Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus can include a coupler for coupling a robotic arm to a surgical table having a table top on which a patient can be disposed. The coupler can include a first portion configured to couple to a surgical table and a second portion configured to couple to a robotic arm. The second portion may include a post that may translate into the first portion. The first portion may comprise a locking mechanism having one or more stages to constrain movement of the second portion relative to the first portion in six degrees of freedom. The coupler can thus provide secure coupling of the robotic arm to the surgical table.

Abstract: Described herein is a surgical instrument holder for use with a robotic surgical system, for example, during spinal surgery. In certain embodiments, the surgical instrument holder is an interface between the robotic arm and a surgical instrument used during surgery. This interface may hold the surgical instrument precisely, rigidly, and in a stable manner while permitting a surgeon to easily and quickly install or withdraw the instrument in case of emergency.

Abstract: Embodiments of an actuated cannula seal are disclosed In some embodiments, a cannula seal includes a base portion that engages with a cannula; and a seal portion integrally formed with the base portion, the sealing portion capable of engaging with an instrument shaft, the sealing portion capable of being actuated by an actuator so that the sealing portion is continually in motion relative to the instrument shaft. The actuation of the sealing portion can be accomplished by rotation or vibration of the sealing portion relative to the instrument shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting an alignment error between an end effector of a tool associated with a slave and a master actuator in a master-slave robotic system in which an orientation of the end effector is remotely controlled by an orientation of the master actuator by producing, transmitting, receiving and/or generating control signals: master actuator orientation signals (RMCURR), end effector orientation signals (REENEW) and master-slave misalignment signals (R?). Producing control signals from the master to the slave involves receiving and transmitting an enablement signal when the enablement signal is active and not active. In response, computing the master-slave misalignment signals (R?) and detecting a second difference between the master actuator orientation (RMCURR) and the end effector orientation (REENEW) signals.

Abstract: A medical device drive system can include a rotational input, a coupling member engaged with the rotational input, a first gear having an engagement feature sized and shaped to engage with the coupling member, and a second gear coupled with the first gear, the second gear coupled to a movable element. The system can have a first system state and a second system state. In the first system state the coupling member is not engaged with the engagement feature and the first gear rotates without moving the coupling member. In the second system state the coupling member is engaged with the engagement feature of the first gear and rotation of the rotational input turns the coupling member, the first gear, and the second gear to move the movable element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of a magnetic material in stone removal, nanoparticles, a preparation method thereof and a stone removing device. Wherein, the magnetic material constitutes a nanoparticle core and a surface modifier monomer is attached to the nanoparticle core by an initiator and/or a crosslinking agent to form a nanoparticle shell. The prepared nanoparticles can surround stones in ureter, thereby, small stones remaining in body can be removed quickly without damage from the body under action of external magnetic field, that is, the stone can be drawn and moved without injuring ureteral wall, and the nanoparticles are placed conveniently without shift.

Abstract: Invasive cardiology and radiology are widespread procedures that involve the use of X-ray radiations for imaging. During these procedures, the operators are exposed to a variable dose of radiation. It is shown that these professionals are among the most exposed to ionizing radiations. New studies have shown that brain cancers can be linked to these exposures. As these exposures are harmful to health, maximum protection is required to protect the patient and the staff. The current invention provides an improved protective shield to fully protect the staff in cardiologic, angiologic, and radiologic procedures. The present invention relates to a modified surgical drape that include a layer that absorbs the X-rays scattered from the patient's body during invasive angiology procedures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical circulation detent device, comprising at least one circulation body and a latching element. The at least one circulation body comprising a restricted guide and at least one latching receptacle for the latching element. The latching element is guidable through the restricted guide from an unlatched position to a latched position at a first side of the at least one latching receptacle into the latter, and at a second side of the at least one latching receptacle from the latched position to an unlatched position again. An operative element is coupled to the latching element via a coupling element. A thermal actuating element is operatively connected to the latching element and transferable due to temperature from a first state to a second state and vice versa in order to move the operative element. The invention also relates to a medical sterilization container.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating rhinitis are described where the devices are configured to ablate a single nerve branch or multiple nerve branches of the posterior nasal nerves located within the nasal cavity. A surgical probe may be inserted into the sub-mucosal space of a lateral nasal wall and advanced towards a posterior nasal nerve associated with a middle nasal turbinate or an inferior nasal turbinate into a position proximate to the posterior nasal nerve where neuroablation of the posterior nasal nerve may be performed with the surgical probe. The probe device may utilize a visible light beacon that provides trans-illumination of the sub-mucosal tissue or an expandable structure disposed in the vicinity of the distal end of the probe shaft to enable the surgeon to visualize the sub-mucosal position of the distal end of the surgical probe from inside the nasal cavity using, e.g., an endoscope.

