Abstract: A device, system, and method for optically evaluating and treating or ablating tissue. Specifically, device, system, and method allow for the optical and/or electrical evaluation of tissue at the same location(s) at which ablation or treatment or ablation energy is delivered. This allows for a more accurate evaluation of lesion formation and tissue condition before, during, and/or after a treatment or ablation procedure. In one embodiment, a device for performing a medical procedure includes an elongate body including a proximal portion, a distal portion having a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, and a distal tip electrode at the elongate body distal end, the tip electrode being optically transparent and electrically conductive. The device may also include optical windows in the elongate body aligned with one or more transparent lateral electrodes for optically interrogating tissue and/or for delivering treatment or ablation energy to tissue.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for navigation path tracing. In one aspect, a system displays a preoperative model of a luminal network is displayed. The system determines a position of an instrument within the luminal network relative to the preoperative model. Based on the position of the instrument relative to the preoperative model, the system determines whether to enter a path tracing mode. In path tracing mode the system displays visual indicia indicative of a path of the instrument with respect to the displayed preoperative model. The visual indicia may be used to visual the navigation path of the instrument and/or to extend the preoperative model.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an anatomical mapping that includes multiple measurements acquired at multiple respective locations within an organ of a patient. An estimated surface of the organ is computed based on the measurements. A three-dimensional (3D) shell of the organ, which extends inwards from the estimated surface of the organ and has a predefined thickness, is defined. A quality of the anatomical mapping is estimated based on the measurements whose locations fall within the 3D shell.

Abstract: A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a surgical step or surgical procedure with visual guidance using an optical head mounted display are disclosed.

Abstract: Navigation of an instrument within a luminal network can include image-based branch detection and mapping. Image-based branch detection can include identifying within an image one or more openings associated with one or more branches of a luminal network. Image-based branch mapping can include mapping the detected one or more openings to corresponding branches of the luminal network. Mapping may include comparing features of the openings to features of a set of expected openings. A position state estimate for the instrument can be determined from the mapped openings, which can facilitate navigation of the luminal network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigation and positioning a central venous catheter within a patient. The system may include a first pole and a second pole designed to generate an electric field sufficient to obtain a plurality of field measurements. The system may include a stylet inserted into a medical device. The stylet may include a magnetic assembly configured to produce a magnetic field positioned along a distal portion of the stylet, and a stylet electrode positioned distal of the magnetic assembly. The stylet electrode may be designed to function as both an interior excitation electrode and an interior detection electrode. Advancement of the medical device in the patient may include using a conductance curve generated from the plurality of field measurements to identify an obstruction or malposition in the patient.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a method of controlling a laser source to deliver laser energy through a medical device. The method may include adjusting a laser source parameter including at least one of a laser power, a laser energy, a frequency, and a pulse width of the laser source, wherein the laser source parameters are adjustable through a first action or series of actions on a foot pedal assembly operably coupled to a laser control unit, and activating the laser source, wherein the activation of the laser source includes a second action or series of actions on the foot pedal assembly, and wherein the second series of actions is different from the first action or actions.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a bed extending along a main direction, a robotic arm disposed adjacent to the bed, and a surgical guide attached to the robotic arm. The bed has a table top to support a patient, the robotic arm is controllable to move in relation to the body of the patient; and the surgical guide is capable of holding a surgical instrument and measuring a translation of the surgical instrument as it moves through the surgical guide. The robotic arm is configured to position the surgical guide to a desired position in relation to a target area of the patient.

Abstract: In a coupled control mode, the surgeon directly controls movement of an associated slave manipulator with an input device while indirectly controlling movement of one or more non-associated slave manipulators, in response to commanded motion of the directly controlled slave manipulator, to achieve a secondary objective. By automatically performing secondary tasks through coupled control modes, the system's usability is enhanced by reducing the surgeon's need to switch to another direct mode to manually achieve the desired secondary objective. Thus, coupled control modes allow the surgeon to better focus on performing medical procedures and to pay less attention to managing the system.

Abstract: A steerable introduction system for deploying an interventional tool (e.g., a replacement valve) within an anatomical object (e.g. a heart). The steerable introduction system employs a steerable introducer (20) including an end-effector for positioning the interventional tool within the anatomical object (e.g., the end-effector passively guides or actively steers the interventional tool within the anatomical object). The steerable introduction system further employs an image guidance workstation (120) controlling an actuation of a translation, a pivoting and/or a rotation of the end-effector within the anatomical object responsive to surgical image data illustrative of a position of the end-effector within the anatomical object (e.g., ultrasound or X-ray image data illustrative of a surgical position of the end-effector within a heart).

Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to a medical instrument holding device comprises a holding portion configured to hold a first medical instrument having a first insertion portion to be inserted into an abdominal cavity of a patient. An arm is connected to the holding portion and including at least one joint. A base is connected to a proximal end side of the arm. A first sensor is configured to detect an external force caused by a second insertion portion of a second medical instrument in the abdominal cavity. A controller is configured to generate a first control signal for actuating the arm based on the external force detected by the first sensor.

Abstract: A surgical robotic component comprising an articulated terminal portion, the terminal portion comprising: a distal segment having an attachment connected thereto, an intermediate segment, and a basal segment whereby the terminal portion is attached to the remainder of the surgical robotic component. The terminal portion further comprises a first articulation between the distal segment and the intermediate segment, the first articulation permitting relative rotation of the distal segment and the intermediate segment about a first axis, and a second articulation between the intermediate segment and the basal segment, the second articulation permitting relative rotation of the intermediate segment and the basal segment about a second axis.

Abstract: A tray for a soft tissue cutting device includes a housing slot for removably housing the soft tissue cutting device prior to use and a priming slot for receiving the soft tissue cutting device during a priming procedure. The priming slot allows connection of the soft tissue cutting device to a priming syringe for priming the soft tissue cutting device. The tray also includes a safety slot for testing whether the soft tissue cutting device is primed for use and a sterile cover connectable to the tray. The sterile cover substantially encloses the tray when it is connected thereto.

Abstract: A single use disposable container for surgical instruments is provided for transporting sterile instruments to the point of use. The single use container comprises a base section having a base and an upstanding wall extending from the base. A lid section is provided that is configured to close the base section. The container is formed from a biodegradable thermoformed pulp material that is gas and steam permeable. At least the base section includes a surfactant proof barrier on at least the inner surface of the pulp material to protect the pulp material of the container from cleaning fluid applied to the instruments. The lid includes a double walled rim that assists in protecting the instruments stored therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tissue expander (10) comprising: a self-inflating core (12), having a non-inflated state and an inflated state, a top surface (14), a bottom surface (16) and a side surface (18); a circumference (C) and having a longitudinal axis X and a coating (20) covering said surfaces (14, 16, 18) and surrounding said core (12), in which said coating (20) comprises a top portion (22), a bottom portion (24) and a side portion (26); wherein, said side portion (26) comprises a concertinaed structure comprising one or more axially spaced circumferentially extending interconnected rings (28) each extending around said axis X and each being spaced from each other along said axis X.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a device and methodology for facilitating rapid stereotactic guidance for placing multiple trajectories lateral to a patient's head. The device assembly comprises an adapter, which when fixed to a ring of a stereotactic arc, allows trajectory entry and targeting orthogonal to the sagittal plane using only the y and z frame coordinates. The x coordinate represents the insertion depth in the axial and coronal planes. This adapter is herein referred to as the Z-post adapter and comprises an adaptive collar, a central locking plug, instrument guide inserts of variable lengths and diameters, and an external collar fastener. In alternate embodiments the Z-post adapter can be mounted on an adjustable gimbal mechanism to facilitate oblique trajectories as well. The collar, fastener and gimbal mechanism can be adapted to suit conventional stereotactic frames.

Abstract: A system for video-assisted surgery includes one or more displays, a memory including at least one preoperative image, and a camera coupled to capture a video. A controller is coupled to the memory, the camera, and the one or more displays, and the controller includes logic that when executed by the controller causes the system to perform a variety of operations. The system may capture a video of a surgical area, including anatomical features, using the camera, and display the video of the surgical area on the one or more displays. The system may also display the at least one preoperative image on the one or more displays at the same time as the video. The location of the anatomical features shown in the video is displayed as an accentuated region on the at least one preoperative image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for segmenting surgical videos are disclosed. One example method includes receiving, by a processor of a computing device, surgical video, the surgical video comprising at least a sequence of video frames of a surgical procedure; in response to receiving an identification of a video frame, generating, by the processor, a bookmark based on the video frame; associating, by the processor, the bookmark with the video frame; and storing, by the processor, the bookmark in a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

Abstract: A marking template for use during radiographic imaging comprising a body, a first end at one end of the body capable of being used as a handle and a second end, opposite the first end. The second end comprises a radiopaque material and an opening, in relation to the radiopaque material, through which a marking may be made with a marking device.

