Abstract: Various exemplary angled surgical trocars and methods of using angled surgical trocars are provided. In general, a trocar configured to be advanced into a body of a patient can have an angled distal portion. The trocar can have a cut-out at its distal end in the angled distal portion of the trocar. The trocar can be advanced into the patient's body alone or with an obturator located therein. The obturator located in the trocar can have a flexible portion configured to bend within the trocar's angled distal portion. The trocar and obturator can be used in a variety of medical procedures, for example thoracic procedures in which the trocar is used to provide access to a thoracic cavity of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an access trocar (1) comprising: a cannula (20) equipped with a hollow portion (25) and with two ends (20?, 20?), where a first end of the cannula (20) is a free end (20?) and the opposite end is an end for connection (20?) to a handling portion (40) through a retention valve (12) and a sheath (10). The handling portion (40) comprises a rod (31) that is connectable to the hollow portion of the cannula (20) through the connecting end (20?); the cannula (20) also comprises an inflatable balloon (22) and a circlip (21) equipped with internal orifices for insertion regarding the cannula (20), where the inflatable balloon (22) is also connected to the retention valve (12) through a duct (23) connected to the cannula (20). It also describes a method for using an access trocar (1) and a kit comprising an access trocar (1) and a guidewire (45).

Abstract: An access port is disclosed for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures performed within a patient's abdominal cavity, which includes a body defining a bore configured to guide at least one surgical instrument into the abdominal cavity, and concave and convex anchoring regions for securing the access port relative to the abdominal cavity.

Abstract: A method and system provide and use a patellar implant. The patellar implant includes a superior portion, an inferior portion opposite to the superior portion, and an anterior portion. The superior portion being configured to reside below a patellar tendon and to elevate and/or tilt the patellar tendon. The inferior portion is configured to be seated in proximity to a tibia. The anterior portion is between the superior portion and the inferior portion. The anterior portion is placed in proximity to a patella. In one aspect, the method includes inserting the implant beneath the patellar tendon and between the patella and a position at which the patellar tendon is affixed to the tibia. In this aspect, the method also includes affixing the implant.

Abstract: A method and system provide and use a patellar implant. The patellar implant includes a superior portion, an inferior portion opposite to the superior portion, and an anterior portion. The superior portion being configured to reside below a patellar tendon and to elevate and/or tilt the patellar tendon. The inferior portion is configured to be seated in proximity to a tibia. The anterior portion is between the superior portion and the inferior portion. The anterior portion is placed in proximity to a patella. In one aspect, the method includes inserting the implant beneath the patellar tendon and between the patella and a position at which the patellar tendon is affixed to the tibia. In this aspect, the method also includes affixing the implant.

Abstract: An external bone fixation system may include a first semi-circular external fixation member, a second semi-circular external fixation member, four ball collet assemblies attached to the second external fixation member, and four shafts. Each shaft may include a first end attached to the first external fixation member and a second end with a stop member, and each of the four shafts extends slidably through an opening in a ball of one of the four ball collet assemblies. The stop member of each second end prevents each second end from passing through the opening in its respective ball. Each shaft also includes a hinge located closer to the first end than to the second end.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to spinal treatments and, more particularly, to a compression device for use in spinal surgery that includes integrated compression and distraction. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a compression device for use in a spinal surgery. The compression device may comprise a first sleeve having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the first sleeve is arranged for placement over at least a portion of one or more pedicle screw tulip. The compression device may further comprise a second sleeve having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the second sleeve is arranged for placement over at least a portion of one or more additional pedicle screw tulip. The compression device may further comprise a linear drive, wherein the linear drive is operable to cause movement of the first sleeve and/or the second sleeve for compression and/or distraction.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization assembly includes a core, typically in the form of a tensioned cord, at least one pair of bone anchors, a spacer surrounding the core located between the bone anchors, at least one elastic bumper and at least one fixing or blocking member. The core is slidable with respect to at least one of the bone anchors, the spacer and the bumper. The bumper is compressed. Bone screws of the assembly include closure structures that lock against the bone screw independent of any fixing or sliding of the core with respect to the bone screw.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw for attaching a rod to a vertebra comprises a fastener having a threaded shank and a head. A yoke has a rod receiving channel for receiving the rod. A screw support rotatably attached to the yoke has a cavity articulatingly and rotatably supporting the fastener head, a hole receiving the threaded fastener shank therethrough, and a plurality of slots for maximum screw angulation. A crown has an upper rod receiving surface, a lower surface in contact with the fastener head and a projecting surface in contact with the yoke. A biasing element between the screw support and the yoke applies biasing forces among the fastener, the crown, and the yoke to provide sufficient friction to retain the yoke in a manipulable position relative to the fastener. A set screw is supported by the yoke to overcome the bias and to rigidly secure the components.

