Abstract: Method for producing a dentist tool formed by an overlay to be used by a dentist in removing tooth structure, said method comprising the steps of: acquiring three-dimensional data relating to a shape of a tooth and at least a part of a neighboring tooth; processing said three-dimensional data with a computer so as to determine an overlay fitting said tooth and fitting at least said part of said neighboring tooth; further processing said three-dimensional data with said computer so as to determine a predetermined part of tooth structure to be removed from said tooth so as to prepare said tooth for further treatment; determining at least two guiding edges of which a first and a second guiding edge are spaced apart from each other by a distance d of at least 0.

Abstract: An improved rotary endodontic file includes a multi-planar pre-curved apical portion having a first and a second curvature. The pre-curved apical portion begins at about one-third to one-quarter of the working length as measured from the tip end of the endodontic instrument. The first and second curvature permit the file to continually search and engage the walls of a tooth root canal in a forced inside-forced outside manner. As the file works its way down, it breaks free of any ledges encountered, probes lateral- and delta-type openings, and does not allow the file to stray from the curvature of the canal.

Abstract: A bactericidal insert for introduction into a canal in a tooth during a root canal procedure is provided, along with a method of producing the insert and a method of using the insert in a root canal procedure. The insert is in the form of a carrier having a plurality of pores or interstices. The carrier had been impregnated with a liquid photosensitive dye so that the dye entered the pores or interstices and then the carrier with the liquid photosensitive dye forms a dye-impregnated carrier. The dye-impregnated carrier is configured and adapted for insertion within the canal of the tooth. The carrier, if dried, is adapted to receive a wetting agent to dissolve the dye therein to produce a liquefied dye, which is activatable to produce singlet oxygen within the canal when it is irradiated by light from outside of the tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic positioning device and methods for making an orthodontic positioning device including a first patient removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to a patient's teeth provided in one of an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The first appliance includes a hook configured to receive an orthodontic elastic band. The orthodontic positioning device also includes a second patient removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to a patient's teeth provided in the other of the upper jaw and the lower jaw. The second appliance includes a cutout operable to expose an orthodontic elastic band receiving member.

Abstract: A customized orthodontic bracket system is provided. The system can include a bracket having a customized bracket bonding pad for bonding the bracket to a tooth of a patient and a bracket slot adapted to receive a customized archwire. The customized archwire is adapted to be positioned in the bracket slot to form a precise bracket slot-archwire interface. The bracket slot and the archwire when positioned in the bracket slot can be positioned substantially adjacent the tooth surface to reduce induced vertical error in tooth positioning. The bracket slot can be configured to have a bracket slot width substantially matching a cross-section of the archwire to reduce torque rotation around an axis of the archwire when positioned therein to further enhance end-of-treatment tooth positioning and reduce overall treatment time.

Abstract: The appliance includes a body that snaps onto the brackets attached to teeth with latching slots and so becomes detachable for daily cleaning by the patient. Inside the body there is an integrated spring function. The fabrication of the polymeric body can be done by 3D printing, which makes it possible to print integrated spring elements connecting the latching slots with the body.

Abstract: A dental abutment coping or ring for securing a dental prosthesis to dental abutments. The coping or ring includes a body for insertion into a dental prosthesis, and a cavity or space sized to accept a head of the dental abutment. The interior surface of the cavity includes an interface region sized and shaped to accept the dental abutment in a retentive interface fit or a passive fit, depending on an angle of the interface surface. The exterior surface can have channels configured to contain a cement bonding the exterior surface to the dental prosthesis. A dental prosthesis system including the dental copings provides a retentive interference fit between the prosthesis and the dental abutments, even where the dental abutments are not parallel. A plurality of copings and abutments enables a retentive fit to varying degrees depending on the degree of interference fit in each coping and abutment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, kits, and methods for planning and carrying out surgical interventions and/or radiographic imaging, particularly dental implant radiographic imaging or surgical interventions.

Abstract: A method for denture restoration includes steps of generating sets of digital information of a mouth cavity of a person for providing firstly either an orientation appliance or a temporary restoration and subsequently a final restoration. The digital information is generated firstly from the mouth cavity alone and subsequently with the orientation appliance or the temporary restoration within the mouth cavity. The invention also relates to a system for performing this method, and to an orientation appliance and a prosthetic guide to be used in performing the method.

