Abstract: An ablation procedure. The ablation procedure may be applied to tooth buds 120 and result in tooth agenesis. The ablation procedure may be applied to lesions or tumors. A tooth bud ablation system for use in a tooth bud ablation procedure that results in tooth agenesis. A method for volume scanning both hard tissues and soft tissues of a patient. A method for manufacturing or fabricating a custom surgical stent 110. A custom surgical stent 110 for use in a tooth bud ablation procedure that results in tooth agenesis, the custom surgical stent 110 for use with an ablation probe tip 108 having a center of ablation 130a.

Abstract: The present invention relates to orthodontic positioning appliances that represent teeth in desired positions and related systems and methods. An appliance can include teeth receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to a patient's teeth. An appliance can include an outer component having a surface representing teeth in desired positions. An outer component can be integral with an appliance. An outer component can be separate and configured to couple with an appliance main body.

Abstract: A kit for an orthodontic bracket, which includes at least a base plate and a flap that can be pivoted over the base plate, to which a flap directly or indirectly guided wire bow can be fastened. The kit includes a selection of base plates and flaps differing in size and shape. Base plates and flaps are produced from sheet metal by bending and stamping. The two parts can be connected to each other without a shaft by being pivoted in relation to each other.

Abstract: A dental implant has a coronal body formed of solid metal that connects at an interface to a bone fixation body. The bone fixation body is made separately from the coronal body and has a porous structure with a cylindrical shape. The bone fixation body connects to the coronal body after the bone fixation body is separately made from the coronal body.

Abstract: A dental implant system can include an upper implant body coupled to a lower body with a cavity between the upper and lower implant bodies. The system can further include an anchor at least partially disposed within the cavity. The system can also include an abutment that couples to the anchor and serves as a mounting area for a crown. The anchor can be rotatable and swivelable, allowing the lower implant body to be implanted at an angle in bone while permitting the crown to be positioned in a natural tooth orientation.

Abstract: A blank, in particular a dental blank, for the production of a tooth prosthesis, includes a bed of a first material, and at least one core region which is embedded in the bed and which has a different color from the bed and includes a second material. The core region has a surface directed in the direction of the bed, and a boundary layer delimiting the bed relative to the surface of the core region is directed in the direction of the bed. The boundary layer simulates a dentine boundary between a dental enamel and a dentine, and the blank has at least two separate core regions with separate surfaces directed in the direction of the bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sinter blank (1) for producing a dental prosthesis in at least one sintering process, the sinter blank (1) including at least one product area (2), from which the dental prosthesis is produced, and at least one strut (3) that is to be removed after the sintering process, the strut (3) having at least one sliding knob (4) for supporting the strut (3) on a base surface (5) during the sintering process.

Abstract: A housing interlock (90) for a power toothbrush (10) configured to improve the durability of the toothbrush and to simplify the assembly process. The housing interlock (90) provides for tolerance mitigation and shock protection, and also provides housing interlock tabs (95) such that the housing interlock can secure the components within the housing.

Abstract: An oral care system comprising: an oral care implement, comprising: a body comprising a handle and a head at an end of the handle, the head having at least one oral care element extending therefrom, and a cavity in the body, the body defining an opening of the cavity; and a plurality of dentifrice-free oral care devices in the cavity, each of the oral care devices comprising an oral care composition comprising an oral care agent. The oral care device may comprise a storage portion comprising a sealed vessel having an interior holding an oral care composition comprising an oral care agent; and an applicator connected to the storage portion; wherein the vessel or a seal thereof is breakable to place the interior of the vessel in fluid communication with the applicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for modeling the mandibular kinematics of a patient, comprising: acquiring at least one stereoscopic image of the face of the patient by means of a stereoscopic camera, constructing, from said stereoscopic image, a three-dimensional surface model of the face of the patient, identifying characteristic elements of the face of the patient on said stereoscopic image or on said three-dimensional surface model of the face of the patient, from said characteristic elements, determining, on said stereoscopic image, respectively said three-dimensional surface model of the face of the patient, reference points, axes and planes of the face of the patient, obtaining a three-dimensional model of the maxillary dental arch and a three-dimensional model of the mandibular dental arch of the patient, registering the three-dimensional models of the dental arches with respect to the reference planes of the three-dimensional surface model of the patient, recording the mandibular kinematics o

Abstract: A system for fabricating a dental restoration to restore a plurality of teeth in a dentition of a patient is described. The dentition includes a restoration dental arch and an opposing dental arch. The restoration dental arch includes a restoration site and the opposing dental arch is opposite the restoration dental arch. The system includes an impression apparatus, a motion capture apparatus, an interference model generation system, and a restoration design system. The impression apparatus is configured to capture an impression of the dentition of the patient. The motion capture apparatus is configured to capture a plurality of location data points that represent the locations of the opposing dental arch relative to the restoration dental arch. The interference model generation system is configured to generate an interference model for the restoration site. The restoration design system is for designing a restoration using the interference model.

