Abstract: Devices and methods for temporarily affixing a surgical apparatus to a bony structure. The temporary mount includes a base member having a top face configured to be impacted by an insertion device and a plurality of elongated prongs extending downwardly from the base member and configured to engage a bony structure. The prongs are separated a distance from one another, and the prongs are configured to move inwardly toward one another when driven downward into the bony structure.

Abstract: Alignment precision technology, in which a system accesses image data of a bone to which a reference marker array is fixed. The system generates a three-dimensional representation of the bone and the reference markers, defines a coordinate system for the three-dimensional representation, and determines locations of the reference markers relative to the coordinate system. The system accesses intra-operative image data that includes the bone and a mobile marker array that is attached to an instrument used in a surgical procedure. The system co-registers the intra-operative image data with the three-dimensional representation by matching the reference markers included in the intra-operative image data to the locations of the reference markers. The system determines locations of the mobile markers in the co-registered image and determines a three-dimensional spatial position and orientation of the instrument relative to the bone.

Abstract: A number of improvements are provided relating to computer aided surgery utilizing an on tool tracking system. The various improvements relate generally to both the methods used during computer aided surgery and the devices used during such procedures. Other improvements relate to the structure of the tools used during a procedure and how the tools can be controlled using the OTT device. Still other improvements relate to methods of providing feedback during a procedure to improve either the efficiency or quality, or both, for a procedure including the rate of and type of data processed depending upon a CAS mode.

Abstract: A robot arm comprising a joint mechanism for articulating one limb relative to another limb about two non-parallel rotation axes, the mechanism comprising: an intermediate carrier attached to a first one of the limbs by a first revolute joint having a first rotation axis and to a second one of the limbs by a second revolute joint having a second rotation axis; a first drive gear disposed about the first rotation axis and fast with the carrier, whereby rotation of the carrier relative to the first limb about the first rotation axis can be driven; a second drive gear disposed about the second rotation axis and fast with the second one of the limbs, whereby rotation of the second one of the limbs about the second rotation axis relative to the carrier can be driven; at least one of the first and second drive gears being a sector gear.

Abstract: A defibrillator storage device including a housing defining an interior storage compartment configured to hold a removable automated external defibrillator therein, a door pivotally attached to the housing, an alarm disposed within the housing, and a tether attached at a first end thereof to an interior wall of the housing and at a second end thereof to the alarm, the tether configured to be routed through a handle of the automated external defibrillator such that removal of the automated external defibrillator from the interior compartment causes the second end of the tether to be pulled from the alarm, thereby triggering the alarm.

Abstract: This disclosure describes example portable medical device protectors that may be used in combination with various antimicrobial and/or antiseptic agents to reduce contaminants on a portable medical device. According to some embodiments, the disclosure describes that the protectors may comprise an impermeable container to store a permeable applicator impregnated with an antimicrobial or antiseptic agent.

Abstract: A syringe needle disposal container for disposing of a syringe needle having a needle holder detachably screw-fitted to an end of a syringe body and a needle body, which includes a lid that covers an opening of a container body and a moving member mounted on the lid so as to be slide-movable. A first holding part for holding one side of needle holder is provided at a predetermined part of the lid. The moving member is formed with a second holding part for holding the other side of the needle holder. An open end of the first holding part on the lid side is deviated toward the first holding part with respect to a reference center axis line L that passes through the center P of a syringe needle holding part in the holding position state and that is substantially perpendicular to a slide-moving direction of the moving member.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for robotic surgery, and in particular for retracting and/or bailing out robotic tools. For example, surgical tools, methods, and systems are provided having bailout assemblies for selectively bailing out one or more functions of an end effector of a surgical tool. Surgical tools, methods, and systems are also provided with bailout assemblies for simultaneously bailing out a plurality of functions of an end effector of a surgical tool.

