Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes an RF output stage, a current sensor, a voltage sensor, first and second log amplifiers, and a controller. The RF output stage is configured to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The current sensor is configured to sense a current of the electrosurgical energy and generate a current signal corresponding to the current of the electrosurgical energy. The first log amplifier is configured to amplify and compress the current signal. The voltage sensor is configured to sense a voltage of the electrosurgical energy and generate a voltage signal in response thereto. The second log amplifier is configured to amplify and compress the voltage signal. The controller is configured to receive the amplified voltage signal and the amplified current signal and operatively control the generation of the electrosurgical energy as a function of the amplified voltage signal and the amplified current signal.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device is disclosed that operates in a mechanical cutting mode and a hemostasis mode. The device includes a housing and a blade assembly extending from the housing. The blade assembly forms a cutting tip and cutting window at a distal end region to provide mechanical cutting of tissue and first and second electrode assemblies to provide electrical energy to tissue. The first and second electrode assemblies can each include a rotary connection assembly to allow spatial orientation of the cutting window relative to the housing and/or cutting tip.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided for the treatment of tissue, the instrument (3) comprising an instrument shaft (14) having a longitudinal axis, a suction lumen (16) extending at least partially along the instrument shaft, and a chisel electrode (21) at the distal end of the shaft. The chisel electrode (21) includes a body portion (22) at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, and a hook portion (23) extending from the body portion at a second angle to the longitudinal axis. The chisel electrode (21) also includes a plurality of apertures (35, 36, 37, 38, 40) providing a suction lumen through the electrode, there being at least one aperture (35, 36, 37, 38, 42) in the body portion (22), and at least one aperture (40, 45) in the hook portion (23).

Abstract: A surgical instrument operable to sever tissue includes a body assembly and a selectively coupleable end effector assembly. The end effector assembly may include a transmission assembly, an end effector, and a rotational knob operable to rotate the transmission assembly and the end effector. The body assembly includes a trigger and a casing having a distal aperture configured to receive a portion of the end effector assembly. First and second coupling mechanism portions cooperatively couple the end effector assembly to the body assembly for use. The coupling may mechanically and/or electrically couple the end effector assembly to the body assembly via various coupling mechanisms. For instance, a threaded slip nut may couple to threads within the body assembly. In one configuration, the end effector assembly may have locking tabs that rotate into rotational recesses in the body assembly. The locking tabs may include electrical contacts and/or optically perceivable indicators.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a medical instrument configured to adjust the power level for sealing procedures to account for changes in tissue impedance levels over time. In some aspects, a medical instrument may be configured to apply power according to a power algorithm to seal tissue by applying a gradually lower amount of power over time as the tissue impedance level begins to rise out of the “bathtub region,” which is the time period during energy application where the tissue impedance is low enough for electrosurgical energy to be effective for sealing tissue. In some aspects, the power is then cut once the tissue impedance level exceeds the “bathtub region.” By gradually reducing the power, a balance is achieved between still applying an effective level of power for sealing and prolonging the time in which the tissue impedance remains in the “bathtub region.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component. Methods of preparing such forceps for reuse are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for tightening tissue of the female genitalia by heating targeted connective tissue with radiant energy, while cooling the mucosal epithelial surface over the target tissue to protect it from the heat. Embodiments include a handle and treatment tip that has both an energy delivery element and a cooling mechanism. The handle may be a two-handed handle allowing control even while rotating and maneuvering the treatment around the genital opening. The apparatus or system may also include an integrated controller, which may confirm tissue contact without applying RF energy, based only on the temperature of the applicator and the time since the last application of energy from the applicator.

Abstract: A method for treating a heart failure patient by ablating a nerve of the splanchnic sympathetic nervous system to increase venous capacitance and reduce pulmonary blood pressure. A method including: inserting a catheter into a vein adjacent the nerve, applying stimulation energy and observing hemodynamic effects, applying ablation energy and observing hemodynamic effects, applying simulation energy after the ablation and observing hemodynamic effects.

