Abstract: The present disclosure provides method, systems, and devices for expanding arch of teeth. A device for expanding an arch of teeth of a patient can include a removable shell formed of a first material having a number of cavities formed therein. The number of cavities are shaped to receive teeth of a patient. A device for expanding an arch of teeth of a patient can include an arch element extending from the removable shell in a lingual direction and across an arch width of the removable shell. The arch element can be formed of the first material and a second material that is a different material than the first material, can be designed to expand an arch of the teeth of the patient, and can have a width specific to a stage of a treatment plan.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, devices, and systems for the creation of attachments for use with dental appliances and changeable shaped attachments. For instance, an attachment template tray for creating and placing attachments used in moving teeth of a patient can include an attachment template tray body having a first surface shaped to conform to the contours of exterior surfaces of teeth of a patient and including a portion of the first surface that provides a cavity to form the exterior surfaces of an attachment that is to be attached to the exterior surface of one of the teeth and an integrated light source, power source, and actuation mechanism on the body of the attachment template tray, wherein the power source provides power to the light source when the actuation mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: Coordinated adjustment appliances are provided that can provide the benefits of aesthetic, polymeric shell appliances and traditional braces. Methods of creating the coordinated adjustment appliances and methods of treatment using the coordinated adjustment appliances are also revealed.

Abstract: An implant having a nanopatterned dimple surface and a method of preparing the same are provided, the method including forming titanium oxide nanotubes by anodizing an implant body composed of titanium or a titanium alloy and forming dimples on the surface of the implant body by removing the titanium oxide nanotubes. The surface of the implant body is anodized and the anodized surface is then removed, thus forming surface dimples, whereby the anodized titanium oxide film can be prevented from being released into the living body due to exfoliation thereof and impurities remaining on the surface can be effectively removed.

Abstract: A dental implant device in the form of an interface member for forming an individually customized dental implant abutment mounted on a connection platform of a dental implant anchor adapted to be implanted, the interface member is a hollow tubular member featuring an internal lumen defined between a non-customizable distal portion and a customizable proximal portion.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a tray for receiving a mouldable element and for insertion into a user's mouth to allow the user to apply a biting force to the mouldable element to provide an impression of the user's teeth, the tray comprising: opposed side-walls extending from a base, wherein at least one of the opposed sidewalls is configured to move inwards when the user applies a biting force to the mouldable element received by the tray.

Abstract: An intra-oral scanning device includes a light source and an optical system, and communicates with a display system. The device has a reduced form factor as compared to prior devices, and it provides for more efficient transmission and capture of images.

Abstract: Provided is an indicator for enhancing scanning precision, a composition for enhancing scanning precision, and a method of enhancing scanning precision of an article. The disclosed indicator serves to adjust, to an absolute size, a relative size of each of a plurality of images acquired by scanning a subject with a scanner, and to align each image according to position.

Abstract: Provided are a system, method, and computer readable storage medium for generating an intra-oral scan of a dentition. A contiguous scan of an occlusal surface of at least a part of one arch of the dentition is generated. At least one additional surface is associated to the contiguous scan of the occlusal surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for positioning a blank (116), which after insertion in a holder is in contact therewith, wherein the holder has a structural element. The blank (16) is positioned in the holder by means of an adapter (118), which is inserted in both the holder or the structural element and the blank, wherein the adapter positively engages with the holder or the structural element and with the blank.

Abstract: A dental bridge system (10) is provided, comprising a superstructure (14) having a teeth-mimicking portion at a distal end thereof, and at least one receiving cavity formed on a proximal side thereof, at least one support arrangement (12) configured for being fixedly secured, at a proximal side thereof, to an alveolar ridge of an individual, and being formed so as to be received, at a distal side thereof, within one of the receiving cavities to facilitate carrying of the superstructure (14), and a buffering arrangement (16) disposed between the superstructure (14) and the support arrangement (12), the buffer arrangement (16) being configured to damp shock impulses between the support arrangement (12) and the superstructure (14).