Abstract: A pedicle screw includes a tulip head, a rod seat, a screw shank, and a retainer collar. The tulip head has an upper opening disposed in a top end of the tulip head and a lower opening disposed in a bottom end of the tulip head opposite the upper opening. The upper and lower openings form a single cavity extending through the tulip head from a top end to the bottom end. The rod seat is disposed within the cavity of the tulip head and engages a stop extending inwardly from an interior wall of the cavity. The screw shank has a thread disposed along a length of the screw shank and a connector positioned at an upper end. The retainer collar has a pass through aperture, an expansion slit, and is disposed about the connector of the screw shank. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An insertion device for deploying an implant includes an elongated main body having a distal locking portion for coupling to the implant and a proximal handle portion. The main body defines a central passage and the distal locking portion has outer ridges and slots to allow the outer ridges to flex radially inward when mounting to the implant. A plunger slides in the central passage for movement between an unlocked position for mounting the implant on the distal locking portion, a locked position for locking the implant on the distal locking portion, and an insertion instrument deployed position for deploying the actuation plunger to move the blades from the stowed position to the deployed position. A spike cap drive rotatably mounts on the main body having a socket end for engaging a drive nut on the implant to, in turn, move the spike cap.

Abstract: A spinal repositioning instrument includes a first coupling body for direct or indirect coupling to a pedicle screw, and a second coupling body for direct or indirect coupling to another pedicle screw. The spinal repositioning instrument can perform a first movement and a second movement independent from the first movement Under the first movement, the coupling bodies perform a scissor-like pivoting about a first axis. Under the second movement, the coupling bodies rotate in opposite directions about respective second axes. The second axes are relatively fixed under the second movement. The spinal repositioning instrument can also include a synchronising transmission such that the rotations of the coupling bodies under the second movement are symmetrical to each other.

Abstract: A rod reduction tool assembly includes an outer tube with outer tangs for engaging a bone anchor, an inner partially tubular pin support and a threaded cap mated to the outer tube and engaging the inner pin support.

Abstract: Systems and methods for intermedullary bone fracture fixation are described herein. The fixation device includes a main body having a flexible state and a rigid state. The fixation device further includes a proximal interface coupled to a proximal end of the main body to anchor the fixation device to an exterior surface of the bone and a distal interface coupled to a distal end of the main body to anchor the fixation device to an interior cavity of the bone. The fixation device further includes a locking interface to configured to convert the main body from the flexible state to the rigid state.

Abstract: A bone treating device has a bone plate and a bone screw. The bone plate has an opening which penetrates therethrough and has a female screw part having a plurality of thread grooves formed on an inner surface of the opening. The bone screw has a shaft part capable of penetrating the opening of the bone plate and a head part provided at a proximal end of the shaft part. The head part has on an outer surface thereof a male screw part having a plurality of screw threads threadedly engageable with the thread grooves of the female screw part formed on the inner surface of the opening. The bone screw has a threaded engagement start guiding portion formed by extending screw threads whose number is fewer by at least one than the number of screw threads formed in the male screw part to a threaded engagement start side.

Abstract: A plantar bone plate and a method are provided for treating fractures of metatarsal bones. The plantar bone plate comprises a generally elongate member having an upper surface and a lower, bone contact surface. Two or more fixation apertures and a compression slot are disposed along a longitudinal dimension of the elongate member. The fixation apertures receive fasteners suitable for fastening the plantar bone plate to a metatarsal bone. The compression slot receives a fastener at an oblique angle for compressing adjacent portions of the metatarsal bone so as to encourage bone fusion. A curvature along the elongate member is configured to mate the plantar bone plate with the anatomy of the plantar aspect of the metatarsal bone. In one embodiment, the curvature is comprised of at least a first bend and a second bend, such that the plantar bone plate mates with the plantar anatomy of the 5th metatarsal.

