Abstract: A laser can produce pulses of light energy for tissue-type selective ejection of a volume of the target tissue, and the energy can be delivered to a treatment site through a waveguide, such as a fiber optic waveguide. The incident laser energy can be absorbed within a volume of the target tissue with a tissue penetration depth and pulse direction such that the propagation of the energy from the tissue volume is inhibited and such that the target tissue within the volume reaches the spinodal threshold of decomposition and ejects the volume, for example without substantial damage to tissue adjacent the ejected volume. The pulses are set to be tissue selective.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a reflector disposed within a capillary for use in side-firing optical fibers. An outer member or cap can be used to protect the capillary when being inserted through a catheter or endoscope. The endoscope is then at least partially inserted into a patient's body to provide laser-based medical treatment. In some embodiments, a multilayer dielectric coating can be disposed on an angled surface of the reflector. In other embodiments, a multilayer dielectric coating can be positioned between a distal end surface of the reflector and an inner side of a distal end portion of the capillary. The coated reflector can be configured to increase laser energy redirected from a first portion of an optical path to a second portion of the optical path that is non-parallel to the first portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for stimulating renal nerves of a renal artery of a subject (3). The system comprises a stimulation device (12, 17, 28) for stimulating the renal nerves, a measuring unit (20) for measuring the blood pressure and/or the heart rate of the subject at at least two times, wherein at least one of these times is during or after the stimulation of the renal nerves, and a subject suitability determination unit (14) for determining whether the subject is suitable for a renal sympathetic denervation procedure based on the measured blood pressure and/or the measured heart rate. The invention allows therefore for a preselection of subjects which are suitable for a renal sympathetic denervation procedure.

Abstract: A tracking reference fixation support configured to fasten a medical tracking reference to a patient's head, the fixation support comprising an elastically deformable base-plate having a bottom surface, the base-plate being configured to rest via the bottom surface against the surface of a patient's head; an interface-plate providing an interface for rigidly attaching a medical tracking reference to the fixation support; and at least one joint that couples the interface-plate to the base-plate, which allows the base-plate to deform while the interface-plate remains substantially dimensionally stable. The invention further relates to a corresponding tracking reference headband and to a corresponding method of providing a patient's head with a tracking reference.

Abstract: An endoscopic imaging system (10) employing an endoscope (20) and an endoscope guidance controller (30). In operation, endoscope (20) generates an endoscopic video (23) of an anatomical structure within an anatomical region. Endoscopic guidance controller (30), responsive to a registration between the endoscopic video (23) and a volume image (44) of the anatomical region, controls a user interaction (50) with a graphical user interface (31) including one or more interactive planar slices (32) of the volume image (44), and responsive to the user interaction (50) with the graphical user interface (31), endoscopic guidance controller (30) controls a positioning of the endoscope (20) relative to the anatomical structure derived from the interactive planar slices (32) of the volume image (44).

Abstract: A roll-sensing sensor assembly comprises an elongate body defining a first axis. A plurality of electrodes can be disposed about the first axis. A coil can extend along and be disposed about a second axis. In some embodiments, a canting plane of a loop in the coil is nonzero relative to a line perpendicular to and extending from the first axis.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a proximal coil, a distal coil, a navigation sensor, and a wire. The proximal coil is formed by a wire wrapped in a helical configuration. The distal coil is formed by a wire wrapped in a helical configuration. At least one wrap at a proximal portion of the distal coil is interlocked with at least one wrap at a distal portion of the proximal coil, such that interlocking portions of the proximal and distal coils form a double helix configuration, The navigation sensor is located within the distal coil. The navigation sensor is configured to generate signals in response to movement within an electromagnetic field. The wire extends through the proximal coil. The wire is in electrical communication with the navigation sensor such that the wire is configured to communicate signals from the navigation sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cannula and a grip portion. The cannula includes a first lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the cannula. The grip portion is secured to the proximal end of the cannula. The grip portion includes a second lumen, a transversely oriented vent port, a suction port, and a guidewire port. The second lumen is in communication with the first lumen. The transversely oriented vent port is configured to communicate with the second lumen to thereby vent the second lumen to atmosphere. The suction port is configured to communicate with the second lumen to thereby communicate suction to the distal end of the cannula via the first lumen. The guidewire port is configured to receive a guidewire. The guidewire port is further configured to communicate with the second lumen to thereby provide a path for the guidewire to reach the first lumen.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for robotic surgery, and in particular for measuring a rotational position of elongate shafts of surgical tools. For example, a surgical tool is provided with an elongate shaft having an end effector at a distal end thereof. The elongate shaft is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the shaft, and the surgical tool is configured to measure a rotational position of the shaft about the longitudinal axis relative to an initial position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for articulation calibration of a surgical tool configured to be coupled to a robotic surgical system are provided. The tool including a tool shaft with an end effector has at least one linkage member extending along the shaft and operably coupled to the end effector such that force selectively applied to the linkage member is able to cause articulation of the end effector. The tool can also include a homing mechanism. To perform articulation calibration of the end effector, it can be constrained, force can be applied to the linkage member to attempt articulation of the end effector until a resistance against further articulation exceeds a threshold, and a home position of the end effector can be determined based on a force at which the resistance has exceeded the threshold.

