Abstract: An apparatus for robot-assisted surgery as well as a method for assisting the positioning of a manipulator arm of an apparatus for robot-assisted surgery. An instrument unit is connected to a coupling unit of the manipulator arm. The instrument unit has a surgical instrument with an instrument shaft, the proximal end of which is passable through a body orifice of a patient to a target area. When connecting the instrument unit to the coupling unit the distance vector (V), which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the instrument shaft of the surgical instrument, between the longitudinal axis and the target area defined by the coordinates (xz, yz, zz) is determined. A first control information is generated when the amount of the determined distance vector (V) has and/or falls below a first preset value. An output unit outputs a signal dependent on the first control information.

Abstract: Methods and products for protecting tissue of a patient during a surgical procedure that involve making an incision in the tissue and retracting the tissue to make a larger opening, wherein the methods and products use a water-resistant stress-distributing layer.

Abstract: Image-guided therapy of a tissue can utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or another medical imaging device to guide an instrument within the tissue. A workstation can actuate movement of the instrument, and can actuate energy emission and/or cooling of the instrument to effect treatment to the tissue. The workstation and/or an user of the workstation can be located outside a vicinity of an MRI device or other medical imaging device, and drive means for positioning the instrument can be located within the vicinity of the MRI device or the other medical imaging device. The instrument can be an MRI compatible laser or high-intensity focused ultrasound probe that provides thermal therapy to, e.g., a tissue in a brain of a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical apparatus having a medical optical appliance and a holding device with at least two holding arms which are connected movably to one another with at least one degree of freedom of movement via a joint and with an actuator which is connected to the two holding arms in such a way that a force can be exerted via the actuator between the two holding arms in the direction of the degree of freedom of movement. A control unit comprises a first regulator for outputting a first control signal to the actuator via an adjusting element. The medical optical appliance is mounted on the holding device.

Abstract: In order to make a custom dental drilling template, a single impression element is used that becomes a part of the later drilling template. To achieve this a guide-passage element is glued to the impression element. The exact position of the guide passage relative to the impression element prior to gluing is found by fixing both elements relative to each other on the same mounting plate using a periodic 2-D mounting structure. The passage element is mounted by an intermediate mounting element that is machined such that it carries the same or mating mounting structure according to positional data and that has a fitting area for fitting the guide passage to it.

Abstract: A hand instrument, comprising: a tool-holding device for fastening a treatment tool on the hand instrument, a driveshaft for transmitting a driving movement to the tool-holding device and a stroke gear which is designed to induce the tool-holding device in a stroke movement. According to a first embodiment the hand instrument further has a rotary gear which is designed to induce the tool-holding device to a rotational movement, wherein a drive-side element of the rotary gear and a drive-side element of the stroke gear are arranged jointly on the driveshaft. According to a second embodiment the drive-side element of the stroke gear is designed such, that in a complete revolution of the drive-side element of the stroke gear the tool-holding device runs through more than a double stroke. According to another embodiment the drive-side element of the stroke gear is disposed concentrically around an axis of rotation of the driveshaft.

Abstract: An occlusal cutting and sculpting device for dental applications utilizing a cutting head having a tapered abrasive surface. The cutting head terminates in first and second end portions. A collar overlies and connects to the first end portion of the cutting head and is constructed with a first surface extending outwardly from the cutting head and a curved second surface adjacent the first surface lying apart from the cutting head.

Abstract: The elastically tensioned dental matrix wedge is a dental matrix wedge for use in dental restoration procedures. The elastically tensioned dental matrix wedge includes a hollow elongated body having first and second longitudinally opposed ends. The first end is at least partially open and the second end is closed. An elongated tube is mounted within the hollow elongated body and extends longitudinally therein. A spiral torsion spring is secured to, and wraps about, the elongated tube. A clip is provided for releasably holding the spiral torsion spring in a compressed state. Release of the clip allows the spiral torsion spring to expand and exert an elastic tension force on an inner surface of the hollow elongated body.

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 application discloses a vibration application method including a stage for contacting a contact portion with at least one tooth, and a stage for causing the contact portion to vibrate so as to impart displacement of 0.04 ?m or more to the contact portion. The difference between the maximum value and minimum value of a vibrational load during the time the contact portion is vibrating may be 3 gf to 10 gf. The stage for contacting the contact portion with the at least one tooth may include a stage for contacting the contact portion with an orthodontic appliance attached to the at least one tooth.

