Abstract: Provided is a medical device including: a first elongated body; an electrode that is fixed to the annular expansion portion of the first elongated body; a second elongated body that has a distal portion and a proximal portion, a first lumen communicating from the distal portion to the proximal portion, and a second lumen parallel to the first lumen at the distal portion; and an ultrasound element that is configured to move inside the first lumen of the second elongated body in an axial direction, in which the first elongated body is inserted into the second lumen, and the linear portion of the first elongated body is positioned in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the ultrasound element, and the ultrasound element receives ultrasound reflected from the first elongated body and ultrasound reflected from a body-cavity around the second elongated body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing orientation data to a user during a medical procedure performed on a subject are provided. The system can include a medical device, an electrical component and a display device. The medical device is configured to engage a portion the subject and includes a handle. The electrical component is disposed within the handle and is configured to generate data related to an orientation of the medical device during the medical procedure. The display device is physically separate from the medical device and in communication the electrical component. The display device also includes a processor configured to receive and process the data related to the orientation of the medical device, and display information related to the orientation of the medical device to the user based on the data.

Abstract: A calibration device for a computer-assisted surgical instrument includes a rigid body, stabilization members, and references structurally or mechanically complementary to the stabilization members and disposed on opposite sides of a manipulator of the instrument. Kinematic state of the manipulator is defaulted when the calibration device is connected to the instrument by the stabilization members passing through the rigid body and removably attaching to the references. A calibration method for a computer-assisted surgical instrument implemented by a computer system includes the steps of: prompting a user to connect the calibration device to the instrument; determining if the calibration device is properly connected to the instrument; and generating default kinematic information of the manipulator of the instrument if the calibration device is properly connected to the instrument. The calibration device and method effectively improve accuracy and precision of computer-assisted surgeries.

Abstract: The present invention provides a load sensing device for a surgical robot comprising a load sensing means and a hook mounted to the load sensing means, wherein the coupling is slideable longitudinally and engageable with a tendon for actuating a surgical instrument such that longitudinal movement of the hook imparts a load on the tendon and the load sensing means measures such load.

Abstract: A robotic catheter procedure system includes a bedside system and a workstation. The bedside system includes an actuating mechanism configured to engage and to impart movement to a percutaneous device. The workstation includes a user interface and a control system configured to be operatively coupled to the user interface, the bedside system, and a medical imaging system. The control system is responsive to a first input and to a second input, and the user interface receives the second input from a user. The control system is configured to generate a first control signal to the medical imaging system based on the first input, and the medical imaging system captures at least one image in response to the first control signal. The control system is configured to generate a second control signal to the actuating mechanism based on the second input, and the actuating mechanism causes movement of the percutaneous device in response to the second control signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention set forth a method to drive robotic arm to one or more points on an operation pathway. The method includes constructing a three-dimensional model based on a medical image scan of a patient, planning an operation pathway according to the three-dimensional model, retrieving image information of the patient captured by a three-dimensional optical apparatus, selecting a first set of landmark points in the three-dimensional model, selecting a second set of landmark points in the retrieved image information, matching the first set of landmark points with the second set of landmark points, transforming coordinates from a three-dimensional model coordinate system to a three-dimensional optical apparatus coordinate system based on a result of the matching, and driving the robotic arm to the one or more points on the operation pathway in a robotic arm coordinate system.

Abstract: A delivery system and methods are disclosed for delivering a material to a target site. A delivery instrument is coupled to a robotic manipulator and comprises a delivery device having a distal tip comprising an opening deliver the material to the target site through the opening. A navigation system tracks the delivery device and the target site and generates position signals. One or more controllers are in communication with the robotic manipulator and the navigation system and define a virtual boundary associated with the target site, wherein the virtual boundary is utilized to constrain movement of the delivery device. The one or more controllers control one or more joint motors of the robotic manipulator to move the distal tip of the delivery device with respect to the virtual boundary based on the position signals from the navigation system.

Abstract: The present technology is to provide a medical operation system, a surgical system, a surgical instrument, and an external force sensing system that detect a force acting on an end effector in a preferred manner. The medical operation system includes: an inner slave having an end effector; an outer slave into which the inner slave is inserted, the outer slave supporting the inner slave at a position that allows the end effector to protrude outward from an end of the outer slave; a strain detection unit that detects strain generated in the outer slave; and a processing unit that calculates a force acting on the end effector in a living subject, on the basis of a result of detection performed by the strain detection unit. The outer slave is a structure decoupled from the inner slave.

