Abstract: A method and a device for bone adjustment in a mammal is presented, wherein a device is implanted in the body of said mammal, said device being a device exerting a force to anchoring devices anchored in said bone. The method and device has utility in therapeutic and cosmetic bone adjustments, including the lengthening, reshaping and realigning of bones, joints or vertebra, for example in the correction of congenital deformations, restorative orthopaedic surgery and the like.

Abstract: A metatarsal fixation device is provided for fixation of osteotomy or fracture of a distal metatarsal metaphysis bone of the human foot and for fixation of an associated capsule to the metatarsal head. The device includes a metallic bone plate with a series of screw holes along an elongated portion of the plate and a combination of a singular screw hole and a resilient clamp on an end of the elongated portion. The resilient clamp has two arched resilient arms extending laterally outward from an end of the elongated portion. Each arm has a plurality of spikes on an inner surface thereof providing points of contact that compress and attach a metatarsal phalangeal joint capsule portion to the medial and/or lateral aspect of the metatarsal head, thereby facilitating realignment of the metatarsophalangeal joint and respective digit. The resilient arms are biased to grasp lateral sides of a metatarsal head and any associated capsule portion.

Abstract: A cervical plate and one or more locking assemblies that help prevent screw backout without impinging on therapeutically valuable settling of the screws. In some cases, the locking assembly is configured to be permanently attached to the plate, to be securely but efficiently locked, to be readily unlocked for revision surgery, and/or to reduce the possibility of operator error in installation by providing simplified visible and tactile indicia of the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A calcaneum translation plate (1) characterized in that it comprises two end portions, i.e. a proximal anchoring portion (2) and a distal fixing portion (3), oriented in opposing directions and arranged in spaced parallel planes (P-P, P?-P?), said proximal and distal portions connecting to an intermediate portion (4) having a square general profile and comprising two perpendicular bearing surfaces, the proximal anchoring portion extending from one (5) of said surfaces and perpendicular thereto, whereas the distal fixing portion extends in the extension of the other bearing surface (6).

Abstract: A bone plate locking cannula and drill guide assembly having a locking cannula detachably mountable onto screw-receiving apertures of a bone plate and a drill guide received within the locking cannula such that pilot holes are drilled through the apertures into bone at the proper angle to receive bone screws. The screw receiving apertures have a proximal bore of greater diameter than a distal bore, and the proximal bore is provided with internal threading to mate with external threading located on the distal end of the locking cannula. The bone screws are inserted through the locking cannula after removal of the drill guide and fastened into the bone to secure the bone plate in position without having to remove the locking cannulas from the bone plate, the internal diameter of the locking cannula bore being greater than the maximum diameter of the screw heads. The locking cannula is detached from the bone plate after the bone plate has been secured in place on the bone.

Abstract: An anchor for a pedicle screw having an anchor body comprising a proximal end, a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a distal end, and a through-hole through the anchor body from the proximal end to the distal end. The through-hole defines a long axis of the anchor, and is provided with undersized female threads in the proximal portion and a reduced inner diameter in the distal portion. The reduced inner diameter causes expansion of at least the distal portion of the anchor body when a screw is inserted into the through-hole. The anchor is further provided with a plurality of ridges on an exterior surface of the anchor body, the ridges configured to reduce the likelihood of pullout when the anchor is inserted into a vertebra and a screw is inserted into the through-hole.

Abstract: A sacral fixation implant can include at least one implant segment, a guide wire, and at least one locking member that is configured to fix the implant segment to the guide wire. The implant segment can be configured to be secured to an ilium bone, and the guide wire can be configured to be secured to the sacrum. The implant can include first and second implant segments that are configured to be secured to opposed ilium bones, such that a first locking member is configured to fix the first implant segment to the guide wire, and a second locking member is configured to fix the second implant segment to the guide wire.

Abstract: Instruments and associated methods are disclosed for treating joints, and particularly bone tissue. In general, the embodiments relate to instruments and associated methods for the surgical treatment of a joint, and particularly to a subchondral bone defect at that joint region. More specifically, the embodiments relate to instruments that allow fast, easy, precise, and controllable subchondral delivery to, or removal of materials from, a bone joint being treated.

Abstract: A valve controller includes a housing, and a lever extending from the housing. The lever includes a protrusion rigidly attached to the lever, and the lever is biased to an initial position. A switch has an open and a closed position. A linkage is pivotally connected to the switch, and the linkage includes a centrally disposed slot configured to receive the protrusion such that movement of the switch controls movement of the linkage and the lever such that moving the switch to the closed position closes a valve controlled by the lever regardless of a position of the lever.

