Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a forceps having an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. At least one of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of energy to treat tissue grasped between the jaw members. A suction system is disposed proximate the first and second jaw members and is configured to apply suction to a surgical site upon activation thereof.

Abstract: Methods and devices for both imaging and treating uterine fibroid tumors in one real-time system are provided. One minimally invasive method comprises introducing a sheath into a uterus and determining a location of a fibroid using a visualization element within or on the sheath. Upon identification, a portion of the sheath is steered to position at least one treatment needle at the determined location. The needle is then anchored in uterine tissue and the fibroid treated with the needle.

Abstract: A monopolar telescopic electrosurgery pencil with argon beam capabilities which includes telescoping members contained within the pencil and a monopolar electrosurgery blade assembly with a non-conductive tube member for an inert gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of a soft tissue injury (eg a soft tissue injury that may be the cause, or contributes to, acute or chronic pain such. as sciatica) comprising; a thermal imaging arrangement to scan, a least a portion of a patient to provide a N thermal image; a processing arrangement to review the thermal image to determine a point or region of thermal anomaly on the patient; a laser treatment device to provide a laser beam (eg for low-level laser treatment); and a guidance arrangement for the laser treatment device to guide the laser beam to the point or region of thermal anomaly on the patient as determined by the processing arrangement; to thereby treat the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering energy, and in particular laser energy, to a tissue is adapted to minimize or eliminate burn back caused by contact between the energy delivery apparatus and bodily fluids by (i) preventing the energy delivery apparatus from contacting bodily fluids or tissues that might burn or cause the apparatus to burn; and/or (ii) monitoring the apparatus to detect overheating in order to withdraw the apparatus or control the energy supply in case overheating is detected. The apparatus is applicable, by way of example, to treatment of blood vessels using endovascular techniques.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, according to some embodiments, methods and systems for selectively reducing, blocking or inhibiting at least part of the neural activity in an organ of a subject. In preferred embodiments, the method and system are used for selectively blocking at least part of the neural activity in a duodenum of a subject in need thereof. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking occurs through use of laser radiation. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking comprises causing damage to at least part of sensory nerves located within a target area while maintaining functional activity of tissue surrounding the sensory nerves. According to some embodiments, the sensory nerves include neurons configured to transmit signals triggered by food passing through the duodenum, such as, but not limited to, neurohormonal signals.

Abstract: Embodiments of architecture, systems, and methods to develop a learning/evolving system to robotically perform one or more activities of a medical procedure where the medical procedure may include diagnosing a patient's medical condition(s), treating medical condition(s), and robotically diagnosing a patient's medical condition(s) and performing one or more medical procedure activities based on the diagnosis without User intervention.

Abstract: In a method of image support for a person carrying out a minimally invasive procedure with an instrument in a procedure site of a patient, one two-dimensional X-ray image respectively of the procedure site is recorded by an X-ray apparatus in at least two recording geometries implementing different projection directions and chosen specific to the procedure, in particular by the person. A three-dimensional model data set of the procedure region is reconstructed by iterative reconstruction from the X-ray images. At least one two-dimensional supporting image corresponding to one of the recording geometries is determined by incorporating at least one item of further information by re-projection of the model data set supplemented by the further information and is displayed for the user.

Abstract: Provided is an optical tracking tool for navigating a surgery, comprising a mounting base. The mounting base is provided with two to six supporting faces thereon. Two or four reflective balls are arranged on each of the supporting faces. A positioning surface is formed by the four reflective balls located on the same supporting face or the four reflective balls respectively located on two adjacent supporting faces. An included angle between surface normal vectors of two adjacent positioning surfaces is 90°-140°. As compared with a tracking tool having a single positioning surface formed by four reflective balls in the prior art, the optical tracking tool can considerably broaden an effective tracking range of a system, thereby improving system accuracy.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the insertion of a medical tool, such as a needle, into a subject's body based on measurements of an interaction parameter associated with the interaction between the tool and a bodily tissue, such as the forces exerted on the tool during insertion. The system comprises an insertion device, at least one sensor configured to measure the interaction parameter and at least one processor configured to receive sensor measurements, detect one or more predefined patterns in the sensor measurements and control an operation of at least one of the insertion device and an imaging device, upon detecting the predefined patterns. The processor may be configured to compare the actual correlation between the sensor measurements and an insertion parameter, such as insertion depth, with an expected correlation, and determine if the medical tool is following its pre-planned trajectory based on the result of that comparison.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handpiece register for positioning an instrument in a medical surgery. The handpiece register comprises a plate body, more than three optical measurement units and a positioning block. Therefore, the handpiece register of the present invention may accomplish relative position of the instrument to assist a doctor to achieve an immediate relative position of the instrument and a surgical site in the surgery.

