Abstract: An electrosurgical generator for supplying radio frequency (RF) power to an electrosurgical instrument that has been introduced to the surgical site for cutting or vaporizing tissue immersed in a saline medium is disclosed.

Abstract: The design of high-power RF amplifiers, specifically the design of the output transformer, is complicated by the relatively low voltage provided by battery packs that are practical for handheld devices meant for possibly delicate uses. Provided is an RF amplifier with one or more taps on the primary coil, wherein each tap is controlled by a half bridge driver. The output transformer primary winding may be driven between any two half bridge drivers, with the number of turns between the half bridge drivers and the fixed output winding determining the overall turns ration for the transformer.

Abstract: A treatment instrument includes a treatment section including an electric heating member. The electric heating member is formed by mixture of a conductive material into a nonconductive material and includes one end and the other end. Resistance heating is caused in the electric heating member when a current is applied between the one end and the other end of the electric heating member.

Abstract: A self-limiting electrosurgical return electrode for use with electrosurgical procedures is disclosed. The return electrode includes a conductive element and pads disposed on opposing sides of the conductive element. The conductive element, optionally in combination with the pads, is configured to limit the density of electrical current that passes from a patient to the return electrode. The conductive element and the pads can cooperate to define two separate working surfaces on opposing sides of the return electrode. The return electrode can also be safely used with patients of substantially any size and without requiring adjustments to the power settings of an electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: A multi-function high-frequency tool for an endoscope, comprising an insert portion and a handle portion, the insert portion comprising an insulating tip, a first electrode having a needle-knife function, a second electrode having an IT-knife function, and a spray head; the handle portion comprising a first slider, a connector, an injection connector, and a second slider. The second electrode has a hollow structure, and the first electrode extends through the second electrode; the proximal end of the first electrode is fixedly connected by means of a mandrel connecting member to the distal end of a mandrel; the proximal end of the mandrel is connected to the first slider of the handle portion, and moves axially on the handle portion by means of the first slider, thereby causing the first electrode to expose from/retract into the second electrode.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps having an enhanced capability to transfer heat from the tip to eliminate or minimize sticking of tissue is provided. A heat pipe is secured within a groove of at least one tine of the forceps. The heat pipe has an evaporator section in thermal communication with the tip, and a condenser section in thermal communication with a portion of the body, which serves as a heat sink to receive heat transferred from the tip. A method of manufacturing the electrosurgical forceps is also provided.

Abstract: A microsurgical fine gripping and diathermy forceps comprises a tube defining a conduit and having a diameter of at most 1 millimeter. Forceps jaws protrude from the conduit at a distal end of the tube. The forceps jaws and/or the tube form at least two bipolar electrodes for providing a bipolar diathermy at a distal end of the forceps jaws and/or tube. The forceps jaws can be configured to grasp a vitreoretinal membrane. An elongated element extends through the conduit of the tube and is movable with respect to the tube and comprises at least one electrically conducting core which extends through the conduit of the tube, wherein the forceps jaws are fixed to the elongated element, and wherein the at least one electrically conducting core is electrically connected to at least one of the forceps jaws. A microsurgical cutting and diathermy device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A transoral ultrasound probe for imaging a temporomandibular joint and a method of imaging a temporomandibular joint using a transoral probe.

Abstract: An ablation electrode assembly is provided with improved irrigation cooling of the assembly and ablation site. The assembly includes a proximal end configured to be coupled to a catheter shaft and a distal end configured to deliver ablation energy to tissue. The assembly further includes a fluid manifold extending from the proximal end to the distal end and configured to fluidly communicate with a fluid lumen in the catheter shaft. The fluid manifold defines an axial passageway centered about a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the assembly. The axial passageway has a distal end terminating prior to the distal end of the electrode assembly. The assembly further includes means for creating turbulence in fluid exiting the first axial passageway.