Abstract: A robot main body including a hollow flexible shaft having flexibility, a hollow bending joint including a proximal end continuous with a distal end of the flexible shaft, the bending joint being bendable in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the bending joint, a wrist joint continuous with a distal end of the bending joint and rotatable around an axis of the wrist joint, an end effector attached to the wrist joint, a hollow torque transmission tube having flexibility, inserted through the flexible shaft and the bending joint, and including a distal end attached to the wrist joint, and a bending joint operating cable inserted through the flexible shaft and including a distal end attached to the bending joint, the bending joint being configured to perform a bending operation by operating the bending joint operating cable in an extending direction of the bending joint operating cable.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for automatically exchanging a first end-effector on a robot arm with a second end-effector housed in a docking station. The first end-effector may have a clamp that either engages or disengages the robot arm based upon an application of force of the robot arm onto the end-effector. The clamp may have a spring loaded clip that disengages the first end-effector to allow the robot arm to move away from the released first end-effector. The robot arm may be configured to automatically move to a port of a docking station housing the desired second end-effector using magnetic coils on the robot arm and the docking station to guide the robot arm.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a distal portion. A force sensor is operatively mounted on the distal portion. The force sensor includes a wireless package, which wirelessly provides (1) identification information of the surgical instrument and (2) strain data related to the distal portion. A surgical end effector includes a jaw and the distal portion is on a non-contact portion of the jaw. The wireless package includes a surface acoustic wave strain sensor with identification information. The wireless package also includes a small folded antenna electrically coupled to the surface acoustic wave strain sensor with identification information. The identification information includes an identification of a type of surgical instrument and unique identification of the specific surgical instrument in the type of surgical instrument.

Abstract: A teleoperated surgical system includes a component such as a master control or a multi-jointed mechanical system that is configured for manual manipulation and a detection module configured to analyze movement of the component and detect uncontrolled movement of the component. Uncontrolled movement may be identified by detecting movement only on joints that gravity can move, but no movement on joints that are not subject to movement caused by gravity. In response to detection of uncontrolled movement of the component, the detection module can cause the system to switch to a safe mode of operation.

Abstract: Various exemplary systems, devices, and methods are provided for locking articulating surgical tools. In general, a surgical tool can include an elongate shaft having at a distal end thereof an end effector configured to engage tissue. The end effector can be configured to articulate relative to the elongate shaft. The surgical tool can include a locking mechanism configured to lock the end effector at its current angled orientation. The surgical tool can be configured to releasably couple to a robotic surgical system configured to control a variety of movements and actions associated with the surgical tool.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for reconfiguring a surgical manipulator by moving the manipulator within a null-space of a kinematic Jacobian of the manipulator arm. In one aspect, in response to receiving a reconfiguration command, the system drives a first set of joints and calculates velocities of the plurality of joints to be within a null-space. The joints are driven according to the reconfiguration command and the calculated movement so as to maintain a desired state of the end effector or a remote center about which an instrument shaft pivots. In another aspect, the joints are also driven according to a calculated end effector or remote center displacing velocities within a null-perpendicular-space of the Jacobian so as to effect the desired reconfiguration concurrently with a desired movement of the end effector or remote center.

Abstract: A robot main body driving mechanism including wrist joint driving portion; and robot main body including base detachably fixed to robot main body driving mechanism, arm including hollow shaft and wrist joint, shaft including proximal end continuous with base, wrist joint being continuous with distal end of shaft, wrist joint rotating around axis of distal end of arm, end effector attached to wrist joint, and wrist joint driving force transmission portion including hollow torque transmission tube, torque transmission tube being inserted through shaft and including distal end attached to wrist joint, wherein: by attaching base to robot main body driving mechanism, wrist joint driving portion is connected to proximal end of torque transmission tube to rotate torque transmission tube around axis of torque transmission tube; and by detaching base from robot main body driving mechanism, wrist joint driving portion is separated from torque transmission tube.