Abstract: An instrument drive connector includes a housing assembly, an elongated shaft extending distally from the housing assembly, and a first drive assembly at least partially disposed within the housing assembly and the elongated shaft. The first drive assembly includes a first drive screw, a first input drive coupler non-rotatably coupled to a proximal end of the first drive screw, a first drive nut threadedly engaged with a threaded body portion of the first drive screw and longitudinally movable relative thereto in response to rotation of the first drive screw, and a locking link. The locking link includes an elongated body having a proximal end portion coupled to the first drive nut and longitudinally movable relative thereto between a proximal non-locking position and a distal locking position, and a distal end portion including a switch actuation assembly including a switch actuating arm biased towards the distal locking position.

Abstract: A robotic catheter procedure system is provided. The robotic catheter procedure system includes a bedside system and a remote workstation. The bedside system includes a percutaneous device and a drive mechanism configured to engage and to impart an axial force to the percutaneous device and to advance and retract the percutaneous device. The bedside system includes an actuator providing torque to the drive mechanism to impart the axial force to the percutaneous device, and the torque provided by the actuator is variable. The remote workstation includes a user interface configured to receive a first user input and a control system operatively coupled to the user interface. The control system is configured to communicate a control signal to the actuator. The control signal is based upon the first user input and a second input, and the actuator provides torque to the drive mechanism in response to the control signal.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Certain embodiments include various actuation system embodiments, including fluid actuation systems, drive train actuation systems, and motorless actuation systems. Additional embodiments include a reversibly lockable tube that can provide access for a medical device to a patient's cavity and further provides a reversible rigidity or stability during operation of the device. Further embodiments include various operational components for medical devices, including medical device arm mechanisms that have both axial and rotational movement while maintaining a relatively compact structure. medical device winch components, medical device biopsy/stapler/clamp mechanisms, and medical device adjustable focus mechanisms.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is described that includes a surgical effector moving with N degrees of freedom for manipulation of objects at a surgical site during surgical procedures. The N degrees of freedom are manipulated by N+1 input controllers and a plurality of cables, the controllers and cables coupled to the surgical effector and configured to change the orientation of the surgical effector about the N degrees of freedom when actuated. In some embodiments, the N+1 input controllers and plurality of cables are further coupled to a pantograph, the pantograph configured to move in a reciprocal manner to the surgical effector when the input controllers and cables are actuated.

Abstract: A method of controlling a robotic surgical system is provided, where the robotic surgical system including an arm having an instrument with jaws and an access port each coupled to the arm. The method includes detecting a position of the instrument, and opening the jaws of the instrument, in response to a determination that a distance between the position of the instrument and a position of the access port is greater than a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Medical instrument (60, 160, 260, 360) comprising at least one first, second and third joint member (71, 72, 73), at least two pairs of tendons (90, 190, 191, 192) connected with the same joint member and adapted to move said third member (73) with respect to said second member (72), pulling it; and wherein each of said joint member (71, 72, 73) comprises a main structural body comprising in a single piece one or more convex contact surfaces (40, 80, 86, 140, 180), all said convex contact surfaces (40, 80, 86, 140, 180) defining with their prolongations thereof at least partially a single convex volume for each joint member; and wherein the main portion of each tendon is in contact with said jointed device (70, 170, 270) only on said convex contact surfaces; and wherein at least two tendons of said at least two pairs of tendons (90, 190, 191, 192) are in contact with a same convex contact surface.

Abstract: A telerobotic surgery system includes a robotic surgery station having a first pair of robot arms, each carrying a laparoscopic tool and each having a robot arm drive. A first controller is connected to each robot arm drive. Harvested animal tissue is at the robotic surgery station. A remote surgeon station includes a second pair of robot arms, each carrying a laparoscopic tool and each having a robot arm drive. A second controller receives data regarding movement of the second pair of robot arms and respective laparoscopic tool based on user manipulation of each laparoscopic tool at the remote surgeon station. A communications network couples the first and second controllers with the second controller operative as a master and the first controller configured to control each robot arm drive and effect one-to-one movement of the first pair of robot arms and carried laparoscopic tools as a slave.

