Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a catheter shaft. An expandable balloon may be coupled to the catheter shaft. The balloon may be capable of shifting between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. Electrode assemblies with electrical pathways may be coupled to the balloon. The electrical pathways may be capable of shifting between a serpentine configuration when the balloon is unexpanded to a straighter configuration when the balloon is expanded.

Abstract: A catheter suitable for delivering an electric current to the body, in particular a catheter having electrodes that can be positioned independently of the main elongate shaft of the catheter. More particularly the catheters include a movable sleeve that incorporates the electrodes. A movable sleeve includes one or more electrodes and advances in the construction of the electrodes and related components is disclosed. Methods for positioning electrodes at a treatment site in the body for diagnostic or therapeutic applications, particularly electrical pharyngeal stimulation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for laser assisted delivery of therapeutic agents include preparing a site with an ultraviolet laser beam, at a wavelength appropriate for tissue ablation, such that an opening is produced in a surface of the site's tissue; and applying one or more agents to the prepared site, such that the agents penetrate the tissue through the opening to a predetermined depth.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive skin treatment device (100) comprising: a light source (10) constructed and configured for generating linearly polarized probe light (12) and linearly polarized treatment light (22), a polarization modulator (30) constructed and configured for controlling a polarization direction of the probe light and a polarization direction of the treatment light, a polarization sensitive sensor (40) constructed and configured for sensing a level of depolarization of the probe light by sensing an intensity of back-scattered probe light (42) from the target position (210) in a predefined polarization direction of the polarization sensitive sensor, and a controller (60) being configured for scanning the polarization direction of the probe light over a predefined range while receiving the measurement signal (Sm) and for selecting an optimum polarization (P1) direction for which the depolarization of the probe light is at a minimum.

Abstract: A device and a method for fractional skin treatment. The device employs two diffractive optical elements. One of the diffractive optical elements provides two coaxial laser beams and another diffractive optical element splits the two coaxial laser beams into a plurality of beamlets. A lens arranged to receive the plurality of the laser beams and to focus them in a skin treatment plane. The lens forms an image where each of the beamlets is imaged as a spot with a high intensity central area and a lower intensity area surrounding the central area.

Abstract: A multiwavelength laser-based intense light source is described having applications in incision, excision and ablation of soft tissues with minimal collateral tissue damage. The light source combines the output of a plurality of relatively low power laser sources, emitting radiation in the region of the electromagnetic spectrum bounded by approximately 350 nm to 450 nm, where the combined output may be coupled into a single fiber optic energy delivery device: a standard surgical probe. Spectral and spatial beam combining are used to produce an incoherent light source with relatively low average power at any given wavelength, but with high total power and superior M2 beam quality, targeting multiple chromophores in target tissue and tissue breakdown product chromophores for consistently high and target absorption without indiscriminant char interference throughout a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method for enhancing a surgical procedure includes providing a three-dimensional model of a patient's organ of a patient based on pre-operative image data of the patient's organ; identifying positional data corresponding to a first position of at least one target treatment anatomy of the patient relative to a second position of an ancillary target anatomy of the patient based on an analysis of the three-dimensional model of the patient's organ of the patient; selecting a puncture location based on the identified positional data; and displaying, by an augmented reality device, a virtual organ object via an augmented reality display system overlaying a real-world environment, the virtual organ object corresponding to the three-dimensional model and visually indicating the selected puncture location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for localization of an internal organ of a subject to provide assistance during surgery, includes capture of a sequence of video frames of one or more internal organs in a body of a subject by insertion of an image capture device in a body of the subject. The apparatus further includes circuitry that computes appearance data of an internal organ of interest in a test video frame selected from the captured sequence of video frames. Orientation data of the internal organ of interest is determined within the body of the subject based on a known orientation of the image capture device and a maximum correlation of the test video frame with a specified anatomical template for the internal organ of interest. Supplemental information is generated to localize at least a portion of the internal organ of interest of the subject in the surgery.

