Abstract: An exemplary microwave ablation system is provided. The system may use a switching antenna for both microwave heating of target tissue and microwave radiometry to monitor the temperature of the heated tissue to ensure that the desired temperatures are delivered to adequately treat the target tissue and achieve therapeutic goals. The system may integrate switching components into the switching antenna, which eliminates error from heating of the reference termination and heating of the electrical cables.

Abstract: A laser ablating device for cutting human or animal natural or artificial hard tissue includes: a cutting laser source adapted to provide a pulsed cutting laser beam lasing at a wavelength suitable for ablating the hard tissue; an imaging laser source adapted to provide an imaging laser beam covering a broadband spectral region; and a beam mixing structure and a movable scanner mirror positioned after the beam mixing structure. The beam mixing structure is adapted to redirect the cutting laser beam of the cutting laser source and/or the imaging laser beam of the imaging laser source such that an optical axis of the cutting laser beam is parallel to an optical axis of the imaging laser beam. The scanner mirror is arranged to direct the imaging laser beam and the cutting laser beam when having parallel optical axes.

Abstract: An optical device including an optical fiber having a longitudinal axis and an optical fiber core with a distal end having a distal terminating end configured to discharge a first laser energy in a first direction and a second laser energy in a second direction. The optical device also includes a fiber cap having an interior cavity and an opening to the interior cavity, where the distal end of the optical fiber core is received within the interior cavity through the opening. A cladding is included on the distal end of the optical fiber core between the optical fiber core and the fiber cap.

Abstract: A laser atherectomy device includes a light delivery catheter equipped with sensors for monitoring physical characteristics at a laser application site. An integrated control unit utilizing data from said sensors is provided to optimally adjust laser energy parameters and to provide for safe and efficacious ablation of the blood vessel occlusion.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for simulating microvrascular networks from a vascular tree model to simulate tissue perfusion under various physiological conditions to guide diagnosis or treatment for cardiovascular disease. One method includes: receiving a patient-specific vascular model of a patient's anatomy, including a vascular network; receiving a patient-specific target tissue model in which a blood supply may be estimated; receiving joint prior information associated with the vascular model and the target tissue model; receiving data related to one or more perfusion characteristics of the target tissue; determining one or more associations between the vascular network of the patient-specific vascular model and one or more, perfusion characteristics of the target tissue using the joint prior information; and outputting a vascular tree model that extends to perfusion regions in the target tissue, using the determined associations between the vascular network and the perfusion characteristics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for computer-aided alignment and positioning of a prosthesis component onto a target host bone, such as in joint resurfacing arthroplasty, are discussed. A system for can include a processor unit and a user interface unit. The processor unit can receive a target bone model including a first data set representing a target bone surface, and a prosthesis model including a second data set representing a prosthesis surface. The prosthesis, when positioned against the target bone, is configured to at least partially replace the articulation surface. The processor unit can generate an articulation interface representation that indicates spatial misalignment between one or more portions of the prosthesis surface and one or more portions of the target bone surface when the prosthesis model is positioned against the target bone model.

Abstract: This invention is a method which uses 3D medical imaging to estimate the optimal amount of embolic material: to be inserted into a flexible net, mesh, bag, liner, or stent within a cerebral aneurysm sac in order to optimally occlude the aneurysm; or to be inserted directly into the sac in order to optimally occlude the aneurysm.

Abstract: A method of determining an optimal position of a glenoid implant. The method includes identifying a center point of a patient's glenoid fossa based on an image of the patient's glenoid fossa; determining the optimal position of the glenoid implant based on the location of the center point relative to a medial point of the patient's scapula; and selecting orientation of an alignment pin based on the determined optimal glenoid implant position such that the glenoid fossa will be prepared to receive the glenoid implant at the optimal position when the glenoid fossa is prepared with a cutting device or guide coupled to the alignment pin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for planning and performing image free implant revision surgery are discussed. For example, a method for generating a revision plan can include collecting pre-defined parameters characterizing a target bone, generating a 3D model, collecting a plurality of surface points, and generating a reshaped 3D model. Generating the 3D model of the target bone can be based on a first portion of the pre-defined parameters. Generating the reshaped 3D model can be done based on the plurality of surface points collected from a portion of the surface of the target bone.