Abstract: A device for vascular denervation comprising a catheter for insertion into a vessel, at least one elongated catheter arm having alternating regions of flexible joints and rigid blocks along the at least one catheter arm, wherein each of the at least one catheter arm comprises at least one tactile sensor and at least one temperature sensor; at least one electrode and electrical circuitry disposed on each of the at least one catheter arm and at least one linkage connected to all of the elongated catheter arms. A method for batch fabricating a plurality of catheter arms for the vascular denervation device is also provided and comprises the steps of depositing a first polymer coating on a semiconductor substrate, forming metal traces on the first polymer coating, patterning and etching the substrate to the first polymer coating to create flexible joint regions.

Abstract: The invention resides in a pattern laser comprising a plurality of laser devices each emitting a treatment laser beam into an optical fibre of an optical fibre bundle. An optical coupling module is associated with each laser device and each optical fibre for coupling a treatment laser beam into the associated optical fibre. A controller controls the operation of the laser devices by selectively turning on or off one or more of the laser devices so as to form a laser treatment pattern at an end of the fibre bundle away from the laser devices. A delivery system images the output from the fibre bundle to a treatment zone.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: A method and system for automatic landmark registration and registration using trajectory information and shape sensing during an endoscopic procedure, such as bronchoscopy, are described herein. A segmentation centerline of airways of a lung may be generated based on a pre-operative computed tomography (CT) image of the lung. Landmarks may be automatically detected on the segmentation centerline corresponding to bifurcations in the airways of the lung. A location data point cloud of locations of a catheter through the airways of the lung during navigation may be generated. A bounding volume of the airways of the lung may be generated and a bounding volume centerline may be detected. Landmarks may be detected on the bounding volume centerline for the same bifurcations. Then, the two sets of landmarks may be mapped as part of registration. The trajectory information with shape sensing may be used to provide non-rigid or fine registration.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and kits for applying thermal energy to tissue in a region of interest. Certain embodiments include registration of fiducial markers with an image guidance system and temperature monitoring via magnetic resonance imaging thermography.

Abstract: A medical radiation-based coordinate measuring device is provided which comprises a first image sensor unit and a second image sensor unit for providing a first luminosity characteristics data set and a second luminosity characteristics data set. A data processing unit is provided for determining the object coordinates of object points in the space, which are imaged by means of electromagnetic radiation, by triangulation of the luminosity characteristics data sets. At least one spacing measuring unit for the object points is provided for providing at least one spacing data set. The data processing unit is configured and programmed in such a way that, before the triangulation, it adds a spacing information to at least the first luminosity characteristics data set on the basis of a spacing data set. In addition, a coordinate measuring method is provided.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for navigation-assisted medical devices. Some aspects relate to correlating features of depth information generated based on captured images of an anatomical luminal network with virtual features of depth information generated based on virtual images of a virtual representation of the anatomical luminal network in order to automatically determine aspects of a roll of a medical device within the luminal network.

Abstract: A device for intraoperative, image-controlled navigation during surgical procedures in the spinal and/or adjacent thorax, pelvis or head regions, includes multiple non-x-ray detection devices to be distributed about at least one object to be operated on, and to intraoperatively capture real time image and position data, respectively including information relating to the outer contour of at least one subregion of the object, and to the subregion position relative to the respective detection device. Also, a position determining device for determining respective detection device position relative to a stationary reference system, and a data processing device operatively connected with the detection devices and the position determining device are designed to create, based on the respective detection device image and position data and the position determining device position data, a virtual real-time image, referenced with respect to the reference system, of the object, and displayed on an image display device.

Abstract: A system for determining the position and orientation of a medical device relative to an image space during image-guided medical procedures. The system comprises a flexible pad mounted on the subject such that a part covers the region of interest. The pad incorporates detectable registration members. Prior to the procedure, the device is coupled to the pad, which is then rigidized, so that there is no movement of the registration members relative to each other and relative to the device. The fixed relation- ship between the device and the registration members is determined from initial images, for example using detectable markers attached to the device, enabling the pose of the device relative to the image space of images of the region of interest to be determined later, even if the device is remote from the region of interest. This minimizes exposure of the subject and medical staff to radiation.