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: A trajectory guidance alignment system configurable to receive input data from an image, interactively track at least one user position, interactively track a tool position, automatically generate output data by way of data transformation using at least one of the input data, the user position data, and the tool position data, and transmit the output data to the display of a navigation system for rendering a real-time interactive navigation view corresponding to a surgical view for facilitating navigation of a medical procedure.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of performing intraoperative navigation during a surgical procedure, which method comprises the steps of arranging a video imaging device on a radioscopic imaging apparatus; obtaining an initial radioscopic image of a target and identifying a desired trajectory in a target; determining a first position of the radioscopic imaging apparatus relative to the target for which a central image axis of a radioscopic imaging unit is aligned with the desired trajectory; positioning the radioscopic imaging apparatus to align a central image axis of the video imaging device with the desired trajectory; and showing a live video feed of the surgical procedure on a monitor to track the position of a surgical implement relative to the desired trajectory.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an arrangement (21, 71) for minimal invasive intervention, the arrangement (21, 71) comprising a rotation body (23, 73), a retaining device (25, 75) and at least one position sensor (27, 77, 79). The rotation body is adapted to receive a medical instrument (3, 5, 7, 9, 33), or the rotation body forms a part of a medical instrument (83). The medical instrument comprises a shaft (31, 81). At least a portion of a surface of the rotation body comprises a pattern (35, 87, 91). The retaining device is adapted to at least partly surround the rotation body, such that the rotation body is retained by the retaining device in a manner allowing rotational movement of the rotation body in relation to the retaining device. The at least one position sensor is adapted for determining a position in at least two coordinates of the pattern of the rotation body. The at least one position sensor is located at, in or on the retaining device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an image processing device, an image processing method, and a surgical system with which more accurate surgical resection can be performed in a shorter time. An identifying unit identifies the type of tissue degeneration in a mid-surgery image. In accordance with the identified type of the tissue degeneration, a drawing unit draws auxiliary information for the operator, the auxiliary information being to be superimposed on the mid-surgery image. The present disclosure can be applied to an endoscopic surgical system or the like that includes a display device, a camera control unit (CCU), a light source device, a treatment tool device, a pneumoperitoneum apparatus, a recorder, a printer, an endoscope, an energetic treatment tool, forceps, trocars, a foot switch, and a patient's bed, for example.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for causing end effector motion with a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a surgical tool can be configured to releasably and removably couple to a robotic surgical system. The robotic surgical system can include two motors configured to provide torque to the surgical tool to drive one single function of the surgical tool. In at least some embodiments, at least one of the two motors configured to cooperate with another motor to drive the single function of the surgical tool can be configured to drive a second function of the surgical tool.

Abstract: An end effector system for use in spinal surgery may be described herein. The end effector comprises a sterile section and a non-sterile section. The sterile section comprises an instrument holder that has pins for piercing a plastic sleeve. The instrument holder holds an instrument for performing spinal surgery. The non-sterile section comprises an end effector. The end effector comprises a motor and a transducer. The motor applies a torsional and axial force to the instrument. The transducer provides feedback to the end effector system to adjust a force applied to the instrument.

Abstract: A guiding apparatus includes a plurality of collapsible support members, a plurality of retraction assemblies, each of the plurality of retraction assemblies coupled to a respective one of the plurality of collapsible support members, and a connector adapted to connect the plurality of retraction assemblies to a teleoperational manipulator arm. The plurality of collapsible support members have an extended configuration in which the plurality of collapsible support members are arranged to form a channel extending along a longitudinal axis, the channel sized to receive an elongated instrument. The plurality of collapsible support members have a collapsed configuration in which each of the plurality of collapsible support members is retracted within a respective coupled retraction assembly as the elongated instrument is advanced along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for robotic surgery, and in particular for controlling various motions of a tool based on visual indicators. In general, a surgical tool can include an elongate shaft and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft and including first and second jaws. The tool can have at least one visual indicator disposed thereon and configured to indicate a size, position, or speed of movement of the tool or components of the tool.

Abstract: Surgical robot systems for remote manipulation having robotic telemanipulators are provided. The surgical robot systems are well adapted for use by the surgeon, seamlessly integratable into the operation room, allow for a surgeon to work between the robot and the patient throughout a surgery in a sterile manner, are relatively low cost, and/or permit integrated laparoscopy. The system preferably includes a master console having a plurality of master links interconnected by a plurality of master joints, and a handle coupled to the master console for operating the telemanipulator. The system further includes a slave console operatively coupled to the master console and having a plurality of slave links interconnected by a plurality of slave joints that move responsive to movement at the master console to permit an end-effector to perform surgery.

Abstract: An instrument, particularly a medical endoscopic instrument or technoscope, includes a shank (2) and an instrument head (6). The instrument head includes at least one joint part (12) articulated on the distal shank end in an angularly bendable manner and a tool carrier (14) which at the distal side is articulated on the joint part (12) in an angularly bendable manner in the angular bending plane of the joint part (12). A toothing is meshed with a toothed body (26) rotatably mounted in the shank (2) and is coupled in movement to a pull cable pair for the movement control of the instrument head (6). The toothing is formed at the proximal end of the joint part (12).

