Abstract: The present disclosure relates to polyaxial bone screws and methods that enable the positioning of the polyaxial bone screws to be reliably determined using a surgical navigation system including a navigation probe. In an embodiment, a polyaxial bone screw comprises a threaded shaft inserted in bone and a head connected to the shaft, the head being rotatable relative to the shaft about a centre of rotation of the head of the bone screw. The position of a navigation probe is monitored using a navigation device. A first mating surface of the head of the bone screw is engaged with a second mating surface of the navigation probe; and the location of the centre of rotation of the head of the bone screw is determined based on the monitored position of the navigation probe when the first mating surface and the second mating surface are engaged.

Abstract: An electromagnetic navigation device for guiding and tracking an interventional tool (40) within an anatomical region. The electromagnetic navigation device employs a guidewire (20) insertable into the anatomical region, and a hub (30) translatable and/or rotatable in conjunction with the interventional tool (40) relative to the guidewire (20). In operation, the guidewire (20) includes one or more guidance electromagnetic sensors generating guidance data informative of an electromagnetic sensing of a position and/or an orientation of the guidewire (20) relative to the anatomical region, and the hub (30) includes a tracking electromagnetic sensor (31) generating tracking data informative of an electromagnetic sensing of a position and/or an orientation of the hub (30) relative to the guidewire (20). Responsive to the electromagnetic sensing data, a navigation controller (76) controls a determination of a position and/or an orientation of the interventional tool (40) relative to the guidewire (20).

Abstract: A patient introducer for use with a surgical robotic system is disclosed. In one aspect, the patient introducer may include an introducer tube extending between (i) a distal end connectable to a port and (ii) a proximal end configured to receive a surgical tool. The introducer tube may be configured to guide the surgical tool into the port. The patient introducer may also include an alignment member connected to the introducer tube and including a first shape and a first alignment marking. The alignment member may be configured to interface with a manipulator assembly of a robotic system. The manipulator assembly may include a second shape and a second alignment marking, the first shape being complementary to the second shape. The first alignment marking of the alignment member may facilitate rotational alignment of the alignment member and the manipulator assembly.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for use in preparing holes in bones. In certain embodiments, the trajectory followed in preparing a hole in a bone is optimized by adjusting characteristics of rotation of a drill bit (e.g., an anti-skiving drill bit). In certain embodiments, a change in material is determined once a hard outer layer of a bone has been drilled. Subsequently, characteristics of rotation of a drill bit are altered to allow natural features of a patient's anatomy to guide the drill bit. In this way, certain hard walls of certain bones can act to redirect a drill bit. The change in material may be determined, and/or characteristics of rotation altered, by a surgeon or a robotic surgical system (e.g., automatically). In certain embodiments, a robotic surgical system notifies a surgeon of a change in material to prompt the surgeon to alter the characteristics of rotation.

Abstract: A method and system for computer assisted orthopedic feedback of at least one surgical object relative a pre-operative plan are disclosed. The pre-operative plan includes a virtual object, which is the virtual representation of the surgical object, and a virtual structure, which is the virtual representation of the patient structure.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a surgical management and coordination system and method of implementation. The system includes a microprocessor and integrated memory which provide recommended surgical coordination templates generated in successive phases corresponding to the various phases of a surgical procedure based on a specific bone set, surgeon or medical center. The system further enables an industry set sheet having specific fields populated by the device manufacturer to coordinate an efficient assembly and implementation of actual and used inventory levels to efficiently manage through an automated platforms inventory levels and adjustments of specific instruments based on the defined medical procedure.

Abstract: A medical manipulator system includes a slave manipulator, a master manipulator receiving a manipulation information from an operator; a driver generating a driving force for operating the slave manipulator; a processor; and a master-manipulator-side detector disposed at the master manipulator and detecting the manipulation information. The processor generates an operating command based on the manipulation information and transmits the operating command to the driver, the processor determines whether a blur information is included in the manipulation information.

