Abstract: A membrane removing forceps may include a first forceps jaw having a first forceps jaw distal end and a first forceps jaw proximal end and a second forceps jaw having a second forceps jaw distal end and a second forceps jaw proximal end. The membrane removing forceps may include one or more abrasive surfaces configured to raise a portion of a membrane. A surgeon may raise a portion of a membrane by grazing the portion of the membrane with one or more abrasive surfaces of a membrane removing forceps. The surgeon may grasp the raised portion of the membrane with the first forceps jaw distal end and the second forceps jaw distal end. The surgeon may then remove the membrane by peeling the membrane apart from an underlying tissue.

Abstract: An instrument comprises a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly comprises a first shaft member including a distal cutting feature, and a second shaft member. The first shaft member is slidable relative to the second shaft member. At least a distal portion of the shaft assembly is sized to fit through a nostril. The instrument further comprises a body. At least a portion of the shaft assembly extends distally relative to the body. The body comprises a grounding feature sized and positioned to engage one or more external anatomical structures adjacent to the nostril. The instrument further comprises a dampener. The dampener resists advancement of the first shaft member relative to the second shaft member.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device includes a sizing element which detects the diameter of the vessel in which the cutting device is positioned. The sizing element is coupled to the cutting element so that the amount of the cutting element that is exposed varies in response to movement of the sizing element.

Abstract: A laparoscopic scalpel includes a shaft and a recess disposed in a surface of the shaft proximal to a distal end of the shaft. A blade is attached to the shaft. The blade includes a cutting edge having a portion exposed by the recess and oriented outwardly from the recess. A proximal end of the portion of the cutting edge exposed by the recess is disposed further from the surface than is a distal end of the portion of the cutting edge exposed by the recess.

Abstract: An apparatus for accessing the lumen of a vessel includes a handle providing a controller for operating the apparatus, an image capturing instrument secured to the handle, a display secured to the handle, wherein images captured by the image capturing instrument are displayed on the display, and a robotic platform coupled to the handle. The robotic platform includes a body, a first motor coupled to the body, wherein the first motor adjust the robotic platform to achieve a target insertion depth, and a cartridge carrier pivotally coupled to the body, wherein the robotic platform is adjustable to achieve the target insertion depth. The apparatus also includes a disposable cartridge attached to the cartridge carrier. The disposable cartridge includes a needle slideably coupled to the disposable cartridge, wherein the needle slides to extend to the target insertion depth, and a sheath slidably coupled to the disposable cartridge, wherein the sheath slides to extend to the target insertion depth.

Abstract: Two minimally invasive therapeutic procedures, particularly for patients with congestive heart failure, may be performed separately or together. One procedure involves providing a valved passageway through the patient's left ventricular wall at the apex of the patient's heart and advancing instruments through the valved passageway to connect the valve leaflets of the patient's heart valve, e.g. the mitral valve. The second procedure involves advancing a pacing lead and a pacing lead implanting device through a trocar in the patient's chest and implanting the pacing lead on an exposed epicardial region of the patient's heart wall. The pacing lead has a penetrating electrode which is secured within the heart wall. Improved devices for these procedures include a minimally invasive grasping device for heart leaflets, a leaflet connector with artificial cordae tendenae and a pacing lead implant instrument.

Abstract: A single instrument head loading device for use in needlescopic surgery comprises a shaft having maneuverable structure on a proximal end for use in correctly positioning an instrument head at a distal end thereof through manipulation of at least one wire engaged to a distal end loader within which the instrument head is held by maneuvering the maneuverable structure at the proximal end, to which a proximal end of the at least one wire is attached, the at least one wire traversing the length of the shaft and the distal end loader being positioned in a suitable position allowing engagement of the instrument head under continuous direct visualization to a distal end of a cooperating shaft of a surgical instrument as well as allowing for disengagement of the instrument head back into the distal end loader under continuous direct visualization, the engagement and disengagement taking place within a body cavity.

Abstract: A precision depth guided instrument, such as a Jamshidi needle, is provided for use in various surgeries related to the vertebrae. The instrument includes an outer cannula, an inner cannula and a stylet. After the cortical bone of a vertebra is penetrated by the outer cannula of the instrument, the depth of penetration of the inner cannula is adjusted by rotation of the inner cannula. The inner cannula is then moved further into the vertebrae, and a stop mounted on the outer cannula controls the depth of penetration of the inner cannula. The correct depth of penetration is determined by radiography prior to the procedure.