Abstract: A mixing and delivery device for osseous tissue and method of use is provided. A kit for use by a medical professional is also provided.

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

Abstract: A multi-mode electrosurgical apparatus for use in cold plasma applications, electrosurgical cutting, electrosurgical coagulation and mechanical cutting is provided. The electrosurgical apparatus includes a housing having a passage extending therethrough, an electrically conducting tube being disposed in the passage of the housing; an insulating outer tube disposed around the electrically conducting tube coupled to the housing, the electrically conducting tube being movable along a longitudinal axis of the housing and outer tube; an electrically conducting blade coupled to the distal end of the electrically conducting tube, and a transformer assembly disposed on a proximal end of the housing, the transformer assembly including a first transformer and a first switch for selectively coupling the first transformer and an external second transformer to the electrically conducting tube for providing electrosurgical energy thereto.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a first clamp portion; a pivot shaft; a second clamp portion rotatable around the pivot shaft, and movable between an opened position in which the second clamp portion is distant from the first clamp portion, and a closed position in which the second clamp portion is adjacent to the first clamp portion; and an electrode member provided on the second clamp portion, and opposed to the first clamp portion, the electrode member forming a clearance in cooperation with the first clamp portion in the closed position, the clearance in a second position distant from the pivot shaft being smaller than the clearance in a first position adjacent to the pivot shaft, to adjust holding pressure.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for retracting a cutting assembly in the event of a failure on a motorized electrosurgical device. As an example, a surgical device is provided that includes a handle portion with an elongate shaft extending distally that has first and second jaws configured to engage tissue therebetween. A cutting assembly cuts tissue engaged between the first and second jaws. A drive shaft extends from the handle through the elongate shaft and moves the cutting assembly. A motorized gear assembly moves the drive shaft. The drive shaft is movable between a first position in which the drive shaft is engaged with the motorized gear assembly such that actuation of the motorized gear assembly drives the drive shaft, and a second position in which the drive shaft is disengaged from the motorized gear assembly such that the drive shaft can move independent of the gear assembly.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed, including a handle assembly; an elongate body coupled to the handle assembly, the elongate body defining a guide wire lumen therethrough; and a substantially semi-circular electrode array coupled to the elongate body. The device may include a substantially rigid shaft extending distally from the elongate body and defining a lumen therethrough, the shaft including a substantially rigid segment, and a flexible coil coaxial with and extending distally from the shaft.

Abstract: An endoscopic shank instrument has a tool carrier which is arranged at a distal shank end, is bendable relative to the shank and carries a tool. The tool includes at least one electrode which is conductively connectable to a voltage source via an electrical lead led through the shank. The lead is formed by a flexible circuit board in the region of the tool carrier and of the bending of the tool carrier.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for counting sharps returned to a container. An example method of counting sharps returned to a container having at least two layers of penetrable conductive material includes periodically checking a plurality of circuits formed by the first and second layers of material to determine if each circuit is open or closed, and keeping a count of the number of closed circuits.

Abstract: A system for planning and performing a guided and free-handed transperineal prostate biopsy includes a transrectal ultrasound probe, an access needle configured to perforate a perineal access site of a patient, a biopsy gun, and a guide. The guide includes a sliding platform, stabilization bars, upper and lower mounts, and fasteners. The system and guide apparatus is used for locating a target area using the ultrasound probe, positioning the ultrasound and the access needle at respective designated points, precisely measuring the distance to a designated point, and obtaining specimens from a precise point in the prostate, wherein the method is performed free-handed, and multiple tissue or cell specimens may be obtained from the prostate through an initial access needle.

Abstract: A system and method for movement control includes a controller coupled to a computer-assisted surgical device having a first movable arm coupled to a manipulatable device having a working end and a second movable arm coupled to an image capturing device. The controller is configured to receive first configurations for the first movable arm; receive second configurations for the second movable arm; receive a plurality of images of the working end from the image capturing device; determine a position and an orientation of the working end; determine a first movable arm position and trajectory for the first movable arm; determine a second movable arm position and trajectory for the second movable arm; determine whether motion of the movable arms will result in an undesirable relationship between the movable arms; and send a movement command to the first or second movable arm to avoid the undesirable relationship.

