Abstract: An orthodontic bite plate has a body with an anterior base for bonding attachment to the lingual surface of an upper anterior tooth, and an occlusal stop having an incisal surface extending across the lingual aspect of the body to limit upward movement of the patient's lower teeth. A vertical channel divides the body gingival to the occlusal stop into opposing lateral wings that are capable of being compressed together by application of a lateral compressive force to deform the base and thereby release the orthodontic bite plate from the tooth. At least one horizontal channel separates the occlusal stop and lateral wings. Optionally, the occlusal stop can include a vertical member that extends gingivally into the vertical channel between the lateral wings.

Abstract: A dental implant includes a generally cylindrical body, an interior bore, and a non-rotational feature. The generally cylindrical body has a main-central axis and is formed from cold-worked, high strength, commercially pure titanium having an ultimate tensile strength of at least about 900 MPa. The generally cylindrical body has a proximal portion and an opposing distal portion for anchoring the dental implant in bone of a patient. The interior bore is formed in the generally cylindrical body and has (i) a bore-central axis and (ii) a threaded portion for receiving a screw that is configured to removable hold an abutment in engagement with the dental implant. The non-rotational feature is configured to engage the abutment in a non-rotational fashion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for taking, using and displaying three-dimensional (3D) volumetric models of a patient's dental arch. A 3D volumetric model may include surface (e.g., color) information as well as information on internal structure, such as near-infrared (near-IR) transparency values for internal structures including enamel and dentin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for taking, using and displaying three-dimensional (3D) volumetric models of a patient's dental arch. A 3D volumetric model may include surface (e.g., color) information as well as information on internal structure, such as near-infrared (near-IR) transparency values for internal structures including enamel and dentin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for taking, using and displaying three-dimensional (3D) volumetric models of a patient's dental arch. A 3D volumetric model may include surface (e.g., color) information as well as information on internal structure, such as near-infrared (near-IR) transparency values for internal structures including enamel and dentin.

Abstract: Method for allowing patient review of virtual restoration element in video of dentition. At least one restoration element for at least one selected tooth of patient dentition is designed using 3D dentition models based on CAD/CAM techniques. Then, real-time video of the patient's dentition including the at least one selected tooth is displayed, where the video orientation is controlled by the patient. Then, the displayed real-time video of the dentition is modified in real-time including the at least one selected tooth to show the at least one restoration element registered to physical teeth in the real-time video of dentition to replace the at least one selected tooth in the modified displayed real-time video of the dentition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a porous multi-layered coloured zirconia dental mill blank comprising a bottom layer B having the composition COMP-B which comprises ceramic components CER-COMP-B, colouring components COL-COMP-B and stabilizing components STAB-COMP-B, a top layer E having the composition COMP-E which comprises ceramic components CER-COMP-E, colouring components COL-COMP-E stabilizing components STAB-COMP-E, at least one intermediate layer Ex having the composition COMP-E of top layer E, at least one intermediate layer Bx having the composition COMP-B of bottom layer B, x being an integer and indicating the number of intermediate layers, wherein the layers with compositions COMP-B and COMP-E are arranged in alternating order, and wherein the thickness of the individual layers B, Bx is decreasing from bottom to top and the thickness of the individual layers E, Ex is decreasing from top to bottom. The dental mill blank can be used for producing dental articles.

Abstract: A denture retaining system and a denture bar constructed to be affixed in a human mouth, the denture bar including a distal end, lingual-side surface, vestibular-side surface, bone-facing surface and superstructure-facing surface opposite the bone-facing surface. The bone-facing surface at the distal end is relieved from the superstructure-facing surface at the distal end by an angle of between 10° and 25° relative to an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal plane passing through the lingual side and vestibular side surfaces of the denture bar. The system also includes an overdenture superstructure having a distal surface that substantially conformingly mates to the denture bar distal end when the overdenture superstructure is positioned against the denture bar superstructure-facing surface, and is coupled to the denture bar by at least one attachment element located at a position to an anterior side of a first molar position.