Abstract: A full-vagina sleeve cylindrical expansion and pneumoperitoneum integrated device, includes: an elastic embedded ring (1) and a sleeve (2). The elastic embedded ring (1) is made of elastic material and embedded inside a pelvic outlet. The elastic embedded ring (1) is capable of expanding in a natural state inside a vagina to tightly adhere to wall of the vagina, or being inflated into an annular ring which tightly adheres to the vagina wall so as to elastically expand a vagina tissue. The sleeve (2) is made of elastic material or a non-elastic material and is cylinder-shaped. A front end ring of the sleeve (2) is connected with the elastic embedded ring (1), and a rear end ring extends out of the vagina. An operation mask (3) is fixedly provided on the rear end ring.

Abstract: A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral motion segment of the facet joint by connecting a first vertebra and a second vertebra is disclosed. The system includes an elongate connection element with end portions interconnected by a flexible coupling member. The system includes first and second attachment portions for connecting the connection element to the vertebrae. A first resilient member is positioned between the first end portion and the first attachment portion, and a second resilient member is positioned between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion.

Abstract: Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installing the same. The orthopedic fixation device may include a coupling element and a bone fastener, whereby the bone fastener can be loaded into the coupling element through the bottom of a bore in the coupling element and a retention member is configured to allow polyaxial rotation of the bone fastener and also to lock the bone fastener in place upon application of a force on a saddle and clamp in the coupling element.

Abstract: Devices and methods for aligning the components of polyaxial screws are described herein. In one embodiment, an alignment instrument includes an elongate frame having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of connection caps slidably disposed along the elongate frame. Each connection cap can removably couple to a polyaxial screw extension tube and selectively lock relative to the elongate frame such that a distance between the plurality of connection caps and an angular orientation of each connection cap relative to the elongate frame is maintained. The instrument can also include a transverse angle indicator to indicate an angular orientation of the elongate frame in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate frame. The device can, for example, capture the orientation of a plurality of polyaxial screws during spinal surgery such that the screws can be returned to the same orientation after manipulation to correct a spinal deformity, etc.

Abstract: An implant for repairing a joint between a first bone and a second bone includes a first section constructed of a substantially rigid material and a graft constructed of soft tissue having a first end and a second end. The first section has a first end surface configured for positioning against the first bone. The graft is configured for stabilizing the first section relative to the first bone. A first fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first section to anchor the graft to the first section. A second fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first bone to anchor the graft to the first bone.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a securement arm, a clamp lock, and a tensioning assembly. The body defines a longitudinal axis and has proximal and distal portions. The distal portion defines a recess. The securement arm is coupled to the body and translatable along the body in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis between first and second position. The clamp lock is pivotally coupled to the distal portion of the body. The clamp lock is pivotable between secured and unsecured configurations. The tensioning assembly translatable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis between proximal and distal position. The tensioning assembly configured to draw a flexible band to tension the flexible band about a bony element.

Abstract: An extension device for a bone anchor includes at least one tab, which includes an elongate shaft portion that forms part of a channel for providing a stabilization rod to a rod receiving recess of a receiving part of the bone anchor, and a coupling portion, which is provided at a distal end of the elongate shaft portion and which is configured to be coupled to the receiving part. The coupling portion includes a first engagement portion for engaging a first engagement face of the receiving part and a second engagement portion for engaging a second engagement face of the receiving part. A spring element is provided at the coupling portion, the spring element exerting a compression force to urge the first and second engagement portions in mutually opposite directions towards each other and towards the corresponding first and second engagement faces along a longitudinal axis defined by the extension device and the receiving part when being coupled together.

Abstract: A spinal implant tool set includes end guide tools having flexible back wall flaps that receive opposite ends of the rod and intermediate guide tools that hold the rod in intermediate locations between the end guide tools. Both the end and intermediate guide tools include an attachment structure for operably connecting the guide tool to a bone screw. A multi-function installation tool and a bone screw driver each mate and cooperate with the guide tools. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the bone screws and the rod in the patient.

Abstract: A bone fixation system comprises an elongated implant shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a central longitudinal axis and including a first channel extending from the proximal end to a side opening formed in a side wall of the implant shaft along a first channel axis. The bone fixation system further comprises a bone plate having a first plate portion and a second plate portion, the first plate portion having a first opening extending therethrough along a first opening axis and the second plate portion having a second opening extending therethrough along a second opening axis, the second opening being configured to receive the implant shaft therethrough to permit insertion thereof into a head of a bone.

