Abstract: A tension device for applying tension to an orthopedic cable loop system is designed to remain implanted in vivo after completion of the surgical procedure in which the device is used. The tension device may include a spool rotatable in one direction, such as by having outer flanges engageable with ratcheting protrusions along a cavity within the body of the device. The tension device may maintain a biasing force on the cable, which force may be applied by an elastic material. For example, the elastic may be provided in an opening of the body of the device. In another example, the elastic may be provided in the spool, such as by constructing the flanges of the spool from elastic material or by providing elastic material between an inner and an outer ring of the spool. Other biasing components as well as measuring components may be provided in the tension device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an alignment guide apparatus, system, and method. The alignment guide apparatus includes a body, a fixation insert, a guide pin, and a screw. The body may include an arm with a first end and a second end, an attachment portion at the first end, and an alignment portion at the second end. The fixation insert may be configured to pass through the attachment portion and the guide pin may be configured to pass through the alignment portion. The screw may be configured to engage the guide pin. The alignment system may include a bone plate, an alignment guide, a screw, at least one first fastener, and at least one second fastener. A method for moving a joint is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of identifying gaps between electrophysiology (EP) ablation points may comprise: obtaining a plurality of ablation points recorded from a completed electrophysiology ablation procedure; digitally mapping the plurality of ablation points to an anatomical model corresponding to the completed electrophysiology ablation procedure; calculating ablation gap probability distributions for each of the plurality of ablation points based on ablation tolerance variables associated with each of the plurality of ablation points; and overlaying the ablation gap probability distributions on to the digitally mapped plurality of ablation points on the anatomical model. In this way, ablation gaps may be non-invasively identified prior to patient discharge, thereby allowing for further EP treatment to remove the ablation gaps while reducing readmission rates.

Abstract: A forceps includes a shaft defining first opposed distal recesses, a drive bar slidably disposed within the shaft and defining second opposed distal recesses, and an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. Each jaw member defines a proximal flange and a distal jaw body. The proximal flanges each define an aperture and a cam slot. A pivot pin extends through the apertures with ends of the pivot pin extending outwardly from the jaw members to be at least partially disposed within the first recesses and fixedly engaged therewith. A drive pin extends through the cam slots with ends of the drive pin extending outwardly from the jaw members to be at least partially disposed within the second recesses and fixedly engaged therewith such that translation of the drive bar relative to the end effector assembly pivots the jaw members between spaced-apart and approximated positions.

Abstract: A method, system and device for securing conductive material on catheter elements for tissue sensing and cryogenic ablation. This may be used to deposit or embed conductive material onto or within polymeric materials. The method of manufacturing a balloon with conductive material may include extruding a polymeric material where the polymeric material includes embedded electrically conductive material. At least a portion of the polymeric material may be removed to expose at least a portion of the embedded electrically conductive material. The benefits may include allowing local bipolar recordings, contact assessment and ice thickness, and compatibility with 3-dimensional electroanatomical mapping systems.

Abstract: A method of determining a pulsed field ablation waveform parameter for creating a desired lesion characteristic in cardiac tissue. The method of provides an electrosurgical generator configured to deliver electroporation pulses, the generator configured to: load predetermined waveform parameters (yi); load predetermined modeling data (xi); accept entry of a user inputted desired lesion characteristic (ui); and determine at least one corresponding pulsed field ablation waveform parameter based on (ui), (yi); and (xi).

Abstract: A medical system for delivering treatment or therapy to a patient has a kill switch for interrupting the delivery. The kill switch, which can disrupt the delivery directly or can cause an error message to be generated that disrupts the delivery, can be activated by the operator or remotely. In an ablation catheter system, a kill switch mechanism immediately and abruptly terminates delivery of ablation treatment or therapy.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a first shaft defining a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therethrough. A fluid delivery tube is disposed within the lumen, the fluid delivery tube defining a proximal end a distal end. An electrically conductive treatment element is in electrical communication with and coupled to the distal end of the first shaft, the electrically conductive treatment element includes a conductive fluid conduit in fluid communication with and affixed within a portion of the fluid delivery tube. A second shaft is in electrical communication with the first shaft, the first shaft being slideably disposed within the second shaft and movable from a first position in which the electrically conductive treatment element is proximate to the distal end of the second shaft to a second position in which the electrically conductive treatment element is advanced a distance away from the distal end of the second shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending from the housing, and an end effector assembly that is disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes a tubular portion, a connection arm, and a toolbox. The tubular portion defines a lumen and the connection arm is extendable from the lumen. The toolbox has a micro-tip that is configured to be selectively secured to a connection tip of the connection arm. The toolbox has a transport configuration where the toolbox is disposed within the lumen and a deployed configuration where the toolbox is disposed entirely outside of the lumen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for medical treatment to restore shape and enhance functionality of body related to the natural opening structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for skin treatment and tissue remodeling. The apparatus includes an array of needles that penetrate the skin and serve as electrodes to deliver radio frequency current or other electrical or optical energy into the tissue being treated, causing thermal damage in controlled patterns. The damaged regions promote beneficial results such as uniform skin tightening by stimulation of wound healing and collagen growth.