Abstract: An interdental cleaning tool producing method that enables cost reduction is provided. An interdental cleaning tool producing method according to the present invention includes; a first step of preparing a mold provided with at least one first cavity for molding a cleaning tool main body including two supporting pieces that are arranged with a predetermined interval and a handle portion that couples the two supporting pieces and can be held in a hand, the mold being configured such that at least one thread member to span between the two supporting pieces can be arranged in the mold; a second step of arranging the thread member in the mold; a third step of filling the first cavity with a resin material via a gate provided in the mold using a hot runner method; and a fourth step of removing the thread member and the cleaning tool main body fixed to the thread member from the mold.

Abstract: A magnetically controlled abrasive system (MCAS) having a magnetic system to manipulate a magnetically controlled unit is provided. More specifically, a track member is operatively coupled to a first magnetic unit and a first surface of a first body. The track member facilitates movement of the first magnetic unit with respect to the first body. A second body is positioned proximal to the first body. More specifically, at least one abrasive protrusion is operatively coupled to a second surface of the second body and a second magnetic unit is operatively coupled to the second body. The first magnetic unit generates a magnetic field which interacts with the second magnetic unit. The interaction controls movement of the second body including movement of the at least one abrasive protrusion positioned in communication with the second body.

Abstract: A dental treatment apparatus including a head assembly, the head assembly having a plurality of nozzles disposed on the head assembly, each of the plurality of nozzles to dispense a fluid therefrom and being maneuverable directionally independent of the other nozzles of the plurality of nozzles; and a plurality of bristles disposed on the head assembly in proximity to the plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for simultaneously cleaning multiple teeth, such as one or both dental arches. The Dental Cleaning Apparatus (DCA) includes a cleaning engine enclosed in a main housing, a fluid tube, and a mouthpiece. The cleaning engine includes a fluid circuit having a number of pumps and solenoid valves, and a programmable controller to control the solenoid valves and other operations. The fluid tube includes a number of separate tubes for injection and evacuation of cleaning fluid from the interior of mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is generally made from a flexible and supple material, such as silicone, and may have bristles of various shapes. The cleaning engine alternates the mouthpiece between a relaxation state and a contraction state to effectively scrub the surface of all enclosed teeth simultaneously. It may automatically learn and adjust the vacuum pressure needed for each user to optimize cleaning.

Abstract: A power toothbrush apparatus may include a body having a cavity and an opening leading to the cavity. An electric motor may be situated within the cavity and may include first and second biasing members; a stator casing situated between, and linearly biased by, the first and second biasing members, the stator casing may further include at least one opening and at least one electromagnet to generate a magnetic field; and a rotor which may have opposed ends and which may extend through the at least one opening of the stator casing, the rotor may further include an output shaft. The power toothbrush may further include a workpiece having a brush head coupled thereto and which may be coupled to one of the opposed ends of the output shaft.

Abstract: A speculum tool that adds a lower strap at a point that does not interfere with the with the movement of the jaws of the speculum. The lower strap provides a low point of attachment for the tool. Until now, equine speculums were tethered by the upper strap, with the tether secured onto an immobile structure, such as a wall of a barn. The rear strap would then be looping behind the ears of the patient and back to the opposite side of the speculum's upper jaw. In this way the upper strap provided an overhead attachment that elevated the animal's head during procedure, while the ear strap provided a lower attachment to keep the speculum from slipping off the head and to keep the upper strap from raising the head of an animal too high. The present invention adds additional low point attachment to an already improved rear strap for additional tethering security and as an additional factor in minimizing the risks of harming eyesight and spinal cords of equine patients.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1, 21) for artificially inseminating a mammal with sperm from a male breeding animal, the sperm being introduced through the vagina of the animal into or onto the uterus of the animal which is to be inseminated. The device (1, 21) comprises a tube (2) which can be moved on the uterus through the vagina of the animal which is to be inseminated, and a heatable chamber (6) for accommodating a thin tube (7) containing the sperm, and a drive (13) by means of which the sperm can be removed from the thin tube (7) and the uterus-sided opening of the tube (2). The device (1, 21) comprises a mechanism enabling the thin tube (7) to be moved out from the chamber (6) into the tube (2).