Abstract: Provided is a medical control apparatus including: a processing unit configured to cause one or both of a first display region in which an object relating to an input source of an image is to be displayed and a second display region in which an object relating to an output destination of an image is to be displayed and a third display region in which an object for controlling the input source or the output destination is to be displayed, to be displayed in one screen.

Abstract: A method for displaying an anatomical image of a coronary artery on a graphical user interface with information acquired from a plurality of intravascular image frames. The method may include detecting qualitative information from the plurality of intravascular image frames, creating one or more indicator(s) from the qualitative information detected, and determining a spatial relationship between the anatomical image and a plurality of acquisition locations of the plurality of intravascular image frames and generating its linear representation. The method also includes displaying the anatomical image of the coronary artery with the linear representation overlaid thereon on a display device and overlaying the one or more indicator(s) representing at least one type of qualitative information on the anatomical image along the linear representation.

Abstract: A surgical system for providing an improved video image of a surgical site including a system controller that receives and processes video images to determine a video signature corresponding to a condition that interferes with a quality of the video images, with the system controller interacting with a video enhancer to enhance the video images from a video capturing device to automatically control the video enhancer to enhance the video images. The surgical system can also review the video images for a trigger event and automatically begin or stop recording of the video images upon occurrence of the trigger event.

Abstract: An instrument device manipulator (IDM) is attached to a surgical arm of a robotic system and comprises a surgical tool holder and an outer housing. The surgical tool holder includes an attachment interface that can secure a surgical tool in a front-mount configuration (where the attachment interface is on a face opposite of a proximal extension of the surgical tool) or a back-mount configuration (where the attachment interface is on the same face as the proximal extension of the surgical tool). The surgical tool holder may rotate continuously within the outer housing. In a back-mount configuration, the surgical tool holder may have a passage that receives the proximal extension of the tool and allows free rotation of the proximal extension about the rotational axis. A surgical drape separates the IDM and robotic arm from a tool, while allowing electrical and/or optical signals to pass therebetween.

Abstract: The invention provides a unitary cordless dental drive apparatus with a cantilever arm extending outward and positioned to allow a dental nose cone to be connected. An activating switch is located at the free end of the cantilever arm in a position that is convenient for manipulation by a user. In a second embodiment, the switch is in the form of a contactor mounted below the cantilever arm to contact the nose cone when pressed. In a third embodiment, a foot pedal connected to a wireless transmitter is provided to send a signal to a receiver located within the handpiece for activating the handpiece.

Abstract: A dental burr for preparing tooth for fabrication may include a shank designed to engage with a dental handpiece; and a burr body extending from the shank. The burr body may have a lip distal from the shank, the lip defining an opening into a cavity within the burr body, the cavity being sized to accommodate a tooth; and an indented edge extending from an area of the burr body proximate to the lip to the lip, wherein an exterior surface of the indented edge, the lip, and an inner surface of the cavity be an abrasive surface. The burr body may also have at least one debris vent extending therethrough.

Abstract: A processing device receives an intraoral image of a first intraoral site. The processing device selects a portion of the intraoral image that depicts a portion of the first intraoral site. The processing device locks at least the portion of the intraoral image. The processing device may then generate a model comprising the first intraoral site based at least in part on the locked intraoral image, wherein the portion of the intraoral image is used for a first region of the model, and wherein data from one or more additional intraoral images that also depict the portion of the first intraoral site is not used for the first region of the model.

