Abstract: The present invention provides an air driven dental handpiece device with a back end configured to receive an air and water supply; a handpiece body having an air intake tube and a water line tube carrying air and water respectively through the device; and a head receiving air to power the device's dental spindle. The head securely blocks air from leaking and returns the air through a large air return exhaust port back through the inside of the body and out a rear air exhaust assembly including a plurality of exhaust air holes and/or an air return exhaust port. The device helps eliminate a patient's sensitivity and discomfort, helps eliminate the risk of surgical air emphysema, as well as helps eliminate any cross contamination during oral surgical procedures.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a dental prophy angle with a wiper assembly is described. The prophy angle comprises a neck section and the neck section has an outer surface. The method comprises the steps of manufacturing a dental prophy angle, manufacturing a wiper assembly by molding a base, the base having an undersurface, the undersurface configured to match the outer surface of the neck section, molding a shield, the shield assembly comprising a carriage and a wiper, attaching the base to the shield assembly, and attaching the undersurface to the outer surface.

Abstract: An anatomical drape (1 a or 1b), such as a dental drape, for covering a treatment area of an anatomical part, the drape comprising an elastomeric material capable of conforming to the contours of the anatomical part and including a curing agent (9) contained within internal channels distributed in the drape; and wherein activation of the curing agent, for example by a light source, causes hardening of the material to at least partially set the drape in a configuration conforming to the anatomical part. The semi-rigid set drape is liquid impermeable but gas permeable. A method of manufacturing the drape is also disclosed.

Abstract: Tool for handling palatal expanders, including two opposed jaws adapted to clamp at least one body of a palatal expander, a handle, and actuation means adapted to move said jaws between a clamping position on said at least one body and respectively a release position, said jaws being bound elastically to one another and are normally spaced from each other, and said actuation means comprising a slider slidably mounted on the outer surfaces of the jaws, the slider being provided with a part adapted to interact with said outer surfaces so as to compress the jaws by pushing them toward each other when it is made to slide along a first direction and free them when it is made to slide along a second direction, said actuation means being adapted to firmly but reversibly lock the jaws in said clamping position.

Abstract: An orthodontic anchor (10) to be attached to the surface (12) of a tooth (11). The anchor (10) includes a base (13) which is in the form of a plate having a surface (14) that is dually fixed to the surface (12). Base (13) is in the form of a duct portion (15) providing a through passage (16). The passage (16) receives a tube (19), through which an elongated orthodontic element, such as a wire (21) or a chain can pass.

Abstract: A dental drill is disclosed which allows for an osteotomy to be formed in a shape which closely matches the cylindrical shape of many dental implants. In so doing, the implant engages more tissue of the resulting osteotomy, thus resulting in greater ability for the tissue to penetrate and fuse with the implant while also reducing the chances of infection and reducing the overall recovery time. In addition, by forming the dental drill with a relatively obtuse angulation between the termini of the drill flutes, the cutting forces are spread across a larger cutting area thus reducing wear on the drill itself. Moreover, by spreading the cutting force over a larger area, the heat generated by the drill is reduced and thus the discomfort afforded to the patient is reduced.

Abstract: Dental implants including radiopaque markers provided therein or thereon. The implant may also include customizable length characteristics. For example, a kit may include implants with different diameters (e.g., 3 diameters), where all of the implants are of a single (e.g., long) length. The appropriate diameter implant may be selected from the kit by the practitioner, and the long length implant may be cut (e.g., with a dental drill) to the appropriate length needed. The implants include radiopaque markers on or within the implant. For example, three series of markers may be provided on different “faces” of the implant, so that the three series of markers serve as reference points when scanning, allowing triangulation of the exact position of the implant in relation to the surrounding hard and soft oral tissues.

Abstract: An orthodontic implant structure (2) that is used by being implanted in bone in an oral cavity includes a first screw (6, 6B) having a screw body (6b) and an engaging portion (14), a plate securing implement (12, 13), a second screw, and a base plate having a first surface (4p) and a second surface (4q) and in which a first attachment hole (24A, 24B) and a second attachment hole (26) are formed.