Abstract: Devices and methods for inserting an implant into skin or other tissue of a patient can include an insertion device having moveable portions that can retain, move, or otherwise control engagement and injection of a hyaluronic thread. The device can include a tubular member and a handle. The handle can include a body component coupled to the tubular member. The body component can include a passage that extends in communication with the lumen. The handle can further comprise first and second arms coupled to the body component and extending outwardly from the distal portion of the tubular member. Based on the configuration, the first and second arms can be positioned along the passage to change a cross-sectional profile of the passage and permit the device to engage or disengage the thread.

Abstract: A filter formed from a sheet is described herein. In one aspect of the invention, a filter is formed from a sheet of material and, following removal of portions of the sheet, the filter is folded into a shape for insertion into a blood vessel. In another aspect of the invention, features for a filter are formed from a sheet of material and incorporated into the filter.

Abstract: A blood filter delivery system for delivering a filter into a vein from either a femoral or jugular access. The preferred system includes an introducer and a push-rod with a spline member disposed along the push-rod and a pusher member disposed on a distal end. The spline member has a main body, first and second boss portions spaced apart along the longitudinal axis to provide a gap for retaining anchor members of the filter during delivery via the introducer. In an alternative embodiment, a preferred filter includes first and second filter structures diverging in opposite directions. A link is connected to portions of each of the first and second filter structures so that each filter structure can be independently collapsed into a generally cylindrical shape.

Abstract: A device (2) for capturing and removing particles (58) from a body canal or vessel includes a sack (12) having a mouth (14) and a closed bottom (16) opposite mouth (14). A guide wire (4) is received through mouth (14) of sack (12) and is connected to closed bottom (16) of sack (12). A collapsible frame (8) is connected between guide wire (4) and mouth (14) of sack (12), with collapsible frame (8) biasing mouth (14) of sack (12) opened around guide wire (4). A containment collar (32) slidably receives guide wire (4), collapsible frame (8), and at least part of sack (12) therein. A pull wire (34) is connected to containment collar (32). Collapsible frame (8) can move from inside containment collar (32) where mouth (14) of sack (12) is closed and outside containment collar (32) where mouth (14) of sack (12) is biased open by collapsible flame (8).

Abstract: Implant devices for filtering blood flowing through the ostium of an atrial appendage have component structures one or more of which are expandable. Devices with component structures in their unexpanded state have a compact size suitable for intra-cutaneous delivery to an atrial appendage situs. The expandable component structures are expanded in situ to deploy the devices. A device may have sufficiently short axial length so that most or almost all of the device length may fit within the ostium region.

Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device, comprising an elongated catheter, an interventional device operably coupled to the proximal end of the catheter, a filter operably coupled to the distal end of the catheter, the filter movable between a collapsed and deployed position, and an actuator wire for deploying the collapsing the filter. At least a portion of the actuator wire extends within the catheter. The filter comprises a filter chassis comprising a movable collar a fixed collar and a tubular braided scaffolding coupled between the movable collar and the fixed collar. The filter chassis also comprises a filter membrane coupled to the tubular braided scaffolding.

Abstract: A one-way valve device for blocking airflow in a lung passageway. The device includes a frame structure and a frameless membrane. The frame structure includes a hub and anchors. The frameless membrane attaches to the hub section. The anchors and the frameless membrane are at first radial positions in a closed configuration and at second radial positions in an open configuration. The first radial positions is closer to a central longitudinal axis of the device than the second radial positions. The frameless membrane includes a plurality of pedals coupled to the base section. In the open configuration, the pedals curve away from the central longitudinal axis of the one-way valve device. Proximal sections of the pedals overlap proximal sections of adjacent pedals when the one-way valve device is in the open or closed configurations.

Abstract: The disclosure provides various embodiments of prostheses and delivery systems to permit an interventional cardiologist to create shunts between various blood vessels. Moreover, the disclosed shunts can be used to shunt between various hollow organs, as set forth in the present disclosure.

Abstract: The disclosure describes textiles for endovascular and other medical applications having a low-profile and varying density. The textiles are woven and are formed of a non-uniform construction. The resulting textiles have a low profile and areas of targeted density to enhance ingrowth of regenerative tissue.

