Abstract: In a surgical treatment instrument, a probe extending in a longitudinal axial direction is inserted through a sheath, and each of sheath components, in the sheath, is divided from a neighboring sheath component at a dividing plane along the longitudinal axial direction. A flow of liquid to a proximal side in an inside of the sheath is prevented by a first seal portion. In a divided part between each of the sheath components and the neighboring sheath component, liquid-tight is kept by the second seal portion, and thereby a flow of the liquid to the proximal side is prevented.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical blade includes a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface. The distal end is movable relative to a longitudinal axis in accordance with ultrasonic vibrations applied to the proximal end. At least a portion of the outer surface of the body comprises a lubricious coating adhered thereto. The lubricious coating has a coefficient of friction that is less than the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the body.

Abstract: A cosmetic device includes a housing having a handle portion, a head assembly coupled to the handle portion, and a drum assembly within the head assembly. The drum assembly includes a drum having an outer surface configured to abrade the skin or nails of a user during rotation of the drum. The device further includes a electromechanical drive system located within the housing and configured to rotate the drum. The head assembly is configured to rotate about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A spinal correction system comprises a first member configured for attachment to a first portion of vertebral tissue and a second member is configured for attachment to a second portion of the vertebral tissue spaced from the first portion. A third member has a non-flexible configuration relative to the first and second members and is configured for attachment to an apical portion of the vertebral tissue and along at least a portion of at least two vertebrae. The third member extends between a first end connected to the first member at a first transition configured for attachment to the first vertebral tissue and a second end connected to the second member at a second transition configured for attachment to the vertebral tissue. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A fusion plate for use in fusing two bones together can include directional fastener bores that restrict the angle at which the fasteners can be positioned when inserted through the fastener bores. The fusion plate can be used in conjunction with a spacer, which may include a cavity into which the fusion plate can rest. The fusion plate can be coupled to the spacer using a coupling mechanism.

Abstract: A coating layer, for example PEEK or titanium foil, shields a bone implant surface from wearing interactions with surfaces of bone and/or other implants. The coating prevents shedding particles which are difficult to distinguish from evidence of potentially dangerous conditions, for example, microorganism contamination and/or degenerating tissue. Methods and structures for securing a coating layer are described. Other uses and implementations of coating layers are described.

Abstract: A posterior vertebral plating system comprising a plate and a plurality of attachment members. The plate has a plurality of holes extending through the plate from an upper surface to a lower surface, and the plate is configured to extend along the posterior side of at least two vertebrae adjacent at least one boney structure of each of the vertebrae. The holes are spaced in such a way that a first plurality of holes is positionable over a boney structure of a first vertebra to define a plurality of fixation points to the first vertebra and a second plurality of holes is positionable over boney structure of a second vertebra to define a plurality of fixation points to the second vertebra. The attachment members are insertable through the holes of the plate and into the boney structure of a corresponding vertebra to fix the plate to the vertebra.

Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implants and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention, the implant includes a first extension and a second extension. The first extension has a spacer extending from a medial lacing side along a longitudinal axis. The second extension has an aperture that slidingly receives the spacer. Accordingly, the second extension is moveable relative to the spacer along the longitudinal axis. The second extension includes a threaded bore in communication with the aperture. A set screw is threadably received in the threaded bore of the second extension. The set screw can be tightened against an outer surface of the spacer to lock the second extension in place relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a bone stabilization device (also referred to as a bone tape), which includes a composite flexible construct including a rigidifiable biocompatible sheet structure having first and second opposed surfaces. A biocompatible cement is located on the first surface. In use the composite flexible construct is applied to a bone with the cement contacted directly to the bone. The cement is made of a material that, once adhered to the bone, is curable to mechanically and/or ionically bond to the sheet structure and to chemically bond to the bone to achieve a permanent bond. The bone tape allows simultaneous alignment and stabilization of multiple articulated fragments for successful 3D reconstruction of shattered bones. Initial flexibility and translucency provided by the bone tape can facilitate the temporary stabilization and alignment adjustment of multiple fragments, prior to permanent rigid bonding.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for repairing a portion of a body, the orthopedic device includes an orthopedic plate, a tissue protector, and a rotating member. The orthopedic plate is configured to attach to at least one bone. The tissue protector is attached to the orthopedic plate and configured to at least partially detach from the orthopedic plate after a force is applied to the tissue protector. The rotating member is configured to connect the tissue protector to the orthopedic plate while allowing the tissue protector to rotate relative to the orthopedic plate.