Abstract: A surgical device which combines cautery and tissue debris conveyance via a combination of suction and an Archimedes screw, the cautery electrode encased within the Archimedes screw, the device comprising a device body housing a motor for rotating the screw, a cannula having an aperture for exposing an instrument, extending from the body portion, and a connector system operatively associated with the body portion, the connector system organized to provide pre-determined relative locations of connection for operably connecting the cannula, a cautery electrode and an Archimedes screw to the device body such the cautery electrode tip is positionable outside the aperture of the cannula and the Archimedes screw is disposed within the cannula in a position for conveying tissue entering the cannula via suction.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an electronic switchbox for automatically switching between receive and transmit functionalities. In one embodiment, an electronic switchbox automatically switches between receiving electrocardiograph signals and transmitting cardioversion impulses.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a catheter shaft. An expandable member may be coupled to the catheter shaft. The expandable member may be capable of shifting between a folded configuration and an expanded configuration. A plurality of flexible elements may be attached to the expandable member, with a plurality of electrode assemblies disposed on the flexible elements. The flexible elements may have a grooved substrate.

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: Ablation of cardiac tissue is carried out by inserting a probe having an ablation electrode and a plurality of microelectrodes into a body of a living subject to establish contact between two of the microelectrodes and target tissue, and energizing the ablation electrode. While the ablation electrode is energized impedances are measured between the microelectrodes, and the power level of the ablation electrode adjusted according to the impedances.

Abstract: A microwave ablation device (10) comprises a feed line (22), a microwave radiator and a device outer sheath (46) in which at least part of the feed line (22) is contained. The sheath (46) in use, allows an irrigation liquid to flow therethrough, wherein the feed line has a junction (38) with the radiator (22) has an outer conducting shield (28) terminating and insulated at the junction (38). The feed line (22) has a conductive core (32) that extends to the radiator (24). The conductive core forms a radiating element (34) electrically insulated from its surrounding environment. The radiator (24) is unbalanced.

Abstract: An energy-delivery device suitable for delivery of energy to tissue includes an antenna assembly, a chamber defined about the antenna assembly, and a cable having a proximal end suitable for connection to an electrosurgical energy source. The energy-delivery device also includes a flexible, fluid-cooled shaft coupled in fluid communication with the chamber. The flexible, fluid-cooled shaft is configured to contain a length of the cable therein and adapted to remove heat along the length of the cable during delivery of energy to the antenna assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying a suitable surgical location and/or trajectory for proceeding with a surgical procedure based on local polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography imaging (PS-OCT). PS-OCT images are obtained of a tissue region and are processed to provide a spatial map of anisotropic structure within the tissue region. The anisotropic structure is processed to determine one or more suitable surgical locations and/or trajectories for avoiding or reducing damage to local anisotropic tissue structure identified within the tissue region. The spatial map of the anisotropic structure is registered with pre-operative volumetric image data identifying anisotropic tissue structure within a second tissue region that is larger than the tissue region imaged by PS-OCT.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for simulating a breast deformation of a subject using sensor data obtained from an orientation sensor of a mobile device, with the orientation sensor being configured for sensing an orientation of the mobile device with respect to a direction of gravity. In accordance with the system and method, model data is accessed which defines a biomechanical model of a breast. A simulation subsystem is provided for obtaining the sensor data from the orientation sensor of the mobile device and for determining a gravitational breast deformation by applying a gravitational force to the biomechanical model in a direction which is defined based on the orientation of the mobile device. A deformed model may be displayed on a display of the mobile device. The system and the method provide an intuitive way of simulating the breast deformation.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for soft tissue navigation. A sensor unit provides tracking information to determine positional data for a patient's structural anatomy and gravity direction measurements to determine a direction of gravity relative to the anatomy. A computing unit, during a procedure, computes the direction of gravity and determines spatial information for soft tissues of the patient, responsive to the direction of gravity. Expected soft tissue movement may be provided by a computer model modelling the mechanics of the soft tissues responsive to the direction of gravity, or by other means such as look up table. Surgical navigation data is presented via a display unit. Medical images may be registered and navigation provided relative to the images. Tool positions may be tracked via the sensor unit. Spatial differences in soft tissues between orientations of the patient (relative to gravity) may be determined and presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a treatment plan for cosmetic procedures are provided. The treatment plan automatically modifies or generates one or more proposed sites within a first body surface element based on one or more parameters in one or more second body surface elements. Various techniques and methods described in the application provide for improved planning of a procedure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided that includes a first input mechanism having axial slots formed in a periphery and a second input mechanism having helical slots formed in a surface. The instrument also includes an insert having pins extending from a surface thereof, the insert coupled to the second input mechanism such that the one or more pins extend into the helical slots, and a surgical device coupled to an end. The surgical device is moved in a first degree of freedom in response to a mechanical driving force applied to both the first input mechanism and the second input mechanism, respectively, and the surgical device is moved in a second degree of freedom in response to a mechanical driving force applied to the second input mechanism while the first input mechanism is held stationary.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for causing end effector motion with a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a surgical tool can be configured to releasably and removably couple to a robotic surgical system. The robotic surgical system can include two motors configured to provide torque to the surgical tool to drive one single function of the surgical tool. In at least some embodiments, at least one of the two motors configured to cooperate with another motor to drive the single function of the surgical tool can be configured to drive a second function of the surgical tool.

