Abstract: Described embodiments include an apparatus that includes an intrabody probe and an electrode coupled to a distal end of the intrabody probe. The electrode includes a flexible electrically-insulating substrate, comprising a substrate surface. The electrode further includes a layer of an electrically-conducting metal covering at least part of the substrate surface. The electrode further includes a metallic sheet, comprising an inner sheet surface, and an outer sheet surface shaped to define multiple depressions. The electrode further includes an adhesive, which fills the depressions and bonds the outer sheet surface to the layer of the electrically-conducting metal. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A medical device may include an expandable energy delivery array reciprocally movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The expandable energy delivery array may include a first assembly having a first proximal end piece, a first distal end piece, and one or more first energy transfer elements extending between the first proximal and first distal end pieces, and a second assembly having a second proximal end piece, a second distal end piece, and one or more second energy transfer elements extending between the second proximal and second distal end pieces. The second proximal end piece may be proximal to the first proximal end piece and the second distal end piece may be distal to the first distal end piece.

Abstract: This specification describes a tissue ablation apparatus comprising a catheter configured to enter an internal region of a subject's body, and a cooling device configured to cool internal tissue to a desired temperature of between ?15 degrees C. and +15 degrees C.

Abstract: Various catheters with expandable and contractible fluid pathways extending therethrough, and methods of use, are provided herein. In an exemplary embodiment, a catheter is provided with an elongate body having an electrode at the distal end thereof. One or more expandable members or wings can extend between the electrode and the distal end of the elongate body. The catheter can also include an actuator extending therethrough and coupled to the electrode such that movement of the actuator is effective to advance and retract the electrode, thereby moving the one or more expandable members between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The catheter can also include a fluid sealed lumen formed therein and configured to receive fluid and to deliver fluid to one or more pathways formed in the electrode. The actuator can extend through the fluid sealed lumen, however it can be fluidly separated from the lumen.

Abstract: A device positionable in a cavity of a bodily organ (e.g., a heart) may discriminate between fluid (e.g., blood) and non-fluid tissue (e.g., wall of heart) to provide information or a mapping indicative of a position and/or orientation of the device in the cavity. Discrimination may be based on flow, or some other characteristic, for example electrical permittivity or force. The device may selectively ablate portions of the non-fluid tissue based on the information or mapping. The device may detect characteristics (e.g., electrical potentials) indicative of whether ablation was successful. The device may include a plurality of transducers, intravascularly guided in an unexpanded configuration and positioned proximate the non-fluid tissue in an expanded configuration. Expansion mechanism may include helical member(s) or inflatable member(s).

Abstract: The present invention improves the cosmetic appearance of skin by controllably heating a superficial layer of skin, thereby inducing acute tissue contraction or shrinkage and a wound response, leading to the production of biomolecules, all of which result in improved cosmesis. The invention incorporates a source of radiofrequency electrical energy coupled to a coil, with a requisite impedance matching network, thereby resulting in the production of an alternating magnetic field. When tissue is brought into proximity of the alternating magnetic field, inductive heating of the tissue results, as a consequence of either or both of dipole formation and oscillation, and eddy current formation. Optionally, cooling is provided to remove heat from the coil, the source of radiofrequency electrical energy, and/or the surface of the skin.

Abstract: A novel microwave ablation applicator includes a flexible tubular shaft and a partially encapsulated antenna. The applicator is adapted to be used with an endoscope in order to access remote targets deep within an organ of a patient. Microwave power is emitted from the antenna in a desired radiation pattern by circulating an attenuating liquid through the shaft and across a portion of the antenna. Microwave ablation systems and methods are described.

Abstract: A soft tip is used to trap and pulverize stone fragments between the stone and the end of a single fiber, fiber bundle or lenticular array during a pulsed laser lithotripsy procedure.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for presenting medical imaging data in an interactive virtual environment reality are provided. In some embodiments, a system comprises a head mounted display (HMD) that: determines that a transparent 3D object overlaps a 3D model of a portion of anatomy based on a medical imaging scan; sets values for pixels corresponding to portions of the 3D model not occluded by the transparent object by performing a shading operation; sets values for pixels corresponding to portions of the 3D model at the boundary of the transparent object to intensity values taken from the medical imaging data; displays the 3D model with an exterior surface shaded to evoke a 3D object, and internal surfaces at the boundaries of the transparent object not shaded to preserve details embedded in the medical imaging data.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a procedure includes a medical device. The medical device includes an elongate device including a flexible body, a tracking system disposed along at least a portion of the flexible body, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the tracking system. The one or more processors are configured to receive a route to a target location in an anatomy, determine one or more features of the route based on a first anatomical representation, generate a reduced anatomical representation based on the one or more features of the route, receive real-time position information from the tracking system, associate the real-time position information to the reduced anatomical representation, and dynamically display the reduced anatomical representation with the associated real-time position information.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a processor including hardware, the processor being configured to: estimate, based on image information from a medical device that includes at least an endoscope, a plurality of procedure actions of an operator of the endoscope; perform different supports respectively for procedures by the operator, according to an estimation result of the procedure actions; and output a display for the supports to a display.