Abstract: Textiles for endovascular and other medical applications having a low-profile are provided. The textiles are woven, knit or braided and are formed of yarns having low (<17) denier and high tenacity (at least 7 grams per denier). The resulting textiles have a low profile, high suture retention and extremely low water permeability.

Abstract: A stent for placement in a blood vessel with a wall having an aneurysm including an endovascular graft having a first end, a second end, and a tubular body that is expandable and extends from the first end to the second end. The stent also includes a coagulation apparatus attached to the tubular body between the first and second ends. The coagulation apparatus has a frame and a coagulant attached to the frame. When the stent is deployed within the blood vessel, the tubular body extends across the aneurysm and expands at the first and second ends to seal against the wall of the blood vessel such that blood is channeled across the aneurysm through the tubular body such that a pocket of blood is defined external to the tubular body. The frame expands into the pocket to orient the coagulant therein and promote coagulation of blood within the pocket.

Abstract: A stent graft system and method for implanting a stent graft prosthesis having a plurality of suture loops along a flexible wall of a stent graft and at least one ligature that extends through the suture loops. The sutures through which the ligature extends are spaced relative to each other. Tension or stiffness of the ligature aligns the suture loops substantially longitudinally, thereby radially collapsing the stent graft.

Abstract: A system for treating an aneurysm includes a first double-walled filling structure having an outer wall and an inner wall. The filling structure is adapted to be filled with a hardenable fluid filling medium so that the outer wall conforms to an inside surface of the aneurysm and the inner wall forms a generally tubular lumen to permit blood flow therethrough. The inner wall comprises a blood contacting layer and a reinforcing layer. The reinforcing layer prevents circumferential creep or elastic expansion of the lumen.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing a ligament graft for a ligament reconstruction procedure are provided. In general, the described techniques utilize a graft holder construct having a graft preparation holder and a suture assembly removably coupled thereto. The graft preparation holder includes an elongate support rail having a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of leaf segments positioned along the longitudinal axis in a spaced relationship and extending laterally from the support rail. The leaf segments can bend to a graft holding configuration so as to define a graft receiving channel configured to receive a graft therethrough. The holder also has at least one support structure configured to mate with the leaf segments to provide stability and rigidity to the segments. The suture assembly has at least one suture tail that can be pulled to affix the suture assembly to a graft without penetrating the graft.

Abstract: A lens including a posterior surface, an anterior surface, and at least one identification marking on the lens. The at least one identification marking exhibits a first degree of visibility in an ambient lighting condition and a second degree of visibility greater than the first degree of visibility in a lighting condition different than the ambient lighting condition.

Abstract: A virtual aperture integrated into an intraocular lens is disclosed. Optical rays which intersect the virtual aperture are widely scattered across the retina causing the light to be virtually prevented from reaching detectable levels on the retina. The use of the virtual aperture helps remove monochromatic and chromatic aberrations yielding high-definition retinal images. For a given definition of acceptable vision, the depth of field is increased over a larger diameter optical zone. In addition, thinner intraocular lenses can be produced since the optical zone can have a smaller diameter. This in turn allows smaller corneal incisions and easier implantation surgery.

Abstract: A flexible intraocular lens including a reinforcing layer disposed on a sidewall of the intraocular lens is described. An example flexible intraocular lens includes a lens body and a reinforcing layer disposed thereon.

Abstract: One method of implanting a prosthetic valve includes advancing the valve into a patient with a delivery apparatus. The valve includes apices circumferentially-spaced apart relative to each other. At least some of the apices include first apertures. The delivery apparatus includes release arms and a sheath. The release arms include second apertures for receiving the apices. At least one of the second apertures of the release arms has a different length than another one of the second apertures. The method also includes positioning the valve at a location, retracting a sheath of the delivery apparatus relative to the valve, allowing the valve to self-expand from a radially compressed state to a radially expanded state, and while the valve is coupled to the delivery apparatus, pivoting the valve relative about the release arms such that an axis of the valve is tilted relative to an axis of the delivery apparatus.

