Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing personalized estimates of bioheat transfer through a patient's body or a portion of a patient's body. One method includes receiving a patient-specific vascular model of a patient's anatomy, including at least one vessel of the patient; receiving a patient-specific tissue model including at least a portion of tissue of the patient's anatomy; receiving an estimate of heat content of the portion of tissue of the patient-specific tissue model or tissue surrounding the portion of tissue; determining an estimate of heat distribution of the portion of tissue of the patient-specific tissue model or tissue surrounding the portion of tissue based on the vascular model, the tissue model, or the received estimate of heat content; and output the determined estimate of heat distribution to a storage medium or user display.

Abstract: A method of modeling anatomic deformation comprises receiving a reference three dimensional model of a branched anatomical formation in a reference state. The method further comprises detecting deflection of the branched anatomical fomation with a shape sensor to create a three dimensional deformation field. The method further comprises applying the three dimensional deformation field to the reference three dimensional model to create a deformed three dimensional model of a deformed state of the branched anatomical formation. The method further comprises dynamically displaying an image of the deformed three dimensional model of the deformed state of the branched anatomical formation. The method further comprises displaying a composite image including an image of an interventional instrument positioned within the branched anatomical formation and the dynamically displayed image of the deformed three dimensional model of the deformed state of the branched anatomical formation.

Abstract: According to the invention, the process includes the steps of: a) taking a sagittal preoperative x-ray of the vertebral column of the patient to be treated, extending from the cervical vertebrae to the femoral heads; b) on that x-ray, identifying points on S1, S2, T12 et C7; c) depicting, on the said x-ray, curved segments beginning at the center of the plate of S1 et going to the center of the plate of C7; e) identifying, on that x-ray, the correction(s) to be made to the vertebral column, including the identification of posterior osteotomies to make; f) pivoting portions of said x-ray relative to other portions of that x-ray, according to osteotomies to be made; g) performing, on said x-ray, a displacement of the sagittal curvature segment extending over the vertebral segment to be corrected; h) from a straight vertebral rod (TV), producing the curvature of that rod according to the shape of said sagittal curvature segment in said displacement position.

Abstract: A system and method for improving registration of an anatomical image with a position-tracking coordinate system based on visual proximity to bone tissue is presented. The method can comprise identifying, in a three-dimensional (3d) anatomical image of a patient organ, multiple anatomical points corresponding to respective predefined locations on a skin of the patient organ in a first coordinate system, performing initial registration of the first coordinate system and a second coordinate system by correlating between positions in the first coordinate system and respective anatomical points in the second coordinate system, viewing a position in the first coordinate system using a viewing device, when the position does not match a predetermined location, marking the position and weighting the position, and refining the initial registration of the first and second coordinate systems, by re-correlating between the positions, the marked positions and the respective anatomical points.

Abstract: An electromechanical surgical device includes a motor system configured to drive drive-shafts and a steering cable arrangement. A control system may be provided for controlling the motor system. A remote control unit may also be provided for controlling the motor system via the control system. Optical or Hall-effect devices, may be provided for determining the position of the elements of the surgical instrument based on the detected rotation of the drive-shafts. A memory unit stores a plurality of operating programs or algorithms, each corresponding to a type of surgical instrument attachable to the electro-mechanical surgical device. The control system reads or selects from the plurality of operating programs or algorithms, the operating program or algorithm corresponding to the type of surgical instrument attached to the electromechanical surgical device.

Abstract: Disclosed are an automated hair transplant device for transplanting a selected hair into a hair loss area, and the transplanting method comprising selecting a hair of which the root is healthy, making the selected hair have a predetermined length without harming the follicle thereof, putting the hair of a predetermined length in a hair transplant needle, inserting the hair transplant needle into the scalp into which the hair is transplanted, and then separating the hair transplant needle from the scalp while leaving the hair therein.

