Abstract: A surgical tool includes a drive housing that houses a plurality of drive cable capstans, an elongate shaft that extends from the drive housing, and an end effector operatively coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft. A plurality of drive cables extend between the drive housing and the end effector, wherein each drive cable is associated with a corresponding drive cable capstan and rotation of the drive cable capstans correspondingly moves the drive cables to articulate the end effector. A manual release assembly is coupled to the drive housing and includes a release switch that is manually movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. When the release switch is manually moved to the engaged position, the drive cable capstans are rotated to move the drive cables and thereby manually articulate the end effector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a minimally invasive surgical instrument with a terminal steerable mechanism, comprising an intervention device, a control device and one or more wires. The strip-shaped intervention device sequentially includes a main section, a flexible section and an operation section from the top to the end. The control device includes a sphere with a preset rotational degree of freedom, and an operating lever connected to the sphere. Said one or more wires are extended along the main section of the intervention device. Here, the second ends of said at least one or more wires are connected to the flexible section or the operation section of the intervention device, and the first ends thereof are connected to at least a part of the control device.

Abstract: Tactile sensing devices, systems, and methods to image a target tissue location are disclosed. When force is applied to the tactile sensing device, voltage data is detected and visualized on a screen, indicating the target tissue location.

Abstract: A portable emergency or medical package has: a body; a plurality of compartments for housing medical supplies, and a compartment for communication device, providing real time two-way communication between a user of the package and a communication appliance remote from the package, wherein the communication device is detachable from the remainder of the package. A method of delivering a package of emergency or medical supplies to a desired location provides control over the use of the medical supplies by a remote person. At the desired location, a user is instructed to remove the communication device from the package, which enables the provision of real time two-way audio communication between a remote person and the user and at least one way video communication to the remote person, whereby the remote person can provide instructions and directions to the user.

Abstract: A carrying case for vials has a clamshell housing, at least one mounting wall comprising a plurality of shelf-retaining apertures, and a plurality of vial shelves removably attachable to the mounting wall via the shelf-retaining apertures. Each shelf has one or more vial retaining arms for securing vials of various diameters and heights thereto.

Abstract: To provide a container for a medical device, which enables easy removal of wrapping, thereby significantly reducing the labor for unpacking at the delivery destination such as a pharmaceutical company or a medical institution. Furthermore, the provided container for the medical device enables easy removal of wrapping even during an automated process in a filling machine for medical solutions, for example. In this container for a medical device, a holder holding at least one medical device is placed inside a container body having an opening at the top, and the opening is sealed with a gas-impermeable film. When sterilizing the exterior of the container using a sterilization gas, the sterilization gas does not permeate into the container due to the gas-impermeable film, so the medical device and the holder thereof placed inside the container are never exposed to the gas.

Abstract: A mechanotransductive bowel extender device that can be used to correct short bowel syndrome by applying tension to the bowel tissue which, via the process of mechanotransduction, grows in length in response to the applied tension. Such a device is placed within the small bowel and applies tension over a period of several days or weeks by attaching to the lumen of the bowel at two different locations and moving those two points apart, stretching the tissue between. The extender device further capable of localized application and/or evacuation of medically relevant liquid and other material within the bowel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft assembly, and a rotation locking mechanism. The shaft assembly extends distally from the housing and includes a shaft portion defining a longitudinal axis, and an end effector extending distally from the shaft portion, wherein the end effector and the shaft portion are axially rotatable relative to the housing about the longitudinal axis. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw to transition the end effector between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The rotation locking mechanism is configured to prevent an axial rotation of the end effector and the shaft portion relative to the housing in the closed configuration. The rotation locking mechanism is configured to permit the axial rotation of the end effector and the shaft portion relative to the housing in the open configuration.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system comprising a surgical instrument and a housing is disclosed. The housing comprises a handle assembly, at least one motor, and a drive shaft. The surgical instrument system comprises a shaft assembly configured to be attached to the housing. The shaft assembly comprises a control circuit and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism prevents movement of the drive shaft if the shaft assembly is not attached to the surgical instrument in an orientation which enables the operation of the surgical instrument. The locking mechanism comprises sensing means for determining whether the locking mechanism is actively engaged.