Abstract: An implantable device has a body that is substantially rigid and has a predetermined shape. The body is further bioabsorbable and has a density less than or equal to about 1.03 g/cc. When the device is implanted in a resected cavity in soft tissue, it causes the cavity to conform to the predetermined shape. The implantable device is further imageable due to its density being less than that of soft tissue such that the boundaries of the tissue corresponding to the predetermined shape can be determined.

Abstract: A fiber-based radiopaque tissue marker for radiographic marking of tissue is provided. The marker is a sterile, single-patient-use polymeric fiber with a radiopaque material and a dye. The marker is radiopaque using standard radiographs such as x-rays and mammography. The marker can also be visualized by low-dose CT scans.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at minimally invasive systems in which the proximal end portion of the working channel has either zero or a limited range of movement in the lateral direction. A first embodiment has a slidable collar attached to a pair of flanges, wherein movement of the collar is bounded by an annular frame. A second embodiment has a substantially spherical element attached to the tube. A third embodiment has a plurality of caps. A fourth embodiment is adapted for a larger working channel.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning an ISO 80369-3 formatted connector that has a lumen. The cleaning device is oriented along a longitudinal axis and has a handle, a plug, and a plurality of brushes.

Abstract: A surgical machine comprises multiple machine connectors disposed on its face, and a device detection mechanism located close to the machine connectors. The device detection mechanism is configured to read identification data from device information component when positioned within a predetermined range. A control circuit is configured to: identify, based on a device information read from a device information component brought within the range of the device detection mechanism, a matching machine connector from multiple machine connectors, control a light source corresponding to the matching machine connector to illuminate the corresponding illumination ring with the first color, in response to this identifying, and, control the light source corresponding to each of one or more remaining ones of the machine connectors to provide no illumination or to illuminate the corresponding illumination ring with a second color.

Abstract: Two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera is a light source that is reversibly attachable to any dental camera. Two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera has two light sources that directly face each other. When properly attached to a dental camera, two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera effectuates sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination of a tooth, so that the dental camera may capture a photo or image of the illuminated tooth. Two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera has a specially shaped body that makes a slip-fit, press-fit, or snap-fit onto the exterior surface of any dental camera. Two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera has a distal section and a proximal section. The distal section is reversibly attachable to the proximal section. The distal section is sterilizeable.

Abstract: A method for performing crown and root restoration on a laboratory model that includes making an impression of the pulp chamber to form the crown part of the restoration, at least one stopped root canal opening into the pulp chamber, producing a prosthesis from the impression, the prosthesis includes at least one through canal, having an end opening onto the one root canal, unstopping the root canal, filling the root canal and the through canal with a glue, fitting the prosthesis so that the one through canal opens onto the one unstopped root canal, and inserting a plurality of reinforcement pins in the one root canal through the one through canal, the one through canal and the one root canal being filled by the plurality of reinforcement pins and the glue.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composition that safely removes a cured dental cement or resin from metal brackets, metal braces, and enamel surfaces of teeth. It contains eugenol, isoeugenol, methyl-eugenol or an isomer thereof. A method for removing orthodontic fixtures adhered with a dental cement or resin to the enamel surfaces of teeth from these surfaces by contacting the dental cement or resin with a composition containing eugenol.

Abstract: A coupling member includes a sliding member and a sleeve. The sliding member has one axial direction end portion coupled to a first attachment portion provided at a first attachment that is mounted to one of a maxilla or a mandible. The sleeve has one axial direction end portion coupled to a second attachment portion provided at a second attachment that is mounted to the other of the maxilla and the mandible. The sliding member is inserted into the sleeve so as to be slidable. A restricting section is formed at the sleeve between two axial direction end portions of the sleeve so as to restrict sliding of the sliding member in both directions along an axial direction of the sliding member.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an improved dental implant analog for use in in the fabrication of dental restorations. The dental implant analog embodiments disclosed herein can have a roughened exterior surface optimized for improved surface bonding with casting materials to increase the strength of dental models used by dental laboratory technicians in the fabrication of dental restorations. Dental models made using conventional dental implant analogs are much more vulnerable to breakage at or adjacent to the location of the dental implant analog. Using the improved dental implant analog disclosed herein increases the strength of the dental model to reduce the risk of breakage of the model, and allows the dental laboratory technician to build more accurate dental models.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are related to pellets that are placed within an extraction site that is in need of bone augmentation and preservation. The pellets are typically cylindrical in shape and comprise a material and a polymer coating. The goal of the pellets are to encourage sufficient new bone growth that jaw bone deterioration is prevented. The pellets create, arrange, and assemble an ideal growth environment for new bone growth to rapidly grow and preserve the original contours of an individual's jaw bone.