Abstract: There is provided according to some embodiments, a system, device and method for a three dimensional (3D) intraoral scanning of at least a portion of a tooth. An intraoral scanner may include a shadow casting object extending between a light emitter and the portion of the tooth. An imaging module may image the portion of the tooth and/or the projected shadow of the shadow casting object. A method to construct a 3D model may include illuminating at least a portion of the tooth with a light emitter; casting a shadow on the portion of the tooth by an object located between the emitter and the tooth; imaging the portion of the tooth, including at least a part of the shadow; and determining a location of a point on the tooth and related to the shadow, using the image.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a positioning jig for preparing a two or more of adjacent teeth for a dental prosthesis comprising a member with (i) three or more parallel bores in the member and (ii) one or more means to attach the member to a dental articulator. The invention is also directed to methods of use of the position jig such as to prepare a series of aligned holes in teeth or aligned holes mockup of a dental bridge for a prosthesis.

Abstract: During an intraoral scan session, a processing device receives a plurality of intraoral images of a dental site. The processing device determines that a historical template of the dental site is existent and registers a first intraoral image of the plurality of intraoral images to the historical template at a first region of the dental site depicted in the historical template. The processing device may register one or more remaining intraoral images of the plurality of intraoral images to the historical template at a second region of the dental site depicted in the historical template. The first region may be separated from the second region.

Abstract: Lithium silicate materials are described which can be easily processed by machining to dental products without undue wear of the tools.

Abstract: Molds for fabrication of custom and potentially modifiable abutments and impression posts for dental implants with various degrees of angulations (including zero degrees) and various dimensions are provided, with a generally oval shape that expands laterally upwards, a symmetrical or asymmetrical cross-section, and regular surfaces, that are fabricated as one piece, or as two coupling pieces snapping onto each other. Custom abutments achieve the development of a custom gingival emergence profile, three dimensionally, which is potentially modifiable according to the needs of each particular clinical case. Custom impression posts that correspond in dimensions and angulations to the abutments allow the accurate recording and transfer of the developed gingival emergence profile from the mouth onto the working cast, where the final implant prosthesis is fabricated.

Abstract: An oral cavity suction system that incorporates a disposable saliva ejector residing along the interior of the patient's cheek that utilizes a single planar, double leaf shaped plate design that is embossed on their inner faces with a series of arced ribs and folded about its midpoint. The arced ribs form a series of channels about perimeter of the device that directs saliva into a trough running along the linear axis of both of the plates to direct this saliva into a connected “U” connector that hooks around the patient's cheek. A sterile suction tube is also connected on one end to the “U” connector suction tube and on its other end to a quick connect fitting that mates to a tube adapted with a fitting for connection to a high volume suction pump.

Abstract: A toothbrush vibrator according to one embodiment includes a vibration applicator holding a toothbrush and applying a vibration to the toothbrush, and a grip detachably connected to the vibration applicator and gripped by a user.

Abstract: A device for testing a heat sensitivity in teeth, a heated cushion for a dental device for testing a heat sensitivity, and a method for testing a tooth for a heat sensitivity.

Abstract: Dosing apparatus comprising a cartridge (11), the cartridge having: •a body (13) with a cavity holding at least one product to be dosed, •a nozzle (17) which is in communication with the cavity and which is configured for channelling the product to an orifice of an animal, and •a recess (21) which is adapted to, or actually does, receive and provide a cover for the nozzle of an identical or similar cartridge.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of intestinal contents in the intestinal passageway of a patient's intestines. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the intestinal tissue wall) at least one portion of the intestinal tissue wall to influence the flow in the intestinal passageway, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the intestinal passageway. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the intestinal passageway, or for actively moving the fluid in the intestinal passageway, with a low risk of injuring the intestines.

Abstract: Implants for the treatment of pelvic support conditions and methods of implementing the same. The implants comprise relatively soft, flexible bodies and relatively strong arms extending in predetermined orientations therefrom. Methods and devices for placing the implants minimize trauma to the pelvic floor and provide well-anchored support to pelvic organs without interfering with sexual or other bodily functions.

Abstract: A tissue anchor system includes a support, a suture inserted through the support, an anchor having a fin forming an eyelet, where the suture is engaged with the eyelet of the fin. An introducer is provided having a cannula defining a bore sized to receive the anchor and a slot formed in a wall of the cannula, with the slot sized to receive the fin of the anchor.