Abstract: A sacroiliac joint fusion screw and associated delivery tools and method. Embodiments of the sacroiliac joint fusion screw comprise a shaft having proximal and distal end portions and a head on the proximal end of the shaft. A threaded portion on a distal portion of the shaft is configured to engage a sacrum. A glide zone portion on the shaft between the threaded portion and the proximal end portion is configured to extend through an ilium. The screw can provide stability and compression to the joint.

Abstract: An anchoring device and method for attaching an object to a bone comprises an anchoring member having proximal and distal ends, with the proximal end being adapted to hold the object to the bone while the distal end is in the bone, and a locking member having proximal and distal ends, with the proximal end adapted to secure the anchoring member into the bone and oppose its pull-out or loosening by stopping its backing or preventing its unscrewing while the distal end is in the bone. Also provided are first and second fasteners, with the first fastener adapted to fit to the proximal end of the anchoring member, and the second fastener adapted to fit to the proximal end of the locking member. The end of the second fastener can have an angle that matches an angle of the locking member.

Abstract: The risk of bone cement extravaation can be reduced by delivering a calcium-dependent polymerizing sealant into a bone structure prior to delivery of bone cement into that structure. The polymerization of the sealant in response to the calcium within the bone structure can fill cracks and any other potential cement leakage paths, thereby minimizing the potential for subsequent extravaation. The benefits of the use of a calcium-dependent polymerizing sealant can be provided in any procedure involving the use of bone cement, such as spinal fixation, vertebroplasty, and kyphoplasty, among others.

Abstract: Device for the mixing of polymethylmethacrylate bone cement and for storing a monomer liquid and a cement powder as starting components of the bone cement, comprising a cartridge having an internal space closed on one side by a mobile dispensing plunger; a monomer container for a monomer liquid and/or a connector for attachment of a monomer container which can be opened in the device so that the monomer liquid flows from the monomer container into the device; and a connecting conduit through which the monomer liquid can be guided into the internal space of the cartridge; having a pumping plunger that can be shifted axially in the hollow cylinder arranged in the hollow cylinder, which can be used to push monomer liquid from the hollow cylinder through the connecting conduit into the internal space of the cartridge by actuating the pumping plunger.

Abstract: Methods for temporarily fixing an orientation of a bone or bones. Methods of correcting a bunion deformity. Bone positioning devices. Methods of using a bone positioning device. Bone preparation guides. Methods of using a bone preparation guide.

Abstract: A device for effecting change in tissue at a treatment site includes a housing having an aperture for receiving a user's finger, a cold plate supported by said housing for cooling the tissue at the treatment site, and at least one thermoelectric cooling semiconductor thermally coupled to said cold plate and electrically coupled to a power source. In another embodiment, the cold plate may include a surface for contacting the treatment site, and at least a portion of said cold plate including said surface may extend from said housing.

Abstract: A vessel dissector for harvesting a target vessel from a donor has a generally cylindrical tip body with a sloping channel formed along a longitudinal side. A channel bottom provides a channel depth that decreases from a distal channel end to a proximal channel end. The tip body has a crescent-shaped forward lip extending distally from the channel. An arcuate collar is slidably disposed in an arcuate recess within the tip body to selectably bridge the channel at the distal end of the channel to form a ring profile with the forward lip. A first ferromagnetic heating element is disposed along a radially outward surface of the forward lip. A second ferromagnetic heating element is disposed on a distal edge of the arcuate collar. The first and second ferromagnetic heating elements are adapted to be energized simultaneously to make a vasiform cut including a pedicle around the target vessel.

Abstract: An HF surgical appliance comprising an HF generator having an output circuit, which contains an output transformer and has an output impedance. Output terminals, to which an HF surgical instrument can be connected, are provided, said instrument supplying a high-frequency current with a specific frequency into tissue to treat the same. An additional output circuit containing an additional transformer, which is connected between the output circuit and the output terminals to reduce the output impedance is also provided. In this way, the HF surgical appliance can be operated with a high power output even on loads having low impedance.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an active electrode coupled to a source of electrosurgical energy. The active electrode includes a tissue-contacting surface on an exterior surface of the instrument such that the tissue-contacting surface of the active electrode may intimately engage tissue. A replacement electrode includes a tissue-contacting surface, and is located in an interior cavity of the instrument. A seal is formed between the active electrode and the interior cavity of the instrument such that the tissue-contacting-surface of the replacement electrode is isolated from contamination exposed to the exterior of the instrument. The active electrode is removable from the instrument to expose the tissue-contacting surface of the replacement electrode, and the replacement electrode is connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy when the active electrode is removed.