Abstract: A method of forming an aligner includes dipping a positive mold of teeth in a liquid material to form a liquid layer and curing the liquid layer to form a shell. The shell may include an inner layer including material from the liquid material and an outer layer including material from another liquid material. Prior to dipping the mold in the liquid material, features may be coupled to the layer. The features may be selected from the group consisting of an archwire, a sensor, and a bracket. The mold includes model teeth and a gingival margin on a base. Dipping may be to a predefined depth. A fluid level of the material is positioned proximate the gingival margin. The fluid level may define the edge of the shell. A set of aligners including at least one aligner having an edge that defines an opening and the edge is as-formed.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket with an adjustable hook designed to facilitate bending. The orthodontic bracket includes a bracket body mountable to a tooth and an adjustable hook extending from the bracket body, the adjustable hook comprising a stem base structure a bend region extending from the stem base structure, a neck region extending from the bend region, and a head extending from the neck region. In some embodiments, the adjustable hook has a length, L1, measured from a bottom portion of the stem base structure to the head, and a length, L2, measured from a bottom portion of the neck region of the hook stem to a free end of the head, wherein L2 is greater than or equal to 60% of L1.

Abstract: A physical model of at least a portion of a patient's dentition has model dental surfaces corresponding to real dental surfaces of the patient's dentition. The physical model includes one or more targets, each configured for facilitating placement of an 5 orthodontic appliance on the model at a desired location. The targets lack mechanical stops that are outwardly protruding from the original model dental surfaces. Also provided are a method of manufacturing a physical model for use in indirect bonding procedures, a method for indirect bonding for use in an orthodontic procedure, a method for providing an indirect bonding transfer tray for use in an orthodontic procedure, and a 10 system for providing a physical model for use in indirect bonding orthodontic procedures.

Abstract: A ligating member operable to obtain an archwire within a slot of an orthodontic bracket or buccal tube, including a base, a first ligating finger extending from the base, a second ligating finger extending from the base, and a latching element extending from the base between the first ligating finger and the second ligating finger. The latching element includes a neck portion extending from the base, the neck portion having a minimum cross-section portion, and a head portion extending from the neck portion, the head portion including a protrusion. The ligating member has a length, L1, from the base to a centerline of the protrusion, and a length, L2, from a centerline of the minimum cross-section portion to the centerline of the protrusion, wherein L2 is equal to or greater than 40% of L1.

Abstract: A bendable prosthetic abutment includes a guiding and anchoring segment, a connection zone, for connecting to an implant arranged on a gingival tissue for receiving a prosthetic abutment model, an intermediate restriction for angular orientation, a mounting and fastening portion forming an upper portion of the bondable prosthetic abutment for receiving a prosthesis, and a sacrificial and anchoring zone which has a diameter greater than a diameter of the connection zone so as to define a protuberant ring-shaped shoulder arranged between the intermediate restriction (4) and the connection zone (2) for connecting to an implant and anchoring in a cavity.

Abstract: An dental implant has a substantially cylindrical hollow base member; an abutment; an implant-abutment junction (IAJ) portion at one end of the base member to retain the abutment to the base member, so that the abutment is able to move within a predetermined distance alone an axial direction of the base member, and a first cushion adapted to be mounted between the abutment and the base member for providing a resistance force when the abutment is pressed to move relatively toward the base member and providing a bouncing back force when the abutment is released from the pressing.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis securing system secures a dental prosthesis to a dental implant. An abutment for cement has a base surface for placement against the dental implant. The base surface does not define an engagement shape that requires alignment with a complementary shape defined by the implant. A securing mechanism secures the abutment for cement to the dental implant.

Abstract: Disclosed are a ball-type attachment device for an overdenture and and a method of producing overdenture to which ball-type attachments are applied. The ball-type attachment device for overdentures according to the present invention relates to an attachment device for implant-supporting overdenture, which includes an abutment configured such that a ball-shaped coupling protrusion is formed at the exposed distal end thereof, and a retainer configured to be separably fitted over the coupling protrusion by a fitting method.