Abstract: A surgical robotic system and method for controlling an instrument feed rate. The surgical robotic system comprises a surgical manipulator for manipulating a surgical instrument and an energy applicator extending from the surgical instrument. At least one controller includes a feed rate calculator configured to calculate the instrument feed rate. A hand held pendant is operable by a user to adjust a defined feed rate of the surgical manipulator in the semi-autonomous mode.

Abstract: An interface component is provided for use with a first glove and a medical equipment component. The interface component comprises at least one switch located on the first glove, where each of the at least one switch provides a control signal to the medical equipment component. The interface component may further comprise a controller coupled to the plurality of switches, a power supply module coupled to the controller, and a wireless communications interface coupled to the controller in communication with a wireless interface of the medical equipment component.

Abstract: A medical overtube includes a multi-lumen tube provided with a plurality of lumens through which medical devices are to be passed; a braided tube which covers an outer side of the multi-lumen tube and is made of braided fibers; and an outer tube that covers an outer side of the braided tube, wherein a through hole is formed in the multi-lumen tube or the outer tube, the through hole is configured to connect a space, which is covered by the outer tube and the multi-lumen tube and in which the braided tube is disposed, to an exterior.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter includes a tissue-removing element operably connected to a drive shaft for rotation of the tissue-removing element about an axis of rotation in a cutting direction. The tissue-removing element includes a cutting edge that extends around the axis of rotation and a depth stop that extends around the axis of rotation radially inward of the cutting edge relative to the axis of rotation. The depth stop defines an engagement surface adapted to engage a hard object and thereby limit the depth at which the cutting edge cuts into the hard object. In use, when the cutting edge cuts into a hard object, the depth stop engages the hard object to limit the cutting depth.

Abstract: An image processing method applied by a medical imaging device is proposed, including at least one camera and at least one display screen on which is displayed a medical image showing a region of interest of a patient, the method being characterized in that the region of interest is determined by the following steps, the screen and the camera being laid out so as to be facing a practitioner simultaneously, acquisition by the camera of at least one tracking image containing the eyes of the practitioner, analysis of the tracking image so as to localize in the medical image at least one pixel of interest contemplated by the practitioner on the screen from the orientation of the eyes of the practitioner, processing the medical image so as to select the region of interest from the localized pixel of interest.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for precise intra-operative placement and positioning of components of hip prostheses, particularly with respect to avoiding acetabular prosthetic implant malpositioning in the human hip. In one embodiment the system includes at least a pair of electronic sensors as tilt and direction sensors, which are positioned on the patient's native bone structure and the prosthesis, plus at least one of an electronic angle sensor and an electronic leg length measurement unit, plus a computer processor running application software that is capable of receiving and using information from the various electronic sensors to calculate relevant angular relationships and, optionally, distance relationships. The system electronically measures a living subject's pelvic tilt and position while lying in the lateral decubitus position during the surgery.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a medical instrument. First and second body portions in a closed position define a flushing chamber. The medical instrument extends through the flushing chamber. First and second sealing members secured to the first and second body portions engage one another to seal the flushing chamber and engage the medical instrument to form a seal thereabout. Portions of at least the first sealing member are disposed within the flushing chamber. Positive pressure in the flushing chamber urges the first sealing member toward the second and toward the medical instrument to enhance the tightness of the flushing chamber seal.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a first orthodontic bracket having a first gear module, a second orthodontic bracket having a second gear module, and a first archwire segment having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the archwire segment is coupled to the first orthodontic bracket, the second portion of the archwire segment is coupled to the second orthodontic bracket. The first gear module is configured to provide a first force to the first portion of the first archwire segment, the second gear module is configured to provide a second force to the second portion of the first archwire segment, and the first gear module is configured to provide the first force independently of the second gear module.

