Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth or re-restoration of a previously filled tooth, and to dental capsules and dental composite resin dispensers that may be used in the methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth.

Abstract: The present invention discloses orthodontic treatment planning which enables designing the desired smile line with the help of a computer workstation. A new lip trace feature enables cutting out the portion of a photograph corresponding to the area inside the lips. The 3D model of the teeth is then completely visible when overlaid with the facial photograph. One can use this feature to superimpose the patient photo over the 3-D model of the teeth to see how much intrusion or extrusion is needed to design the smile line. Three dimensional model of dentition obtained by scanning of teeth along with the patient's two dimensional facial photograph is used to design the desired smile line for the patient by means of software instructions in the workstation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an invisible orthodontic appliance with a molar distalization device, comprising an orthodontic invisible aligner, and further comprising a molar distalization device arranged on the orthodontic invisible aligner, wherein the molar distalization device comprises a lip bumper arranged just in front of the orthodontic invisible aligner close to the lip side, and a connector connected with the lip bumper, and the end of the connector is connected to the molar position of the orthodontic invisible aligner. The end of the connector forms a U-shaped structure and the tail end of the U-shaped structure is connected to the molar position of the orthodontic invisible aligner. The novel orthodontic appliance provided by the present invention has the advantages of ensuring the attractiveness and greatly improving the orthodontic effect, improving the orthodontic speed and shortening the service cycle of the aligner.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance is described which comprises an upper element 10 and a lower element 12, wherein at least one of the upper and lower elements 10, 12 takes the form of an active appliance, and wherein each of the upper and lower elements 10, 12 includes, on or associated with a surface thereof facing towards the other of the upper and lower elements 10, 12, an engagement member 18, the engagement members 18 being positioned such that, in use, the engagement member 18 associated with the lower element 12 is engageable with the engagement member 18 associated with the upper element 10 to urge the lower element 12 towards a desired position relative to the upper element 10.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a monolithic form body, in particular a dental restoration, comprising the steps of: providing of a blank, producing of the form body through pressing and/or machining of the blank, and softening of the form body exclusively in its surface region by irradiation with infrared radiation.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a base part, an interdental cleaning tool, and a method for manufacturing the interdental cleaning tool, capable of preventing bending of a shaft part when a resin material is filled from an insertion end. [Solution] A base part includes a shaft part (20) and a grip part (30). The base part is used for forming an interdental cleaning tool by filling, inside a metal mold having a shape that forms a filling space around the shaft part (20), a resin material into the filling space with the shaft part (20) clamped by a holding pin. The shaft part (20) includes a first guide groove (24) formed on one side with respect to an axially parallel plane and a second guide groove (26) formed on the other side with respect to the axially parallel plane.

Abstract: A thread or floss dispenser (1) is disclosed, comprising a container (3) for housing a quantity of thread (11). The container has a substantially flat external wall (16) through which is provided an aperture (12) for the thread to emerge from the interior of the container. A cap (5) is slidably connected to the container so that it can move in a reciprocal manner, along the plane of the external wall, between open and closed positions. The external wall has an elongate recess (13) extending from the aperture towards a terminating point (17) near to the edge of the wall, The edge or underside of the cap carries a blade (27) that, as it passes over the terminating point of the recess towards the closed position, effects cutting of the thread.

Abstract: An oral cleaning device according to the disclosure includes a body unit including a pump configured to discharge washing liquid, a tube connected to the body unit to allow the discharged washing liquid to flow through the tube, a washing unit connected to the tube to discharge the washing liquid, a first operation part provided at the washing unit, a controller configured to control the pump in accordance with operation of the first operation part, and a communication unit configured to establish a communication connection between the first operation part and the controller.

