Abstract: Spinal surgical procedures can benefit from a rod reduction instrument with a ratchet lock-out mechanism. The instrument can include an inner shaft, an outer housing and a ratchet mechanism. The inner shaft can include a threaded proximal portion and a distal end that includes a plurality of engagement members adapted to receive a pedicle screw. The outer housing can be slidably received over the inner shaft, and include a top sleeve and a bottom sleeve. The top sleeve can include the ratchet mechanism to selectively engage the threaded proximal portion of the inner shaft and the bottom sleeve can engage a connecting rod. The ratchet mechanism can include an engagement feature to selectively engage the threaded proximal portion of the inner shaft, and a locking mechanism to selectively lock the engagement feature of the ratchet mechanism against the threaded proximal portion of the inner shaft.

Abstract: A surgical repositioning instrument for lowering and fixing a fixing rod in the tulip head of a bone screw has a coupling sleeve with two distal latching arms. A locking sleeve is longitudinally displaceable on the coupling sleeve between a release and locking position. A rod presser contacts and lowers the fixing rod, which is arranged displaceably within the coupling sleeve. Arranged in a through bore in the handle part is the locking sleeve, coupling sleeve and rod presser. On a grip part, an actuating lever is pivotally mounted to advance the rod presser relative to the coupling sleeve. The actuating lever has a laterally projecting force arm and a load arm which is coupled to the rod presser. The locking sleeve protrudes in its release position and is independently slid into its locking position by the rod presser acting on its proximal end with an axially directed force.

Abstract: Arthrodesis devices and arthrodesis procedures are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, an arthrodesis device includes a shape memory material connecting member attached to two points of fixation.

Abstract: A TPLO plate configured to accommodate flexible strands (flexible loops) attached to tissue to be attached to bone. The TPLO plate has one or more suture eyelets, to allow the user (surgeon) to pass a flexible strand through the eyelets and attach/reattach the tissue to the plate at the anatomical location, and to improve the rotational stability of the joint or bone. The eyelets may have various shapes, forms and configurations and may be provided on or within a surface of the TPLO bone plate in any number, depending on the characteristics of the fractured bone or bone segments, or of the plate design. The eyelets preferably receive one or more flexible strands.

Abstract: A cervical spine plate attachment system includes a cervical spine plate that has a first surface configured to rest upon a first vertebra and a second vertebra, a second surface opposite the first surface and facing away from the first vertebra and the second vertebra, and a plurality of holes configured to receive fasteners to secure the cervical spine plate to the first vertebra and the second vertebra. The system also includes an alignment guide that detachably mounts to the cervical spine plate. The alignment guide comprises a pair of bars that rest upon the second surface of the cervical spine plate when the alignment guide is mounted to the cervical spine plate. The system also includes a fastener configured to secure the alignment guide to the cervical spine plate.

Abstract: A bone positioning guide may include a main body member, a shaft, and a bone engagement member. The shaft can be movably connected to the main body member and have the bone engagement member rotatably coupled to its distal end. The bone engagement member can have a surface configured to engage a bone. The main body member can also include a tip opposite the bone engagement member for engaging a second bone. In use, the bone engagement member may be positioned in contact with a medial side of a first metatarsal while the tip is positioned in contact with a lateral side of a different metatarsal, such as a second metatarsal. The shaft can then be moved to advance the bone engagement member toward the tip, causing realignment of the first metatarsal.

Abstract: Compositions, systems, devices, and methods for performing precise chemical treatment of tissues are disclosed. Systems, devices, and methods for administering a chemical agent to one or more a precise regions within a tissue mass are disclosed. Compositions, systems, devices, and methods for treating targeted regions within a tissue mass are disclosed. Systems, devices, and methods for identifying, localizing, monitoring neural traffic in the vicinity of, quantifying neural traffic in the vicinity of, and mapping neural traffic near targeted regions within a tissue mass are disclosed.

