Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for generating an insertion trajectory of a surgical needle from an entry point to a target, including the steps of: preparing a medical image including the target and an anatomical structure; and extracting an insertion trajectory in consideration of at least one of a degree of invasion into the anatomical structure through the insertion trajectory and a distance of the insertion trajectory. Further, the present disclosure relates to a method for generating an insertion trajectory of a medical device, and a robot for interventional procedures including needle insertion.

Abstract: A mobile surgical robotic cart assembly used for minimally invasive surgery includes a vertical column supporting a robotic arm thereon and a base portion having at least three casters adapted to allow the surgical robotic assembly to move. The surgical robotic cart assembly further includes an immobilization assembly coupled to the base portion, the immobilization assembly being configured to move between an unlocked position and a locked position. The surgical robotic cart assembly is mobile when the immobilization assembly is in the unlocked position and immobile when the when the immobilization assembly is in the locked position.

Abstract: An input device includes a plurality of orientation blocks each representing a portion of a catheter assembly and a controller configured to determine an orientation of the plurality of orientation blocks relative to one another. The controller is further configured to output a control signal that causes a tip of a catheter assembly to adopt the orientation determined by the controller. A system includes an actuator configured to manipulate a position and orientation of the catheter assembly. The controller of the input device is configured to output a control signal to the actuator to make a tip of a catheter assembly adopt the orientation determined by the controller. The input device can be virtually represented on a computing device.

Abstract: Telerobotic, telesurgical, and/or surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods employ surgical robotic linkages that may have more degrees of freedom than an associated surgical end effector in space. A processor can calculate a tool motion that includes pivoting of the tool about an aperture site. Linkages movable along a range of configurations for a given end effector position may be driven toward configurations which inhibit collisions. Refined robotic linkages and methods for their use are also provided.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to surgical systems comprising an end-effector assembly and arm assembly. The end-effector assembly may include a first instrument assembly having a first instrument and first instrument driven portion configurable to be driven to move the first instrument relative to a first axis. The arm assembly may include first and second arm assembly bodies, first arm assembly joint portion for joining the first and second arm assembly bodies, first instrument drive assembly, and first arm assembly drive assembly. The first instrument drive assembly may include a first integrated motor and first instrument drive portion controllable by the first integrated motor to drive the first instrument driven portion. The first arm assembly drive assembly may include a second integrated motor and first arm assembly drive portion controllable by the second integrated motor to drive the first arm assembly body to move relative to the second arm assembly body.

Abstract: A system for controlling a user interface of a teleoperated surgical system, the system comprises a first master controller communicatively coupled to the teleoperated surgical system; and a display device communicatively coupled to the teleoperated surgical system and configured to display a graphical user interface; and wherein the first master controller is configured to transmit a first input signal to an interface controller, the first input signal caused by manual manipulation of the first master controller, the interface controller to use the first input signal to update a graphical user interface presented by the display device.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising a first receptacle having a first mouth and a second receptacle having a second mouth, wherein the first mouth is in open communication with the second mouth via a joint joining the first receptacle with the second receptacle, and wherein the first mouth and second mouth open in a common direction. The surgical device can be used to effectively collect fluid during surgery in a first receptacle while simultaneously and independently retaining equipment and other medical supplies, such as tubes, wires, and/or tools, in a second receptacle. A drape sheet for covering at least a portion of a patient, the drape sheet optionally having a fenestration therein, with the surgical device being attached to the drape sheet.

Abstract: A safety-catch mechanism for a fiducial-deployment system, having a main handle, a stylet, a guide sleeve, and a grasping handle for moving adjacent to the guide sleeve. One of the guide sleeve or grasping handle has a threaded surface, and the other has one or more protruding tabs to rotatably engage between the threads. A safety-catch structure is located between the threads and configured to resist rotation of the grasping handle when one of the protruding tabs contacts this structure, unless the user applies a threshold amount of mechanical force to overcome this safety-catch structure, permitting distal movement of the stylet.

Abstract: A bone graft delivery system can include an elongate tube and a handle having a trigger and a ratcheting mechanism. The trigger is actuated to deliver bone graft material through the tube. The bone graft delivery system can further include a distal tip at a distal end of the tube. The tip has one or more openings to deliver the bone graft material to a desired location and includes a surface suitable to act as a rasp for decorticating bone. A method for delivering bone graft material to a desired surgical location includes providing a bone graft delivery device, positioning the device adjacent the surgical location, decorticating bone, and delivering bone graft material to the surgical location.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument comprising a tapered rod, the rod comprising an active portion, the active portion terminating at a distal tip end of the rod and defining a conical envelope, the conical envelope having a longitudinal axis that coincides with an axis of rotation of the instrument.