Abstract: A method for guiding resection of local tissue from a patient includes generating at least one image of the patient, automatically determining a plurality of surgical guidance cues indicating three-dimensional spatial properties associated with the local tissue, and generating a visualization of the surgical guidance cues relative to the surface. A system for generating surgical guidance cues for resection of a local tissue from a patient includes a location module for processing at least one image of the patient to determine three-dimensional spatial properties of the local tissue, and a surgical cue generator for generating the surgical guidance cues based upon the three-dimensional spatial properties. A patient-specific locator form for guiding resection of local tissue from a patient includes a locator form surface matching surface of the patient, and a plurality of features indicating a plurality of surgical guidance cues, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for performing a procedure. The system may include a navigation system to be used to at least assist in the procedure. The system may assist in delineating objects and/or determining physical characteristics of subject portions. The system may assist in performing and/or a workflow of the procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for performing a procedure. The system may include a navigation system and/or a surgical robot to be used to at least assist in the procedure. The system may assist in delineating objects and/or determining physical characteristics of subject portions. The system may assist in performing and/or a workflow of the procedure.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, devices, assemblies, and methods for generating exciter signals, for example, to activate a remotely located tag. The systems, devices, assemblies, and methods find use in a variety of application including medical applications for the locating of a tag in a subject.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for location sensor-based branch prediction. In one aspect, the method includes determining a first orientation of an instrument based on first location data generated by a set of one or more location sensors for the instrument and determining a second orientation of the instrument at a second time based on second location data. A distal end of the instrument is located within a first segment of a model at the first time and the second time and the first segment branches into two or more child segments. The method also includes determining data indicative of a difference between the first orientation and the second orientation and determining a prediction that the instrument will advance into a first one of the child segments based on the data indicative of the difference.

Abstract: In part, the disclosure relates to systems and methods to assess stent/scaffold expansion in a vessel on an expedited time scale after stent/scaffold placement and expansion. In one embodiment, the method generates a first representation of a stented segment of the blood vessel indicative of a level of stent expansion; determines using the detected stent struts, a first end of the stent and a second end of the stent; and generate a second representation of the segment of the blood vessel by interpolating a lumen profile using an offset distance from the first end and the second end.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a robotic device having a surgical tool, a tracking system, and a processing system communicably coupled to the robotic device. The processing system is configured to store a surgical plan comprising a first planned cut and one or more additional planned cuts, each additional cut defined by a relative angle and distance from the first planned cut, receive tracking data from the tracking system while the surgical tool makes a cut substantially corresponding to the first planned cut, and determine a recorded first cut plane based on the first tracking data. The processing system is further configured to determine an error between the recorded first cut plane and the planned first cut, the error comprising a deviation from the planned first cut, and update the surgical plan by modifying the one or more additional planned cuts based on the deviation.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a member connected with a spinal implant defining an axis. A first image guide is connected with the member and oriented relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of the member. A second image guide is connected with the member and oriented to represent an angle measuring a second orientation of the axis relative to a first orientation. Systems, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A gas control module for a gas-enhanced electrosurgical system. The gas control module has an inlet port, a first solenoid valve connected to said inlet port, a first pressure sensor, a first pressure regulator, a first flow sensor, a first proportional valve, a second flow sensor, a second solenoid valve, said second solenoid valve being a 3-way valve, a vent connected to said second solenoid valve, a second pressure sensor, a third solenoid valve and an exit port.

Abstract: A cannula securing assembly (300) for selectively engaging and disengaging a cannula (302) in a surgical system (100) is disclosed herein. The cannula securing assembly comprises of a housing (502) that includes at least one aperture (602) to receive a portion (410) of the cannula (302) and a locking plate (504) including at least one aperture (516) configured to engage with the portion (410) of cannula (302) received in the at least one aperture (602) of the housing (502). The locking plate (504) further includes a releasing means (512) at one end of the locking plate (504) wherein the releasing means (512) configured to be exposed on an exterior surface of the housing (502).