Abstract: A bone plate system is provided that permits rapid, secure stabilization of a plurality of bones, such as portions of a cut rib. The bone plate system includes a bone plate having anchor devices for securing the bone plate to, for example, cortical bone of the cut rib portions. The anchor devices have an open configuration that permits the anchor devices to be connected to the cortical bone of the cut rib portions and a clamping configuration that fixes the bone plate to the cortical bone of the cut portions. The bone plate connects the cut rib portions and stabilizes the cut rib portions against relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: A spine fixing apparatus including: a plate fixed to a spine; screws inserted into the spine by being coupled to the plate; a rotation member for rotary motion at a predetermined location between the screws; and sliding members provided at opposite sides of the rotation member and disposed between the rotation member and the screws. The rotation member can push the sliding members such that the sliding members rectilinearly move to cover upper surfaces of the screws. The spine fixing apparatus can facilitate the locking and unlocking of the screws by switching between lock and unlock modes, and can be firmly fixed to a spine. The plate has a window that enables an operator to identify a surgical region with naked eye. The window also allows the operator to easily bend the plate into a suitable shape for a patient's spine, and closely fix the plate to the spine.

Abstract: A bone fixation clamp includes a first arcuate clamp member conforming to a shape of a bone and extending between a first connection end and a first free end, a second arcuate clamp member conforming to a shape of the bone, a second connection end of the second clamp member being pivotally attached to the first clamp member, the second clamp member extending between the second connection end and a second free end and a driving member received in the first clamp member passing out of the first clamp member to abut an abutment portion of the second member so that, as the driving member is extended further out of the first member, the driving member pivots the second clamp member relative to the first clamp member to draw the first and second free ends toward one another to apply a radially compressive force to the bone.

Abstract: An orthopedic fastener has a head and a shank. The shank has a leading end portion adjacent a distal tip and a trailing end portion adjacent a head. An intermediate portion is positioned between the leading and trailing end portions. At the intermediate portion, the shank increases in diameter. The leading end portion has a first thread which includes one or more self-tapping cutting grooves extending adjacent the distal tip and through a plurality of the first threads. The intermediate portion has second threads extending toward the head from the leading end portion. The second threads of the intermediate portion are larger in outer diameter than the first threads in the leading end portion. The intermediate portion has one or more cutting grooves traversing at each of a leading transition at the leading end portion and at a trailing transition.

Abstract: An anchorage in tissue is produced by holding a vibrating element and a counter element against each other such that their contact faces are in contact with each other, wherein at least one of the contact faces includes a thermoplastic material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration. While holding and then moving the two elements against each other, the vibrating element is vibrated and due to the vibration the thermoplastic material is liquefied between the contact faces, and due to the relative movement is made to flow from between the contact faces and to penetrate tissue located adjacent to outer edges of the contact faces. For liquefaction of the thermoplastic material and for displacing it from between the contact faces, no force needs to act on the tissue surface which is to be penetrated by the liquefied material.

Abstract: The application relates to a vacuum mixing device for bone cement, where the monomer is pressed into a mixing container due to the surrounding vacuum and a gas volume present in the monomer container.

Abstract: A system for bending a surgical rod including a linear actuator and a rotational actuator is provided. The linear actuator is configured for moving the surgical rod along a linear direction of the system, and the rotational actuator is configured for rotating the surgical rod about the linear direction. A bending mechanism is also provided positioned downstream of the linear and rotational actuators configured for bending the surgical rod. A controller is operably connected to the linear and rotational actuators and the bending mechanism, the controller configured to activate the various components and bend the surgical rod into a desired three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of treating a subject having diabetes or symptoms associated with diabetes is provided. The method includes delivering a neuromodulation catheter within a vessel (e.g., hepatic artery) having surrounding nerves that innervate the liver (e.g., sympathetic nerves of the hepatic plexus). The method may also include modulating (e.g., disrupting, ablating, stimulating) the nerves by mechanical compression, energy delivery, or fluid delivery.