Abstract: A microsurgical instrument that can slide over a surgical suction instrument and comprises a grasper or a micro-scissor for cutting at the distal end, a lever at the proximal end to actuate the jaws of the grasper or the blades of the micro scissor. The disclosed microsurgical instrument may be locked to the surgical suction instrument or may be rotated on the long axis on the surgical suction instrument. The disclosed instrument can be placed by sliding over the surgical suction instrument without the need for disconnecting the surgical suction instrument from the suction hose.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a sterile imaging protective system are described. The system preferably includes a first flexible drape with a cavity configured to surround an imaging intensifier and a second drape that is attached to an operating table or patient drape. The second drape has a proximal portion, a distal portion, a pocket therebetween with a top sterile portion and a lower portion, and a plurality of reusable fasteners that allows the second drape to be repeatedly moved from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. When in the expanded configuration, the second drape is releasably attached to the first drape. The system may also include a third drape located on the opposite side of the operating table as the second drape. The drapes preferably allow sterility to be maintained during movement of the c-arm imaging system.

Abstract: A device for shielding at least part of a limb from the view of a wearer of the device. The shielding device may include a shield with a first configuration in which it is substantially planar and a second configuration in which it has a three-dimensional shape. The shield may include one or more hinge lines, enabling it to be converted from the first configuration to the second configuration. The device also may include an attachment portion with one or more elongate members to attach around a limb of a wearer in use. An edge portion of the shield may include an outer edge opposite the hinge line that is at least partially divided into independently moveable sections such that the edge portion can be flexed to help convert the shield into a three-dimensional configuration.

Abstract: The medical device holder can be attached to a plurality of different support structures to retain a medical device at a convenient location near a patient. The medical device holder includes an elongated housing which defines a pair of storage areas for a medical device. The housing is formed of a first planar member fixed to a second concave member. The concave member defines first and second chambers, the first being generally L-shaped.

Abstract: This sensor storage container comprises a bottomed cylindrical container body (1) having an opening in its top face, an opening/closing lid (2) provided to the opening of the container body (1) in an openable/closable manner, and an inner case (7) that is open at its top face and provided within the container body (1). The opening/closing lid (2) is linked to the container body (1) via a hinge portion (3), at the peripheral edge of the opening of the container body (1). The inner case (7) is linked on the hinge portion (3) side to the opening/closing lid (2).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system to transport medical instruments. The system includes an instrument bag configured to receive a medical instrument. The instrument bag forms an opening. A subjacent label is at least partially disposed along a peripheral surface of the opening of the instrument bag. The subjacent label includes a first portion engaged to an exterior surface of the instrument bag, and a second portion configured to be removably engaged to the instrument bag. A superjacent label is at least partially disposed along a peripheral surface of the opening of the instrument bag. The superjacent label includes an attached portion removably adhered to the subjacent label, and a free portion configured to be removably engaged to at least one of subjacent label and the instrument bag.

Abstract: Surgical trays, tools and methods for use in hip replacement surgery wherein the hip replacement prosthesis is a reverse hip prosthesis. The trial components, specialized tools and methods of the invention enable a surgeon to identify the optimum components of the reverse hip prosthesis for implantation in a patient based on the sizes and angles best adapted to the patent's anatomy.

Abstract: This disclosure includes surgical depth gauges and related methods. Some gauges have a probe assembly including a probe having proximal and distal ends, the distal end including one or more prongs, each having a distal-most tip, being movable between a retracted position and a deployed position in which the tip is farther from a longitudinal axis of the probe than when the prong is in the retracted position, and being biased toward the deployed position. Some probe assemblies include a cannula having proximal and distal ends, where the probe is disposable within the cannula such that moving the distal end of the probe toward and away from the distal end of the cannula causes each of the prongs to move between the retracted and deployed positions. Some depth gauges include a sleeve disposable over the probe assembly.

