Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for receiving an arch wire of orthodontic patients having both primary teeth and permanent teeth, the orthodontic bracket including a pad sized to fit on one of the primary teeth, the pad extending a first distance generally in a longitudinal direction and a second distance generally in a lateral direction, the first distance being greater than the second distance. An eyelet can extend from the pad, the eyelet including an aperture defined through the eyelet, the aperture having a central axis oriented transverse to the lateral direction. The aperture can slidingly receive the arch wire. A method including bonding the pad of the orthodontic bracket to one of the primary teeth of the patient.

Abstract: A modular dental implant that includes multiple segments that are connected to each other in a sequential manner to form the modular dental implant; wherein the multiple segments comprise an abutment, at least one implant body segment and at least one other segment; wherein the at least one other segment is an implant apex, an implant neck or at least one implant body segment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of attaching a dental component having an angulated screw channel to a dental implant. The present invention also relates to a dental component having an angulated screw channel and a metal adapter.

Abstract: An abutment connecting a crown that forms an external form of an artificial tooth to a fixture embedded in a gum of a human, having a body, a combination portion formed at an end of the body and combined with the fixture, a threaded portion formed at the body and penetrating through the body, a fixing screw being inserted into the threaded portion to couple the body to a processing device or a jig, a coupling hole formed at the body and penetrating through the body, a coupling unit being inserted into the coupling hole to connect the body and the fixture, and a sectional surface formed at an opposite portion to the combination portion and connected to the processing device or the jig, to position the body in the processing device or in the jig when the body is coupled to the processing device or the jig.

Abstract: The instrument (10) for handling a dental part (50), for example, a male part, extends in a longitudinal axis (11) between a handling end (10c) and a connecting end (10a) for connection to the dental part (50). The connecting end (10a) has a receiving opening for receiving the head (51) of the dental part (50), which is laterally open, so that the connecting end (10a) and the dental part (50) can be connected by displacing them relative to one another transversely to the longitudinal axis (11). The male part (50) includes a head end having at least one protrusion, (53a) with which a stop (17b) that is formed on the instrument (10) can be contacted for transferring a torque generated on the instrument.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for generating computer 3D models of an object, by registering two or more scans of physical models of an object. The scans may be 3D scans registered by a curve-based registration process. A method is provided for generating a 3D model of a portion of a patient's oral anatomy for use in dental restoration design. Also provided are scanning workflows for scanning physical models of an object to obtain a 3D model.

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: A method for producing a dental shaped body from a blank that has a corpus of tooth restoration material by a tool adapted to remove the material. To detect a position of the corpus inserted in a machining device, contact scanning is performed on the blank by the tool. At least one dimension of the blank corpus is detected, and the machining tool is prepositioned for a contacting operation according to the detected at least one dimension of the blank corpus.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush for use by an operator and capable of being connected to a suction device. The electric toothbrush includes a head with a plurality of bristles, at least one irrigation port, and at least one suction port, and an injection port in fluid communication with the at least one irrigation port. The electric toothbrush also includes a handle with a ventilation port in fluid communication with the at least one suction port, a user interface, and a controller. The ventilation port permits suction from the suction device to the at least one suction port and the controller is configured to actuate at least one of rotation, oscillation, and vibration of the bristles for a preset time period in response to a predetermined feedback from the operator through the user interface.

Abstract: A sheathing for packaging a predetermined volume of a biological substance designed to be immersed in a liquid cryogenic agent, the sheathing including a thin tube and a ballast associated with the thin tube.

Abstract: A structure of aligned (e.g., radially and/or polygonally aligned) fibers, and systems and methods for producing and using the same. One or more structures provided may be created using an apparatus that includes one or more first electrodes that define an area and/or partially circumscribe an area. For example, a single first electrode may enclose the area, or a plurality of first electrode(s) may be positioned on at least a portion of the perimeter of the area. A second electrode is positioned within the area. Electrodes with rounded (e.g., convex) surfaces may be arranged in an array, and a fibrous structure created using such electrodes may include an array of wells at positions corresponding to the positions of the electrodes.