Abstract: Cold atmospheric plasma is an emerging technology in the treatment of cancer. Meanwhile, different types of self-organized pattern (SOP) phenomenon have been reported in a wide of range of plasmas. In this paper, we describe the application of SOP plasma to two breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. Specifically, the effect of SOP plasma on reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) were investigated. SOP plasma-generated RONS displayed significantly decreased cancer cell viability in both breast cancer cell lines; significantly inhibiting cell proliferation via while inducing apoptosis. SOP plasma induced DNA damage, activating the ATM/ATR kinase signaling cascade. ATR phosphorylates the checkpoint effector kinase Chk-1 activating ?-H2AX resulting in cell cycle arrest and ATM induced apoptosis.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for measuring impedance for electrosurgical tools are provided. In general, a surgical device configured to apply energy to tissue can be configured to deliver the energy to the tissue based on an impedance of the tissue. The impedance can be determined based on an electrical signal transmitted to the tissue via the surgical device, such as by one or more electrodes of the surgical device that are in contact with the tissue. The impedance determination can include determining both real and imaginary components of the impedance, thereby allowing a phase shift to be identified and for an actual impedance to be determined by correcting for the phase shift. The actual impedance of the tissue can be used to identify a type of the tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device may include an electromechanical ultrasonic system defined by a predetermined resonant frequency and include an ultrasonic transducer coupled to an ultrasonic blade. A method of delivering energy to the device may include applying energy to the blade at a first power level via the transducer coupled to the blade, measuring a complex impedance of the transducer, receiving a complex impedance feedback data point, comparing the complex impedance feedback data point to a reference complex impedance characteristic pattern, and determining that the blade is contacting a vessel based on the comparison. The method may also include disabling the power applied to the transducer and switching to a lower power level. The method may further include generating a warning that the blade is contacting a vessel, such as a light or a sound. An ultrasonic surgical instrument may effect the method.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) instrument may include a method of classifying a tissue in live time. The method may include activating the instrument for a first period of time T1 when the RF instrument contacts the tissue, plotting at least three electrical parameters associated with the tissue to classify the tissue into distinct groups, and applying a classification algorithm to classify the tissue into a distinct group in live time. The parameters may include an initial impedance of the tissue, a minimum impedance of the tissue, and an amount of time that the impedance slope is ˜0. The instrument may collect the parameters during a predetermined amount of time, such as within the first 0.75 seconds of the activation of the device. The classification algorithm may include a support vector machine algorithm that may use a linear, polynomial, or radial basis set.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a low temperature electrosurgical knife surgical device, system and method. The device includes: a liquid input unit, configured to input liquid to a target object in response to a liquid input signal to form a thin layer of a conductive medium between an emission electrode and a loop electrode; a bipolar electrode socket connector, connected with a high frequency generator through a high frequency cable to receive a first input voltage generated by the high frequency generator; the emission electrode, configured to receive the first input voltage generated by the high frequency generator via the bipolar electrode socket connector and apply a first voltage between the emission electrode and the loop electrode, such that the conductive medium reaches a first temperature and is converted into a plasma layer.

Abstract: A method of controlling the application of energy to a radio frequency (RF) instrument based on a surgical technique may include activating the instrument for a first period T1, during which time a portion of an end effector contacts a tissue, plotting at least two electrical parameters associated with the tissue to classify an amount of the end effector in contact with the tissue, applying a classification algorithm to classify the amount of the end effector in contact with the tissue, and applying an amount of energy to the end effector based on the amount of the end effector in contact with the tissue. The parameters may include a minimum impedance of the tissue and an amount of time that the impedance slope is ˜0. The end effector may contact the tissue with a tip end or with an entire surface.

Abstract: A connection mechanism and manufacturing method for a surgical instrument includes an inner shaft member that extends at least partially through an elongated shaft member of the instrument and defines proximal and distal ends and is selectively movable in a longitudinal direction with respect to the elongated shaft member and includes at least one aperture that extends partially along the longitudinal direction and disposed distally from the proximal end. The inner shaft member enables a drive collar member to slide on the inner shaft member and reciprocate along the longitudinal direction. A drive collar stop member slides on the inner shaft member and moves along the longitudinal direction. The drive collar stop member then moves in a direction relative to the longitudinal axis to engage the aperture and limit further longitudinal motion of the drive collar member. An inner shaft stop member limits movement of the inner shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing forward fluid delivery through an electrosurgical device, while avoiding coring when energy is delivered to the electrosurgical device. The device has a distal face defining an opening, with the distal face including at least one cutting portion and at least one non-cutting portion. An embodiment of the electrosurgical device for puncturing tissue includes an elongate member defining a lumen for fluid; a distal portion including an electrode and the distal face which defines at least one aperture. The portion of the at least one cutting portion defines a leading portion partially surrounding a circumference of the at least one aperture wherein the outer diameter of the at least one of the distal portion of the electrosurgical device or the electrode decreases towards a distal tip of the electrosurgical device.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for ablating a tissue mass with a radio-frequency signal. In some examples, the method includes delivering a radio-frequency signal through an impedance modulation element to an introducer to create a lesion on the tissue mass. The method also includes modulating an impedance of the impedance modulation element, determining an overall impedance of the impedance modulation element and the tissue mass, and controlling an amplitude of the radio-frequency signal based on the determined overall impedance. The method further includes controlling a size of the lesion based on the amplitude of the radio-frequency signal.