Abstract: The invention is in particular directed to a data processing method for use in computer-assisted surgery, comprising the following steps: a) providing marker data which describe a spatial arrangement of at least one marker device and/or a change in a relative spatial arrangement of at least two marker devices (5, 6, 7); b) providing condition data which describe a condition for the spatial arrangement of at least one marker device and/or a condition for the change in the relative spatial arrangement of the at least two marker devices (5, 6, 7); and c) controlling a control flow of the data processing method on the basis of the marker data and the condition data.

Abstract: A system for accessing lesions or abnormalities using intra articular localization has an arm and a guide component. The arm with a localizing pin at a first end defines a virtual pathway. The guide component has a straight guide portion and a curved guide or arcuate portion. The curved guide or arcuate portion has a plurality of angularly spaced guide openings for passing a pin or drill or pin or punch along a selected path to form an entry access. The straight guide portion is for holding or coupling the arm at or in proximity to a second end of the arm. The selected path extends toward the virtual pathway to form the entry access using intra articular localization.

Abstract: A system for accessing lesions or abnormalities using intra articular localization, the system has a first arm with a localizing pin at a first end for defining a virtual pathway and a guide component. The guide component has a straight guide portion and a curved guide or arcuate portion. The curved guide or arcuate portion defines a second arm having a plurality of angularly spaced guide notches for locating a movable guide configured for passing a pin or drill or pin or punch held in the movable guide along a selected path to form an entry access. The straight guide portion has a plurality of notches for holding or coupling the first arm at or in proximity to a second end of the first arm. The selected path extends toward the virtual pathway to form the entry access using intra articular localization.

Abstract: Video editing software tools platform utilizing a video display to provide access to specific video editing software tools, such as video oriented applications or widgets, that can assist those in a video broadcasting team, such as a camera operator or video editor, with a video broadcast feed. Various video editing software tools can provide features and functions that can add visual context to video data presented in the image stream from the video camera and provide archived information pertaining to the same. Various embodiments relate to systems and methods for simultaneously switching input image streams to output devices, while providing optional image processing functions on the image streams. Certain embodiments may enable multiple users/viewers to collaboratively control such systems and methods.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating and displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) is disclosed. The method includes displaying, via the GUI, a real-time video received from a camera disposed within an ablation catheter. The method further includes displaying, via the GUI, a graphical representation of a plurality of electrodes of the ablation catheter.

Abstract: A surgical robot includes a fixed frame and a moving frame, each having an open space in a center region and may be formed as a partially open ring. The robot also includes three leg structures connecting the fixed frame and the moving frame, and enabling the moving frame to move relative to the fixed frame. The robot also includes a stabilizer for holding an anatomical structure in the open space of each frame. Each leg structure may include a linear component coupled to the moving frame, a rotary component mounted to the fixed frame, and a connector connecting between the two. Each of the linear component and the rotary component may have a rotary actuator that can be controlled by a computer. The robot may be controllable by a computer to assist a reduction procedure of long bone fractures or pelvis surgery.

Abstract: A surgical robot system is disclosed. The surgical robot system includes a handheld introducer and a flexible surgical device. A control unit includes a processor, and a memory that stores, among other things, machine readable instructions configured to be executed by a processor to control a flexible surgical device. The surgical robot system also includes an imaging device, and a tracking system. The processor is configured to generate guidance commands to control the flexible surgical device based on information relaying to the images of the flexible surgical device, and the position of at least on point of the handheld introducer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing assistance to a surgeon for minimizing errors during a surgical procedure are disclosed. A method includes creating a Three-Dimensional (3D) model of a patient using at least one image of an affected area of the patient. Surgical paths are retrieved for performing a surgical procedure. A surgical path, selected by a surgeon, may be displayed as overlaid on the 3D model. A haptic barrier and a hard barrier may be defined for different types of tissues and feedbacks may be associated with the haptic barrier and the hard barrier. Position of a surgical tool of a robotic surgical system may be monitored in real-time during a surgical procedure. Movement of the surgical tool into one of the haptic barrier and the hard barrier may be detected and a suitable feedback may be provided, based on the movement.