Abstract: A graft device is provided comprising a flow conduit and a surrounding covering. The graft device can connect a first body space and a second body space. In one embodiment, the flow conduit is a vein, such as a harvested saphenous vein, useful as an arterial graft, for example and without limitation, in a coronary artery bypass procedure. Also provided are methods of preparing a graft device and connecting the graft device between a first body space and a second body space, such as the aorta and a location on an occluded coronary artery, distal to the occlusion.

Abstract: A bone anchor configured for use in anchoring an implanting portion to an anchor point. A bone anchor can be of particular use in anchoring soft tissue to a bone. A bone anchor can have a wire loop and a suture. The wire loop of the bone anchor can be configured to capture a suture and to pull a portion of the suture through a hole in the anchor body aiding in anchoring an item, such as tissue to a bone. Methods of using the bone anchor with a suture and a wire loop to attach an item are disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply a precise amount of tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone, preferably while maintaining the requisite pre-determined suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture. Particularly preferred embodiments allow for the one-handed operation. To that end, embodiments in which relative axial movement between the inner tensioning device and outer driver device is optionally physically constrained, for example by means of cooperating and/or compressive elements disposed in the respective hub and handle portions, are described herein.

Abstract: Novel bioabsorbable, nasal spreader graft implant devices are disclosed. The devices are useful in rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction surgical procedures, as well as other surgical procedures. The devices have biodegradable core plates and biodegradable spreader plates or tissue ingrowth plates. The plates may have tissue ingrowth properties.

Abstract: The present subject matter describes a suturing ring for a prosthetic heart valve. The suturing ring has a variable annular thickness reducing continuously from a mid-circumferential plane of the suturing ring towards a top peripheral edge and a bottom peripheral edge of the suturing ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing an artificial heart valve leaflet, comprising freezing an animal tissue membrane and processing the frozen animal tissue membrane so as to reach a preset thickness. The method, by processing the frozen animal tissue membrane, can conveniently obtain an artificial heart valve leaflet with a required thickness and increase the yield of the animal tissue membrane valve leaflet.

Abstract: A heart valve includes a valve body made of a flexible material such as pericardium. The valve body is made of two layers of material, an outer layer, and an inner layer that defines a plurality of leaflets. The leaflets of the inner layer are attached to the outer layer. In some embodiments the valve body is made by cutting a single piece of flat source tissue, folding the cut tissue and forming it into a tubular pattern having the inner and outer layers. The multi-layer valve body can be mounted on a stent for delivery within a patient's heart.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus via a transaortic approach. The system includes a balloon catheter for delivering a balloon-expandable prosthetic heart valve through an introducer from an approach from outside the patient, through a minimally-invasive opening in the chest cavity through an incision in the aorta, and into the aorta and aortic annulus. The balloon catheter includes a flexible, tapered tip just distal of the balloon to facilitate positioning of the prosthetic heart valve in the proper orientation within the aortic annulus. The prosthetic heart valve may be installed over the existing calcified leaflets, and a pre-dilation valvuloplasty procedure may also be utilized.

Abstract: A system for replacing a heart valve of a patient. The system includes a delivery device and a prosthetic heart valve. The system is configured to be transitionable between a loaded state, a partially deployed state and a deployed state. In the loaded state, the prosthetic heart valve engages a coupling structure and is compressively retained within a primary capsule, which constrains the prosthetic heart valve in a compressed arrangement. In the partially deployed state, the prosthetic heart valve engages the coupling structure and is compressively retained within a secondary capsule, which constrains the prosthetic heart valve to a partially deployed arrangement. The partially deployed arrangement is less compressed than the compressed arrangement and less expanded than a deployed arrangement. In the deployed state, the primary and secondary capsules are retracted from over the prosthetic heart valve, which expands to the deployed arrangement and is released from the coupling structure.