Abstract: A dental milling blank for the production of permanent indirect restorations in the CAD/CAM process, characterized in that it has a water sorption WSP of less than/equal to 18 ?g/mm3, measured according to ISO 4049 and an E modulus E greater than/equal to 13 GPa, measured according to the ADA specification No. 27 and a quotient Q of WSP/E of less than 1.35 ?g/(GPa×mm3) and consists of the polymerization product of a radically curable dental composition, which comprises a) inorganic fillers, wherein the total mass of the inorganic fillers is at least 83 wt. %, based on the total mass of the composition, b) radically polymerizable monomers, c) one or more initiators for radically curing.

Abstract: The invention discloses a tooth cleaner mainly composed of a brace and a handle, the brace comprises an upper tooth socket and a lower tooth socket, a plurality of small open holes which are arranged at intervals are distributed in the upper tooth socket and the lower tooth socket, one end of each of the small open holes is connected with a first guide pipe embedded into the brace, the other ends of the first guide pipes extend into the handle and are connected with a pump outlet of a pump module arranged inside the handle, the pump module also comprises a pump air inlet and a pump water inlet, the pump water inlet of the pump module is connected with a water storage module in the handle by a guide pipe, and the pump air inlet of the pump module communicates with an air inlet in the surface of the handle by a guide pipe. By using the tooth cleaner, the problems of poor cleaning and atomizing effects and poor user experience of the original tooth cleaner are solved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oral cavity cleaning device. The oral cavity cleaning device may include an air injection portion that injects high pressure air; a cleaning liquid tank that cleaning liquid is stored therein; an acceleration portion that is connected to the cleaning liquid tank through a first pipe body and is connected to an air injection portion through a second pipe body, and draws out cleaning liquid form the cleaning liquid tank by pressure difference and injects this, if high pressure air is supplied from the air injection portion; a nozzle portion that is connected to the acceleration portion by a pipe body and makes the cleaning liquid injected by high pressure air be injected to a tooth; and a switching portion that controls the air injection portion to reduce, increase injection amount of cleaning liquid, or stop the cleaning liquid.

Abstract: The transmission according to the invention for an electric toothbrush serves for the transmission and reforming of a rotational movement provided by an electric motor into a particularly careful and effective cleaning movement of a cleaning element. The ratio of the distance between the longitudinal mid-axis of an output shaft and the longitudinal mid-axis of a drive shaft of the transmission and of the distance between the longitudinal mid-axis of a shaft driving a cam of the transmission and the longitudinal mid-axis of the cam amounts to at least 10:1.

Abstract: A toothbrush with fluid directing drive assembly is provided. The toothbrush may include a handle including an end surface, a brush shaft extending from the end surface of the handle, a drive assembly positioned within the handle and causing the brush shaft to oscillate upon actuation of a motor, a brush tip removably coupled to the brush shaft and positioned adjacent to the end surface of the handle, and a fluid passage defined within the drive assembly within the handle. The brush tip may include a fluid conduit therein. Oscillation of the brush shaft may cause the entire brush tip to oscillate correspondingly. Fluid may be transported through the drive assembly and to the fluid conduit of the brush tip by the fluid passage.

Abstract: A device for measuring the length of a root canal of a subject is provided. The device includes a flexible sheath slidable over a dental handpiece head. The sheath includes electrically conducting wires for connecting to an apex locator. Also provided is a device for measuring root canal length that includes an endodontic file having a metallic element at the file end far from the end inserted into a root canal. The modified file provides a region in the metallic element for electronic attachment to an apex locator such that the rubber stopper may be moved along the entire file surface without interference.