Abstract: Rotating dental systems and related guards and methods are disclosed. In some instances a guard may be configured to prevent material from building up on at least a portion of the dental system. The guard may be configured to prevent materials from being discharged from the dental system. In some embodiments, the guard may also be configured to direct the flow of material along a portion of the dental system. Some guards within the scope of this disclosure comprise bristles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a root canal length measuring device including: a measuring module configured to include a file hook electrically connected to an endodontic file, and a lip hook to be connected to a lip or a gum; a control module configured to measure the value of impedance which varies as the file moves from the surface of a tooth toward the apex of the root of the tooth, and provide an image signal or a sound signal representing information on the position of the apex of the root and information on the length of the apex of the root; and a communication module configured to receive the image signal or the sound signal from the control module, and wirelessly transmit the received signal to a smart device in real time.

Abstract: A poultry treatment apparatus is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the poultry treatment apparatus may include a tank forming a reservoir at ambient pressure and containing liquid. A pump may be in fluid communication with the tank, and the pump may be in fluid communication with a liquid intake of a first nozzle, and in fluid communication with a liquid intake of a second nozzle to supply liquid under pressure from the tank to the liquid intake of the first nozzle and to the liquid intake of the second nozzle. A compressor may be in fluid communication with an air intake of the first nozzle and with an air intake of the second nozzle to supply compressed air to the air intake of the first nozzle and to the air intake of the second nozzle.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for following and conducting laboratory procedures for preventing errors and fatigue of the user. The system involves input means, such as a microscope, and a camera connected to the input means, while the camera creates images of the input means. A computer is connected to the camera, and it processes the images so that augmented reality glasses which are also connected to the computer, are capable of having those images projected thereon. The computer also has laboratory protocol files installed thereon, and it projects images of the protocols onto the glasses. The projected images do not interfere with a user's natural vision.

Abstract: Described are methods, devices, and systems related to pelvic implants, including implants that include absorbable and non-absorbable materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical prostheses and methods of manufacturing those devices. In particular, the prostheses are temporarily stiffened meshes with particular coatings to provide initial stiffness and thereby permit easier surgical handling for treatment or reconstruction of soft tissue defects. Preferred embodiments include surgical meshes coated with one or more biodegradable polymers that can act as a stiffening agent by coating the filaments or fibers of the mesh to temporarily immobilize the contact points of those filaments or fibers and/or by increasing the stiffness of the mesh by at least 1.1 times its original stiffness. The devices of the invention can also provide relief from various post-operative complications associated with their implantation, insertion or surgical use.

Abstract: Novel multilayer composite material vias for biological implants are disclosed. The vias comprise two metals, so that the metal more compatible with biological environments is on one end of the via, and the metal more compatible with fabrication of a hermetic package is on the other end of the via.

Abstract: A vascular filter device (1) has a support frame (2) and filter elements (4). The filter elements (4) extend from the support frame towards filter element ends forming an on-axis apex (5) at which they are interconnected by a holder (6). The filter elements (4) are biased such that if unconnected the filter element ends are located between the support frame and said central axis when the vascular filter device is unconstrained. The filter element unconnected positions are provided by the filter element shapes and the angles at which they extend from the support frame, and in one example this is achieved by laser cutting tubing and heat setting the material.

Abstract: A method for use of a double-structured tissue implant or a secondary scaffold stand-alone implant for treatment of tissue defects. The double-structured tissue implant comprising a primary scaffold and a secondary scaffold consisting of a soluble collagen solution in combination with a non-ionic surfactant generated and positioned within the primary scaffold. A method of use of a stand-alone secondary scaffold implant or unit for treatment of tissue defects.

Abstract: Provided is an artificial blood vessel including a cylindrical inner tube having a hollow part formed therein; an outer tube provided at an outer circumferential surface of the inner tube and surrounding the inner tube so as to form a double tube structure with the inner tube; and a connecting line formed in circumferential directions of the inner tube and the outer tube to connect the inner tube and the outer tube.