Abstract: A visible light projection device includes a detecting unit that detects a first region emitting non-visible light, a projecting unit that performs projection using visible light onto a second region including the detected first region, and a control unit that controls the projecting unit to perform projection with a color selected by an operator. When a first color is selected as a color of visible light projected by the projecting unit onto a region other than the first region, the control unit informs the operator of first options to allow a color of visible light projected onto the first region to be selected from the first options. When a second color different from the first color is selected, the control unit informs the operator of second options to allow a color of visible light projected onto the first region to be selectable from the second options.

Abstract: A method of providing RF energy to a wireless transponder device includes outputting primary RF energy in a form wherein the primary RF energy comprises a plurality of RF bursts, with each consecutive pair of the RF bursts being separated by an associated time interval, and outputting secondary continuous wave RF energy in between each of the RF bursts of the primary RF energy during at least a portion of each of the associated time intervals. Also, a reader device implementing this method.

Abstract: A guide element is constructed for arrangement on a device for the penetrating extension of a blind hole created in hard tissue, in particular in the jawbone, wherein the device includes a hollow body that forms a pressure chamber and that has a distal working opening and an inlet opening opposite the working opening.

Abstract: The integral restoration matrix system includes an arcuate frame having opposed upper and lower arcuate members and first and second opposed side members. The arcuate frame defines an open interior region. A matrix sheet is secured to the arcuate frame and extends across, and covers, the open interior region defined by the arcuate frame. First and second upper arcuate retaining arms are secured to, and extend from, respective upper ends of the first and second opposed side members. First and second lower arcuate retaining arms are secured to, and extend from, respective lower ends of the first and second opposed side members. A hemostatic mesh is secured to the lower arcuate member of the arcuate frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides orthodontic appliances and systems, and related methods, for applying a force to a target tooth as an appliances is worn by the patient. One positioning appliance includes a tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to apply a positioning force to the patient's teeth. The appliance includes a spring-loaded tooth movement device disposed in the appliance so as to engage an attachment mounted on a surface of a patient's tooth and apply a force to the tooth.

Abstract: A self-ligating bracket includes a bracket body and a spring clip. The bracket body includes a mesial channel, a distal channel, a center channel, and an arch wire slot. The spring clip includes a distal arm, mesial arm, and a center arm which are moveably within the mesial channel, distal channel, and center channel between an open position and a closed position to occlude the arch wire slot.

Abstract: A dental restorative device is shown as comprising a first cured or hardened layer in the form of an occlusal surface of the tooth being restored and a second uncured dental composite layer joined to the first layer enabling a dental professional to perform direct dental restoration procedures with results replicating indirect direct dental restoration procedures. A system comprising the multi-layered dental restorative device and packaging provides for sufficient support and protection of the uncured second layer and facilitates positioning and finishing of the dental restorative device by cooling the uncured portions to a rigid state while in the packaging, positioning the dental restorative device, and modifying the second layer to fit, curing the second layer and permanently placing the fully cured and hardened dental crown on the tooth being restored.

Abstract: The present invention to a method of denture manufacture that incorporates CAM-formed zirconia teeth or zirconia tooth segment members, resulting in a natural fit, feel, and wear essentially equivalent to the wear properties of natural teeth, with wear and durability properties superior to dentures known in the art.

Abstract: A dental pipette. The dental pipette includes a container having a chamber configured to receive and retain fluids therein. A nozzle positioned at one end of the container is in fluid communication with the chamber via a conduit. A plurality of apertures disposed on the nozzle enable fluids within the chamber to be dispensed from the nozzle. A plurality of bristles extend radially outwardly from the nozzle and taper in length from one end of the nozzle to a second end of the nozzle forming a cone-like construction. The apertures and bristles are positioned at intervals and assist with the cleaning of teeth, gums, and the like. A hollow, beveled tip disposed at one end of the nozzle facilitates easy insertion under the gum line and in between teeth. Usage of the dental pipette provides protection from gum infection, bone loss, and tooth loss.

