Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for tracking one or more instrument in a surgical kit. The method comprises receiving one or more signals from a first set of sensors and activating a second set of sensors based on the one or more signals. Further to activating, the method comprises receiving data from the second set of sensors and computing, a current state associated with each of the instrument based on the data, and historical data. Furthermore, the method comprises transmitting the current state of the surgical kit, the current state associated with each of the instrument and a location co-ordinate of the surgical kit via a communication channel based on a signal strength of the communication channel and deactivating the tracking device, thereby tracking one or more instrument in a surgical kit.

Abstract: An illumination device for use with a standard electrocautery pencil is described, having a distal end capable of telescoping for use with cautery extenders. The illumination device also has a light source on the distal end to reduce shadow problems, and a tube is provided for evacuation of smoke from the surgical field. The device is sized to fit on any standard electrocautery pencil. The light-emitting component on the device reduces shadows and evacuates smoke from the treatment sight without necessitating purchase of a new electrocautery device.

Abstract: An orthodontic system includes at least one orthodontic bracket attached to a surface of a tooth, in which the bracket define an archwire slot for receiving an archwire. The bracket includes a gear system, a motor to drive the gear system, and an integrated circuit to control the motor. A computer server sends instructions to the integrated circuit in the orthodontic bracket, and the integrated circuit controls the motor according to the instructions to drive the gear system to apply a force to the archwire.

Abstract: A device suitable for the subsequent positioning of a dental implant, having a handle extending along a longitudinal axis and having a proximal and a distal end, and a bifurcated abutment at the distal end and at the proximal end of the handle, each abutment having two legs, whereby the configuration of the two legs on the proximal abutment is mirrored with respect to the configuration on the distal end. At least one bifurcated abutment is adapted to embrace the processus pyramidalis ossis palatini and/or the processus pterygoideus ossis sphenoidalis and/or the tuberosity of the maxilla.

Abstract: A medical luminaire, for example a dental treatment luminaire for the intraoral illumination of a surgical field, has at least one illuminating unit with light-producing means and with optical means for generating a field of light in an object plane, wherein a diffuser is provided that is designed to widen the field of light in the object plane.

Abstract: A method can include producing a real model, including a reproduction of at least sections of at least two tooth crowns of teeth in a jaw and contains bracket reproductions or brackets associated with the reproductions of the tooth crowns; and producing at least two trays by producing at least one impression of the real model, wherein the trays each comprise an impression of at least one tooth crown part of the at least two tooth crowns and at least one bracket part of the at least two bracket reproductions or brackets, wherein the at least one bracket part, viewed from the occlusal surface of the associated tooth crown, extends vertically to at most the end of the wire guide and/or the end of the first undercut of the bracket and/or bracket reproduction, which is arranged after the upper wing in the view from the occlusal surface.

Abstract: A system for dental implant restoration is provided. It includes universal aligning adaptors and prosthetic components having co-operable indices, which together form a translational, integrating system which aligns, synchronizes, and references the prosthetic components about an implant's central axis of rotation. Rotation of an adaptor about a prosthetic component, with its reference point becoming aligned to a predetermined reference point on the prosthetic component, followed by the rotation of the adaptor/prosthetic component assembly about the implant, situates the prosthetic component in a predetermined position such that all other prosthetic components become synchronized to the adaptor's reference point. The prosthetic component is mechanical for clinical or lab bench use, or is virtual for restoration design in a software program, prior to milling prosthetic abutments or devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental prosthesis system that includes a ceramic implant for osseointegration in a jaw bone with a receiving opening for a connection screw and an abutment, preferably made of a ceramic, wherein the abutment can be secured in the receiving opening of the implant by the connection screw made of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic. A screw lock includes first interlocking elements and second interlocking elements, wherein the first interlocking elements are arranged on the connection screw and the second interlocking elements are arranged in the receiving opening of the implant and/or on the abutment. When tightening or releasing the connection screw in the implant, the first interlocking elements are elastically deformed in conjunction with the second interlocking elements.

Abstract: An integrated dental component, carrier and affixation tool provides a clinician with a large object to hold the dental component, and allows for single-handed orientation, placement and fastening with the integration of an affixation tool.

Abstract: The present application relates to a fitting for insertion into a dental implant in an insertion orientation defining a central insertion axis. The fitting includes at least one resilient spring member which extends from a body portion. It further includes an alignment feature for aligning the fitting relative to the dental implant about the insertion axis. The alignment feature extends distally beyond the distal end of the spring member.

