Abstract: An association of a pre-operative plan and tracked position and orientation of a surgical instrument relative patient anatomy in a navigation system is generated. The pre-operative plan includes a virtual representation of the patient anatomy data. Position and orientation of the patient anatomy as well as position and orientation of the surgical instrument within the navigation system is obtained. A virtual representation of the surgical instrument relative the virtual representation of the patient anatomy data is generated in multiple orientations in separate parts of a split window. A system with a tracker comprising a tracker interface for attaching the tracker to the instrument includes a surgical navigation module for generating the virtual representation in a split window.

Abstract: An attachment component for attaching a tracker of a surgical navigation system to a surgical instrument is disclosed. The attachment component comprises a body and an instrument interface attached to the body and configured for detachable attachment of the attachment component in a predefined position and orientation to a surgical instrument or implant. A tracker interface is attached to the body and has a fixed pre-defined shape for engagement with the tracker interface of the tracker. The instrument interface is arranged in an un-calibrated position relative the tracker interface. A navigation system comprises a tracker with a tracker interface for attachment to the attachment component. The tracker is configured to report position and orientation of its tracker interface. A method implements translation of position and orientation of the tracker into position and orientation of an instrument.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for localizing a device relative to an instrument. A sensor of the instrument can be monitored for a change in signaling during a first transition of the device relative to the instrument. The sensor can further be monitored for another change in signaling provided by the sensor of the instrument in response to a second transition of the device relative to the instrument. A transition distance difference can be determined between the first transition and the second transition. A location of the device relative to the instrument can be determined based on a location of the instrument and the transition difference distance.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices, and methods for performing treatment along a lumen network, an exemplary method comprising receiving image data of a patient's lungs, mapping one or more luminal networks inside the patient's lungs based on the received image data, identifying a treatment target in the image data, determining a luminal pathway to the treatment target via at least one of the luminal networks, configuring treatment parameters for treatment of the treatment target and at least one of the luminal networks, navigating a tool inside at least one of the luminal networks to the treatment target, treating the treatment target with a primary treatment modality, and treating the luminal pathway of at least one of the luminal networks leading to or from the treatment target with a secondary treatment modality.

Abstract: A system and method may be used to position or orient a camera within a surgical field. A method may include generating a graphical user interface including a first set of instructions to reposition the camera, and determining whether the camera is within a target volume location. The method may include automatically outputting an indication when the camera is within the target volume location. The method may include outputting a second set of instructions for display on the graphical user interface to align a laser, coupled to or integrated into the camera, to the tracker by changing an angle of the camera.

Abstract: A tool positioning system for performing a medical procedure on a patient includes an articulating probe having a distal portion and a stereoscopic imaging assembly for providing an image of a target location. The stereoscopic imaging assembly comprises: a first camera assembly comprising a first lens and a first sensor, wherein the first camera assembly is constructed and arranged to provide a first magnification of the target location; and a second camera assembly comprising a second lens and a second sensor, wherein the second camera assembly is constructed and arranged to provide a second magnification of the target location. In some embodiments, the second magnification is greater than the first magnification.

Abstract: A device for insertion of a medical tool held in an end effector, the device comprising moveable platforms providing motion in two generally orthogonal directions, and two piston mechanisms operating within cylinders, coupled to the moveable platforms, and being attached at their distal end to the end effector by means of a common joint. The pistons may be linear actuators. The end effector is manipulated by driving mechanisms propelling the pistons linearly. The proximal ends of the cylinders may be coupled to a common shaft. The axes of the cylinders and the pistons, the line connecting the pistons axes through the common joint and the axis of the cylinders' common shaft may all be located substantially in a single plane. Coordinated motion of the moveable platforms and the piston mechanisms enables the maintenance of a virtual remote center of motion of the medical tool as its orientation changes.