Abstract: A method of surgery includes grasping tissue between tissue-treating plates of first and second jaw members by moving the first and second jaw members from a spaced-apart position to a first approximated position, energizing the tissue-treating plates to conduct energy through the grasped tissue to treat tissue, and separating grasped and treated tissue by moving the first and second jaw members from the first approximated position to a second approximated position. Moving the first and second jaw members from the first approximated position to the second approximated position laterally shifts the jaw members relative to one another from an aligned orientation, wherein the tissue-treating plates are aligned with one another, to an offset orientation, wherein the tissue-treating plates are offset relative to one another.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle, and an elongated shaft extending from the handle. An end effector extending from the elongated shaft is in communication with a source of electrosurgical energy and defines an end effector axis. A roll joint couples the end effector to the elongated shaft and includes a first tubular structure extending distally from the elongated shaft and a second tubular structure rotatably coupled to the first tubular structure. The second tubular structure supports the end effector such that the end effector is rotatable about the end effector axis.

Abstract: A method for identifying and treating tissue includes providing an electrosurgical treatment device including an electrode assembly. One or more electrical property values of target tissue are measured. The measured electrical property values of the target tissue are compared against electrical property values of known tissue types. A tissue type of the target tissue is identified. An energy delivery configuration of the electrosurgical treatment device is adjusted to the type of target tissue. The electrosurgical treatment device is activated to treat the target tissue.

Abstract: A switch detector of an energy treatment device detects a switch from a gradually decreasing state to a gradually increasing state on the basis of a detection result of acoustic impedance. In a state where ultrasonic electric energy and high-frequency electric energy are simultaneously output from an energy source, a controller stops an output of the ultrasonic electric energy on the basis of a fact that the switch of the acoustic impedance from the gradually decreasing state to the gradually increasing state is detected, and stops an output of the high-frequency electric energy on the basis of the fact that high-frequency impedance reaches a set threshold.

Abstract: A spindle assembly of a surgical instrument includes a body and a cutter pin. The body has at least one wall forming first and second channels therein. The cutter pin is disposed within the second channel and operably coupled to a knife rod extending therethrough and is operatively coupled at its distal end to a knife. When the knife rod is moved between a retracted position and a deployed position, the spindle assembly is moved between a first and a second position along the shaft. The cutter pin is configured to deform and exit the body when the knife is deployed and disposed in a trapped condition and in response to an applied force, thereby decoupling the knife from the spindle assembly.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems and methods for forming a fistula between two blood vessels. Generally, the systems may comprise a first catheter which may comprise a fistula-forming element. The fistula-forming element may comprise one or more electrodes, mechanical cutting elements, laser sources, or combinations thereof, and may be used to assist in fistula formation. In some instances, a system may comprise a second catheter, which may comprise a fistula-forming element. One or more of the catheters may comprise one or more markers, magnetic alignment elements, and/or one shape-changing elements.

Abstract: A treatment tool for an endoscope includes a sheath which is extended along a longitudinal axis; a pre-curved portion which is disposed at a distal portion of the sheath; a knife wire lumen which is formed along the longitudinal axis of the sheath; a first communication hole and a second communication hole which are open on an outer circumferential surface to communicate the outer circumferential surface positioned with the knife wire lumen; a wire-shaped cutting portion which is protruded from the first communication hole and the second communication hole, and is extended in a position spaced from the outer circumferential surface and the virtual plane; a fixing portion which is provided to fix an end portion of a wire connected to the cutting portion inside the knife wire lumen, and a bending portion which is provided to bend the wire.

Abstract: A microwave ablation system is disclosed. The system includes a microwave antenna assembly that includes an identification device configured to store an optimal frequency of the microwave antenna assembly. The system also includes a generator configured to couple to the microwave antenna assembly and to output microwave energy at an operational frequency. The generator is further configured to read the optimal frequency from the identification device and to configure the operational frequency to substantially match the optimal frequency.