Abstract: A device for placing in a cardiac valve to assist operation of natural cardiac valve leaflets, the device including a frame for anchoring the device, configured to be placed upstream of the cardiac annulus and shaped to prevent the frame from shifting downstream of the cardiac valve annulus, and at least one anchor extension attached to the frame, the anchor extension configured to extend through the leaflets of the cardiac valve at commissures of the cardiac valve and behind the natural leaflets, preventing the anchor extensions from shifting back from the downstream side of the annulus to the upstream side of the annulus. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: An assembly for collapsing a prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member and a pusher member. The compression member has a first open end with a first diameter, a second open end with a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a tapered wall between the first open end and the second open end. The pusher member has a base adapted to engage an end of the valve. The pusher member and the compression member are movable relative to one another between an initial position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively far from the first open end of the compression member and an operative position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively close to the first open end of the compression member. Movement of the pusher and compression members from the initial position to the operative position radially compresses the valve.

Abstract: A method of delivering a prosthetic mitral valve includes delivering a distal anchor from a delivery sheath such that the distal anchor self-expands inside a first heart chamber on a first side of the mitral valve annulus, pulling proximally on the distal anchor such that the distal anchor self-aligns within the mitral valve annulus and the distal anchor rests against tissue of the ventricular heart chamber, and delivering a proximal anchor from the delivery sheath to a second heart chamber on a second side of the mitral valve annulus such that the proximal anchor self-expands and moves towards the distal anchor to rest against tissue of the second heart chamber. The self-expansion of the proximal anchor captures tissue of the mitral valve annulus therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are implants and methods for filling voids in a cranium of a patient. A craniofacial implant that may be used for filling such voids may include at least first and second components each having outer and inner surfaces, the outer and inner surfaces being curved in an inferior to posterior direction and a medial to lateral direction. The first component includes a flange extending outwardly from a medial side surface thereof and the second component includes a recessed portion extending inwardly from a medial side surface thereof. The first and second components are preferably engageable to one another such that the medial side surfaces of the first and second components are adjacent one another and the flange of the first component is housed within the recessed portion of the second component.

Abstract: A void filling prosthesis, which includes first and second ends that define a length therebetween and outer and inner surfaces that define a sidewall therebetween. The sidewall is at least partially curved about an axis that extends along the length of the prosthesis. The prosthesis also includes a fixation prominence extending from the outer surface. The fixation prominence includes a first aperture extending in a direction toward the sidewall and a second aperture extending in a direction transverse to the sidewall.

Abstract: Improved tools and procedures relate to the immobilization of the sacroiliac joint for the treatment of pain associated with the joint. Kits comprise, for example, a guide element and an immobilization element of a biocompatible material with a size and shape suitable for placement within the sacroiliac joint. Suitable immobilization elements include, for example, pins, nails, screws, darts, wedges, shims and hardening material. A bioactive agent can be delivered into the joint to compliment the immobilization and promote healing. Suitable procedures can be done in a less invasive procedure through a cannula or the like.

Abstract: A hip implant has a neck body that connects to a bone fixation body. The bone fixation body has a porous structure with an elongated shape. An internal cavity is formed in the bone fixation body and includes a substance to stimulate bone growth.

Abstract: An elbow prosthesis includes a capitellar implant having an articulating head and a stem. The articulating head includes a first passage along a first axis, a second passage along a second axis, and a receiving groove. The stem includes a proximal end and a connecting end. The connecting end includes a curved body having a bore. The curved body selectively mates with the receiving groove such that the bore axially aligns with the first axis of the first passage in an assembled position for collectively receiving a securing member. The second axis is located between the first axis and the proximal end of the stem.

Abstract: A method of implanting a prosthetic knee joint assembly. The method includes: coupling a femoral component to a femur, and coupling a tibial component to a tibia; coupling a ligament link to one of the femur or the tibia; coupling the ligament link to a coupling component of one of the femoral component or the tibial component; arranging the ligament link in a first position relative to the tibial component when the prosthetic knee joint assembly is implanted in a left knee; and arranging the ligament link in a second position relative to the tibial component when the prosthetic knee joint assembly is implanted in a right knee, the second position is different from the first position.