Abstract: A toothbrush with suctioning and cleaning functions according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a toothbrush rod including a head portion and a handle portion, a brush disposed at the head portion, a through-hole portion formed at the head portion to supply cleaning water to an oral cavity or suction in dirty water from the oral cavity, a guide tube disposed within the toothbrush rod and connected to the through-hole portion to deliver the cleaning water to the through-hole portion or deliver the dirty water suctioned in through the through-hole portion to the outside, and an external main body to supply the cleaning water to the guide tube and to receive the dirty water from the guide tube.

Abstract: An oral cavity apparatus includes a body portion having first and second ends and a grip portion; an oral tool coupled to the first end of the body portion; and a touch-sensitive (TS) sensor which is located on the body portion and outputs a sensor value indicative of a force applied thereto by a user. In addition, a controller is configured to compare the sensor value with at least one threshold value, and to actuate the oral tool based upon the results of the comparison.

Abstract: A dental curing light for curing a light-cure synthetic composite material used in dentistry is described. The dental curing light includes a hand-held curing light instrument having a curing light source, and a light conducting tip detachably mounted to the hand-held curing light instrument. The light conducting tip has an input end, removably engaged to the hand-held curing light instrument and receiving light from the curing light source, and a remote output end, emitting the curing light therefrom. The light conducting tip has a flexible tubular body extending between the input and output ends, and includes at least a light conducting inner core and a radially outer metallic body surrounding the light conducting inner core. The light conducting inner core forms a flexible optical waveguide. The outer metallic body is flexible and plastically deformable such that the outer metallic body, and therefore the light conducting tip, retains a given curved shape until repositioned by a user.

Abstract: A container for separating, storing, and dispensing dental picks includes a container to receive a sheet of dental picks, wherein the sheet of dental picks includes multiple interconnected dental picks, a separating device to separate the sheet of dental picks into singular dental picks, and a dispensing device to dispense the singular dental picks, one at a time. A method for separating and dispensing dental picks includes obtaining a sheet of dental picks, wherein the sheet of dental picks includes multiple interconnected dental picks, loading the sheet of dental picks into a container, separating the sheet of dental picks into singular dental picks, and dispensing the singular dental picks one at a time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring a dental situation comprising a plurality of implants and/or preparations for inserting dental restorations. Using a first measuring method, a first region of the dental situation is initially recorded while first measurement data are generated. The first region is selected to comprise at least two implants and/or preparations. Subsequently, object regions surrounding the implants and/or the preparations are established, and, while using a second measuring method, the established object regions are detected, and second measurement data are generated. The second measuring method is more precise than the first measuring method.

Abstract: A tooth display measurement device includes a measurement portion, an inner surface and an outer surface. A tooth rest platform projects outwardly from the inner surface. The tooth rest platform is spaced between the upper end and the lower end, and ruler markings are printed or otherwise affixed on the outer surface. A a handle projects from the lower end of the measurement portion. The device assists in an accurate reading of tooth display as the measurement portion is inserted between the lip and the teeth of the user with the tooth rest platform abutting the biting edge of the tooth to be measured.

Abstract: The disclosed protective covering protects a wound or surgical area against the animal licking, chewing and clawing or scratching the area. The vented flexible design allows for easy movement and air flow to the wound which is vital for wound to heal quickly. The material of manufacture is such that the wrap does not slide or move on the animal's body is washable, and preferably sterilizable, and permits air flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis (1) for the repair of an inguinal hernia, which prosthesis (1) is intended to be implanted by a posterior or open laparoscopic route and comprises: an openworked textile (2) made of biocompatible material, comprising a first face (2a) intended to be placed facing the biological tissues of the inguinal region, and a second face (2b) arranged opposite said first face and intended to be placed facing the peritoneum, said first face being provided with fastening means that are able to fix said textile in said biological tissues of the inguinal region, characterized in that at least a part of said second face (2b) is covered with a non-porous coating (7) composed of a material that is hydrosoluble at 37° C. and non-hydrosoluble at 25° C. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a prosthesis.