Abstract: A surgical staple (714) for inserting into one or more bone parts (10, 12) comprises a plate (718), a first screw (748) and a second screw (748). The plate (718) includes a first end (768F), an opposed second end (768S), a first aperture (742) that is positioned near the first end (768F), and a second aperture (742) that is positioned near the second end (768S). Additionally, the plate (718) is curved along a length of the plate (718) from the first end (768F) to the second end (768S). The first screw (748) extends through the first aperture (742). The second screw (748) extends through the second aperture (742). Further, the first screw (748) and the second screw (748) are angled toward one another when the surgical staple (714) is in a relaxed configuration.

Abstract: An anchor device for use in sacroiliac joint stabilization comprises a housing having one or more apertures; one or more engagement members at least partially disposed in the housing, where at least one of the one or more engagement members is movable between a retracted position and an extended position such that, when in the extended position, the at least one of the one or more engagement members extends through at least one of the one or more apertures; wherein, when in the extended position, the at least one of the one or more engagement members is configured to move to the extended position within cancellous bone of a sacrum; and wherein the anchor device comprises a continuous channel extending from a first end of the anchor device to a second end of the anchor device, the channel being configured to receive a guidewire.

Abstract: Techniques for joint fusion are described, including a screw comprising a head having a partially flat surface and an opening for receiving a screwdriver tip, the head able to fit within a drill guide, a tip having another opening, a shaft extending from the head to the tip, the shaft having a plurality of holes and a thread on an external surface of the shaft, and a cannula within the shaft extending from the opening to the another opening.

Abstract: A device for dispensing biomaterial includes a handle configured to receive a syringe, the syringe including a biomaterial and a threaded plunger, and an engagement pin retained within the handle and slidable between a first position and a second position. The engagement pin is configured to engage the threaded plunger in the first position, the engagement pin is further configured to disengage from the threaded plunger in the second position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for tracking an instrument. The instrument may be tracked with one or more trackable members. The trackable members may be held relative to a handle to which the instrument is attached.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways.

Abstract: A method of operating an electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue comprises inserting the electrosurgical instrument (1) into an endoscope (7), and activating a source to supply ionisable gas to the electrosurgical instrument (1) at a flow rate of less than a predetermined threshold flow rate while the electrosurgical instrument is being inserted into the endoscope (7). Once the electrosurgical instrument has been fully inserted into the endoscope (7), the source is activated to supply ionisable gas to the electrosurgical instrument at a flow rate of greater than the predetermined threshold flow rate. Finally, high frequency energy is supplied from an electrosurgical generator (5) to the electrosurgical instrument (1), in order to ionise the ionisable gas flowing to the electrosurgical instrument.

Abstract: A method for applying cold atmospheric plasma treatment to target tissue comprising the steps of selecting through a graphical user interface on a computing device a particular cancer cell line associated with said target tissue, retrieving, with said computing device, settings data from a database of cell line data and associated settings data in a storage, applying, with said computing device, said retrieved settings data to a cold atmospheric plasma system, and treating cancer tissue with cold atmospheric plasma at the retrieved settings.

Abstract: Electrosurgical methods and systems. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including maintaining plasma proximate to an active electrode in a first energy range, and a second energy range. During periods when plasma is proximate to the active electrode, the illustrative method may include controlling flow of fluid drawn into an aperture of an electrosurgical wand, and in some situations increasing fluid flow drawing into the aperture responsive to the active electrode being in operational relationship with tissue, and in other cases decreasing fluid flow drawing into the aperture responsive to the active electrode being in operational relationship with tissue. Further, during periods when plasma is proximate to the active electrode, the illustrative method may include providing output energy at a default energy setpoint, and then providing output energy at a second energy setpoint.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an instrument for pacing, mapping, sensing, and/or ablating cardiac tissue that includes an electrogram filtering circuit. To supply radio frequency energy, the disclosed instruments are only optionally connected to a radio frequency generator. When connected to a generator, the electrogram filtering circuit can be provided in a handle of the instrument, or in a connector, for example, to protect the instrument from potentially high-powered radio frequency energy. Alternatively, various disclosed embodiments are capable of pacing/sensing as a standalone device. The connector can be provided separately from both the instrument and the generator. In some embodiments, the electrogram filtering circuit is adaptive to suit a variety of generators.

