Abstract: A method for determining an apposition parameter indicative for the position and apposition of a tubular member, such as a stent graft, inserted in a lumen of an anatomical vessel/duct of a patient. The method includes providing a numerical three-dimensional patient model of at least a part of the vessel including the tubular member; determining a vessel morphology parameter from the patient model, the parameter indicative for the anatomy of a predetermined part of the vessel at or near the tubular member in said vessel with respect to said patient model; determining a tubular member positional parameter from the patient model, the parameter indicative for the position of a predetermined part of the tubular member in the patient model; and calculating, based on the determined vessel morphology parameter and tubular member positional parameter, the relative position of the tubular member with respect to the vessel as the apposition parameter.

Abstract: A system and method for planning and performing an interventional procedure based on the spatial relationships between identified points. The system includes a storage device (102) having an image (104) which includes a plurality of targets (107). A spatial determination device (114) is configured to determine distances and/or orientation between each of the targets. The system is configured to compare the distances and generate a warning signal if at least one of the distances is less than a minimum threshold (128). An image generation device (116) is configured to generate a graphical representation for display to the user which shows the spatial information between a selected target with respect to the other targets. A planning device (126) is configured to modify or consolidate targets automatically or based on a user's input in order to more effectively plan or execute an interventional procedure.

Abstract: A computer system and corresponding method are used to assist in planning a trajectory for a surgical insertion into a skull to a target representing an anatomical region.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices, and methods for performing treatment along a lumen network, an exemplary method comprising receiving image data of a patient's lungs, mapping one or more luminal networks inside the patient's lungs based on the received image data, identifying a treatment target in the image data, determining a luminal pathway to the treatment target via at least one of the luminal networks, configuring treatment parameters for treatment of the treatment target and at least one of the luminal networks, navigating a tool inside at least one of the luminal networks to the treatment target, treating the treatment target with a primary treatment modality, and treating the luminal pathway of at least one of the luminal networks leading to or from the treatment target with a secondary treatment modality.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

Abstract: A tele-operated system includes a platform, a manipulator supported by the platform, a support structure supporting the platform, and a processor. In a platform movement mode the processor is configured to sense a manual movement of a link of the manipulator relative to the platform that moves the link from a first to a second positional relationship relative to the platform wherein a difference between the first and second positional relationships includes a displacement having components in first, second, and third directions that are perpendicular to one another, calculate, in response to the sensed manual movement, a command for the support structure that causes the link to move in the first direction so as to reduce the displacement in the first direction and does not change the displacement in the second direction, and transmit the command to the support structure so as to move the platform and the manipulator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for driving a flexible medical instrument to a target in an anatomical space with robotic assistance are described herein. The flexible instrument may have a tracking sensor embedded therein. An associated robotic control system may be provided, which is configured to register the flexible instrument to an anatomical image using data from the tracking sensor and identify one or more movements suitable for navigating the instrument towards an identified target. In some embodiments, the robotic control system drives or assists in driving the flexible instrument to the target.

Abstract: A teleoperated system includes a master grip and a ratcheting system coupled to the master grip. The ratcheting system is configured to be coupled to a slave instrument. The ratcheting system is further configured to align the master grip with the slave instrument by determining a commanded angular velocity for the slave instrument based on a command from the master grip, determining a current alignment error between an alignment of the master grip and an alignment of the slave instrument, and altering the commanded angular velocity for the slave instrument based on the current alignment error. In some embodiments, the ratcheting system is further configured to introduce a control system error to alter the commanded angular velocity. In some embodiments, the current alignment error is a rotation angle error between the alignment of the master grip and the alignment of the slave instrument.

Abstract: A robotic actuation system for sensorless force control of an interventional tool (14) having cable driven distal end (e.g., a probe, a steerable catheter, a guidewire and a colonoscope). The system employs a robotic actuator (30) having one or more motorized gears operate the cable drive of the interventional tool (14). The system further employs a robotic workstation (20) to generate motor commands for simultaneous actuation position and contact force control of the interventional tool (14). The motor commands are a function of an actuation position measurement and a motor current measurement of the at least one motorized gear for a desired actuation position of the interventional tool (14).