Abstract: The present disclosure reveals a provisional dental restoration for use at the time of dental implant surgery and while the permanent long-term restoration is being fabricated and implants are healing, which aids in the surgical process and selection of potential abutments at the time of surgery. Also revealed is a new digitally designed impression prosthesis from which the doctor is able of capturing the occlusal record, an impression of the soft tissue and critical aspects of the tooth position and orientation in a single procedure.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush with the brush head in the form of a mouth guard is provided. The electric toothbrush generally includes a brush head configured into the form and shape of a mouth guard, and a handle coupled to the brush head. In some implementations, the handle may be detachable, or removable from the brush head. The brush head may include a liner of toothbrush bristles lining the inner walls and the base of the cavity of the brush head. In some implementations, the lining may be pre-fabricated together with the brush head. In other implementations, the lining may be changeable.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of medical equipment, and provides a tooth processing device and a tooth processing method. The tooth processing device includes: a dental model to be worn by a user and having a hollowed-out structure; an image collection circuit arranged on the dental model and configured to collect a tooth image; a dental drill arranged on the dental model and capable of moving on the dental model; and a processing circuit configured to analyze the collected tooth image, determine a decayed tooth portion, and control the dental drill to move to the decayed tooth portion so as to remove the decayed tooth portion through grinding.

Abstract: A mobile unit for animal ovarian tissue processing comprises an enclosure supported on a wheeled chassis. A collecting chamber defined within the enclosure comprises a restraint mounted to the enclosure and configured to restrain an animal in a standing position, at least one access sized to provide the animal ingress to, and egress from, the collecting chamber, an ovum aspiration system disposed in the collecting chamber to retrieve oocytes from the animal and an imaging scanner disposed in the collecting chamber to guide the ovum aspiration system to the oocytes. A processing chamber defined within the enclosure contiguous to the collecting chamber is isolated from the collecting chamber by at least one dividing wall extending between the collecting chamber and the processing chamber. The processing chamber includes an incubator to incubate the oocytes. A temperature control unit maintains a temperature of the retrieved oocytes between a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: Pellet delivery systems capable of reliably and precisely delivering pellets over a large area are disclosed. In some examples, the system can deliver one or more pellets in one delivery cycle using a slide chamber. In other examples, the system can deliver one or more pellets per delivery cycle using a rotating disk comprising one or more holes. In any of these examples, the system can eject the pellets using a projector and/or gravity. The pellet delivery system can, in various examples, be utilized in conjunction with a carrier such as an airborne, terrestrial or aquatic vehicle, or in other examples with a human or animal carrier. Examples of the disclosure are also directed to precise pellet delivery based on the location of the pellet deliver system, pellet delivery tracking, adjusting pellet delivery, and determining paths for efficient pellet delivery.

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

Abstract: The disclosure relates to voice prosthesis device that enables a laryngectomy patient to speak. The voice prosthesis device has a cylinder including a first end and a second end. An inner washer is attached to the first end and an outer washer is attached to the second end. A partial shutter is coupled to the first end of the cylinder. A shutter guard is placed at the inner part of the inner washer and is fixed to the cylinder. The device further includes plurality of rings. The partial shutter is made of platinum cured silicon and opens relatively to allow exhaled air to pass from the second end to the first end and prevents entry of food particles into the second end.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve that is radially collapsible to a collapsed configuration and radially expandable to an expanded configuration includes an annular frame having an inflow end, an outflow end, and a longitudinal axis. A leaflet structure is positioned within the frame and secured thereto, and a sealing element is secured to the frame. The sealing element includes a first woven portion extending circumferentially around the frame. The first woven portion includes a plurality of interwoven filaments. The sealing element further includes a second woven portion extending circumferentially around the frame and spaced apart from the first woven portion along the longitudinal axis of the frame. At least a portion of the filaments exit the weave of the first woven portion and form loops extending radially outwardly from the frame.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve assembly, according to one embodiment, comprises a frame assembly including a plurality of struts and a prosthetic valve secured inside the frame assembly by sutures. The sutures are inward of the outermost surface of an outer periphery of the frame assembly. In certain embodiments the struts contain recesses in which sutures can be disposed. In other embodiments, the struts can have holes through them which the sutures pass through. The implantable prosthetic valve assembly can also be collapsed within a catheter such that an outermost surface of a periphery of the frame assembly touches the catheter but the sutures are spaced apart from the catheter or are flush with the outer surface of the frame.

Abstract: A stent (1) used for a heart valve prosthesis and the heart valve prosthesis that includes the stent (1) and is used for heart valve replacement. The stent is configured to support a heart valve (3) and includes, along a longitudinal axis, an inflow section (8), an outflow section (6) and a transition section (7) between the inflow section (8) and the outflow section (6). The stent (1) has a contracted delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration. In the expanded deployed configuration, the inflow section (8) defines a concave contour that is complementary to a structure of a native valve annulus. The concave contour enables self-deployment and close adherence of the stent (1), thereby preventing its displacement and perivalvular leakage after implantation.