Abstract: A cautery device includes an elongated handpiece and a cautery tip extending from the handpiece. The tip defines a channel extending coaxially with the handpiece along an entire length of the cautery tip from a proximal open end to a distal open end. The device includes a gas supply connection extending from the proximal end of the handpiece for supplying gas to the cautery tip. The gas supply connection is fluidly coupled to the cautery tip. The device includes an electric supply connection extending from the proximal end of the handpiece for supplying electricity to the cautery tip. The electric supply connection is electrically coupled to the cautery tip. The gas supplied to the cautery tip is introduced to the channel at the proximal open end and exits the tip at the distal open end.

Abstract: The electrosurgical device comprises at least one hollow body of elongated shape and having: a gripping portion, in turn, comprising a proximal ending part connectable to a current generator and to feeding means of an electro-conductive fluid; a contact portion comprising a distal ending part having one active electrode and one neutral electrode adapted to come into contact with the body of a patient; and at least one tubular duct passing through the hollow body and having one feeding hole of the fluid formed on the proximal ending part, and one delivery hole of the fluid formed on the distal ending part; the delivery hole is at least partially circular and extends around at least one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A tissue resecting or other medical device includes a handle coupled to an elongated shaft. A radiofrequency (RF) electrode is carried at a distal end of the elongated shaft, and the electrode is moveable across a window in a sleeve or other component of the shaft. The shaft has an interior channel connectable to a negative pressure source to remove debris from the channel. A motor is carried by the handle and operatively coupled to the electrode for moving the electrode relative to the window. An electronic image sensor and lens are disposed at a distal end of the shaft, and a plurality of conductors may extend through the shaft to the image sensor. The image sensor, lens and sensor conductors are disposed within a first tubular member, and an LED or other light source is also positioned at a distal end of the shaft with LED conductors or leads extending through a second tubular member of the shaft to the LED.

Abstract: A resectoscope includes a handle portion, a flow sheath, and an electrode. The flow handle portion includes a trigger, the flow sheath extends from the handle portion and has a hub and a shaft extending from the hub including a rigid inner tube and a semi-rigid outer tube, the rigid inner tube extending through the semi-rigid outer tube to define a channel therebetween, wherein the rigid inner tube may include a fiber-reinforced material, the semi-rigid outer tube may include a polymeric material. The retractor tool is slidably disposed in the flow sheath and includes a linkage and a traction member pivotably coupled to the linkage. The electrode is slidably disposed in the flow sheath and may be made at least in part of sheet metal.

Abstract: A CUSA having a cannula with an ultrasonic vibrating tip and a flue disposed around the cannula. A first ring electrode is disposed around the outside circumference of the flue and is movable along the axial length of the flue, allowing the physician to locate the electrode in a desired location. An RF generator supplies current to the first electrode and a current flow is formed between the electrode and the tip, with the tip acting as a ground. A second ring electrode can be disposed around the outside circumference of the flue proximal to the first and is also movable along the length of the flue. A second current flow can be established between the first electrode and the second. The movability of the electrodes and/or switching between electrodes allows the control of ablation and cauterizing zones formed between the electrodes and between the electrodes and the tip.

Abstract: The invention relates to ablation catheter electrodes that solve in part the problem of tissue charring during radiofrequency ablation. The electrode assemblies of the invention include passageways that lead from the inner lumen of the assemblies to the surface of the assemblies, wherein the passageways have a smooth conjunction with the outer surface. These smooth conjunctions comprise rounded edges or are chamfered. In the case of rounded edges, the rounded edges can have fixed radii of about 0.002? to about 0.008?.