Abstract: A method and system of providing therapy to a patient's uterus is provided, which can include any number of features. The method can include the steps of inserting a uterine device into the uterus and performing a uterine integrity test to determine that the uterus is intact and not perforated. If it is determined that the uterus is not perforated, a patency test can be performed to determine that the uterine device is not clogged or embedded in tissue. If the uterus is intact and the device is not clogged or embedded in tissue, the uterus can be treated with the uterine device, e.g., uterine ablation. Systems for performing these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An aspect of various embodiments of the present invention system and method provide, but not limited thereto, a novel means for epicardial ablation using a double-curve steerable sheath and a double-curve deflectable open irrigated-tip/suction catheter that can be guided around the apex of the heart and adjusted so as to position the distal tip optimally. The catheter can also both deliver fluid to and withdraw fluid from the pericardial space. Access to the epicardial surface of the heart is via a subxiphoid entry. The method and means presented include, but are not limited to, steering, energy delivery, bipolar mapping, placement and use of electrodes, irrigation, suction of irrigation fluid, and other details of the subject invention.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus for treating or preventing epidermal dysplasias, including, for example, dysplastic epidermal lesions and dermatological pre-cancerous disease.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dermatological diagnostic and treatment system including a light source device, a light flow collecting device, a spectroscopic measurement device, and a computer. The light source device includes a laser source tunable in wavelength inside the spectral range, the laser source being tunable in duration and/or rate and the laser source being adapted to generate a second treatment laser beam of high intensity at said first wavelength towards the epidermal surface. The dermatological diagnostic and treatment system further includes a temperature sensor and a feedback device, the temperature sensor being arranged to record a temperature measurement signal of the epidermal surface as a function of the application of the second laser beam. The feedback device is configured to modify the duration and/or rate of the laser pulses as a function of the temperature measurement signal.

Abstract: According to the invention, the process includes the steps of: a) taking a sagittal preoperative x-ray of the vertebral column of the patient to be treated, extending from the cervical vertebrae to the femoral heads; b) on that x-ray, identifying points on S1, S2, T12 et C7; c) depicting, on the said x-ray, curved segments beginning at the center of the plate of S1 et going to the center of the plate of C7; e) identifying, on that x-ray, the correction(s) to be made to the vertebral column, including the identification of posterior osteotomies to make; f) pivoting portions of said x-ray relative to other portions of that x-ray, according to osteotomies to be made; g) performing, on said x-ray, a displacement of the sagittal curvature segment extending over the vertebral segment to be corrected; h) from a straight vertebral rod (TV), producing the curvature of that rod according to the shape of said sagittal curvature segment in said displacement position.

Abstract: An instrument port includes a port body, a bulb disposed at the distal end of the port body, a base body disposed at the proximal end of the port body, a hollow cylindrical body mechanically coupled to the base body, and a plurality of connecting rods disposed parallel to the port body. Each connecting rod includes a distal rod portion that is mechanically coupled to a respective distal-facing exterior surface of a bulb flange and a proximal rod portion that is mechanically coupled to a respective proximal-facing surface of the base body. A spring applies a spring force against the port body to press the port body into the bulb to mechanically secure the bulb to the base body.