Abstract: A system that does conversion from regular hot plasma produced by ESU to cold plasma which is thermally harmless for the tissue. The system is comprised of Conversion Unit and Cold Plasma Probe. Output signal for ESU connects to CU along with Helium flow. The CU converts signal from ESU and send it to the output connector along with helium flow. Cold Plasma Probe is connected directly to the CU output. At the end of the CPP probe cold plasma is produced.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide interface to a patient's autonomic nerves via an interior lumen wall of a blood vessel. Systems can include a probe having at least one electrode for receiving electrical signals from the interior of the lumen wall. The system can include processing components for extracting the signals from noise within the patient's body. Systems can include stimulation electrodes for providing stimulation and eliciting action potentials within the patient and destructive processes for destroying nervous function. The effect of nerve destruction on the propagation of action potentials can be effectively used as a feedback mechanism for determining the amount of nervous function destruction in the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and performing tissue modulation are disclosed. An example system may include an elongate shaft having a distal end region and a proximal end and having at least one modulation element and one sensing electrode disposed adjacent to the distal end region. The sensing electrode may be used to determine and monitor changes in tissue adjacent to the modulation element.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft, the shaft including a plurality of stepped sections along the length of the shaft. The apparatus further includes a plurality of electrodes disposed along the length of the shaft, each electrode characterized by a geometric aspect ratio of the length of the electrode to the outer diameter of the electrode. Each electrode is located at a different stepped section of the plurality of stepped sections of the shaft and includes a set of leads. Each lead of the set of leads is configured to attain an electrical voltage potential of at least about 1 kV. The geometric aspect ratio of at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes is in the range between about 3 and about 20.

Abstract: Tissue may be cut and extracted from an interior location in a patient's body using a probe or tool which both effects cutting and causes vaporization of a liquid or other fluid to propel the cut tissue through an extraction lumen of the cutting device. The cutting may be achieved using an electrosurgical electrode assembly, including a first electrode on a cutting member and a second electrode within a cutting probe or tool.

Abstract: An energy delivery probe and method of using the energy delivery probe to treat a patient is provided herein. The energy delivery probe has at least one probe body having a longitudinal axis and at least a first trocar and a second trocar. Each trocar comprises at least two electrodes that are electrically insulated from each other, and each electrode is independently selectively activatable. An insulative sleeve is positioned in a coaxially surrounding relationship to each of the first trocar and the second trocar. The probe also has a switching means for independently activating at least one electrode. The method involves independently and selectively activating the first and second electrodes to form an ablation zone, then repeating the ablation by delivering energy to a second set of electrodes, producing one or more overlapping ablation zone, and eliminating the need to reposition the ablation probes.

Abstract: A laser system for use in an environment is disclosed. The laser system may include a base unit including a laser, a controller operatively coupled to the laser, and a first antenna operatively coupled to the controller. The laser system may further include a laser energy delivery system having a first end which receives laser energy from the laser and a second end which delivers the laser energy to the environment. The laser system may further include a switch unit located remote from the base unit and including a switch controller, a second antenna operatively coupled to the switch controller, and a user operable switch. The switch unit may be connected to the base unit through a tether. The controller may determine when the laser energy is provided to the laser energy delivery system based on a signal from the switch unit, the signal being sent wirelessly to the controller from the second antenna of the switch unit to the first antenna of the base unit.

Abstract: Package for elongated sharp-edged objects, in particular for tools useful for surgical applications, which are secured in a fixed position in a package consisting at least partially of plastic, wherein the package comprises an a first enlarged package part which defines an interior into which the object that is to be protected and secured protrudes with its sharp edges in a noncontact manner and a second package part in which the shaft of the object is accommodated and held in a fixed position by holding elements.

Abstract: A robotic surgical manipulator provides a robotic controlled manipulator which deploys from an insertion configuration to a wider deployed configuration using two arms and a web therebetween. The web supported by the arms can then hold back a larger mass than has been previously supported by prior art techniques.

Abstract: A cleaning device for a medical implement having a male protrusion. The cleaning device including a housing defining an inner cavity by and having an inner wall that encloses the inner cavity and an opening. The inner wall has a recess near the opening to the housing. The recess has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the opening. The cap further includes a movable piston having a forward end and rearward end surrounded by a flexible flange that extends outward to abut the inner wall near the recess of the housing. The rearward end of the movable piston configured to contact couple with a distal end of the male protrusion to move the piston toward a distal end of the housing opposite the opening of the housing to provide a portion of the cleaning solution to the male protrusion.