Abstract: Methods for treating a patient using therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated devices, system, and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to neuromodulating nerve tissue in selected anatomical regions. In one embodiment, the method can include intravascularly advancing an elongate shaft of a catheter to renal vasculature of a human patient and locating a first neuromodulation element of the catheter within a distalmost portion of a main renal artery. The method includes locating a second neuromodulation element of the catheter within a branch vessel of the renal artery distal to a bifurcation at a distal end of the main renal artery. Neuromodulation of the nerve tissue surrounding the selected anatomical treatment locations can inhibit sympathetic neural activity in nerves proximate a portion of a renal artery and/or a renal branch artery proximate a renal parenchyma.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for electroporation ablation therapy are disclosed, with the device including a set of splines coupled to a catheter for medical ablation therapy. Each spline of the set of splines may include a set of electrodes formed on that spline. The set of splines may be configured for translation to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration. The devices described herein may be used to form a lesion via focal ablation.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for treatment of tissue in a body lumen with an electrode deployment device. Embodiments typically include a device with a plurality of electrodes having a pre-selected electrode density arranged on the surface of a support. The support may comprise a non-distensible electrode backing that is spirally furled about an axis and coupled to an expansion member such as an inflatable elastic balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon is inflated to selectively expose a portion of the electrode surface while maintaining the electrode density.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices allow percutaneous mapping, orientation and/or ablation in bodily cavities or lumens. Such may include a structure that is percutaneously positionable in a cavity, such as an intra-cardiac cavity of a heart. Transducers carried by the structure are responsive to blood flow. For example, the transducers may sense temperature, temperature being related to convective cooling caused by blood flow. A controller discerns positional information or location, based on signals from the transducers. For example, blood flow may be greater and/or faster proximate a port in cardiac tissue than proximate tissue spaced from the port. Position information may allow precise ablation of selected tissue, for example tissue surround a port in the intra-cardiac cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments of medical devices and methods are disclosed. The medical devices typically comprises an elongate member with a proximal region and a distal region. The distal region comprises a flexible portion that is more flexible than the proximal region of the medical device. The flexible region includes gaps in the sidewall of the elongate member. Furthermore, the medical device comprises a rigid energy delivery device at the distal end which is configured to deliver energy to tissue when energy is supplied to the energy delivery device. In some embodiments, the medical device comprises a support spine configured to provide support to the flexible portion of the elongate member.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for treating pulmonary tissues via delivery of energy, generally characterized by high voltage pulses, to target tissue using a pulmonary tissue modification system (e.g., an energy delivery catheter system). Example pulmonary tissues include, without limitation, the epithelium (the goblet cells, ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelial cells, and basal cells), lamina propria, submucosa, submucosal glands, basement membrane, smooth muscle, cartilage, nerves, pathogens resident near or within the tissue, or a combination of any of these. The system may be used to treat a variety of pulmonary diseases or disorders such as or associated with COPD (e.g., chronic bronchitis, emphysema), asthma, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), acute bronchitis and/or other pulmonary diseases or disorders.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying tissue use a pressurized fluid stream carrying coherent light energy. The methods and systems may be used for resecting and debulking soft and hard biological tissues. The coherent light is focused within a stream of fluid to deliver energy to the tissue to be treated.

Abstract: There is provided a guard structure for use in a hair cutting device for cutting hair on a body of a subject, the guard structure comprising one or more guard elements, wherein the one or more guard elements are arranged such that in use in the hair cutting device the one or more guard elements space an optical waveguide in the hair cutting device from the skin of the subject, and wherein the one or more guard elements are shaped and/or formed to minimise or reduce the coupling of light from the optical waveguide to the guard structure.

Abstract: There is provided a hair cutting device for cutting hair on a body of a subject, the hair cutting device comprising a source for generating light at one or more specific wavelengths corresponding to wavelengths absorbed by one or more chromophores in or on hair; a cutting element that comprises an optical waveguide that is coupled at a first end to the source to receive light, wherein a portion of a sidewall of the optical waveguide forms a cutting face for contacting hair; a sensor for measuring a force acting on the cutting element; and a control unit that is coupled to the source and the sensor, wherein the control unit is configured to control the power of the light generated by the source based on the measured force, and wherein the power of the light is controlled to a first non-zero level if the measured force is below a first threshold, and controlled to a second non-zero level if the measured force is above a second threshold, wherein the first non-zero level is less than the second non-zero level an

Abstract: Devices for therapeutic nasal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A system for therapeutic neuromodulation in a nasal region configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a shaft and a therapeutic element at a distal portion of the shaft. The shaft can locate the distal portion intraluminally at a target site inferior to a patient's sphenopalatine foramen. The therapeutic element can include an energy delivery element configured to therapeutically modulate postganglionic parasympathetic nerves at microforamina of a palatine bone of the human patient for the treatment of rhinitis or other indications. In other embodiments, the therapeutic element can be configured to therapeutically modulate nerves that innervate the frontal, ethmoidal, sphenoidal, and maxillary sinuses for the treatment of chronic sinusitis.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a medical process, includes: a haptic device configured to provide mechanical feedback to a user; and a processing unit communicatively coupled to the haptic device, wherein the processing unit is configured to obtain tissue information, and provide a signal to operate the haptic device based on the tissue information for assisting the user in performing treatment planning. An apparatus for use in a medical process, includes: a feedback device configured to provide visual feedback to a user; and a processing unit communicatively coupled to the feedback device; wherein the visual feedback comprises a displayed object, wherein a position of the displayed object is variable in response to operation of a user control, and wherein the processing unit is configured to obtain tissue information, and to change a behavior of the user control based on the tissue information.