Abstract: An endoscopic system may include a catheter or tubing and at least one optical sensor disposed along the catheter or tubing and configured to capture image information from a body lumen when disposed within the body lumen and activated. The system may further include an untethered module operatively arranged with the at least one optical sensor and configured to store or transmit image information captured by the at least one optical sensor. The catheter or tubing, at least one optical sensor and module may be portable during use.

Abstract: In an operation-mode indicating system, a first light emitting device is located within a peripheral visual field of an operator and is controllably connected to a controller. The peripheral visual field is defined around a center visual field of the operator while the operator is looking at a predetermined site. A body support apparatus is capable of performing an operation to the predetermined site. The controller controls the first light emitting device to emit first light in a first operation mode of the body support apparatus and second light in a second operation mode of the body support apparatus. The first light and the second light are visually distinguishable from each other.

Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for implant planning for multiple implant components using constraints. A representation of a bone and a representation of a first implant component are displayed with respect to the representation of the bone. A representation of a second implant component is displayed, wherein the first implant component and the second implant component are physically separated and not connected to each other. A positioning of the representation of the second implant component that violates at least one positioning constraint is prevented, wherein the positioning constraint is based on the representation of the first implant component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing parameters of an orthopaedic procedure for a particular patient, including parameters relating to the anatomic and biomechanic fit of an implant or implant system implanted into the patient's joint. These systems and methods may utilize patient-specific information gathered pre-operatively in conjunction with optimization algorithms to determine an optimal implant design and an optimal position and orientation for implantation of the implant into the particular patient's joint.

Abstract: A data processing method for generating a compensation information for hacking or for determining the position and/or orientation of an object in space, the method comprising the following steps performed by a computer: a) acquiring a predetermined constraint information defining one or more relative or absolute positions and/or orientations of the object in space; b) acquiring position and/or orientation data of the object while the object is positioned or moved while fulfilling the predetermined constraint; and c) determining the compensation information based on the predetermined constraint information and the acquired position and/or orientation data of the object.

Abstract: Devices and systems are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device by means of a robotic system. In one embodiment, systems and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting.

Abstract: A system and method of aligning with a reference target includes a computer-assisted medical device. The computer-assisted medical device includes an orientation platform, one or more first joints proximal to the orientation platform, one or more second joints distal to the orientation platform, one or more links distal to the orientation platform, a reference instrument coupled to the orientation platform by the second joints and the links; and a control unit coupled to the first joints and the second joints. The control unit determines a pose of the reference instrument. The pose includes a reference point and a reference orientation. The control unit further positions the orientation platform over the reference point using the first joints, rotates the orientation platform to align the orientation platform with the reference orientation using the first joints, and maintains the pose of the reference instrument using the second joints.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for coupling a robotic surgical tool with a tool driver of a robotic surgical system via a sterile barrier disposed between the tool and the driver. The tool has an elongate shaft and an end effector coupled thereto, as well as a mating interface member having a plurality of independently movable portions and a plurality of coupling features disposed about a perimeter of an outer wall of the mating interface member. The coupling features are configured to reversibly engage with a proximal end of a corresponding actuation member from a plurality of actuation members of the tool driver. The coupling features reversibly engage with the proximal ends of the actuation members so as to allow the actuation members to move in proximal and distal directions independently from one another to thereby control operation of the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical controlling system comprising: at least one location estimating means to real-time locate the 3D spatial position of at least one surgical tool; at least one movement detection means in communication with a movement database and with the location estimating means; and a controller, which controls the position of at least one surgical tool, in communication with a movement database, a control database and the movement detection means. The movement database stores the 3D spatial position of each surgical tool at the present time and at at least one previous time; a tool has moved if its present position is different from its previous position. The control database stores rules to identify a movement of a tool as either an ALLOWED movement or a RESTRICTED movement.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus may transmit, to a surgical manipulator, a movement type instruction to be executed by the surgical manipulator. The apparatus may comprise a movable operating handle positioned within an operation area. The movable operating handle may receive the movement type instruction. The apparatus may further comprise a support mechanism that supports and transforms the operating handle between a first posture in which the operating handle at a center position of the operation area is positioned and held at a first vertical position located at a height of 85 centimeters or more from a floor surface where the remote control apparatus is placed, and a second posture in which the operating handle is shifted down by 48 centimeters or more from the first vertical position to a second vertical position at which the operating handle at the center position of the operation area is positioned and held.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a surgical navigation system. A detection unit for detecting system control inputs made by a user is associated with a surgical navigation system, the navigation system is controlled in accordance with the control inputs, and user gestures are used as said control inputs. A gesture or a initiating user gesture defines a virtual volume surrounding the initiating gesture's limits, and further predetermined gestures made in the virtual volume are recognized as a control input. Also provided is a control system for a surgical navigation system. The navigation system is associated with a detection unit for detecting system control inputs made by a user, the navigation system is controlled in accordance with the control inputs, and the detection unit includes a gesture detection system for detecting user gestures.