Abstract: An interlocking system for a joystick in a catheter procedure system includes a joystick configured to generate a first voltage output signal based on a linear activation of the joystick and a second voltage output signal based on a rotational activation of the joystick. A joystick cover is disposed over the joystick and includes an upper portion having an electrode plating on an inner surface of the upper portion and a lower portion having an inner surface. A capacitive touch detection circuit is coupled to the electrode plating of the upper portion of the joystick cover and is mounted on the inner surface of the lower portion of the joystick cover. The capacitive touch detection circuit is configured to detect a proximal change in capacitance in the electrode plating of the upper portion of the joystick cover and to generate a touch output signal to indicate whether a change in capacitance has been detected.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for path-based navigation of tubular networks. In one aspect, the method includes receiving location data from at least one of a set of location sensors and a set of robot command inputs, the location data being indicative of a location of an instrument configured to be driven through a luminal network. The method also includes determining a first estimate of the location of the instrument at a first time based on the location data, determining a second estimate of the location of the instrument at the first time based on the path, and determining the location of the instrument at the first time based on the first estimate and the second estimate.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in surgery is disclosed that includes an articulated instrument having a tip and at least one joint capable of bending, a controller for controlling the radius of bending of the instrument, and a sensor for calculating the amount of bending and the position of the tip of the articulated instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operation-assistance system for guiding a medical auxiliary instrument (20), which can be inserted in an operating site (12) of a patient body (10) via an operation opening (11), and can be moved in a controlled manner. The system comprises a kinematic robot (3, 4, 5) that receives the medical auxiliary instrument (20) on the free end thereof by means of an auxiliary instrument holding device (6), and can be moved in a motor-controlled manner in order to guide the medical auxiliary instrument (20) in the operating site (12), by means of control signals (SS) generated by a control unit (CU). At least one voice control routine (SSR) is implemented in the control unit (CU), by means of which different voice commands (SB, SB1, SB2) are detected and evaluated and associated control signals (SS) are determined in accordance.

Abstract: Provision of a technology capable of realizing estimation of forces of various types of disturbance acting on a robot arm in a surgical environment is desirable. Provided is a medical support arm system including a joint state acquisition unit configured to acquire a state of a joint unit of an arm unit, and an external force estimation unit configured to estimate an external force due to predetermined disturbance on the basis of a condition that the external force due to the predetermined disturbance is limited to one predetermined direction or a plurality of predetermined directions, and a state of the joint unit.

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

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for aligning an elongate member with an access site. An alignment system for controlling an alignment of a robotically controlled elongate member at an access site on a patient may include a longitudinal support rail and support arms coupled with and extending from the longitudinal support rail to form an alignment joint. One or more of the support arms may be configured to maintain the alignment of the elongate member with the access site during a surgical procedure. A method of aligning an elongate member with an access site may include determining a position of a stabilizer of an alignment joint and the access site on a patient, coupling the stabilizer to the access site on the patient, and automatically aligning the instrument driver with the stabilizer on the patient.

Abstract: A surgical device adapter for coupling an end effector to a surgical device includes: a proximal joint housing that is couplable to the surgical device; a middle joint housing pivotally coupled to the distal end of the proximal joint housing; and a distal joint housing pivotally coupled to the distal end of the middle joint housing. The middle joint housing is pivotable about a first pivot axis defined between the proximal joint housing and the middle joint housing. The distal joint housing is couplable to the end effector and pivotable about a second pivot axis defined between the middle joint housing and the distal joint housing, the second pivot axis being transverse to the first pivot axis.

Abstract: A surgical device for providing haptic feedback includes a housing having a cavity defined therein configured to receive a finger of a user and an elongated shaft configured to extend through the housing and into the cavity and configured to support a spring thereon and a pressure contact. A fluid-filled sensor is included that has a plurality of tubes configured to extend from the cavity, each tube includes a fluid-filled bladder at both ends thereof joined by a fluid channel therebetween. Each tube is configured to contain a fluid therein such that when a user's finger is engaged between the fluid-filled bladder at the proximal end of the tubes and the pressure contact, changes in pressure in the fluid-filled bladders at a distal end of the tubes is correspondingly registered in the fluid-filled bladders at the proximal end of the tubes providing haptic feedback to the user.

Abstract: An instrument sterile adapter (310) couples a surgical instrument (120) and an instrument carriage (130). The instrument sterile adapter (310) includes an instrument plate (430) that provides a first surface to receive the surgical instrument (120) and a latch plate (400) joined to the instrument plate (430). The latch plate (400) includes a second surface to receive the instrument carriage (130) and latch structures. Each latch structure has a carriage latch arm (410) that extends away from the second surface of the latch plate (400) and an instrument latch arm (405) joined to the carriage latch arm (410). The instrument latch arm (405) extends through the instrument plate (430) and away from the first surface of the instrument plate (430). A connecting member (425) flexibly connects the carriage latch arm (410) and the instrument latch arm (405) to a remainder of the latch plate (400). The connecting member (425) may be perpendicular to the latch arms (405).