Abstract: An intracorporeal assembled device for minimally invasive surgery is provided. The intracorporeal assembled device for minimally invasive surgery is applied to a laparoscopic surgery and includes a hand piece and a surgical piece. The hand piece has a handle portion, the handle portion has a pipe portion, the pipe portion has a first diameter, and a first connection portion is disposed to one end of the pipe portion. The surgical piece has a second diameter, a second connection portion corresponding to the first connection portion is disposed to one end of the surgical piece, and a workpiece is disposed to one other end of the surgical piece. The first diameter is smaller than the second diameter, and the surgical piece is connected to the pipe portion in a detachable manner via the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

Abstract: A foot pedal assembly for controlling a robotic surgical system includes a foot pedal assembly base including an axle, a foot pedal slidably and pivotally coupled to the axle, and a sensor arrangement configured to detect an axial position of the foot pedal along the axle and a pivoted position of the foot pedal around the axle. Different combinations of different detected axial positions and detected pivoted positions are correlateable to different functions of the robotic surgical system.

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: Tissue access devices and methods of using the same are disclosed. The devices can have a sensor configured to occlude a flow path by deflecting a membrane into the flow path when the devices become dislodged from tissue. The sensor can be configured to partially or fully occlude the flow path. The sensor can have a spring. The spring can be biased to move the sensor from a sensor first configuration to a sensor second configuration when a force applied by the sensor first surface against a non-sensor surface changes from a first force to a second force less than the first force. The membrane can be deflected into the flow path when the sensor is in the sensor second configuration.

Abstract: A stereoscopic camera with fluorescence visualization is disclosed. An example stereoscopic camera includes a visible light source, a near-ultraviolet light source, and a near-ultraviolet light source. The stereoscopic camera also includes a light filter assembly having left and right filter magazines positioned respectively along left and right optical paths and configured to selectively enable certain wavelengths of light to pass through. Each of the left and right filter magazines includes an infrared cut filter, a near-ultraviolent cut filter, and a near-infrared bandpass filter. A controller of the camera is configured to provide for a visible light mode, an indocyanine green (“ICG”) fluorescence mode, and a 5-aminolevulinic acid (“ALA”) fluorescence mode by synchronizing the activation of the light sources with the selection of the filters. A processor of the camera combines image data from the different modes to enable fluorescence emission light to be superimposed on visible light stereoscopic images.

Abstract: An electrode connector device for an implant. A radiographic marker is integrated in a metal conducting element. There is also described an implant with an electrode connector.

Abstract: A hyperdexterous surgical system is provided. The system on include one or more surgical arms coupleable in a fixture and configured to support one or more surgical tools. The system can include an electronic control system configured to communicate electronically with the one or more robotic surgical tools. The control system can electronically control the operation of the one or more surgical tools. The system can include one or more portable handheld controllers actuatable by a surgeon to communicate one or more control signals to the one or more surgical tools via the electronic control system to operate the one or more surgical tools. The one or more portable handheld controllers can provide said one or more control signals from a plurality of locations of an operating arena, allowing a surgeon to be mobile during a surgical procedure and to remotely operate the one or more surgical tools from different locations of the operating arena.

Abstract: A tray includes a plurality of rows, each of which includes a plurality of slots. Each row contains a plurality of screws. Different rows may contain screws of different types, e.g., lengths. Each of one or more rows contains a machine-readable object (e.g., peg) containing both: (1) machine-readable data representing one or more properties of the objects in the corresponding rows, and (2) human-readable indicia representing one or more properties of the objects in the corresponding rows. Removal of an object from a row is performed by reading data from the machine-readable object in the row and using that data to modify (e.g., decrement or increment) a count of the type of object contained in that row.

Abstract: A cradle, assembly, system, and method for installing a prosthesis at a surgical site. The cradle temporarily engages the prosthesis and holds it in the correct orientation and position adjacent the surgical site. An aperture is defined in the cradle and a portion of the prosthesis is received therein. In one embodiment, the cradle, assembly and system are used to install a final dental prosthesis in a patient's mouth in a single visit to the dentist's office. A securement member pins the surgical template and subsequently the cradle to the jaw. A metal sub-structure on the final dental prosthesis is received in the aperture in the cradle. Cylinders attached to implants anchored in the jaw extend through holes in the sub-structure and are bonded to the prosthesis. The cradle is detached from the jaw and from the prosthesis prior to screws being re-inserted through the cylinders and into the implants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mouthpiece (100) for illumination of teeth, e.g. for teeth whitening. The mouthpiece is configured with at least two lenses (102a, 102b) shaped to cast asymmetrical light onto the teeth (110). The lenses are arranged one-to-one with associated light sources (101a, 101b). The first and second lenses are arranged to project the received light onto a buccal side (111) of the teeth (110), and each of the first and second lenses has an asymmetrically shaped refraction surface (301) shaped to change an intensity distribution of the received light asymmetrically on opposite sides of an optical axis (121) of the respective light source along the dental arch (201) of the teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental splint as an assembly comprising a first subassembly embodied as a dental splint body and having a surface that comes into contact with an oral cavity of a user, a second subassembly embodied as electronics, at least one third subassembly embodied as a sensor, a fourth subassembly embodied as an energy source, at least one fifth subassembly embodied as an antenna, and a sixth subassembly embodied as electrical connection means, wherein the second to fifth subassemblies are connected by the sixth subassembly. In this case, at least one of the second to sixth subassemblies is produced in each case completely or partly in a 3-D printing method.