Abstract: Robotic devices, systems, and methods for use in robotic surgery and other robotic applications, and/or medical instrument devices, systems, and methods includes both a reusable processor and a limited-use robotic tool or medical treatment probe. A memory the limited-use component includes machine readable code with data and/or programming instructions to be implemented by the processor. Programming of the processor can be updated by shipping of new data once downloaded by the processor from a component, subsequent components can take advantage of the updated processor without repeated downloading.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for controlling a robotically delivered manipulator. One system includes a robotic manipulator having a base and a surgical instrument holder configured to move relative to the base, a surgical instrument removably coupled to the surgical instrument holder, a user interface configured to present information related to least one of the robotic manipulator or the surgical instrument, a gesture detection sensor configured to detect a gesture made by a user representing a desired movement of the robotic manipulator, and a controller configured to actuate the robotic manipulator in a predetermined manner corresponding to the detected gesture.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein can be used in a variety of grasping, cutting, and manipulating operations. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a shaft, a tool member, and a flexure. The shaft has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, and defines a longitudinal axis. The distal end portion includes a ground portion. The tool member has an engagement portion and an actuation portion. The engagement portion is disposed distally from the actuation portion, and can exert an engagement force on a target structure. The actuation portion receives an actuation force. The flexure has a first end portion coupled to the ground portion of the shaft, and a second end portion coupled to the tool member. The flexure is configured to deform elastically when the actuation force is exerted on the actuation portion of the tool member such that the tool member rotates relative to the shaft.

Abstract: There is provided a system for cardiac electromagnetic/magnetic catheterization for diagnosing and treating blood vessels of a patient. The system having at least one electromagnetic intraluminal capsule able to force its way through a narrowing blood vessel, the capsule carrying a camera allowing visualization of blood vessels of a patient. There is a portable electromagnetic tip, where the tip pulls the electromagnetic capsule by electromagnetic force, and when the magnetic tip moves along a body of a patient and pulls the intraluminal electromagnetic capsule along with it towards a narrowing blood vessel visualized by the camera, so that the capsule then treats the narrowing site and clears the blood vessel from coronary plaque. In addition working capsule can replace diseased valve in any cardiac position for either temporary or permanent needs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a surgical drape to be used in conjunction with a surgical procedure, and more specifically to a surgical drape that includes one or more of the following: (1) a patient drape for use with a standalone non-draped image acquisition device; (2) a patient drape for use with a standalone non-draped image acquisition device with image guidance navigation technology; (3) the means to provide temporary sterile coverage of an underlying sterile field; (4) the means to provide sterile separation of at least a portion, if not the entire temporary sterile coverage; and (5) the means to provide covering of the undersurface of the operating surface and enclosing any suspended medical devices, wires, cables, tubes, etc.

Abstract: A sterile covering for an optical device comprises a window element and a shell. The shell is attached to the window element, the shell having an opening closed by the window element. A system comprises an optical device and a sterile covering.

Abstract: A sterile barrier assembly, mounting system, and method for kinematically coupling first and second surgical components together through the sterile barrier assembly so that positioning is repeatable and deterministic.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes composite frame systems. The internal composite frame system may include at least one composite frame component including an intermediate frame element having a first side and a second side. A first plate may be positioned on the first side, and a second plate may be positioned on the second side. One or more fastener assemblies are operable to couple the first and second plates to the intermediate frame element.

Abstract: A container for disposal of medical waste is provided that comprises a receptacle with an open top. A lid is attached to the receptacle to cover the open top of the receptacle. The lid has an elongated opening sized to permit the introduction of medical waste into the receptacle. A closure flap is connected to the lid to selectively close the lid opening. The closure flap is movable between an open position, a closed position and a locked position. The closure flap is attached to the lid by axial hubs that extend from each side of the closure flap through openings in the side walls of the lid. Covers attached to the outside of the side wall of the lid and engaged with the closure flap axial hub. The container may also include a locking external cabinet that encloses the receptacle and can be mounted to a wall.

Abstract: Tissue expanders and methods of their manufacture and use are disclosed herein. A tissue expander shell according to the present disclosure may include a shape and topography that facilitates uniform or substantially uniform expansion and contraction of the tissue expander. In at least one example, the shell may include a series of topographical features, such as ridges, grooves, channels, valleys, canals, protrusions, pleats, creases, or folds. In some embodiments, these features may have a curved or wavy cross sectional profile. For example, the shell may include a series of concentric curved ridges.