Abstract: System and methods for controlling a robotic medical tool are provided. The system includes the robotic medical tool, a motion capture device, and a controller. The motion capture device is configured to capture a motion of an object. The controller is configured to adjust the robotic tool relative to the object as a function of the captured motion.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides ophthalmic surgical systems, methods, and devices. In one embodiment, a surgical apparatus for use by a surgeon during a surgical procedure comprises one or more sealed sterilized surgical packs configured to be disposed of after a single or a limited number of surgical procedures, the one or more sealed sterilized surgical packs comprising: a sterile surgical instrument; and a sterile surgical tray comprising a top surface configured to be part of a sterile field of the surgical procedure, the top surface comprising a receiving structure for positioning therein of the sterile surgical instrument, the sterile surgical tray further comprising walls that define a recess sized and configured to receive a reusable non-sterile module, the recess configured to encapsulate the reusable non-sterile module to isolate the reusable non-sterile module from the sterile field of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A vertical organizational system for use in the operating room during surgery to hold surgical instrumentation is provided. The system includes a vertical support including a height and angle adjustable portion; vertical support assembly, a back panel, a pivoting spine assembly, a base interface member, casters, a base, an interactive user display, a tray shelf, a receptacle container, a primary working shelf, a formed base, a custom sterile drape, an identification system, a telescoping mayo stand, telescoping step stool, a light assembly, a sterile aerosol assembly, an instrument tray attachment device, telescoping cross rail extensions and a ceiling mounted boom assembly. The planogram software is customized and integrated into the rack system to ensure consistently reliable and effective workmanship. The cantilever shelves are detachably attachable from the cross rails and helps maintain the sterile state of the instrumentation trays even if the rest of the rack is not maintained in a sterile state.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a combined Femto and Phaco surgical system built into a single housing. The system advantageously permits each of the Femto device and Phaco surgical tray to be rotated out of the way or into the position without requiring movement of a patient. Thus, a user can switch between Femto and Phaco surgical procedures without movement of the patient.

Abstract: A device for the transportation and temporary storage of a medical instrument including an instrument bag material substantially impermeable to bodily fluids, the bag having a bag opening. A label has a first portion adhered to an external surface of the bag adjacent to the bag opening and has a second portion disposed beyond the bag opening and which has a lower surface at least part of which is adhesive. The first portion of the label includes a pocket for receiving a sachet or data carrier. The second portion of the label includes a tamper-evident portion which exhibits a first visual appearance when first adhered to a surface of the bag, and which exhibits a second visual appearance after it has been adhered to and then removed from a surface of the bag, and subsequently adhered to the same surface of the bag.

Abstract: There is provided a medical observation apparatus including: a control section configured to control, on a basis of a predetermined operation related to a movement of an imaging field of view, the movement of the imaging field of view in an imaging device supported by an arm including a plurality of links joined to each other by joint sections. The control section controls the movement of the imaging field of view by performing a cropping range control that crops an imaging range of the imaging device on the basis of the predetermined operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving medical instruments and devices. One system includes a surgical instrument associated with an instrument identifier, and an electrosurgical generator operably coupled to the surgical instrument. The electrosurgical generator is associated with a generator identifier and is configured to receive and store data associated with an operating mode of the surgical instrument, receive data associated with the instrument identifier from the surgical instrument, generate a unique identifier based on a time and date at which the surgical instrument is operably coupled with the electrosurgical generator for the first time, the generator identifier of the electrosurgical generator, and the instrument identifier, and associate the unique identifier with the stored data associated with the operating mode of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: The present technology relates to an image processing device, an image processing method, a surgery system, and a surgical thread capable of further improving visibility of the thread. The image processing device is provided with an image obtaining unit which obtains a first image imaged under an illumination condition in which the surgical thread fluoresces and a second image imaged under an illumination condition including at least visible light as images of an operative site using the surgical thread which fluoresces, and a synthesis unit which generates a synthetic image obtained by synthesizing an area of the surgical thread of the first image and the second image. The present technology is applicable to, for example, a surgery system and the like.

Abstract: An articulated probe assembly comprises a base, an outer support rod extending through the base, an articulating control portion at a proximal end of the outer support rod, and a steerable portion comprising a plurality of outer links coupled to a distal end of the outer support rod. The steerable portion is manipulated in response to the articulating control portion.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a rinsing chamber for medical catheters. The device has at least an inlet port and an outlet port, arranged in such a fashion as to promote continuous flow of an irrigant fluid through the device and in contact with a predetermined portion of a catheter within the device, carrying away secretions, debris, or other contaminants from the exterior surface of the catheter.