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a dental device that is configured to be worn on a user's finger, and inserted into the mouth of a patient. The dental device may be comprised of rigid and/or semi-rigid materials, wherein when dental device is inserted between an upper set and lower set of the patient's teeth, the dental device may maintain the patient's mouth in an open position.

Abstract: A skin-based patient tracking apparatus for surgical navigation. The apparatus includes an adhesive layer, a plurality of surgical tracking elements, a base layer between the adhesive layer and the plurality of surgical tracking elements, and an outer layer covering the plurality of surgical tracking elements.

Abstract: Safety-blade dispensers for safely storing surgical blades prior to surgery and optionally for retrieving used surgical blades after surgery. In either case, the safety-blade dispenser is configured to store one or more surgical blades in an orientation that allows a user to simply and safely attach a surgical tool handle to the surgical blades (and optionally remove the handle from the surgical blades) without requiring the user to physically touch or manipulate the surgical blades by hand. The safety-blade dispensers disclosed herein may be used alone or in conjunction with a system and method of preventing wrong-site surgery.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments of medical device packaging, and more particularly to a reduced pressure therapy kit and packaging and methods of using the same in the treatment of wounds. Some embodiments are directed towards packaging including a dressing compartment for storing wound dressings and having use instructions printed thereon, the dressing compartment detachably connected to a pump compartment for storing a sterile pump. After removal of the pump, the pump compartment can be detached from the dressing compartment and discarded. The dressing compartment can be retained together with any additional dressings and the use instructions.

Abstract: An illuminated catheter adapted for engagement on an introducer is provided which employs a lighting component to communicate light to and through a catheter. The illumination emanating from the catheter during insertion into a patient can illuminate the insertion site and once inserted provide the user illumination which is visually discernible to determine communication of the distal end of the catheter to and into a blood vessel.

Abstract: An implantable tissue marker device is provided to be placed in a soft tissue site through a surgical incision. The device can include a bioabsorbable body in the form of a spiral and defining a spheroid shape for the device, the spiral having a longitudinal axis, and turns of the spiral being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of markers can be disposed on the body, the markers being visualizable by a radiographic imaging device. The turns of the spiral are sufficiently spaced apart to form gaps that allow soft tissue to infiltrate between the turns and to allow flexibility in the device along the longitudinal axis in the manner of a spring.

Abstract: A sanitary monitoring system, the system including: one or more conduits configured to be connected to a medical device; one or more measurement devices configured to assist in determining one or more flow rates associated with the medical device from a fluid flow provided through the one or more conduits; and a status device configured to determine a sanitary condition of the medical device from the one or more flow rates.

Abstract: A multi-diameter drill bit for implant bed preparation is provided. The drill bit has a drill shank that can be coupled with a driving tool to transfer drilling torques and forces to a drill body distal to the drill shank and a drill tip distal to the drill body. The drill body is divided into a first cylindrical portion having a first diameter and a second cylindrical portion having a second diameter. The drill tip is connected to the first cylindrical portion of the drill body and defines multiple first land areas and multiple cutting lips each at least partially bordering a respective first land areas. The second diameter is greater than the first diameter to define a plurality of faces of second lands at the interface between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, for reducing friction between the drill bit and surrounding bone tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container (1) for storing and discharging at least one component with at least one chamber (4, 4a, 4b), which is sealed on a first side by a plug (9), and with one applicator (5) attached on the first side. A flow connection between the at least one chamber (4, 4a, 4b) and the side of the applicator (5) facing away from the at least one chamber (4, 4a, 4b) is opened by a relative rotational movement of the applicator (5) to the container (1) and a subsequent axial relative movement of the plug (9) to the container (1) and the applicator (5), in particular due to pressure of the at least one component on the plug (9). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for storing and discharging at least one component.

Abstract: Method and system for displaying an orthodontic related image including one or more image segments, selecting one or more movement indicators associated with a corresponding one or more of the image segments, and dynamically displaying a modified orthodontic related image based on the selected one or more movement indicators are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is an orthodontic hybrid appliance for moving one or more teeth of a patient and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A threaded dental implant according to the present invention includes threads having a relatively shallow flank angle and a transition area that substantially reduces the width of the thread root. In some embodiments, each thread flange includes a transition point at which the flank angle transitions from a first angle to a second angle of lesser amount than the first angle. In these ways, the threaded dental implant includes a unique cored recess and provides various improvements over traditional threaded dental implants.