Abstract: A surgical device capable of interconnecting to an external motorized hand pieces, bending a distal end segment, rotating a window element positioned distal to the distal end segment and rotating independently of it, and actuating a cutting element positioned within the outer window element and rotating independently of it.

Abstract: A medical manipulator system including: a placement table on which a patient is placed; at least one manipulator configured to support a treatment tool which is configured to treat the patient, the manipulator configured to adjust a position and an orientation of the treatment tool; a base portion configured to support the manipulator; a sensor configured to detect objects which are present in a predetermined area including the manipulator and the placement table; and a controller including at least one processor, wherein the processor is configured to: calculate degrees of proximity between the objects detected by the sensor and the manipulator, and generate, in case that the calculated degrees of proximity exceed a predetermined threshold, a control signal for preventing interference between the objects and the manipulator.

Abstract: Surgical drapes reliably maintain sterility in the operating room and enable easy and efficient installation on and removal from a surgical instrument, such as a surgical instrument at the end of a robotic surgical arm. The surgical drape comprises a transitional sheath such that in a deployed configuration a second end of the sheath is spaced relatively away from a first end of the sheath, and in an un-deployed configuration the second end of the sheath is spaced relatively close to the first end of the sheath. The sheath may further include a stiffening member secured to the second end, a pull member coupled to the stiffening member, and at least one access port formed in the first end of the sheath, such that each access port is adapted for the passage of surgical instruments therethrough.

Abstract: A surgical drape includes a seal connectable with a selected surface of a body to define a sterile region that includes access to at least two surgical approaches. A sleeve is connected with the seal and a draping is disposed with the body. The sleeve defines a cavity in communication with the region. Surgical instruments, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems herein support sharps containers and medical instruments trays, brackets, fasteners or holders on a mayo cart. Embodiments include an apparatus for attaching to a mayo cart to support a detachably mounted container, bracket or holder. A first portion has an arm extended to approximately the distance from the mayo cart vertical support pole to an outer edge of a mayo cart tray. A second portion attaches to the vertical pole proximate one end of the apparatus. A third portion attaches with the detachable container, bracket or holder proximate the opposite end of the apparatus. Embodiments may also include a detachable container, bracket or holder comprising an attachment portion to receive the third portion of the support apparatus for supportively attaching to the mayo cart. The support apparatus arm may also be extended to an adjustable length for attaching the container, bracket or holder with the mayo cart.

Abstract: A device for manipulating tissue at a vessel includes an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end, a guide member at the distal end of the elongated member, the guide member having a blunt distal tip for engagement against an interior wall of the vessel, and a tissue cutting device at the distal end of the elongated member, wherein the tissue cutting device has a sharp tip that is proximal to the blunt distal tip of the guide member.

Abstract: A surgical sizer for creating a tissue pocket for an implantable medical device may include a replica of the device and a (preferably ergonomic) handle portion, optionally with marking features that facilitate marking the tissue for precise implant placement and alignment.

Abstract: Medical software tools platforms utilize a surgical display to provide access to specific medical software tools, such as medically-oriented applications or widgets, that can assist surgeons or surgical team in performing various procedures. In particular, an endoscopic camera may register the momentary rise in the optical signature reflected from a tissue surface and in turn transmit it to a medical image processing system which can also receive patient heart rate data and display relevant anomalies. Changes in various spectral components and the speed at which they change in relation to a source of stimulus (heartbeat, breathing, light source modulation, etc.) may indicate the arrival of blood, contrast agents or oxygen absorption. Combinations of these may indicate various states of differing disease or margins of tumors, and so forth. Also, changes in temperatures, physical dimensions, pressures, photoacoustic pressures and the rate of change may indicate tissue anomalies in comparison to historic values.

Abstract: Imaging marker embodiments that may be used for marking sites within a patient's body are discussed. Some imaging marker embodiments are particularly useful for imaging with ultrasound imaging modalities and some imaging marker embodiments may be suitable for imaging with multiple modes of imaging modalities. Method embodiments for making and using imaging markers are also discussed herein.