Abstract: A device for measuring blind holes formed through a bone includes (a) a first elongated rod including a shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end including an increased diameter abutment extending radially outward therefrom, the abutment including a proximal surface formed to contact a portion of the bone adjacent a distal opening of the blind hole to assume a locked configuration with the bone and (b) a second elongated rod extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Stickers for use in medical consultation and the method of use of such stickers is disclosed. While providing medical consultation for cosmetic procedures such as reducing fat via laser, radiation, or other energy emitting technology, doctors must demonstrate to their patients the region of the patient's body suitable for treatment. The stickers provide an avenue by which doctors and their patients can visualize the various potential treatment areas during consultation. Moreover, the stickers prevent the need for doctors to utilize a pen or marker to write on patients for visualization of the treatment area and prevent the need for patients to wash ink off their bodies. The stickers also preserve patient privacy by easily peeling off. The stickers comprise an outer perimeter 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71 and at least one inner perimeter 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72 with a surface area within the inner perimeter consisting of empty space 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 which displays the treatment area.

Abstract: Fiber-based mode mixing techniques may be used to homogenize different modes in an optical fiber used for surgical illumination. A vibrating fiber mechanism may impart mechanical motion to a portion of the optical fiber to generate a homogeneous illumination field from a coherent light source.

Abstract: Focusing optics for mode mixing may be used to homogenize different modes in an optical fiber used for surgical illumination. A vibration stage may impart mechanical motion to a condenser lens to generate a homogeneous illumination field from a coherent light source.

Abstract: Mechanical optics for mode mixing may be used to homogenize different modes in an optical fiber used for surgical illumination. A mechanical optical element, such as a rotating prism or a mirror membrane, may impart motion to an incident beam entering the optical fiber to generate a homogeneous illumination field from a coherent light source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a position indicating apparatus including a main body, a first arm connected to one side of the main body based on a symmetric axis of the main body, a second arm connected to another side of the main body based on the symmetric axis, a first light radiator connected to one end of the first arm to radiate a light, and a second light radiator connected to one end of the second arm to radiate a light, wherein the light radiated from the first light radiator and the light radiated from the second light radiator meet and form an intersection of line.

Abstract: A received light signal of the measurement light which is reflected from the subject and is then incident on a distance image sensor is acquired from the distance image sensor and a distance image is generated on the basis of the acquired received light signal. The position of a leading end of a medical instrument inserted into the subject is acquired. A leading end position image indicating the position of the leading end of the medical instrument in the subject is acquired. A projection image which is projected to the subject and corresponds to a surface shape of a corresponding part of the subject corresponding to the position of the leading end is generated from the leading end position image, on the basis of the shape of the subject detected from the distance image and the position of the leading end. The projection image is projected to the corresponding part.

Abstract: A cleaning swab device and method for cleaning a fluid coupling or connector. The device includes a generally elongate cylindrical tubular swab body, and a channel formed at an end thereof to define at least one cleaning finger for insertion into a housing and/or port of the connector to remove residual fluids, clean and disinfect the connector. The cleaning device optionally further includes a guide stem or plunger configured to extend through the tubular body of the swab, having a plug at one end for sealing debris out of a lumen of the connector during cleaning.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously identifying a plurality of surgical instruments or instrument groups includes a first detecting device having a first detection technology for detecting instruments and, if applicable, related instrument-specific information. The device also includes a second detecting device having a second different detection technology for detecting instruments and instrument information. Moreover, the device includes a comparing device for comparing the detection results of the two detecting devices. The comparing device outputs a positive evaluation regarding the correctness of the detected instruments if the two detection results are matching.

Abstract: An X-ray system includes an X-ray source including an electronically readable data carrier on which an identification code is stored; a query device for electronically querying the identification code from the data carrier of the X-ray source; and a disabling device for disabling operation of the X-ray source in the event of the queried identification code deviating from a previously received identification code.

Abstract: A directional guide for use with an air-water tip for a syringe includes an elongated member fixedly attached to a longitudinal section of the air-water tip. Extending outwardly from the elongated member is a position control member. The position control member is formed and positioned to rotate the elongated member and the air water tip together and to selectively activate air-water buttons on a syringe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental instrument, comprising a gearing for driving a tool, wherein at least one torque limiting device is provided, which can be brought into contact with the gearing, as a result of which the maximum acting torque in the gearing can be limited.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a tooth includes a delivery vessel configured to be inserted into a root canal of a tooth. The delivery vessel includes an internal lumen configured to permit the flow of an obturation material therein and at least one port positioned to supply the obturation material to the root canal from the internal lumen.

