Abstract: A surgical pencil that enables simultaneous cutting with an electrode and coagulating with a coagulating material while also performing smoke evacuation.

Abstract: A method of controlling RF power delivered from a bipolar electrosurgical instrument into a biological tissue. The method comprises controlling the profile of a RF waveform by: setting a maximum voltage limit for a voltage applied across the bipolar electrosurgical instrument; calculating a tissue resistance, the calculating step including a correction for an impedance associated with the RF channel; determining an objective tissue current limit from the calculated tissue resistance and a predetermined power dissipation target; and dynamically adjusting the current limit based on the determined objective tissue current limit. This control method may ameliorate the impact of an increased cable length on the accuracy of control of RF waveforms delivered to the tip of the probe.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a housing mechanically coupled to the end effector. The end effector includes a first actuating device configured to perform a first surgical procedure and a second actuating device integrally associated with the first actuating device and configured to perform a second surgical procedure, the second surgical procedure being independently operable and different than the first surgical procedure. An outer portion of the first actuating device and an outer portion of the second actuating device form a portion of an outer housing of the end effector. The housing includes a first actuator, mechanically coupled to the first actuating device and configured to impart movement to the first actuating device and a second actuator, mechanically coupled to the second actuating device and configured to impart movement to the second actuating device.

Abstract: A connection mechanism and manufacturing method for a surgical instrument includes an inner shaft member that extends at least partially through an elongated shaft member of the instrument and defines proximal and distal ends and is selectively movable in a longitudinal direction with respect to the elongated shaft member and includes at least one aperture that extends partially along the longitudinal direction and disposed distally from the proximal end. The inner shaft member enables a drive collar member to slide on the inner shaft member and reciprocate along the longitudinal direction. A drive collar stop member slides on the inner shaft member and moves along the longitudinal direction. The drive collar stop member then moves in a direction relative to the longitudinal axis to engage the aperture and limit further longitudinal motion of the drive collar member. An inner shaft stop member limits movement of the inner shaft.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and a knife blade shaft is operably disposed within the shaft. An end effector is operably disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes a pair of spaced-apart first and second jaw members that are movable from an open configuration to a clamping configuration. An electrode assembly includes first and second electrode housings and a knife blade. The first and second electrode housings are operably coupled to one another and are configured to selectively couple to respective first and second jaw members to electrosurgically treat tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members. The knife blade is configured to selectively couple to the knife blade shaft.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes a housing having shaft extending therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The shaft includes an articulating section disposed thereon. The articulating section has a central annulus extending therealong and first and second pluralities of bores. The first plurality of bores configured to receive corresponding tendons therethrough and the second plurality of bores configured to receive corresponding conductive leads therethrough. An end effector assembly operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft including a pair of first and second jaw members. The corresponding conductive leads transition from a first state for enabling articulation of the shaft about the articulating section, to a second state for disabling articulation of the shaft about the articulating section.

Abstract: A medical coagulation instrument having a shaft as well as at least one electrode tip that extends beyond the distal end of the shaft. To create a coagulation instrument whose electrodes are of simple structure and ensure an atraumatic and safe handling, at least one electrode tip should be widened or be configured as widening in the distal direction.

Abstract: A method and system of providing therapy to a patient's uterus is provided, which can include any number of features. The method can include the steps of inserting a uterine device into the uterus and performing a uterine integrity test to determine that the uterus is intact and not perforated. If it is determined that the uterus is not perforated, a patency test can be performed to determine that the uterine device is not clogged or embedded in tissue. If the uterus is intact and the device is not clogged or embedded in tissue, the uterus can be treated with the uterine device, e.g., uterine ablation. Systems for performing these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for treating a patient include providing a tissue treatment element constructed and arranged to deliver energy to tissue and treating tissue of the gastrointestinal tract by causing the tissue treatment element to deliver energy to an energy delivery zone. Treatment results in a reduction in the luminal surface area of at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract. In particular embodiments, the methods, systems and devices are used to treat diabetes.