Abstract: A medical treatment instrument temperature information management device includes: a wireless tag that is disposed at an instrument; and a reader-writer as a reading unit that reads data from the wireless tag. The wireless tag includes: a temperature sensor; and an IC chip including a storage part. The wireless tag makes the storage part store therein temperature information on temperature of the instrument based on a value detected by the temperature sensor. This makes it possible to manage the temperature information on temperature of the instrument such as a medical treatment instrument with reliability.

Abstract: A disclosed medical observation system includes a capturing unit operable to capture an image of an observation target; and a light projection unit operable to project light on the observation target, outside a capturing area that is captured by the capturing unit and in a periphery of the capturing area, the light enabling recognition of a capturing state of the capturing unit.

Abstract: A surgical assembly for marking a tumor includes a surgical instrument and an elongated tissue marker. The surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic probe and a needle configured to move in a distal direction through a channel of the ultrasonic probe from a retracted position to a deployed position. The tissue marker is disposed within the needle and deployable therefrom. The tissue marker includes a distal portion and a plurality of fixation elements coupled to the distal portion. Upon deployment of the tissue marker from the needle, the plurality of fixations elements are configured to move from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration to anchor in a tumor.

Abstract: A method of marking a tumor includes positioning a surgical instrument adjacent breast tissue, generating an image of a tumor in the breast tissue on a display using an ultrasonic probe of the surgical instrument, aligning a needle of the surgical instrument with the tumor using the image of the tumor generated on the display, deploying the needle from the ultrasound probe into the breast tissue, and deploying an elongated tissue marker from the needle into the tumor, thereby fixing a distal portion of the tissue marker in the tumor.

Abstract: We have noticed that during assembly of a marker according to our previous application GB2512416, i.e. one having a solid first component and a liquid second component, a small amount of air is sometimes trapped within a housing of the marker. Precautions can obviously be taken to limit this, but it would be preferable if the structure was resilient to this.

Abstract: Air plenums that produce highly laminar airflow and methods of their use are disclosed. In certain embodiments, an air plenum produces substantially downward laminar airflow such that a vertical curtain of air extending down from the plenum is created (e.g., at least in part by entrainment). In certain embodiments, an average airflow velocity in an outer region of airflow is at least 1.5× higher than an average airflow velocity of an inner region surrounded by the outer region, for example, when measured at a certain height above the floor (e.g., at a height of a patient treatment table). In certain embodiments, outlets of an air plenum are arranged such that they are bounded by a circular cross section. As a circular cross section does not have any corners, turbulent regions at the perimeter of the downward airflow are eliminated.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cannula assemblies for use with robotic surgical systems. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical cannula assembly for use with a mounting structure of a robotic arm, is provided. The surgical cannula assembly includes a cannula configured for reception of a surgical instrument at least partially therethrough; an attachment mechanism configured to releasably engage the cannula; and a barrier configured to extend through a channel of the mounting structure. The barrier includes a proximal ring for positioning adjacent a proximal face of the mounting structure, a distal ring for positioning adjacent a distal face of the mounting structure, and a cylindrical section defining a lumen therein and extending between the proximal ring and the distal ring, the cannula configured for insertion within the lumen in a distal-to-proximal direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for assisting tool use includes one or more motors, a wrist support and a shaft coupled to the one or more motors. The shaft includes a coupling to couple to a tool to enable a user resting a hand with the wrist on the wrist support to hold and manipulate the tool with one or more fingers. The apparatus can include a controller configured to: receive position data indicative of a position of an active end of the tool; receive constraint data indicative of one or more regions of space in which the active end should not be positioned; and process the position and constraint data to control the one or more motors to bias the active end out of a region indicated by the constraint data when a position indicated by the position data is within the region indicated by the constraint data.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and a method for installing a RFID label on the surgical instrument are provided. The surgical instrument includes a surgical instrument body, a RFID label and an adhesive, the surgical instrument body and the RFID label are fixedly connection by the adhesive, the adhesive comprises a first adhesive and a second adhesive; the first adhesive is disposed between a bottom surface of the RFID label and a surface of the surgical instrument body, the other surfaces of the RFID label are covered by the second adhesive, the second adhesive also covers an intersection of the RFID label with the surgical instrument body; and the first adhesive and the second adhesive are different types of adhesives, and an adhesive intensity of the first adhesive is greater than an adhesive intensity of the second adhesive, and fluidity of the second adhesive is greater than fluidity of the first adhesive.