Abstract: Non-customized dental treatment trays used to provide a desired treatment are formed from elastomeric silicone or silicone-like material. They may be molded from a two-part liquid silicone composition or a silicone-like TPE material (e.g., preferably SEBS and/or VERSAflex thermoplastic elastomer). The dental treatment trays possess high adaptability, flexibility, softness, and elastic elongation while also exhibiting resiliency in order to readily conform to the ridges, depressions and contours of a person's teeth during use. The trays possess a greater ability to adhere to a person's teeth compared to non-elastomeric thermoplastic materials. Due to their high adaptability and conformability, the non-customized dental trays behave like a semi-custom dental tray when placed over conformed to a person's teeth, particularly when used in combination with a sticky, viscous treatment composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to automatically predict a calving moment of a cow, comprising: recording, by a three-dimensional camera system, at least one three-dimensional image of the cow, processing, by a processing device, the at least one image of the cow, wherein processing of the image comprises determining a parameter indicative of the calving moment, and predicting a calving moment of the cow on the basis of the parameter.

Abstract: The invention provides a system treating a weak or leaking urinary or other sphincter. The system includes two magnets and one or more devices to immobilize one of the magnets on a first side of the body organ to immobilize the other magnet on the second side of the body organ. The magnets may be positioned around the body organ with opposite poles facing each other. The invention may be used to induce the formation of muscle tissue of a sphincter such as a urethral sphincter or gastroesophageal sphincter, and also for mechanically occluding a leaking urethral or vesicovaginal fistula.

Abstract: A surgical device that is implantable to treat female urinary incontinence includes a support, a first suspending member connected to the support, a second suspending member connected to the support, a first anchor connected to the first suspending member, and a second anchor connected to the second suspending member. Microgrooves are formed in a surface of at least one of the first suspending member and the second suspending member.

Abstract: An implantable permanent filter assembly (1) for deployment in a bifurcated vessel includes a main vessel and at least two branches. This assembly includes a filtering sleeve (2) formed of an expendable braided framework (20) able to expand from a radially compressed state in a delivery configuration to a radially expanded state. The filtering sleeve extends along an axis and defines a cylindrical lumen devoid of impermeable layer, having a distal end configured to extend toward the branches of the bifurcated vessel and a proximal end configured to extend toward away from the branches of the bifurcated vessel. The braided framework has a plurality of mesh layers (22,23,24) of wires (25) made of biocompatible material, forming a lattice with a plurality of wires of each layers. The lattice, when observed normal with respect to a wall of the implantable endoluminal prosthesis, defines polygonal openings.

Abstract: An aortic flow diverter or filter is described that diverts particles away from the carotid vessels and right subclavian artery. The diverter includes a stent-like portion formed from a plurality of braided or woven wires that can radially self-expand. The stent-like portion is generally tubular and is fixed over the distal end of a catheter or shaft. A sheath is located over both the catheter and stent-like portion, maintaining the stent-like portion in a compressed configuration. When withdrawn proximally, the sheath releases the stent-like portion, allowing it to expand against the walls of the vessel.

Abstract: A method of making a contoured internal limb including providing a flattened tubular segment of graft material, and a prosthesis including the contoured internal limb. The tubular segment includes a left lateral edge, a right lateral edge, a first length extending from the left lateral edge to the right lateral edge, and a second length extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the tubular segment. The method also includes contouring a proximal portion, a middle portion, and a distal portion of the contoured internal limb from the tubular segment. The method also includes closing a right lateral edge of the proximal portion and a right lateral edge of a first section of the middle portion. The method further includes removing the proximal, middle and distal portions of the contoured internal limb from the tubular segment and maintaining a second section of the middle portion as circumferentially continuous.

Abstract: A bifurcated endovascular prosthesis that includes a tubular main body having a diameter, a proximal end, a distal end, an internal lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end, an anterior side, and a posterior side. The anterior and posterior sides are opposite each other circumferentially around the internal lumen. The prosthesis also includes a first limb that extends from the distal end of the tubular main body along the anterior side of the main body. The first limb has a diameter less than the diameter of the tubular main body and having a proximal end and a distal end. The prosthesis also includes a fenestration adjacent to the proximal end of the first limb. The fenestration extends from the proximal end of the first limb to the posterior side of the tubular main body. The prosthesis also includes a second limb that extends within the internal lumen from the fenestration toward the proximal end of the tubular main body.

Abstract: A support structure for a three-sided scallop in the edge of a stent graft including two substantially longitudinal perimeter support sections and an undulating lateral side base extending between the two support sections. The undulations extend below the edge of the lateral side of the scallop and overlap the graft material away from the edge of the lateral side.