Abstract: A device for irrigating a canal during a root canal treatment or retreatment provides a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with at least one pump for delivering an irrigant under pressure. A hand-held wand has a proximal end for receiving the irrigant under pressure, permitted to flow through the wand head by an actuator. An irrigant delivery needle which affixed to the working end of the wand delivers irrigant through at least one irrigant dispersion orifice at a selected delivery angle and pressure. Aspirating means and/or shielding may optionally be provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides computing device implemented methods, computing device readable medium, and molds for filling undercut areas of teeth relative to an axis of placement. Filling undercut areas of teeth relative to an axis of placement can include calculating an undercut area of a tooth relative to an axis of placement of part of a dental appliance over a number of teeth and a height of contour that is defined based on the axis of placement. Filling undercut areas of teeth relative to an axis of placement can also include filling in a part of the undercut area of the tooth with a virtual filler wherein the undercut is filled to within a threshold distance from the tooth that is defined relative to the axis of placement and the height of contour.

Abstract: Embodiments include dental appliances, dental appliance systems, and methods of making and using such appliances. In one embodiment, a dental appliance includes a number of tooth apertures for the placement of teeth therein and a tab representing a position of a tooth that has not fully erupted and oriented to be received over the position of the tooth that has not fully erupted.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides self-ligating orthodontic brackets with improved control over access to the archwire slot. Access to the archwire slot is controlled by a latch assembly featuring a door rotatable about an axis relative to the bracket body and a lock positioned near the axis to prevent inadvertent rotation of the door. The lock engages a surface of the door and is capable of preventing undesired rotation between an open state, where an archwire is insertable into the archwire slot, and a closed state, where access to the slot is prohibited. The self-ligating brackets may also include a biasing spring to provide active ligation and further inhibit undesired rotation of the door.

Abstract: A method of using an orthodontic device to effect movement of an impacted or malpositioned tooth includes providing an orthodontic device, the orthodontic device including a bracket, a coiled spring, and an anchoring assembly, bonding the bracket to an impacted or malpositioned tooth, connecting a first end of the spring to a first spring attachment portion supported by the bracket, connecting a second end of the spring to a second spring attachment portion supported by the anchoring assembly, and coupling the anchoring assembly to a second orthodontic device that is installed in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis and a process for design and manufacturing, incorporating a dental implant framework and veneering overlay that will be designed and manufactured simultaneously and permanently fixated to one another.

Abstract: An assembly for expansion of tissue according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a body extending between proximal and distal ends. The body includes a head portion at the proximal end, and at least two arm portions extending between the head portion and the distal end to define an actuation cavity. Each of the at least two arm portions are configured to abut tissue. An actuation member is received in the actuation cavity. The actuation member is moveable to vary a distance between the at least two arm portions at the distal end.

Abstract: A palladium-based alloy having a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of about 12.0 to about 13.0 and having one or more of the following additive metals: platinum, gallium, molybdenum, tin, silicon, ruthenium, rhenium, indium, tungsten, niobium, boron and lithium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a firing furnace or press furnace for dental restoration parts, having a control device for the control of the furnace on the basis of at least one firing/press program; a display device, at least for displaying operating instructions based on symbolic representations; an input device, at least for selecting a firing/press program; wherein the control device is configured to be able to switch the furnace after selection of a control program to a security mode in which it displays one or several operating instructions and in which the input of firing or press parameters of the control program and/or the selection of a firing or press program is disabled.

Abstract: A method employs a closed system mouthpiece using light and heat generation to activate a gel formulation to increase its volume. The gel formulation is coated into the mouthpiece, which is inserted into the user's mouth. Application of heat above a threshold temperature causes the gel to transform into foam and expand out of the mouthpiece and into the oral cavity. The mouthpiece creates a hermetic seal such that the foam expands out throughout the oral cavity into nooks and crannies that are normally difficult to access. Activation of a light source embedded within the mouthpiece enhances the bacteria killing properties of the foam material. The pH balance of the mouth is restored by the inventive method and apparatus to a neutral level in the range of 6.75 to 7.25.