Abstract: A surgical navigation system according to one embodiment may comprise: an electromagnetic wave generation unit; a first detection unit attached to a surgical site of an object to detect a position attached to the surgical site; a second detection unit installed in a patient-specific surgical guide instrument inserted into the surgical site to receive the electromagnetic wave and detect the position of the patient-specific surgical guide instrument; a third detection unit installed in the surgical instrument inserted into the surgical site to detect the position of the surgical instrument; an information processing unit for registering the position of the first detection unit and the position of the third detection unit and for tracking the position of the surgical instrument on the basis of the position of the first detection unit attached to the surgical site, by setting the position of the patient-specific surgical guide instrument as a reference position when the patient-specific surgical guide instrument

Abstract: A method of using a robotic guidance system for performing surgery on a spine is provided. The method includes utilizing a computerized tomographic scan image of a location on a spinal column of a patient, such that the computerized tomographic scan image is connected to a computer and visible on a monitor connected to the computer. The method also includes attaching a coupling component to the spinal column of the patient, coupling a marker to the coupling component, and imaging, with a fluoroscope, the view of the spinal column of the patient, wherein the fluoroscope image is transmitted to the computer and visible on the monitor and the at marker is clearly visible in the fluoroscope image.

Abstract: A method is described for using percutaneous access to a patient to remove an object from a cavity within the patient. The method includes inserting a suction tube into a port created by a percutaneous cut. An endoscope is also advanced into the cavity, however the endoscope passes through a patient lumen rather than through the port. Using a working channel within the endoscope, fluid is irrigated through the cavity. Additionally, a negative pressure is applied to the suction tube, such that the combination of fluid irrigation and negative pressure assist in removing the object from the cavity through the suction tube.

Abstract: A method may be provided to operate a medical system. First data may be provided for a first 3-dimensional (3D) image scan of an anatomical volume, with the first data identifying a blood vessel node in a first coordinate system for the first 3D image scan. Second data may be provided for a second 3D image scan of the anatomical volume, with the second data identifying the blood vessel node in a second coordinate system for the second 3D image scan. The first and second coordinate systems for the first and second 3D image scans of the anatomical volume may be co-registered using the blood vessel node identified in the first data and in the second data as a fiducial.

Abstract: A surgical system (200) includes a surgical instrument (260) that is sensitive to backlash that would adversely affect the transmission of controlled torque and position to the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument (260) is coupled to motors in a surgical instrument manipulator assembly (240) via a mechanical interface. The combination of the mechanical interface and surgical instrument manipulator assembly (240) have low backlash, e.g., less than 0.7 degrees. The backlash is controlled in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly (240). From the drive output disk (545) in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly to the driven disk (964) of the surgical instrument, the mechanical interface has zero backlash for torque levels used in surgical procedures.

Abstract: A teleoperated surgical system has an instrument manipulator that includes a first carriage driver and a second carriage driver that each provide independent rotary motion. Each carriage driver includes a first engagement feature. A surgical instrument includes two instrument drivers that each receive the rotary motion from one of the two carriage drivers. Each instrument driver includes a second engagement feature that engages the first engagement feature to positively couple the carriage driver to the instrument driver. The instrument drivers are rotationally coupled together. A manipulator controller controls rotation of the two carriage drivers and imparts a motion to the second carriage driver that is contrary to the rotation of the first carriage driver until the first engagement features positively engage the second engagement features. The surgical instrument may include an instrument shaft that can rotate indefinitely. The instrument drivers may be rotationally coupled to the instrument shaft.

Abstract: A surgical robotic user input apparatus has a fiber optic cable with a handheld user input device attached at one end, and a connector attached at another end. Multiple intrinsic sensors, such as fiber Bragg grating sensors, are in the fiber optic cable. The intrinsic sensors are used to detect a pose of the handheld user input device. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring one or more cables of surgical tools are provided. The systems generally include a surgical tool with an end effector that has at least one function and a drive system that is operably coupled to the end effector and operably coupled to at least one motor. The drive system has at least one cable, and the drive system is configured to drive the at least one function on the end effector through actuation of the at least one cable.

Abstract: Provided are mobility assistance devices, particularly useful in medical settings where a patient ambulation is desired but the patient remains connected to one or many medical components. The system comprises a mast connected to a base, wherein the mast is angled with respect to the base and from which any number of medical components is supported. The device geometry and connections ensure the device is extremely stable and tip-resistant. Also provided are oxygen tank holders to reliably and conveniently hold oxygen tanks and power management systems that reliably provide electrical power without impacting device performance or mobility. The device is deployable to permit conversion between a compact storage configuration and a stable deployed configuration.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a surgical instrument support assembly which includes an enclosure defining an opening; a light transmissive pane located at least partially across the opening and defining a support surface; and, a light source located inside the enclosure for generating light to be transmitted through the light transmissive pane. A sterilizable light transmissive surgical instrument support may be also provided to be disposed over at least a portion of the light transmissive pane. Advantageously, with the subject invention, an assembly is provided which includes a sterilized surface for supporting surgical instruments which is backlit. With this arrangement, surgical instruments may be supported and illuminated from beneath to aid a medical practitioner in identifying the surgical instruments.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a caddy configured to receive medical implants coupled to respective holders. The medical implants and holders may be oriented and/or located in the caddy based on one or more of size, shape, and other configuration of the medical implants and holders and the openings in the caddy through which the medical implants are received. Another embodiment of the invention includes a medical implant having an implant body portion and a detachable marking portion that is connected to the implant body portion by a frangible region structured to provide selective separation of the implant body portion from the detachable marking portion upon application of a force or torque to the implant body portion, and the detachable marking portion including one or more markings that correspond to identifying information associated with features or characteristics of the implant body portion.