Abstract: A system for visual staging includes a staging board having a plurality of receptacles spaced apart from each other and extending into a thickness of the staging board, the staging board has an anatomical image that is viewable on a top surface of the staging board. A plurality of clips are configured to be received by and extend from the plurality of receptacles such that the clips are releasably connected to the staging board. The plurality of receptacles are spaced apart from each other at strategic positions on the staging board in relation to the anatomical image.

Abstract: The illustrated embodiments include an apparatus to reduce or eliminate full thickness injury in tissue and to deform tissue which includes a probe or mechanism for deforming tissue, and a subsystem for selectively cooling and/or heating tissue while deformation is of the tissue is being performed. The illustrated embodiments of the invention also extend to a method to reduce or eliminate full thickness injury in tissue and to deform tissue including the steps of deforming tissue, and selectively cooling and/or heating tissue while deformation of the tissue is being performed.

Abstract: A surgical restraint is disclosed including a body strap, a sling, and a connecting strap. The body strap is arranged and disposed to wrap over patient's torso and around a support disposed below the patient, restraining the patient against the support. The sling is arranged and disposed to cradle an upper arm, an elbow and a forearm of a patient's arm. The connecting strap includes a first attachment site associated with a brace and a second attachment site associated with the sling. The connecting strap is arranged and disposed to cross over the patient's shoulder between the first attachment site and the second attachment site. The surgical restraint is arranged and disposed to restrain the patient's arm against the patient's torso and removed from a surgical site.

Abstract: Technology is described for augmenting medical imaging for use in a medical procedure. The method can include the operation of receiving an image of patient anatomy captured by a visual image camera during the medical procedure. An acquired medical image associated with the patient anatomy can then be retrieved. Another operation can be associating the acquired medical image to the patient anatomy. An augmentation tag associated with a location in one layer of the acquired medical image can be retrieved. A further operation can be projecting the acquired medical image and the augmentation tag using an augmented reality headset to form a single graphical view as an overlay to the patient anatomy in either 2D, 3D or holographic form.

Abstract: Proposed is a mechanism capable of securing both convenience and safety in regard to surgery performed by inserting an endoscope into a human body. A medical arm system including: a multi-joint arm which has a plurality of links connected by joints and a distal end to which an endoscope is connectable; and a control unit which sets a virtual plane in a body cavity of a patient and controls the multi-joint arm so as to constrain a predetermined point of the endoscope in the body cavity on the virtual plane.

Abstract: A method for operating a reprocessing apparatus for cleaning and/or disinfecting a medical instrument which has at least one channel, wherein a fluid line is provided for connection to the at least one channel, the method including: introducing gas bubbles into a liquid flowing in the fluid line, determining a speed of the gas bubbles flowing in the fluid line; and extrapolating a volume flow of the liquid flowing in the fluid line on the basis of the determined speed of the gas bubbles.

Abstract: A dental guidance assembly that includes: (a) a rigid body comprising at least one tooth-shaped recess and a coupling structure; and (b) at least two dental bur guides that are each: structured to securely and removably couple to said coupling structure, and comprising an elongated slot having the following measurements: a length of 4 to 40 millimeters, a width of 1 to 4 millimeters, and a depth of 2 to 10 millimeters. The elongated slot extends along a portion of a circumference of a treated tooth, wherein the elongated slots of said at least two dental bur guides have complementary structures, such that, together, the elongated slots are configured to facilitate a limitation of the motion of a dental bur to: an entirety of the circumference of a treated tooth, and a depth suitable to form a shoulder on the treated tooth, for receiving a dental restoration.

Abstract: The invention provides a dental milling tool for milling dental materials in the making of dental prostheses. The dental milling tool is a ball-nose end mill having three helical flutes, each flute being associated with a cutting edge, each cutting edge having chip breakers along the curved edges of the ball. The dental milling tool may be formed from a hard material such as carbide based material, ceramic, cermet, superhard materials including polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and cubic boron nitride (CBN), and diamond composite. Alternatively, the dental milling tool may be coated with a hard coating such as diamond coating, diamond-like-carbon (DLC), nitride based coating such as titanium aluminium nitride (TiAlN), aluminium titanium nitride, (AlTiN), and titanium nitride (TiN), and ceramic coating.