Abstract: A removable tip for a light energy handpiece comprises a hollow conduit configured to surround a light guide in the handpiece; a support extension having a length longer than a length of the hollow conduit; and a shielding extension coupled to the support extension at an angle less than 180 degrees and located in front of the hollow conduit. The shielding extension is configured to be inserted behind an eyelid and extend to the fornix, the shielding extension comprised of a thermally insulative material.

Abstract: An oropharyngeal measurement device includes a tubular body, a sealed channel, a radial flange member, and a measurement indicator on the outer surface of the tubular body. The tubular body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The sealed channel extends within the tubular body from the proximal end to the distal end and includes a plurality of bends configured to conform with the airway of a user. The measurement indicator is useful for placing alongside the face of a patient from the mouth towards the throat, in order to gauge an approximation for a oropharyngeal airway device to be used during a medical procedure.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a fit-check device and associated methods. In some embodiments, the device may be used in conjunction with a rigid or semi-rigid partially circumferential concussion-mitigating collar to determine whether the collar is appropriately sized for the user and is applying the desired amount of force to the neck veins.

Abstract: Roll control is provided for a device by controlling the roll-angle offset about the device roll axis in correspondence to a specified rotation of a reference frame for the device. This specified rotation may correspond to a roll-free rotation of the reference frame to align a corresponding reference roll axis with the device roll axis. In applications to robotics generally, the device may be characterized as a robotic element or a robotically-supported instrument. In specific applications to robotic surgery in a computer-assisted medical system, the device may include a spar or cannula that is configured to support a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical microscope system includes a surgical microscope. When an additional unit is added to the microscope, the center of gravity of the microscope upwardly changes. In this case, an extension of a vertical-slider plate is joined with an upper joint location of a horizontal-slider plate, to raise a vertical slider together with a rotary shaft relative to the microscope, so that a weight balance of the microscope can be established only by sliding the vertical slider within its slidable range.

Abstract: Head-mounted accessories for surgeons and medical/dental practitioners are equipped with no-touch controls including, in different embodiments, passive and active infrared detection, voice operation, and capacitive proximity control. Compared to infrared, capacitive proximity control may be more omni-directional, whereas IR, particularly active IR, tends to be more effective in a cone of operation. Compared to voice activation, capacitive sensing is less expensive and less prone to false activation based upon ambient noise or other voices. The invention may be used to control other medical/dental accessories such as a head-mounted video camera, in which case the controller is further operative to at least turn the video camera ON or OFF. More preferably, a controller is additionally operative to control the focus or zoom of the video camera in accordance with touch-free commands.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical marker (1) comprising an elongate handle (2) that can be gripped with the hand in the manner of a pen, and means provided on the handle (2) for interchangeably attaching interchangeable points (3, 4, 5), the interchangeable points comprising: a point made of a porous material that can be soaked in ink (3), for marking on skin; a graphite point (4) for marking on bone; and an injector point (5) for precision-marking points to outline skin grafts by means of an injection into the dermis that is not erased with surgical washing.

Abstract: An isocenter marker for marking a treatment isocenter on a patient's body. Embodiments include a base, alignment indicia configured for alignment with external alignment sources to facilitate alignment of the base over an isocenter on a patient's body, an ink reservoir in the base, an ink channel in the base, and an actuator assembly attachable to the base. The actuator assembly includes a rupture member to open the ink reservoir and allow ink from the reservoir to flow to the ink channel when the actuator assembly is attached to the base, an ink marker including a needle with a tip configured for movement through the ink channel and positioned relative to the alignment indicia for marking an ink mark indicating the isocenter, and a marker actuator for actuating the ink marker to drive the needle from a retracted position through the ink channel to a marking position.