Abstract: A multifunctional enclosure is described having an elongated sleeve configured with an enlarged opening for the insertion of an elongated member of a medical probe. The multifunctional enclosure is configured to prevent the elongated member of the medical probe from swinging and becoming damaged during transport. The multifunctional enclosure may further comprise an attachment component for securing the medical probe to the multifunctional enclosure. Furthermore, at least one vent may be configured onto the multifunctional enclosure, such as on a first end closure portion. The vent may allow for adequate flow for sterilization and/or drying.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying a barrier to a medical scope are provided. An apparatus may comprise a source of film and a housing. The housing may comprise a chamber configured to support therein the source of film, and an opening provided through a wall of the housing to permit a portion of the film to extend out of the chamber when the film is dispensed. The housing may comprise a recess located such that the extended portion of the film is permitted to hang freely in proximity to the recess. The recess may be sized to receive a distal portion of the medical scope. The recess may be adapted to allow the extended portion of the film to be applied to the distal portion of the medical scope when the distal portion is placed into the recess with the portion of the film located therebetween.

Abstract: A medical bag comprises a flexible shell and having opening and a zip fastener for closing the opening. The zip fastener includes two sliders arranged to close the zip from opposing ends in a direction towards each other along the length of the zip fastener. The sliders are movable between an open configuration in which they are located at opposing ends of the zip fastener and a closed configuration in which they are located at a stop position at the centre of the zip fastener. The bag further includes a pair of positioned at a common location along the length of the zip coincident with the stop position of the sliders. The handles are located on opposing sides of the zip fastener and are arranged to enable a person to impart forces in opposing directions away from the zip transverse to the length of the zip to open the zip when the zip is closed with the sliders located at the stop position to enable the bag to be ripped open in a very rapid manner to access the medical equipment in time critical situations.

Abstract: A medical device tray tracking system is presented that includes a medical device tray having a plurality of medical devices thereon that are configured to be used in the performance of a medical procedure. The system also includes a tracking device that is configured to be attached to the medical device tray, the tracking device having a housing, a controller having a microprocessor and memory, a communications module having a transceiver and an antenna that facilitates wireless communication, and a power source that powers electronic components of the tracking device. The system also includes a third party intermediary that provides a user interface and a database that facilitates the transmission of status updates regarding the location of the tracking device and associated medical device tray.

Abstract: Protective device for the skin and tissues for cold cosmetic treatments including at least a first layer (1) of a cold conducting material, characterized in that it comprises: at least a second layer (2) on said first layer (1) and joined to it (1), defining some inner surfaces (3) between both layers configuring at least one housing (11), being both layers (1, 2) porous and absorbent, and at least one cold conducting antifreeze gel (4), scattered in housing (11), on all the inner surfaces (3), said gel (4) having a freezing point below ?12° C., and a viscosity between 2000-90000 cPs at 21° C., enough to pass through the pores of layers (1, 2) and to be removed from housing (11).

Abstract: [Problem] An adhesion-preventing material having a high adhesion-preventing effect has been demanded. [Solution] An adhesion-preventing material including a sterilized biocompatible sponge-like laminate, wherein the sponge-like laminate comprises a sponge-like first layer and a sponge-like second layer each of which is at least partially crosslinked with a curing agent and comprises a low-endotoxin alginic acid monovalent metal salt, the alginic acid monovalent metal salt in the first layer has a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 to 2,000,000, the alginic acid monovalent metal salt in the second layer has a weight average molecular weight of 1,000 to 1,000,000, the weight average molecular weights are measured by a GPC-MALS method after a decrosslinking treatment, and the weight average molecular weight of the alginic acid monovalent metal salt in the first layer is higher than that in the second layer.

Abstract: A handle assembly comprised of a base and a detachable handle that mounts to the base. The base includes integrated electronics, such as switches. The detachable handle includes buttons for activating the switches.

Abstract: A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with surgical tools and a camera extending out of its distal end. To supplement the view provided by an image captured by the camera, an auxiliary view including articulatable arms of the surgical tools and/or camera is generated from sensed or otherwise determined information about their positions and orientations and displayed on a display screen from the perspective of a specified viewing point.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, devices, assemblies, and methods for localization of a tag in a tissue of a patient. For example, provided herein are systems, devices, and methods employing an implantable tag that emits sidebands at defined frequencies upon activation by a magnetic field generated by a remote activating device, and a plurality of witness stations configured to detect such sidebands. Also provided herein are herein are systems, devices, and methods employing a detection component that is attached to or integrated with a surgical device.