Abstract: A retractable protective covering assembly enabling a dental operator to selectively expose and cover a distal portion of a working end of a dental instrument during an intraoral examination of a dental patient, including a base component releasably attachable about the exterior of a length of a rigid linear shaft of the dental instrument, a cover component coupled to the base component, a coupling mechanism coupling the cover component to the base component, and a biasing element interposed between a proximal end of the cover component and an exterior surface the dental instrument rigid linear shaft, wherein the biasing element exerts a generally upward force against the proximal end portion of the cover component and urges a dental working end cover portion downwardly such that a distal end portion of the dental working end cover portion extends below the working end distal portion of the dental instrument.

Abstract: A dental mirror permits the mirror face to be flipped from a first angle to a second angle relative to the handle, while the tool is still in the patient's mouth. Mirror and handle connect at a pivot point that is spaced away from the handle's distal end. The neck of the mirror has a detent nub that mates with recesses in the neck of the handle for positioning and holding the mirror in place relative to the handle. The mirror can be shifted from one position to another by pushing or pulling the mirror against the patient's cheek while the mirror is still in the patient's mouth, as the nub slides from one recess to another. In one embodiment the mirror is flipped from a position 145 degrees relative to the handle to 90 degrees relative to the handle. Stops are incorporated to limit angular travel at either position.

Abstract: An apparatus for endodontic treatment, used for cleaning and/or abrading a root canal using at least one angled fluid jet. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a nozzle that is shaped to create one or more angled fluid jets, for example including an internal cone and an external cone. In some embodiments, the flow of fluid advances along a root canal wall for removal of soft tissue such as nerve tissue, pulp tissue, and/or debris.

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: A method for producing a one-piece orthodontic jig and brackets employs a computer-aided design (CAD) system to create a model of a patient's dental anatomy. A set of orthodontic brackets and their desired positions are also designed in the CAD model. An orthodontic jig for temporarily positioning the brackets during the bonding process is then designed that includes features for registering the jig to selected teeth, together with connecting members that detachably connect the brackets to the jig and hold the brackets in their desired position on the patient's teeth during the bonding process. The orthodontic jig and brackets is fabricated as a single piece by computer-controlled manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing) based on the CAD model.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods, systems, devices, and computer-readable media for dental prosthetics manipulation, selection, and planning. Embodiments include an overlapped, or semi-realistic 3D rendering, a localized abstraction of the dental plan, and/or a globalized abstraction of the dental plan. Various selection, manipulation, and planning functions are available for the displays. A dentist or other operator can use the various portions of the display to interact with, manipulate, and plan a dental prosthetic. In some embodiments, tools are also provided, such as a full crown manipulation.

Abstract: A method of making a customized dental blank. The method has steps of obtaining from a dental practitioner a first color scheme and a different second color scheme as well as a first dimensional information for the first color scheme and a different second dimensional information for the second color scheme. The first and second dimensional information each relate to a size and/or a location within dimensions of the dental blank. The method further has the step of manufacturing the customized dental blank which has a first portion based on the first dimensional information according to the first color scheme and a second portion based on the second dimensional information according to the second color. Further the method has the step of providing the dental practitioner with the customized dental blank. The method helps facilitating the making of a dental restoration from a blank.

Abstract: Provided is an oral cleaning device capable of ensuring a sufficient ejection pressure for a cleaning liquid while employing a small and low-cost electric air pump with a low output. An oral cleaning device is provided with an air-tightly closable cleaning liquid tank 2 which stores a cleaning liquid, a cleaning liquid supply passage 24 which has an ejection port 4a for ejecting the cleaning liquid into the oral cavity on one end and an introduction port 23a open inside the bottom part of the cleaning liquid tank 2 on the other end, and an electric air pump 44 which supplies air into the cleaning liquid tank 2 to pressurize the inside of the cleaning liquid tank 2. The cleaning liquid inside the cleaning liquid tank 2 is supplied to the ejection port 4a through the cleaning liquid supply passage 24 by air pressure inside the cleaning liquid tank 2.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a removable dental appliance is described. The device includes a rotatable upper cleaning brush having a plurality of downwardly protruding bristles for cleaning an upper surface of a removable dental appliance. The device also includes a lower dental appliance holder for holding the dental appliance and which is used in connection with the rotatable upper cleaning brush to limit movement of the dental appliance relative to the rotatable upper cleaning brush wherein, in use, a cleaning action can be applied to the dental appliance by rotating the rotatable upper cleaning brush relative to the dental appliance. The cleaning device further includes a casing connector for temporarily rotatably interconnecting the rotatable upper cleaning brush and the lower dental appliance holder so as to form a single integrated unit when assembled.