Abstract: A bone grafting system is provided. The bone graft material changes phase to a fluid when heated, and so is fluid, gelatinous or otherwise a non-solid physically distinctive form when applied, and that solidifies as it's cooled. Any suitable applicator, such as an eyedropper, can be used to apply the non-solid graft material.

Abstract: An alveolar membrane includes: a connecting portion being provided thereon with a through hole for an artificial toothroot to pass therethrough; a capping portion having its one end connected to the connecting portion and including a plurality of openings; and a fixing portion being located at an opposite end of the capping portion and having at least one digit that has a tip to be fixed in osseous tissue or between osseous tissue and soft tissue. With the connecting portion and the fixing portion at its two ends both fixed, the alveolar membrane firmly holds the osseous graft in position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a customized or standardized bionic implant and its manufacturing, especially for dental applications. According to the first variant of the invention, the implant is characterized in that its single-component anchor possesses at least two bionic arms (2) tapering circumferentially, thereby creating at least one pointed (5) and/or linear (6) blade on each arm (2). According to the second variant of the implant, the single-component anchor possesses at least two bulging arms (2) forming at least one protrusion (4) on each of them. The manufacturing method depends on whether the implant is standardized, new and customized or is a modification of an implant selected from a digital library of standardized implants. In all of these cases, the physical form of the anchor is printed in a 3D printer. In the case of customized implants, the process begins with obtaining tomographic images of the biological target.

Abstract: An interdental brush includes a handle, a shank extending therefrom, and a bristle portion disposed around the shank. The bristle portion has a plurality of bristle units, each of which has a loading surface facing the handle and having a diameter larger than a diameter of the shank, and a surrounding wall extending from the loading surface toward a direction opposite to the handle with the extent progressively decreasing therefrom. The loading surface and the surrounding wall converge at a brim. The gradually-reduced arrangement of each surrounding wall facilitates an easy entrance into slits between teeth and provides each loading surface and brim with sufficient support to scrape and remove food debris and tartar while pulling the brush out. The revolution of bristle units around the shank helps the brush touch and massage gingivae in a large area, thereby increasing the effect of cleaning teeth and convenience of use.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods that effectively support innate immunity and/or disperse pathogenic biofilms using readily available, nontoxic, natural substances, while supporting restoration of normal microbiotic homeostasis. In one embodiment, the subject invention provides anti-biofilm compositions comprising one or more prebiotic or probiotic organisms. In a further embodiment, the prebiotics are delivered via a wax disposed on a dental floss.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental floss holder which can control tension of dental floss which may be stretched or weakened during usage of the dental floss and prevent the tension of the dental floss from being decreased during usage of the dental floss by protrusions formed on a tension control portion.

Abstract: A method for providing a beneficial effect to an oral cavity of a mammal, the method including contacting a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity with a liquid effective for providing the beneficial effect to the oral cavity and providing reciprocation of the liquid over the plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity under conditions effective to provide the beneficial effect.

Abstract: A container, a toothbrush, or a device including at least one sacrificial electrode. In one aspect, the container may include a body adapted to contain an oral care solution and a cap selectively removable from the body. The cap may include a cavity configured to contain a fluid, a first electrode comprising a sacrificial metal, a second electrode spaced from the first electrode, and an electrical connection electrically connecting the first electrode and the second electrode to a power source. Activation of the power source may generate an electric field between the first and second electrodes, thereby causing the sacrificial metal of the first electrode to release ions into the fluid in the cavity of the cap.

Abstract: An artificial urinary sphincter device is configured to be implanted in a relationship with a patient's urethra for the treatment of urinary incontinence. The size and shape of the device can vary for implantation on any of a wide variety of locations relative to the urethra such that it can exert a force onto the urethra for inhibiting or preventing involuntary leakage of urine.

Abstract: A repair prosthetic for repairing a hernia is disclosed. In some embodiments, the repair prosthetic includes a patch body, a frame that assists in spreading the patch body from a reduced configuration to an expanded configuration, and a plurality of tethers attached to the patch body at locations between the frame and a periphery of the patch body. In various embodiments, the tethers can be tensioned to mitigate curling or creasing in the patch body to flatten the patch to facilitate attachment to tissue.