Abstract: The bag comprises two flexible sheets (11) attached to each other by a weld area delimiting a pouch having a predefined volume when said bag is filled, said pouch being designed to contain a dose (27) of said diluted animal semen having said predefined volume. The surface (30) of each of said flexible sheets (11) faces said pouch (14) which is part of a layer (35) of weldable thermoplastic material. For one or preferably for each of said sheets (11), said layer of weldable thermoplastic material (35) comprises triclosan; and the ratio between said predefined volume of said pouch and the sum of the areas of the surfaces (30) of said sheets (11) facing said pouch is between 0.3 ml/cm2 and 0.5 ml/cm2. The system comprises such bags and an antibiotic-free dilution medium.

Abstract: An implantable structure, method for making the structure and method for using the structure, where the structure includes a combination of non-absorbable and absorbable components, and the implantable structure has a randomly uniform array of materials. The resulting implantable structure provides improved tissue ingrowth and flexibility after implantation and after absorption of the absorbable materials.

Abstract: A biodegradable device capable of producing a high radial force is described. Such a force will be created in devices made of relatively inelastic materials that are to be deployed to the vasculature or a body cavity in a patient. As the halves of the devices move together subject to a longitudinal force, at the point where they are in contact and unable to move closer together in the longitudinal direction, a radial force is created. The devices may have a tension element that assists in bringing the device halves together and which may partially and optionally remain within the body of the device.

Abstract: A vena cava filter includes a plurality of filter legs with distal ends. Each distal end is a tip which curves radially outwardly and ends in a spherical or part spherical enlarged head element. A biodegradable barb is attached to the enlarged head element and is made of a biodegrade material, such that after degradation the enlarged head element also is left embedded in the vessel wall. The degradation of the barb will prevent further penetration of the distal end of the filter legs into the vessel wall and avoid any risk of piercing through the vessel wall. The enlarged head element also ensures that the distal ends of the filter legs remain firmly attached into the vessel wall in order to ensure correct long term placement of the filter in the vessel.

Abstract: A vascular filter assembly includes a catheter body having a self-expanding filter member coupled thereto. A sheath is disposed directly over the self-expanding filter member such that the self-expanding filter member is at least partially constrained from expansion in a first configuration within an interior space defined between the sheath and the catheter body. The sheath includes at least one aperture disposed through a wall thereof.

Abstract: A tendon repair implant for treatment of a partial thickness tear in the supraspinatus tendon of the shoulder is provided. The implant may incorporate features of rapid deployment and fixation by arthroscopic surgery that compliment current procedures; tensile properties that result in desired sharing of anatomical load between the implant and native tendon during rehabilitation; selected porosity and longitudinal pathways for tissue in-growth; sufficient cyclic straining of the implant in the longitudinal direction to promote remodeling of new tissue to tendon-like tissue; and, may include a bioresorbable construction to provide transfer of additional load to new tendon-like tissue and native tendon over time.

Abstract: A system and method for making an orthopedic repair by fixing a soft tissue graft to bone, utilizes an implant including a body wedge having first and second outwardly expandable wedge portions, a wing portion having outwardly expandable wings, and a deployment member which is movable distally into the implant to deploy the wedge portions and the wings into an expanded deployed orientation.

Abstract: An implant includes: a sinusoidal container that includes: a plurality of projections; a plurality of troughs; and a plurality of smooth interfaces, wherein a smooth interface is interposed between a projection and an adjacent trough for the plurality of projections, troughs, and interfaces to provide a smooth continuous transition between adjacent projections and troughs. A process for making an implant includes: forming a sinusoidal container from a polymer, the sinusoidal container including: a plurality of projections; a plurality of troughs; and a plurality of smooth interfaces, wherein a smooth interface is interposed between a projection and an adjacent trough for the plurality of projections, troughs, and interfaces to provide a smooth continuous transition between adjacent projections and troughs; and providing a filling tube attached to the sinusoidal container to make the implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the restoration or improvement of the quality of human vision and, more particularly to a self-adapting system and method for achieving automatic sharp vision by the human eye of objects for instance at distances between 25 cm and more than 10 meters away. The invention can be situated in at least four technological domains: 1. ophthalmology, in particular the implantation of intraocular lenses. 2. Non-contact biometric signal recording and processing. 3. Electro-optic control of refractive lens power. 4. Wireless energy transfer.