Abstract: An electrosurgical snare may include a conductive distal loop that includes an uninsulated thinner portion and an uninsulated thicker portion. Respective current densities over the outer surfaces of the thinner and thicker portions may cause the uninsulated thinner portion to immediately begin cutting tissue, while the uninsulated thicker portion may initially begin coagulating the tissue.

Abstract: The invention comprises novel microwave antennas wherein the microwave field profile generated by an antenna is tailored and optimized for a particular clinical application. The antennas disclosed herein incorporate one or more additional elements called shaping elements that use unique properties of microwaves such as interaction of a microwave field with one or more conductive or non-conductive elements to shape or redistribute the microwave field. Such shaping elements may be used to reduce the undesired backward coupling of the emitted microwave field to the transmission line. Such shaping elements may be used to increase the power efficiency of the antenna. The invention also discloses devices and methods for treating tissue with microwave energy emitted from the antennas for use in applications such as destroying a soft tissue by microwave ablation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treatment method using multiple energy sources. The treatment method using multiple energy sources, includes: applying a first energy into an inside of an annulus fibrosus; and applying a second energy different from the first energy to an outside of the annulus fibrosus.

Abstract: Disclosed systems, methods, and devices may include a system for removing a kidney stone from a ureter. The system may have an inner shaft extending coaxially within an outer shaft, a stone retention member shaft having a stone retention member and extending coaxially within the inner shaft, a wall protection member coupled to the outer shaft and the inner shaft, and a handle coupled with proximal ends of the outer shaft, the inner shaft, and the stone retention member shaft. The handle may include an eversion mechanism coupled to the inner shaft and configured to actuate the inner shaft, thereby everting the wall protection member to form a pocket adapted to receive a kidney stone. The system may also include a retention member mechanism coupled to the stone retention member shaft and configured to actuate the stone retention member shaft.

Abstract: A medical system is provided for three-dimensional hemodynamic quantification. Comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) plus time (3D+t) assessment of flow patterns inside the heart are provided by a combination of lumped-parameter modeling and computational flow dynamic modeling. Using medical scanning, the lumped parameter model is personalized to a given patient. The personalized lumped-parameter model provides pressure curves (i.e., pressure as a function of time) for one or more locations. Using geometry of the patients heart segmented from the medical scanning and the pressure curves as boundary conditions, the computational flow dynamics model calculates the absolute pressure for any location (e.g., for a three-dimensional field of locations) in the patient heart at any one or more phases of the cardiac cycle. More accurate absolute pressure may be provided without invasive measurement.

Abstract: At least one first 3D image dataset of an examination region of interest of a patient and a second 3D image dataset of the examination region of interest are received via at least one first interface. A geometric model of the examination region of interest is determined based at least on the first 3D image dataset, and a first spatial distribution of a first material property of the examination region of interest is determined based at least on the second 3D image dataset. A digital manufacturing model of an object is generated based on the geometric model and on the first spatial distribution, the manufacturing model having a material composition of the object that is dependent on the first distribution. The manufacturing model therefore takes into account the geometry and the first material property of the examination region of interest.

Abstract: A surgical assistive device, which handles co-localization of an internal organ of interest and a neighboring organ based on images obtained during surgery, selects a test video frame from a sequence of video frames and generates first localization likelihood values and second localization likelihood values for the internal organ of interest and the neighboring organ, respectively. The surgical assistive device determines extent of anatomical adjacency boundary between the internal organ of interest and the neighboring organ, based on the first localization likelihood values and the second localization likelihood values. The surgical assistive device segments the test video frame into a plurality of regions and generates a first region based on integration of a first set of regions from the plurality of regions. The surgical assistive device further localizes the internal organ of interest based on first region, in accordance with the extent of anatomical adjacency boundary.

Abstract: A method for providing a guided relative movement of a first object and a second object includes obtaining the first object; obtaining the second object and a 3D model of the second object, and deriving from the 3D model a first preferred relative arrangement between the first and second objects; obtaining a pre-process plan describing a preferred path for the relative movement of the first and second objects towards the first preferred relative arrangement; performing a movement procedure that includes 3D scanning at least a region of said second object using the 3D scanner and determining a present relative arrangement of the first and second objects from a result of the 3D scanning; calculating information for correcting in real-time for deviation in the relative movement from the preferred path; and providing a relative movement of the first and second objects towards the first preferred relative arrangement.