Abstract: A system and computerized method for detection of engagement of a surgical tool to a tool drive of a robotic arm of a surgical robotic system. The method may include activating an actuator of the tool drive to rotate a drive disk to be mechanically engaged with a tool disk in the surgical tool. One or more motor operating parameters of the actuator that is causing the rotation of the drive disk are monitored while activating the actuator. The method detects when the drive disk becomes mechanically engaged with the tool disk, based on the one or more monitored motor operating parameters. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A surgical tool coupler (10) includes a housing (12) with a door (14). The door (14) and housing (12) include mating structures (18, 20) that mate with each other when the door (14) is closed. The housing (12) includes a robotic interface (26) which is connectable to a portion of a robotic surgery system (28).

Abstract: Engaging and/or homing is provided for a motor control of a surgical tool in a surgical robotic system. Where two or more motors are to control the same motion, the motors may be used to detect engagement even where no physical stop is provided. The motors operate in opposition to each other or in a way that does not attempt the same motion, resulting in one of the motors acting as a stop for the other motor in engagement. A change in motor operation then indicates the engagement. The known angles of engaged motors and the transmission linking the motor drives to the surgical tool indicate the home or current position of the surgical tool.

Abstract: Embodiments of a rotating assistant port device are presented. The assistant port device can be utilized to provide for additional assistant instruments in single port robotic surgery. In some embodiments, the assistant port device can be utilized for skin retraction during single port teleoperated robotic surgery.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for a bipolar medical instrument. In one aspect, the medical instrument includes a first end effector, a first set of one or more distal pulleys coupled to the first end effector, and a wrist configured to house the first set of distal pulleys. The medical instrument also includes a plurality of cables extending through the wrist and a first insulating member formed between the first end effector and the first set of one or more distal pulleys.

Abstract: A teleoperational medical system for performing a medical procedure in a surgical field includes a dynamic guided setup system having step-by-step setup instructions for setting up a teleoperational assembly having at least one motorized surgical arm configured to assist in a surgical procedure. It also includes a user interface configured to communicate the step-by-step setup instructions to a user. The dynamic guided setup system is configured to automatically recognize completion of a first setup step based on detected physical arrangement of at least one surgical arm on a teleoperational assembly and automatically display a prompt for a subsequent setup step after the recognizing completion of the first setup step.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is configured for coupling with an instrument drive unit that drives an actuation of the surgical instrument and operatively supports the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes a housing, an elongate body extending distally from the housing, an end effector extending distally from the elongate body, and a plurality of driven members rotatably fixed and longitudinally moveable relative to the elongate body. The plurality of driven members are longitudinal moveable relative to one another. Each driven member of the plurality of drive members is coupled to a respective cable that is attached to the end effector. The plurality of driven members is configured for engagement with an instrument drive unit.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for an articulating monopolar medical instrument. In one aspect, the medical instrument includes a wrist comprising a proximal clevis and a distal clevis; an end effector coupled to the distal clevis via a distal axle; at least one proximal pulley in the proximal clevis; at least one distal pulley in the distal clevis and coupled to the distal axle; a first cable configured to engage with the at least one proximal pulley and the at least one distal pulley; and a second cable configured to engage with the at least one proximal pulley without engaging the at least one distal pulley.

Abstract: Featured is a drape for an imaging system base slidably supporting a gimbal and gantry. The preferred drape includes a sheet configured to extend from a first end of the base, between the gimbal and the gantry, and to a second end of the base, one or more sleeves associated with the sheet, and one or more stretchable members (e.g., elastic cords) slidably disposed in said one or more sleeves and stretchable from the first end of the base to the second end of the base.

Abstract: Various torque-limiting surgical driver devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. The surgical driver can include a body, a motor that is configured to rotate a drill bit engaged with the surgical driver, and a processor configured to control operation of the surgical driver. The surgical driver can have torque-limiting functionality, such as by monitoring the amount of torque applied to a drill bit and reducing or stopping rotation of the drill bit when certain torque-limiting criteria are met.

Abstract: A surgical microscope apparatus includes a stand base to which a stand post is fixed. The stand post supports a stand body so that the stand body horizontally turns around the stand post without turning the stand post. The stand body, therefore, is turnable with small force. Load applied to a rotary part at a top part of the stand post is only the weight of the stand body, and therefore, a bearing of the rotary part can be downsized.

Abstract: Assisting robotic arm setup in a surgical robotic system using augmented reality can include capturing a live video of a user setting up a robotic arm in a surgical robotic system. A visual guide representing a target pose of the robotic arm can be rendered onto the live video, resulting in an augmented live video for guiding the arm setup. The augmented live video can be displayed to the user while the user is following the visual guide to set up the robotic arm. The captured live video can be continuously processed to determine whether the robotic arm has reached the target pose.