Abstract: Devices and methods for inserting an implant into skin or other tissue of a patient can include an insertion device having moveable portions that can retain, move, or otherwise control engagement and injection of a hyaluronic thread. The device can include a tubular member and a handle. The handle can include two or more components that each include apertures through which a needle can be placed. The handle can be manipulated to align or offset the apertures with respect to each other to modify a clearance through the apertures and selectively engage or disengage the needle or thread.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a mesh or implant sizing system are provided. An implant can include a gauging portion included with a support portion of the implant, to assist a surgeon in determining what size implant to insert into the pocket created in a tissue plane of the patient.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate methods and synthetic scaffolds for regenerating gastrointestinal tissue (e.g., esophageal tissue).

Abstract: A blood vessel implant to influence the flow of blood in the area of arteriovenous malformations. The implant has a wall of individual filaments forming a tubular braiding extending axially from the proximal to the distal end, the individual filaments crossing and forming points of intersection. The implant is deformable so that in an insertion catheter it is shaped so that its diameter is reduced and can be expanded at the implantation site adapting to the diameter of the blood vessel. The filament ends at the proximal and/or distal end of the braiding are each brought together at least in pairs and connected with each other permanently. The filament ends connect with each other and are shaped so as to be atraumatic The filaments cross at the points of intersection distally from the filament ends and are connected with each other at the proximal end of the implant.

Abstract: An implantable device is provided for soft-tissue or soft tissue-to-bone repair, fixation, augmentation, or replacement that includes a biomimetic and biodegradable nanofiber scaffold. Also provided is a fully synthetic implantable multiphased scaffold which includes, in a single continuous construct, a plurality of phases to mimic the natural anatomy of a tendon or ligament and their insertion sites. Also provided are scaffold apparatuses for musculoskeletal tissue engineering.

Abstract: A tendon repair implant for treatment of a complete or partial thickness tear in the supraspinatus tendon of the shoulder is provided. The implant may incorporate features of rapid deployment and fixation by arthroscopic means that compliment current procedures; tensile properties that result in desired sharing of anatomical load between the implant and native tendon during rehabilitation; selected porosity and longitudinal pathways for tissue in-growth; sufficient cyclic straining of the implant in the longitudinal direction to promote remodeling of new tissue to tendon-like tissue; and, may include a bioresorbable construction to provide transfer of additional load to new tendon-like tissue and native tendon over time.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices for tensioning grafts are provided. In general, a surgical device can include a grip and a frame. The frame can have two opposed segments. The segments can be spaced apart from one another and can each be configured to have at least one suture attached thereto. The sutures attached to the frame can each be configured to attach to a graft. The two segments can be configured to dynamically move toward and away from each other in response to tension that is applied to the sutures attached to the frame. The frame can include an indicator configured to provide an indication of the tension applied to the sutures. The grip can have at least one opening therein. The at least one opening can be configured to have a surgical instrument passed therethrough.

Abstract: A ligament assembly comprising a first ligament anchor (9) connected to a second ligament anchor (14) by a ligament (18) a resilient element (40) being associated with the first ligament anchor (9) and a ligament tension adjuster (44, 50) being associated with the second ligament anchor (14). The resilient element (40) may be disposed within the first ligament anchor (9) and the ligament tension adjuster (44, 50) may be disposed within the second ligament anchor (14).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for repairing a tear in soft tissue are disclosed. A method according to the principles of the present disclosure includes connecting an intermediate member to a bone anchor and placing the intermediate member on the soft tissue. The method further includes inserting a first suture through the intermediate member and the soft tissue to attach the intermediate member to the soft tissue and fixing the bone anchor to bone to secure the soft tissue to the bone.

Abstract: A graft includes a biological graft. An embroidered textile supports the biological graft. Sutures attach the biological graft and the embroidered textile together.