Abstract: End effectors with closing mechanisms, and related tools and methods may be particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery. An example surgical tool comprises a first and second jaw movable between a closed grasped or clamped configuration and an open configuration. The tool further comprises a soft grip mode for grasping the tissue at a first force during which a separation parameter between the jaws is measured, and a therapeutic clamping mode in which the jaws clamp on the body tissue at a force greater than the grasping force. The methods comprise grasping the body tissue between jaw members, measuring the separation parameter between jaws, indicating on a user interface the separation parameter for comparison to a desired separation parameter, and then releasing the body tissue for repositioning or therapeutically clamping the body tissue in response to the separation parameter indication.

Abstract: An articulated surgical instrument for enhancing the performance of minimally invasive surgical procedures. The instrument has a high degree of dexterity, low friction, low inertia and good force reflection. A unique cable and pulley drive system operates to reduce friction and enhance force reflection. A unique wrist mechanism operates to enhance surgical dexterity compared to standard laparoscopic instruments. The system is optimized to reduce the number of actuators required and thus produce a fully functional articulated surgical instrument of minimum size.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a device comprising a port assembly, instrument arm assembly, and camera arm assembly. The port assembly includes an outer and inner body. The outer body includes a first access port, first end, second end, and anchoring portions. The inner body is positionable in the first access port to form a second access port. The instrument arm assembly is configurable in a serial arrangement of arm segments, joint portions, and end instrument. The instrument arm assembly is configurable to attach to an anchoring portion. The camera arm assembly includes a camera, and configurable to attach to an anchoring portion. The port assembly is configurable to provide at least one degree of freedom, and configurable to allow insertion of the instrument arm assembly and camera arm assembly into an abdominal cavity. The port assembly is configurable to allow insertion of instruments into the abdominal cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments of an actuated cannula seal are disclosed. In some embodiments, a cannula seal includes a base portion that engages with a cannula; and a seal portion integrally formed with the base portion, the sealing portion capable of engaging with an instrument shaft, the sealing portion capable of being actuated by an actuator so that the sealing portion is continually in motion relative to the instrument shaft. The actuation of the sealing portion can be accomplished by rotation or vibration of the sealing portion relative to the instrument shaft.

Abstract: Robotic and/or surgical devices, systems, and methods include kinematic linkage structures and associated control systems configured to facilitate preparation of the system for use. One or more kinematic linkage sub-systems may include joints that are actively driven, passive, or a mix of both, and may employ a set-up mode in which one or more of the joints are actively driven in response to manual articulation of one or more other joints of the kinematic chain. In an exemplary embodiment, the actively driven joints will move a platform structure that supports multiple manipulators in response to movement of one of the manipulators, facilitating and expediting the arrangement of the overall system by moving those multiple manipulators as a unit into alignment with the workspace. Manual independent positioning of the manipulator can be provided through passive set-up joint systems supporting the manipulators relative to the platform.

Abstract: A manipulator system including a manipulator that includes an insertion part having a main section and a bending section, a bending-section driving portion, and a linear member inserted through a sheath fixed to the main section at one end thereof, the linear member connecting the bending section and the bending-section driving portion through the main section and transmitting a driving force generated by the bending-section driving portion to the bending section; an operation input unit via which an operation instruction to the bending section is input; a sheath-tension detecting portion that detects the tension in the sheath; a compensation-value setting portion that sets a compensation value for a bending control signal on the basis of the tension in the sheath, and a control unit that generates the bending control signal and sends the bending control signal corrected with the compensation value to the bending-section driving portion.

Abstract: A medical safety device for holding and protecting medical circuitry connected between a medical patient and medical equipment is provided. The device can include an outer shell with an exterior sidewall and an interior sidewall defining an open interior. The outer shell can include a door that can be opened to allow access to the interior of the shell. The outer shell can include at least one latch for selectively securing the door in a closed position. The exterior shell can include connecting components for connecting the device to a hospital or surgical bed frame. The interior of the outer shell can include a grooved section having one or more grooves. The grooves can be configured to hold and retain different types of medical circuitry, such as cords, wires, tubes and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting deformation of an elongate body may comprise a light source configured to sequentially provide light of multiple frequencies, an optical receiver configured to receive light from the light source, and a filter disposed between the light source and the optical detector. The filter may comprise multiple segments, each of the segments configured to filter light at one of the frequencies so as to alter the amount of light incident on said optical receiver. A total amount of light detected by the optical receiver may change during the sequence so as to be indicative of deformation of the elongate body.