Abstract: A valved conduit including a bioprosthetic aortic heart valve connected to a tubular conduit graft forming an ascending aorta. The conduit graft may attach to the heart valve in a manner that facilitates a redo operation in which the valve is replaced with another valve. A sewing ring may be pre-attached to the inflow end of the graft, and then the valve connected to a delivery holder advanced into the graft and secured to the sewing ring. Dry bioprosthetic valves coupled with conduit grafts sealed with a bioresorbable medium can be stored with the delivery holder.

Abstract: A tissue anchor is provided for use with a valve-repair implant configured to be coupled to cardiac tissue of a patient. The tissue anchor includes a distal tissue coupling element configured to couple the tissue anchor to the cardiac tissue of the patient. It further comprises a proximal implant-penetrating element configured to penetrate at least a portion of the valve-repair implant and facilitate coupling of the valve-repair implant to the tissue anchor. The proximal implant-penetrating element includes an implant-restraining element coupled to a portion of the implant-penetrating element. The implant-restraining element is configured to restrain the valve-repair implant from separating from the implant-penetrating element. Other applications of the present invention are also described.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for reducing regurgitation through an atrioventricular heart valve: i.e., the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve. The device includes a flexible anchor rail anchored in the tissue of the ventricle and an offset coaptation element on a catheter that rides over the anchor rail and is positionable between the valve leaflets. The proximal end of the coaptation catheter is fixed subcutaneously adjacent the subclavian vein. The coaptation element includes an inert covering over a foam interior, and is radially offset on the catheter so that the foam body projects away from the septal side of the valve to reduce or minimize deformation from contact with the septal wall of the ventricle. Markers on the coaptation element facilitate positioning in the desired rotational orientation during delivery and implant.

Abstract: The invention provides a reticular fixation system and method for an articular cartilage. The system comprises an articular cartilage repair surface locator, a temporary fixation kirschner wire, a depth-control guide wire, a percussion device and a cartilage fixing piece. The method comprises: repositing an injured articular cartilage; placing a locator on a surface of the injured articular cartilage; fixing the locator to the articular cartilage and the bone temporarily; punching the fixing piece wire tunnels on the articular cartilage and the bone in a fixing piece guide channel of the locator; placing the fixing piece into a fixing piece wire guide channel; percussing a fixing piece nail into the tunnels of the articular cartilage and the bone; removing the temporary fixation kirschner wire; implanting a second fixing piece nail, and completing the articular cartilage repair. The invention can improve convenience and reliability of fixation of the injured cartilage.

Abstract: A method of revising a patient having a fusion cage implanted within a spinal column, involving percutaneously delivering a first end of a tube to the spinal column, fluidly connecting the first end of the tube to the fusion cage, and delivering a bone growth agent into the fusion cage through the tube.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, an implant that anchors into bone may have a bone-facing region that comprises a plurality of interconnected struts. The interconnected struts may define local features such as engagement ridges, fins, crests, a macroscopic surface-interrupting feature, a divertor structure, and sawteeth in any combination. Such features may help resist translation or rotation of the implant, and may be conducive to bone ingrowth. Parameters such as local empty volume fraction and local average strut length can be varied, even within the features, by the design of the network of struts. Struts may be tapered. Cantilever struts may also be provided, which may point in a desired direction. The pattern of struts may be specified to the level of dimensions and location of individual struts. The implant may be manufactured by additive manufacturing methods. The mesh of struts may be generated by an algorithm using Voronoi tessellation.

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: An orthopedic implant comprising: (a) a distal femoral component comprising a first condyle bearing surface having a first profile comprising at least three consecutive arcs of curvature; and (b) a proximal tibial component comprising a first condyle bearing surface having a second profile comprising at least three parallel arcs of curvature.

Abstract: Knee prosthesis includes a femoral component adapted to fit on a distal end of the femur and a tibial insert component. The femoral component includes a measured anterior/posterior dimension defined by the posterior condyle surface and the interior surface of the anterior flange and a distal peg provided on a distal bone facing surface of each of the lateral and medial condylar structures, wherein the distal pegs are positioned at a midpoint of the measured anterior/posterior dimension. The implant system provides two distinct sizing segments and the tibial insert has a medial tibial aspect ratio of 0.74 and a lateral tibial aspect ratio of 0.65 to 0.68 for all sizes.

Abstract: Humeral prosthetic implants, systems, kits and methods of forming and using the humeral prosthetic implants, systems and kits are disclosed. The humeral prosthetic implants include proximal cup portions and distal stem portions, wherein the proximal cup portion is joined to the distal stem portion at a desired offset and/or angle configured based on an analysis of the humeral diaphysis and/or metaphysis offset in a patient. The humeral prosthetic implants may also include an adapter configured to join the proximal cup component with the stem component, wherein the adapter is configured to join the stem component to the stemless cup at a desired offset and/or angle.