Abstract: An object of the invention of the present application is to provide a medical supporting arm control apparatus that restricts an operation of a medical supporting arm apparatus. A medical supporting arm control apparatus (20) according to the present disclosure includes: a position acquisition section (241) configured to detect a spatial position of an operating point on a multi-link structure (120) configured by coupling a plurality of links by a joint section; a comparison section (270) configured to compare a movable region of the operating point with the spatial position, the movable region being set in advance; and an operation restriction section (272) configured to restrict an operation of the operating point on a basis of a result of the comparison. According to this configuration, it is possible to restrict the operation of the medical supporting arm apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for clinicians in a medical environment to remotely assess the status of an asset without physically going to the specific place where the asset is located. By using sensors and special purpose rooms, the methods and systems provide an accurate view of what is going on with the asset. Furthermore, the methods and systems can be extrapolated to a patient's status (knowing if the patient is asleep or awake, or when the patient wakes up post anesthesia—this would imply that the patient wears a tag).

Abstract: A scalpel that safely and efficiently removes excess dental composite from the surfaces of teeth. A method for removing excess dental composite from a dental surface using this dental scalpel.

Abstract: A medical tool and a method for using the medical tool removes tooth fragments, in particular tooth roots and/or remainders of tooth roots, from a tooth socket or an alveole in the region of the jaw. The medical tool includes a base and a needle disposed on the base. The needle has a retentive section and a drilling section.

Abstract: Dental restorations such as crowns, are made from lithium silicate glass ceramic that is heated and pressed onto a metal substrate, the latter being shaped to an impression or scan of the area of the mouth to receive the restoration. The metal substrate is made from an alloy selected to exhibit a coefficient of thermal expansion which is slightly greater than the CTE of the lithium silicate. In a preferred embodiment, the CTE of the lithium silicate glass ceramic is in the range of 11.5 to 12.5 and the alloy is selected to have a CTE of 12 to 13.5. A palladium tin alloy provides that CTE in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A method of estimating and restoring includes: determining a temporary finish line having multiple points on scan data as an imaginary boundary line between a formed portion and an unformed portion of the abutment tooth or abutment tooth model; deleting the scan data including the temporary finish line in an edge portion of the abutment tooth or abutment tooth model; extending, in a portion in which the scanned data is deleted, a crown-side temporary finish line and a root-side temporary finish line in directions supplementing the deleted portion of the scan data, respectively; and estimating and restoring the finish line of the edge portion which is formed on the outer side than the edge portion of the deleted scan data based on the extended crown-side temporary finish line and the extended root-side temporary finish line.

Abstract: The retractor is a generally U-shaped device for protecting the cheek and tongue from instruments used during dental and prosthodontic procedures. The retractor has a planar base defined by two spaced arms, a pair of upright shields extending from the arms, and a posterior connector connecting the shields. The base is contoured to grip the tooth adjacent to the tooth to be treated, and thereby, secure the retractor within the patient's mouth.

Abstract: An image simulation method for orthodontics is provided. First, receive a face video and capturing a face image from the face video and find a plurality of face feature points on the face image to determine a mouth area. Then, acquire a tooth image in the mouth area. Define a plurality of tooth image feature points according to the tooth image. Subsequently, compare a plurality of preset tooth model feature points of the stereo tooth model and the tooth image feature points, to adjust the preset tooth model feature points to conform to the tooth image feature points and further to form an adjusted stereo tooth model. Then, project the adjusted stereo tooth model to the face video. An image simulation device for orthodontics is also provided.

Abstract: A method for adjusting/monitoring an orthodontic appliance worn by a patient. Creating a numerical three-dimensional reference model of at least a part of a patient's arch. Creating a numerical three-dimensional reference model of the teeth of the at least a part of the patient's arch. Acquiring at least one updated image, under actual acquisition conditions, and searching, by deformation of the initial reference model, for an updated reference model corresponding to the positioning of the teeth during the acquisition of the updated image. Determining, depending a comparison model corresponding to an anticipated positioning of the teeth, a comparison model. Comparing the updated reference model with the comparison model. If comparison leads to an unsatisfactory result, creation of a replacement orthodontic appliance, by modification of the orthodontic appliance worn or by creation of a new orthodontic appliance, the replacement orthodontic appliance being configured accordingly.