Abstract: A medical stand may include a first link, a second link parallel to the first link, a third link connected between one end of the first link and one end of the second link, a fourth link parallel to the third link and connected between the other end of the first link and the other end of the second link, a mounting arm extending from the other end of the first link, a variable balancing arm connected to at least one of the second link or the third link, a counterweight provided at a distal end of the variable balancing arm, a detector detecting a displacement of at least one of the first link, the second link, the third link, or the fourth link, and a controller generating the control signal to adjust the center-of-gravity position of the variable balancing arm in accordance with the displacement detected by the detector.

Abstract: An adapter for a tailpiece for a dental valve is disclosed which has a body having an exterior surface, a valve receiving end, a tailpiece receiving end, a lumen formed between the valve receiving end and the tailpiece receiving end, the lumen having an interior surface, an interior annular groove formed in the interior surface, and an exterior annular rib formed in the exterior surface, with the exterior annular rib being positioned near the tailpiece receiving end and the interior annular channel being positioned near the valve receiving end.

Abstract: Disclosed is an artificial tooth machining apparatus which protects a workpiece and first and second tools from heat and frictional contact that may occur when the workpiece is machined and enhancing machining precision by supplying water or air to the tools by a supply unit, a first nozzle portion, and a second nozzle portion, which has a lifespan lengthened by preventing chips of the workpiece or water or air from being introduced to a mechanism operation part of a base part by a discharge unit and a blocking unit, and which prevents a collision between the first tool and the second tool during machining of the workpiece by a tool collision preventing controller.

Abstract: Surgical templates and methods of manufacture to assist in a surgical procedure such as dental implant placement, where the positioning of the surgical template onto its supporting surface is achieved through using a limited number of contact features that are located such that a force-closure or form closure positioning of the surgical template with respect to the supporting surface is achieved.

Abstract: A mixer assembly with a static mixing element arranged within a mixing channel. The mixer assembly has an inlet end, for receiving components of a substance and a dispensing end for dispensing a mixture from the components. The inlet end comprises for each component an inlet and an associated non-return valve. Each of the inlets is connectable for fluid communication with the mixing channel via the associated non-return valve.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is disclosed having three archwire retention channels in the mesial-distal directions, a central channel and two side channels. The two side channels each include a pair of spaced apart inverted archwire retaining regions having a recess that opens generally towards the bracket base. Each such recess is for grasping or holding an archwire therein. Other aspects are directed to a self ligating orthodontic bracket system that includes a rotatable member for securing an archwire within a slot of a bracket; embodiments that include an orthodontic appliance and method of producing and using the same, and preferably employed in a lingual orthodontic system, that includes friction reducing features between an interior of an archwire slot portion of the appliance and an archwire placed within the archwire slot.

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket for installation on a tooth includes a bracket body defining an archwire slot, the bracket body including a lingual surface configured to be mounted on a tooth. One or more posts extend outward from a first surface of the bracket body, and a ligating member is moveable along the first surface between a first, open position which allows access to the archwire slot, and a second, closed position which restricts access to the archwire slot. The ligating member includes projections to contact the one or more posts and maintain the ligating member in at least one of the open position, closed position, and a transition movement between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: [Object] An object is to provide dental braces in which sufficient adhesion strength can be maintained by simple processing within the oral cavity of a person to be treated for a long time and with which it is possible to reduce an uncomfortable feeling when the dental braces are fitted. [Solution Means] A dental brace 1a is mainly formed with a bracket main body portion 2a, an opening/closing lid portion 3a and a tooth abutting plate portion 4a. The tooth abutting plate portion 4a includes, on one surface side, a first surface portion 41 which abuts on the surface of a tooth T on the side of a tongue and includes, on a side opposite to the first surface portion 41, a second surface portion 42 to which the bracket main body portion 2b is adhered, and a charge hole portion 44 is formed which penetrates from the first surface portion 41 to the second surface portion 42.

Abstract: The object of the present invention relates to a method for the production of an orthodontic functional device for the treatment of facial asymmetries. The present invention refers to the field of the technique comprising the manufacturing methods and the technique used to make orthodontic appliances. Specifically, it refers to a methodology that allows the artwork to be performed without making the operator dependent based on a cephalometric frontal path created by a computer so without ever contacting the patient with a functional orthodontic device for the treatment of facial asymmetries. Facial asymmetry is an alteration in skeletal growth that can be determined by several congenital or acquired factors that in patients with skeletal development in place. They exemplify the pathogenetic action by altering the functional harmonics of the entire stomatognathic apparatus.