Abstract: Apparatuses for distal fibula replacement and related methods are described herein. The apparatus generally includes an implantable stem component including a proximal portion that is contoured to have an anterior overlap with a portion of a fibula bone of a patient, and a distal portion that defines a first channel configured to receive a peronaeus brevis tendon and a further defines second channel configured to receive a peronaeus longus tendon. Related methods include placing such an apparatus on the portion of the fibula bone of the patient.

Abstract: A method for bone reconstruction includes aligning a first hone with a second bone using a plurality of guidewires to correct rotational deformity of the first and second bones. A first module of a targeting apparatus is positioned in proximity to the first bone. A tip of the first module is engaged with the first bone. A second module of the targeting apparatus is positioned in proximity to the second bone. A tip of the second module is engaged with the second bone. Alignment of the first module and the second module is secured. The alignment is verified using a guidewire, the guidewire wire is inserted through a passage extending through the second module. A length between the first bone and the second bone is determined using a depth gauge. An implant is selected based on the determined length for delivery along the passage extending through the second module.

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: A surgical implant having a surface treatment which contains primary cavities and secondary cavities. The primary cavities are larger than the secondary cavities and the primary cavities have an average length ranging from 20-500 micrometers. The surface treatment includes recasted material adjacent to a plurality of the primary cavities.

Abstract: A device adapted to be positioned between two bone regions, the device comprising at least one wall defining at least one interior cavity, and, a load arrangement extending from the wall and comprising at least one interacting feature configured to load material positioned within the cavity by interacting with either a second interacting feature or the wall.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system for use in a vertebral column of a patient, comprising: a multi-layer osteogenic carrier device comprising: a delivery layer comprising a porous material and an osteogenic material; and a support layer in communication with the delivery layer, the support layer capable of substantially conforming to an anatomical feature in the vertebral column of the patient, wherein the support layer holds the delivery layer in proximity to the anatomical feature; at least one rod; at least one rod clip; and at least one fastener are disclosed. The multi-layer osteogenic carrier device can further comprise an adhesive layer capable of adhering the carrier to at least a portion of an anatomical feature, the adhesive layer in communication with at least a portion of the delivery layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly and method for implant installation between adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient. The implant has a support body and a rotatable insert therein and the support body is curved for installation between adjacent vertebral bodies transforaminally. An installation instrument is also disclosed for removable attachment to implant and engagement with the rotatable insert to selectively permit rotation between the insert and the support body. The installation instrument extends along a longitudinal tool axis and when the installation instrument is in a first position the insert is rotationally fixed with respect to the support body and when the installation instrument is in a second position the support body may rotate with respect to the insert.

Abstract: Implant inserters and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for delivering a fusion cage or other implant to a spinal disc space and for rotating or articulating the implant within the disc space. An exemplary instrument can include an inner member having opposed jaws for grasping the implant and holding the implant during insertion. The inner member can be slidably received within an outer member such that relative axial translation of the inner and outer members is effective to open or close the jaws. The jaws and/or the distal end of the outer member can have a low-profile geometry, which can advantageously facilitate certain surgical procedures. For example, the low-profile geometry can allow for a more medial approach to an intervertebral disc space in which the implant is to be inserted.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure characterize apparatuses and/or methods as may be implemented with a variety of prosthetic components and applications. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments described herein, movement parameters pertaining to movement of a user of a prosthetic foot are sensed as the user travels along a surface, with the prosthetic foot having a front ball region and a rear heel region for respectively contacting the surface. A state of movement of the user, including a speed at which the user is travelling along the surface, is determined based on the sensed movement parameters. Utilizing a mechanical actuator, the prosthetic foot is dynamically positioned in response to the speed at which the user is travelling along the surface, by manipulating the mechanical actuator to move the rear heel region relative to the front ball region based on changes in the speed.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle has an ankle joint body (10A) constituting a shin component and a foot component (12). The ankle joint body (10A) is pivotally connected to the foot component (12) by a first pivotal connection (14) defining a medial-lateral ankle joint flexion axis. The ankle joint body (10A) also forms the cylinder of an ankle joint piston and cylinder assembly with a superior-inferior central axis, the cylinder housing a piston (16) with upper and lower piston rods (16A, 16B). The lower piston rod (16B) is pivotally connected to the foot component (12) at a second pivotal connection (18). As the ankle joint body (10A) pivots about the ankle joint flexion axis, the piston (16) moves substantially linearly in the cylinder formed by the ankle joint body. The cylinder is divided into upper and lower chambers (20A, 20B).