Abstract: A series of appliances including a first appliance and a second appliance. The first appliance can have a first shell having a plurality of cavities therein and each cavity configured to receive at least one tooth of a first jaw and having a first number of bite adjustment structures. The first number of bite adjustment structures can be formed as part of the first shell, the first number of bite adjustment structures extending from the lingual surface of at least one of the plurality of cavities. The first number of bite adjustment structures can have a first shape and location specific to a first stage of the treatment plan. The second appliance can have a second shell having a plurality of cavities therein and each cavity configured to receive at least one tooth of the second jaw and having a second number of bite adjustment structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a palatal and jaw expansion device comprising at least one screw, at least two blocks that are positioned on the screw so as to move on the screw, at least one stabilization rod whereon the blocks are seated, a movement mechanism disposed at the center of the screw and an arm that has a fixed end fixed to the movement mechanism perpendicularly to the horizontal axis where the screw extends and a free end and hat, when force is applied on the free end, rotates the movement mechanism whereon the arm is fixed and the screw around the horizontal axis where the screw extends, enabling the blocks to move on the screw.

Abstract: Examples of a dental orthotic guard and protection device are disclosed. The device is re-usable and can be used by users with or without braces. The protection device comprises a body shaped to correspond to user's dental arch and an aerating trough formed in the body such that it rises upward from its surface. The aerating trough has a plurality of openings to allow fluid circulating in and out through the trough to prevent fluids accumulating on a surface of the protector and provide free air flow. The dental orthotic can further comprises a U-shaped guard with top and bottom surfaces that are substantially flat such that the guard sits flat on top of user's teeth to provide fluid flowing between the user teeth and the guard. The dental protector and guard can be connected as a single piece for use as dental orthotic device in small children.

Abstract: A system for correcting class III malocclusions is disclosed. The system may include a maxilla appliance having tooth receiving cavities shaped to receive teeth of the maxilla and a first coupling for receiving an elastic. The system may also include a mandibular appliance having tooth receiving cavities shaped to receive teeth of the mandible. In some embodiments, the system includes a class III corrective appliance having a first mount shaped to engage with the mandibular arch of the patient and having a second coupling shaped to receive the elastic.

Abstract: The present invention describes a dental kit-of-parts comprising an implant abutment having at least a surface, a through hole configured to accommodate at least part of a screw shaft therein, and is configured to be connected to a dental implant implanted in a jawbone; a dental restoration having at least an inner surface and an outer surface, a channel through which a tool is insertable, and is configured to be connected to the implant abutment via the inner surface; and a screw having a screw head, a threaded screw shaft, wherein the diameter of the screw head is larger than the diameter of the screw shaft, and is configured to connect a pre-assembly including the implant abutment and the dental restoration to the dental implant. The pre-assembly is so configured as to comprise therein a recess that encloses at least the screw head, whereby the screw is a captive screw.

Abstract: A composition delivery source (200) is provided that includes (a) a chamber (202), which is shaped so as to define (A) one or more liquid ports (310) in fluid communication with an interior of the chamber (202), and (B) one or more solid-liquid composition ports (312) in fluid communication with the interior of the chamber (202); (b) a solid-liquid composition delivery tube (314) in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more solid-liquid composition ports (312); (c) a mixing tube (316) in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more liquid ports (310) and at least one of the one or more solid-liquid composition ports (312); and (d) a liquid-supply tube (318) in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more liquid ports (310). A pump unit (201) includes one or more pumps (223), which are arranged to cause flow in the mixing tube (316) during a mixing activation state (342), and to cause flow in the liquid-supply tube (318) during a particle-delivery activation state (344).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an individualized dental impression tray and to one such impression tray, wherein a digital impression tray model of an individualized impression tray is created on the basis of a digital jaw model, the impression tray model has a carrier with at least one inner surface which at least partially corresponds to a negative form of the jaw model, at least one surface subregion on the inner surface is marked by hand or automatically detected, a retaining structure is arranged above and/or below the surface subregion, the impression tray model is stored with the retaining structure as a production template, and the impression tray is produced by machining according to the production template.