Abstract: A dental flattening drill is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a dental flattening drill comprises: a drill lance having a drill blade for forming an implant groove by drilling, down till a predetermine depth, an implant location of an alveolar bone in which a fixture is to be implanted; and a drill housing to which the drill lance is detachably coupled, and having a processing blade for flattening the alveolar bone region around the implant groove.

Abstract: A system and method of automated formation of a preparation stub, based on an a priori created computational geometrical model, configured to conform to a prefabricated fixed dental prosthesis, is described. The system includes a digital imaging facility with an image acquiring device and a three-dimensional data digitizer, a modeling facility with an exterior surface design module and an interior surface design module, a fabrication facility operatively with a computer-aided manufacturing module, as well as an application facility including an ablation tool and in-situ preparation module; application facility preferably includes an intra-oral feedbacking appliance with a distance measurement probe for automated feedback-controlled formation of a preparation stub.

Abstract: A ceramic shell for producing a dental prosthesis, particularly for veneering a dental scaffold or as a full ceramic dental prosthesis, is produced by a method wherein the ceramic shell is manufactured in the form of a green compact from a ceramic powder and a binder system such that the ceramic shell can be shaped flexibly and can be adjusted plastically to adapt to a body.

Abstract: A method for producing dentures uses a green compact containing a mixture of ceramic powder and a binder system. A ceramic shell for dentures can be produced from the green compact and can be shaped and can be adapted to a carrier prior to a firing step below a temperature of 1050° C.

Abstract: A dental cleaning tool includes a handle defining a longitudinal axis of the tool, a floss holder a floss holder having a base and two arms extending from the base in perpendicular relation to the longitudinal axis, at least one strand of floss extending between the two arms, and a pivotable brush attached to the floss holder. The pivotable brush includes a rod and bristles disposed on the rod. The rod is pivotably mounted to the floss holder between a first, stowed position and a second, use position.

Abstract: A system for ultrasonic cleaning of dental appliances provides nested containers adapted to communicate ultrasonic energy therethrough to provide cleaning of a dental appliance contained within the innermost container using a standard ultrasound machine without cross-contamination with liquid from the main ultrasound bath.

Abstract: Medical or dental cleaning and/or care device for cleaning and/or care of at least one instrument, comprising: a housing, a plurality of chambers, each of the plurality of chambers configured to accommodate at least one instrument, wherein each chamber has at least one dispensing element for dispensing at least one cleaning agent and/or care agent into the respective chamber and/or to the instrument accommodated in the respective chamber, an opening in the housing, through which the plurality of chambers can be loaded with instruments, and a cover for closing the opening and the plurality of chambers, wherein only a part of the opening can be closed by the cover so that when at least one of the plurality of chambers is completely closed, at least another one of the plurality of chambers is not completely closed.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a biological prosthesis suitable for gastrointestinal surgery and in particular for the treatment of parastomal hernias. It has a thickness (12) of between 0.5 and 4 mm, consisting of dermis removed from a part of an animal belonging to the family of pigs, cattle or goats, with the said part of the animal corresponding to a part extending from the area (16) located at the base of the tail next to the junction of the last sacral vertebrae up to an area (18) starting at the base of the tail and encompassing the circumference of at least a part of the caudal vertebrae.

Abstract: A package, which includes an areal medical device like a surgical mesh, comprises a folder supporting the areal medical device. The folder comprises a base panel, which has two side edges opposing each other and which includes at least one tab adapted for holding the areal medical device on the base panel. The folder further comprises two side flaps, each of the side flaps emerging from a respective one of said side edges of the base panel and being folded about said respective side edge onto the base panel into a respective folded state. The side flaps and the at least one tab cover at most 15% of the area of the areal medical device.

Abstract: A graft having a tubular body having a first end configured for attachment to a first vessel having a first compliance and second end configured for attachment to a second vessel having a second compliance different from the first compliance, and having a plurality of compressible chambers in the wall of the tubular body in which the chamber adjacent the first end of the tubular body is less compressible than the chamber adjacent the second end of the tubular body such that first end of the tubular body substantially matches the first compliance and the second end of the tubular body substantially matches the second compliance.

Abstract: A stent graft device having a plurality of axially offset rows of radiopaque markers for rotational orientation of the stent graft device. The stent graft device may include an expandable stent frame and attached graft member. Each row of radiopaque markers may include a plurality of radiopaque markers that are evenly spaced. Each row may also include a length that covers a limited portion of the circumference of the stent graft device, where each row is circumferentially offset such that a fluoroscopic projection of the stent graft device illustrates one of a plurality of unique visual orientations of the axially offset rows for use in visually determining a current rotational orientation of the stent graft device.