Abstract: A cable assembly includes a rigid portion, a flexible central portion, and a radiating portion. The rigid portion is configured to couple to a source of electrosurgical energy and to prevent fluid ingress towards the source of electrosurgical energy. The flexible central portion extends from the rigid portion and includes an inner conductor, a dielectric disposed about the inner conductor, and a conductive braid disposed about the dielectric. The radiating portion extends from the central portion and is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue.

Abstract: A renal denervation feedback method is described that performs a baseline measurement of renal nerve plexus electrical activity at a renal vessel; denervates at least some tissue proximate the renal vessel after performing the baseline measurement; performs a post-denervation measurement of renal nerve plexus electrical activity at the renal vessel, after the denervating; and assesses denervation of the renal vessel based on a comparison of the baseline measurement and the post-denervation measurement of renal nerve plexus electrical activity at the renal vessel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for intravascularly-induced neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field, e.g., to effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, changes in cytokine upregulation, etc., in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the intravascular PEF system comprises a catheter having a pair of bipolar electrodes for delivering the PEF, with a first electrode positioned on a first side of an impedance-altering element and a second electrode positioned on an opposing side of the impedance-altering element. A length of the electrodes, as well as a separation distance between the first and second electrodes, may be specified such that, with the impedance-altering element deployed in a manner that locally increases impedance within a patient's vessel, e.g.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monopolar neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field. Such monopolar neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, monopolar neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such monopolar neuromodulation is performed bilaterally.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method that allows a therapeutic device, such as an atrial fibrillation microwave ablation catheter or ablation tip to be guided to a remote location within a body cavity and then accurately immobilized on the tissue, including that of a moving organ, such as the heart. In various embodiments, the system and method also enables accurate movement and steering along the tissue, while in engagement therewith. Such movement and engagement entails the use of vacuum or microneedle structures on at least two interconnected and articulated immobilizers that selectively engage to and release from the tissue to allow a crawling or traversing walking across the organ as the therapeutic catheter/tool tip applies treatment (AGE devices). In further embodiments that lack a movement capability (AID devices), the immobilizers allow a predetermined position for the introduced device to be maintained against the tissue while a treatment is applied to the location adjacent thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to comprehensive systems, devices and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, systems, devices, and methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, and inner bore of the handle, an actuation lever of the handle, a housing tube, and an optic fiber disposed within the inner bore of the handle and the housing tube. The housing tube may have a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device includes a flexible elongate body including a channel extending therethrough, a distal member connected to a distal end of the elongate body. The distal member includes a lumen extending therethrough in communication with the channel and a recess extending through an exterior surface of the distal member along a portion of a length thereof. The recess extends includes a receiving structure at a distal end thereof. A cutting element is slidably received within the channel and the lumen so that the cutting element is movable between an open tissue-receiving configuration and a closed tissue-gripping configuration, in which a distal portion of the cutting element extends across the recess such that the distal end of the cutting element is received within the receiving structure, a portion of a length of the distal portion extending radially beyond an exterior surface of the distal member.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical assistance apparatus and so on that make it possible to more accurately check the state that an affected part is to be in after a surgical operation has started, in advance of the surgical operation. A surgical assistance apparatus includes an image processing unit. The image processing unit creates projection image data based on measurement data that has been obtained by measuring an affected part of a patient, and thus creates a projection image as an image that is specified by the projection image data. This projection image is an image that is to be projected onto the patient, and includes an image that shows a state that the affected part is to be in after a surgical operation has started.

Abstract: An image correction design system for an oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are directed to generating three-dimensional surface representations of an anatomic structure such as a heart cavity. More specifically, a three-dimensional surface representation of the anatomic structure is constrained relative to one or more anchor portions corresponding to received input regarding the location of anatomic features of the anatomic structure. The resulting three-dimensional surface representation includes salient features of the anatomic structure and, therefore, can be useful as visualization tool during any of various different medical procedures, including, for example, cardiac ablation.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving first shape data from a first elongated optical fiber section in a first shape sensor. The first elongated optical fiber section extends between a reference fixture and a first anatomic fixture coupled to a patient anatomy. The method further comprises determining a pose of the first anatomic fixture from the first shape data and tracking a pose change for the first anatomic fixture.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various robotic and/or in vivo medical devices having compact joint configurations. Other embodiments relate to various medical device components, including forearms having grasper or cautery end effectors, that can be incorporated into certain robotic and/or in vivo medical devices.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to modular medical devices, including various devices with detachable modular components and various devices with pivotally attached modular components. Additional embodiments relate to procedures in which various of the devices are used cooperatively. Certain embodiments of the medical devices are robotic in vivo devices.