Abstract: A tray for a medical device assembly includes a tray body, a tray lid, and a connector arm. The tray body and the tray lid each have a first surface, a plurality of walls extending from the first surface, and an open end opposite the first surface. The connector arm is coupled to the tray body or the tray lid, and has a first position that permits the separation of the tray body and tray lid, and a second position that couples the tray body to the tray lid.

Abstract: A system and method for coordinated and controlled abdominal gas insufflation includes clamp configured to engage an abdominal wall. A needle advancement control is configured to receive a needle and advance the needle toward the clamp to extend into a portion of the abdomen. A feedback device is configured to monitor the needle as it is advanced into the portion of the abdomen of the subject and provide feedback indicating that the needle has pierced the portion the abdomen.

Abstract: Systems for partitioning a ventricle of a heart include a partitioning device or implant, and an applicator for inserting, repositioning and/or removing the partitioning device. The implant may support the ventricle wall and may reduce the volume of the ventricle. The delivery system for delivering and deploying a partitioning device into a ventricle may include a catheter having a distal coupling element for coupling to a partitioning device in a collapsed configuration; the catheter may also have an expansion member for applying force to the partitioning device to fully expand it into a deployed configuration and to secure or seal it against the ventricle wall.

Abstract: Ablation catheters and systems include multiple inline chambers for containing and heating an ablative agent. The heating chamber includes one or more channels to increase the contact surface area of the ablative agent with the walls of the heating chamber to provide more efficient heating. Induction heating is used to heat a chamber and vaporize a fluid within by wrapping a coil about a ferromagnetic chamber and providing an alternating current to the coil. A magnetic field is created in the area surrounding the chamber which induces electric current flow in the chamber, heating the chamber and vaporizing the fluid inside. Positioning elements help maintain the device in the proper position with respect to the target tissue and also prevent the passage of ablative agent to normal tissues.

Abstract: A dental drill head, constituted of a head housing, a wind wheel, and bearings, the head housing being constituted of a head housing cover and a head housing cavity, and the wind wheel being constituted of a wind wheel shaft and wind wheel blades. An anti-suck-back device is configured between the head housing cover and a wind wheel shaft end part to which the wind wheel shaft corresponds. The present invention, which adopts the aforementioned technical scheme, firstly makes it possible to reduce the intake in of contaminants when suck-back is taking place as the impeller is braked; and secondly, while there is still a positive pressure inside the head, the rubber head covering uses elastic force to brake the impeller and completely prevents the intake of contaminants. Moreover, the structure is simple and costs are low. Since the pressing area is reduced and the cavity is arranged between the rubber layers and the head covering, the teeth are less susceptible to touching the pressing portion.

Abstract: A dental scaler apparatus includes a low power transformer that is timed to the operating frequency of a detachable scaler insert connected to the handle of the scaler apparatus by selectively connecting corresponding banks of parallel adjustment capacitors by engaging corresponding switches coupled to each of the adjustment capacitors.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a dental surgical guide. The method includes the steps of producing a dental cast dental cast from an edentulous patient jaw; drilling the dental cast model for inserting a radiopaque rod therein; molding a base plate thereon to produce a radiopaque marker appliance; scanning the resulting appliance in a patient's mouth using computed tomography; calculating angles from the computed tomography for adjusting protractors of a dental model laser aligner; and molding a base-plate that incorporates a telescopic drilling tube that results into the dental surgical guide.

Abstract: A dual-ended triple tooled dental applicator apparatus, comprising a plurality of tools with at least one being removably attached. The dental apparatus further comprises a unitary contiguous device having three distinct tools with one tool being detachably connected by a scribe line forming a frangible removable portion thereof. The multi-functioned dental apparatus is comprised of a lightweight but rigid materials (e.g., plastic), which allows the dentist to efficiently use the same tool for working with and applying different materials to a patient's teeth. Upon completion of a given procedure, the end with the frangible portion, as well as the entire device after use, are rendered readily disposable.