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

Abstract: A needle comprising a luer lock connection, an internal fluid delivery conduit, exit ports and an outer profile shaped to match a geometry created by a previous canal shaping instrument. A shape of the needle and features of the exit ports are configured to maximize the amount of shear wall stress and debridement created along the wall of a root canal to be irrigated.

Abstract: A nickel-titanium file root canal preparation instrument, including a nickel-titanium preparation system and a water flushing system. The nickel-titanium preparation system includes a nickel-titanium file, a handheld device head, a handheld device body, an electric motor, and a power controller; the water flushing system includes a conduit, a conduit fixing device, a liquid pump, and a liquid pump controller. The existing theory and study regarding root canal preparation has misled people about the root canal preparation method, and this leads to the result that the existing nickel-titanium root canal preparation is implemented in a dry-drilling manner. By providing a water flow to perform flushing during the root canal preparation of the nickel-titanium file root canal preparation instrument, the service life of the nickel-titanium file is prolonged.

Abstract: A system and method for fabricating dental crowns and bridgework includes the steps of: selecting one or more model teeth; forming a mold around the model tooth using a soft flexible material; removing the model tooth from the mold; adding wet dental restoration material to the mold and vibrating the mold; pressing framework into the wet restoration material; vibrating the mold and removing moisture; allowing the restoration material to dry and removing the molded crown or bridgework from the mold; trimming off excess restoration material and adding restoration material to the margin area as needed; baking the crown or bridgework in an oven without the mold and removing the crown or bridgework from the oven when the restoration material is at least partially cured.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adaptor system for a dental prosthesis. The adaptor system comprises an abutment and an adaptor, wherein said adaptor is adapted to connect to a prior art or new implants and is also connected to the abutment by a rotational connection. The adaptor and the abutment are secured to the implant by a screw that retains the angular position of the abutment.

Abstract: A substantially tubular intermediate attachment part with a first through-hole for attaching a screw-retained dental prosthetic component or a dental tool to a dental implant or to a dental implant analog, extending along a first longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. Each end is provided with a set of longitudinal fins intended for snap-fitting into the dental prosthetic component or into the dental tool on the one hand and into the dental implant on the other hand.

Abstract: A low-profile retentive abutment is used for securing dentures to a user's jaw. The low-profile abutment has an abutment fastener is used to mount an overdenture onto the user's jaw and has a body, a dimpled recession, and a retentive clasp. The dimple recession traverses into the body and forms a mounting point to attach the clasp to the body. The clasp is a connector that enables the overdenture to be detachably mounted onto the body. The clasp has a stop plate, a C-shaped frame, and a dimple protrusion. The stop plate ensures that the clasp is maintained in a desired orientation while attached to the body. The frame is connected in between the stop plate and the dimple protrusion so that the dimple protrusion engages into the dimple recession. Accordingly, the frame facilitates maintaining the clasp in an orientation that facilitates securely attaching the overdenture to the user's jaw.

Abstract: A dispensing system (10) configured to dispense a dental composition, the dispensing system including : (i) a dental tray (14) comprising a tray reservoir (18) configured to receive a dental composition (26), and further comprising a guide rail (22); (ii) a dental composition reservoir (12) for containing at least one dental composition; and (iii) a dispensing mechanism (16) in communication with the guide rail and configured to expel the dental composition from the dental composition reservoir in response to the dispensing mechanism moving along the guide rail, the dispensing mechanism comprising a nozzle (24) configured to direct the dispensed dental composition into the tray reservoir.

Abstract: Systems for generating in-focus color images are provided. Related methods and devices are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for digitally designing artificial teeth for use in a dental prosthesis and/or dental restoration. Methods of designing natural-looking, functional artificial teeth, based on computer-aided design, utilize reference dentition articulated in a predetermined occlusal scheme as a basis for effective design. In particular, the occlusal surfaces of posterior artificial teeth are designed in a digital environment to provide effective, consistent functional set-up and performance, especially across a variety of occlusal schemes, in the preparation of dental prostheses.

Abstract: Quartz solid solution glass ceramics and precursors thereof are described, which are characterized by very good mechanical and optical properties and in particular can be used as restoration material in dentistry.