Abstract: A surgical system for control of a surgical mechanical arm, which system comprises: at least one input arm comprising: a plurality of sections; a plurality of joints sequentially coupling said plurality of sections; at least one sensor configured to measure movement of one or more of said sections; and a weight attached to one of said plurality of sections which biases said one of said plurality of sections to a null configuration, by movement under gravity of said one of said plurality of sections about one or more of said joints; and circuitry configured to receive a measurement signal from said at least one sensor and to generate a control signal, based on said measurement signal for control of movement of said surgical mechanical arm.

Abstract: A robotic catheter procedure system includes a bedside system and a workstation. The bedside system includes an actuating mechanism configured to engage and to impart movement to a percutaneous device. The workstation includes a user interface and a control system configured to be operatively coupled to the user interface, the bedside system, and a medical imaging system. The control system is responsive to a first input and to a second input, and the user interface receives the second input from a user. The control system is configured to generate a first control signal to the medical imaging system based on the first input, and the medical imaging system captures at least one image in response to the first control signal. The control system is configured to generate a second control signal to the actuating mechanism based on the second input, and the actuating mechanism causes movement of the percutaneous device in response to the second control signal.

Abstract: A medical support arm apparatus including: an arm unit including a plurality of links joined to each other by one or a plurality of a joint unit; and a driving control unit that drives the arm unit by controlling driving of the joint unit. If a malfunction is detected in at least one of the joint unit, the driving control unit controls the driving of the joint unit in a state in which a certain restriction is imposed on motion of the arm unit, and drives the arm unit to avoid the malfunction.

Abstract: A reaction torque transducer for mounting a motor of an instrument drive unit includes a motor plate, a mounting plate, and a flex ring. The motor plate is fixed to the motor and the mounting plate is fixed to a fixed structure. The flex ring is positioned between the motor plate and the mounting plate. The flex ring includes a body having a first end and a second end that are moveable relative to one another. The first end of the body is fixed to the motor plate and the second end of the body is fixed to the mounting plate. The body is configured to flex in response to the first and second ends moving with respect to one another. A strain gauge is positioned on the body of the flex ring and is configured to measure flexation of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and techniques for compensating for insertion of an instrument into a working channel of another instrument in a surgical system. According to one embodiment, a method of compensation includes: detecting insertion of an insertable instrument into a working channel of a flexible instrument; detecting, based on a data signal from at least one sensor, a position change of a distal portion of the flexible instrument from an initial position: generating a control signal based on the detected position change; and adjusting a tensioning of a pull wire based on the control signal to return the distal portion to the initial position.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for removing hair from a body surface is provided. The methods and systems are semi- or fully automated. Some of the steps of the methods comprise determining a hair growth phase and selecting hair follicles for depilation based at least in part of the identified hair growth phase. The energy delivery device may be attached to the robotic arm and directed to align with the hair follicle to be depilated.

Abstract: A robotic surgical method comprises providing an instrument chassis having a proximal mounting section and a distal mounting section rigidly coupled to the proximal mounting section, an instrument guide assembly movably coupled to the distal mounting section, a pair of proximal actuators coupled to the proximal mounting section, and a linkage system operably interconnecting the proximal actuators and the instrument guide assembly. The method further comprises providing first control signals to one of the proximal actuators to cause the linkage system to move the instrument guide assembly in a first rotational degree of freedom, providing second control signals to the other proximal actuator to cause the linkage system to move the instrument guide assembly in a second rotational degree of freedom, and providing third control signals to the proximal actuators to cause the linkage system to move the instrument guide assembly in a third rotational degree of freedom.

Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an articulation attached to the distal end of the shaft, and a driving mechanism at the proximal end of the shaft. The articulation comprises a plurality of joints for articulating an end effector, the plurality of joints driveable by at least first and second pairs of driving elements. The driving mechanism comprises a pulley arrangement and a pulley drive. The pulley arrangement comprises first and second pulleys attached together such that their separation is fixed, wherein the first pair of driving elements is constrained to move around the first pulley, and the second pair of driving elements is constrained to move around the second pulley.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for guiding, supporting, and/or housing instruments. One exemplary system includes a guide tube having a manipulation section and mated with rails carrying instrument control members. Moving the rails with respect to the guide tube, or another point of reference, can control movement of the manipulation section.

Abstract: Provided are mobility assistance devices, particularly useful in medical settings where a patient ambulation is desired but the patient remains connected to one or many medical components. The system comprises a mast connected to a base, wherein the mast is angled with respect to the base and from which any number of medical components is supported. The device geometry and connections ensure the device is extremely stable and tip-resistant. Also provided are oxygen tank holders to reliably and conveniently hold oxygen tanks and power management systems that reliably provide electrical power without impacting device performance or mobility. The device is deployable to permit conversion between a compact storage configuration and a stable deployed configuration.

Abstract: Packaging and kit for urological procedures. For example, the packaging 100 may secure one or more urological devices 212, 240 that may be used during a urological procedure. Furthermore, the packaging and the devices included therein may, collectively, form a urological kit.

Abstract: A package including at least one bumper having an elliptical shape that extends from a first end to a second end along a first plane and having a protrusion that extends from a first front along a second plane; and a first tray having a first cavity that extends from a second front along the second plane, wherein the first cavity includes at least one groove configured and dimensioned to receive the at least one bumper is disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable adjunct for use with a surgical stapling instrument is provided. The implantable adjunct comprises a mechanism for allowing a clinician to determine the degree of skew, if any, that the adjunct may experience when implanted into a subject with a surgical stapling instrument. The implantable adjunct comprises one or more reference systems configured to be compared to the staples, the edges of the adjunct, and/or any other adjunct elements by a clinician once the adjunct has been implanted into the subject. The one or more reference systems comprise references that define one or more zones of the adjunct. A clinician can visually determine what zone, or zones, of the adjunct the staples have satisfactorily, and/or unsatisfactorily, purchased the adjunct.

Abstract: Systems and methods for aligning an elongated tool to an occluded target and for striking the occluded target using the elongated tool are disclosed. The system for aligning an elongated tool to an occluded target includes an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust an angular orientation of the elongated tool relative to a pivot point spaced from the target; a 3-dimensional (3D) imaging device configured to capture a 3D image of the elongated tool and the occluded target; and a processor communicatively coupled with the adjustment mechanism and the 3D imaging device. The processor is configured to process the 3D image received from the 3D imaging device to obtain location data of the target and the pivot point; and based on the location data of the target and the pivot point, control the adjustment mechanism to adjust the angular orientation of the elongated tool relative to the pivot point to align a longitudinal axis of the elongated tool with the target and the pivot point.

Abstract: A stereoscopic visualization camera and platform are disclosed. An example stereoscopic visualization camera includes a first plurality of lenses positioned along a first optical path and a first image sensor to record a first image stream of a target site from light in the first optical path. The stereoscopic visualization camera also includes a second plurality of lenses positioned along a second optical path, parallel to the first optical path, and a second image sensor to record a second image stream of the target site from light in the second optical path. The stereoscopic visualization camera also includes a processor configured to reduce spurious parallax between the first and second images streams by selecting pixel sets of pixel grids of the first and second image sensors such that zoom repeat points (“ZRP”) are located at a center of the respective pixel grids.

Abstract: A solution for forming a marker or filler mass for an intracorporeal site. The solution contains a polar, water soluble non-aqueous solvent such as dimethyl sulfoxide and a bioabsorbable, essentially water insoluble polymer such as polylactic acid, or copolymers of lactic acid and glycolic acid. The solution may be delivered to the biopsy site by a suitable syringe and delivery tube. The delivery tube is preferably provided with a releasable radiopaque element on the distal tip which can be released within the polymeric marker mass formed in the biopsy cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and methods are provided for reducing infectious agents at a sterile site by preventing infectious agents from coming into contact with the sterile site. A barrier is produced for infectious agents that may come in proximity or otherwise communicate with the site. The apparatus is configured to create a void-free barrier in which infectious agents are reduced with minimal exposure of potentially harmful effects of the barrier to the sterile site, objects, or users of the apparatus.