Abstract: An ocular stent for insertion in an anterior chamber of an eye is provided. The stent facilitates the restoration of the structure of an irideocorneal angle of the anterior chamber for treating structural changes from ocular aging. The stent includes: a continuous annular central portion; an anterior portion protruding in an anterior direction from the central portion and being configured to provide variable contact around a circumference of the stent with a surface of a transition zone between a trabecular meshwork and a corneal endothelium of the eye; and a posterior portion extending in a posterior direction from the central portion, the posterior portion being configured to contact a portion of a peripheral iris of the eye. A method for stabilizing the irideocorneal angle of the anterior chamber using a stent is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for providing enhanced vision includes an optic having a clear aperture having an outer diameter. The optic has opposing first and second surfaces disposed about an optical axis, the first surface including a cross-sectional profile. The optic further includes central and outer zones that fill the entire clear aperture of the optic. The central zone is disposed about the optical axis having an outer diameter, the profile in the vicinity of the central zone having a constant radius of curvature or a radius of curvature that increases with increasing radius from the optical axis. The outer zone is disposed about the central zone, the profile in the outer zone having a base curvature with a base radius of curvature and a center of curvature, the profile in the outer zone characterized in that, as the distance from the optical axis increases, the distance from the center of curvature of the base curvature also increases. The central zone and the outer zone.

Abstract: A method of positioning an accommodating intraocular lens assembly in an eye can include implanting an accommodating intraocular lens assembly having a positive power lens in the eye. The accommodating intraocular lens assembly can also include a plurality of stanchions extending between base ends and distal ends. The base ends can be disposed in spaced relation to one another about a first arcuate periphery positioned in a ciliary sulcus of the eye. The distal ends can be disposed about a second arcuate periphery extending in a second plane positioned forward and outside of a capsular bag of the eye. The positive-power lens can be connected with the plurality of distal ends whereby a center of the positive power lens is moved along the central optic axis in response to contraction of the first arcuate periphery by contraction of the ciliary sulcus.

Abstract: This intraocular lens (IOL) injector cartridge has a proximal opening in a main body for receiving an IOL. The main body has a lumen that extends longitudinally to a distal end having an opening smaller than the IOL. Passage through the lumen compresses or rolls the IOL so that when the distal end is inserted through a small incision in the eye the IOL can be expelled into the capsular bag. The distal end of the cartridge is beveled with a leading tip in front of a trailing heel. The characteristics of the beveled end are such that damage to the IOL is reduced. The bevel may be straight or curved and includes a distal face defined by the thickness of the distal end between the lumen and an exterior surface. The distal face may be flush with the bevel or chamfered. An inner corner angle between the distal face and the lumen is ?60° to reduce the chance of scratching the IOL as it passes out of the distal opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a prosthetic heart valve incorporating one or more linking elements adapted for anchoring, aligning, stabilizing, fixing, or otherwise enabling the implantation of other prosthetic devices, including other prosthetic heart valves, in or around the heart.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves described herein can be deployed using a transcatheter delivery system and technique to interface and anchor in cooperation with the anatomical structures of a native heart valve. Some embodiments of prosthetic mitral valves described herein include an anchor portion that couples the prosthetic mitral valve to the anatomy near the native mitral valve, and a valve portion that is mateable with the anchor portion.

Abstract: Stent-valves (e.g., single-stent-valves and double-stent-valves), associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery, and guide-wire compatible closure devices for sealing access orifices are provided.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant delivery assembly can include a prosthetic implant and an elongate catheter. The prosthetic implant can include an expandable stent portion having a longitudinal axis extending from a first end portion of the stent to a second end portion of the stent. The catheter can include a longitudinal axis extending from a proximal end portion of the catheter to a distal end portion of the catheter and a plurality of arms extending axially from the distal end of the catheter. The first end portion of the stent can be releasably and pivotably coupled to at least one the arms of the catheter such that the stent can pivot about the at least one of the arms so that the longitudinal axis of the stent is tilted relative to the longitudinal axis of the catheter.

Abstract: A method is provided including introducing into a heart atrium, an annuloplasty structure having a sleeve with an elongated tubular side wall, anchoring a first section of the sleeve by deploying a first tissue anchor through the first section and into a first portion of annulus tissue, and anchoring a second section of the sleeve by deploying a second tissue anchor through the second section and into a second portion of annulus tissue. A longitudinal portion of the tubular side wall is disposed between the first and second tissue anchors and has first and second lateral parts. The first lateral part is closer to the annulus than the second lateral part is to the annulus, and the second lateral part is opposite the first lateral part and has a larger degree of tension than a degree of tension of the first lateral part.

