body part, the fastening system comprising: a) a base part comprising a holding unit for holding the marker device; and b) a connecting part (5) for connecting the base part to the anatomical body part, characterized in that c) the base part comprises a fastening unit for fastening the connecting part to the base part so that the base part remains rotatable relative to the connecting part.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, systems and methods for cleaning medical tools having an elevator mechanism

Abstract: The invention relates to a decontamination device for medical instruments and a method for decontaminating medical instruments. The device includes a reception unit arranged for receiving a to be treated medical instrument. The device further includes a washing unit arranged for washing and/or drying the instrument. The device includes a disinfection unit arranged for disinfecting the instrument. The device includes a delivery unit arranged for presenting the disinfected instrument to be taken out of the decontamination device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless sensing include a wireless senor which includes a physiological sensor and an identification sensor. The physiological sensor obtains physiological data from a patient and the identification sensor detects a unique characteristic of the patient as identification data. The identification data is used to produce a unique identifier which is transmitted wirelessly from the wireless sensor along with the physiological data to associate the transmitted physiological data to the patient.

Abstract: A method of assembling a dental system includes providing an angled dental device having a unitary drive shaft extending from a first end having a first geometry, and providing a dental handpiece including a first end having a second geometry, the first dental handpiece end adapted to receive the drive shaft, the first geometry and the second geometry being not directly compatible. The method further includes sufficiently extending the drive shaft inside one or more adapters and the dental handpiece.

Abstract: A processor containing software allowing for measuring the speed of a motor, and adjusting that speed by pulse width modulation is provided. A dedicated voltage limiter prevents excess speed, and a battery charge management controller to charge the battery and monitor the battery charge status, ensures battery voltage is regulated to 3.3 V. These additional features contribute to safety, such that when included on an orthodontic remodeling device they allow safe and effective vibration, with minimal changes in frequency and force and no danger of excess speed or power.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes an arch wire formed on a trajectory corresponding to an aligned dentition of the lower or upper dentures and installed on the lip side or the tongue side of the dentures. An anchor bracket is fixed on both side molars of the upper or lower dentures, and detachably anchors the arch wire. An adhesive formed in a gel state is cured after being applied to the teeth surface of teeth to be aligned. The adhesive covers the arch wire installed on the anchor bracket to allow the arch wire to move when the teeth to be aligned move. The orthodontic appliance can be easily installed by applying, to the teeth surface, the adhesive covering the arch wire after installing the arch wire in a mouth and can protect the teeth from cavities by applying the adhesive to the teeth surface without existing brackets.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance has a ramp extending laterally from the posterior teeth on one of the patient's mandibular/maxillary dental arches. The ramp is curved with a J-shaped occlusal ramp surface extending diagonally upward toward its anterior aspect. The ramp also includes a stop at the gingival end of the ramp surface. A post extends laterally from the posterior teeth on the other dental arch. The post contacts and slides along the ramp surface toward the stop to guide the mandible forward as the mandible closes. The post seats against the stop to define a limit for closure of the mandible.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a topography for improved blood coagulation and/or cell attachment on a body made of titanium or a titanium alloy. The process includes the subsequent steps of: a) etching at least a portion of the surface of the body with a first etching solution including a mineral acid, and b) etching the surface etched under a) with a second etching solution different than the first etching solution, the second etching solution including hydrofluoric acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental prosthesis system that includes a ceramic implant for osseointegration in a jaw bone with a receiving opening for a connection screw and an abutment, preferably made of a ceramic, wherein the abutment can be secured in the receiving opening of the implant by the connection screw made of fibre-reinforced thermoplastic. A screw lock includes a first interlocking means and a second interlocking means, wherein the first interlocking means is arranged on the connection screw and the second interlocking means is arranged in the receiving opening of the implant and/or on the abutment. When tightening or releasing the connection screw in the implant, the first interlocking means is elastically deformed in conjunction with the second interlocking means.

Abstract: A universal digital implant scanning code (UDDISC) is provided on a dental implant body and/or any device attached to the dental implant body (e.g., the dental implant carrier). Implant bodies and platforms are available in many different types of sizes and configurations from many different companies. The UDDISC allows for an immediate digital scan of the dental implant in relationship to the patient's dentition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of dentures. More particularly, the present invention relates to manufacturing denture teeth using fixtures to hold the teeth during a scanning, registration and milling sequence. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to using machinable wax to set denture teeth within a fixture, so that the root or crown end of the teeth may be scanned, registered with an ideal tooth model to create a milling strategy, and milled or otherwise have material removed.