Abstract: A dental device and method for use in the dental device are disclosed. The dental device includes a frame with an interior tube, at least one aperture extending from an exterior surface of the frame into the interior tube, and a mesh material coupled to an interior surface of the frame. A method of using the dental device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable segmental distalization appliance for orthodontic treatments features elongated first and second components that cooperatively define a central body of the appliance spanning longitudinally between an anterior end of the first component and a distal end of the second component. First and second terminal heads are respectively carried at the anterior and distal ends and adapted for attachment to first and second teeth of a dental arch. The first and second components are arranged for selective longitudinal displacement relative to one another to adjust an overall length of the central body to adapt to a patient-specific mesial-distal distance between the first and second teeth of the dental arch. In one embodiment, one component is a tubular female component carrying a ratchet pawl, and the other component is an insertable male component with cooperating ratchet teeth for incremental extension of the central body.

Abstract: A removable, thin-shell tooth positioning appliance having a plurality of tooth-clasping elements for removably engaging attachments bonded onto selected teeth, with flexible curved interconnecting elements connecting the tooth-clasping elements on nearby teeth.

Abstract: An element for a dental bracket includes a ligature loop; a cover section having a first side and a second side, the second side of the cover section faces the ligature loop; and a bridge section connecting the ligature loop and the cover section, where the ligature loop and the cover section are arranged to pivot with respect to each other.

Abstract: Dental braces according to one embodiment of the present invention comprise: wires for straightening teeth; a coating agent coated on the outer surfaces of the wires; and fixing parts for fixing the wires, coated with the coating agent, on the surfaces of the teeth and fixing the wires such that the wires can move along the longitudinal direction of the wire, wherein the coating agent coated on the wires is removed from the wires after the coating agent is covered with the fixing part, such that a clearance gap can be formed between the fixing part and the wire, thereby enabling accurate and smooth teeth-straightening.

Abstract: A dental implant abutment comprising: a crown seating portion located toward a first end of the abutment; a fixture seating portion located toward a second end of the abutment; and a main body located between the crown seating portion and the fixture seating portion, the main body including an external indexing feature located along an outer perimeter of the main body at a transition between the main body and the crown seating portion, the external indexing feature comprising an elevational variance of the outer perimeter of the main body that mates with a visually identifiable elevational variance of a mating surface of a crown with which the dental implant abutment mates.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved damping device for overdentures and prostheses on dental implants, designed to be positioned on dental implants and to bear on same, comprising an elongate body with elastic properties and with a structure in the form of leaf spring, each end of the body being designed to be positioned on dental implants and to bear on same.

Abstract: A composition (C) for use in dentistry and an apparatus (1) for the treatment of the oral cavity, comprising: a containing compartment (2) that contains the composition (C) in the liquid state; a duct (3) for discharging the composition (C) configured to generate a flow (F) at a given discharge pressure; and a delivery valve (4) interposed between the containing compartment (2) and the discharge duct (3), said valve (4) being switchable between a delivery condition in which it places the compartment (2) in fluidic connection with the duct (3) to permit the passage of a predefined amount of the composition (C), and a closed condition in which it does not permit the passage of the composition (C) between the compartment (2) and the duct (3); the composition comprises 10-15% in weight of sodium bicarbonate and water at 100% in weight.

Abstract: A toothbrush vibrator according to one embodiment includes a vibration applicator holding a toothbrush and applying a vibration to the toothbrush, and a grip detachably connected to the vibration applicator and gripped by a user.

Abstract: An oral cleaning device (10) minimizes drivetrain interference of a sensor and includes: a body portion (12); a brush head member (14) extending from the body portion, the head having a bristle face (18), where the bristle face is configured to move relative to the body portion; a clock (32); a sensor (28) in communication with the clock and configured to sample sensor data at a sensor sampling frequency (42) which is based on input from the clock; and a drivetrain (22) in communication with the same clock as the sensor, the drivetrain configured to generate movement of the bristle face at a first drivetrain frequency (40) which is based on input from the clock, where the sampling frequency and the first drivetrain frequency are coordinated to minimize drivetrain interference of the sensor.

Abstract: A package (10, 10?) for securing an orthodontic bracket (30) includes a pocket (12, 71) having an inclined floor (40, 70) and a mechanical locking device (51, 71) for removably holding the bracket (30) in the pocket (12, 71) until it is intentionally removed by a user.

Abstract: A bifurcated stent graft includes a stent graft body that defines exactly one main body opening and at least two exit openings. The stent graft body includes at least one stent attached to a graft fabric material, and includes a dividing wall that divides a combined flow path, into a first flow path and a second flow path that each terminate at one of the respective exit openings. The dividing wall includes a thickness profile that terminates at a leading edge radius that extends across a width of the combined flow path.