Abstract: A transcatheter valve delivery system includes a longitudinal member extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and having a compartment adjacent the distal end for holding a medical device in a collapsed condition. An alignment element is connected to the longitudinal member and is movable relative to the longitudinal member between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the alignment element is configured to urge against an anatomical surface to position the longitudinal member at a desired location relative to the anatomical surface.

Abstract: An implant capsule (10) and an implant delivery system are disclosed. The implant capsule (10) includes, sequentially from a proximal end to a distal end, a flexural section (102, 102a-102e), a reinforcement section (101, 101a-101e) and a radiopaque reinforcement ring (104a-104e). The reinforcement section (101, 101a-101e) has higher strength than the flexural section (102, 102a-102e). The implant delivery system includes the implant capsule (10). The implant capsule (10) can ensure the implant to be deployed in a coaxial condition and prevent over-expansion due to large expansion forces exerted by a stent of the implant.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for surgical repair of dilated aortic root to restore aortic valve competence while preserving native leaflets. In one aspect of the invention an expandable annuloplasty ring is provided for external placement at the base of a dilated aortic root. The expandable ring is capable of elastically expanding between a first diastolic diameter and a larger second systolic diameter to provide a physiologically representative surgical repair of the aortic root. In a further aspect of the invention, is provided a holder assembly for aortic annuloplasty ring and suitable for other cardiac valve prosthesis. The holder assembly consists of a holder body pivotingly coupled to a handle member through a ball-and-socket arrangement.

Abstract: A system for implanting a repair device onto a native valve of a natural heart to repairing the native valve of a patient during a non-open-heart procedure. The system includes a pair of paddles and a pair of gripping members. The paddles are moveable between an open position and a closed position. The gripping members can have different configurations for effective attachment and release from the native valve of the patient.

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

Abstract: A method of implanting a cardiac device featuring the insertion of an inner seal member through an opening in a pericardium about a living human heart. The inner seal member has a first sealing lip disposed inside the pericardium and surrounding an aperture through the inner seal member. An outer seal member is aligned with the inner seal member. The outer seal member has a second sealing lip disposed outside the pericardium, surrounding an aperture through the outer seal member. The inner seal member is secured to the outer seal member. The firsts sealing lip is engaged against an inner surface of the pericardium. The second sealing lip is engaged against an outer surface of the pericardium. A cardiac device is inserted into the pericardium through the apertures of the inner and outer seal members.

Abstract: A cohesive bone composition is made from a moldable bone composition intermixed with a bone gel composition. The cohesive bone composition is made from human cadaver bone. A fluid can be added, the fluid may also be laden with cells.

Abstract: Spacer device for the two-phase treatment of infections of anatomic and reverse shoulder prostheses, including a humeral component equipped with a stem, a head component and means for connecting or articulating the humeral component with the head component.

Abstract: Ankle prosthesis (400) comprising a tibial component (100), a talar component (200) and an intermediate component (300) interposed between said tibial component (100) and said talar component (300). The prosthesis has an anatomical shape and enables restoration of articular functionalities. Also described are a tool for the shaping of a talus, which shaping is aimed at the implant of the talar component (200) of said prosthesis (400), and a surgical tool for enabling a shaping of the tibia aimed at the implantation of the tibial component (100).

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for providing a non-binding allograft subtalar joint implant for surgical implant into a person's foot proximate to the ankle. This system for repair includes at least one sterile non-binding allograft subtablar joint implant provided as a pre-formed allograft rod plug “ARP” having a diameter about equal to an average width of a canal between a person's talus and calcaneus bones, the ARP being resiliently compressible and flexible. When snuggly disposed between the person's talus and calcaneus bones, the ARP compresses during normal use of the person's foot and maintains the canal in an anatomically correct alignment and reduces a tendency for abnormal motion between the person's talus and calcaneus bones. An associated method of use is also provided.

Abstract: A bone graft or spinal interbody device includes a frame member having two end segments for forming a chamber in the frame member, and two arms each include an outer end portion hinged to the outer end portion of the end segments of the frame member, and the inner end portions of the arms are hinged together for allowing the arms to be pivoted toward the frame member at an innermost folding position or away from the frame member to an outermost working position, and the arms are sprung away from the frame member to the outermost working position when the arms are pushed away from the frame member for a selected distance to an inner dead center (D).