Abstract: A method of making a prosthetic dental item comprises selecting a block having a square or rectangular cross-section along is extent, wherein said block comprises polyetheretherketone and, optionally, an apatite, wherein said polymeric material has a crystallinity of at least 25%. The method comprises machining the block in dependence upon data collated using digital technology. Since the crystallinity of the material selected is high, a post-machining step whereby crystallinity is increased can be avoided, and dental items of high precision can be formed.

Abstract: A dental mill blank having a multi-layer structure has been required to improve the reproducibility of a color tone of the natural tooth in a dental crown restoration cut by CAD/CAM technique. Especially, a reproduction of the color tone of a cavity or a groove is required in a dental crown form of the molar tooth. The present disclosure provides a dental mill blank having three or more layers wherein a color of a 30% position layer which includes a 30% position which is a position spaced from a surface of the dental mill blank of a W layer-side by 30% satisfies a specified relational expression, and a contrast ratio of the 30% position layer is within a range of the contrast ratio of the D layer×(0.70 to 1.00).

Abstract: An appliance fabricated to improve the appearance of a patient's smile includes a plurality of simulated teeth. The interior surfaces of each of the teeth closely fits and conforms to the surface of a patient's real teeth while the outer surfaces of each of the simulated teeth has an ideal surface configuration. The dental appliance provides the patient with the appearance of a perfect set of teeth and an ideal smile without a need to alter the dental structure of the patient's teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the positioning of prosthetic teeth in a denture base, wherein at least one respective recess is provided in the basal side of the prosthetic teeth and/or a plurality of recesses are provided in the denture base in the surface pointing in the occlusal direction, wherein the prosthetic teeth are connected to the denture base by inserting pins into the recesses, wherein the pins are arranged at the basal side of the prosthetic teeth and/or in the occlusal direction on the denture base and/or the pins are connected as separate retaining pins to the prosthetic teeth and the denture base, wherein the pins have engaging means and the recesses have corresponding counter engaging means, such that, during insertion, the pins lock with the recesses in such a way that the prosthetic teeth are pulled by a mechanical tension against the denture base and connected to the denture base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental implant including: a fixture and an abutment including a coupling leg, and the fixture and the abutment are elastically coupled with each other, the dental implant including: a fixture axial hole inner inclined surface in which an inner diameter of an axial hole is gradually and downwardly reduced from a predetermined position of an inner inclined surface of the fixture; a first coupling part formed with a coupling hole at a predetermined position of the fixture; and a first associated coupling part formed with a coupling protrusion complementarily coupled with the first coupling part, wherein when the first associated coupling part is separated from the first coupling part by rotating the abutment, the coupling protrusion upwardly pushes the abutment from the fixture by elastic repulsion with the axial hole inner inclined surface of the fixture, thus the abutment becomes separated from the fixture.

Abstract: A battery chassis with stroke limiter (70) for a power toothbrush (10) configured to improve the durability of a power toothbrush (10) and to simplify the assembly process. The battery chassis stroke limiter (70) provides a secure housing for the battery (80), while tolerance compensation leaves (71, 72), and battery hardstops (75, 76, 77) provide for drop mitigation protection and shock protection, as well as vibration mitigation.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an improved bite information collection apparatus. In some embodiments, the bite information collection apparatus includes an upper face bow coupled to an upper clutch and a lower face bow coupled to a lower clutch. Additionally the bite information collection apparatus can be configured to a system for digitally retrieving and analyzing a patient's bite. The systems and methods described better simulate motion by using data to replicate bite motion on an improved automated articulator, which can be retrieved by digital or mechanical means.

Abstract: An elongate open-bored applicator (EOBP) adapted to deploy a mesh comprising (a) at least one inflatable contour-balloon, (b) at least one inflatable dissection balloon. The inflatable contour-balloon and the inflatable dissection balloon are adjustable and located at the distal portion; and, (c) at least one actuating means located at the proximal portion. The actuating means is in communication with the inflatable contour-balloon and the inflatable dissection balloon. The actuating means is adapted to provide the inflatable contour-balloon and the inflatable dissection balloon with independent activation and/or de-activation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for providing embolic protection in a patient's vascular system. In particular, the devices detailed herein are supported by a flexible scaffold that is coupled to a filter. When deployed into the peripheral or coronary vasculature of a patient, the embolic protection devices of the present disclosure collect and remove embolic debris as a prophylactic measure to lessen the risk of embolic associated complications.