Abstract: A holding arm for medical purposes, in particular for holding surgical mechatronic assistance systems and/or surgical instruments, includes a proximal end for attaching the holding arm to a base and a distal end for receiving a surgical mechatronic assistance system and/or surgical instrument; at least one first and one second arm segment, wherein the first arm segment is connected to a first joint and the second arm segment is connected to a second joint, wherein each joint is releasable and lockable. An operating unit is provided for bringing the holding arm into a desired pose, wherein the operating unit is adapted to release the associated joint upon contact between an operator and one of the first and second arm segments. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an instrument with a cleaning fluid includes a vessel defining a chamber and a port for at least partially filling the chamber with the fluid. The apparatus further includes an ultrasonic transducer for delivering ultrasonic energy to the fluid, and a vacuum pump for depressurizing the chamber. The apparatus further includes a rotatable device removably disposable in the chamber and having a rack defining a cavity for supporting the instrument. The rotatable device also has a fluid delivery member extending toward the cavity and having a fluid channel between an inlet and an outlet. The apparatus further includes a fluid transmission system in fluid communication with the chamber and the fluid channel of the fluid delivery member for circulating the fluid from the chamber through the fluid channel of the fluid delivery member. A method of cleaning an instrument is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to patient monitoring, such as hemodynamic monitoring. In order to perform provide monitoring in various scenarios, a patient monitoring device (10) is provided that comprises a patient medical monitoring unit (12) and an information unit (14). The patient medical monitoring unit is configured to perform monitoring at least one physiological parameter of a patient. The information unit is configured to provide a data carrier signal (16) indicative of information about the patient medical monitoring unit, for example, upon connection to a monitoring system. The data carrier signal is provided as an analogue sequence (18) comprising a predetermined waveform (20) indicative of the information about the patient medical monitoring unit.

Abstract: An advanced thermoplastic orthodontic retainer is disclosed. The prior art includes a clear piece of thermoplastic material of uniform thickness which is then heated to a soft state and adapted to a stone model of a patient's teeth. The present invention incorporates a gradient of thickness of the plastic running from one end to the other. This gradient will exist in the final retainer, and it will take into account the normal pattern of opening and closing of the jaw during which the posterior segment is open less than the anterior segment when the teeth are close to contacting. The present invention retains the ease of fabrication, low cost, and aesthetics of the currently prescribed removable appliance while improving the durability and functionality. Dentists and orthodontists can use the present invention to prevent the unwanted side effects of the prior art including but not limited to posterior open-bites.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a nano-pillar coating on an external surface that is visible during use of the orthodontic appliance. The nano-pillar coating may absorb 99% of the incident visible light; has a pillar-like structure with pillar structures having a point that widens to a base; has a negative index of refraction at wavelengths in the visible light spectrum; and/or does not include nano rods. An orthodontic bracket includes a bracket body that includes an archwire slot, and a nano-pillar coating on an external surface of the bracket body. A movable member is movable between an opened position and a closed position, and the nano-pillar coating is on one or more external surfaces of the movable member. The bracket body is a ceramic and may be transparent or translucent. A method of making an orthodontic bracket includes forming a nano-pillar coating on at least a portion of the bracket body.

Abstract: A bracket system for orthodontic appliances including a bracket combinatorial library having a plurality of brackets each interchangeably fixedly mountable to each of a plurality of teeth within a dentition group in a dental arch, whereby the plurality of brackets can be configured to provide incremental variation in tipping force moments, in-out force moments, and torqueing force moments over the entire useful range of orthodontic mechanics, allowing an orthodontic practitioner to prescribe a combination of tipping force moments, in-out force moments, and torqueing force moments unique for each tooth in relation to the plurality of teeth of a patient.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is used for correcting the dentition of a patient. The orthodontic bracket includes a wire holder having a wire hole (through-hole) through which an arch wire for orthodontic treatment is inserted, and a bracket base that detachably supports the wire holder and is affixed to a tooth surface of the patient.