Abstract: In some aspects, dental drill guides can include a body defining an outer surface and an interior hole for receiving and positioning a dental drill; a first end of the body defining a tapered lead-in portion of the outer surface; a second end of the body opposite the first end defining at least one lip feature configured to be gripped by a handling tool; an outer circumferentially formed recess around the outer surface; and a seating feature extending from the outer surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to prevent interference between two physical tooth models in a physical dental arch model by acquiring the coordinates of a plurality of points on the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models and digitally representing the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models by a mesh of points in three dimensions using the acquired coordinates. The meshes representing the surfaces of the two physical tooth models intersect at least at one point to form an overlapping portion. The method also includes calculating the depth of the overlapping portion between the two meshes to quantify the interference of the two physical tooth models.

Abstract: Continuous adjustment appliances are provided that can store a large number of geometries that can be successively accessed throughout orthodontic treatment, with each geometry can correspond to an arrangement of the patient's teeth. An appliance according to the present disclosure can be stimulated to transition among the myriad geometries, which can include changes to the overall shape of the appliance as well as the position and geometry of the cavities corresponding to a patient's teeth. Methods of creating the continuous adjustment appliances and methods of treatment using the continuous adjustment appliances are also revealed.

Abstract: Methods for forming an oral apparatus for a patient having a maxillary jaw and a mandibular jaw as provided which may be used to form or fabricate an apparatus which may be configured to adjust or direct the positional relationship between the mandible and maxilla of the patient. In some embodiments, a method for forming an oral apparatus for a patient having a maxillary jaw and a mandibular jaw may include the steps of: recording a digital scan of the maxillary jaw and the mandibular jaw; positioning the mandibular jaw relative to the maxillary jaw in a therapeutic bite pattern; recording a digital scan of the maxillary jaw and the mandibular jaw while the maxillary jaw and the mandibular jaw are in the therapeutic bite pattern; positioning first and second upper anchor members and first and second lower anchor members within the digital scan; and fabricating the oral apparatus.

Abstract: An implant, in particular for anchoring dental prostheses, has a zirconium nitride (ZrN) coating covering in particular in the sections that come into contact with the soft tissue.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis and a process for design and manufacturing, incorporating an overdenture and a dental implant framework that will be designed and manufactured simultaneously.

Abstract: A motor driven dispenser for the motorized extrusion and precise placement of dental materials from impression material cartridges of different sizes. The dispenser includes nested plungers to reduce the length and width of the dispenser as well as a cap affixed to the dispenser housing which snaps over a cartridge flange of the impression material cartridges to retain it.

Abstract: A tool for removal of extraneous foreign material from a tubular space by one or more of brushing, scrubbing, scraping, or wiping. The tool may comprise at least one supporting body and at least one cleaning appendix. The cleaning appendix may be made of a first material. The supporting body may be made of a second material. The first material may be more flexible than the second material. The first material may be at least one thermosetting plastic material.

Abstract: A finger mounted toothbrush system includes a sheath constructed of a flexible, textured substrate; a rigid, pronged skeleton that fits into the substrate; and a retaining ring that secures the sheath to the skeleton. Prongs of skeleton may be constructed of thermoplastic that can be hardened to fit a user's finger size.

Abstract: Disclosed is an irrigation needle including an active part extending between a first end intended to be connected to an irrigation device and a second closed end, a central channel extending inside the active part and open at the first end and at least one opening arranged radially on the active part in the vicinity of the second end and communicating with the central channel for distributing an irrigation solution. The needle is obtained as one piece using a thermoplastic micro-injection moulding method.

Abstract: Provided is a personal cleaning care appliance comprising: a driver (110) of said appliance comprises a transducer (130), a driving coil (114), a driving coil iron core (115), and a driver bracket (112, 113). The transducer comprises a drive shaft (111), a transducer elastic element retainer (124), permanent magnets (116, 117) arranged on the left and right sides of the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft, permanent magnet brackets (118, 119) fixedly connecting the permanent magnets, transducer transmission arms (125, 126), and transducer elastic elements (122, 123).

Abstract: A method (300) for localizing an oral cleaning device within a user's mouth. The method includes the steps of: (i) providing (310) an oral cleaning device (10) with a motion identifier (28); (ii) estimating (335), based on sensor information received from the motion identifier, a probability of a first location of the oral cleaning device within the user's mouth; (iii) receiving (340) information from the motion identifier regarding a completed transition to a second state within the user's mouth; (iv) comparing (350) the completed transition to a defined set of possible transitions between each of a plurality of possible states within the user's mouth to determine a transition probability; and (v) determining (350), using a probabilistic graphical model comprising the first location probability and the transition probability, a probability of the location of the second state.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a toothbrush including a handle, a brush shaft, and a brush tip releasably connected to the brush shaft. The brush shaft includes a fluid outlet in fluid communication with a fluid source. The brush tip includes a tip outlet, one or more bristles, and one or more engagement structures to secure the brush tip to the brush shaft. The engagement structure acts to transfer motion from the brush shaft to the brush tip and defines, in part, a tip fluid passageway through the brush tip and in fluid communication with the shaft lumen of the brush shaft.