Abstract: A system (100) for a controlled stressing of a reconstructed or re-natured ligament of a human or animal body comprises an anchoring element (10) for implantation in a first bone (50), at least one connecting element (120) and a holding element (30), which fixes the at least one connecting element (20) in a second bone. According to the invention, an elastomer element (125) is arranged in the anchoring element and/or in the connecting element (120) and provides a defined elastic action through the cooperation of elastomer element (125) with the connecting element (120).

Abstract: A device, kit and surgical method are disclosed in which fibrous connective tissues to be attached to bone are protected by a sleeve. Applications exist for ligament, tendon and tenodesis surgeries. The sleeve may be woven, may be tightenable around a distal end of a fibrous connective tissue, and may be formed of non-absorbable materials, absorbable materials combinations thereof. The sleeve may include a biologic material. The sleeve may protect bone cortex regions. A tool may be provided to assist with attachment of the sleeve to the distal end portion. The fibrous connective tissues may be attached to the bone with a screw or a button.

Abstract: Some embodiments described herein provide an improved tendon anchoring device and method for securing a muscle tendon to a bone. In particular, implementations described herein, the devices and methods are useful for anchoring a tendon to a bone in a patient's arm, including for example, anchoring a bicep tendon to bore formed in the targeted bone of the arm.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a three-dimensional, degradable medical implant for regeneration of soft tissue comprising a plurality of volume-building components and a mesh component which is substantially made of monofilament or multifilament fibers, wherein each volume-building component is attached to at least one point on a surface of the mesh component, and wherein the projected surface area of each volume-building component, when projected on the surface of the mesh component, corresponds to a maximum of one tenth of the surface area of the mesh component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating a corneal disease such as, for example, corneal blindness, or the refractive power of a cornea by generating a vitrified decellularized corneal inlay.

Abstract: Generally, an intraocular implant having on the external surface a plurality of pattern surface elements disposed in spaced apart relation defining a tortuous pathway adapted to control a flow of fluid or a flow of particles suspended in a fluid or inhibit the growth or migration of cells is provided. In particular, an intraocular implant that is implanted between an intraocular lens and the surface of the posterior capsule of the eye inhibits growth or migration of residual lens epithelial cells after cataract surgery by providing structural barriers to reduce posterior capsule opacification of the eye.

Abstract: An adjustable intraocular lens which allows external light to be selectively transmitted therethrough. The adjustable intraocular lens includes, a lens body having a front surface, a rear surface, and a central optical part convexly formed in a first direction, a plurality of support parts extending in a radial direction at the edge of the lens body, and an optical fiber part which is disposed on the outside of the central optical part and surrounds the central optical part.

Abstract: Vascular valve systems for treating calcified vascular vessel valves by delivery of one or more calcium chelating agents are described. Methods of making the vascular valve systems are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods of delivering and deploying a stented prosthetic heart valve having a wrap that is automatically deployed to prevent or mitigate paravalvular leakage. In various embodiments, during transcatheter delivery of the stented prosthetic heart valve, the wrap is extends beyond a stent frame of the stented prosthetic heart valve so that the profile of the stented prosthetic heart valve is not increased during delivery. The disclosed embodiments are arranged and configured so that upon expansion of a stent frame of the stented prosthetic heart valve, a plurality of elongated members automatically pull the wrap distally into a deployed arrangement.

Abstract: An assembly for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to a native heart valve is disclosed. The assembly includes a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve formed with an expandable metallic stent and a flexible valvular structure. The assembly also includes a delivery apparatus having a delivery sleeve. The delivery sleeve includes a selectively steerable section and a distal portion for retaining the prosthetic heart valve in a compressed state. A handle is coupled to a proximal end of the delivery sleeve and a pull wire extends from the handle to the steerable section of the delivery sleeve. The handle preferably includes a rotatable portion for actuating the pull wire and thereby selectively controlling a curvature of the steerable section during advancement through the patient's vasculature. In preferred embodiments, the steerable section includes a flexible metallic tubular portion formed with a plurality of circumferentially extending openings.