Abstract: A thermoforming aid for use in creating a thermoformed impression of an object such as a dental arch. The thermoforming aid has a thermoformable sheet which has inherent tendency to curl when unsupported, and a curl-resistant element which prevents the thermoformable sheet from curling. The thermoforming aid makes a person's task of placing a sheet of thermoformable material, especially a very thin sheet having an inherent tendency to curl, in proper position in a thermoforming machine less difficult and time-consuming.

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: A method for processing prosthetic teeth for the production of a full denture or at least a partial denture with at least two prosthetic teeth, a device for holding prosthetic teeth for the implementation of the method, and a set for the implementation of the method with the device. The method includes the following steps: inserting at least two prefabricated prosthetic teeth with their coronal sides into recesses of an elastic mold, attaching a clamping device to the elastic mold, and applying mechanical pressure to exert force to affix the prosthetic teeth in the elastic mold, positioning and aligning the prosthetic teeth in a desired position and a desired alignment in relation to each other in the elastic mold, affixing the elastic mold with the clamping device and prosthetic teeth in a defined position in a holder of a CAM device for removing material of the prosthetic teeth with a CAM method, and basally ablating at least one of the prosthetic teeth affixed in the elastic mold with the CAM method.

Abstract: An oral care implement having an applicator. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement having: a body having a handle and a head coupled to a distal end of the handle, the body extending along a longitudinal axis; a store of oral care material located within the body; an applicator on the body, the applicator having a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the store of oral care material, the plurality of outlets located on a concave dispensing surface of the applicator; and an actuator operably coupled to the store of oral care material to dispense the oral care material through the plurality of outlets.

Abstract: A saliva injector appliance that includes an elongate member having a scoop with channels at its distal end. Clamps or the like hold the appliance against and to a saliva ejector such that the end of the injector is spaced a small distance rearward from the end of the scoop, and the scoop and the channels direct fluid into the injector and push tissue out of the way during a dental procedure. The elongate member has a rigid or semi-rigid construction and holds the saliva ejector at the desired position and angle as directed by a practitioner grasping the rear handle portion of the elongate member.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush includes a handle, a power source disposed in the handle, a head including a cavity disposed at a distal end of the handle, an electrically conducting element disposed in the cavity and electrically connected to the power source, and a movable cleaning element connected to the head and movable relative to the cavity. The movable cleaning element includes a tooth cleaning support member, a tooth cleaning element mounted on the support member, and a ferromagnetic member. Application of an electrical current to the electrically conducting element generates a magnetic field at the electrically conducting element. The magnetic field selectively at least one of attracts and repels the ferromagnetic member to move the movable cleaning element relative to the electrically conducting element.

Abstract: A vibrating toothbrush is provided with vibration-isolating zones that substantially isolate vibrations in the head and reduce vibrations transmitted to the handle without sacrificing structural integrity around the vibration-isolation zones. Such zones may generally comprise neck material that is reduced in cross-section, thinned, replaced by dampening material, or removed altogether to create transmission-inhibiting voids. The vibration-isolating zones may be further supported by the housing of the vibratory element to maintain the structural integrity around the zones and to thereby alleviate weakness conditions that might subject the toothbrush to fatigue and breakage.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inspection apparatus for osseointegration of implants, which comprises an inspection base, a holding end, and an inspection end. The holding end is disposed at one end of the inspection base; the inspection end is disposed at the other end of the inspection base. Beside, the inspection end is disposed on one side of the holding end. The holding end includes a signal processing module and a wireless transmission module therein. The inspection end includes an inspection probe, disposed at one end of the inspection end. The inspection probe includes one or more excitation device and a receiver located on the same side of the inspection probe. According to the present invention, the inspection apparatus detects the condition of an object under inspection in a non-contact manner by using an excitation source. An acquired displacement difference is then transmitted to an electronic apparatus through wireless transmission.

Abstract: A device for inguinal ligament fixation includes a suspension mesh, wherein the suspension includes: a cervix and anterior vaginal wall sling; wherein a first end of the cervix and anterior vaginal wall sling is connected to a cervix or an anterior vaginal wall; two inguinal ligament suspension arms, wherein a second end of each of the two inguinal ligament suspension arms is connected to a second end of the cervix and anterior vaginal wall sling, and the two inguinal ligament suspension arms are placed in a symmetrical form; and two sacral ligament and posterior vaginal wall suspension arms, wherein a second end of each of the two sacral ligament and posterior vaginal wall suspension arms is connected to the second end of the cervix and anterior vaginal wall sling, and the two sacral ligament and posterior vaginal wall suspension arms are placed in a symmetrical form.