Abstract: Absorbable polyester fibers, braids, and surgical meshes with prolonged strength retention have been developed. These devices are preferably derived from biocompatible copolymers or homopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate. These devices provide a wider range of in vivo strength retention properties than are currently available, and could offer additional benefits such as anti-adhesion properties, reduced risks of infection or other post-operative problems resulting from absorption and eventual elimination of the device, and competitive cost. The devices may also be particularly suitable for use in pediatric populations where their absorption should not hinder growth, and provide in all patient populations wound healing with long-term mechanical stability. The devices may additionally be combined with autologous, allogenic and/or xenogenic tissues to provide implants with improved mechanical, biological and handling properties.

Abstract: A medical device including a first layer having an opening formed therein. A second layer is positioned with respect to the first layer to form a pocket therebetween. A support member is at least partially located in the pocket and reconfigurable for removal of the support member from the pocket via the opening. An affixation element located in the pocket between the support member and the second layer, and secured to the second layer. A method of implanting a medical device is also included.

Abstract: Techniques for mesh augmentation and prevention of incisional hernia, including systems and methods for affixing mesh to a fascial incision. A mesh strip can be integrated with one or more uni-directional fasteners. Each fastener can include an anchoring mechanism adapted for affixation to anterior abdominal wall fascia and a mating interface. An applicator can include tension arms adapted to interface with the mating interfaces of the fasteners to maintain a vertical tension of the mesh strip and a handle coupled with the tension arms adapted to spread the tension arms and thereby control a horizontal tension of the mesh strip. The mesh strip can be configured to be aligned over a fascial incision using the applicator and affixed under tension to anterior abdominal wall fascia by tissue penetration of the anchoring mechanisms of the one or more fasteners.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods relating to an implant configured for reshaping a mitral valve. The implant comprises a plurality of struts with anchors for tissue engagement. The implant is compressible to a first, reduced diameter for transluminal or transapical navigation and delivery to the left atrium of a heart. The implant may then expand to a second, enlarged diameter to embed its anchors to the tissue surrounding and/or including the mitral valve. The size and/or shape of the implant may then be adjusted, pulling mitral annulus tissue radially inwardly, and restrained in the adjusted configuration to improve mitral valve function.

Abstract: Magnetic vascular grafts and methods for their use are provided herein.

Abstract: A device includes a first end portion, a second end portion, an intermediate portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a graft material coupled to at least the intermediate portion. The first end portion has a first end diameter. The second end portion has a second end diameter larger than the first end diameter. The intermediate portion tapers between the first end portion and the second end portion. A method of diverting fluid flow from a first passage to a second passage comprising deploying the device in a third passage between the first passage and the second passage, expanding the first end portion against sidewalls of the first passage, and expanding the second end portion against sidewalls of the second passage.

Abstract: A tapered sleeve is provided that includes a lubricating coating on an inner surface. An implant (e.g., a pre-filled silicon breast implant) is introduced into a large end of the sleeve and extruded into a surgical pocket of minimal access incision size through a small-sized end of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthetic capsular bag and method for inserting the same. The prosthetic capsular bag helps to maintain the volume of the natural capsular bag, thereby stabilizing the effective lens position of an IOL so that refractive outcomes may be improved with cataract surgery. The prosthetic capsular bag further provides an integrated refractive surface, providing a means for experimentally determining an effective lens position prior to inserting an IOL.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving overall vision in patients suffering from a loss of vision in a portion of the retina (e.g., loss of central vision) by providing a piggyback lens which in combination with the cornea and an existing lens in the patient's eye redirects and/or focuses light incident on the eye at oblique angles onto a peripheral retinal location. The piggyback lens can include a redirection element (e.g., a prism, a diffractive element, or an optical component with a decentered GRIN profile) configured to direct incident light along a deflected optical axis and to focus an image at a location on the peripheral retina. Optical properties of the piggyback lens can be configured to improve or reduce peripheral errors at the location on the peripheral retina.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve implant may include a braided anchor member configured to actuate between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration formed from a plurality of filaments, a circumferential seal member disposed about a distal portion of the anchor member and including a reinforcing band disposed at a distal end thereof, and a plurality of valve leaflets connected to the anchor member. The reinforcing band is secured to the anchor member adjacent a distal end of the anchor member by a plurality of lashings each attached to two individual filaments. The plurality of filaments defines a body section, a proximal crown section, and a distal crown section, wherein the proximal crown section includes a first plurality of end loops and a second plurality of end loops, wherein a proximalmost extent of the first plurality of end loops and the second plurality of end loops varies.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end, a distal end, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end and an aortic section adjacent the distal end, the stent including a plurality of struts. The heart valve further includes a collapsible and expandable valve assembly including a cuff and a plurality of leaflets, the cuff being coupled to selected ones of the plurality of struts and having microspheres disposed therein. The microspheres are capable of expanding upon contact with blood.