Abstract: A number of osteotomes, n, form a set of osteotomes, for use during a ridge expansion osteotomy to reduce alveolar stress and to reduce likelihood of a fracture, with each osteotome of the set having a conical working tip with a free end having a diameter ?An, and a working base ?Bn; a first osteotome, n=1, of the set has the working tip formed with a first diameter, ?A1=Y, at the free end, and with a second diameter, ?B1?X, at the working base, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter, X>Y; and wherein for successive osteotomes of the set, the diameter at the free end increases as an alternate step and regressive step sequence, and the diameter at the working base alternately increases by a constant increment c, as a step function.

Abstract: A set of osteotomes have conical tips with free end diameters alternately increasing by a constant increment, k, as a step function, beginning with the first osteotome; and working base diameters alternately increases by a constant increment, C, as a step function, beginning with the second osteotome. For seven osteotomes, the first and second diameters respectively are: 1 mm and 2 mm; 1 mm and 3 mm; 2 mm and 3 mm; 2 mm and 4 mm; 3 mm and 4 mm; 3 mm and 5 mm; and 4 mm and 5 mm. In a first mode all seven osteotomes are used to provide very gradual diameter escalations. In a second mode the first, third, fifth, and seventh osteotomes provide conventional Summers' diameter escalations. In third and fourth modes the first, fourth, and seventh osteotomes, and the second, fifth, and seventh osteotomes respectively provide increasingly more aggressive Summers' type escalations.

Abstract: A method for generating a virtual model of a subperiosteal dental implant device. The method comprises: obtaining a virtual mouth model of a patient providing a three-dimensional representation of at least a section of a jaw bone of a patient, using a non-invasive modelling method; positioning at least one replacement tooth in relation to the section of the jaw bone defined by the virtual mouth model; positioning at least one implant head at a respective implant position; and designing and generating a virtual model of the subperiosteal dental implant device having a shape at least partially derived from a shape of the section of the jaw bone defined by the virtual mouth model and at least a portion of each one of the at least one implant head extending from the subperiosteal dental implant device at the respective implant position.

Abstract: Improved dental models for use in dental procedures are provided. In one aspect, a unitary dental model of an intraoral cavity of a patient having a dental implant comprises a physical surface representative of gingival tissue of the patient. The model can comprise a channel shaped and oriented to receive an abutment corresponding to a physical abutment to be connected to the dental implant, in which the channel extends to an opening in the physical surface. The channel can comprise a first portion shaped to receive and constrain a corresponding structure of the abutment to a position and orientation and a second portion shaped to receive a fastener to couple the abutment to the unitary dental model. In many embodiments, the first portion comprises a shoulder shaped to receive the corresponding structure of the abutment in order to position the abutment along the channel.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system of a dental cleaning appliance includes a fluid inlet, a pump for drawing a working fluid through the fluid inlet, a hydraulic accumulator for receiving working fluid from the pump, a nozzle having a fluid outlet, and a valve located between the accumulator and the nozzle. The valve has an open position for enabling the accumulator to deliver a burst of working fluid to the nozzle, and a closed position for enabling the accumulator to be replenished under the action of the pump. A control circuit actuates the pump and controls the position of the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing amalgam and waste particles from dental office suction effluent. The apparatus includes an upper chamber and a solids collection canister removably secured thereto. Dental office suction effluent drawn through a dental suction wand enters the upper chamber along a lateral flow path above a substantially cylindrical internal wall portion. A gas component of dental office suction effluent changes direction by more than 60° before it exits the upper chamber through an exit port. A riser conveys a liquid and solids component of dental office suction effluent through a drain into the solids collection canister. A flow restrictor allows liquids and gases to exit the solids collection canister interior volume but prohibits solids from exiting the solids collection canister interior volume.

Abstract: A dental cleaning appliance includes a handle and a fluid delivery system for delivering a burst of working fluid to the teeth of a user. Part of the fluid delivery system is moveable relative to the handle as the appliance is moved along the teeth of the user. A sensor provides an output which varies with movement of that part of the fluid delivery system relative to the handle. A control circuit actuates the delivery of working fluid to the teeth of the user depending on the output from the sensor.