Abstract: An adapter module (2) configured to be attached, by a predetermined number of screws (4), to a socket member (6) of a prosthetic sleeve (8), into which sleeve (8) an amputation stump of a prosthesis user is to be inserted. The adapter module (2) comprises a module body (10) provided with a washer space (12) structured to provide room for a disc-shaped connection washer (14), the washer space (12) has an extension to provide for movement of the connection washer (14) within a plane essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis A of said prosthetic sleeve (8) prior the connection washer (14) is fixated in a determined position. The connection washer (14) is provided with a through-going first opening (16) structured to receive a washer attachment screw (18) such that the screw essentially extends along said longitudinal axis A. The through-going first opening (16) is preferably positioned off-centered of the washer (14) in order to maximize movement of the washer in all directions within the plane.

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

Abstract: Methods and systems for cushioning a residual limb in a prosthetic generally comprise prosthetic limb devices, sockets, bladders, and valve stems. In a preferred embodiment, the residual limb/stump is configured and arranged within the socket and rests on the bladder. The valve stem coupled to the bladder is configured and arranged through the bottom of the socket to allow quick and easy inflation of the bladder. In some embodiments, the present invention also includes upper thigh attachments which may include ball bearings, axles, and thigh straps. In another preferred embodiment, the upper thigh attachment allows the user to securely and adjustably attach the prosthetic limb device to the user's upper thigh.

Abstract: A strand made of a platinum alloy material is prevented from protruding from both ends of a stent when some strands of the stent are disposed using the strand made of the platinum alloy material. In a stent (10) which is formed by helicoidally braiding a plurality of strands, some strands among the plurality of strands are disposed using a strand made of a platinum alloy material, and a length of the strand made of the platinum alloy material is made shorter than lengths of other strands by a length of the strand made of the platinum alloy material which is estimated to protrude from the stent.

Abstract: An implantable stent may include a braided tubular member formed of braided wires and including radially outward wire segments crossing over and positioned radially outward of radially inward wire segments at a plurality of crossover points. Also, the radially outward wire segments may be coated with a coating and the radially inward wire segments may be uncoated and devoid of the coating.

Abstract: A flow diversion device for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms and other medical conditions is disclosed. The flow diversion device may include a generally tubular wire stent frame formed from a plurality of zig-zag shaped wire elements that are coupled together. The device further includes a base layer of graft material coupled to the wire stent frame and surrounding at least a portion thereof, the wire stent frame maintaining the base layer in an open condition. In some embodiments, the base layer may be formed of porous graft material having a plurality of pores formed thereon to provide a passageway for a small blood flow to maintain the long term patency of important small side branches, while also reducing blood flow to the aneurysm to promote occlusion and avoid potential rupture.

Abstract: Devices that can be delivered into a vascular system to divert flow are disclosed herein. According to some embodiments, devices are provided for treating aneurysms b diverting flow. An expandable device can comprise, for example, a plurality of strut regions and a plurality of bridge regions. Each of the strut regions may extend circumferentially about the expandable device and include a plurality of struts. Each of the plurality of bridge regions may be attached to and extend between two of the strut regions and comprise a plurality first bridges and second bridges that intersect one another and are movable relative to one another at their intersections.

Abstract: A system comprising a sluice and a catheter. The catheter including an inner, a middle and an outer tube. A stent is disposed in a distal-end portion of the catheter between the inner and outer-tube. The middle-tube ends distally at the proximal end of the stent. An actuating unit having a drive unit provided in the proximal region of the catheter for releasing the stent. A connecting portion is provided between the drive unit and the sluice. The drive unit is cooperating with the middle-tube and the connecting portion where the drive unit is operated the middle-tube is displaced in the distal direction and the actuating unit together with the outer-tube attached thereto is displaced in the proximal direction. The inner-tube is cooperating with the middle-tube and/or the connecting portion and/or the drive unit in such a way that the inner-tube is displaced at least to some extent relative to the actuating unit.

Abstract: A posture control system includes a brace to which an inflatable bladder is removably coupled. The bladder, when inflated, causes pressure to be applied to a wearer if the wearer does not have proper posture. The pressure irritates the wearer into improving their posture. The brace includes strap systems that are adjustable for size and fit. In embodiments, the strap systems include an upper strap portion that includes an elastic component that also assists the user in improving their posture.