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 self-locking bracket includes a bracket body having an arch wire bracket slot and a bracket cover matched with the bracket body. Two sides of the arch wire bracket slot are provided with work wings. A bracket opening is arranged at the intersection of the arch wire bracket slot on the bracket body, and the bracket cover is inserted into the bracket opening and is in sliding fit with the bracket body. Left side of the arch wire bracket slot is provided with a pin shaft penetrating through the bracket opening, and the pin shaft is in clamping fit with the lower part of the bracket cover, so that the arch wire bracket slot can be closed and opened by the bracket cover. The bracket is locked and unlocked only by sliding rather than overturning the bracket cover. Complex operation for ligaturing a steel wire is eliminated.

Abstract: A set of healing abutments includes a first healing abutment and a second healing abutment. The first healing abutment has an upper surface with a first code thereon. The first code is associated with a size of the first healing abutment. The second healing abutment has an upper surface with a second code thereon. The second code is associated with a size of the second healing abutment. The first healing abutment and the second healing abutment have the same size. The first code is different from the second code.

Abstract: For producing dentures, a new method and device render it possible to evaluate and shape movements generated by the individual jaw joints of the patient such that work with appropriate articulators becomes possible, which employ the individual jaw joints as articulation joints and thus carry out the identical movements. The known articulators are equipped with joint-space duplicates such that they can be employed with optimal equipment for the respective patient. The support pin is moved back as fixing pin in the retral space of the articulator such that it does not constitute an impediment when working on and when inspecting the jaw models arranged on the frame upper part and the frame base part. Moreover, setting different biting positions is made significantly easier, because the frame upper part is fixed to a swivel arch of the frame base part by an adjustable position stabilizer but can also be detached.

Abstract: A placement jig for locating a dental implant analog in a physical model of a patient's mouth includes a base, a guide-strut receiving feature, a throughbore, and an angled receiving feature. The guide-strut receiving feature is positioned within the base and is configured to receive a guide-strut of the physical model thereby positioning a lower surface of the placement jig at a desired distance from an opening of a bore in the physical model. The throughbore receives a screw therethrough that engages the dental implant analog such that the dental implant analog is removably coupled to the base. The angled receiving feature is positioned about the throughbore on the lower surface of the base. The angled receiving feature includes a mating surface that is configured to abut a custom abutment positioned between the mating surface and the dental implant analog.

Abstract: The manually-operated tooth-buffing tool is a dental appliance that is adapted for use with a tooth. The manually-operated tooth-buffing tool is a handheld disposable tool that is used for the buffing and polishing of the tooth. The manually-operated tooth-buffing tool comprises a buffing head and a handle. The buffing head further comprises a grit that is rubbed against the tooth such that the plaque, calculus, and stains on the tooth are removed and the surface of the tooth is smooth.

Abstract: A lidded plastic container has a plunger in the lid which pushes dental appliances down into a cleaning solution. The container includes vent holes in its lid to allow gas-evolving cleaning agents to vent without building up pressure inside the container and to drain the fluid from the container.

Abstract: A disposable prophy angle is provided, the prophy angle comprising a housing containing a drive shaft and a driven shaft; the drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis therebetween, the distal end having a substantially conical driving portion and a projection, the proximal end of the drive shaft configured to engage a dental hand piece; and the driven shaft having a driven portion comprising a recess configured for engagement by the projection and/or the substantially conical portion of the drive shaft to oscillate the driven shaft at an oscillation angle greater than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, there is a method of making a disposable prophy angle by overmolding a prophy cup to the prophy angle. In other embodiments, there is a method of using the prophy angle to prevent tooth decay.

Abstract: An artificial sphincter includes at least two elements associated with each other and hollow for containing a pressurized fluid; the elements being adapted to be arranged on the sides of the urethra of a patient and have a substantially semi-conical shape; each element has a respective contact surface with the urethra of substantially semi-cylindrical shape.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for minimally invasive mastopexy, or other soft tissue suspension, which may be accomplished with or without augmentation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting prosthesis implants into a patient pocket. The apparatus has three openings including a prosthesis opening and two implant insertion openings. The apparatus prevents infection; eases insertion and placement; and reduces complications. In use, the first implant insertion end of the bellow is placed through the patient incision while allowing the bellow to be manipulated to force the first implant into a surgical pocket of a patient. Then the bellow is rotated 180 degrees so that the second implant insertion end becomes the opening through which the second implant is inserted into the second incision while allowing the bellow to be manipulated to force the second implant into a surgical pocket.