Abstract: A portable transport system for containing and transporting monitoring system components comprises a case for enclosing the monitoring system components. A collapsible monitoring component assembly telescopes between a collapsed position wherein the collapsible monitoring component assembly is substantially contained within the case and an open position. The collapsible monitoring component assembly includes a component bracket mounting handle for interfacing the monitoring system components with the collapsible monitoring component assembly. The component bracket mounting handle moves the monitoring system components between a raised position and a lowered position. The collapsible monitoring component assembly is contained substantially within the case in the collapsed position.

Abstract: Packaging sleeve for medical purposes for storing sterile objects (25, 45), consisting of at least one outer sleeve (2) that is open at one end and can be sealed with a sealing closure (10) and has an inner sleeve (12) accommodated in it with a clamping effect, wherein the inner sleeve (12) is accommodated in a clamping seating in a receiving opening (15) in the sealing closure (10) on the bottom side of the outer sleeve (2) and the clamping seat thereby formed presses the sealing ribs (7, 55, 56, 59) arranged on the outside circumference of the sealing closure (10) against the inside of the outer sleeve (2) under increased contact pressure (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a recalibration device (1) used during the acquisition of images of an anatomical area of a p patient during robot-assisted surgery, including a body (3) made of radxoliacent material, which comprises fiducial markers (9) made of radiopaque material, said body (3) having a bearing surface (7) intended to be manually placed on a surface of said anatomical area of the patient. According to the invention, said fiducial markers (9) are arranged in a specific geometrical pattern enabling a certain detection of the positioning and orientation of the recalibration device (1) in a three-dimensional digital model built from the images derived from the acquisition of the anatomical area.

Abstract: A stereoscopic visualization camera and platform are disclosed. An example stereoscopic visualization camera includes a main objective assembly and left and right lens sets defining respective parallel left and right optical paths from light that is received from the main objective assembly of a target surgical site. Each of the left and right lens sets includes a front lens, first and second zoom lenses configured to be movable along the optical path, and a lens barrel configured to receive the light from the second zoom lens. The example stereoscopic visualization camera also includes left and right image sensors configured to convert the light after passing through the lens barrel into image data that is indicative of the received light. The example stereoscopic visualization camera further includes a processor configured to convert the image data into stereoscopic video signals or video data for display on a display monitor.

Abstract: An end effector coupler for a surgical arm can include an end effector body, a proximal coupler, and a tool lock. The tool lock can releasably retain a tool stem to the end effector coupler. The tool lock can include a keyed opening, a pin bore, a pin disposed in the bin bore, a biasing element located in the pin bore, and a pin release including an actuator, the pin release operable to retract the pin into to the end effector body to disengage the pin from the tool stem allowing release of the tool stem from the keyed opening.

Abstract: An end effector coupler for a surgical arm can include a body, a proximal coupler, and a tool lock. The tool lock can releasably retain a tool stem to the end effector coupler. The tool lock can include a keyed opening, a pin bore, a pin disposed in the bin bore, a biasing element located in the pin bore, and a pin release including an actuator, the pin release operable to retract the pin into to the body to disengage the pin from the tool stem allowing release of the tool stem from the keyed opening.

Abstract: There is provided a medical support arm device including a brake provided in at least one joint of a plurality of joints that define a deployment configuration of a multi-joint arm, and configured to release a rotation shaft of the at least one joint when electricity is supplied to the multi-joint arm and lock the rotation shaft when electricity is not supplied to the multi joint arm.