Abstract: A reversible thermoplastic polymer for use in an orthodontic method and for eliminating a need for an acid treatment of a tooth before an orthodontic procedure, said shape-memory comprising: a material selected from the group consisting of Irgacure or Camphorquinone; Phenylpropanedione (PPD); and Lucirin TPO.

Abstract: A dental restoration method comprising a step of determining a positioning of a dental implant (60), integrated into a bone structure (62) of an individual, from the identification and positioning of a one-piece healing member (10), attached at one of the ends of same in the implant (60), the healing element (10) comprising a side surface (13) intended to be integrated into a gum in order to shape the gum during the healing of same, and an end surface (14), a part of the side surface (13) and of the end surface (14) forming an emergent surface, intended to remain outside the gum, that is asymmetrical relative to at least a perpendicular median plane.

Abstract: An abutment system is for attachment to a dental implant having a threaded bore and for engaging the surrounding gingival tissue. The abutment system includes a base and a polymeric abutment cap. The base includes a lower region and an upper region. The lower region includes an anti-rotational feature for non-rotationally mating with one of the dental implants. The upper region includes a first anti-rotational structure and a first axial retention structure. The polymeric abutment cap has a second anti-rotational structure for mating with the first anti-rotational structure and a second axial retention structure for mating with the first axial retention structure. The abutment cap has an upper surface that includes information markers. The information markers define a unique code that provides information concerning the abutment cap and the underlying dental implant.

Abstract: Methods of depositing nanoparticles onto a substrate (e.g., an implant) are provided, as are the resulting substrates (e.g., implants) formed by such deposition methods. The nanoparticles can be silver nanoparticles that provide antimicrobial or antibacterial properties to the substrate.

Abstract: A molded part having a multitude of ceramic layers provided on top of one another, and a process for the preparation thereof are described. Further, the use of a multi-layer molded part for preparing a dental restoration is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to correction factors, in particular digital correction factors or printed correction factors, as translation (x,y,z) data and/or as data of the rotation of at least one real prefabricated prosthetic tooth up to a plurality of real prefabricated prosthetic teeth in a mounting for material-ablating processing of the prosthetic teeth, the correction factors preferably being assigned to the mounting as bar code or as quick-response code for use in a digitally controlled material-ablating process, the mounting having at least one fixed real prefabricated tooth. The invention also relates to the mounting with assigned digital correction factors as well as to a method for determining the digital correction factors of the at least one real prefabricated prosthetic tooth.

Abstract: A dental polishing tool may comprise a polishing cup comprising an abrasive polymeric sponge.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head with a new design and a handle that operates to move the head. The toothbrush head has multiple types of purpose-designed bristle-bundles precisely mapped to target specifically all dental-gingival surfaces and anatomically niches, including various dead-corner niches/surfaces that are usually not accessible by currently existing toothbrushes. Each cluster of bristle-bundles contains bristles of different sizes, diameters, hardness, lengths, angulations and colors. The head is designed to be inclined to accommodate both lingual and palatal surfaces. This toothbrush head also functions uniquely by coupling over dental arches and rotating so that the brush does not need to be lifted during movement from one end to the other. Further, moving the handle with respect to the brush head causes the width of the brush head to change to accommodate the different widths of the teeth along the dental arch.

Abstract: A dental light polymerization device has an intra-oral tip portion and a handle portion. A polymerization light source and a camera are accommodated in the dental light polymerization device. The camera has an image input arranged within the tip portion and the polymerization light source is formed by a plurality of polymerization light outputs that are arranged around the image input. The dental light polymerization device further has a light refraction panel in which a plurality of lenses are interspersed. The light refraction panel is arranged with the lenses being each positioned in front of a corresponding polymerization light output of the plurality of polymerization light outputs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mouthpiece (100) for illumination of teeth, e.g. for teeth whitening. The mouthpiece comprises a slab shaped light guide (203), at least one light source arranged for injecting light into the light guide and an optically transparent element (101) arranged to contact the light guide. The optically transparent element has a lower refractive index than the light guide to enable total internal refection of the injected light. Light is coupled out of the light guide by an out-coupling structure (210) and through a part of the optically transparent part located between the light guide and the buccal side of the teeth to illuminated the teeth with uniform light.