Abstract: Provided are a stent to be placed in the bile duct and a process for producing the stent, the stent hollow being less apt to be blocked even when the stent is placed in the bile duct for a long period. The inner peripheral surface of the stent is coated with a resin layer with resistance to sludge formation that includes a polymer obtained by polymerizing 2-methoxyethyl acrylate. This stent is produced by applying a coating fluid that contains 0.1-0.5 mass % polymer obtained by polymerizing 2-methoxyethyl acrylate, to the inner peripheral surface of a stent.

Abstract: Ureteral stents include a tubular body defining a lumen and have a distal kidney section, a proximal bladder section, and a ureter section between the distal and proximal sections. The tubular body has a first material layer and a stiffening member that extends through at least a portion of a length of the tubular body. The stiffening member has a stiffness characteristic that varies along its length. This enables different portions of the stent to have different stiffness characteristics that preferably are optimized for the location of those portions within the human body. The stiffening member may be at least a second material layer having a second stiffness that is different from a first stiffness of the first material layer, and/or at least one strand of material that is embedded within the first material layer.

Abstract: A stent for treating a physical anomaly. The stent includes a skeletal support structure for expanding in the physical anomaly and a shape memory material coupled to the skeletal support structure.

Abstract: A vascular graft incorporating a stent into a portion of its length. While various materials may be used for the vascular graft, the graft is preferably an ePTFE graft. The stent is preferably a self-expanding stent, although it may alternatively be a balloon expandable stent. The vascular graft preferably has a continuous inner tubular liner that extends between the opposing ends of the graft and provides a continuous luminal surface for blood contact that is uninterrupted by seams or joints. The length portion of the graft that does not include the stent has a greater wall thickness than does the portion including the stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the interfacial augmentation of tissue grafts for the purpose of tendon and ligament reconstruction. The inventive device works both as a delivery vessel for osteoconductive and osteoinductive factors and as a scaffold to stimulate and support bone ingrowth and comprises a tubular composite silk sheath, said tubular composite silk sheath comprising: a backbone consisting of a tubular silk mesh, and a carrier material consisting of a porous silk sponge, wherein said tubular silk mesh consists of degummed silk fibroin fibers, wherein said porous silk sponge comprises silk fibroin fibers and hydroxyapatite particles and said tubular silk mesh and said porous silk sponge form a composite material.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating defects in connective tissue are provided along with methods for making such devices. The devices can include acellular arterial tissue matrices that facilitate regrowth of the damaged tissue.

Abstract: Anchoring a tendon to a bone is achieved by forming a tunnel in the bone and employing a self-anchoring integrally formed anchor body. A portion of the tendon is wrapped around the anchor body and then the anchor body is driven into the tunnel to attach the tendon to the bone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A tissue anchoring device is described that comprises an anchor body and a spreader such that tissue may be captured or compressed between outside surfaces on the anchor and inside surfaces of a bone tunnel to secure the tissue within the tunnel. An anchoring device is described that comprises an anchor body having compressible tabs with teeth, and a spreader that forces the compressible tabs into an expanded state when inserted into anchor body, facilitating engagement between bone and the teeth of the compressible tabs. Also described is an inserter tool that can be used to insert the anchor into bone and move the spreader within the anchor to expand the anchor and capture the tissue between the anchor and the bone. Methods are described that enable use of the bone anchoring device to secure a tissue graft into the tibial and femoral bones during anterior cruciate ligament (“ACL”) reconstruction.

Abstract: Modular IOL removal systems and methods that cut an optic portion of an intraocular in a single motion such to facilitate removal of the optic portion from an eye through an incision, for example a corneal incision, without increasing the size of the corneal incision. Various cutting tools having one or more blades may be utilized. The cut intraocular lens may have one continuous cut or be cut into multiple smaller pieces. The single cutting step may apply balanced forces and torque to avoid damaging the surrounding eye anatomy, reducing the risk of trauma.