Abstract: A substrate for forming an artificial valve and that allows connective tissue to easily enter a leaflet forming space and can thereby shorten the time required to form a leaflet, and also provides an artificial valve. Specifically, a columnar substrate main body is provided. A plurality of recesses are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the substrate main body. A cover substrate is mounted on the substrate main body. The recesses are covered with the cover substrate to define leaflet forming spaces. An entry opening for connective tissue is defined between an edge of the cover substrate and an outer edge of the recesses. Slits are formed in the cover substrate to allow communication between the leaflet forming spaces and the outside of the substrate. Each slit is formed parallel to the substrate central axis and has a length that extends to the edge of the cover substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides method of fabricating a scaffold comprising a fluidic network, including the steps of: (a) generating an initial vascular layer for enclosing the chamber and providing fluid to the cells, the initial vascular layer having a network of channels for fluid; (b) translating the initial vascular layer into a model for fluid dynamics analysis; (c) analyzing the initial vascular layer based on desired parameters selected from the group consisting of a characteristic of a specific fluid, an input pressure, an output pressure, an overall flow rate and combinations thereof to determine sheer stress and velocity within the network of channels; (d) measuring the sheer stress and the velocity and comparing the obtained values to predetermined values; (e) determining if either of the shear stress or the velocity are greater than or less than the predetermined values, and (f) optionally modifying the initial vascular layer and repeating steps (b)-(e).

Abstract: Stent graft consisting of a stent (1) comprising a plurality of ring segments (3, 4) having a meandering configuration arranged side by side and connected with each other by connecting webs (6), and at least one membrane (2) covering the entire outer side of the stent (1), being wrapped inwards around the ends of the stent and fixed between loops of ring segments (4) and connecting webs (6) that join the adjacent ring segments (3, 4) with each other, wherein the membrane (2) is fixed between at least two loops of the second ring segment (4), viewed from to the ends of the stent (1), and the connecting webs (6) to the neighboring terminal ring segment (3).

Abstract: High resolution active matrix nanowire circuits enable a flexible platform for artificial electronic skin having pressure sensing capability. Comb-like interdigitated nanostructures extending vertically from a pair of opposing, flexible assemblies facilitate pressure sensing via changes in resistance caused by varying the extent of contact among the interdigitated nanostructures. Electrically isolated arrays of vertically extending, electrically conductive nanowires or nanofins are formed from a doped, electrically conductive layer, each of the arrays being electrically connected to a transistor in an array of transistors. The nanowires or nanofins are interdigitated with further electrically conductive nanowires or nanofins mounted to a flexible handle.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing an optic of an accommodating intraocular lens to have an aspheric lens surface, including providing an optic comprising an anterior element and a posterior element that at least partially define an optic fluid chamber, wherein at least one of the anterior element and the posterior element has an external surface that is spherical; and prior to inserting the accommodating intraocular lens into an eye, changing the shape of the at least one of the anterior element and the posterior element from the spherical configuration to an aspherical configuration.

Abstract: A display device (e.g., in a contact lens) is mounted on the eye. The eye mounted display contains multiple sub-displays, each of which projects light to different retinal positions within a portion of the retina corresponding to the sub-display. Additionally, a “locally uniform resolution” mapping may be used to model the variable resolution of the eye. Accordingly, various aspects of the display device may be based on the locally uniform resolution mapping. For example, the light emitted from the sub-displays may be based on the locally uniform resolution mapping.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for vision correction are disclosed. The method, system and apparatus include a toric intraocular element for correcting astigmatism and having a cylinder power, and a depth of focus extender coupled to the toric intraocular element, the depth of focus extender extending a depth of focus. The extended depth of focus may reduce sensitivity of the toric intraocular element to at least one of rotation and selected cylinder power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in the transcatheter treatment of mitral valve regurgitation, specifically a coaptation assistance element for implantation across the valve; a system including the coaptation assistance element and anchors for implantation; a system including the coaptation assistance element and delivery catheter; and a method for transcatheter implantation of a coaptation element across a heart valve.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a prosthesis comprising first and second segments, and an axially extendable segment coupled to the first and second segments. A valve is coupled to at least one of the axially extendable segment or the second segment. The axially extendable segment comprises a first state in which the valve at least partially overlaps with the first segment, and the axially extendable segment comprises a second state in which the valve lacks an overlap with the first segment.