Abstract: Expandable docking stations for docking an expandable valve can include a valve seat, one or more sealing portions, and/or one or more retaining portions. The valve seat can be unexpandable or substantially unexpandable beyond a deployed size. The one or more sealing portions can be connected to the valve seat and extend radially outward of the valve seat. The one or more sealing portions can be constructed to expand outward of the valve seat and provide a seal over a range of sizes. The one or more retaining portions can be connected to the one or more sealing portions. The one or more retaining portions are configured to retain the docking station at a deployed position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a valve frame configured to support a prosthetic valve within a native atrio-ventricular valve. The valve frame includes a frame body that includes an atrial portion configured to be positioned such that, when the valve frame is deployed, at least a portion of the atrial portion is disposed on an atrial side of the native atrio-ventricular valve, and a ventricular portion configured to be positioned such that, when the valve frame is deployed, at least a portion of the ventricular portion is disposed within a ventricle of the subject. At least one arm is configured to extend from the ventricular portion of the frame body. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A delivery catheter for a prosthetic heart valve, the valve expandable from a collapsed condition for delivery to an expanded condition for implantation, the delivery catheter comprising: a holder for engaging the valve in the collapsed state of the valve, the holder configured such that (i) in response to a radial compression force exerted thereon, the holder has a first shape defining an exposed engagement region for engaging at least a portion of the collapsed prosthetic heart valve for restraining axial displacement of the prosthetic valve in at least one axial direction of the catheter, and (ii) in response to removal of the radial compression force upon expansion of the valve, at least a portion of the holder transitions to a second shape

Abstract: A valve insertion tool is disclosed. The valve insertion tool may be used in a minimally invasive cardiac surgery. The valve insertion tool includes a housing and a cover, the housing having at least one valve recess and a suture channel. The valve insertion tool is suitable for use in delivering a prosthetic heart valve into a thoracic cavity of a patient during a minimally invasive cardiac surgical procedure. One or more valve insertion tools may be stackable and be pre-loaded with one or more prepared prosthetic heart valves. These one or more valve insertion tools may be packaged as a valve insertion kit.

Abstract: A tool (410) for use with an implant (20) includes a housing (426) and a controller (440). The housing includes a tubular wall (428) that circumscribes a longitudinal axis; is dimensioned to house at least part of the implant; and defines a track (430) that follows a generally-helical path around the longitudinal axis. The controller includes a rod (442) that extends from a proximal part of the tool to the housing; and an actuator (444). The actuator is fixedly coupled to the rod, includes an engaging element (446) that engages the track, and is rotatable with respect to the housing. The controller and the housing mechanically cooperate such that rotation of the actuator with respect to the housing slides the housing longitudinally with respect to the actuator. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A system for delivering a collapsible and re-expandable prosthetic heart valve into a patient includes a valve support structure around which the valve is disposed in a collapsed condition. A sheath structure surrounds the collapsed valve, but can be moved relative to the valve to uncover it for expansion at the desired implant site in the patient. The sheath structure may be variously mounted and moved to deploy the valve in various ways. For example, the sheath structure may include multiple parts, each of which can be moved separately to separately deploy various parts of the valve. The apparatus may have other aspects, such as the ability to reverse deployment of the valve, the ability to pass other instrumentation through the valve delivery apparatus, the ability to be smoothly withdrawn from the patient after deployment of the valve, etc.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for altering functioning of a tissue/organ by application of force thereto. In one preferred embodiment, a device for reducing or preventing regurgitation of blood through a valve of a heart is provided. A device may include a main body having a segment adapted to apply force to a surface of tissue/organ; a member that applies counterforce to the force applied by the segment; and an adjuster that is manually operable to change the force applied by the segment. The adjuster can be manually operated before or after anchoring of the device to the tissue/organ.

Abstract: An epicardial device for reducing or preventing regurgitation of blood through a valve of a heart includes a main body having a segment adapted to apply force to an epicardial surface of the heart. A member that applies counterforce to the force applied by the segment is also provided. A foundation is configured to be anchored to the epicardial surface of the heart. The foundation includes a surface configured with attachment features. The device further includes a surface configured with mating attachment features configured to attach to the attachment features of the foundation. The mating attachment features and attachment features are separable and reattachable to allow repositioning of at least a portion of the device relative to the foundation.