Abstract: The invention relates to a urine flow control system (50) including a catheter device (10, 100) for insertion into a urethra, the catheter device (10, 100) having: a proximal end portion (14) and an opposite distal end portion (16, 102), a conduit (C) between said proximal end portion (14) and said distal end portion (16) having a urine inlet opening (2) at said proximal end portion (14) and a urine outlet opening (4, P) at said distal end portion (16, 102), and a magnetically actuatable valve located at said distal end portion (16, 102) for controlled discharge of urine from said catheter device (10, 100) through said outlet opening (4, P), and a magnetic actuator device with an actuator magnet (201), separate from said catheter device (10, 100), for operating said valve, characterized in said magnetic actuator device (200) comprising a housing (205) for receiving urine discharged from said catheter device (10, 100), said housing (205) having a first open end (202) configured for receiving said distal end po

Abstract: In a generic aspect, an apparatus for delivering attachment devices includes a needle defining a lumen and a distal opening, and a plurality of attachment devices disposed within the lumen of the needle. Each attachment device includes a first attachment part, a second attachment part, and a connecting member coupled to the first attachment part and the second attachment part. The apparatus further includes an actuator configured to drive each attachment device out of the distal opening of the needle during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting the discharging of urine from a natural urinary bladder of a patient is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an implantable expandable member configured to be implanted inside of the urinary bladder, and an implantable control device for controlling the volume of the expandable member. The control device is configured to generate a pressure in the implantable expandable member exceeding 50 cm water pressure to assist the discharging of urine.

Abstract: A method of repairing a pelvic floor disorder and a system for carrying out the method are provided. The method is effected by positioning an imaging device in an abdominal, rectal, perianal or vaginal cavity, advancing a surgical instrument through a vaginal wall under guidance of the imaging device to thereby reach a target tissue and using the surgical instrument to attach the tissue repair device to the target tissue.

Abstract: An embolic filter is disclosed and can include a head. A plurality of bent legs can extend from the head. Each bent leg can be configured to engage an inner wall of a vein and prevent the embolic filter from migrating in a cranial direction. A plurality of straight legs can also extend from the head. Each straight leg can be configured to prevent the embolic filter from migrating in a caudal direction.

Abstract: An aspiration system includes a pump and a control system in communication with the pump. The control system includes a microcontroller, an antenna configured to receive a signal, and a pump control board in communication with the microcontroller. The antenna is in communication with the microcontroller. Upon receiving the signal, the pump control board operates the pump to create negative pressure according to the signal.

Abstract: A two dimensional (2D) active plasmonic scaffold includes a polymer film and one or more nanoparticle layers disposed on the polymer film. The nanoparticles has functional groups attached thereon. A three dimensional (3D) structure fabricated using the 2D scaffold.

Abstract: A stent according to an embodiment of the invention includes an elongate body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The elongate body defines a lumen and an opening in communication with the lumen between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion configured to enable the flow of fluid therethrough. The lumen is configured to have a diameter wherein the opening has a width greater than half the size of the diameter and less than the diameter of the lumen. The opening has a length at least twice the width of opening. In some embodiments, the opening is configured to laterally receive a guidewire therethrough. The elongate body can be configured to releasably couple the guidewire within the lumen of the elongate body such that the elongate body can be slidably moved along the guidewire.

Abstract: A method for automatic endovascular alignment of a prosthesis includes loading the prosthesis in a distal delivery assembly, positioning a guidewire into a curved implantation site, and threading a guidewire lumen over the guidewire with the delivery assembly and into an implantation site to at least approximately align the curved distal portion to a curve of a curved implantation site and, thereby aligning the prosthesis.

Abstract: An aortic graft assembly includes a tubular component that defines a wall aperture having a proximal end that extends perpendicular to a major longitudinal axis of the tubular aortic component, and a tunnel graft connected to the wall of the tubular aortic component and extending from the wall aperture toward a proximal end of the tubular aortic component. The method for delivery of the aortic graft assembly includes delivering the aortic graft assembly through the wall aperture and into interfering relation with the tunnel graft.

Abstract: A method of generating a patient-specific prosthesis includes receiving anatomic imaging data representative of a portion of a patient's anatomy. A first digital representation of the anatomic imaging data is defined. The first digital representation of the anatomic imaging data is modified. A second digital representation of the portion of the patient's anatomy is defined based on the modifying of the first digital representation of the anatomic imaging data. A patient-specific prosthesis is generated based at least in part on the second digital representation of the anatomic imaging data.

Abstract: A thoraco-abdominal branch graft prosthesis includes a lumen main graft component that defines a lumen and at least one main graft wall fenestration. At least one tunnel graft component of the branch graft prosthesis defines at least one tunnel graft fenestration. The tunnel graft component is within the main graft lumen defined by the luminal main graft component. A luminal wall of the tunnel graft component is fixed to the luminal wall of the main graft component. The fenestration of the tunnel graft wall is aligned with the fenestration of the main graft wall. The thoraco-abdominal branch graft prosthesis can be implanted in a patient at a site of a thoraco-abdominal aneurysm.