Abstract: A device for retrieving items endovascularly includes a sheath having a first lumen containing a snare that can be deployed out a distal end of the sheath and retracted back into the sheath for pulling an IVC filter into the sheath. The sheath has a second lumen that opens through a sidewall of the sheath proximal of the distal end. The second lumen contains a removal assist device that can be deployed through the sidewall and used to dislodge and/or cut an item to be retrieved from a vein wall. The removal assist device includes a catheter, a cutting head, and a pull wire. The pull wire has a proximal portion protruding from a proximal end of the catheter and a distal end connected to the cutting head. The pull wire is movable within the catheter to selectively extend and retract the cutting head from the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, a method of manufacturing, and a method of use are described. The implantable medical device includes an absorption bag connected by a cannula to a discharge bag. The implantable medical device also includes a reservoir external to the discharge bag and attached to a surface of the discharge bag. At least a portion of the absorption bag and at least a portion of a bottom surface of the reservoir are permeable to a predefined class of small molecules, such as molecular oxygen. The reservoir can retain live cells that rely on the small molecules for survival and growth. Based on concentration of the small molecules, the small molecules permeate into the absorption bag and are transported to the discharge bag for permeation into the reservoir, thereby providing a supply of the small molecules to the live cells.

Abstract: A prosthesis and a method for directing flow through a passageway formed between a first bodily lumen and a second bodily lumen are provided. The prosthesis includes a body having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen extending therethrough. The prosthesis also includes a sleeve operably connected to the body at a connected portion. The sleeve has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a sleeve lumen extending therethrough. At least a portion of the body is positioned within at least a portion of the sleeve lumen and the distal portion of the sleeve is free from connection to the distal portion of the body and extendable away from the body to contact a wall of the first bodily lumen. The sleeve is configured to allow fluid flow through the sleeve lumen from the first bodily lumen to the second bodily lumen.

Abstract: An orthotopic artificial bladder endoprosthesis includes a casing defining an enclosure for containing the urine of a patient; the casing being made of a PGA fiber fabric; two first connectors connected to the casing and connectable to the ureters of the patient to allow the entrance of the urine into the enclosure; a second connector connected to the casing and connectable to the patient's urethra to allow the outflow of the urine from the enclosure; a catheter inserted in the enclosure through the second connector and including a duct and an expandable element in fluid communication with the duct.

Abstract: An implantable medical device that is fabricated from materials that present a blood or body fluid or tissue contact surface that has controlled heterogeneities in material constitution. An endoluminal stent-graft and web-stent that is made of a monolithic material formed into differentiated regions defining structural members and web regions extending across interstitial spaces between the structural members. The endoluminal stent-graft is characterized by having controlled heterogeneities at the blood flow surface of the stent.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an endoluminal prosthesis having modular branches, and systems and methods for facilitating deployment of the endoluminal prosthesis. In one example, the endoluminal prosthesis comprises a graft including a bifurcated body of a biocompatible material. The bifurcated body includes distally extending limbs. Limb extensions can be longitudinally and circumferentially adjusted prior to mating with the limbs to enable an “off-the-shelf” prosthesis that can conform to various complex anatomy. When adjusted and mated, fenestrations in the limb extensions can align with branch vessels.

Abstract: Methods for texturing surgical implants, for example, breast implants, are provided. The methods include the use of computer controlled 3D printing of a sacrificial material to create a textured surface on an unfinished surface of the implant.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an implant for correcting vision impairment is disclosed. The implant is made from a donor corneal tissue sized and shaped to provide a predetermined refractive correction and reshaping of a cornea. The donor corneal tissue includes a posterior surface and an anterior surface. The posterior surface has a surface profile that is configured to generally correspond to a shape of an implantation site of the cornea.

Abstract: An inserter, system and method for inserting an IOL may include a lumen having an outer wall and an inner wall that includes at least one hollowed portion; a plunger for advancing along the lumen and having a plunger shaft extending into an open proximal end and terminating at a distal plunger end; a reservoir within the lumen between the distal plunger end and the distal insertion tip, having an opening that is misaligned with the at least one hollowed portion prior to advancing of the plunger, and that is aligned with the at least one hollowed portion during advancing of the plunger; and a viscous fluid within the lumen that flows along a bypass formed of the at least one hollowed portion and the opening and into the reservoir, decreasing an inserting displacement force effected at the distal insertion tip from a plunger displacement force applied to said plunger.

Abstract: Eyewear is provided including a frame, and a camera connected with the frame, in which the camera is configured to be controlled by a remote controller. The camera may be configured to capture video and/or a photo. The eyewear may include data storage, and the camera may be connected to the data storage. A wrist watch may be configured to act both as a time piece and a controller of the camera. The eyewear may also include a heads up display and/or a video file player. The eyewear may also include an electro-active lens.