Abstract: Packaging for prosthetic heart valves including an assembly for securely retaining a heart valve within a jar and facilitating retrieval therefrom. The assembly includes a packaging sleeve that fits closely within the jar and has a clip structure for securing a valve holder. Contrary to previous designs, in one embodiment the valve holder is directed downward into the jar, and the valve is retained with an inflow end upward. The valve may have flexible leaflets, and a leaflet parting member on the end of the shaft extends through the leaflets and couples with the valve holder. The assembly of the packaging sleeve, valve, and holder can then be removed from the jar and a valve delivery tube connected with the holder, or to the leaflet parting member. The packaging sleeve may be bifurcated into two halves connected at a living hinge to facilitate removal from around the valve/holder subassembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods of loading a prosthetic heart valve within a delivery apparatus such that it can be used for delivery of the prosthetic heart valve to a native valve site via the human vasculature. The methods can include attaching the prosthetic heart valve to a valve-retaining mechanism at a distal end of the catheter and causing a torque shaft of the delivery apparatus to rotate relative to the catheter, wherein the torque shaft extends within the catheter and is coupled to the valve delivery sheath. Rotation of the torque shaft relative to the catheter can cause relative longitudinal movement between the valve sheath and the prosthetic heart valve such that the prosthetic heart valve is covered by the valve sheath.

Abstract: Methods for delivering a prosthetic valve comprise introducing the prosthetic heart valve into a body of a patient. The prosthetic valve is mounted within a delivery sheath of a delivery apparatus in a radially compressed state. The prosthetic valve is advanced through the body to a delivery location. A motor is actuated to cause the delivery sheath to retract to expose the prosthetic valve and the prosthetic valve expands to a radially expanded state at the delivery location. The methods can also include releasing the prosthetic valve from the delivery apparatus and removing the delivery apparatus from the patient.

Abstract: A catheter, advanced toward an anatomical site, has a proximal end and a steerable distal end. An anchor is advanced through the catheter. An anchor driver drives the anchor out of the catheter's distal end, anchoring the anchor at the site. A first constraining member engages tissue, and inhibits, after the anchor has been driven out of the catheter and before the anchoring, movement of at least the anchor driver's distal end, on a first axis between the anchor driver's distal end and a site at which the first constraining member engages the tissue. A second constraining member inhibits, after the anchor has been driven out of the catheter and before the anchoring, movement of at least the anchor driver's distal end, on a second axis. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods facilitate positioning of a cardiac valve annulus treatment device, thus enhancing treatment of the annulus. Methods generally involve advancing an anchor delivery device through vasculature of the patient to a location in the heart for treating the valve annulus, contacting the anchor delivery device with a length of the valve annulus, delivering a plurality of coupled anchors from the anchor delivery device to secure the anchors to the annulus, and drawing the anchors together to circumferentially tighten the valve annulus. Devices generally include an elongate catheter having at least one tensioning member and at least one tensioning actuator for deforming a distal portion of the catheter to help it conform to a valve annulus. The catheter device may be used to navigate a subannular space below a mitral valve to facilitate positioning of an anchor delivery device.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods related to various heart valve implants and for delivery of those implants are described. The implants may be used to re-size a native valve annulus or to replace a native heart valve. The implants include a re-sizable frame having angled struts. The implant is secured to tissue with anchors that can rotate without axial advancement to engage tissue while drawing the implant closer to the tissue. Collars are used to decrease the angle between struts of a frame to contract the implant. The implants can include a rotatable shaft, such as a threaded shaft, located internally to an axially translatable collar. Rotation of the shaft transmits force to the collar to cause the collar to translate axially, closing the angle of adjacent struts and decreasing the width of the implant and thus of the annulus. The implants can be delivered, secured and contracted via a catheter. The implants are repositionable and retrievable via catheter.