Abstract: A hybrid dental tool is disclosed herein. The hybrid dental tool includes a flossing head and a handle portion. The flossing head can include a filament stretching between the leading arm and a trailing arm. The flossing head can be connected to the handle portion. The handle portion can include features that can receive and retain a pick. The pick can be a soft pick or a hard pick. The handle portion can further include an integrated pick that can be located at a free end of the handle portion.

Abstract: A teeth cleaning device including: a first support structure comprising a first dentature channel configured to receive upper teeth; a second support structure comprising a second dentature channel configured to receive lower teeth; a first set of teeth cleaning pads located within the first dentature channel and a second set of teeth cleaning pads located within the second dentature channel; a first set of air bladders operably coupled to the first set of teeth cleaning pads and a second set of air bladders operably coupled to the second set of teeth cleaning pads; and a control unit operably coupled to an air-flow subsystem which is coupled to the bladders, the control unit configured to: (1) operate the air-flow subsystem to produce a first cleaning motion; (2) operate the air-flow subsystem to produce a second cleaning motion; and (3) operate the air-flow subsystem to produce a third cleaning motion.

Abstract: An omnidirectional scientific toothbrush includes a brush handle and a brush head having a U-shaped structure. A central gearset, and tooth outer side brush rollers and tooth inner side brush rollers, both of which are respectively arranged in an upper row and a lower row according to tooth layout, and a tooth end surface brush roller driven by the central gearset are installed in an inner cavity of the brush head. The tooth end surface brush roller is located in a space defined by the tooth outer side brush rollers and the tooth inner side brush rollers. The rotating action of the tooth end surface brush roller allows the tooth end surface brush roller to simultaneously brush occlusal surfaces of upper and lower rows of teeth. Thus the cleaning operation of all of the teeth in the mouth may just be finished at one time automatically.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a three-dimensional scaffold including at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers. The at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers is curved in a direction substantially perpendicular to a general direction of the fibers. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for fabricating a three-dimensional scaffold. The method includes: electro spinning a plurality of fibers to produce at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers and forming the at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers into a three-dimensional scaffold without disturbing the alignment of the highly-aligned polymer fibers. A further aspect of the invention provides methods for using a three-dimensional scaffold to treat nerve or spinal cord injury.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. The apparatus includes a suburethral sling having an adjustment member for adjusting the tension of the sling both during the procedure and post-procedure. The method includes using a needle to simultaneously implant the sling and to deliver a local anesthetic in the groin area while implanting the sling.

Abstract: Disclosed a filler manipulator apparatus which includes a first elongated section, a second elongated section, wherein the second elongated section may have at least one bend, more than one bend, or a ball and socket joint in the structure of the second elongated section. The embodiment further includes a tip extension connected to a portion of the second elongated section, wherein the tip extension is made to receive a filler effector associated by a protuberance and a groove, more than one protuberance, or a snap ring. The filler effector rotates about the tip extension and is used to manipulate filler located on or in a body and may be enveloped in a polymer.

Abstract: A reinforcement device comprises a sheet of biocompatible material equipped with a plurality of hooks for reinforcing the closure of a surgical incision, including elongated abdominal incisions. The reinforcement device, when implanted through surgery, reduces the likelihood of and/or prevents incisional hernias. The reinforcement device may be included in a surgical kit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a modular stent assembly for deployment within a lumen. The assembly may include primary and secondary stent portions. Each stent portion includes a sheet having an incomplete annular profile. The sheet includes a graft material disposed on a wire matrix. Each stent portion further includes an aperture positioned in the sheet, and first and second side walls. The first side wall extends between the aperture and a first longitudinal edge of the sheet. The second side wall extends between the aperture and a second longitudinal edge of the sheet, which is spaced apart from the first edge. The stent portions mate to define an interior space in which is positioned an expandable securement stent. An outer wall of the securement stent is sized to compress the side walls of the stent portions between the body of the securement stent and a wall defining the lumen.