Abstract: A grip force sensation feedback device including a first rotary member that has an outer peripheral surface including a part of a first virtual conical surface, the first rotary member being rotated around a first cone axis; a second rotary member that has an opposed surface which includes a part of a second virtual conical surface and which is opposed to the outer peripheral surface of the first rotary member, the second rotary member being rotated around a second cone axis; a wire that has both end portions connected to the second rotary member and that has a central portion wound around the first rotary member; and a driving portion that provides a force sensation feedback to a finger of a user in contact with the second rotary member by rotating the first rotary member and thereby causing a rotation of the second rotary member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and accessory organizer comprising a base pad having a lower surface and an upper surface and, the upper surface comprising at least one section for retaining instruments having a flat portion; at least one section for retaining instruments with a handle; at least one section for retaining fluids; and a plurality of perforations extending from the lower surface to the upper surface for removably attaching at least one retaining member adapted to maintain at least one of an instrument and an object in place.

Abstract: A system for detecting disposal of metallic objects into an opening of a medical waste container, including: an indicator for indicating passage of metallic objects through the opening, a pair of receive coils and a transmit coil spaced therebetween shaped for receiving waste therethrough adjacent to the opening, and a controller in electrical communication with the coils. The controller generates and communicates a transmit signal to the transmit coil, which generates a magnetic field that induces voltage in each of the receive coils, which each generate a receive signal. The controller generates a waveform based on the receive signals with a baseline corresponding to absence of metallic objects, and analyzes the waveform with respect to opposite first and second thresholds. The controller activates the indicator in response to metallic objects passing through the coils when the waveform first exceeds the first threshold and then subsequently exceeds the second threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elongated interventional device (1), configured to receive an optical shape sensing fiber (9) and comprising (i) an elongated proximal section (22) including at fixation element (24) at its proximal end, the fixation element (24) being connectable to a reception (25) at a predetermined location (3); and (ii) an elongated distal section (21) connected to the proximal section (22). The proximal section (22) has a lower torsion stiffness than the distal section (21) and comprises at least two substantially co-axial tubes, the outer tube having a lower torsion stiffness than an inner tube. Thus, the elongated interventional device (1) can be affixed to the predetermined location in order to determine its shape and position by means of optical shape sensing without affecting the device's maneuverability, particularly with respect to rotational movements of the distal section (21).

Abstract: A colostomy or ileostomy bag cleaning system including; (i) a support defining a longitudinal axis; (ii) a base located at or near a first axial end of the support; (iii) an inlet for, in use, receiving fluid under pressure; (iv) a ring with a flange that is, in use, connectable to a corresponding connecting ring on a colostomy or ileostomy bag; (v) a conduit that is in fluid communication with the inlet at one end of the conduit and extends to the ring, defining an outlet from the conduit within the ring; and (vi) a seal between the ring and the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus assisting in dental procedure, comprising: a body adapted to be received with an oral cavity; an anchoring means for securing the body within the oral cavity such that it at least partially surrounds one or more teeth; a dental device located within the body and adapted to move in a plurality of planes relative to the one or more teeth; and a controller for controlling the dental device to move into a suitable position relative to the one or more teeth and once located in position carry out work on or about the one or more teeth.

Abstract: A dental surgery guide system for use with a dental handpiece for forming a bore in a patient's jaw bone to receive a dental implant comprises a surgical template and a handpiece jig; the top of the handpiece guide can slide below the top of the template guide rail.