Abstract: A medical device packaging system that includes a medical device packaged within an outer sleeve with an open end and a closure flap for closing an end opposite the open end. The packaging system further includes a seal that couples the closure flap to the outer sleeve to close the end opposite the open end. The seal is frangible along an edge between the closure flap and outer sleeve. The packaging system further includes an inner sleeve with a corresponding shape to the outer sleeve, and the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve are configured to move relative to each other in a longitudinal direction of the sleeves. The packaging system further includes a stiffener with a leading edge disposed within the inner and outer sleeves such that the leading edge of the stiffener is configured to interact with an inner surface of the closure flap.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods for placement in vessels, appendages, and openings in a body including a frame having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. In certain instances, the frame includes a waist portion angled relative to the longitudinal axis and one or more anchors arranged along the waist portion.

Abstract: Medical procedures and devices suitable for reducing the risk of embolic cerebrovascular events, including but not limited to cardioembolic stroke, that result from emboli entering the right or left common carotid artery. The invention uses a combination of intracranial flow diverting stent technologies and carotid stent technologies to achieve clinical objectives of embolic stroke prevention without thromboembolic and/or vascular stenosis complication. Such a stent has struts that generate high radial forces for endothelial apposition, and a mesh with interstices sufficiently small to prevent clinically significant-sized embolic material from passing therethrough from the common carotid artery into the internal carotid artery, but sufficiently large to enable blood and small clinically insignificant-sized embolic material to pass therethrough from the common carotid artery into the internal carotid artery.

Abstract: A braid implant delivery and retraction device having a catheter, an expandable element and a delivery wire with distal, pusher, and recapture bumps. The expandable element having compressed, partially delivered, and implanted configurations. Delivering the braid can include engaging the distal bump till the braid is in the partially delivered configuration. If the user needs to recapture the braid, the recapture bump engages the braid proximally. To fully implant the braid, the distal bump is used until the braid is partially delivered and the distal bump disengages, now the pusher bump completes implanting by proximally pushing the braid completely out of the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to woven tubular nanotextiles, fabrication thereof using a weaving apparatus, and use thereof in vascular graft applications. The woven nanotextile conduit is 0.1 to 50 mm in diameter and includes a multitude of hierarchically arranged nanofibers. They are made from low strength bundled nanoyarns containing thousands of nanofibers with improved mechanical strength. The weaving apparatus interweaves the warp and weft yarns in longitudinal and transverse directions, resulting in a flexible and strong woven product. The physical and biological properties of the woven nanotextile were significantly enhanced when compared to non-woven nanofibrous form and conventional medical textiles. The nanotextile displayed superhydrophilic behavior in an otherwise hydrophobic material and when implanted as a vascular graft was robust, suturable, kink-proof and non-thrombogenic, with complete endothelialization of the graft luminal area.

Abstract: A scaffolded stent-graft includes a graft material comprising an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a lumen within the graft material. The scaffolded stent-graft further includes a scaffold comprising a mesh coupled to the graft material at the outer surface. The scaffold is configured to promote tissue ingrowth therein. In this manner, the scaffold enhances tissue integration into the scaffolded stent-graft. The tissue integration enhances biological fixation of the scaffolded stent-graft in vessels minimizing the possibility of endoleaks and migration.

Abstract: An example medical device is disclosed. The medical device includes an implant delivery system having a delivery shaft including a proximal portion and a distal portion and a detachable frame coupled to the distal portion of the delivery shaft. The detachable frame includes a body portion and a plurality of attachment arms extending away from the body portion. The plurality of attachment arms are configured to be attached to an implant and the detachable frame is configured to detach from the delivery shaft in vivo.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing a soft tissue site, and augmenting the soft tissue site, such as the breast(s), scar, depression, or other defect, of a subject through use of devices that exert a distractive force on the breast(s) and grafting of autologous fat tissue such as domes with scaling rims for surrounding each of the soft tissue site and a regulated pump. The method for preparing the soft tissue site, and enhancing fat graft results, entails application of the distracting force to the targeted soft tissue site at least intermittently for some period of time and preferably several weeks prior to the graft procedure. A related aspect of the invention includes following the preparation steps by transfer of fat from other areas of the subject to the subject's soft tissue site, and then reapplication of the distractive force to the soft tissue site that received the autologous fat graft.

Abstract: Eyewear is provided including a frame, and a camera connected with the frame, in which the camera is configured to be controlled by a remote controller. The camera may be configured to capture video and/or a photo. The eyewear may include data storage, and the camera may be connected to the data storage. A wristwatch may be configured to act both as a time piece and a controller of the camera. The eyewear may also include a heads-up display and/or a video file player. The eyewear may also include an electro-active lens.