Abstract: A crimping tool is provided, where the tool comprises a mandrel (1) having a first portion (3) with a first outer diameter, and a second portion (5) with a second outer diameter which is greater than the first outer diameter. A chamfered abutment face (7) is provided between the first and second portions (3,5). At least one first collar (9) is mountable on the first portion (3) of the mandrel (5) and has a chamfered first end (11) which in use abuts the abutment face (7). At least one second collar (13) is mountable on the second portion (5) of the mandrel (1) and has a chamfered second end (15) which in use abuts the first end (11) of the first collar (9). A method of using the tool to form one or more crimps in a piece of fabric is also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable tendon protection system includes a body adapted to be implanted within a bursa overlying a tendon of a patient to protect the tendon. The body may be fixed to the tendon with adhesive, sutures, staples, and/or anchors. A surgical kit is provided with such a tendon protection system and an insertion cannula. Methods of protecting a tendon of a patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous loop of material for use in mammals, particularly humans. One embodiment may have an air entanglement section therein and method of making the same. Another embodiment includes a hollow braided length having a first inner section and a second inner section, the sections formed by radially inserting the ends into the hollow braid and passing it along a portion of the hollow interior. These embodiments may also include a bone engagement member incorporated therein. A further embodiment is a loop assembly having a length of fiber, the length of fiber having two ends, and a bone engagement member having an end receiving member to securely receive the two respective ends therein.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a tract through a tissue wall having a proximal side and a distal side. The device includes a body, a retainer adjacent an end of the body which will lie on the distal side in the use orientation, and a flange adjacent an end of the body which will lie on the proximal side in the use orientation. The retainer comprises a ferromagnetic material that responds to a magnetic field to maintain the retainer in an undeployed, insertion orientation.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve having a pair of cooperating leaflets mounted in a valve body to alternate between an open position where the flow of blood in a downstream direction is permitted and a closed position where the flow of blood in the reverse direction is counteracted. Pivot member sets at diametrically opposite sides of each leaflet guide the leaflets moving between the open and closed positions, each set including an ear or a recess cooperating with an associated cavity or knob of an interior surface of the valve body. Each ear or recess bounds at least one leaflet passageway through that ear or recess and located spaced from upstream and downstream ends of the ear for allowing flow through that ear and the associated cavity, or through that recess, when the leaflets are in the closed positions.

Abstract: A transcatheter valve prosthesis includes an expandable tubular stent, a prosthetic valve within the stent, and an anti-paravalvular leakage component coupled to and encircling the tubular stent. The anti-paravalvular leakage component includes a radially-compressible annular scaffold, which is a sinusoidal patterned ring of self-expanding material, and an impermeable membrane extending over the annular scaffold. The anti-paravalvular leakage component has an expanded configuration in which at least segments of the annular scaffold curve radially away from the tubular stent. Alternatively, the anti-paravalvular leakage component includes a plurality of self-expanding segments and an annular sealing element coupled to inner surfaces of the segments. The anti-paravalvular leakage component has an expanded configuration in which the segments curve radially away from the tubular stent and the annular sealing element is positioned between an outer surface of the tubular stent and inner surfaces of the segments.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a prosthetic valve annulus and at least one prosthetic valve leaflet member including at least one coaptation surface configured for cooperating with at least one corresponding coaptation surface of the prosthetic heart valve. At least one valve leaflet member is displaceable by blood flow between a closed position and an open position to produce, correspondingly, a contact and a separation of cooperating coaptation surfaces. In the open position the separation of the cooperating coaptation surfaces enables the blood flow through the orifice in a first direction, and in the closed position the contact of the cooperating coaptation surfaces prevents the blood flow through the orifice in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve leaflet is composed of a self-reinforced composite (SRC) structure that includes a first layer. The first layer can include a first plurality of fused fibers composed of a first polymeric material in which each fiber is fused to at least one adjacent fiber by a reflowed fiber domain region.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve has an upper frame section and a lower frame section. The upper frame section has a plurality of struts and a first leaflet receiving surface at a lower portion of the upper frame section. The lower frame section has a second leaflet receiving surface at an upper portion of the lower frame section. An edge of a flexible leaflet is disposed between the first and second leaflet receiving surfaces to attach the leaflet to the upper and lower frame sections.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve has an upper frame section and a lower frame section. The upper frame section has a plurality of struts and a first leaflet receiving surface at a lower portion of the upper frame section. The lower frame section has a second leaflet receiving surface at an upper portion of the lower frame section. An edge of a flexible leaflet is disposed between the first and second leaflet receiving surfaces to attach the leaflet to the upper and lower frame sections.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve has an upper frame section and a lower frame section. The upper frame section has a plurality of struts and a first leaflet receiving surface at a lower portion of the upper frame section. The lower frame section has a second leaflet receiving surface at an upper portion of the lower frame section. An edge of a flexible leaflet is disposed between the first and second leaflet receiving surfaces to attach the leaflet to the upper and lower frame sections.