Abstract: An electronically assisted artificial vertebral disc having an upper disc plate and a lower disc plate is disclosed. An actuator imparts movement to at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. A control device controls the actuator and the amount of movement between the disc plates. The actuator includes a plurality of either linear actuators or rotary actuators that are driven by electric motors in response to the control device. The control device includes at least a first sensor for detecting the position of the actuator and at least a second sensor for detecting the spatial orientation of at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. The control device also preferably includes a microprocessor that calculates the desired positions of the upper and lower disc plates and provides a control signal to the actuator to drive the upper and lower disc plates to their desired positions.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes an implant body including a first endplate and a second endplate. A plurality of electrodes include at least one electrode disposed with the first endplate and at least one electrode disposed with the second endplate such that the electrodes conduct an electric current to stimulate tissue growth adjacent the implant body. Systems, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A guide device for assessing the length and offset of a hip of a patient is disclosed. The guide device includes an overlay portion and an alignment portion. The overlay portion is configured to enable assessment of the relative location of the guide device to the original femoral head of a patient using a marking on the overlay portion. Reference points for positioning the guide device are created on the femur. When the guide device is positioned at the reference points it can be used to position a replacement femoral head in the same position as the patient's original femoral head by aligning the replacement femoral head with the marking on the overlay portion.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The implant body includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an outer surface that defines an oblique surface. A wall is connectable with the implant body and translatable relative to the oblique surface. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a biomechanical finger brace assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a coupling tip, a proximal ring configured to concentrically receive a user's finger, a distal ring configured to concentrically receive the finger, and a rocker formed in an H-shape. The distal ring and the rocker are pivotally suspended between a proximal coordinated pivot point anchored on the proximal ring and a distal coordinated pivot point anchored on the coupling tip, such that movements of the finger within the proximal ring articulate the distal ring together with the rocker to articulate the coupling tip. The coupling tip may include an open end or an enclosed recess to accept a minimally-amputated or non-amputated finger. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis for a person is provided that comprises a foot prosthesis having a heel plate for contacting the ground and an ankle plate extending vertically from the heel plate when the heel plate is in ground contact, a leg prosthesis having an upper end portion mountable to the body of the person and a lower end portion, and a clearance enhancer. The clearance enhancer is in the form of a generally L-shaped plate, the plate including a base plate and an upper plate extending generally perpendicularly from the base plate. The base plate is configured to be connected to the lower end of the leg prosthesis. The upper plate includes a number of mounting openings to receive a corresponding number of fasteners for connecting the upper plate to the ankle plate of the foot prosthesis so that the lower portion of the leg prosthesis overlaps the ankle plate of the foot prosthesis.

Abstract: A vacuum suction and pressure regulation cylinder includes a pneumatic cylinder, in which a fixed division plate is arranged. A piston assembly is slidably arranged in the fixed division plate and includes an airtight piston mounted to a middle portion thereof and including a flowrate regulation screw and an end of the piston assembly is provided with a second airtight piston so as to define, in an interior space of the pneumatic cylinder, a first air chamber, a second air chamber, and a third air chamber, which are in communication with a prosthesis sleeve. When the piston assembly moves, air flow induced in the pneumatic cylinder varies the sizes of the air chambers for regulation of the spaces thereof. Further, the variation of the air chambers helps evacuate the sleeve so as to make a stump and the prosthesis tightly coupled to each other through suction.

Abstract: A compression stabilized prosthetic device for a patient having an amputated limb includes a first socket portion for contacting a patient's limb, and a second portion for the attachment of a prosthetic component. The first socket portion has compression portions configured for compressing portions of the patient's limb, and relief portions for receiving other portions of the patient's limb which bulge upon the compression applied by the compression portions. The relief portions may be formed as openings or as enlarged radius portions of the first socket portion.

Abstract: A liner is arranged for use in prosthetic and orthopedic devices. The liner defines first and second end portions, and inner and outer surfaces. The liner includes an inner layer having a frictional component and forms at least part of the periphery of the inner liner surface. The inner layer defines a plurality of apertures. A porous element is in communication with the inner liner surface and is connected to the inner layer such that the apertures permit a transfer of air from the inner surface to the porous element. A base layer adjoins the porous element and extends between the first and second end portions of the liner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a preform by means of an electrospinning process. The present invention also relates to the use of the present preform as a substrate for growing human or animal tissue thereon. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for growing human or animal tissue on a substrate, wherein the present preform is used as the substrate.