Abstract: Medical procedure related objects (e.g., instruments, supplies) tagged with transponders (e.g., RFID transponders, dumb transponders) are accounted for in a medical or clinical environment via an accounting system using a number of antennas and interrogators/readers. A first set of antennas and RFID interrogator(s) interrogate portions of the environment for RFID tagged objects, for example proximate a start and an end of a procedure. Shielded packaging and/or shielded receptacles shield tagged objects, preventing interrogation except for those objects in unshielded portions of the environment. A shielded receptacle may include an antenna to interrogate the contents thereof in a relatively noise-free environment. A data store may maintain information including a current status or count of each instrument or supply, for instance as checked in or checked out. A handheld antenna and/or second set of antennas interrogates a body of a patient for retained instruments or supplies tagged with dumb transponders.

Abstract: A system and method for mitigating pain associated with dentistry provides a removal apparatus for removing a portion of a tooth. A desiccation apparatus flows a desiccated gas to the portion of the tooth to desiccate dentinal tubules in a region surrounding the portion of the tooth, generally preventing nerve cells within the tooth from transmitting pain signals associated with the removal. The removal apparatus has a drill head with a body having an axial opening configured to accept a dental burr. An annular passage exists between the dental burr and the body within the axial opening. A chamber in the body is in fluid communication with the axial opening, where a channel is fluidly coupled to an external port and to a source of the desiccated gas to flow the desiccated gas therethrough and expose a drilling region of the dental burr to the desiccated gas to mitigate pain.

Abstract: A dental hand piece has: a hand piece head provided at the front end section thereof; and a connection section provided at the rear end section thereof, and the dental hand piece is used by connecting the connection section to a dental unit. The dental hand piece is provided with: a plurality of metallic pipes for providing communication between the hand piece head and the connection section; and an elastic resin member mounted so as to cover a portion extending at least from the rear end section of the hand piece head to the front end section of the connection section. The outer peripheries of the metallic pipes are embedded within the elastic resin member so as to be in close contact with the inside thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bite blocker device for preventing occlusion of an affected dentition. The channel of the bite block follows and engages a portion of the user's upper teeth, while a base portion, opposite the channel portion, follows and engages a portion of the user's lower teeth. The base portion and the channel are separated forming a gap between the user's upper teeth and lower teeth. The bite block is placed substantially opposite the affected tooth or teeth, the gap formed by the bite block preventing occlusion of the affected teeth.

Abstract: The provision of dental restorations can be improved by generating a cold atmospheric plasma inside the mouth of the patient and then applying that cold atmospheric plasma onto a dental restoration site. The dental restoration site can be composed of either or both of dentin and enamel. Further, the provision of dental restorations can also be improved by introducing a dental adhesive onto a dental restoration site and treating it with a cold atmospheric plasma.

Abstract: A dental instrument for use with a dental handpiece for cleaning and disinfecting of tooth root canals, the instrument including a shaft and connector for releasable attachment to the handpiece, the shaft comprising: a tip end; a distal portion approximate to the connector; and at least two radial protrusions extending along length of the shaft with a longitudinal groove extending therebetween.