Abstract: Visual aids and associated methods for improving the eye sight of low vision patients are provided. Generally, the devices of the present disclosure address the needs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other low vision patients by providing a magnified retinal image while keeping a large visual field of view. Further, the devices of the present disclosure allow direction of the magnified retinal image away from damaged portions of the retina and towards healthy, or at least healthier, portions of the retina. The devices of the present disclosure are also configured for implantation within the eye using minimally invasive surgical procedures. Methods of utilizing the devices of the present disclosure, including surgical procedures, are also provided.

Abstract: A method of treating pericardial tissue that includes contacting at least a portion of a pericardial sac with a chemical while the pericardial sac is tensioned by an application of fluid pressure to an inside face of the pericardial sac.

Abstract: A system for implanting a heart valve includes a radially self-expandable tubular body having an inflow end and an outflow end and a preformed groove disposed at an outer surface of the tubular body between the inflow end and the outflow end. The preformed groove extends at least partially around the tubular body and has a circumferential opening facing radially outward of the tubular body. A valve is disposed within and is attached to the tubular body, and an elongate outer member is configured to form a loop encircling the preformed groove so as to guide portions of native valve leaflets and/or chords into the preformed groove. The outflow end of the tubular body includes a frustoconical shape that slopes radially outward from the preformed groove toward the outflow end when the outflow end but not the inflow end has been released from a delivery catheter.

Abstract: A tubular seal includes an outflow end region and an inflow end region. The inflow end region is a portion of a polymeric web retaining a woven fabric, wherein the woven fabric has a non-linear edge defining an interface between the inflow end region and the outflow end region.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve configured to replace a native heart valve and having a support frame configured to be reshaped into an expanded form in order to receive and/or support an expandable prosthetic heart valve therein is disclosed, together with methods of using same. Interlocking members or flexible loops are included to limit expansion of the valve to one or two valve sizes, for example, with a 2-mm gap between each valve size. The valve may include an internal structural band with overlapped free ends having structure for limiting expansion, or external loops of suture may be added to the fabric covering which limits expansion.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for percutaneous aortic valve (PAV) replacement and apparatus used therein. A temporary aortic valve including a reversibly expandable occluding medium surrounds a central catheter mechanism. The temporary valve is positioned within the ascending aorta, just above and downstream from the coronary ostia. The occluding medium is configured such that, when fully expanded against the aortic wall, gaps are left that promote continuous coronary perfusion during the cardiac cycle. The temporary valve substitutes for the function of the native aortic valve during its replacement. The native aortic valve is next dilated, and then ablated through deployment of low profile, elongated, sequentially delivered stents. The stent(s) displace the native tissues and remain within the aortic annulus to receive and provide a structure for retaining the PAV. The PAV is delivered, positioned and deployed within the stent(s) at the aortic annulus with precision and relative ease.

Abstract: A stentless support structure capable of being at least partly assembled in situ. The support structure comprises a braided tube that is very flexible and, when elongated, becomes very long and very small in diameter, thereby being capable of placement within a small diameter catheter. The support structure is preferably constructed of one or more thin strands of a super-elastic or shape memory material such as Nitinol. When released from the catheter, the support structure folds itself into a longitudinally compact configuration. The support structure thus gains significant strength as the number of folds increase. This radial strength obviates the need for a support stent. The support structure may include attachment points for a prosthetic valve.

Abstract: Heart valve assembly systems and methods configured for medical interventional procedures. In one aspect, the methods and systems involve a modular approach to treatment.

Abstract: A delivery system for rapid placement of heart implants is provided that includes a delivery platform. The delivery system includes a tubular catheter body, a piercing member, and a delivery platform. The tubular catheter body is sufficiently long and flexible to be advanced from a peripheral blood vessel access site to an atrium of the heart. The piercing member is configured to create a transapical channel from an internal apical portion of a ventricle to an outside heart wall. The delivery system includes an elongate tension member and an enlargeable member disposed on a distal portion of the elongate tension member. The enlargeable member is configured to be enlarged in a pericardial space of an intact chest wall to cover an area of the outside heart wall surrounding an opening of the transapical channel. When tensioned, the tension member provides a stable zone for positioning a heart implant within the heart.