Abstract: A system and method for an articulated arm stabilization includes an arm stabilizer for use with articulated arms of a computer-assisted medical device. The stabilizer includes a spine, a first vibration absorbing mount attached to the spine, a second vibration absorbing mount attached to the spine, a first clamp attached to the first vibration absorbing mount, and a second clamp attached to the second vibration absorbing mount. The first clamp is adapted to hold a first attachment point of a first articulated arm without slipping. The second clamp is adapted to hold a second attachment point of a second articulated arm without slipping. In some embodiments, the arm stabilizer stabilizes and reduces vibration in the first and second articulated arms. In some embodiments, the vibration is in a range from 0.5 to 14 Hz. In some embodiments, the spine limits relative motion between the first clamp and the second clamp.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for controlling surgical systems.

Abstract: A multi-layer, super-planar laminate structure can be formed from distinctly patterned layers. The layers in the structure can include at least one rigid layer and at least one flexible layer; the rigid layer includes a plurality of rigid segments, and the flexible layer can extend between the rigid segments to serve as a joint. The layers are then stacked and bonded at selected locations to form a laminate structure with inter-layer bonds, and the laminate structure is flexed at the flexible layer between rigid segments to produce an expanded three-dimensional structure, wherein the layers are joined at the selected bonding locations and separated at other locations. A layer with electrical wiring can be included in the structure for delivering electric current to devices on or in the laminate structure.

Abstract: Circuits and computer program products onboard and/or adapted to communicate with an scanner that electronically recognize predefined physical characteristics of the at least one tool to automatically segment image data provided by the scanner whereby the at least one tool constitutes a point of interface with the system. The circuits and computer program products are configured to provide a User Interface that defines workflow progression for an image guided surgical procedure and allows a user to select steps in the workflow, and generate multi-dimensional visualizations using the predefined data of the at least one tool and data from images of the patient in substantially real time during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical probe system comprising a surgical probe having an instrument tip, and at least one motion sensor located within the surgical probe that measures movement and orientation data. The system further includes a processor that is configured to determine movement and orientation of the instrument tip based on the movement and orientation data, and adjust at least one surgical parameter of the surgical probe based on the movement and orientation of the instrument tip to affect a predetermined surgical outcome.

Abstract: A medical device tray for carrying a plurality of medical devices includes: a base made of a substantially rigid material, the base forming at least one base through-hole; and a covering affixed to the base, the covering being made of a material which is softer than the substantially rigid material of the base, the covering forming at least one covering through-hole, the at least one base through-hole and the at least one covering through-hole cooperating to form at least one medical device tray through-hole configured for directly supporting a respective one of the plurality of medical devices.

Abstract: A molded container for a tissue scaffold is provided. The molded container comprises a bag made from a soft material, a shape memory frame, and an inner support tube. A sealing part is disposed on the opening of the bag, and an operation window is disposed on the lower part of the bag. The sealing part is closed when no external force is applied. The shape memory frame is embedded in the bag. At least two adjustable hooks are disposed on the ends of the shape memory frame. The inner support tube is disposed on the inner bottom of the bag and selectively penetrates a molded accommodation volume for forming a tissue scaffold. The length of the inner support tube is more than the length of the molded accommodation volume. Therefore, the molded container for a tissue scaffold has features of portability, adjustability, sterility, convenience, and stability.