Abstract: Hands-free oral care devices and methods are described herein. In one embodiment, an oral care device includes a mouthpiece configured to be received within a user's mouth, the mouthpiece including an upper bristle track and a lower bristle track that are pivotably coupled together. The device further includes a first housing component coupled to the mouthpiece such that at least a portion of the first housing component can be compressed between the upper bristle track and the lower bristle track, and a second housing component sealingly coupled to the first housing component to define a watertight cavity therebetween. A battery can be disposed within the cavity, as well as an actuator and a pressure sensitive switch that is effective to detect pressure exerted on the first housing component when the upper and lower bristle tracks pivotably move relative to one another and selectively couple the actuator to the battery.

Abstract: A joint-supporting device comprises tensile members extending from a proximal cuff secured to the limb above the joint to a distal cuff secured to the limb below the joint, supplementing the tensile characteristics of the joint's tendons, ligaments, and other structure. The device may also comprise structure for limiting the range of motion and angular velocity of the joint.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided and adapted to engage and pull (e.g., pull up) or reposition paraurethral support tissue, such as the perineal membrane. The perineal membrane intersects the urethra and vagina at the midurethra or distal location and can thus be stabilized or controlled in a manner that helps restore continence. As such, the implants can be utilized to eliminate the need for mesh or other supportive structures under the urethra that is common with other incontinence slings.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided including a handle portion and a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the body portion, the end effector assembly including an electromagnetic manipulator in cooperation with an ultraviolet (UV) light source for performing tacking of an implant. In an alternative embodiment, the end effector assembly includes an electromagnetic manipulator in cooperation with at least one tack for performing tacking of an implant. The implant may be a mesh having a ferromagnetic coating activated by the electromagnetic manipulator. The tissue may have a UV coating activated by UV light applied by the UV light source.

Abstract: Absorbable polyester fibers, braids, and surgical meshes with prolonged strength retention have been developed. These devices are preferably derived from biocompatible copolymers or homopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate. These devices provide a wider range of in vivo strength retention properties than are currently available, and could offer additional benefits such as anti-adhesion properties, reduced risks of infection or other post-operative problems resulting from absorption and eventual elimination of the device, and competitive cost. The devices may also be particularly suitable for use in pediatric populations where their absorption should not hinder growth, and provide in all patient populations wound healing with long-term mechanical stability. The devices may additionally be combined with autologous, allogenic and/or xenogenic tissues to provide implants with improved mechanical, biological and handling properties.

Abstract: The described invention provides several aspects designed to help mechanically break up a clot inside vessels and/or remove a clot via aspiration simultaneously. According to some embodiments, the devices are adapted to irrigate a blood vessel during thrombectomy; to macerate an obstruction during thrombectomy, to block blood flow in a blood vessel during aspiration of a thrombus; or to capture and remove distal emboli. With the described invention, when used to ameliorate arterial clots, irrigation and aspiration are performed simultaneously in conjunction with a balloon or occlusive catheter to reverse flow of the vessel. With the described invention, when used to ameliorate venous clots and most arterio-venous dialysis grafts, a filter-tipped aspirator is used downstream from the clot to capture and remove dislocated emboli.

Abstract: An anti-reflux valve having a mesh scaffolding and a valve extending from the mesh scaffolding, the valve supported by a loop. The loop can be formed by a filament extending from the mesh scaffolding or by a loop filament separate from the filament(s) forming the mesh scaffolding.