Abstract: A hyperdexterous surgical system is provided. The system can include one or more surgical arms coupleable to a fixture and configured to support one or more surgical tools. The system can include an electronic control system configured to communicate electronically with the one or more robotic surgical tools. The control system can electronically control the operation of the one or more surgical tools. The system can include one or more portable handheld controllers actuatable by a surgeon to communicate one or more control signals to the one or more surgical tools via the electronic control system to operate the one or more surgical tools. The one or more portable handheld controllers can provide said one or more control signals from a plurality of locations of an operating arena, allowing a surgeon to be mobile during a surgical procedure and to remotely operate the one or more surgical tools from different locations of the operating arena.

Abstract: An oral care appliance (10) having a pump assembly (14) for delivering discrete bursts or shots of liquid. The pump assembly includes a pump housing (36) and an inlet/outlet assembly (38) at a forward end of the housing, including one-way valves (80, 82) in the inlet and outlet openings. A plunger sleeve (44) is positioned within the housing with a central opening (48) in a fluid-tight relationship with the inlet and outlet assembly. A plunger (52) includes a center portion (56), positioned in the central opening of the plunger sleeve in a fluid-tight relationship therewith. The plunger sleeve includes an outer member (54) between the plunger sleeve and the internal surface of the housing. A compressible spring (64) is positioned between a forward end of the outer member of the plunger and the rear end of the housing.

Abstract: A method for creating a tooth bud ablation system including a custom surgical stent and an ablation probe tip for use in a tooth bud ablation procedure that results in the agenesis of a tooth in a patient.

Abstract: Various aspects are directed to dental extraction and dental extraction devices. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments herein, a dental extraction apparatus includes an engagement component that extracts teeth from patients' mouths by engaging with and applying a torque to a tooth. An input torque component translates received input torque to the engagement component. A torque controller operates with the input torque component and the engagement component to limit the applied torque, relative to input torque provided via the input torque component.

Abstract: The provision of dental restorations can be improved by generating a cold atmospheric plasma inside the mouth of the patient and then applying that cold atmospheric plasma onto a dental restoration site. The dental restoration site can be composed of either or both of dentin and enamel. Further, the provision of dental restorations can also be improved by introducing a dental adhesive onto a dental restoration site and treating it with a cold atmospheric plasma.

Abstract: A dental crown consisting essentially of stabilized zirconia. The dental crown is particularly suited for pedodontic and veterinary applications and most preferably for pedodontic applications. The zirconia crown may be formed by one of several manufacturing processes. The formed crown exterior can be polished and fine polished and can be covered, preferably only partially, with a porcelain glaze to produce an aesthetic outer surface mimicking a natural tooth. Also disclosed is a method for providing and placing a dental crown upon a natural tooth.

Abstract: A wedge for use in a dental restoration procedure for an anterior tooth. The wedge includes a handle portion, a body portion coupled to and extending outward from the handle portion, and a matrix band coupled to the body portion. The body portion is adapted to be disposed in an approximal space between the anterior tooth and a tooth adjacent the anterior tooth. The matrix band is adapted to contact the anterior tooth when the body portion is disposed in the approximal space.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental wedge and system comprising a dental wedge and a tool. The dental wedge includes a spherical gripping portion at an end, which provides surfaces extending generally transverse relative to a longitudinal axis of the dental wedge. A tool is configured to engaged with the spherical gripping portion so that a user may manipulate the tool in order to manipulate the dental wedge.

Abstract: A prescription management system is used by an orthodontic or dental lab and a plurality of prescribing users who send prescriptions for customized orthodontic or dental appliances to the lab. The prescriptions are stored in a database selectively accessible by the lab and plurality of prescribing users. A digital workspace is provided in the system in which the lab or prescribing users may create designs for the customized appliances. The designs of the appliances are stored in the database. A tracking record of fabrication of the appliances is stored in the database. A plurality of billings are simultaneously generated in response to the submissions and storage of the prescriptions, the designs of the customized appliances and the fabrication of the designed customized appliances.