Abstract: A method of using a robotic guidance system for performing surgery on a spine is provided. The method includes utilizing a computerized tomographic scan image of a location on a spinal column of a patient, such that the computerized tomographic scan image is connected to a computer and visible on a monitor connected to the computer. The method also includes attaching a coupling component to the spinal column of the patient, coupling a marker to the coupling component, and imaging, with a fluoroscope, the view of the spinal column of the patient, wherein the fluoroscope image is transmitted to the computer and visible on the monitor and the at marker is clearly visible in the fluoroscope image.

Abstract: A method may be provided to operate a surgical robotic system including a robotic arm configured to position a surgical end-effector with respect to an anatomical location of a patient. Position information may be received where the position information is generated using a sensor system remote from the robotic arm and remote from the patient. The position information may include position information relating to a tracking device affixed to the patient and position information relating to the surgical end-effector. The robotic arm may be controlled to move the surgical end-effector to a target trajectory relative to the anatomical location of the patient based on the position information generated using the sensor system.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling a motor of a robotic surgical system are provided.

Abstract: A surgeon console for a teleoperated surgical system includes a user input mechanism configured to be actuated to command a flux supply unit to supply a flux to a surgical instrument operatively coupled to the surgeon console; and a user interface configured to display setting information of the flux supply unit, wherein the user interface comprises actuatable control features configured to change a control setting of the flux supply unit.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a master device and a slave manipulator configured to support an instrument. The instrument includes an instrument shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and an end effector coupled to the distal end. The instrument shaft is optionally configured to be inserted into an inserted position through a port so as to provide the end effector with access to a site. A control system is operably coupled to the master device and to the slave manipulator. In response to input at the master device, the control system controls the slave manipulator to move the instrument based on modeling the end effector as being positioned along a line coincident with a longitudinal axis of the distal end of the instrument shaft. The line does not intersect the port when the instrument shaft is in the inserted position through the port. Methods relate to robotic systems.

Abstract: A method and system for use in surgery, which includes a grasper having a jaw, and a grasper housing having a proximal end and distal end and defining a docking opening, and a tool having a tool housing having a proximal end, a distal end and defining an inner surface, and a robotic device operably coupled to the proximal end of the grasper housing, and configured to actuate the jaw of the grasper. The tool housing having an operative assembly at the distal end of the tool housing, and the tool housing defining a docking assembly at the proximal end of the tool housing. The operative assembly having a fulcrum operably coupled to the tool housing, a first lever operably connected to the fulcrum, an instrument operably coupled to the first lever, and an actuator operably coupled to the tool housing and the first lever.

Abstract: A system for maintaining cleanliness of instruments contains a housing containing an exterior and an interior, the exterior optionally configured to mount to a surface. A rack contains at least one hangar and is contained within the housing. A plurality of flexible plastic covers is also contained within the housing wherein each cover is configured to hang on the rack.