Abstract: A surgical sutureless valve that is attached to a stent frame for delivery to a location in a patient using percutaneous implantation devices and methods.

Abstract: An anchoring element for a heart valve prosthesis can include an upper support, a lower support, and a flexible connector. The upper support is configured to be positioned adjacent to a native valve structure of a patient. The upper support can include an anterior portion and a posterior portion. The lower support is separate from the upper support and can be configured to engage the native valve structure from a ventricular side. The lower support can include at least two engagement members. The flexible connector includes an upper end portion coupled to the upper support and a lower end portion coupled to the lower support. The lower support and the upper support are radially expandable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration for delivery within the patient to treat a valve disorder.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis delivery system can include a first sheath, a second sheath, a check valve, a check valve control lines, and a heart valve prosthesis carried within the first sheath or the second sheath. The check valve can be carried within the first sheath or the second sheath. The check valve has a check valve frame and a cover component, and the check valve control lines can be coupled to the check valve frame and configured to be manipulated by a physician to control release of the check valve. In use, the check valve can be configured to be deployed within the native valve structure for minimizing back flow of blood during placement of the valve prosthesis when the native valve leaflets are rendered non-functional by the presence of the delivery system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to prosthetic valves and methods of use thereof. In one implementation, an expandable prosthetic valve for implantation within a native mitral valve may be provided. The prosthetic valve may be expandable from a radially contracted state to a radially expanded state. The prosthetic valve may include an expandable outer frame and an inner frame with tissue anchors extending therefrom. The outer and inner frames may be configured and interconnected such that ventricular ends of the inner and outer frames are substantially aligned when the frames are in the radially expanded state and are not substantially aligned when the frames are in the radially contracted state.

Abstract: A method of deploying a prosthesis within a native mitral valve is disclosed. The expandable frame preferably includes about twelve proximal anchors, wherein the proximal anchors have free ends positioned radially outwardly from the frame in an expanded configuration. The expandable frame preferably includes about twelve distal anchors, wherein the distal anchors also have a free ends positioned radially outwardly from the frame and extend toward a proximal end when the frame is in the expanded configuration. A valve body is supported within the frame for preventing blood flow in one direction. The expandable frame is radially expanded during deployment, which causes the free ends of the proximal and distal anchors to move closer together. In the expanded configuration, the proximal anchors are positioned on an inflow side of the native mitral valve and the distal anchors are positioned on an outflow side of the native mitral valve.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to prosthetic valves and methods of use thereof. In one implementation, an expandable annular valve body may include a plurality of atrial anchoring arms and ventricular anchoring legs extending therefrom. The anchoring arms and anchoring legs may be configured to assume a delivery configuration in which they are radially constrained, such as within a delivery device, and a deployed configuration, in which they may deflect radially outward. The anchoring legs may deflect radially outward by less than 90° when transitioning from the delivery configuration to the deployed configuration. Portions of the anchoring arms may deflect radially outward by at least 90° when transitioning from the delivery configuration to the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A delivery system including a heart valve prosthesis and a delivery catheter. The delivery catheter includes an outer shaft component, an inner shaft component and a cinch mechanism. The outer shaft component has a capsule segment configured to encircle a first portion of the heart valve prosthesis and to thereby hold the first portion of the heart valve prosthesis in a reduced diameter state for delivery to a treatment site. The cinch mechanism surrounds a second portion of the heart valve prosthesis and is configured to hold the remainder of the heart valve prosthesis in a reduced diameter state for delivery to the treatment site. The capsule segment ends proximal of the cinch mechanism when the delivery catheter is in a delivery configuration. The capsule segment and the cinch mechanism in tandem hold the heart valve prosthesis in the reduced diameter state.