Abstract: A graft for inducing helical blood flow, including a tubular body with fluid inflow and fluid outflow ends, and with inner and outer sidewalls. A lumen extends between the fluid inflow end and fluid outflow end. A compressible chamber is disposed between the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall. The compressible chamber has an incompressible seam that follows a substantially helical path around a longitudinal axis of the tubular body. When internal (e.g., blood) pressure increases on the inner sidewall, a vane element is formed that follows the substantially helical path around the longitudinal axis of the tubular body. The vane element may induce helical blood flow. The width of the compressible chamber may decrease in a compressed state (e.g., systole). The chamber may be filled with a predetermined amount of at least one of a gas, liquid, or vapor. The graft may have a second incompressible seam/vane.

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

Abstract: An implant assembly for introducing and positioning implants within patients may comprise an implant device, an implant, and a sheath. The implant device may include a head, an upper beam, a lower beam, and an implant positioning component. The implant may be disposed between the upper beam and the lower beam and may include a first face engaged with the upper beam and a second face engaged with the lower beam. Additionally, the implant may be at least partially disposed around the implant positioning component. The sheath may be disposed around the implant positioning device and the implant.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for attaching soft tissue to bone tissue, e.g. a broken ligament or ligament graft (1), comprising a flexible wire (10) provided with several corpuscles (9, 9?, 9?) fixed along the length of same, and a screw (8) capable of engaging with said corpuscles of the wire (10) when screwed into a bone tunnel (4) by blocking them between the screw pitch and the bone tissue. The wire is capable of forming a free loop (2) for receiving said soft tissue, e.g. a ligament graft, the two branches of said loop being provided with said corpuscles. The wire can also be provided with a closed loop or a crimped needle. The screw is a cannulated screw for receiving a guide pin (6).

Abstract: Devices, systems and/or methods for repairing soft tissue adjacent a soft tissue repair site. In one embodiment, the repair device includes an anchor member having a base with at least four legs extending from the base. The base extends with a generally flat circular profile defining an upper surface and an underside surface with a central opening extending therethrough. Further, the at least four legs extend from the base with an elongated angled portion, the elongated angled portion being oriented at an angle less than seventy-five degrees relative to the underside surface of the base. With this arrangement, the anchor member may be fixated to soft tissue by rotating the base with a delivery tool so that the elongated angled portion of the at least four legs facilitates the anchor member sinking into the soft tissue and fixating thereto.

Abstract: A method and device for removing the gelatinous filler of a ruptured breast implant is disclosed. The device has a large bore collection nozzle with large internal diameter and a short length so that it can transport a viscous gel using the suction pressure drop typically available in a hospital operating room and a collection container attached to the nozzle that has an internal volume to accommodate the filler. The container has a suction fitting for communication with a hospital suction port distal from the collection container and grasping means for manipulating the container.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens assembly can include a first lens, a first plurality of stanchions, a second lens, and a second plurality of stanchions. A central optic axis can extend through centers of the first and second lenses. The first plurality of stanchions can each extend a first distance between a first base end and a first distal end. The first lens can be connected with the first distal ends. The second plurality of stanchions can each extend a second distance between a second base end and a second distal end. The second lens can be connected with the second distal ends. Compression at the peripheries of the stanchions induces movement of the lenses apart from one other.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward centrally-opening, leaflet valve devices and systems for transcatheter delivery having a two-piece valve body as well as methods of making and delivering the two-piece valve devices. A transcatheter valve includes a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The transcatheter valve can further include an everted configuration and a non-everted configuration.

Abstract: A system for implanting a repair device onto a native valve of a natural heart to repair the native valve of a patient during a non-open-heart procedure. The system includes a base assembly, a pair of paddles, and a pair of gripping members. The base assembly includes a shaft and a coupler attached to the shaft such that the coupler can be moved along the shaft. The paddles are movable between an open position, a closed position and a bailout position. The paddles and the gripping members are configured to attach to the native valve of the patient. Movement of the coupler along the shaft causes the paddles to move between the open position, the closed position, and the bailout position. When the paddles are in the bailout position, a bailout angle between each paddle of the pair of paddles and the shaft is greater than or equal to 120 degrees.