Abstract: A mounting device for a stand device for arrangement in the operating room and to position or displace a medical apparatus in the operating room, in particular by means of a rotational movement, incorporates a mounting apparatus, which extends along an axis of rotation in a longitudinal direction and has a cavity, which in particular is cylindrical and which is oriented in the longitudinal direction, for accommodating a rotatably supportable connection component of the stand device, in particular a spindle; and an adjustment apparatus for arranging the connection component in a position, which can be predefined, in relation to the mounting apparatus; wherein the mounting device forms a rotational coupling for supporting the connection component on the mounting apparatus, which rotational coupling can be adjusted about the axis of rotation. The invention further relates to a mounting system including such a mounting device.

Abstract: Adjustable-prescription orthodontic bracket assemblies. The orthodontic bracket assemblies include a bracket body, an arcuate core, and a retention structure. The bracket body defines an arcuate receptacle that extends toward a base of the bracket body from a top of the bracket body. The arcuate core is received within the arcuate receptacle and defines an archwire slot. The arcuate receptacle is shaped to retain the arcuate core therein and to permit rotation of the arcuate core therein. The retention structure is configured to selectively retain the arcuate core at a selected rotational orientation with the bracket body. The retention structure is configured to selectively transition between a disengaged configuration, in which the retention structure permits rotation of the arcuate core relative to the bracket body, and an engaged configuration, in which the retention structure retains the arcuate core at the selected rotational orientation.

Abstract: An archwire stop defines a non-linear path through the stop that results in a bend moment between an orthodontic stop and the portion of an orthodontic archwire passing through the stop. The bend moment is accommodated by elastic deformation of the archwire and stop, resulting in a predictable frictional engagement between the stop and the archwire that is useful in maintaining a stop mounted on an archwire during packaging, shipping and handling in a clinical setting. A non-linear path through an archwire stop may be created by a non-linear tubular stop or may be created by appropriate internal features of the stop. The non-linear path through the stop may be selected so that the frictional engagement is greatest toward the free ends of the archwire, preventing the stop from sliding off the ends of an archwire, while permitting adjustment of the stop at the front of the mouth during patient treatment.

Abstract: An interchangeable lock is applied to a bracket, consisting of a lock designed for use in orthodontic treatment which is used in conjunction with an orthodontic bracket having a base bonded to the tooth in which the interchangeable lock should be frontally inserted. This same lock permits additional adjustments of the arch wire in regards to inclination, angulation or torque as there always be three walls forming a U-shaped slot, allowing the position of the arch wire to be controlled in relation to its inclination and angulation while maintaining the position of the bracket in relation to the tooth. It is possible to identify, modify and control the position of the tooth by contact adjustment with the arch wire at any time during treatment without the need to remove the arch wire or change or adjust the bracket.

Abstract: A device for use in retracting a gingiva from a human tooth by widening a gingival sulcus with a dental composition. The device comprises a cannula with a free end having an opening for dispensing the dental composition. The free end is shaped to be inserted with its front in the entry of the gingival sulcus, and to laterally displace the gingiva from the tooth as the cannula is moved in the gingival sulcus. The invention may help to achieve a reliable and cost effective gingival retraction treatment.

Abstract: A method for digital archiving and manufacturing of dental prosthetics and a prosthesis, and teaching and training for same are provided. The method mainly includes the following steps: preoperative scanning: creating a first digital model file; optical positioning and turning treatment: creating a second digital model file from a turning process; physical model calculation: creating reversely an autologous crown model file of a patient; and fixed denture manufacturing: manufacturing, according to the second digital model file and the autologous crown model file, a fixed denture that meets needs of the patient, so that an inner layer structure of a crown of the fixed denture can be tightly bound to an abutment, and it may be decided to retain an original crown contour according to needs. A tooth model based on a teaching digital model file can be used for teaching and training of a trainee with the foregoing method.

Abstract: A spring mechanism for an electromagnetic drive unit converts or translates the movement and/or actuation of the electromagnet into a desired movement of the workpiece and enables simple and efficient tuning of the workpiece movement. The spring mechanism includes a housing, a spring connected to the housing, wherein at least a section of the spring is movable with respect to the housing, a drive shaft that includes a first end having a magnet and a second end for attachment to a workpiece, and an adjustable tuning element connecting the drive shaft to the movable portion of the spring. In one embodiment, the spring may be a flat spring, and the movable section may be a positioned between a pair of cutouts defined in the spring. In one embodiment, the adjustable tuning element is connected to the spring such that the adjustable tuning element places the movable portion of the spring under a degree of tension.