Abstract: A device includes a first end portion, a second end portion, an intermediate portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a graft material coupled to at least the intermediate portion. The first end portion has a first end diameter. The second end portion has a second end diameter larger than the first end diameter. The intermediate portion tapers between the first end portion and the second end portion. A method of diverting fluid flow from a first passage to a second passage comprising deploying the device in a third passage between the first passage and the second passage, expanding the first end portion against sidewalls of the first passage, and expanding the second end portion against sidewalls of the second passage.

Abstract: A method for treating an aneurysm can include inserting a medical device partially in a first artery and partially in a third artery. The device can be expanded radially outwardly from a first position to a second position to engage an inner surface of the first artery and an inner surface of the third artery, so as to maintain a fluid pathway through said arteries. Further, the device can be positioned such that, when the device is in the second position, a porous membrane of the device is located at a neck of the aneurysm.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for fixating soft tissue to bone. In one embodiment, a repair device system for fixating soft tissue to bone includes a carrier member, multiple anchors, and a bone anchor. The carrier member includes multiple pad portions and a bone coupling portion. Each of the pad portions are aligned with an adjacent pad portion. The pad portions are configured to be positioned over a side of the soft tissue and the bone coupling portion is coupled to the multiple pad portions. Each anchor is sized and configured to extend through the at least one opening defined in one of the multiple pad portions and through the soft tissue. The bone anchor is configured to be coupled to the bone coupling portion and configured to be secured to the bone.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods are provided for anchoring tissue to bone, and more particularly methods and devices are provided for preventing over-insertion of an expander into a sheath of a two-piece anchor. For example, a tendon anchoring system is provided with an anchor assembly and an inserter tool. The anchor assembly includes a sheath with a threaded lumen and a threaded expander screw configured to be threadably disposed within the sheath to cause the sheath to expand outward. The inserter tool includes an elongate outer shaft with a distal end configured to couple to a proximal end of the sheath, and an elongate inner shaft with a distal drive tip configured to engage a proximal end of the expander screw.

Abstract: Accommodating intraocular lenses containing a flowable media and their methods of accommodation.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens for providing enhanced vision includes a finished optic comprising a base optic and a membrane. The base optic has an anterior surface and an opposing posterior surface, at least one of the surfaces having a first value of a surface quality parameter. The base optic also includes a membrane including an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface covering one or more of the surfaces of the base optic. The outer surface has a second value of the surface quality parameter, wherein the second value is greater than the first value.

Abstract: An intraocular lens that is capable of being inserted through a micro-incision includes an optic having an anterior and a posterior surface and a plurality of projections extending from the anterior and posterior surfaces. The anterior and posterior surfaces include a recess. The optic is implanted such that a rim of the capsulorhexis is disposed in the recess such that the plurality of projections grip the capsular bag.

Abstract: An intraocular lens insertion device which dramatically reduces the possibility that a plunger damages an intraocular lens, and which can safely and surely insert an intraocular lens into an eye is provided. An intraocular lens insertion unit comprises a lens disposing part for disposing an intraocular lens, a plunger for pushing out the intraocular lens disposed at the lens disposing part, a transition part for deforming the intraocular lens pushed out by the plunger, and a nozzle for ejecting the deformed intraocular lens. The plunger has a lens contact part for contacting the outer edge of the intraocular lens, and a protrusive part for pushing the lens contact part downward the intraocular lens by the deformation of the intraocular lens, both lens contact part and protrusive part are provided at the leading end of the plunger.

Abstract: An IOL injection device comprises a tubular housing with a plunger longitudinally disposed within the tubular housing. The device is configured so that when the plunger is translated towards the front of the device, its tip engages an intraocular lens insertion cartridge mounted at or near the front end of the housing. The IOL injection device further comprises a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to perform the steps of advancing the plunger to a critical point at which an axial compressive force on the lens suddenly increases, retracting the plunger from the critical point to a sufficient distance for material of the intraocular lens to relax, pausing to allow the material of the intraocular lens to relax, advancing the plunger to the critical point a second time, and continuing to advance the plunger beyond the critical point to implant the intraocular lens.