Abstract: A ventricular ejection device adapted to be delivered percutaneously or surgically in to a ventricle of the heart, and the device comprising of an anchoring stent which is adapted to be fitted along a perimeter to a myocardium of the ventricle, and a recoiling part in physical coupling to the anchoring stent, extends from the perimeter of the anchoring stent to a center of the device, and adapted to extend or recoil based on flow of blood into and out of the ventricle.

Abstract: A medical product, preferably for use in the treatment, more particularly in the filling up and/or closure, of a bone cavity, the product having structural elements connected to one another, the structural elements being dividable at least into two groups of structural elements, namely at least into a first group of structural elements and into a second group of structural elements, the structural elements of the first group having a lower hardness than the structural elements of the second group. Furthermore, a method for producing the medical product and a medical kit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are patient-specific facial or craniofacial implants structured for filling bone voids in the cranium and face as well as for simultaneously providing soft tissue reconstruction and/or augmentation for improved aesthetic symmetry and appearance of face and skull. Pterional or temporal voids or defects generally result from a chronic skull or lateral facial deformity along with a compromised temporalis muscle or soft tissue distortion from previous surgery. When muscle atrophy occurs in the pterion or temporal face, temporal hollowing deformity generally results where there would be soft tissue but for the atrophy. The patient-specific temporal implants with dual-purpose herein are configured to have an augmented region adjacent the temporal region of the face and cranium in order to prevent and/or correct any such temporal hollowing deformity.

Abstract: A bone void forming assembly includes a support member having a head portion and an elongate portion extending therefrom. A guide member is connected to the support member and has a guide body including a channel extending therethrough. The channel defines an axis offset and obliquely angled relative to an axis of the elongate portion. The assembly also includes reamer having a cutting head and a stop member. A bushing is slidably connected to the reamer between the stop member and cutting head and is slidably connectable to the guide body via the channel.

Abstract: Photodynamic devices for replacement of an articular head of a bone are provided. In an embodiment, a photodynamic device includes a photodynamic support member and an articular member attachable, either fixedly or removably, to the photodynamic support member and having a bearing surface. In an embodiment, the articular member includes a recess designed to receive the photodynamic support member. In an embodiment, the photodynamic support member includes an opening into which a shaft of the articular member can be inserted to attach the articular member to the photodynamic support member.

Abstract: An artificial cartilage is provided whereby a fixed negative charged hydrogel has been infused within a restrictive swelling network, which limits and restricts the thickness of the artificial cartilage. At least 60% of the volume of the artificial cartilage is composed of the restricted and swollen hydrogel. The restrictive swelling network restricts the hydrogel to swell not more than 10% with respect to its maximum swelling capacity, i.e. a swelling capacity to swell 10-fold more is retained. The hydrogel within the restrictive swelling network has an equilibrium stiffness between 0.5 and 2 MPa to resist external loads applied to the top surface layer or the bottom surface layer of the artificial cartilage. The hydrogel has a fixed negative charge density of ?0.17 to ?0.23 mEg/ml and is capable of swelling between 2-15 times compared to the volume of the hydrogel without being restricted.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant having a titanium or titanium alloy body with a plurality of surfaces. The orthopedic implant is produced according to a process comprising the steps of: (a) additively building the orthopedic implant; and then (b) mechanically, chemically, or mechanically and chemically eroding one or more surfaces of the orthopedic implant to (i) remove alpha case from, and (ii) impart an osteoinducting roughness including micro-scale structures and nano-scale structures into, the one or more surfaces.

Abstract: Intervertebral implants, assemblies, and methods thereof. An intervertebral implant includes opposing chamfered edges to reduce a diagonal distance between the edges. The reduced diagonal distance minimizes distraction of an intervertebral disc space during insertion of the implant. A tool for insertion and rotation of the implant is also provided.

Abstract: Method for the production of a temporomandibular joint endoprosthesis, skull prosthesis or body part prosthesis, in which, as first step, an image of the prosthesis to be produced is created, subsequently by a computerized machining process, a size-adapted prosthetic blank is made from a ceramic blank, using said image and in a downstream thermal treatment the prosthetic blank is transformed into the intended temporomandibular joint endoprosthesis, skull prosthesis or body part prosthesis and temporomandibular joint endoprosthesis.