Abstract: An annuloplasty repair segment for heart valve annulus repair. In one embodiment a multi-stranded cable replaces solid core wire for both the tricuspid and mitral valves. Cable allows for greater deployment flexibility for minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) implant, while still maintaining the required strength and similar tensile properties of solid-core wire. Stranded cable provides a MIS annuloplasty ring with sufficient flexibility in the x-y plane to allow a surgeon to squeeze the ring into a small incision, such as being able to pass through an 18 Fr or smaller catheter, while maintaining structural rigidity under forces exerted on the implanted ring by the cardiac cycle. The particular shape of the annuloplasty ring is fixed using a heat setting process.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valve devices with tethered anchors and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A heart valve device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a valve support for carrying a prosthetic valve. The valve support can be configured to be implanted at an annulus of a native mitral valve. The device can further include at least one elongated flexible member extending from the valve support in a ventricular direction, and an anchor coupled to the valve support via the elongated flexible member. The anchor can be shaped to wrap around an exterior area of an apical portion of the heart. In addition, the anchor can inhibit retrograde migration of the valve support.

Abstract: A device 10 for repairing mitral valve leaflets 2, 3 includes a jaw mechanism 15 that may be positioned adjacent a mitral valve leaflet 2, 3. The jaw mechanism 15 may move between an open position and a closed position by pivoting a first jaw relative 16 to a second jaw 18. The first jaw 16 may include a rivet 28 that may move from a stored position to an application position projecting away from the first jaw 16 when the jaw mechanism 15 is moved from the closed to the open position. Closing the jaws 16, 18 about a valve leaflet 2, 3 causes the rivet 28 to pierce the leaflet. The jaw mechanism 15 may then be rotated to wind the leaflet 2, 3 thereabout and again pierce the leaflet. The rivet 28 may then be released from the jaw mechanism 25 and the device 10 removed from the patient.

Abstract: An implant comprises a U-shaped suture channel which extends along a center line which has first and second end openings opposite each other opening to a common face. In an aspect the suture channel has a middle portion with a first size in cross section with respect to the center line of the suture channel and at least one of the end openings has a second size in cross section larger than the first size. In another aspect the first and second end openings of the U-shaped suture channel are formed by a first hole and a second hole extending into the implant from the common face in respective first and second directions extending into the implant from the common face, the first hole and the second hole communicating within the implant and providing the U-shaped suture channel through the implant, for guiding curved suture needles through the suture channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to and orthopedic implant having an expansion means adapted to increase the external surface area of the implant, the expansion means positioned to correspond to voids or depressions in the anatomy of a patient. Also described are method for the design and manufacture of such implants.

Abstract: A method of fusing a sacroiliac joint including a sacrum, an ilium, and a sacroiliac joint space defined therebetween. The method may include: approaching a posterior aspect of the sacroiliac joint space with a joint implant including a body extending a length between a distal end and a proximal end; and delivering the joint implant into the sacroiliac joint space such that the joint implant passes through an access region defined between the posterior superior iliac spine and the posterior inferior iliac spine. The joint implant may be oriented in the sacroiliac joint space such that a portion of the body of the joint implant is positioned within a joint plane of the sacroiliac joint space, and such that the distal end of the joint implant is positioned posteriorly of an anterior boundary of the sacroiliac joint space.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for orthopedic implants. The implants may include a base member, such as an acetabular shell or an augment, that is configured to couple with an augment, flange cup, mounting member, or any other suitable orthopedic attachment. An implant may include a base member that has at least two projections with a gap between the projections. The gap between the projections allows the implant to fee implanted around another implanted component, such as around a bone screw of an acetabular shell. The implant may include a fixation element, such as a screw or a cement trough, on one or more projections to couple the implant to an implanted acetabular shell. The implant may also include timing marks to facilitate alignment with corresponding marks on another implanted component.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing orthopedic augments having recessed pockets that receive a fixation material. The orthopedic augments include an outer surface that interfaces with a patient's tissue or bone, and an inner surface that interfaces with an implant, the inner surface defining a recessed pocket configured to receive a fixation material, a rim around at least a portion of the recessed pocket, and a port in the rim, wherein the recessed pocket extends along the inner surface in at least a direction laterally from the port.

Abstract: Adjustable modular spacer device for the articulation of the knee including a tibial component, suitable for being fixedly connected to one end of the tibial bone near to the articulation of the knee, a femoral component, suitable for being fixedly connected to one end of the femoral bone near to the articulation of the knee and suitable for coming into contact and for being articulated with the tibial component, in which the femoral component includes at least one condylar articular portion and an intercondylar central body, in which the intercondylar central body and the at least one condylar articular portion are separate and discrete components of the femoral component.

Abstract: An orthopedic knee prosthesis includes a tibial bearing and a femoral component configured to articulate with the tibial bearing. The femoral component includes a posterior cam configured to contact a spine of the tibial bearing and a condyle surface curved in the sagittal plane. The radius of curvature of the condyle surface decreases gradually between early-flexion and mid-flexion. Additionally, in some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the condyle surface may be increased during mid-flexion.