Abstract: An electronic device can comprise a first electronic module; a second electronic module; and a hermetic electric interconnect to hermetically couple them. The hermetic electric interconnect can comprise a bottom metal layer; a bottom insulating layer, deposited on the bottom metal layer to insulate the bottom metal layer; an interconnect metal layer, deposited on the bottom insulating layer, and deposited to form a bottom sealing ring; and patterned to form electrical connections between contact pads, and to form a middle sealing ring; a patterned top insulating layer, deposited on the interconnect metal layer to insulate the interconnect metal layer; and patterned to form feedthrough holes; and a top metal layer, deposited on the top insulating layer to start forming contacts by filling the feedthrough holes; and patterned to complete forming contacts through the feedthrough holes, to form a separate barrier layer, and to complete forming the top sealing ring.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for participating in a wireless communication with an implantable ophthalmic device. In an embodiment, an exterior of an ophthalmic device includes a biocompatible surface of an enclosure having control circuitry disposed therein. With the control circuitry, the ophthalmic device aids in sensing a condition at an eye or assists vision with the eye. In another embodiment, wireless communication circuitry is disposed in or on the enclosure, the wireless communication circuitry to participate in a communication of a wireless signal that is in an infrared wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Electrical signaling between the control circuitry and the wireless communication circuitry is based on the wireless signal. In another embodiment, the wireless signal is based on electrical signaling between the control circuitry and the wireless communication circuitry.

Abstract: Methods of compressing a stented prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. The method including inserting a stented prosthetic heart valve having a self-expandable stent frame into a container, initiating a cooling element in the container, transferring heat through a thermal conductor to cool an interior of the container, reducing a temperature of the self-expandable stent frame while located within the container to a critical temperature of not greater than 8° C., and compressing an outer diameter of the stented prosthetic heart valve while the stented prosthetic heart valve is at the critical temperature.

Abstract: Methods for the conditioning of bioprosthetic material employ bovine pericardial membrane. A laser directed at the fibrous surface of the membrane and moved relative thereto reduces the thickness of the membrane to a specific uniform thickness and smoothes the surface. The wavelength, power and pulse rate of the laser are selected which will smooth the fibrous surface as well as ablate the surface to the appropriate thickness. Alternatively, a dermatome is used to remove a layer of material from the fibrous surface of the membrane. Thinning may also employ compression. Stepwise compression with cross-linking to stabilize the membrane is used to avoid damaging the membrane through inelastic compression. Rather, the membrane is bound in the elastic compressed state through addition cross-linking. The foregoing several thinning techniques may be employed together to achieve strong thin membranes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a prosthetic heart valve. The prosthetic heart valve includes an outer frame, an inner frame positioned at least partially within the outer frame, and an occluder member positioned at least partially within the inner frame. The prosthetic heart valve also includes an atrial flange extending from an atrial end of the outer frame, and a ventricular flange extending from a ventricular end of the outer frame, wherein at least a portion of the atrial flange extends radially outward beyond the ventricular flange.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a deployment system (10) for deploying an expandable cardiac valve prosthesis. The deployment system comprises a first tube (11) being designed to carry an expandable cardiac valve prosthesis; further, a tip (13), being firmly connected to the first tube at a distal end of the first tube, wherein the tip is designed such, that it detachably accommodates and holds a proximal end (21) of a cardiac valve prosthesis (20); a sheath (15) designed to be disposed over and holding the prosthesis (20) in a compressed state, and a first actuating mechanism (16) being linked to the sheath (15) and being slidable in a proximal direction for stepwise retracting the sheath (15).

Abstract: Devices and methods provide enhanced treatment of a cardiac valve annulus. Methods generally involve contacting an anchor delivery device with the valve annulus and releasing a plurality of coupled anchors from the anchor delivery device to secure the anchors to the annulus. Anchors, which in some embodiments are super-elastic or shape memory self-securing anchors, are then drawn together to tighten the annulus. Devices generally include an elongate catheter having a housing at or near the distal end for releasably housing a plurality of coupled anchors. The housing may be flexible, may conform to a valve annulus, and in some embodiments may be coupled with an expandable member to enhance contact of the housing with annular tissue. In one embodiment, self-securing anchors lie approximately flat within the delivery device housing, allowing anchors with relatively large deployed shapes to be housed in and deployed from a relatively narrow delivery device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implanting a spinal implant between two vertebral bodies are provided. The spinal implant may include a main body adapted to rest between and adjacent to the two vertebral bodies, the main body having a cavity therein adapted to hold a filler and a cap adapted to connect to the main body where the cap is connectable after the main body has been inserted between the vertebral bodies and after the filler has been inserted into the cavity of the main body. The cap is securable to the main body by means of a securement member providing for a permanent connection between the main body and the cap.