Abstract: Disclosed are a scanner system and a method for recording surface geometry and surface color of an object where both surface geometry information and surface color information for a block of the image sensor pixels at least partly from one 2D image recorded by the color image sensor. A particular application is within dentistry, particularly for intraoral scanning.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a dental restoration for preferably at least a part of at least one tooth. The method comprises the step of obtaining design data, wherein the design data includes acquired data and preliminary design data of the dental restoration. The method further comprises the step of modifying the preliminary design data before at least one manufacturing step to obtain modified design data and producing the dental restoration based on the modified design data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a dental restoration, in which method a blank is made available which is made from ceramic, in particular glass ceramic, or glass and which has a predefined spatial dependency of the material property color and/or opacity in its volume, and the blank (105) is pressed into a press chamber of a press muffle (20) and, in this way, material of the blank is pressed, through a channel structure issuing from the press chamber, into a mold cavity (212) corresponding to the dental restoration, wherein the channel structure (214) and the spatial dependency of color and/or opacity in the blank (105) are coordinated with each other, such that one of a plurality of possible distributions of color and/or opacity is obtained in the ceramic material of the dental restoration (106) formed in the mold cavity (212), characterized in that the basic spatial dependency of color and/or opacity and/or of optical structural features (98) in the blank (105) is determined from a desired

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for automatically spraying a glaze solution onto a dental prosthesis. The automated spray glazing system includes: a first spray gun; a controller, and a gripper configured to hold the dental prosthesis and to rotate the dental prosthesis about an axis. The controller is configured to rotate the gripper and spray a glaze solution from the first spray gun using a glazing profile based at least in part on a type of the dental prosthesis. The glazing profile is selected such that a cross-sectional thickness of a resulting-glazed material of the dental prosthesis has an average thickness range between 15 to 63 ?m and a standard deviation of less than 6 ?m when measured at locations in an upper half of the dental prosthesis.

Abstract: Storage tanks, for example, underground septic tanks, and their methods of fabrication are provided. The tanks include a substantially liquid impermeable plastic vessel having a top, a bottom, and sides; a concrete container encasing and retaining the plastic vessel, the concrete container contacting the bottom and at least partially contacting the sides of the plastic vessel; and at least one opening for receiving effluent, for example, waste effluent, into the plastic vessel. The methods of fabricating the tanks include positioning a plastic vessel into an enclosure; introducing concrete into the enclosure about the plastic vessel; allowing the fluid concrete to cure to provide a substantially solid concrete container about the plastic vessel; and removing the plastic vessel having a concrete container from the enclosure. Vessel shape retaining devices are also disclosed. Aspects of the invention are uniquely adapted to underground storage.

Abstract: An interdental cleaner has a rod-shaped support, which is made of plastic and, in one end region thereof, is provided with a cleaning part made of a flexible plastic, and a handle part made of plastic. The support, at a support end facing the handle part, is integrally connected to the handle part in a connection region via a web. The connection region is configured as a joint, and the web is provided at least partially with a sheath made of a flexible plastic. Provision is made here that the web has at least one protruding web rib, and/or that at least one rib is formed on the outer face of the sheath.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush and toothbrush head comprise a transmission housing; a substantially disk-shaped bristle carrier; a plurality of first bristle tufts arranged on the bristle carrier along a first virtual circle; and a plurality of second bristle tufts arranged on the bristle carrier along a second virtual circle, the second virtual circle being concentric with and having a smaller diameter than the first virtual circle, wherein each of the plurality of first bristle tufts includes a plurality of bristles of a first type, having a tapered form.

Abstract: A dental instrument is designed to help facilitate the procedure of root canal therapy and can reduce the inaccuracies that are accompanied with using traditional methods of attaching an electronic apex location (EAL) to an endodontic hand file. The endodontic hand file can include an exposed window in the handle of the file that holds an extension of the main body of the file. The clasp from the EAL can attach to this exposed metal in the window of the handle. This new location for attaching the EAL to the hand file can provide an accurate measurement while removing variables such as file movement in the canal, stopper thickness, clearance from the opposing tooth. The endodontic hand file with its exposed window provides a safe, reliable and accurate way of using an EAL to measure the root canal length.