Abstract: A marker capsule for a drug delivery dart that marks a animal upon impact to indicate it has had a drug injection. The marker capsule is formed of a rupturable material, and has a central aperture formed therethrough for disposition about a cannula extending from the drug delivery dart. A marking substance is contained within the capsule. The capsule ruptures between the dart body and the animal upon impact to thereby disperse said marking substance upon the animal about the area of the impact.

Abstract: A wirelessly powered inflatable medical implant system includes a medical provider software application, a patient external controller and a MR-Conditional, nonferrous pump in reservoir implant. The medical provider software application programs the patient external controller for the patient to transmit wireless power and control signals to circuitry in a pump in reservoir implant. In response, the pump in reservoir implant, containing a fluid reservoir and pump package submerged therein, transfers fluid from the reservoir through tubing, and into one or more inflatable medical implants. Submerging the pump package within the reservoir simplifies surgery in males and pump placement in females and provides pump package heatsinking to limit implant overheating.

Abstract: Devices, system and methods for deforming body channels are disclosed herein. At least some embodiments described may be used to deform a body channel so as to decrease or prevent the normal intrachannel flow of material within the body channel. Such deformation may be used to treat such maladies as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Abstract: An anal incontinence treatment apparatus for treatment of a patient suffering from anal incontinence is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an adjustable restriction device that is implantable in the patient for engaging a portion of the colon or rectum of the patient to restrict a faecal passageway therein, and an operable adjustment device that is implantable in the patient for adjusting the restriction device to change the restriction of the faecal passageway, wherein the adjustment device is adapted to mechanically adjust the restriction device.

Abstract: An improved abdominal hernia repair system is presented comprised of a silicone layer backed up with a knitted or woven polypropylene fabric layer, the silicone layer possessing a regular pattern of slits that permit equilibration of fluid pressure across the device. A variety of therapeutic substances can be applied to the hernia repair device to promote healing, including aloe and other medicinal preparations. An improved inguinal hernia repair system is presented that is identical to the above except it does not contain the hydrophobic silicone component.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a compound three-dimensional surgical implant and methods of forming and using the same. The compound three-dimensional surgical implant includes a grip-type knit mesh defining pores and including a plurality of spiked naps extending from a surface the grip-type knit mesh, a prosthetic knit mesh defining principal cells and peripheral cells being layered on the grip-type knit mesh such that at least a portion of the spiked naps grip at least a portion of the cells of the prosthetic knit mesh. The grip-type knit mesh and the prosthetic knit mesh are folded together into a predetermined three-dimensional structure such that at least a portion of the spiked naps grip at least a portion of the pores of the grip-type knit mesh to hold the three-dimensional structure of the surgical implant.

Abstract: Packaging systems and methods are disclosed for storing a bioprosthetic device comprising a bioprosthetic tissue and maintaining a target relative humidity across a temperature range. The packaging system includes a sealed package defining an internal space having an internal volume, and a humidity control device and bioprosthetic device within the internal space. The humidity control device includes a barrier defining an enclosed space and a humidity control solution comprising glycerol in the enclosed space. At least a portion of the barrier comprises a gas-permeable membrane. The target relative humidity is provided within the internal volume of the sealed package and the control device maintains the target relative humidity across the temperature range by selectively liberating and absorbing water vapor.

Abstract: Funnel-trap type delivery and/or retrieval devices for Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters or other medical implants are described in which the devices comprise two layers of braid with an axially support member. The support member may be interposed between braid layers or set inside the braid layers but interposed between heatset features. Delivery and/or retrieval devices, kits in which they are included, methods of use and methods of manufacture are all contemplated herein.

Abstract: An example medical device is disclosed as an expandable stent. The stent includes a tubular scaffold having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a lumen extending therein. The expandable stent also includes a liner disposed within the lumen of the tubular scaffold. Further, the liner is radially spaced from a medial region of the tubular scaffold to define a tissue ingrowth region along an uncovered portion of the medial region. Additionally, the liner extending along the tissue ingrowth region is configured to limit the amount of tissue ingrowth along the medial region of the scaffold.