Abstract: A holding apparatus, in particular a holding arm and/or tripod, for medical purposes, comprises a proximal end for attaching the holding apparatus to a base and a distal end for receiving an add-on device; at least one first and one second arm segment, where the first arm segment is connected to a first joint and the second arm segment is connected to a second joint, where each joint is releasable and lockable; an operating device for releasing and/or locking the respective joint for putting the holding apparatus into a desired pose; and a first display unit which is arranged on the first joint and a second display unit which is arranged on the second joint. The first and/or second display unit is configured to display at least one status of the holding apparatus and/or of an add-on device that is different from the releasing and/or locking of the respective joint. The invention further relates to a method.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes an instrument shaft with exit holes near a distal end of the shaft, a tool coupled to the distal end of the shaft, and a backend. The backend may include a mechanism that manipulates a drive element that extends through the shaft and couples to the tool, a fluid inlet, and a fluid channel assembly providing fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the proximal end of the shaft. Cleaning fluid is directed into the fluid inlet, through the fluid channel assembly, and into the shaft. A chassis or other structural piece of the backend may form part of the fluid channel assembly.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a medical instrument main body including a resin portion made of a first resin material, and an identification mark provided on the resin portion and made of a second resin material. The medical instrument main body has predetermined information associated with the identification mark provided thereon.

Abstract: An aqueous solution for intraoral cleaning via irradiation with ultraviolet ray and/or near-ultraviolet visible ray and/or ray in an 800-900 nm near-infrared region is employed as the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution, wherein a concentration of hydrogen peroxide is 1 w/v % to 7 w/v %, and a concentration of a hydrogen peroxide stabilizer is 81 ppm (mg/L) or less in the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A system including a sensored ablation probe tip and a virtual stent, said sensored ablation probe tip for use in a tooth bud ablation procedure that results in tooth agenesis, said sensored ablation probe tip for use with an ablation probe unit.

Abstract: Provided herein are surgical guides with internal channels for irrigation cooling. In one embodiment, an apparatus for guiding a surgical instrument includes a proximal side and a distal side. A first channel is configured to guide a material removal device, where the first channel extends from the proximal side of the apparatus to the distal side of the apparatus. A second channel configured to direct irrigation fluid, where the second channel extends from the proximal side of the of the apparatus to the distal side of the apparatus. The first channel is separate from the second channel. A method of performing a surgical procedure and a method of manufacturing a surgical guide are also disclosed. In certain embodiments, the surgical guides may be manufactured via additive manufacturing processes, including for example, three-dimensional printing processes.

Abstract: A root canal dental instrument is disclosed. The dental instrument includes a handle configured to be coupled to a dental hand piece, and a spiral spindle coupled to the handle. The spiral spindle includes a shaft, which includes a rounded tip, and a continuous spiral protrusion abutting the shaft and extending along a length of the shaft, the continuous spiral protrusion ending on the shaft prior to the rounded tip.

Abstract: The application provides a system for repositioning teeth from an initial tooth arrangement to a final tooth arrangement and methods of making and using the same. The system includes: a) at least two first appliances which are duplicate of each other having a geometry selected to reposition the teeth from the initial tooth arrangement to a first intermediate arrangement or the final tooth arrangement; b) one or more intermediate appliances having geometries selected to progressively reposition the teeth from the first intermediate arrangement to successive intermediate arrangements including a last intermediate tooth arrangement, each of the one or more intermediate appliances having at least one duplicate of itself; and c) at least two final appliances which are duplicate of each other having a geometry to progressively reposition the teeth from the initial tooth arrangement or the last intermediate arrangement to the final tooth arrangement.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary orthodontic elastic attachments that are customized to fit within the cutout windows of dental aligners, thus improving adhesion and minimizing inadvertent detachment from the tooth surface. The unique base pads are designed to have a shape that complements the present shape of the cutout windows like a puzzle piece. To improve adhesion to the tooth surface, the base pad may have its surface area maximized within the cutout windows. Also for improved adhesion, the base pad may be contoured to the dental anatomy of the tooth at the gumline for an intimate fit. Further exemplary embodiments may include the base pad having beveled edges to permit the aligner to slide over the base pad if it is adhered slightly off-center.

Abstract: A scan body for intraoral scanning includes a snap-in retention capability for engagement with a dental implant having a first engagement section. The second engagement section is configured for a snap-in or frictional fit with the first engagement section to releasably secure the scan body to the implant.