Abstract: The disclosure of the present application provides devices, systems, and methods for replacing damaged or compromised blood vessels and engineering luminal grafts for various medical applications. Such devices are capable of providing viable, small-diameter grafts for use in anastomotic procedures and comprise a tubular construct consisting largely of elastin and some collagen fibers and having at least one diameter of less than or equal to about 5 mm. In one exemplary embodiment, the graft comprises at least one layer of pulmonary ligament tissue and/or pulmonary visceral pleura. Systems and methods for the manufacture of the graft are also provided, which include the use of at least one layer of tissue, a mandrel and a closure mechanism.

Abstract: A stent-graft suitable for chimney grafting comprising a sheath and a tubular framework defining a lumen. The stent-graft comprises, at one end of the sheath, at least one bucket formed at the end so as to form a depression in the sheath able to mate with a collateral stent. The stent-graft is applicable to the treatment of vascular pathologies, in particular to treat aneurysms. More particularly, the stent-graft is an endoprosthesis designed to be placed in parallel with at least one other endoprosthesis.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of treating an injury in a subject using placental tissue streamers, engineered tissue placental tissue hybrids, suture placental tissue hybrids, placental tissue patch hybrids, and tissue hybrids, and the use of these compositions to repair, treat, or support an injury or degenerative process in a subject.

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

Abstract: A method of corneal transplantation with cross-linking following implantation of a corneal graft is disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of: (i) removing a diseased central portion of a host cornea from an eye of a patient; (ii) implanting a corneal graft into the eye of the patient in a location previously occupied by the diseased central portion of the host cornea; and (iii) cross-linking a peripheral portion of the host cornea and the corneal graft after implanting the corneal graft so as to prevent an immune response to the corneal graft and to prevent a rejection of the corneal graft by the patient. A method of corneal transplantation with cross-linking following implantation of a corneal inlay is also disclosed herein. Also, methods disclosed herein utilize nanoparticles, antibody-coated nanoparticles, and cell penetrating agents to enhance the penetration of a photosensitizer in the cornea of a patient.

Abstract: An intra-ocular device includes an electronic lens that can be controlled to control the overall optical power of the device. The device can be installed within a flexible polymeric material shaped to conform to the inside surface of a lens capsule of an eye. Accommodation forces applied to the device and/or polymeric material via the lens capsule can cause a change in the optical power of the device and/or polymeric material. Further, such accommodation forces can be detected by an accommodation sensor of the device and the optical power of the electronic lens can be controlled based on the detected accommodation forces. Operated in this way, the device and polymeric material can restore a degree of accommodation to the eye that is related to existing mechanisms for controlling such accommodation, i.e., forces exerted by the eye via the lens capsule.

Abstract: A voice prosthesis for mounting in a fistula between trachea and esophagus is provided. The voice prosthesis comprises a tubular body having a lumen, a valve disc and a valve seat. The valve disc and a valve seat are arranged in the lumen of the tubular body, such that the valve disc and the valve seat control the connection through the lumen by interaction between the valve disc and the valve seat. A sealing rim is arranged between the valve disc and the valve seat, such that the interaction between the valve disc and the valve seat is obtained via the rim. A method for manufacturing a voice prosthesis is also provided.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end, a distal end, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end and an aortic section adjacent the distal end, the stent including a plurality of struts. A cuff may be coupled to the stent so that a flat, bottom edge of the cuff lies adjacent the proximal end of the stent. A pattern of stitches may be circumferentially disposed around the flat bottom edge of the cuff, the pattern of stitches alternating between stitches sewn to the cuff only and stitches sewn to both the cuff and the stent.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve is provided with a cuff having features which promote sealing with the native tissues even where the native tissues are irregular. The cuff may include a portion adapted to bear on the LVOT when the valve is implanted in a native aortic valve. The valve may include elements for biasing the cuff outwardly with respect to the stent body when the stent body is in an expanded condition. The cuff may have portions of different thickness distributed around the circumference of the valve in a pattern matching the shape of the opening defined by the native tissue. All or part of the cuff may be movable relative to the stent during implantation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an expandable anchor supporting a replacement valve, the anchor and replacement valve being adapted for percutaneous delivery and deployment to replace the patient's heart valve, the anchor having a braid having atraumatic grasping elements adapted to grasp tissue in a vicinity of the patient's heart valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve leaflet includes a plurality of electrospun fibers at least partially embedded in a polymer matrix. The plurality of fibers includes a first polyisobutylene urethane copolymer having a first predetermined weight average percentage of hard segment portions and the polymer matrix includes a second polyisobutylene urethane copolymer having a second predetermined weight average percentage of the hard segment portions, wherein the first predetermined weight average percentage of the hard segment portions is greater than the second predetermined weight average percentage of the hard segment portions.