Abstract: Knee prostheses that more faithfully replicate the structure and function of the human knee joint in order to provide, among other benefits: greater flexion of the knee in a more natural way by promoting or accommodating internal tibial rotation, replication of the natural screw home mechanism, and controlled articulation of the tibia and femur respective to each other in a natural way. Such prostheses may include an insert component disposed between a femoral component and a tibial component, the insert component featuring, among other things, a reversely contoured posterolateral bearing surface that helps impart internal rotation to the tibia as the knee flexes. Other surfaces can be shaped using iterative automated techniques that allow testing and iterative design taking into account a manageable set of major forces acting on the knee during normal functioning, together with information that is known about natural knee joint kinetics and kinematics.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a cervical spine segment includes inserting a respective uncinate joint stabilizer into each uncinate joint along a medial-to-lateral direction starting from intervertebral disc space of the cervical spine segment, and securing each uncinate joint stabilizer to the respective uncinate joint. A system for stabilizing a cervical spine segment includes a pair of uncinate joint stabilizers, each (a) elongated along a lengthwise dimension and configured for placement in the respective uncinate joint with the lengthwise dimension substantially oriented along an anterior-to-posterior direction of the cervical spine segment, (b) having height configured to define spacing of the respective uncinate joint, (c) and including a tapered portion for interfacing with superior and inferior surfaces of the respective uncinate joint and to enable insertion of the uncinate joint stabilizer into the respective uncinate joint from intervertebral disc space of the cervical spine segment.

Abstract: An implant having a base with a first contact surface and a hinged element, hingedly interconnected with a first portion of the base, providing a second contact surface. The first portion of the base is displaceable relative to a second portion so that the base can be shortened from an initial length towards a second length. A linking segment is hingedly connected to both the second portion of the base and to the hinged element so that shortening of the base causes the linking segment to push a region of the hinged element away from the base, thereby changing an angle of the second contact surface relative to the first contact surface.

Abstract: A B-shaped implant for insertion into a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant includes first and second projecting lobes configured to sit on bony prominences adjacent a posterior rim of a lower one of the vertebral bodies. A concave recess between the two projecting lobes is configured to avoid impact with the vertebral foramen. An anterior portion wall connects ends of the B-shaped implant, cooperating with the projecting lobes to define fill spaces. The fill spaces can be packed with bone growth material. The implant can be expandable, made of rotatable interconnected links, which can be inserted into the disc space in an unexpanded position, and expanded in the disc space to an expanded position.

Abstract: A bone fusion device includes a main body and a movable frame. The main body has an accommodation hole. A top surface and a bottom surface of the main body are provided with a plurality of first teeth. The movable frame is located in the accommodation hole. The movable frame has a through hole longitudinally penetrating a first surface and a second surface thereof. A first end of the movable frame is fixed to the front end of the main body, and a second end is suspended relative to the rear end of the main body. The first surface and the second surface are provided with a plurality of second teeth. The movable frame is transversely formed with a groove to define an upper portion and a lower portion, enabling the upper portion and the lower portion to be elastically expanded with the first end as a fulcrum.

Abstract: An intervertebral scaffolding system is provided having a central beam having a proximal portion having an end, a grafting portion having a top and a bottom, a distal portion having a end, a central beam axis, a graft distribution channel having an entry port at the end of the proximal portion, a top exit port at the top of the grafting portion, and a bottom exit port at the bottom of the grafting portion. These systems can also include a laterovertically-expanding frame operable for a reversible collapse from an expanded state into a collapsed state. The expanded state, for example, can be configured to have an open graft distribution window that at least substantially closes upon the reversible collapse.