Abstract: Sheaths for medical instruments cover wrist mechanisms to provide a barrier to infiltration of biological material into the instrument, electrical isolation of energized portions of the instrument, seal the instrument to help maintain cavity pressure within a patient, or reduce the chance that two jointed instruments will tangle during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A joint replacement balancing system which provides real-time feedback to a surgeon during a joint replacement surgery to assist the surgeon to balance a joint replacement. The joint replacement balancing system includes a non-transitory processor-readable medium storing code representing instructions to cause a processor to receive a signal from a joint balancing apparatus, determine if the joint replacement is out of balance, determine a corrective course of action to bring the joint into balance and generate and display to the surgeon during the joint replacement surgery a recommended corrective course of action to complete the joint replacement surgery.

Abstract: Trajectory frame assemblies for image guided surgical systems have a trajectory frame with a support column that can removably secure different components such as a tracking probe and an MER driver adapter to define and/or follow a desired intrabody trajectory. The trajectory frame assemblies include fins attached to the column support and a platform optionally with an X-Y table and/or arcuate reference brackets that are attached to the trajectory frame assemblies and can hold a reference frame with fiducials.

Abstract: A self-contained, sterilizable, compact light which does not include external wiring or power accessories is described herein. The lighting device is particularly useful in specialized lighting applications such as surgical applications. The lighting device preferably includes an LED and power source within a casing and can be attached in positions or on instruments within the surgical field. Alternately, the LED may be located on a suction tip while the power source and other electronics are located proximally on a handle of a suction device.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus to provide updated images during a robotically-implemented surgical procedure, 3D data is obtained of a volume of a patient, which includes anatomy involved in the procedure. The anatomy is segmented from a reconstructed image of the volume. During the procedure, the surgeon applies forces on the anatomy, causing a geometric change of the anatomy. Force sensors in the surgical robot detect these forces, which are supplied to a processor that controls display of the segmented anatomy at a display screen. From the applied forces and the physical properties of the anatomy, the processor calculates the geometric change of the anatomy that has occurred and modifies the appearance and/or position of the displayed segmented anatomy on the display screen in real time during the procedure, so as to visualize the geometric change.

Abstract: A server receives a request from a client device initiated from a user operating the client device. The server determines a user action identifier (ID) based on the request, the user action ID identifying a user physical action that was captured by one or more sensors. One or more image processing commands are determined based on the user action ID in view of a first medical image currently displayed at the client device. An image processing operation is performed based on the first medical image by executing the one or more image processing commands, generating a second medical image. The second medical image is transmitted to the client device to be presented to the user at the client device.

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

Abstract: A surgical robotic arm support system may include a base and at least one post and/or a connection for coupling a robot arm to the support system. The base may be configured to at least partially surround a surgical table. The at least one post may have a first end supported on the base and a second end configured to support a robotic arm. The at least one post may be configured to be coupled to a surgical table. The connection may support a mechanical and/or electrical connectivity between the support system and a coupled robot arm. Electrical connectivity may be configured to identify at least one of the robot arm connections to which at least one robot arm is connected. Each robot arm connection may be configured to maintain a portion of a connected robot arm at a predetermined position from the base.

Abstract: A surgical boom having a surgical head with an electrical connection, a plurality of inlet ports, a compressed gas outlet, and a water outlet, one of the inlet ports having a cover, a hollow surgical arm mounted to a ceiling in a room and having a plurality of joints, a shaft passing through said ceiling, and a shaft collar attached to the ceiling, an outlet port, a filter media arranged between said outlet port and one of the inlet ports, the filter media comprising an ULPA media and an adsorbent layer, a control panel, a suction unit configured and arranged in a position below the ceiling to cause a fluid to be drawn from the inlet port through the filter media and out through said outlet port while minimizing noise in the proximity of the inlet port, wherein the fluid drawn from said inlet port comprises an exhaust path through the hollow arm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental carpule with that includes a nozzle for dispensing a dental composition and a burnisher for burnishing the dispensed composition. The carpule allows burnishing a dental composition with the same device used to dispense the dental composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an assembly and system allowing for secure use of an orthodontic auxiliary, particularly a bite corrector, with lingually bonded appliance systems. In one aspect, the disclosure features an orthodontic assembly including a banded tube, a force module, a connector coupling the force module to the tube, and an attachment device secured to the labial surface of an anterior tooth and connected to mesial, outer end of the force module.