Abstract: An orthodontic/orthognathic device for correcting and changing tooth placements and bone structure, and a method of using orthodontic/orthognathic device for tooth movement, correcting syndromic conditions of the mouth and osteogenetic correction. The device may be used for maxillary distraction and expansion as well as mandibular separation and expansion. The device can be controlled by computer to direct tooth and bone placement.

Abstract: Provided are orthodontic devices to orthopedically expand the upper jaw including a pre-formed arch wire adapted to conform to the interior contours of a patient's mouth. The arch includes a rear portion positioned at a level about a patient's rear molars and includes a first end and a second end adapted to slidably engage associated buccal tubes. The arch also includes a front portion positioned at a level above a patient's gingiva and into the patient's vestibule, and a rise portion between the rear portion and front portion that changes the effective level of the arch wire from the rear portion to the front portion. The device also includes a means for attaching the wire to the molar teeth.

Abstract: A series of appliances including a first shell and a second shell can be designed to incrementally implement a treatment plan. The first and second shells can have cavities designed to receive teeth of a jaw. A first bite adjustment structures can be formed of a same material as the first shell, extending from the first shell and designed to interface with teeth of a second jaw. A second bite adjustment structures can be formed of a same material as the second shell, extending from the second shell and designed to interface with teeth of the second jaw. The first and the second bite adjustment structures can have respective shapes and locations specific to respective stages of the treatment plan.

Abstract: A dental implant for supporting periodontal tissue and the supporting bone is provided. The dental implant includes an implant member for insertion into a periodontal bone socket, and an anchoring assembly. The anchoring assembly includes a fastening element and radially equidistant cylindrical members. The fastening element engages the implant member within the hollow axial cavity. The root section includes through-holes for radially and forcibly sliding the cylindrical members through them. When the fastening element apically advances within the hollow axial cavity, the cylindrical members generate an anchoring force to anchor the dental implant.

Abstract: This invention designs and builds multiple layers (two layers or more) of various dental devices, specifically denture base or denture, where printed multiple layered denture base with teeth cavities to receive artificial denture tooth materials to form final dental devices, such as partial and full dentures. It can also print denture teeth. This invention also designs and prints multiple layers (two layers or more) of denture base with artificial denture teeth to form final dental devices, such as partial and full dentures. A method for manufacturing a layered denture is provided. The invention provides a multiple layered denture base materials for printing a denture base. The invention also provides a multiple layered denture tooth materials for printing artificial denture teeth. Highly shape adjustable or shape memory polymer layer(s) may be used in these multiple layered denture base forms.

Abstract: The dental plate liner includes: a paste (i) containing (A) a (meth)acrylic acid-based polymer, and a fluorine-containing (meth)acrylic acid-based polymerizable monomer in which (A) the (meth)acrylic acid-based polymer has a solubility of less than 20 mass %; and a paste (ii) containing a (meth)acrylic acid-based polymerizable monomer in which (A) the (meth)acrylic acid-based polymer has a solubility of 20 mass % or more, and a filler, in which at least one paste selected from the group consisting of the paste (i) and the paste (ii) contains a polymerization initiator, and in which the dental plate liner is used through mixing of the paste (i) and the paste (ii) immediately before use.

Abstract: A method for preparing a partial or full dental prosthesis comprising 1.1. acquiring a patient's oral situation by taking an impression or by digital recording; 1.2. if required, digitizing the patient's oral situation; 1.3. selecting the teeth forming the dental prosthesis from a library of teeth or groups of teeth to obtain a virtual set-up of the teeth, which is positioned virtually in a space that takes the acquired patient's situation into account; 1.3.1 said library contains designs of dental arches, tooth shapes, tooth sizes 1.3.2 said library contains designs of the gingiva, and 1.3.3 said library contains total set-ups and/or modular set-ups for all of Angle's bite classes; 1.4. if required, modifying the set-up obtained from the library; 1.5. virtually embedding the teeth arranged in the virtual set-up in a virtual gingiva; 1.6 producing the real prosthesis.