Abstract: A dermatological treatment and analysis system includes a handheld treatment device having a handheld body, a treatment radiation source that delivers a dermatological treatment to the skin, and skin sensor(s) configured to generate signals indicative of one or more skin properties. A wireless transmitter is integrated in the handheld treatment device or in a docking/charging station that receives the handheld treatment device. The wireless transmitter is configured to receive skin-related data comprising the signals from the at least one skin sensor and/or information derived from such signals, and to wirelessly transmit the received skin-related data for analysis of the skin-related data by a remote data analysis system, which may analyze the received skin-related data to generate skin analysis data, and communicate the skin analysis data as feedback to the user of the handheld treatment device, e.g., via a website or application hosted on an internet-connected device of the user.

Abstract: This invention relates to an advance in the delivery of laser beams to internal surgical sites using optical fibers with a novel distal tip design made using a fusion assembly procedure suitable for directing laser beams out of the side of an optical fiber. This side-fire fiber delivery tip assembly is fabricated by fusing a transparent tube onto the distal ends of a laser beam delivery fiber and an associated coaxial stub fiber that have beveled and parallel end faces that meet inside of the transparent tube. The result is a rugged fiber delivery tip assembly that is almost entirely solid, except for a very narrow gap between the beveled end surfaces of the two fibers. A loose fitting transparent capsule may be placed over this fiber tip to contain a refractive index matching fluid that may also serve as a cooling agent for the fiber tip assembly.

Abstract: The veterinary orthopedic kit relates to veterinary science and more specifically to orthopedics and traumatology, and can be used in veterinary clinics in the treatment and restoration of function to damaged limbs of dogs, cats and other animals. The technical problem to be solved consists in the timely and quality provision of emergency care to injured animals, an increase in the effectiveness of treatment and the prevention of serious complications. This problem is solved in that orthopedic external fixation systems are provided in a universal and multifunctional set. The veterinary orthopedic kit consists of a rectangular container in the form of a box having a lid and being divided by partitions into a plurality of sections. The sections accommodate a set of components and instruments for the purposes of external fixation: polyfunctional monoblocks, plates, rods and pins, bars, fasteners and instruments.

Abstract: Surgical tools having a two degree-of-freedom wrist, wrist articulation by linked tension members, mechanisms for transmitting torque through an angle, and minimally invasive surgical tools incorporating these features are disclosed. An elongate intermediate wrist member is pivotally coupled with a distal end of an instrument shaft so as to rotate about a first axis transverse to the shaft, and an end effector body is pivotally coupled with the intermediate member so as to rotate about a second axis that is transverse to the first axis. Linked tension members interact with attachment features to articulate the wrist. A torque-transmitting mechanism includes a coupling member, coupling pins, a drive shaft, and a driven shaft. The drive shaft is coupled with the driven shaft so as to control the relative orientations of the drive shaft, the coupling member, and the driven shaft.

Abstract: According to the invention, the process includes the steps of: a) taking a sagittal preoperative x-ray of the vertebral column of the patient to be treated, extending from the cervical vertebrae to the femoral heads; b) on that x-ray, identifying points on S1, S2, T12 et C7; c) depicting, on the said x-ray, curved segments beginning at the center of the plate of S1 et going to the center of the plate of C7; e) identifying, on that x-ray, the correction(s) to be made to the vertebral column, including the identification of posterior osteotomies to make; f) pivoting portions of said x-ray relative to other portions of that x-ray, according to osteotomies to be made; g) performing, on said x-ray, a displacement of the sagittal curvature segment extending over the vertebral segment to be corrected; h) from a straight vertebral rod (TV), producing the curvature of that rod according to the shape of said sagittal curvature segment in said displacement position.

Abstract: A medical system automatically identifies a user based on matching a partial facial image of the user with a database of authorized users. The medical system automatically configures based on the user identification and received patient data. The medical system further automatically identifies a patient based on matching a facial image of the patient with an image of the patient to confirm the correct patient is in the operating room. The medical system still further provides for gaze detection and gesture control by a user such that the user in the sterile environment can directly control devices outside the sterile environment.