Abstract: Methods according to aspects of the present invention relate to the determination of whether a female ruminant ungulate is open or not open using flow cytometry to detect an expression level of an interferon-stimulated gene in leukocytes of a biological sample from the female ruminant ungulate.

Abstract: Reserves of immortalized genetic material are stored in a bank for providing a resource (e.g., artificial gametes) for couples (e.g., same sex couples) to produce biologically-related children. The reserves provide the ability to derive sperm from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of one partner and/or eggs from iPSCs of the other partner. For example, a biological sample is stored as iPSCs that can be used to generate an unlimited supply of genetic material (e.g., artificial gametes for conception) when needed by a user (e.g., a year or more after the sample is provided, e.g., 5 years or more after the sample is provided). Such a bank is helpful for an individual in a same sex (or infertile) couple who desires to have biological children at some point during his/her lifetime, but does not plan to have children in the immediate timeframe, for example.

Abstract: An apparatus for affixing a first tissue to a second tissue and methods of manufacturing and using the same. The apparatus comprises an elongated needle; a handle disposed at a proximal end of the elongated needle; a superelastic anchor disposed within the elongated needle, the anchor comprises: at least one normally-expanded elongated hook that is biased to a contracted state to fit within the elongated needle; a securing element; and an advancement mechanism triggerable by the handle and being configured to: eject the anchor out of a distal end of said elongated needle to allow the elongated hook to extend distally outward from the longitudinal axis of the elongated needle, into or beyond a tissue, and following the ejection of the anchor, eject the securing element from the apparatus to prevent movement of the anchor in at least one direction.

Abstract: A method is provided for maintaining the position of pelvic organs, such as components of the urinary tract. The method may involve anchoring the pelvic organs by inserting the implant via an anterior approach, avoiding complications and side effects that result when implants are inserted through the wall of the vagina.

Abstract: A device and method for delivering a synthetic mesh or graft for anatomical repair at a defect site. A plurality of flexible arms is connected to the synthetic mesh or graft. Grasping jaws are individually controlled at or near a proximal end of the device for connection of the graft and release of the graft at the surgical site. The flexible arms, with graft attached are positioned through a surgical incision to the defect site. An actuator positions the flexible arms to assume a radial array at the surgical site, unfolding and spreading the graft for attachment. The length of each flexible arm is individually adjustable to adapt to the size and shape of the graft selected for installation at the defect site to repair the defect.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a flexible container, a port, and a support structure. The container includes a first layer coupled to a second layer to define a storage volume within which a tissue specimen can be contained. The first layer is characterized by a first stiffness and the second layer characterized by a second stiffness. An edge of the first layer is spaced apart from an edge of the second layer to define an opening into the storage volume. The edge of the first layer and the edge of the second layer are configured to form a peelable seal that hermetically seals the storage volume such that the first layer can be peeled away from the second layer to expose the storage volume. The port is coupled to the flexible container and allows fluid communication between the storage volume and an external volume. The support structure is configured to support the tissue specimen within the storage volume and is characterized by a third stiffness.

Abstract: Storage devices, loading devices, delivery systems, kits, and associated methods for implantable medical devices are described. An example embodiment of a storage device includes a storage member, a first cap, and a second cap. The storage member has a first end, a second end, and a main body that defines a first opening, a second opening, a passageway, a separating wall, and a plurality of holes. The passageway has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends from the first end of the storage member to the separating wall and the second portion extends from the second end of the storage member to the separating wall. Each hole of the plurality of holes extends through the separating wall and provides access between the first portion and the second portion. Each of the first and second caps is releasably attached to the storage member.

Abstract: An implant delivery device includes a first closed sidewall, a second closed sidewall, a third closed sidewall, and an open end. The second closed sidewall is disposed opposite the first closed sidewall. The third closed sidewall is disposed between the first closed sidewall and the second closed sidewall. The open end is disposed opposite the third closed sidewall and disposed between the first closed sidewall and the second closed sidewall.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for transmitting signals through a device located in a blood vessel of an animal, for stimulating and/or sensing activity of media proximal to the device, wherein the media includes tissue and/or fluid.