Abstract: An orthopedic knee prosthesis is provided including a tibial baseplate component having a distal, bone-contacting surface with one or more fixation structures extending distally therefrom, in which the fixation structures are asymmetrically arranged within the baseplate periphery.

Abstract: A spacer for a knee replacement prosthesis. The spacer may have a lower surface with a locking component adapted to interlock with a tibial tray, an upper surface optionally with a tibial post and a pair of smooth-surfaced and slightly concave condyle support platforms disposed on opposite sides of the tibial post, and a substantially hollow body with an internal reservoir that can be filled with antibiotic material. The reservoir may be accessible from a port on the hollow body that leads into the internal reservoir, and which permits refilling of the reservoir. In some embodiments, the reservoir may be refillable from this port without removal of the spacer from the patient; for example, a percutaneous needle may be inserted into the port. The spacer may dispense antibiotic from this reservoir to the surrounding area in order to treat an infection.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument system for use during a surgical procedure to implant an orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a tibial base trial component adapted to be positioned on a surgically-prepared proximal end of a patient's tibia and an insert component shaped to be received in an opening defined in the tibial base trial component. The insert component has a base plate and a central post extending upwardly from a superior surface of the base plate. A superior surface of the central post has a ramp surface defined therein, with the ramp surface inclining superiorly in the anterior-to-posterior direction.

Abstract: A reverse shoulder orthopaedic implant includes a glenosphere component having a lateral bearing surface configured to articulate with a humeral cup of a humeral prosthesis. A metaglene component includes a platform configured to receive glenosphere component.

Abstract: Arthroplasty components include an articular surface and a bone-facing surface. The bone-facing surface includes a concave arrangement of planar surfaces which converge as they approach a middle portion of the articular surface. Instruments and implantation methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implant (30) for a mammalian bone joint (3) for spacing a first bone (2) of the joint from a second bone (1) of the joint while allowing translational movement of the second bone in relation to the first bone is described. The implant comprises (a) a distal part (31) configured for intramedullary engagement with an end of the second bone, (b) a proximal part (34) having a platform (15) configured for non-engaging abutment of an end of the first bone and translational movement thereon, and (c) an articulating coupling (10, 16) provided between the distal and proximal ends allowing controlled articulation of the first and second bones. The bone-abutting platform is shaped to conform to and translate upon the end of the first bone. A kit for assembly to form the implant of the invention, and the use of the implant to treat osteoarthritis in a bone joint, are also described.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant can include a housing having a first end and second end with a top side and bottom side therebetween, with at least one engagement opening in the top side and/or bottom side, the implant having a first dimension from the top side to the bottom side; a shaft rotatably located within the housing and having a shaft head exposed through an end opening in the first end, the shaft head having a tool coupling member; the cam mechanism operably coupled with the shaft such that rotation of the shaft rotates the cam mechanism; and at least one engaging surface operably coupled to the cam mechanism such that rotation of the shaft protrudes and/or retracts each engaging surface through an engagement opening, wherein when each engaging surface protrudes through the engagement opening, the implant has a second dimension that is greater than the first dimension.

Abstract: A prosthesis for the replacement of multiple diseased or traumatized spinal facets comprises a portion that replaces at least a bony portion of the facets to be replaced and where the prosthesis attaches to the vertebra in a manner that does not require attachment to, or abutment against, the lamina. Multiple configurations of the prosthesis provide for replacement of the two inferior facets, the two superior facets, a superior and inferior facet, or all four facets. A method of installing the prosthesis is provided that is comprised of the steps of resecting at least a portion of the facets that carry the diseased or traumatized spinal facets and attaching the prosthesis in a manner that does not require attachment or abutment against the lamina.

Abstract: A spinal fusion implant includes a leading end, an opposite trailing end, an upper portion extending between the leading and trailing ends, a lower portion extending between the leading and trailing ends, and opposed first and second side portions extending between the leading and trailing ends. The upper portion includes at least two rails extending between the leading and trailing ends, the at least two rails including a first rail and a second rail spaced apart from one another, the first rail of the upper portion including a bone-contacting surface being at least partially smoothened. The lower portion includes at least two rails extending between the leading and trailing ends, the at least two rails including a first rail and a second rail spaced apart from one another, the first rail of the lower portion including a bone-contacting surface being at least partially smoothened.

Abstract: A vertebral insert may include a first linkage, a second linkage, and a third linkage. The first, second, and third linkages may at least partially defining a cavity. The insert may be movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and the movement of the first and second linkages with respect to one another may be configured to reciprocally move the insert between the collapsed and expanded configurations.