Abstract: A crimping tool for use with a collapsible prosthetic valve having a stent frame with a plurality of cell openings, and a valve structure assembled in the stent frame. The crimping tool includes a plurality of resilient tines defining an array around a longitudinal axis of the crimping tool. The array has a first cross-section in an expanded state and a second cross-section less than the first cross-section in a collapsed state. The plurality of tines are adapted to intersect the plurality of cell openings in an assembled position of the crimping tool on the prosthetic valve to prevent pinching of the valve structure by the stent frame as the prosthetic valve is collapsed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for heart valve repair utilize a heart valve repair device including a generally annular ring-like structure and a net structure. The ring-like structure is seated in the valve annulus with the net structure extending from the ring-like structure through the coaptation zone between leaflets. The net structure can then be anchored to a heart structure with a suture. Net structure extending between leaflets helps prevent prolapse of leaflets and can aid in coaptation.

Abstract: An implantable intracardiac device to prevent systolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral valve leaflet into the left ventricular outflow tract is described. The device comprises a blocking member configured for implantation within the left ventricle of the heart and in-situ blocking of systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve into the left ventricular outflow tract when anchored into the left ventricle of the heart. The device may be configured for radial expansion from a contracted orientation suitable for transluminal delivery to the left ventricle of the heart within a suitable delivery vehicle and an expanded orientation suitable for deployment within the left ventricle of the heart. The device comprises anchors configured for anchoring the device in-situ within the left ventricle to a wall of the left ventricle.

Abstract: An osteoimplant composite comprising a plurality of particles of an inorganic material, a bone substitute material, a bone-derived material, or any combination thereof; and a polymer material with which the particles are combined. The composite is either naturally moldable or flowable, or it can be made moldable or settable. After implantation, the composite may be set to provide mechanical strength to the implant. The inventive composite have the advantage of being able to fill irregularly shape implantation site while at the same time being settable to provide the mechanical strength required for most orthopedic applications. The invention also provides methods of using and preparing the moldable and flowable composites.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are patient-specific craniofacial implants structured for filling bone voids in the cranium as well as for simultaneously providing soft tissue reconstruction and/or augmentation for improved aesthetic symmetry and appearance. Pterional voids or defects generally result from a chromic skull deformity along with a compromised temporalis muscle or soft tissue distortion from previous surgery. When muscle atrophy occurs in the pterion, temporal hollowing generally results where there would be soft tissue but for the atrophy. The patient-specific temporal implants herein are configured to have an augmented region adjacent the temporal region of the cranium in order to account for and correct any such temporal hollowing.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis is disclosed. The knee joint prosthesis can include a tibial baseplate, a tibial insert, and a spine. The tibial baseplate can include a tibial plateau, having a proximal surface and an opposing distal surface, and a tibial stem extending from the distal surface of the tibial plateau. The tibial insert can be located on the proximal surface of the tibial plateau and can include an aperture. The spine can extend through the aperture of the tibial insert and into a cavity of the tibial stem, from the proximal surface of the tibial plateau. The spine can be rotatable with respect to the tibial baseplate and the tibial insert. The knee joint prosthesis can further include a femoral component including a posteriorly-located femoral cam. The posteriorly-located femoral cam can engage the spine during movement of the knee joint prosthesis.

Abstract: Modular humeral implants and methods of use. A humeral implant can include a stem portion, a metaphyseal portion, a locking element, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion can include at least one spacer. Each spacer can include a proximal engagement feature, a distal engagement feature, a lumen extending longitudinally through the spacer, and a pin slidable within the lumen of the spacer. Distal movement of a locking element in the metaphyseal portion can translate the pin of each spacer to secure the metaphyseal portion, the intermediate portion, and the stem portion in a locked configuration.