Abstract: In the method of performing a modified intervastus approach in total knee arthroplasty procedures, a straight incision is initially made in a patient's knee. The incision is located medial to a midline of the patient's knee, in line with the medial border of the tibial tubercle distally extending proximal to the patient's patella. Fascia overlying a lateral edge of the patient's vastus medialis is then incised at a point where the patient's vastus medialis meets the patient's quadriceps tendon. The patient's vastus medialis is separated from the patient's quadriceps tendon and the patient's vastus medialis is elevated off of an underlying capsule. The underlying capsule is incised from a cephalad end to a caudal end thereof, extending medial to the patient's patella.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis that includes a support structure having a plurality of struts and an anchor that is attachable to the support structure. The anchor includes an anchor body and one or more barbs extending outwardly from the anchor body. The anchor body includes a cannula having a first end, a second end, and a middle section. The middle section includes a plurality of open portions arranged in a plurality of arrays around the anchor body.

Abstract: A braided stent having an integral retrieval and/or repositioning loop includes a plurality of wires having first and second ends interbraided in a braided pattern to form a tubular stent having opposed atraumatic first and second open ends with each open end having a circumference; wherein said first and second wires ends are disposed at said second stent open end and said wires are looped at said second stent open end so that none of the first or second wires ends are exposed at the circumference of second stent open end; wherein at least of two of said wires are formed into a repositioning and/or retrieval loop having an elongated portion circumferentially disposed at said first opposed open end; and wherein said reposition and/or retrieval loop comprises two sections which run adjacent to each other prior to crossing to permit grabbing of both sections simultaneously by a practitioner.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide system and methods for deploying an endoluminal prosthesis. In one example, the system comprises a sheath, and a stent-graft disposed within the sheath in a delivery state. A pusher having proximal and distal sections is disposed at least partially within the sheath in the delivery state. An orientation marker is disposed on the pusher. The orientation marker extends less than 360 degrees around a circumference of the pusher.

Abstract: A system for delivering an implant including a handle, a trigger, and an actuation assembly. The actuation assembly can include a planet carrier, at least one planet gear operatively coupled to the planet carrier, a sun gear shaft operatively engaged with the planet gear, a ring gear operatively engaged with the planet gear, a first clutch driver, and a second clutch driver. The actuation assembly can be configured to displace the outer tubular member in the proximal direction a distance (d) relative to the handle and to separately move the inner shaft member distally a distance (x) relative to the handle upon deployment of the trigger from a first position to a second position, and move the inner shaft member proximally a distance (y) relative to the handle with no displacement of the outer tubular member upon return of the trigger from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and devices for reducing shoulder impingement for a person in a lying position. The device may comprise a generally tubular cuff having an inner radius defining an open passage through the cuff and extending from a proximal end to a distal end, an outer radius defining a sidewall thickness between the inner radius and the outer radius, and a length from the proximal end to the distal end. The outer diameter may be selected to provide a sidewall thickness that restricts movement of the arm such that shoulder flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, lateral rotation, and medial rotation are each limited.

Abstract: A compression undergarment to relief the symptoms of menstrual cramping may comprise a first and second pad both capable of conforming to a female user's hips. Each pad is tapered having two part construction. Such construction may include a pliable exterior panel of resilient material and an interior panel made of compressible material. The second component of the apparatus is a compression undergarment having a first and corresponding second annular sleeve. Such compression undergarment includes a front side, back side, first leg portion and second leg portion, such that positioned above the first leg portion and second leg portion is a top portion which connects both leg portions. The compression undergarment also includes a first annular sleeve capable of receiving the first pad and the second annual sleeve capable of receiving the second pad. The third component is a compression band that fits around both pads and the compression undergarment.

Abstract: The present invention integrates a decorative design element into the functional elements of a nasal dilator. The design element includes a predetermined artistic, aesthetic, shape defined by at least a portion of a periphery of at least one layer of the dilator. The nasal dilator thus may decoratively express or represent teams, programs, sports, organizations, sponsors, institutions, clubs, schools, companies, product or service brands, legal entities, individuals, etc. In use the nasal dilator stabilizes and/or expands the nasal outer wall tissues and prevents said tissues from drawing inward during breathing.