Abstract: A method of operating a smartphone for monitoring an animal, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring a position and orientation of the smartphone; determining that a detection event indicative of the animal lying down from a standing position has occurred corresponding to a change in position and/or a change in orientation satisfying a predetermined criteria; and in response, communicating, at least in part via a public mobile telecommunications communication network, to one or more receiver devices a message indicative of identification of a detection event, and corresponding device and system.

Abstract: An intravaginal pessary device in an applicator is provided. The device has a top and a bottom, and a sidewall that extends between the top and the bottom. The sidewall, top and bottom form an outer periphery defining a total area of the device. The pessary device has a maximum diameter that is less than about 25 mm. The pessary device and applicator exhibit a maximum expulsion force that is below 1500 grams.

Abstract: A prosthesis for repairing a hernia defect includes a patch body, a hoisting frame releasably attachable to the patch body, and a tether attached to the hoisting frame and having a free end extendable through the thickness of the patch body and accessible from the side of the patch body opposite to the side where the hoisting frame is releasably attached. The patch body and/or the hoisting frame includes a self-expanding support member. The hoisting frame includes a frame body and a translation component for directing pulling forces on the tether to the frame body.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems establish and facilitate retrograde or reverse flow blood circulation in the region of the carotid artery bifurcation in order to limit or prevent the release of emboli into the cerebral vasculature such as into the internal carotid artery. The methods are particularly useful for interventional procedures, such as stenting and angioplasty, atherectomy performed through a transcarotid approach or transfemoral into the common carotid artery, either using an open surgical technique or using a percutaneous technique, such as a modified Seldinger technique or a micropuncture technique.

Abstract: Vascular filters and deflectors and methods for filtering bodily fluids. A blood filtering assembly can capture embolic material dislodged or generated during an endovascular procedure to inhibit or prevent the material from entering the cerebral vasculature. A blood deflecting assembly can deflect embolic material dislodged or generated during an endovascular procedure to inhibit or prevent the material from entering the cerebral vasculature.

Abstract: An embolic protection and filtration device (EFD) that is deployable within the aortic arch of a patient to prevent emboli from entering the coronary arteries. The device includes a collapsible tubular chassis having enlarged opposing end portions and a midsection of smaller radial dimension. A filtration membrane is disposed at least on upstream and midsection portions of the chassis and is configured to filter and shunt large emboli down the descending aorta and away from the coronary arteries. A retrieval device is provided for retrieving the EFD from within the patient. The retrieval device automatically compensates for elongation of the EFD as the EFD is radially contracted such that the EFD is not moved or drug along the aorta as it is collapsed and retracted into a retrieval catheter.

Abstract: An intraluminal device and method of fixation of an intraluminal device at a recipient having an esophagus, a stomach with a cardiac portion and a GE junction between the esophagus and the cardiac portion of the stomach includes deploying the intraluminal device to the recipient. The intraluminal device has a wall defining a cardiac member that is configured to the size and shape of the cardiac portion of the stomach and deployed to the cardiac portion of the stomach and an esophageal member that is configured to the size and shape of a portion of the esophagus and deployed to the esophagus. The intraluminal device having a connector connected with the esophageal portion and cardiac portion and deployed to the GE junction. The wall is fixed to the recipient to resist distal migration of the wall. The fixing includes the wall having a wall characteristic that is configured to facilitate tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: Extra-urethral implants and methods of use are disclosed. Implants can treat disorders or diseases of the prostate by, for example, enlarging the lumen of the prostatic urethra.

Abstract: A diametrically adjustable endoprosthesis includes a controlled expansion element extending along at least a portion of a graft and is supported by a stent. The controlled expansion element diametrically constrains and limits expansion of the endoprosthesis. Upon deployment from a smaller, delivery configuration, the endoprosthesis can expand to the initial diameter set by the controlled expansion element. Thereafter, the endoprosthesis can be further diametrically expanded (e.g., using balloon dilation) by mechanically altering the controlled expansion element.