Abstract: A method for repairing a bone of a patient may include superimposing a first virtual boundary on a virtual bone and superimposing a second virtual boundary on the virtual bone. The method may further include robotically modifying the bone of the patient with a planar tool along a first working boundary to create a first surface. The first working boundary may correspond to the first virtual boundary. The method may further include robotically modifying the bone of the patient with a rotary tool along a second working boundary to create a second surface. The second working boundary may correspond to the second virtual boundary.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for limiting torque in robotic surgical tools 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 a motor configured to provide torque to the surgical tool to drive two different functions of the surgical tool. The surgical tool can include two torque limiting mechanisms, each associated with the motor, each associated with one of the functions, and each configured to limit an amount of the torque from the motor that drives the function associated therewith.

Abstract: An instrument carriage provides control of a surgical instrument coupled to the instrument carriage. The instrument carriage includes a control surface that is coupled to the surgical instrument to provide the control. A detection pin having a first distal end that extends from the control surface is coupled to the instrument carriage. A magnet is fixed to a proximal end of the detection pin. A carriage controller provides an indication that the surgical instrument is present on the instrument carriage when movement of the detection pin causes an output signal from a Hall effect sensor to exceed a presence threshold value that is stored in the carriage controller as part of a calibration procedure during the assembly of the instrument carriage. Surgical instrument removal may be indicated when detection pin movement causes the output signal to be less than a removal threshold value of less than the presence threshold value.

Abstract: A obstetric hemorrhage cart having a chassis riding on wheels, drawers supported by the chassis, a cooling apparatus such as a refrigerator in the chassis, a locking bar pivotally attached to the chassis, a scale drawer, a scale mounted in the scale drawer, and a positionable task light attached to the chassis. Each of the drawers may include a drawer lock shiftable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking bar may be lockable in a blocking orientation and shiftable to a non-blocking orientation when unlocked, thus serving as a secondary safety lock preventing the drawers and a cooling apparatus door from inadvertently opening during travel. The scale may have a weight surface and a scale display, and the scale drawer may have a window for viewing the scale display from a front of the chassis when the scale drawer is open.

Abstract: A storage device is provided to store a tool or component in an operating theater and includes a receiving portion and a retaining member. The receiving portion is configured to support the tool or component thereon. The retaining member is transitionable between an initial configuration and a deployed configuration and includes a securing region thereon. In the deployed configuration, the retaining member is spaced away from a plane defined by a surface of the receiving portion. The securing region is configured to facilitate the passage of a tool or component through the retaining member such that the tool or component is secured therein.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a microscope-integrated intraoperative scanner system having automated tracking of an instrument tip. A scanning mirror is configured such that a field of view of the OCT system is determined by a position or orientation of the scanning mirror. A drive system is configured to control the scanning mirror. Camera assemblies are configured to determine respective two-dimensional projections of the positions of markers attached to a surgical instrument. A stereo vision system is configured to determine a three-dimensional location of each of the markers from the determined two-dimensional positions. An instrument tracking component is configured to determine a position of a working tip of the surgical instrument according to the determined three-dimensional locations. A drive control is configured to instruct the drive system to adjust the scanner mirror to control the field of view of the OCT system.

Abstract: A system for at least partially filling and marking a cavity within a patient includes a delivery device. A quantity of marker forming fluid is located within the delivery device. The quantity of marker forming fluid is configured to at least partially fill the cavity and form therein a bioabsorbable body after delivery into the cavity from the delivery device. A radiopaque marker, separate from the quantity of marker forming fluid and releasably attached to a portion of the delivery device, is configured to be delivered into the quantity of marker forming fluid in the cavity from the delivery device and configured to remain in the bioabsorbable body upon the formation of the bioabsorbable body in the cavity.

Abstract: A system for dental tissue treatment includes a system for directing a laser beam to an area of dental tissue to be treated, and a fluid-delivery system for directing and controlling a flow of a fluid. The fluid is directed to at least a portion of the area to be treated and the fluid flow is controlled to substantially prevent both a change in laser energy absorption by the dental tissue and attenuation of treatment efficiency due to fluid interference with the laser beam. The fluid present in at least a portion of the area to be treated may prevent or reduce the likelihood of melting of enamel in that area.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to a self ligating orthodontic bracket system that includes a rotatable member for securing an archwire within a slot of a bracket. Embodiments of the orthodontic bracket system disclosed herein include a bracket body containing the archwire slot as well as tie wings for attaching various orthodontic devices (e.g., elastomeric bands) to the bracket. The rotatable member is rotatable in a first direction (e.g., counter clockwise) relative to a body of the bracket for securing or locking the archwire within the slot, and for rotating in an opposite direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) relative to the bracket body for unsecuring or unlocking the archwire so that it is substantially unrestrained from exiting the slot.