Abstract: [Problem] The present invention provides a voice disorder treatment tool in which a clamping section thereof does not break easily. [Solution] The present invention includes a plurality of clamping sections 1, 1 that are provided with a front surface piece 1b disposed on a front surface 11a of incised thyroid cartilage 11 and a rear surface piece 1c disposed on a rear surface of the thyroid cartilage 11, and fit to cut ends 12 of the incised thyroid cartilage 11 that are facing each other, and a bridging section 2 that connects the plurality of clamping sections 1, 1. The front surface piece 1b includes a bending region 15 deformable about a virtual line K extending in a width direction of this front surface piece 1b, and the bending region 15 has a reinforcing structure S.

Abstract: The biocompatible lattice structures disclosed herein have an increased or optimized lucency, even when constructed from a metallic material. The lattice structures can also provide an increased or optimized lucency in a material that is not generally considered to be radiolucent.

Abstract: The biocompatible lattice structures disclosed herein with an increased or optimized lucency are prepared according to multiple methods of design disclosed herein. The methods allow for the design of a metallic material with sufficient strength for use in an implant and that remains radiolucent for x-ray imaging.

Abstract: Improved systems, methods, and devices for performing joint arthroplasty, including patient-adapted implant components and tools, as well as intraoperative measurement and optimization of joint kinematics are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A medical device, i.e., an acetabular surgical implant, for a segmental acetabular defect with pelvic discontinuity that is installable and fully functional without any need for any intermediary implant such as a surgical cage or a surgical shell. The surgical implant includes a hemispherical cup with a plurality of equidistant apertures extending through the cup, and a ribbed, elongated stress-diffusion element, i.e., a stem, extending from the cup. The stem is formed to extend from and be oriented with respect to the cup based on whether the surgical implant is to be used on a left side of the patient, i.e., a left acetabulum, or a right side of the patient, i.e., a right acetabulum, for reconstruction of the segmental acetabular defect.

Abstract: Described is a femoral component of a prosthetic hip implant. The femoral component can include: a neck portion; and a stem portion including a proximal end and a distal end. The neck portion extends from the proximal end, and the stem portion comprises a first solid portion and at least one additional portion including at least one of a hollow portion, a porous portion, and a second solid portion comprised of a different solid material from a solid material of the first solid portion. The first solid portion and the at least one additional portion are in a predetermined configuration. The femoral component comprises a unitary component that is formed by additive manufacturing of the femoral component from a 3D model of the femoral component.

Abstract: The device for maintaining an intervertebral space is capable of being accommodated inside the disc, in place of the core. Natural anchoring is ensured by promoting the regrowth of fibre around at least part of the device. The possibility of ejection of the residual core is limited in order to avoid a renewed hernia, and mobility of the vertebral column is ensured. To this end, a subject of the invention is a device having at least two non-expansible concentric rings which between them form a free space and which are connected to each other via two junction summits.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis that includes a biased coiling member and a conforming coiling member. The biased coiling member may be biased to curve from a substantially linear configuration to a nonlinear configuration. The conforming coiling member may be engaged with and curved by the biased coiling member from the substantially linear configuration to the nonlinear configuration. The biased coiling member may define a longitudinal axis when in the substantially linear configuration. The biased coiling member and the conforming coiling member may move relative to each other along the longitudinal axis. The prosthesis may be implanted in a surgical procedure that minimizes incision sizes and may be considered less invasive than typical implant procedures, especially spinal implant procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices, methods and surgical procedures for altering and/or correcting the alignment of adjacent bones, including bones of the spine.

Abstract: A spinal implant formed from a hinged distractor having an upper and lower support body that is hinged by use of pinions. An insert body is constructed and arranged to slide between the section to expand both in height and width, and to maintain a space therebetween. The insert body includes a leading edge that is tapered to allow ease of insertion. A trailing edge that extends beyond a front edge of the upper support body will cause the insert body to be locked into position. A trailing edge engages the rear of the upper support body to prevent over insertion. A lower surface of the insert body may include locking surfaces.

Abstract: Assemblies of one or more implant structures make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of the SI-joint and/or lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. The representative lumbar spine interventions, which can be performed on adults or children, include, but are not limited to, SI-joint fusion or fixation; lumbar interbody fusion; translaminar lumbar fusion; lumbar facet fusion; trans-iliac lumbar fusion; and the stabilization of a spondylolisthesis.