Abstract: A method includes receiving first intraoral scan data of an intraoral site, the first intraoral scan data having been generated at a first time, receiving second intraoral scan data of the intraoral site, the second intraoral scan data having been generated at a second time that is later than the first time, and analyzing the second intraoral scan data of the intraoral site relative to the first intraoral scan data of the intraoral site. The method further includes identifying an area of interest (AOI) based on the analyzing and removing data for the AOI from at least one of the first intraoral scan data, the second intraoral scan data, or a three-dimensional (3D) model of the intraoral site generated from the first intraoral scan data and the second intraoral scan data.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for improved orthodontic treatment of a patient's teeth are provided herein.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for designing a restored smile are provided. One method includes receiving scan data of a patient's teeth, developing a digital model of the patient's teeth via a computing device, where the model represents the patient's teeth based upon the scan data, creating a dental treatment plan to restore one or more teeth from an initial condition to a successive condition, and wherein a final condition of the one or more is based on the one or more teeth having at least one planned additional restorative tooth structure provided therewith.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for designing a restored smile are provided. One method includes receiving scan data of a patient's teeth, developing a digital model of the patient's teeth via a computing device, where the model represents the patient's teeth based upon the scan data, creating a dental treatment plan to restore one or more teeth from an initial condition to a successive condition, and wherein a final condition of the one or more is based on the one or more teeth having at least one planned additional restorative tooth structure provided therewith.

Abstract: A dental implant assembly comprising an elongated inner body substantially resembling a tooth root (1-1) and an outer member for securing to a bone of a patient (1-2) having a heterogeneous porous structure adapted to provide bone growth, the inner body and the outer fixation member being formed in one piece, the fastening element being movable between a stored passive position and an extended active position (1-2).

Abstract: A dental implant system includes an anchoring part of a ceramic material for anchoring in bone tissue, an abutment of ceramic material, and an abutment screw. The anchoring part has a recess that is open towards a coronal end for engagement of a fastening post of the abutment. The abutment has an opening that is continuous in the axial direction and into which the abutment screw can be inserted. The abutment screw is configured, for a fastening of the abutment to the anchoring part, to engage into an inner thread that is formed on the anchoring part in the recess or is present on an insert element that is inserted into the recess. The abutment screw has a screw head, and a shoulder, which is formed coronally and which together with the screw head forms a stop on inserting the screw into the opening, is present in the opening.

Abstract: A dental implant system includes an anchoring part of a ceramic material and an insertion tool. The anchoring part includes an outer thread that defines an axis. The anchoring part has a recess for an engagement of a fastening post of an abutment as well as for an engagement of an insertion tool, the recess being open towards the coronal end. The recess has an inner structure region with an inner structure that forms an insertion geometry for interacting with a corresponding outer structure of the insertion tool, and the insertion tool has an engagement portion with the corresponding outer structure. The recess forms a support region coronally of the inner structure region, wherein a transition region with a surface which in the longitudinal section is concavely arcuate and/or conical is formed between the support region and the inner structure region.

Abstract: A device for attaching dental surgical guides without surgical attachment to the patient's internal skeletal structures, including gingival tissues and/or bone. The device attaches to the front surface of the upper or lower teeth, and the dental surgical guides can then attach to the device.

Abstract: A motor-driven fluid, semi-fluid, or semi-sold material dispensing apparatus including a housing; a plunger/drive rack; an electric motor mounted transverse to the plunger/drive rack; a gear system mechanically coupled to the electric motor and configured to drive the plunger/drive rack, wherein the gear system includes a rack drive gear operatively engaged with the electric motor, the rack drive gear includes a plurality of saw tooth type gear teeth, the rack drive gear teeth being configured to engage with corresponding teeth disposed on the plunger/drive rack; and wherein, the electric motor and gear system are housed in a main body portion of the housing.