Abstract: Described embodiments are related to a prosthetic valve for surgical placement with a sewing cuff durably attached to a frame. The durability of the attachment is accomplished by sandwiching a fabric between the frame and a composite material. The fabric extends beyond the frame base to form a sewing cuff that is integral to a frame assembly. The sewing cuff facilitates tissue ingrowth while tissue ingrowth is discouraged elsewhere around the frame.

Abstract: A structure for sealing a gap between a medical device and adjacent body tissue includes a ring-shaped body formed at least in part of a material that expands from a compressed condition to an expanded condition when heated to a transition temperature and that is adapted to conform to the body tissue in the expanded condition.

Abstract: A therapeutic device includes a prosthetic heart valve including a collapsible and expandable stent having an aortic section and an annulus section, and a valve assembly disposed within the annulus section of the stent, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets; and a graft coupled to the aortic section of the stent. The graft has a body and at least one lining disposed on the body and defining a lumen therethrough.

Abstract: A composite biomaterial having a continuous metal sheet with arcuate members that define a first fenestration pattern, and a polymer layer over at least one surface of the continuous metal sheet. The arcuate members elastically stretch to allow the continuous metal sheet to bend in more than one axis without buckling or wrinkling.

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 method of delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus while a patient's heart is beating is disclosed. The method includes accessing the left ventricle through an intercostal incision and forming a puncture in the left ventricle. A guidewire is advanced into the left ventricle and through the aortic valve. An introducer is passed over the guidewire and into the left ventricle. A valve delivery device is advanced over the guidewire and through the introducer until a prosthetic heart valve positioned thereon is located within the aortic valve. The prosthetic heart valve is then radially expanded within the aortic valve annulus for replacing the function of the native aortic valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a balloon shaped to have one or more enlarged regions to selectively increase expansion forces on an implant. For example, the balloon may have a central portion that is enlarged to exert more force on the center of a stent-mounted prosthetic heart valve. This overcomes the stent-mounted prosthetic heart valve's tendency to expand with flared ends. This forms a more cylindrical or barrel shaped stent frame during expansion of the balloon—reducing or eliminating the instance wherein the cylindrical stent frame has flared ends. Alternatively, the balloon may have conical flares placed to cause or enhance flared ends of the cylindrical implant to enhance its anchoring capabilities.

Abstract: Described, in certain aspects of the invention, are apparatuses and methods for deploying artificial devices within the vascular system. One apparatus includes a delivery device having a lumen and a deployment member slidably received within the lumen. This apparatus further includes an artificial device having an anchoring element releasably engaged with the deployment member. Such an apparatus can be percutaneously delivered to a site within a vascular vessel, and thereafter manipulated so that the anchoring element attaches to the vessel wall. The delivery device and deployment member can then be withdrawn from the vessel, whereby the deployment member disengages from the anchoring element, leaving the artificial device implanted in the vessel.

Abstract: A device for loading a prosthesis onto a delivery system includes a first housing having a central bore. One or more actuators on the first housing may be actuated radially inward to selectively compress a discrete portion of the prosthesis disposed in the central bore.