Abstract: At a method and device for capturing the three-dimensional surface geometry of an object, with at least one sensor and at least one light source, the sensor is a monochrome sensor and the method includes: a) obtaining a first multidimensional information of the object including a first pose, using the monochrome sensor; b) illuminating the object by the light source in a first color; c) taking a monochrome image of the illuminated object, using the monochrome sensor; d) creating a second multidimensional information of the object including a second pose, using the monochrome sensor; e) combining the first and second pose of steps a) and d) to create an intermediate pose; f) combining the monochrome image of step c. and the intermediate pose of step e) to create a colored model of at least a segment of the object.

Abstract: Described is a milling blank for producing an indirect dental restoration, composed of resin or a resin-based composite, containing water in an amount of at least 25% of the water sorption Wsp. Described is further a method for producing such a milling blank or a moulded part produced therefrom for use as an indirect dental restoration, a use of the water sorption method, a kit for producing indirect dental restorations and a method for indirect dental restoration.

Abstract: An oral care appliance (100), such as an electric toothbrush, utilizing non-linear resonant systems is described herein. In one exemplary embodiment, the oral care appliance includes a longitudinal shaft (102), a brush head (130), and a handle (190). The handle includes a motor (140) that generates a first amplitude (404) for the brush head based on the brush head being outside of the user's mouth, when no mass is applied to the brush head. In response to the brush head being inside of the user's mouth, when mass is applied, such as by pressing the brush head against the teeth, the motor causes a second amplitude (410) to be generated for the brush head that is larger than the first amplitude.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light-curing device, comprising a plurality of individual LED chips, each associated to a reflector, which LED chips are in particular each separately controllable and are arranged about a common central axis, in particular in each each case at the same distance, and comprising reflection elements of the reflectors which adjoin one another, wherein the distance of the reflectors from one another is in each case substantially less, in particular less than a fifth, of the reflectors' diameter. The reflection elements (14, 16, 18, 20) are arranged like a clover leaf and are part of a common reflector body (10) which separates the reflection elements (14-20) from one another by means of dividing walls (30, 32, 34, 36), and the reflector body (10) has extremally on the reflection elements (14-20) reinforcing walls (40) which—in relation to each cone (14, 16, 18, 20)—lie opposite the central axis (12).

Abstract: A cassette for storage of at least one medical instrument, the cassette including at least one spring sheet, the spring sheet including at least one holding means for retaining the medical instrument therein, the holding means including an aperture forming a passage through the spring sheet for receiving the medical instrument and at least one spring element provided adjacent to the passage for exerting a biasing spring force to retain the medical instrument within the passage, and wherein the spring sheet, including the holding means, is made of a metal or a metal alloy.

Abstract: The installation (1) comprises a treatment machine (12) and a supply and positioning device (16) configured to receive the straws (2) and dispose them one by one in a predetermined orientation for their treatment by said machine. The device (16) comprises a curved ramp (52) having a reception portion (64) for the straws (2) and an ejection portion (65) for the straws, the ramp being configured to convey, to the ejection portion (65), a straw (2) received on the reception portion (64) and sliding on the ramp (52), the ramp having a concave profile such that said profile has an orientation closer to the vertical in the reception portion (64) than in the ejection portion (65), such that a straw received on the reception portion (64) is accelerated to the ejection portion (65) at which the straw is guided and ejected with a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: Described are implants and dilators useful in a sacral colpopexy procedure, and related methods. The present invention relates to systems, tools, and methods for treating pelvic organ prolapse by use of a pelvic implant to support pelvic tissue. The pelvic treatments include, for example, treatment of vaginal prolapse by laparoscopic or abdominal procedures.

Abstract: Funnel-trap type delivery and/or retrieval devices for temporary Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters or other medical implants or foreign bodies are described. These may employ a locking sheath or a proximal-aperture capture feature or features for IVC filter (or other device) retrieval.

Abstract: Funnel-trap type delivery and/or retrieval devices for Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters or other medical implants are described with associated sheaths. The sheaths are used in progressive recapture and/or embolic protection methods or in association with such features.

Abstract: Medical devices and related method for improving blood flow to regions of a patient are described herein. Some medical devices may include a first graft portion, a second graft portion, and a catheter portion disposed between the first graft portion and the second graft portion. The medical device may be implanted into a patient to establish a non-natural flow path.