Abstract: Tooth attachments are provided comprising one or more convex surfaces for engagement by a surface of an orthodontic appliance. Polymeric shell appliances are provided in which the polymeric shell appliances are configured to provide one or more activation forces to facilitate tooth movement. The polymeric shell appliances may comprise one or more tooth receiving cavities. The polymeric shell appliances may further comprise an engagement portion with a surface configured to engage a convex attachment surface in order to apply a tooth moving force.

Abstract: Provided is an orthodontic splint and related methods, which use two or more bonding pads and a flexible connector beam that deflects in response to stress, effectively reducing the amount of stress felt by the adhesive. The connector beam has a non-uniform cross-section along its length, thereby shifting the maximum stress away from the ends of the beam and toward the midpoint of the beam. Further, the connector beam attached to each base along locations remote from the outer edge of the base. These splint configurations can decrease the likelihood of bond failure and improve fatigue performance by causing stress, and associated strain, encountered during treatment to be spread more evenly along the length of the beam.

Abstract: A dental augment system includes a porous metal augment, a solid metal insert, and a dental implant. The porous metal augment is sized for use in mandibular or maxillar bone. The porous metal material of the augment facilitates and promotes ingrowth of the surrounding bone into the porous metal structure, thereby rebuilding a suitable foundation for affixation of dental implants. The solid metal insert can be configured to be received within an insert bore of the porous metal augment and a dental implant can be received within and theradably engaged with a threaded bore of the solid metal insert.

Abstract: A denture is manufactured in a single visit using a pre-formed dental template chosen from a plurality of different sized dental templates, based on the size of a patient's alveolar edentulous ridge. The dental template includes a base acrylic with prosthetic teeth attached thereto. A viscous material such as an acrylic is added to the selected dental template and the dental template with the added viscous material is placed on the patient's alveolar edentulous ridge. The viscous material is then allowed to solidify to form a rigid or semi-rigid material with the template in proper position in three planes and properly border molded. After solidification a denture is formed that consists of a first base acrylic portion in conterminous relation with a second portion formed of the solidified material that had been added as a viscous material, and with teeth joined to the base acrylic portion.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating dental prostheses are provided that include the steps of providing a powder of a dental material, and then selectively melting the powder of the dental material to produce a functionally graded layer of the dental material. Additional layers of functionally graded dental material are then built on top of the initial layer of dental material to thereby produce a three-dimensional dental prosthesis having a functionally graded structure and a desired physical geometry. Dental prostheses produced by the foregoing methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blank for the production of a dental shaped body, wherein the blank has a corpus (2) of tooth restoration material, from which the shaped part to be fabricated is carved by means of a tool (4) by removal of material. The blank has coding means (1) formed on part of the surface (6) of the blank corpus (2), which coding means (1) has at least one structure (8, 9) for identification of the blank. The coding means (1) consists of a plurality of panels (5.1) at the level of the surface (6) of the corpus (2) and a plurality of panels (5.2, 5.3) incorporating a flat structure (8, 9) at a level (h1, h2) which is distinguishable from at least the level of the surface (6) of the corpus (2). The invention further relates to a method for identifying a blank with the aid of coding means (1).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for making dental prostheses including a matrix housing that has a plurality of interconnected walls, one of which defines an aperture. The matrix housing houses a dental model of a set of teeth, a wax model of a clasp, and a matrix that defines a sprue. The aperture provides access to the sprue. The matrix housing may be used with a cartridge for containing thermoplastic resin and a resin discharging device. The discharging device includes a body defining a through hole, a cartridge mount attached to the body, a ratchet push rod inserted through the through hole and including a plurality of teeth, a trigger pivotably attached to the body, and a drive tooth connected to the trigger and the body. The drive tooth cooperates with the teeth of the push rod to control the pressure asserted by the push rod to the cartridge.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedure systems, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to tissue, devices and tools for transvaginally accessing a posterior region of pelvic anatomy, devices (including certain types of implants, anchors, and tools) for connecting (e.g., adjustably) a vaginal apex to a region of sacral anatomy to provide support to the vaginal apex, and related methods.