Abstract: A sterilization wrap system with features for protecting a sterilization wrap and/or a sterilization tray of the sterilization wrap system is provided. Such features include strap or belt protectors, edge protectors, corner protectors, and/or expandable protectors, which each may provide protection of one or more areas of the sterilization wrap and/or tray when positioned against an outer surface of the wrap and/or between an inner surface of the wrap and a container for holding implements to be sterilized. A size-selectable protection system also is provided. The size-selectable protection system provides a material having a plurality of perforations such that a length of the material may be selected and detached from the rest of the material. The selected length of material may be used with a sterilization wrap system to protect a sterilization wrap and/or sterilization tray from cuts, tears, or the like.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed including a method for providing hands-free illumination during medical procedures, comprising obtaining a sterile light system comprising a pad assembly comprising a pad having a first side having an adhesive and a second side opposite the first side, and a post with a proximal end connected to the second side of the pad and extending to a rounded distal end; and a light assembly attachable to and rotatable about the distal end of the post and comprising a case, one or more light emitting diode (LED), one or more power source, and one or more switch; attaching the sterile light system to a patient to illuminate a desired area of the patient; and performing a medical and/or caregiving procedure for the desired area of the patient.

Abstract: There is provided a protective cover including: an installation section configured to be installed on an arm that supports an imaging device, the arm including a plurality of links joined to each other by one or a plurality of joint sections; and a protective section configured to cover the imaging device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inking a surgical instrument are provided herein. In some embodiments, and apparatus for inking a surgical instrument includes: an inking capsule, comprising a base and a vertical wall extending from the base to define a cavity, the inking capsule having a first opening opposite the base; an ink reservoir disposed within the cavity, the ink reservoir having ink disposed therein and comprising a second opening proximate a top portion of the ink reservoir; and a penetrable seal covering the second opening to seal the ink in the ink reservoir when the seal is in an unbroken state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marker element, in particular a medical or surgical marker element, for a referencing unit of a navigation system, which marker element is configured to be reflective to electromagnetic radiation, further comprising a layer comprising a multitude of retroreflective elements. An improved referencing unit and an improved navigation system are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi drilling guide device for operating an implant. By way of example, the multi drilling guide device includes: a rod extending in a longitudinal direction; a fixing portion combined with one end of the rod and having a drill hole penetrating therethrough; and a guide portion coupled to the rod so as to be movable and rotatable along the rod and having a guide hole.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for digital dental modeling. One method embodiment includes receiving a three-dimensional data set including a first jaw and a second jaw of a three-dimensional digital dental model and receiving a two-dimensional data set corresponding to at least a portion of the first jaw and the second jaw. The method includes mapping two-dimensional data of the two-dimensional data set to the three-dimensional digital dental model by transforming a coordinate system of the two-dimensional data to a coordinate system of the three-dimensional data set. The method includes positioning the first jaw with respect to the second jaw based on the two-dimensional data mapped to the three-dimensional data set. The method includes using at least a portion of the two-dimensional data mapped to the three-dimensional data set as a target of movement of the first jaw with respect to the second jaw in the three-dimensional digital dental model.

Abstract: A removable orthodontic assembly to be used in a user's mouth, including: a frame member configured to be removably positioned proximate a lingual portion of the user's teeth; a first connector member, wherein the first connector member comprises a first end extending proximate to a labial portion of the user's teeth and a second end engaging the frame member; and a labial bow configured to be removably positioned proximate to the labial portion of the user's teeth having a first end and a second end, wherein the labial bow is configured to removably engage the first connector member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an archwire with a varied cross section which is formed integrally with a hook. The archwire includes a customized archwire body corresponding to a setup model of patient's teeth, and the hook which is formed integrally with the archwire body. The archwire body is formed in such a way that at least one region has a cross section different from that of another region.

Abstract: Hybrid orthodontic archwire designs are disclosed. Hybrid archwires may have bracket-archwire sections and interproximal archwire sections in which each section can vary in cross-section shape, size, and/or material properties. Bracket-archwire sections may be configured to promote torque control and may have rectangular cross-sections. Interproximal archwire sections may be configured to be bent into force-promoting loops and may have round cross sections. Each archwire section may be straight or bent into any shape. Hybrid archwires may have sliding sections and non-sliding sections. Non-sliding sections may have male connectors configured to prevent the archwire from sliding relative to the orthodontic brackets and/or may have cross-sectional shapes, sizes, or coatings that resist sliding relative to sliding sections. Sliding sections may have linear archwire segments. Hybrid archwires may have distal or posterior non-sliding sections and an intermediate anterior or medial sliding section.