Abstract: Medical devices and related method for improving blood flow to regions of a patient are described herein. Some medical devices may include a first graft portion, a second graft portion, and a catheter portion disposed between the first graft portion and the second graft portion. The medical device may be implanted into a patient to establish a non-natural flow path.

Abstract: A medical device for controlling a release of bioactive agents to a body of patient. The medical device includes a support structure and a coating disposed at least partially covering the support structure. The coating includes a biodegradable outer and inner layer. First beads are disposed between the layers. A therapeutically effective amount of a first bioactive agent is disposed within pores of the first beads. Second beads are disposed between the support structure and the inner layer. A therapeutically effective amount of a second bioactive agent is disposed within the pores of the second beads. The first beads are releasable in response to at least partial biodegradation of the outer layer, and the second beads are releasable after the first beads in response to at least partial biodegradation of the inner layer. The coating may include a nonwoven matrix.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing a ligament graft for a ligament reconstruction procedure are provided. In general, the described techniques utilize a graft preparation system having a holder and a delivery suture assembly removably coupled thereto. The delivery suture assembly can include a spine coupled with an anchor suture configured to form a self-tightening knot used to position the assembly around a graft and a plurality of suture windings configured to be affixed to the graft when the assembly is deployed. The assembly is delivered to the graft using the holder and the sutures can be affixed to the graft without penetrating therethrough. The spine helps to evenly distribute the load among the windings compressing the graft which are thus are capable of withstanding increased loads. Thus, an improved, simplified, and time- and labor-saving approach to preparing ligament grafts is provided.

Abstract: A biocompatible, biodegradable surgical fastening device employs opposed engagement surfaces having receptacles and protrusions, in which the receptacles are responsive to the protrusions on the opposed engagement surface. The fastening device has a generally planar construction defining the engagement surface, such that each engagement surface has a proximate end for engaging the opposed engagement surface, and a distal end for attachment to an anatomical structure. The distal end of two devices each connect to anatomical structures to be joined, and the engagement surfaces joined to each other at the proximate end to complete the repair. The distal end of the engagement surface defines a flexible attachment portion having a lateral attachment width, the lateral width configured for securement to the anatomical structure across a nonlinear disposition of the lateral width. The flexible lateral width conforms around an irregular shape of an anatomical structure such as a tendon, ligament or bone.

Abstract: A prosthetic capsular device configured to be inserted in an eye includes a housing structure and a ring structure. The housing structure includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, a fourth side opposite the third side, a posterior side including a refractive surface, an anterior side opposite the posterior side, and a longitudinal axis. The first side, the second side, the third side, the fourth side, the posterior side, and the anterior side at least partially define a cavity configured to contain an intraocular device (e.g., an IOL). The anterior side includes an opening. The ring structure includes a ring structure portion extending radially outward from proximate one of an end of the first side and an end of the second side.

Abstract: Ophthalmic implants and methods of use that provide structural support to the optic nerve are disclosed herein. An adhesive and/or ophthalmic implant may be delivered to an optic nerve of an eye to relieve pressure on the optic nerve. The ophthalmic implant may include a base portion that includes a first surface and a second surface opposing the second surface and a protrusion from the second surface for extending into a cup of an optic nerve in an eye.

Abstract: A cornea positioning system includes: a mechanical arm assembly, an image recognition system, a background assembly arranged opposite to the image recognition system, and a calculation positioning system connected to the image recognition system. The mechanical arm assembly is configured to move a corneal package body containing a cornea to-be-positioned to be between the image recognition system and the background assembly. The background assembly is configured to provide background light. The image recognition system is configured to obtain an image formed under action of the background light of cornea packaging body. The computing positioning system is configured to analyze and calculate the image obtained by the image recognition system acquire position information about the cornea.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens device is provided. The accommodating intraocular lens device comprises a base assembly and a power lens. The base assembly comprises a first open end, a second end coupled to a base lens, and a haptic surrounding a central cavity. The haptic may comprise an outer periphery, an inner surface and a height between a first edge and a second edge. The power lens is configured to fit within the central cavity. The power lens may comprise a first side, a second side, a peripheral edge coupling the first and second sides, and a closed cavity configured to house a fluid. The first side of the power lens may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the first edge of the haptic.