Abstract: A dental burr and process of manufacture having a synthetic diamond grit abrasive portion. The dental burr includes a dental burr tool substrate including a shaft portion and a working portion. The working portion contains on its outer surface a synthetic diamond abrasive grit cutting surface. The synthetic diamond is brazedly attached to the surface.

Abstract: An anatomical drape (1a 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: A method of making customized orthodontic brackets. The method has steps of providing a plurality of customized orthodontic bracket precursors, providing one or more support structures, positioning the bracket precursors by means of the support structure(s) in a machining device and using the machining device to provide an archwire slot in each bracket precursor by material removal with the archwire slots aligned along a common path with each other. The invention helps minimizing efforts in the manufacturing and provides the brackets with a precise archwire slot.

Abstract: Appliances and related methods use a resilient retention member that is retained in a recess within a body that is optionally made from a suitably translucent ceramic material. The retention member, optionally in combination with one or more side walls of the recess, provides two or more regions for accommodating a protrusion. The protrusion, in turn, is part of a sliding door which can be opened or closed depending on the equilibrium position of the protrusion with respect to the two or more regions. Based on the engagement between the protrusion and the retention member, these appliances can provide discrete opened and closed door positions to facilitate archwire ligation.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance has a post attached to a first upper tooth, and a button with a recess attached to a second upper tooth. An elongated arm has an eye at one end through which the post is inserted to allow the elongated arm to rotate about the post, and a tip at the other end for removable insertion into the recess of the button. The length of the elongated arm is selectable to maintain a desired spacing between the first and second upper teeth (e.g., by cutting the tip of the elongated arm). An elastic extends from either the post or button to an attachment point on the patient's lower dental arch to exert a force between the patient's maxilla and mandible.

Abstract: A bone implant includes a head and a core body extending from the head to a tip. An osteotomy blade extends outwardly from at least a portion of the core body to form a spiral thread. Channels form bone cutting edges of the implant. The implant, and particularly the osteotomy blade, is configured to self-osteotomize and direct cut bone into the channels to facilitate bone growth and grafting and integration of the implant to the bone.

Abstract: Blanks for dental purposes are described which have at least two layers, bonded to one another, of lithium silicate glasses and glass ceramics, wherein the layers differ in color and the layers are monolithic.

Abstract: A separable ring apparatus for producing an investment mold is formed of a pair of semi-cylindrical half segments of flexible resilient high temperature resistant material; each having laterally opposed longitudinal sides, an interior with a longitudinal concave semicircular surface of a first smaller radius at opposed ends, and a longitudinal concave semicircular recess of a second larger radius intermediate the opposed ends. Each of the segments has a respective mating joint element extending longitudinally along the opposed longitudinal sides, respectively, for releasably joining the segments together in opposed facing relation to form an elongated generally cylindrical ring having opposed top and bottom ends defining a central circular bore of a smaller diameter at upper and lower ends, and a larger diameter recessed cavity intermediate the upper and lower ends.

Abstract: An oral hygiene apparatus in the form of a fixture to provide a controllable pressurized water stream for cleansing the gums and teeth, especially in the interdental area, of a user. The hygiene apparatus may essentially comprise three parts including a water supply, an oral hygiene-ware and a water utility.

Abstract: A toothbrush system includes a toothbrush having a floss pick with position sensors. The position sensors can be used to create a digital representation of the user's mouth and by monitoring the movement of the toothbrush while in use, the system can determine if all surface areas of the teeth have been properly brushed based upon the measured brush time and force. The system can determine if the teeth have been properly flossed based upon the measured floss time and position. If any areas of the teeth have not been properly brushed or flossed, the system can emit a signal informing the user of the areas that need additional brushing or flossing.

Abstract: A beak trimming device is provided. The device includes a trough operative to receive an avian attractant. The trough has an inner surface. The inner surface includes one or more abrasive surfaces configured to contact and trim a beak of a bird accessing the attractant at the trough. In some embodiments, the attractant is feed.

Abstract: A fixing device for endotracheal intubation of rodents is provided. The fixing device includes: a bed configured to place a rodent thereon; a support member attached to an upper end portion of the bed in a transversely movable manner and supporting a gas supply pipe through which an anesthetic gas is supplied to the nose of the rodent; and a fastening member configured to fix the support member to the upper end portion of the bed after an end portion of the gas supply pipe is aligned with the nose of the rodent.