Abstract: A structure of aligned (e.g., radially and/or polygonally aligned) fibers, and systems and methods for producing and using the same. One or more structures provided may be created using an apparatus that includes one or more first electrodes that define an area and/or partially circumscribe an area. For example, a single first electrode may enclose the area, or a plurality of first electrode(s) may be positioned on at least a portion of the perimeter of the area. A second electrode is positioned within the area. Electrodes with rounded (e.g., convex) surfaces may be arranged in an array, and a fibrous structure created using such electrodes may include an array of wells at positions corresponding to the positions of the electrodes.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed primarily to a stent for use in the trachea. The stent has a nominally deployed state, an axially extended state and an axially compressed state. The stent has a length. In the axially extended state, the length is at least 20% greater than in the nominally deployed state.

Abstract: A multi-layer tubular woven construct is useful as a hose that transports a fluid or a powder or protects linear bodies such as wires, cables and conduits, as a tubular filter, or as a base material of a vascular prosthesis. In particular, a tubular woven construct in a tubular configuration woven by interlacing warp and weft yarns contains at least in part an elastic fiber yarn having a filament fineness of 1.0 dtex or more, the weft yarn containing at least in part a microfiber yarn having a filament fineness of less than 1.0 dtex.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assisting valve function, replacing venous valves, and predicting valve treatment successes. In an exemplary embodiment of an endograft body configured for expansion within a luminal organ, the endograft body comprises (a) a first portion having a proximal end defining a proximal end aperture and a distal end defining a distal end aperture, the first portion configured to increase a velocity of fluid flowing therethrough, (b) a second portion having a second portion proximal end defining a second portion proximal end aperture and a second portion distal end defining a second portion distal end aperture, wherein the distal end of the first portion is adjacent to the second portion proximal end, and (c) a valve portion positioned at or near the second portion proximal end, the valve portion configured to receive the fluid flowing through the distal end aperture of the first portion.

Abstract: A stent (1) comprising a tubular frame (2) comprising a first end (3) and a second end and a longitudinal axis (4) therebetween. The frame (2) comprises a plurality of struts (9) defining a generally cylindrical portion comprising a longitudinally extending helical fin (11) protruding radially inwardly and having a helix angle. The angle, relative to the longitudinal axis (4), of at least some of the struts (9) in the helical fin (11) is substantially aligned with the helix angle of the helical fin (11).

Abstract: Stent grafts and methods of deployment thereof are provided. The stent graft includes a tubular graft body having a graft wall defining a lumen extending between first and second end openings. A stent structure is coupled along the graft wall. A top stent includes a first portion coupled along an inner surface of the graft body at attachment locations, and a second portion extending beyond the first end opening outside of the graft body. The attachment locations are circumferentially spaced from one another in an annular pattern. An end of the stent structure is spaced from the first end opening by a clearance length. When the stent graft is in the radially expanded configuration, the first portion retracts to a retracted length from an extended length, and a portion of the second portion has a greater cross-sectional area and a different cross-sectional shape than the graft body.

Abstract: This document provides implantable intraluminal stent graft medical devices. In some embodiments, the stent graft devices provided herein are implantable in bodily conduits that have side branches, and the stent graft devices are operable to allow the flow of fluids between the conduit and the side branches. In some embodiments, the walls of the stent graft devices provided herein include compliant channels which allow for fluid communication between the interior and the exterior of the stent graft devices. In some embodiments, the compliant channels are configured to inhibit or reduce tissue ingrowth, tissue bridging, and/or endothelialization.

Abstract: An intraocular lens assembly configured to effectively transfer movement of a zonule of Zinn to improve performance of an intraocular lens. The intraocular lens assembly is inserted into the eyeball, and includes: an intraocular lens support body (10) configured in a shape of a ring inserted into the capsular sac of the eyeball, and provided with an outer circumferential surface (11) including a first front contact portion (11a) and a first rear contact portion (11b), and an inner circumferential surface (12) facing the outer circumferential surface (11) and including a second front contact portion (12a) and a second rear contact portion (12b); a connection means (50) including a deformation facilitating groove (52c) provided between a third front contact portion (52a) and a third rear contact portion (52b) and forming a space spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface (12); and an intraocular lens (30) connected to the connection means.