Abstract: To solve the problem of making available a speech valve for persons who have undergone a laryngectomy or tracheotomy, which speech valve in particular has a long useful life, a speech valve (10) is proposed having a housing (12) with a proximal opening (14) and at least one filter (70) at least partially received in the housing, and with a piston-like valve element (30), wherein the filter at least partially surrounds the valve element, wherein the valve element is movable on a valve seat (32), arranged on the proximal opening, in order to produce a closure position and can be returned with a spring action to an open position of the speech valve, and wherein the valve element has a lower end (38) which faces towards the proximal opening and which is assigned to the valve seat in the open position and, with the valve seat, forms a gap (40) through which an air stream (17a) can be guided.

Abstract: Valve devices for replacement of mitral valves while preserving valvular and subvalvular mitral valve apparatus. The valve device may be configured as a double orifice valve replacement device, and may include an anchoring and manifold assembly coupleable to a delivery catheter. The assembly may include means for anchoring the device to the mitral valve or to a fixation device already attached to the mitral valve. A peripheral ring anchoring system secured to the assembly may include at least one expandable anchoring ring that is expandable within an orifice of the mitral valve so as to surround the orifice perimeter. A helical suture may be helically disposable about the ring, securing the ring to adjacent leaflet tissue. A trap door valve including a trap door body that seals against the anchoring ring during systole and unseals during the diastolic portion of the cardiac cycle may be provided.

Abstract: A braided support structure that folds upon release from a delivery device wherein said fold is at least partially effected by varying the pic angle of the braids at locations where the folding is desired.

Abstract: A method of making a replacement heart valve device whereby a fragment of biocompatible tissue material is treated and soaked in one or more alcohol solutions and a solution of glutaraldehyde. The dried biocompatible tissue material is folded and rehydrated in such a way that forms a two- or three-leaflet/cusp valve without affixing of separate cusps or leaflets or cutting slits into the biocompatible tissue material to form the cusps or leaflets. After the biocompatible tissue material is folded, it is affixed at one or more points on the outer surface to the inner cavity or a stent.

Abstract: A method of preparing biological tissue for use as a component of an implant, in particular as part of a heart valve prosthesis, which can be implanted by catheter. The biological tissue is subjected to a dimensional and structural stabilization step and is dried. For the dimensional and structural stabilization, a combination of a first, polyethylene glycol-containing solution and at least one second, glycerol-containing solution is used.

Abstract: A medical valve implant comprising: an implant structure configured as a medical valve; and a base body that includes a collar extending in a circumferential direction around the implant structure, wherein the collar includes a first cell structure composed of a plurality of cells forming an inner cross section of the base body that is matched to an outer cross section of the implant structure, characterized in that the collar includes a second cell structure fastened to an inner contour of a cell of the first cell structure at two fastening points and configured to move radially outward relative to the first cell structure so that an outer contour of the base body is formed by the first cell structure and the second cell structure.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition, the stent having a proximal end, a distal end and a plurality of commissure features. The heart valve further includes a valve assembly secured to the stent, the valve assembly including a cuff and a plurality of leaflets, each of the leaflets having a free edge having a first end and a second end, and a second edge secured to the cuff, the second edge having a first end, a second end, a first folded portion adjacent the first end, a second folded portion adjacent the second end, and an unfolded portion between the first and second folded portions. The first and second folded portions couple the leaflet to ones of the commissure features.

Abstract: A delivery device for a collapsible heart valve includes an operating handle, including a frame defining a movement space therein, a carriage assembly moveable within the movement space, and a first resheathing lock having a locked position and an unlocked position. The delivery device further includes a catheter assembly, including a first shaft around which a valve-receiving compartment is defined, the first shaft being fixedly connected to one of the frame or the carriage assembly, and a distal sheath operatively connected to the carriage assembly. The distal sheath is moveable between a closed condition adapted to maintain the valve in the compartment and an open condition adapted to fully deploy the valve. With the resheathing lock in the locked position, the distal sheath is unable to move to the open condition to fully deploy the valve.

Abstract: A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes an inner shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, an outer shaft disposed around the inner shaft and longitudinally moveable relative to the inner shaft, and a distal sheath disposed about a portion of the inner shaft and forming a compartment with the inner shaft, the compartment being adapted to receive the prosthetic heart valve. At least one of the outer shaft or the distal sheath may have a pattern of cutouts formed therein, the pattern including at least one ring around a circumference of the at least one of the outer shaft or the distal sheath, the at least one ring having at least one of the cutouts.

Abstract: Valve retainers and delivery systems with valve retainers are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a portion of the valve retainer can rotate about a central axis of the delivery system relative to a different portion of the valve retainer. In certain embodiments, a first portion of the valve retainer can include a plurality of first orientation markings. In certain embodiments, a second portion of the valve retainer can include a second orientation marking, which can be aligned with a first orientation marking on the first portion of the valve retainer.