Abstract: A method of providing an accurate three-dimensional scan of a dental arch area is disclosed. The arch area has two segments and a connecting area between the two segments. The connecting area has homogeneous features. A connecting-geometry tool with at least one definable feature is affixed to the arch area. The definable feature overlays at least part of the connecting area. The arch area is scanned to produce a scanned dataset of the arch area. The definable feature of the connecting-geometry tool on the connection area is determined based on the scanned dataset. The dimensions of the arch area are determined based on the data relating to the definable features from the scanned dataset.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-implemented method of using a dynamic virtual articulator for simulating occlusion of teeth, when performing computer-aided designing of one or more dental restorations for a patient, where the method includes the steps of: providing the virtual articulator including a virtual three-dimensional model of the upper jaw and a virtual three-dimensional model of the lower jaw resembling the upper jaw and lower jaw, respectively, of the patient's mouth; providing movement of the virtual upper jaw and the virtual lower jaw relative to each other for simulating dynamic occlusion, whereby collisions between teeth in the virtual upper and virtual lower jaw occur; wherein the method further includes: providing that the teeth in the virtual upper jaw and virtual lower jaw are blocked from penetrating each other's virtual surfaces in the collisions.

Abstract: An electric tooth cleaning device; the electric tooth cleaning device includes a toothbrush, a toothbrush-actuator, a cartridge-compartment, a cartridge-door, a conduit, at least one cartridge, a cartridge-actuator, a user-interface, and at least one power-source. The electric tooth cleaning device provides users with an improved toothbrush capable of applying toothpaste to the bristles using an internal cartridge.

Abstract: Oral care implement that can be detachably coupled to a handle having a motor. The oral care implement includes a drive assembly to operably engage the motor, a head portion that includes a body, a first carrier comprising a plurality of bristle tufts extending from the first carrier, the first carrier comprising a central passageway; and a second carrier disposed within the central passageway of the first carrier, the second carrier comprising an elastomeric cleaning element extending from the second carrier. The drive assembly may be operably coupled to each of the first and second carriers and configured to: (1) produce a first oscillatory motion of the first carrier about a first rotational axis; and (2) produce a second oscillatory motion of the second carrier, the second oscillatory motion being counter to the first oscillatory motion.

Abstract: The dental measurement device can include a vertical orientation rod to align with a sagittal midline reference plane a patient. The dental measurement device can also include a baseline orientation frame coupleable to the vertical orientation rod to align with one or more of an eye feature and an ear feature of the patient to define a horizontal reference plane of the patient. The dental measurement device can further include a bite plate configured to be held in a mouth of the patient. In addition, the dental measurement device can include a nose extension arm for coupling the bite plate to the vertical rod. A dental prosthetic manufacturing system for use with an articulator is disclosed that can utilize the dental measurement device to create a dental prosthetic. A reference tool for modeling a dental prosthetic is also disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a novel, twisted-in-wire type interproximal brush equipped with yarn strands. According to some embodiments, the yarn strands may be formed of nylon filament having compression memory characteristics.

Abstract: A whitening smart pen apparatus (10) for automatically dispensing a teeth whitening substance onto one or more teeth of a user comprises a fluid reservoir (16), a nozzle (18) having an output port (26), a fluid dispenser (20), a sensor (22) and a controller (24). The fluid dispenser dispenses the teeth whitening substance from the fluid reservoir to the nozzle and is output via the output port. The sensor, positioned in an advance dispensing direction of the nozzle, senses a target surface that comprises either (i) a tooth surface (12) or (ii) other surface (14). The controller (24) is configured for (i) controlling a gating of the fluid dispenser (20) to dispense the teeth whitening substance from the fluid reservoir (16) in response to the sensor (22) detecting the tooth surface (12), and (ii) stopping or disabling the gating of the fluid dispenser to stop or disable a dispensing of the teeth whitening substance from the fluid reservoir in response to the sensor (22) detecting the other surface (14).

Abstract: A joint-supporting device comprises tensile members extending from a proximal cuff secured to the limb above the joint to a distal cuff secured to the limb below the joint, supplementing the tensile characteristics of the joint's tendons, ligaments, and other structure. The device may also comprise structure for limiting the range of motion and angular velocity of the joint.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide a sling assembly including two separate slings or sling sections connected via a removable or biodegradable connection mechanism such that the tension in the sling assembly can be readily adjusted after the sling assembly is surgically implanted.