Abstract: An endoscopic system for winding and inserting a mesh into an abdominal cavity of a patient is provided. The endoscopic system includes an introducer having an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft includes a split portion that defines an opening therealong. The split portion is configured to support the mesh within the opening. A furler defining a lumen is engageable with the split portion of the shaft and configured to exert a radial force onto the mesh that is supported by the split portion. Rotation of one of the furler and introducer with respect to the other winds the mesh inside the furler to a diameter smaller than a diameter of the lumen of the furler.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure pertains to self-expanding emboli-capturing centering devices for centering a medical instrument in a conduit within a patient. The centering devices comprise (a) an elongate shaft, (b) a self-expanding centering member having an open distal end and an inner surface forming a central lumen with a flared distal portion, the centering member being configured such that a fluid flowing in a distal-to-proximal direction that is received by the open distal end flows proximally along the flared distal portion of the central lumen before exiting the central lumen through one or more openings in a proximal portion of the centering member, and (c) a filter material configured to filter the fluid received by the open distal end of the centering member. Other aspects of the present disclosure pertain to systems and methods employing such centering devices.

Abstract: Funnel-trap type devices are described that are made of shape-set (e.g., heatset) braid for delivery and/or retrieval of Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters or other medical devices. Delivery and/or retrieval devices, kits in which they are included, methods of use and methods of manufacture are all contemplated. Additional forming tooling, methods and device embodiment shapes are described herein.

Abstract: An endoscopic stent for implantation in a patient after sleeve gastrectomy or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch comprising a stent portion, the stent portion comprising a proximal end portion, the proximal end portion defined by a length of about 50 mm to about 200 mm, an enlarged middle portion, a middle portion having an enlarged diameter relative to the proximal end portion and the distal end portion and defined by a length of about 20 mm to about 80 mm, and a distal end portion and a polymeric sleeve portion engaged to and extending distally from the distal end portion of the stent.

Abstract: A tissue lumen stent is provided with a body having an elongated tubular configuration and a foreshortened configuration. In the foreshortened configuration, downstream and upstream ends of the body expand radially into downstream and upstream flange structures, leaving a generally cylindrical saddle region therebetween. In some embodiments, the flange structures are non-symmetrical with respect to one another. Systems and methods of using the stents are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for organ Retroperfusion along with regional mild hypothermia. One such system includes a hypothermia system including a hypothermia system outlet and a hypothermia system inlet; and a connector comprising a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, a coolant reservoir, and a blood lumen, whereby the coolant inlet is configured to couple to the hypothermia system outlet and whereby the coolant outlet is configured to couple to the hypothermia system inlet; whereby a cooling product, when the hypothermia system is connected to the connector, can flow from the hypothermia system, through the hypothermia system outlet, into the coolant inlet, through the coolant reservoir, into the coolant outlet, and into the hypothermia system inlet, so that the cooling product can cool blood flowing through the blood lumen.

Abstract: Stent-grafts for treating thoracic aortic aneurysms and abdominal aortic aneurysms include graft portions having inflatable channels and graft extensions. The graft extensions include an undulating wire stent and porous, but substantially fluid impermeable, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft materials.

Abstract: A system for applying a fiber matrix on a tubular member is provided. A mandrel, configured for atraumatic placement within the tubular member, is included. Methods for atraumatic placement of a mandrel into a tubular member are also provided.

Abstract: A dispenser for tissue augmentation delivery. The dispenser includes a cannula that is prefilled with a bead composition for tissue augmentation. The bead composition is implanted into a patient's body. A plurality of beads are pumped out of the cannula via a delivery solvent, preferably in a single file configuration.