Abstract: A patient-specific arthroplasty system comprising a database comprising preoperative data, ligament balancing tool data, and postoperative data associated with a plurality of patients, a preoperative evaluation module that receives preoperative data for a given patient, an analysis engine that analyzes the database, receives the preoperative data, and generates a surgical recommendation based on the preoperative data of the given patient and the analysis of the database, and a pin positioning block module that receives the surgical recommendation and determines a pin positioning block based on the surgical recommendation.

Abstract: One variation of a method includes: accessing a virtual patient model defining a target resected contour of a hard tissue of interest; after resection of the hard tissue of interest during a surgical operation, accessing an optical scan recorded by an optical sensor facing a surgical field occupied by a patient, detecting a set of features representing the patient in the optical scan, registering the virtual patient model to the hard tissue of interest in the surgical field based on the set of features, and detecting an actual resected contour of the hard tissue of interest in the optical scan; and calculating a spatial difference between the actual resected contour of the hard tissue of interest and the target resected contour of the hard tissue of interest represented in the virtual patient model registered to the hard tissue of interest in the surgical field.

Abstract: One variation of a method includes: accessing a virtual patient model defining a target resected contour of a hard tissue of interest; after resection of the hard tissue of interest during a surgical operation, accessing an optical scan recorded by an optical sensor facing a surgical field occupied by a patient, detecting a set of features representing the patient in the optical scan, registering the virtual patient model to the hard tissue of interest in the surgical field based on the set of features, and detecting an actual resected contour of the hard tissue of interest in the optical scan; and calculating a spatial difference between the actual resected contour of the hard tissue of interest and the target resected contour of the hard tissue of interest represented in the virtual patient model registered to the hard tissue of interest in the surgical field.

Abstract: A method for visualizing at least one region of a joint that deviates from a baseline anatomy includes receiving image data associated with a joint of a subject, generating a three-dimensional model of at least a portion of the joint using the image data, identifying at least one region of the joint that deviates from the baseline anatomy by comparing the three-dimensional model to a baseline model, generating a measurement of a characteristic of the joint at one or more predefined locations using the three-dimensional model and a coordinate system, and generating a three-dimensional rendering of the model that includes a visual indication of the at least one region of the three-dimensional model that deviates from the baseline so that the region is visually indicated according to degree of deviation, and a representation of the measurement of the characteristic of the joint that is positioned according to the predefined locations.

Abstract: A system and method for the minimally invasive insertion of an intervertebral rod into the vertebrae of a subject, according to a preoperative surgical plan also defining positions for the insertion of rod clamping screws into the vertebrae. The rod shape for connecting the heads of the screws is calculated, and a path planning algorithm used to determine whether the distal end of the rod can be threaded through the screw heads by longitudinal and rotational manipulation of the proximal end of the rod. If so, instructions are provided for forming that rod shape and for the robotic insertion of the screw holes and the rod. If not, either or both of the screw positions and the rod shape are adjusted, to moderate the bends in the rods, until insertion becomes possible. The insertion can be performed robotically, or, if a navigation tracking system is added, manually.

Abstract: An anatomical model medical suite (10) for executing an anatomical model medical procedure including an anatomical model (40) physically representative of the patient anatomy. The anatomical model (40) medical suite (10) employs a medical procedure controller (90) for controlling a position planning and/or a tool guidance of the medical tool (20) relative to the patient anatomy as derived from a position planning and/or a tool guidance of the medical tool (20) relative to the anatomical model (40) and/or a tool replica (30) relative to the anatomical model (40). The medical tool (20) is for conducting an imaging, a diagnosis and/or a treatment of the patient anatomy. The tool replica (30) is a physical representation of the medical tool (20). The anatomical model medical suite (10) may further employ an image system (50), a tracking system (60), robotic system (70) and/or an augmented reality system (300).

Abstract: A computer implemented method for assessing an arterio-venous malformation (AVM) may include, for example, receiving a patient-specific model of a portion of an anatomy of a patient; using a computer processor to analyze the patient-specific model for identifying one or more blood vessels associated with the AVM, in the patient-specific model; and estimating a risk of an undesirable outcome caused by the AVM, by performing computer simulations of blood flow through the one or more blood vessels associated with the AVM in the patient-specific model.