Abstract: A system for implanting a repair device onto a native valve of a natural heart to repair the native valve of a patient during a non-open-heart procedure. The system includes a surgical delivery instrument and a valve repair device. The surgical delivery instrument has at least one lumen. The valve repair device is configured to be delivered through the lumen of the surgical delivery instrument and to be attached to a native valve of a patient. The valve repair device includes a pair of paddles and a pair of gripping members. The paddles are movable between an open position and a closed position, and the paddles are configured to flex upon being attached to the native valve of a patient. The paddles and the gripping members are configured to attach to the native valve of the patient.

Abstract: A composite interbody device includes (a) a plastic core having a superior surface and an inferior surface, (b) a superior endplate and (c) an inferior endplate. Each of the superior and inferior endplates includes (i) a bone interface side for interfacing with bone and having a plurality of pores permitting bone growth therein, and (ii) a core interface side, opposite the bone interface side, having a plurality of voids that accommodate material of the plastic core to couple the endplate to a respective one of the superior and inferior surfaces, wherein the voids are isolated from the pores to prevent the material of the plastic core from entering the pores.

Abstract: A method for fixating a dysfunctional sacroiliac joint including implanting a joint implant at the sacroiliac joint. The joint implant may include: a length extending between a proximal end and a distal end; an exterior surface extending the length; an interior surface opposite the exterior surface and extending the length, the interior surface defining an internal volume therein; a wall thickness defined between the external surface and the interior surface; a proximal opening extending into the internal volume; a first wall section comprising a first plurality of struts arranged along the length and defining a first plurality of openings extending through the wall thickness; and a second wall section including a second plurality of struts arranged along the length and defining a second plurality of opening extending through the wall thickness. Each opening of the first and second plurality of openings may be generally polygonal in shape.

Abstract: The implantable prosthesis for replacing a human knee joint comprises a femoral prosthetic element (12) and a tibial prosthetic element (14) which are articulated with one another by means of a joint device (30) for the purpose of executing a knee bend. The tibial prosthetic element (14) has a through-opening (40) for the passage of a tool (84), a rod-like shaft anchoring part (32) or an intramedullary lengthening nail (80).

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses are disclosed including apparatuses that can be used in a total knee replacement procedure. According to one example, a tibial implant is disclosed. The tibial implant can be configured for attachment to a tibia in a knee arthroplasty and can include a baseplate having a lateral portion and a medial portion oriented relative to an anteroposterior axis and a fixation member. Each of the lateral portion and the medial portion can have a distal surface configured to interface with a resected proximal surface of a tibia. The fixation member can be coupled to and extend both distally and medially from the baseplate such that the fixation member is oriented at an acute angle relative to the distal surface of the medial portion.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a revision implant includes a body extending between a first planar surface and a second planar surface and a head extending from the first planar surface of the body. The head is configured to couple the revision implant to at least one additional component of a multi-component prosthesis. At least one coupling mechanism is configured to couple the body to a first bone.

Abstract: The invention concerns a surgical implant (1) for correcting the mutual positioning or orientation of the bones of a patient designed to be inserted between at least two bone bodies (2, 3) of said patient, and comprising: a main body (5) extending along a longitudinal axis (X-X?), a plurality of fins (9), each fin (9) being provided with a junction edge (10) connecting said fin (9) to said main body (5), such that said fins (9) protrude from said main body (5) from the respective junction edge (10) thereof, the surgical implant (1) being characterized in that each fin (9) has a sufficient flexibility so that it can be deformed along a direction centripetal and/or parallel to the longitudinal axis (X-X?) under the action of at least one of the bone bodies (2, 3) when said surgical implant (1) is inserted between said bone bodies (2, 3). Surgical implants.