Abstract: A delivery device for a prosthetic mitral valve includes five sheaths and a handle. The first sheath is coupled to a first handle portion and is rotatable and bendable. The second sheath is coupled to a second handle portion and extends through the first sheath. The second sheath is bendable, rotatable and translatable relative to the first sheath. The third sheath is coupled to a third handle portion and extends through the first and second sheaths. The third sheath is translatable relative to the second sheath. The second handle portion is coupled to the first and third handle portions. The fourth sheath extends through the third sheath and forms part of a compartment to store the prosthetic valve. The fifth sheath extends through the fourth sheath to a tip and is coupled to a retaining sheath that closes the compartment to retain the valve in a collapsed condition.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for performing a procedure on a heart valve in which a loop of material contacts at least a portion of the annulus or the leaflets of a valve. Anchors are distributed about the loop and configured for implantation into the annulus or the leaflets in a forward direction and resist extraction in a backwards direction. The anchors each have a pointy front end and a back end, and two panels of material with cylindrically curved outer surfaces. A slot runs in a front-to-back direction between the two panels of material. After the anchors are implanted into the annulus or the leaflets, the loop can be used to retain a replacement valve or to constrict the annulus.

Abstract: Devices and methods for supplementing and/or replacing native cardiac valve functionality, e.g., the mitral valve with a single prosthetic leaflet. An exemplary device is directed to dysfunctional mitral valves. In some cases, the entire device, including the single prosthetic leaflet, will be arranged entirely above the dysfunctional mitral valves and, therefore, disposed entirely within the left atrium. In other cases, the valve support and/or single prosthetic leaflet may extend a distance into the annulus between the left atrium and left ventricle. In some cases, the device will not physically interact with the native leaflets. In other cases, the device may physically interact with the native leaflets.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing paravalvular leakage associated with a replacement mitral valve. The methods can include monitoring for paravalvular leakage between a replacement mitral valve and tissue proximate the mitral valve annulus; if a sufficient amount of paravalvular leakage is observed, deploying a tissue reshaping device at least partially within a coronary sinus; remodeling coronary sinus tissue with the tissue reshaping device to remodel at least one of mitral valve annulus tissue, at least one mitral valve leaflet, and left atrium tissue in an attempt to reduce the paravalvular leakage; and monitoring for a reduction in paravalvular leakage after the remodeling step.

Abstract: Delivery devices for delivering a stented prosthesis to a target site are disclosed. Disclosed delivery devices include a handle assembly including an actuator, an inner shaft assembly interconnected to the handle assembly, and are configured to releasably retain the stented prosthesis to the delivery device with at least one elongate tension member. The delivery devices further include a tension management device that is configured to limit the amount of tension that can be applied via the actuator to the at least one tension member. Certain embodiments are configured to apply different tension limits to different tension members that are controlled by a one or more actuators. Other various embodiments include one or more tension adjustors to selectively adjust one or more tension limits.

Abstract: Delivery devices and device elements that provide steering capabilities and methods of steering such delivery devices during the delivery of a stented prosthesis to a target site. Various delivery devices include a shaft assembly having a plurality of lumens through which tension members that compressively retain the stented prosthesis to the shaft assembly are routed. By selectively tensioning one or more tension members, the shaft assembly can be pulled or steered in a desired direction. Various embodiments include one or more steering or stiffening rods that can reinforce the device or counteract any unintended bending or steering of the delivery device.

Abstract: Anchor deployment systems and tools are provided. An anchor deployment tool can include a flexible tube including a distal anchor manipulation portion. The tool can also include a deployment element, which is positionable within the flexible tube, and is configured to, while the distal anchor manipulation portion is proximate an implantable device, (i) engage the anchors in the flexible tube, (ii) advance each of the anchors in a distal direction to the distal anchor manipulation portion, and (iii) anchor the implantable device to tissue of a subject by deploying each of the tissue anchors through the implantable device and into the tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for repairing a cardiac valve, the apparatus including a catheter sized for delivery through vasculature of a subject and an elongated and flexible annuloplasty structure having an elongated lumen and an annuloplasty structure axis extending along the lumen. The annuloplasty structure is sized and configured for delivery to a heart of the subject through the catheter substantially along a catheter axis of the catheter while the annuloplasty structure axis is substantially parallel to the catheter axis. The apparatus also includes a plurality of anchors configured for delivery to a region of cardiac tissue from a proximal end of the catheter toward a distal end of the catheter and substantially along the annuloplasty structure axis and the catheter axis while at least a portion of the annuloplasty structure is within a delivery passage of the catheter. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Penile implant and system comprising such an implant. The penile implant comprises a number of features which improves the function of the penile implant, e.g. a certain surface structure end portions with specific functions.