Abstract: A dimpled stent design has geometrical characteristics, namely dimple width and depth, which generate dimple site specific turbulence and thrust within the blood flow to reduce or eliminate restenosis. The dimpled stent design is produced by laser processing of the stent material to produce different sizes, which may be predicted by a Multiphysics computational model, placements, and spatial layouts of dimples in the stent.

Abstract: A looped wire is provided for placing an endograft into a blood vessel. The looped wire comprising a flexible guidewire with one or more loops distributed along its length. The one or more loops have an inner diameter that is larger than the thickness of a suture or wire for threading the suture or wire through. The one or more loops is adapted for sliding along the suture or wire. Endograft system comprising the looped wire, and methods of using the looped wire are also provided.

Abstract: A containment structure for use with a workpiece vascular graft may include a sheath having two lateral edges; holes defined through the sheath in proximity to the lateral edges of the sheath, wherein longitudinally-adjacent holes are spaced longitudinally from one another; and a pull wire extending through the holes. A medical apparatus may include a vascular graft self-expandable from an insertion state to a deployed state; and a suture cuff located at one end of the vascular graft. A deployment tool may include a mandrel; a vascular graft placed about the mandrel, and a sheath wrapped about the vascular graft, wherein the sheath compresses the vascular graft to an insertion diameter. A hybrid graft may include a graft and a stent, where an end of the graft is affixed to an end of the stent.

Abstract: Various bone anchor assemblies and methods are provided for anchoring tissue to bone. In one embodiment, an anchor assembly for anchoring a tendon to bone is provided and includes a substantially cylindrical sheath having bone-engaging surface features formed on an external surface thereof, and having an inner lumen formed therein and extending from an open proximal end to a substantially closed distal. The substantially closed distal end includes at least one tendon anchoring feature extending distally therefrom and configured to facilitate anchoring of a tendon to bone. The anchor assembly further includes an expander having a generally elongate cylindrical configuration and being sized and shaped to be received within the inner lumen of the sheath.

Abstract: A device is initially rolled up can unfold into its original spherical dome shape after insertion through a surgical incision.

Abstract: Graft materials and devices for surgical breast procedures, as well as methods of making graft devices, are described.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) for implantation within a capsular bag of a patient's eye comprises first and second components coupled together to define an inner fluid chamber and an outer fluid reservoir. The inner region of the AIOL provides optical power with one or more of the shaped fluid within the inner fluid chamber or the shape of the first or second components. The fluid reservoir comprises a bellows region with fold(s) extending circumferentially around an optical axis of the eye. The bellows engages the lens capsule, and a compliant fold region between inner and outer bellows portions allows the profile of the AIOL to deflect when the eye accommodates for near vision. Fluid transfers between the inner fluid chamber and the outer fluid reservoir to provide optical power changes. A third lens component coupled to the first or second component provides additional optical power.

Abstract: Implantable corneal and intraocular implants such as a mask are provided. The mask can improve the vision of a patient, such as by being configured to increase the depth of focus of an eye of a patient. The mask can include an aperture configured to transmit along an optical axis substantially all visible incident light. The mask can further include a transition portion that surrounds at least a portion of the aperture. This portion can be configured to switch from one level of opacity to another level of opacity through the use of a controllably variable absorbance feature such as a switchable photochromic chromophore within a polymer matrix.

Abstract: A speech assistance device includes: an adaptor defining a first end and a second end, a first end of the adaptor configured to cover and seal directly or indirectly against a tracheal stoma defined in a neck of a user, the adaptor comprising a compressible material; a reed module connected to the adaptor, the reed module including a reed configured to produce sound using air expelled by the user from the stoma; and a tube coupled to the reed module, the tube configured to be inserted into a mouth of the user.

Abstract: Transcatheter heart valve delivery systems having a tip assembly configured to close the hole or perforation made in a patient's septal wall after transseptal delivery of a stented prosthetic heart valve to a defective heart valve (e.g., a mitral valve). The delivery device is configured to permit in vivo release of the tip assembly immediately after deployment of the stented prosthetic heart valve to implant the tip assembly into the septal wall proximate the hole through which the stented prosthetic heart valve is delivered. Methods of treating the defective heart valve, including closing the hole made during transseptal delivery of the stented prosthetic heart valve with the tip assembly of the delivery device are also disclosed.

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: Examples of a mitral heart valve apparatus are described. In one example, the apparatus has an annular body made of a first material, and a plurality of first anchor members and at least two paddles made of a second material extending from the annular body. In a compressed state, the first anchor members extend substantially longitudinally from the first end of the annular body, and GC the paddles extend substantially longitudinally from the second end of the annular body.