Abstract: This invention relates to an implant having the capability of being adjusted to fit symmetrical and asymmetrical shaped voids formed in the bone or outside the bone of a patient. The implant can be individualized so as to accommodate various distortion in the void and can be disposed as a series of similar shaped implants that have different dimensions and/or characteristics to allow the surgeon to select an appropriate implant from said series.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube.

Abstract: Stand-alone interbody fusion devices for engagement between adjacent vertebrae. The stand-alone interbody fusion devices may include a spacer and one or more inserts or members coupled to the spacer. The inserts or members may be configured and designed to provide the apertures which are designed to retain bone fasteners, such as screws, and secure the implant to the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a low profile intervertebral implant for implantation in an intervertebral disc space in-between adjacent vertebral bodies. The intervertebral implant includes a plate preferably coupled to a spacer. The plate is preferably formed from a first material and the spacer is preferably formed from a second material, the first material being different from the second material. The plate is preferably sized and configured so that the plate does not extend beyond the perimeter of the spacer. In this manner, the plate preferably does not increase the height profile of the spacer and the plate may be implanted within the intervertebral disc space in conjunction with the spacer.

Abstract: An intervertebral support insertion tool includes a tube having a distal open end for insertion in a patient proximate vertebra and a proximal open end. A shaft is received in the tube proximal open end and has a distal intervertebral support interface for engaging an intervertebral support loaded into the tube. A housing supports the tube and shaft with a first drive mechanism such a linear actuator advances the shaft in the tube. A second drive mechanism such as a rotational drive rotates the shaft. In this way the shaft advances and rotates the intervertebral support to position and deploy it between adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A device and methods for intervertebral spinal fusion of adjacent intervertebral bodies. An intervertebral spacer is positioned within a narrow disc space between adjacent intervertebral bodies of a patient. The spacer is arranged with upper and lower guides. The guides are adapted to simultaneously guide the deployment of upper and lower anchors of an anchoring device into their respective intervertebral bodies. The spacer is also adapted to lock the upper and lower anchors to the spacer in the deployed position.

Abstract: A geared cam expandable spinal implant. Rotational motion of a rotating portion is translated into linear motion of a yoke, which moves geared cams at the distal end of the implant to mate with, and walk along, teeth of corresponding racks. The walking of the gear cam teeth along the rack teeth creates a regular rate of implant expansion, reduces initial excessive expansion force applied to the implant, and provides fine adjustment of the expansion rate and force.

Abstract: A geared cam expandable spinal implant. Rotational motion of a rotating portion is translated into linear motion of a yoke, which moves geared cams at the distal end of the implant to mate with, and walk along, teeth of corresponding racks. The walking of the gear cam teeth along the rack teeth creates a regular rate of implant expansion, reduces initial excessive expansion force applied to the implant, and provides fine adjustment of the expansion rate and force. Spikes, pivotally mounted on the yoke, pivot outward as the implant expands, to a fully-deployed position into engagement with surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies. The engagement between the deployed spikes and the vertebral bodies prevents inadvertent backout of the expanded implant.

Abstract: An orthopedic surgical instrument and method for positioning an acetabular prosthetic component in a patient's surgically-prepared acetabulum is disclosed. The orthopedic surgical instrument has a base configured to engage the patient's pelvis, a first linkage pivotally coupled to the base, a locking mechanism operable to lock the first linkage in position relative to the base, and a second linkage removably coupled to the first linkage. The second linkage has an alignment axis corresponding to a desired abduction angle and a desired anteversion angle of the acetabular axis of the acetabular prosthetic component.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to spinal implants, systems, apparatuses, and components thereof that can be used in spinal fusion and/or stabilization procedures, as well as methods of installation. The spinal implants may be expandable. In some embodiments, the spinal implants may be configured to be backfilled with bone graft material after insertion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating autonomous lower limb devices, including at least one adjustable joint and configured for at least supporting a body are provided. A method includes collecting real-time sensor information associated with the autonomous lower limb device. The method also includes receiving, over a communications link, remote data for at least one other lower limb device configured for supporting the body. The method further includes generating control data for transitioning the autonomous lower limb device from a current state in a current finite state model for operating the autonomous lower limb device to a different state in the current finite state model, where the different state is selected based on the real-time sensor information and the remote data.