Abstract: An ocular implant and a method for implanting such an ocular implant inside an eye includes an optical portion; and at least two polymer haptics for fixation of the ocular implant to tissue inside an eye. At least one portion of the haptics contains a photoinitiating agent delivery component. A kit for implanting an ocular implant in an eye includes an ocular implant at least two polymer haptics; and additionally a photoinitiating agent for at least partially impregnating a first portion of the ocular element or a second portion of tissue in the eye; and, a light source for providing light of a wavelength adapted to excite the photoinitiating agent.

Abstract: A cartridge accommodates an intraocular lens and includes first and second cartridge parts pivotally moveable relative to each other to define an open state and a closed state. The first cartridge part has a first base element and a first plate-like wing extending from the first base element. The second cartridge part has a second base element and a second plate-like wing extending from the second base element. The first and second base elements conjointly define a receiving chamber for the lens when the first and second cartridge parts are in the closed state. A lubricant feed arrangement supplies a lubricant for the lens into the receiving chamber from outside of the cartridge when the cartridge is in the closed state. The lubricant feed arrangement includes a feed channel which is formed in one of the cartridge parts and opens into the receiving chamber.

Abstract: An exemplary two-stage prosthetic heart valve system has a radially expandable base stent implanted within a native valve annulus. The base stent desirably has three position markers projecting in the axial direction from the outflow end of the base stent to assist in aligning the stent with respect to the commissures of the native valve. The two-stage heart valve system also has a valve component that is delivered to and mounted within the base stent in a separate or sequential operation after the base stent has been anchored within the annulus. The valve component in certain embodiments comprises a hybrid valve component that includes a conventional, non-expandable surgical valve that is modified to include an expandable coupling stent that can be expanded to engage the inner surface of the base stent, thereby anchoring the valve component to the base stent.

Abstract: A medical device includes an expandable conduit, a prosthetic heart valve and a delivery device, including a balloon catheter. The expandable conduit may include one or more inner or outer sleeves supported by a frame or stent. The sleeve(s) may be a bioprosthetic tissue wrapped, molded or sewn about the frame or stent. Coupled to an end of the expandable conduit is the prosthetic heart valve. The conduit and heart valve may be crimped on the balloon catheter for percutaneous deployment. The frame may be constructed of an expandable material for the conduit portion and an expandable material for the prosthetic heart valve portion. The prosthetic heart valve can be anchored at the native heart valve and then the conduit can be expanded into place to protect the aorta.

Abstract: Stent-valves (e.g., single-stent-valves and double-stent-valves) and associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery are provided.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves are described herein that can provide clearance to the left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT), reduce the possibility of undesirable outflow gradients, and/or limit or prevent LVOT obstructions when implanted in the heart. In some embodiments, a prosthetic heart valve can include an outer frame having a cuff portion that is disposed at an angle (e.g., 80 degrees) relative to the vertical axis of a body portion of the outer frame, so that the prosthetic valve can seat securely in the annulus while not obstructing the ventricular outflow tract of the heart. In some embodiments, a prosthetic heart valve can alternatively, or additionally, include subvalvular components having a short profile, such that the prosthetic valve can seat securely in the annulus while not obstructing the ventricular outflow tract of the heart.

Abstract: Systems and methods for docking a heart valve prosthesis. A system can include an anchor formed as multiple coils adapted to support a heart valve prosthesis with coil portions positioned above and below the heart valve annulus. At least one of the coil portions can normally be at a first diameter and be expandable to a second, larger diameter upon application of radial outward force from within the helical anchor. Methods can include delivering an anchor, positioning and implanting a heart valve prosthesis, and expanding the heart valve prosthesis inside the anchor.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve can include an outer frame coupled to an inner frame such that the outer frame can be moved between a first position and a second position in which the outer frame is inverted relative to the inner frame. The inner frame and the outer frame define between them an annular space, and a pocket closure can bound the annular space to form a pocket in which thrombus can form and be retained. The pocket closure can include a stretchable pocket covering that can move from a first position in which the pocket covering has a first length when the outer frame is in the first position relative to the inner frame and a second position in which the pocket covering has a second length greater than the first length when the outer frame is in the second position relative to the inner frame.