Abstract: A method and system provide a multifocal ophthalmic device. The ophthalmic lens has an anterior surface, a posterior surface and at least one diffractive structure including a plurality of echelettes. The echelettes have at least one step height of at least one wavelength and not more than two wavelengths in optical path length. The diffractive structure(s) reside on at least one of the anterior surface and the posterior surface. The diffractive structure(s) provide a plurality of focal lengths for the ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens includes an optic portion a haptic portion and a backstop. The optic portion of the lens includes an actuator that deflects a lens element to alter the optical power of the lens responsive to forces applied to the haptic portion of the lens by contraction of the ciliary muscles. Forces applied to the haptic portion may result in fluid displacements from or to the haptic portion from the actuator. The backstop provides support to the haptic so that bulk translation of the haptic is prevented in response to the forces applied by the capsular sac.

Abstract: A method and system provide an ophthalmic device. The ophthalmic device includes an ophthalmic lens having anterior surface, a posterior surface and at least one diffractive structure including a plurality of zones. The at least one diffractive structure is for at least one of the anterior surface and the posterior surface. Each zone includes at least one echelette having a least one step height. The step height(s) are individually optimized for each zone. To compensate chromatic aberration of eye from distance to a range of vision, a greater than 2? phase step height may be employed and the step height(s) folded by a phase, which is an integer multiple of two multiplied by ?. Hence chromatic aberration of eye may be compensated to improve vision from distance to near.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided for implantation at a native semilunar valve of a native valve complex, the native valve complex having three semilunar sinuses and three native commissures. The prosthesis includes a valve prosthesis support, which comprises a support structure comprising exactly three engagement arms that meet one another at three respective junctures. The engagement arms are shaped so as define three peak complexes at the three respective junctures, and three trough complexes, each of which is between two of the peak complexes. Upon implantation of the prosthesis, each of the engagement arms is at least partially disposed within a respective one of the semilunar sinuses, such that each of the peak complexes is disposed distal to and in rotational alignment with a respective one of the native commissures, and each of the trough complexes is disposed at least partially within the respective one of the semilunar sinuses.

Abstract: In a representative embodiment, an implantable prosthetic heart valve device comprises an elongated body having first and second end portions, the body being configured to be implanted around a native leaflet of a heart valve such that the first end portion is on an atrial side of the leaflet and the second end portion is on a ventricular side of the leaflet and such that the body can coapt with and move away from an opposing native leaflet during operation of the heart valve. The device can further comprises a fastener configured to be mounted on a suture that extends from one of the first or second end portions, through the native leaflet and through the other of the first or second end portions such that the body is secured to the native leaflet.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design and function of a compressible valve replacement prosthesis, collared or uncollared, which can be deployed into a beating heart without extracorporeal circulation using a transcatheter delivery system. The design as discussed focuses on the deployment of a device via a minimally invasive fashion and by way of example considers a minimally invasive surgical procedure preferably utilizing the intercostal or subxyphoid space for valve introduction. In order to accomplish this, the valve is formed in such a manner that it can be compressed to fit within a delivery system and secondarily ejected from the delivery system into the annulus of a target valve such as a mitral valve or tricuspid valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for replacing a heart valve that is diseased owing to inflammation and/or an infection. The system has: a stent system with at least one expandable stent; and a replacement heart valve which is secured to the at least one stent and has at least two heart valve leaflets. The at least one stent has a coating with an antimicrobial substance or an antimicrobially effective carrier material, preferably on the inner side and/or the outer side.

Abstract: A collapsible and expandable stent body includes a generally tubular annulus section, one or more prosthetic valve elements mounted to the stent body, and a cuff attached to the stent body. The prosthetic valve is operative to allow flow in an antegrade direction but to substantially block flow in a retrograde direction. The prosthetic heart valve may include paravalvular leak mitigation features in the form of first and second sealing members. The sealing members are attached to the cuff and extend circumferentially around an abluminal surface of the stent body. The sealing members each have an open side facing in a first axial direction and a closed side facing in an opposite second axial direction. Flow of blood in the second axial direction will tend to force blood into the sealing members and cause the sealing members to billow outwardly relative to the stent body, helping to mitigate paravalvular leak.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve assembly has a stent frame and a replacement valve. The replacement valve has a plurality of leaflets and a valve frame. The leaflets are attached to the valve frame. Further, the assembly has a plurality of suspension struts attached to the stent frame and the valve frame. The valve frame is suspended within the stent frame via the suspension struts. In some embodiments, the assembly further has a sealing member attached to the stent frame to prevent leakage around the replacement heart valve assembly.