Abstract: Orthodontic bracket assemblies with torque-adjusting drums. The drum defines at least a majority of the archwire slot of the corresponding bracket assembly, and the drum may be selectively rotated about its longitudinal axis to adjust the prescriptive force that is applied to a patient's tooth during orthodontic use of the bracket assembly. The bracket assembly includes a positioning assembly that selectively retains the drum in a selected orientation relative to the base of the bracket assembly, thereby defining a prescription to be imparted by the bracket assembly to a patient's tooth. In some embodiments, the bracket assembly includes a biasing mechanism that selectively urges the positioning assembly to a position in which the drum is, or is not, retained in a selected position. In some embodiments, the bracket includes a release mechanism that selectively disengages the positioning assembly to permit adjustment of the drum.

Abstract: An intra-bone section of an implant for dental prostheses, to be fixed within the bony part of the gingiva and adapted to receive, upon assembly, a tooth-anchoring superstructure.

Abstract: A magic threader for a dental implant is disclosed, particularly, a dental implant capable of increasing coupling strength under a stable structure by specifying thickness of a thread portion, and pitch between thread portions in consideration of a difference in strength between titanium and bone to decrease stress of an alveolar bone by the thread portion and prevent damage to the alveolar bone and is capable of conducting compression of the thread portion for the alveolar bone in only one direction (direction A), minimizing compression of the thread portion for the alveolar bone in a direction B or a direction C inclined with respect to direction A, and maximizing stress dispersion by configuring the thread portion in a rectangular plate shape and specifying an angle of the screw thread in a specific numerical range.

Abstract: Disclosed are a scanner system and a method for recording surface geometry and surface color of an object where both surface geometry information and surface color information for a block of the image sensor pixels at least partly from one 2D image recorded by the color image sensor. A particular application is within dentistry, particularly for intraoral scanning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a porous dental milling block comprising at least two geometrically defined Material Sections A and B, Material Section A comprising a tetragonal zirconia crystal phase in an amount A-T in % and a cubic zirconia crystal phase in an amount A-C in %, Material Section B comprising cubic zirconia crystal phase in an amount B-T in % and cubic zirconia crystal phase in an amount B-C in %, wherein (amount of tetragonal phase A-T in %)/(amount of cubic phase content A-C in %)>1 and (amount of tetragonal phase content B-T in %)/(amount of cubic phase content B-C in %)<1. The invention also relates to a process of production of the porous dental milling block and its use for producing a dental article.

Abstract: A dental block for producing a dental prosthesis comprises a green body including zirconia and having a chemical composition comprising between 6.0 wt % to 20 wt % of yttria (Y2O3). The green body is subsequently sinterable, with regular sintering in air and with no post HIP processing, to product a translucent sintered body with a total light transmittance of at least 36% to light with a wavelength of 400 nm at a thickness of 0.6 mm.

Abstract: A zirconia sintered body is provided having a color tone equivalent to the color tone guides of various natural teeth and having the same aesthetics as a natural front tooth. The present invention provides a colored translucent zirconia sintered body comprising zirconia containing greater than 4.0 mol % and not greater than 6.5 mol % of yttria, less than 0.25 mol % of erbia, less than 2,000 ppm of iron oxide in terms of Fe2O3, less than 0.01 wt. % of cobalt oxide in terms of CoO, and less than 0.1 wt. % of alumina; the zirconia sintered body having a relative density of not less than 99.90%, a total light transmittance of not less than 25% and less than 40% for light having a wavelength of 600 nm at a sample thickness of 1.0 mm, and a strength of not less than 500 MPa.

Abstract: The present invention to a method of denture manufacture that incorporates CAM-formed occlusal portions made of zirconia, resulting in a natural fit, feel, and wear essentially similar to the wear properties of natural teeth.

Abstract: An oral cavity washing device according to the present disclosure includes: a nozzle having a flow passage structure including a flow passage that includes an inlet port and an outlet port; and a pump to feed washing liquid to the inlet port such that a flow rate of the washing liquid ejected from the outlet port falls within a range of 200 mL/min to 350 mL/min. The flow passage structure includes a first component, a reducer, and a second component. The first component, the reducer, and the second component are configured to generate cavitation in the washing liquid flowing through the flow passage when the flow rate of the washing liquid ejected from the outlet port falls within the range of 200 mL/min to 350 mL/min.