Abstract: A dental light (10/60) is disclosed having a housing (11/61) with a first leg (13/63), a second leg (14/64), and a middle portion (16/66). The first leg includes a light chamber (21/71) configured to receive and hold a small light source (22/72). The second leg includes a battery compartment (26/76) configured to house a battery source (29/79). The dental light is coupled to a patient's mouth, specifically the patient's lip, with the first leg residing within the interior of the mouth and the second leg position outside the mouth. The patient's lip should reside comfortably within the space (38/88) between the first and second legs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-component mixing capsule (1) for intake and for mixing of two, preferably powdered or preferably pasty or kneadable, particularly preferably dental, compositions with a capsule housing (2) having a discharge opening (3) at its front end (2.1), wherein the mixing capsule (1) comprises a first mixing chamber (5a) and a second mixing chamber (5b), wherein the two mixing chambers may be separated from each other for storage or for transport, by the first mixing chamber (5a) being rotated by a rotatably mounted handhold element whose rotation axis (Y) is approximately perpendicularly arranged to the longitudinal axis (Z) of the mixing capsule (1) into a first position in which the first mixing chamber (5a) is separated from mixing chamber (5b), preferably the central axes of the mixing chambers are arranged to each other by approximately 90°.

Abstract: This invention presents “respect” for the adjacent tooth by providing an instrument and method that presses the matrix band against the adjacent tooth, and presents inventive examples of the concave shape of its prongs (to match the convex contour of the adjacent tooth) and the hinged couplings that translate well the clinician's personal efforts to press against the adjacent tooth in what are otherwise, awkward ergonomic angles. By moving the mechanical levers of his own body more proximate the treated tooth and by using a stabilizing arm that establishes a fulcra point of stability in the tooth adjacent to the treated tooth, the clinician can better achieve the objectives of good physiologic fit of the matrix band with the adjacent tooth.

Abstract: A system for remote orthodontic treatment and assessment includes an application server to receive multiple images that represent the teeth of a user and receive an approval from a staff device that indicates a person has approved the images for assessment by a provider. The application server is further receive another approval from a provider device that indicates that the provider has assessed fitness of the user for treatment. The application server may receive the images from a user device. The application server may receive an approval from the provider device that indicates that a treatment plan is approved. In response to receiving the approval of the treatment plan, the application server optimizes 3D models of the treatment plan and provides a visualization of the 3D models to a user device.

Abstract: System and methods for positioning 3D virtual brackets on teeth for the precise positioning of conventional brackets and wire. Various reference features may be calculated for the teeth and used to calculate a position for the virtual bracket. Reference features that are calculated include curve of Spee, Andrew's plane, and a facial axis of the clinical crown for the teeth.

Abstract: Systems and methods of remote orthodontic treatment include receiving a plurality of images from a customer where the plurality of images represent teeth of the customer, receiving a first approval from a staff computing device where the first approval is indicative of a staff user approving the plurality of images for assessment by a dental professional, receiving a second approval from a provider computing device where the second approval is indicative of the provider approving a fitness of the customer for treatment, generating, in response to receiving the second approval, a treatment plan including a series of steps to reposition at least one tooth of the teeth of the customer, and manufacturing one or more aligners based at least in part on the treatment plan where the aligners are specific to the customer and are configured to reposition the at least one tooth of the teeth of the customer.

Abstract: A removable arch adjustment appliance includes a removable shell having a plurality of cavities formed therein, wherein the plurality of cavities are shaped to receive at least one posterior tooth of a patient on each side of a patient's jaw. The shell can include an elastic transpalatal element that spans a palate of the patient and provides force to expand at least one of the spaces between the posterior teeth on each side of a patient's jaw or the palate of the patient. The transpalatal element can include a predetermined force characteristic, a number of force control elements to control the force provided by the transpalatal element, and/or a regulating structure to balance and direct the force provided by the transpalatal element, wherein the transpalatal element has a width specific to a stage of a treatment plan.

Abstract: A palatal expansion appliance includes one pair of bone screw joints arranged to face each other, each of the one pair of bone screw joints extending in one direction and having a plurality of bone screw holes formed thereon, and a driving portion arranged between the one pair of bone screw joints, in which, as at least a part of the driving portion is moved in one direction, the one pair of bone screw joints are moved in another direction.

Abstract: An orthodontic system utilizes a plurality of ligation caps securable to tooth mounted brackets for retaining an arch wire within the respective brackets. In embodiments, the ligation cap has an outwardly extending support ridge to maintain the arch wire within an arch wire slot of the bracket. In other embodiments, the ligation cap has a substantially C-shaped cross sectional profile for frictionally engaging a pair of outwardly extending wings on the bracket. A pair of symmetrically disposed dimples midway along its length dimension to prevent inadvertent mesial-distal displacement of the ligation cap body relative to the attached bracket. A removal tool with at least one actuating part is used to remove the caps from the brackets.