Abstract: This invention provides an oral interface mainly including a connecting channel, a collapsible chamber and a non-collapsible structure disposed inside the collapsible chamber. The connecting channel communicates between the collapsible chamber and a negative source. When a negative pressure environment is generated inside the collapsible chamber via being pumped by the negative pressure source, the non-collapsible structure supports the collapsible chamber so that there are fluid channels formed inside the collapsible chamber. The air inside a user's oral cavity can be pumped out via the fluid channels and the connecting channel. A negative pressure environment is hence formed inside the user's oral cavity.

Abstract: This invention provides an oral apparatus and method capable of alleviating or curing snore and obstructive sleep apnea by applying a negative pressure through a mini oral interface to the oral cavity. The mini oral interface creates a secure connection between the interface and mouth or teeth and prevents the interface from falling off. The oral interface also provides fixation between upper and lower lips (or tooth) and prevents opening of patient's mouth during sleeping. The negative pressure pulls the tongue toward upper palate and also pulls the soft palate forward as well. By moving the tongue and the soft palate in a forward direction, the patentcy of the upper airway near the pharynx is maintained to prevent sleep-disordered breathing. The negative pressure will pull the lips inward to close the mouth ad prevent air from entering the oral cavity from atmosphere.

Abstract: An inserter for an intrauterine system includes a handle. The handle has a longitudinal opening at its first end, the opening having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inserter, a first end and a second end, a movable slider arranged in the longitudinal opening and having a first end and a second end. The inserter also includes a movable plunger and an insertion tube arranged around the plunger having a first end and a second end, with its second end attached to the slider. The handle further includes a lock for reversibly locking the intrauterine system in relation to the plunger via a removal string of the intrauterine system, the lock being attached to the plunger and being controllable at least by a part or an extension of the slider and/or of the insertion tube or of the handle.

Abstract: A device for holding and aligning a trephine blade includes an elongated cylindrical component, a first alignment structure and a second alignment structure. The elongated cylindrical component extends along a first axis and comprises a hollow cylinder having an open proximal end, an open distal end, an inner cylindrical surface and an outer cylindrical surface. The first alignment structure is integral and co-planar with the proximal end and comprises a first circle attached to the inner cylindrical surface with one or more radially extending rods. The second alignment structure is arranged parallel to the first alignment structure within the hollow cylinder above the distal end and comprises a second circle attached to the inner cylindrical surface with one or more radially extending rods. The first and second circles are coaxial with the first axis and the first circle comprises a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the second circle.

Abstract: An earmuffs system for noise reduction including an external microphone used in combination with active noise cancellation technology for the reduction of wind or other noises typically experienced while riding a vehicle such as a motorcycle, snow machine or ATV, the earmuffs system including a first earmuff including a first speaker and a first microphone therein; a second earmuff electrically coupled to the first ear muff, the second ear muff including a second speaker and a second microphone therein; noise cancellation circuitry for receiving first sounds from the first microphone and the second microphone and processing the first sounds by in part canceling the first sounds to form a first sound output that is provided from the first speaker and the second speaker; and a third microphone placed external to the first earmuff and to the second earmuff, the third microphone supplying second sounds for the first speaker and the second speaker to output as a second sound output without the second sounds underg

Abstract: Oxygen diffusive wound dressings and methods of manufacturing and use are described herein. The wound dressing may generally provide a ready supply of oxygen to a wound being treated via one or more oxygen conduits which are designed to pass oxygen from ambient air or other oxygen reservoirs into proximity to the wound, and may also provide for exudate removal through transecting channels in fluid communication with both the wound surface and a hydrophilic absorbent material.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent diapers are provided with improved comfort, fit and liquid transportation. The absorbent core of the disposable absorbent diapers includes at least one absorbent structure comprising a substrate layer and an absorbent layer with channels.