Abstract: The claimed method for performing ophthalmosurgical operations includes forming a recipient bed and implanting an autograft consisting of a portion of the patient's own nail plate, which is shaped to fit the recipient bed, and which is sterilized and then kept in a dry environment prior to implantation. The autograft is similar in chemical composition and physical characteristics to the tissues of the eye, is not accompanied by an immune system rejection reaction, and adapts to the shape of the recipient bed as a result of natural swelling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifocal lens (1) with a refractive focus (Fr) and with a diffractive structure (5) which, in the radial direction (r) of the lens (1), plotted across the squared radius (r2), has a periodic profile (6, 7, 8, 9), wherein the profile (6, 7, 8, 9) per period has four adjoining portions (6, 7, 8, 9) which are not differentiable at their connection sites (10, 11, 12, 13), wherein a first portion (9) has a monotonically falling function and the three further portions (6, 7, 8) have a monotonically rising function or vice versa, and wherein the further portion (7), which does not adjoin the first portion (9), has a greater pitch than the other further portions (6, 8).

Abstract: An intraocular lens system is presented that comprises an electro-active lens comprising multiple independently controllable zones or pixels, and a controller capable of being remotely programmed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to heart valve prostheses with the reduced need of pacemaker implantation and improved means for positioning the replacement heart valve.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of heart conditions are provided herein. For example, this document provides devices and methods for treating tricuspid valve regurgitation by percutaneously implanting a prosthetic tricuspid valve.

Abstract: A medical assembly and methods for endovascularly implanting a valve in the heart having a valve and an anchor assembly for positioning and restraining the valve. An anchor delivery system introduces and implants the anchor into the implantation site and a valve delivery system introduces and seals the valve at the deployment site. The present invention also relates to methods of implantation of the medical assembly and the valve.

Abstract: A medical assembly implanting an atrial sealing skirt in the heart at an atrial sealing skirt deployment site and related methods of implantation and delivery. An anchor is endovascularly introduced into the heart and implanted to a cardiac wall with an anchor delivery system and delivery cable. A second delivery system introduces a tether which coupled to the implanted anchor and an atrial sealing skirt. The atrial sealing skirt includes a top brim which is positioned to conform to the atrial floor at the deployment site. The sealing skirt may be integrated with a valve or serve as a receptacle.

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. The prosthetic heart valve may be configured to have a generally rigid and/or expansion-resistant configuration when initially implanted to replace a native valve (or other prosthetic heart valve), but to assume a generally expanded form when subjected to an outward force such as that provided by a dilation balloon or other mechanical expander.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve has fluoroscopic properties for precise placement of the prosthetic valve in a human stenosed aortic orifice. The prosthetic valve comprises a support frame having a distal and a proximal end, and three adjacently placed rows of hexagonal cells (namely an upper, middle and a lower row). The upper row occupies 50-55% of total length of the support frame. The support frame of the prosthetic valve under fluoroscopy comprises a plurality of light bands and dark bands alternating with each other along the length of the support frame. Further, a second dark band from the distal end of the support frame is bisected by aortic annular plane on placement in orthotopic position of a human stenosed aortic orifice. The prosthetic valve offers advantages such as minimal protrusion in left ventricle and minimal obstruction of prosthetic valve to ostia of coronary arteries.

Abstract: A valve holder for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to an implant site is in various embodiments configured to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of suture looping or other damage to the prosthetic valve during implantation. The valve holder can be configured to deploy or actuate automatically when performing preparatory steps that are already familiar to practitioners, such as attaching a delivery handle to the valve holder, so that the valve holders will not require additional steps or training to use. Therefore, operation of the valve holders is kept simple, and occurrences of mistakes caused by user error can be minimized or reduced. Valve holders according to different embodiments can be designed to accommodate implantation of prosthetic heart valves from either the inflow end or the outflow end of the native valve annulus.

Abstract: A delivery device includes an inner shaft, an outer sheath, a nosecone, and a tether component. The outer sheath is slidably disposed over the inner shaft. The nosecone is removably coupled to the inner shaft. The nosecone includes a delivery configuration for delivery to a treatment site, a radially compressed configuration in which a portion of the nosecone is configured to traverse through a heart wall, and a radially expanded configuration in which an outer surface of the nosecone contacts an outer surface of the heart wall. The tether component includes a first end coupled to the nosecone. The nosecone is configured to plug a piercing in the heart wall when in the radially expanded configuration.