Abstract: A fixation pin for fixing a dental drill template. The fixation pin has a head having a bearing surface that is intended to bear at least partially on the drill template, or a sleeve provided in the drill template. The fixation pin has a rod having a shape of an essentially circular cylinder and extending from the bearing surface at an essentially right angle. The rod is intended to be inserted into the drill template or the sleeve provided in the drill template.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of lithium silicate glass ceramics and glasses with rubidium oxide content for coating an oxide ceramic, a metal or an alloy.

Abstract: A tooth cleaning device has a handle portion. An imitation lipstick bullet is disposed on the handle portion. The imitation lipstick bullet has a tooth cleaning implement protruding from an outer surface of the imitation lipstick bullet.

Abstract: Floss dispensers are described. In one embodiment, a floss dispenser includes a housing and a feeder coupled to the housing. The feeder may be configured to feed a length of floss from a spool of floss. The floss dispenser also includes a spout formed in the housing. The spout may have a cutter entry and a cutter exit. The floss dispenser also includes a cutter coupled to the housing. The cutter may be coupled to the housing between the cutter entry and the cutter exit. The spout may be configured to guide the length of floss to the cutter.

Abstract: A dental cleaning tool includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis of the dental cleaning tool. The body portion includes a floss assembly including a first arm and a second arm extending substantially perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis, a receiving slot formed in the first arm, and a shield formed on the first arm. The shield is configured to cover the receiving slot such that access to the receiving slot is restricted from a first direction. The tool also includes a secondary cleaning tool coupled to the first arm. The secondary cleaning tool is pivotable relative to the first arm in at least two degrees of freedom such that the secondary cleaning tool is insertable into the receiving slot from a second direction different than the first direction.

Abstract: An attachment mountable to an electric toothbrush handle having a drive shaft comprises a neck member having an elongated body with a principal axis and a cavity; a slide member with an engagement surface; a guide sleeve member having a cavity, a first outer surface with an engagement opening, and a transition surface; and a collar member. The guide sleeve member, with slide member inserted within the engagement opening, is inserted within the neck member cavity. Insertion of the drive shaft into the collar member and guide sleeve member from a first radial position along an axis offset and parallel to the principal axis to a second radial position in-line with the principal axis, via the transition surface, results in the drive shaft being held in frictional contact with the engagement surface of the slide member to enable transfer of force/motion from the drive shaft to the neck member.

Abstract: An automatic toothbrush (100), including: a body (102) having opposed ends, a cavity (105) situated between the opposed ends, and an opening (107) situated at one of the opposed ends; an output shaft (120) having first and second ends (124, 122) and extending through the opening such that the second end (122) is outside of the cavity, the output shaft having a plurality of bends (139, 141, 143,145) situated between the second end and the opening; and an oral cleaning tool (104) configured to be press fit onto that portion of the shaft which has the plurality of bends.

Abstract: A brush head assembly (100) comprising a sandwich assembly (200) comprising a flexible matrix (30?) positioned between two layers of stiff or stiffer material (220), a plurality of bristle tufts (21), each of which comprises a plurality of bristle strands, each bristle tuft having a proximal end (23) and a free end (25), a bristle tuft retention element (250) for each bristle tuft (21), the bristle tuft retention elements (250) connecting the proximal end of the bristle tufts (21) to the sandwich assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental light-curing device (10) provided for dental material to be cured, which comprises a handpiece (20) and a base station, wherein the handpiece (20) has a light source, in particular having a plurality of LED chips (42, 44, 46 and 48), which—with respect to the optical axis—are arranged one next to the other, a control device (22) for the light source and at least one sensor, which is arranged adjacent to the light source, wherein—again with respect to the optical axis—a light guiding device, in particular a light guide rod (12), extends in front of the light source, which light guide rod (12) has a passband for wavelengths which comprises at least blue visible light and, in particular, also green visible light and UV light, and having a selecting device for control programs of the control device (22), in particular a push button on the handpiece (20).