Abstract: A spinal interbody implant is fabricated using 3-D printing to provide an engineered structure of one or more porous, permeable, or non-solid portions with or without one or more solid, dense, or micro-dense portions. The porous, permeable, or non-solid structure can be a mesh, lattice, web, weave, honeycomb, simple cubic, tetrahedral, diamond, or otherwise with the number and size of its pores, holes, perforations, or openings, as well as the distance or thickness between them, can vary accordingly. Some portions of the porous, permeable, or non-solid structure(s) may have porosities and/or thicknesses different than other portions. The solid, dense, or micro-dense structure may be constant throughout the body of the implant or may be a range of densities throughout the body of the implant. Alternately, one or more portions of the implant may have a range of densities throughout its body ranging from solid to a maximum porosity.

Abstract: A prosthetic system that includes a prosthetic implant and a support structure secured to an inner surface of a cavity of a bone is disclosed. The support structure defines a channel that extends through the length of the support structure. The prosthetic implant is received in the channel, and a portion of the prosthetic implant is secured to an inner surface of the support structure by an adhesive. The support structure may comprise a pair of partially hemispherical components arranged in spaced apart relationship thereby defining the channel between the pair of components.

Abstract: A orthopaedic implant comprises an acetabular cup and a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device is coupled to a rim surface of the acetabular cup. In one embodiment, a recess is defined in the rim surface and the wireless communication device is positioned therein. In another embodiment, the wireless communication device is positioned in an annular ring formed of a biocompatible material. The annular ring is coupled to the rim surface of the acetabular cup. The wireless communication device may be, for example, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for converting consumer coins, cash, and/or other forms of value for use with mobile commerce platforms implemented on, for example, smart phones, PDAs, and other mobile devices. In one embodiment, a method for implementing a mobile commerce account on a mobile device includes receiving coins and/or other funds from a user at a consumer-operated kiosk. The method can further include counting the coins and/or other funds to determine a value, and then communicating at least a portion of the value from the kiosk to the hand-held mobile device for deposit in the mobile commerce account.

Abstract: Systems and methods for planning surgical procedures involving custom medical implants that can involve the selection, design and/or creation of custom medical implants and/or the selection, modification, and/or design of custom surgical procedures related to those implants. Certain embodiments allow implants to be selected, designed, created, or otherwise customized and then placed in patients using non-standard surgical techniques. The invention provides greater flexibility in implant use by allowing a surgeon to revise, create, or otherwise select surgical techniques for custom implants and, ultimately, provide better treatment in a greater variety of medical circumstances. Certain embodiments of the invention involve computer assisted surgery to provide for implant-related surgery involving non-standard surgical steps and/or implants.

Abstract: An additively manufactured medical implant, comprising a metallic body having at least one porous surface configured to promote bony on-growth or in-growth of tissue, the porous surface being replicated from a high resolution scan of bone, and a biological surface coating configured to create a barrier to particulate debris, the biological surface coating being produced from a titanium porous plasma spray surface coating or a biomimetic coating.

Abstract: Multi-hooded enarthrodial joint implant has a ceramic articulating cup including a ceramic head-receiving cup having an articular surface upon which a head of a joint can articulate, and which, in general, has a margin generally about a hemisphere more or less and at least two hoods that are marginally extended continuations of superior one-half or so of cup containment of a sufficient magnitude to reduce an overall dimension of socket outlet to less than a hemisphere, which can embrace and contain the head. The head is made of ceramic and has a truncated generally circular cross section, a truncated surface with a feature for attachment of the stem, and an opposing articular surface for articulation against the articular surface of the ceramic head-receiving cup. As an ensemble, the cup is combined with the head, typically with a stem, for a total joint implant.