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: The disclosure is directed to a resilient implant for implantation into human or animal joints to act as a cushion allowing for renewed joint motion. The implant endures variable joint forces and cyclic loads while reducing pain and improving function after injury or disease to repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint integrity. The implant is deployed in a prepared debrided joint space, secured to at least one of the joint bones and expanded in the space, molding to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation. The implant has opposing walls that move in varied directions, and an inner space filled with suitable filler to accommodate motions which mimic or approximate normal joint motion. The implant pads the damaged joint surfaces, restores cushioning immediately and may be employed to restore cartilage to normal by delivering regenerative cells.

Abstract: Acetabular prosthesis comprising an acetabular cup, defining a coupling cavity, and an insert, able to be inserted inside the coupling cavity. The acetabular cup and the insert have a common coupling axis and comprise respective clamping means for their reciprocal clamping in an assembled condition.

Abstract: A spacer device for the knee joint including a femoral component, a tibial component and an intermediate component, wherein the femoral component is adapted to be constrained to an end of the femoral bone in proximity to the knee joint, wherein the tibial component is adapted to be constrained to an end of the tibial bone in proximity to the knee joint, the femoral component being adapted to come into contact and to articulate with the tibial component, wherein the intermediate component is placed in use between the femoral component and the tibial component and wherein the constrained spacer device includes a first hinge and a second hinge adapted to rotatably constrain the femoral component to the tibial component.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for use as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device restores stress distribution, stability, and function to the knee joint after removal of the damaged natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the prosthetic device includes an anti-migration feature that inhibits extreme movement within the joint while permitting free floating over a significant range. In one aspect, the anti-migration feature is an enlarged anterior structure or a posterior meniscus remnant engaging channel while in another aspect, the anti-migration feature includes a tethering member. Still further, removable radiopaque features are provided to enhance trialing of the implant prior to final implantation within the joint.

Abstract: A device and method of manufacturing and implanting a custom subtalar arthroereisis implant having side surfaces which are mirrored in topography with the sinus tarsi of a patient. The implant is formed using images of the patient standing in a weight bearing position with their sinus tarsi and the surrounding bone structure in an anatomically correct alignment. Once implanted, the implant urges and maintains the anatomically correct alignment thereby minimizing any patient tendency for abnormal motion between said patent's talus and calcaneus.

Abstract: Tissue spacer implants, surgical distraction instruments, surgical insertion tools, coupling devices, surgical kits, surgical methods for distraction, and methods for coupling bodies are disclosed. The tissue spacer implants include a first end member, a second end member, and an intermediate spacer member having a coupling mechanism adapted to couple the first end member with the intermediate spacer member and to couple the second end member with the intermediate spacer member. The surgical instruments may be used for inserting these implants and include a first elongated member, a second elongated member, a distraction mechanism, and an actuator. The coupling devices may be used to couple the components of the implants.

Abstract: An implant stabilizes two adjacent bones of a joint, while enabling a natural kinematic relative movement of the bones. Support components are connected to each bone of the joint, and a flexible core is interposed between them. The core and at least one of the support components are provided with a smooth sliding surface upon which the core and support component may slide relative to each other, enabling a corresponding movement of the bones. The surfaces may have a mating curvature, to mimic a natural movement of the joint. The core is resilient, and may bend or compress, enabling the bones to move towards each other, and or to bend relative to each other.

Abstract: An interbody endeap comprises at least one member configured for connection with an interbody implant. The at least one member has a thickness that permits bone growth therethrough and a uniform surface configuration that resists and/or prevents egress of bone graft from a cavity of the interbody implant. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present application is generally directed to implantable systems, devices and related methods pertaining to spinal surgery. In particular, the present application discloses a frame and spacer system for inserting into a disc space. The frame and spacer system is of low profile. The frame can receive different fixation devices, including threaded and non-threaded fixation devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems relating to spinal implants and instruments for installing such implants. In some embodiments, the system may comprise a spinal implant, an inserter, an intermediary piece, and/or an installation rod. The spinal implant may comprise an at least partially threaded opening configured to receive the installation rod. The opening may be positioned within a fixed wall of the spinal implant, and the opening may comprise a peripheral edge defined by the wall of the spinal implant.