Abstract: Adjustable-prescription orthodontic brackets that include a bracket body, a repositionable core that defines an archwire slot, and a core positioning assembly. The bracket body defines a core receptacle into which the core is received and selectively moved within a plurality of prescriptive orientations. The core positioning assembly is selectively transitioned between a disengaged configuration, in which the core positioning assembly permits movement of the core relative to the bracket body within the plurality of prescriptive orientations, and an engaged configuration, in which the core positioning assembly retains the core at the selected prescriptive orientation. The core positioning assembly includes a core clamp with a core engagement surface configured to be selectively engaged with the core, and an actuator configured to selectively secure the core clamp in engagement with the core to retain the core at the selected prescriptive orientation.

Abstract: The present invention includes a geared orthodontic buccal tube assembly which comprises of a buccal tube with an elongated hook that engages one or more gearwheels which in turn engage a toothed surfaces to redirect the direction of the applied force pulling the buccal tube to prevent or reduce the movement of the anchor tooth thus reinforcing the anchor teeth.

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

Abstract: A pluggable implant is disclosed that is comprising an implant body extending between a distal end and an apical end, and comprising a cavity extending from the distal end towards the apical end, the cavity capable of accommodating a plug insertable from the distal end towards the apical end, such that when the plug is fully inserted and located in its apically-most position, the plug seals the cavity. Moreover, there is a method for plugging a hollow implant is disclosed, the implant comprising an implant body extending between a distal end and an apical end, and comprising a cavity extending from the distal end towards the apical end; wherein a plug is removably inserted into the implant through the cavity from the distal end towards the apical end such that when the plug is in fully inserted position and located in its apically-most position, the plug seals the cavity.

Abstract: A new dental implant system with positive abutment screw locking and retrieval mechanisms is provided. The abutment screw is positively locked by a keying pin to improve fatigue life. The abutment screw is also equipped with a special feature that greatly improves the retrievability of the broken screw from inside the implant. In addition, the keying pin is designed with a lock nut as a sub-assembly for ease of installation.

Abstract: A tray appliance system is usable for obtaining a bite registration and includes a maxillary tray appliance and optionally a mandibular tray appliance. The maxillary tray appliance includes a first contacting portion that extends downwardly from a first base portion. The first contacting portion includes a first contacting surface, a first ridge line, and a first ridge line midpoint. The optional mandibular tray appliance includes a second contacting portion that includes a second contacting surface, a second ridge line, and a second ridge line midpoint. The first contacting portion and second contacting portion contact each other when a patient bites down with the maxillary tray appliance and the mandibular tray appliance situated in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A method of administering the contents of a dental impression kit includes receiving a dental impression kit including a container containing an initial dental assembly, a redundant dental assembly, a return request, and putty provided in a sufficient amount to be positioned in the dental trays for creating dental impressions, where the return request specifies a predetermined time frame for returning the dental impressions to an entity associated with the manufacture of dental aligners. The method further includes administering the dental assemblies to create the dental impressions, and returning the dental impressions according to the return request, where the dental impressions provide information necessary to manufacture a plurality of dental aligners specific to a user and being configured to reposition one or more teeth of the user.

Abstract: A dental impression kit includes a container including a dental assembly that includes a dental tray and a predetermined amount of base putty and catalyst putty, where the base putty and the catalyst putty are mixable to form a putty mixture, and the predetermined amount of base putty and catalyst putty are amounts sufficient such that the putty mixture can be positioned in the dental tray for creating a dental impression. The dental impression kit includes instructions instructing a user to administer the dental assembly to create the dental impression, where the dental impression provides information necessary to manufacture a plurality of dental aligners specific to the user and being configured to reposition one or more teeth of the user, and where the predetermined amounts of the base putty and the catalyst putty are in the range of 0.5 ounces and 1.5 ounces.