Abstract: A marking body, a method for producing a marking body and a method for using a marking body are disclosed. In an embodiment a marking body includes a self-expanding structure of a shape-memory metal, wherein the shape-memory metal forms a tubular structure that has at least two elongated openings along its length that extend no further than from a head section to a foot section of the tubular structure, wherein the tubular structure comprises at least one stripe of the shape-memory metal located between two adjacent elongated openings, and wherein the tubular structure is configured to be compressed when in an application condition and configured to be stretched when in a non-application condition.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to an adjustable headpiece with anatomical markers and methods of use thereof. In certain embodiments, the invention provides an apparatus that includes a headpiece configured to be worn on a head of a user. The headpiece includes at least a first receptacle configured to receive and retain a first energy source, and the headpiece is adjustable in at least one direction. There is at least one anatomical marker coupled to the headpiece. In that manner, a position of the receptacle can be adjustably aligned to a region of neural tissue in the head based on an alignment of the at least one anatomical marker with its designated anatomical structure.

Abstract: Provided among other things is a sampling system for determining an amount or type of contamination a narrow, elongated passageway in a medical device, said sampling system comprising: (a) a fluid supply system that supplies to said passageway a sampling liquid for flowing through said passageway and a gas for flowing through said passageway; and (b) a receiving container that receives liquid from said passageway, wherein said sampling liquid is sterile, wherein said sampling liquid is configured to allow recovery of viable pathogens from the passageway, and wherein said sampling liquid comprises an amount and selection of surfactant effective to enhance the dislodgement of Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria from the narrow passageways.

Abstract: The aim of the invention disclosed herein is to control and regulate the stiffness and flexibility of an endodontic file exploiting its super-elastic and shape-memory characteristics. This result is achievable thanks to temperature-induced phase transformations of the file performed by a proper heating and cooling system managed by a control system in a handpiece. Different designs of the apparatus implementing the proposed solution are disclosed.

Abstract: The overload protection device used on a high-speed dental handpiece includes a valve body, a piston, an elastic member, and a valve plug. The valve body is provided with an air chamber and an air intake passage in communication with each other. The piston is arranged in the air chamber. The valve plug is arranged at an end of the air chamber away from the air intake passage and is connected with the valve body. The elastic member is arranged between the piston and the valve plug. An outer surface of the valve body is provided with a plurality of air discharging holes which is in communication with the air chamber. The piston is capable of opening or closing the air discharging holes when moving vertically within the air chamber. The present invention further discloses a high-speed dental handpiece with an overload protection device.

Abstract: Flow-driven dental instrument (1), comprising a grip part (2), a head part (3), a media line (4), and a fastening means (8), wherein the grip part (2) is constructed in the form of a sleeve with two ends and a media connection (5) is disposed on the first end. At the second end, the head part (3) projects at least partially into the grip part (2). A first end of the media line (4) is connected to the head part (3) and the media line (4) extends from the head part (3) through the grip part (2) to the media connection (5). The fastening means (8) comprises a sleeve (9) having an external thread and a nut (10) having an internal thread, wherein the sleeve (9) is connected to the outer wall of the media line (4) in a material-locking manner and, at least in a direction toward the head part (3), the nut is held in the grip part (2) in a fixed position.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing/producing a dental restoration for a patient, where the method includes: obtaining a 3D scan of at least a restoration site of the patient's mouth, where the manufactured dental restoration is adapted for fitting to the restoration site; obtaining a computer-aided design (CAD design) of the dental restoration; milling the restoration from a material, where the restoration is milled both on an inside surface configured for fitting to the shape of the restoration site of the patient's mouth and on an outside surface, where the milling is according to the obtained CAD design; transferring the milled restoration to a retention means providing a fixed known position of the restoration relative to a post-processing machinery, where the restoration is retained on the inside surface, such that the outside surface of the restoration is approachable/free/accessible; and performing post-processing of the outside surface of the restoration.

Abstract: An intraoral scanning system includes a motion sensing unit, an image sensing unit, a storage unit and a processing unit. The processing unit classifies first position information and second position information obtained by the motion sensing unit and the image sensing unit in an initial scanning process into first groups and second groups, wherein the first position information and the second position information are stored in the storage unit. The processing unit selectively uses the first groups or the second groups to perform comparison in a re-scanning process, so as to position an incomplete area in a model.

Abstract: Methods of conducting object-related procedures and associated system involve a secure and physical interaction being formed between a fiducial device and a site having an associated object to form a fiducial marker. A virtual plan is formed, detailing the procedure on the object at the site, in registration with and with respect to the fiducial marker. Movement of a procedure-conducting device is physically regulated with a guidance device responsive to a controller device and with respect to the fiducial marker. The guidance device physically regulates movement of the procedure-conducting device, according to the virtual plan and corresponding with physical manipulation of the procedure-conducting device by the user, to conduct the procedure. Tactile feedback is provided to the user, via the procedure-conducting device, if the physical manipulation by the user causes the procedure-conducting device to deviate from the virtual plan.

Abstract: To provide try-in dentures which make it possible to adjust a bite more easily with high accuracy, a denture base part 12; a dentition part 13; an adjustment part 15; and a base part 14 are included, the adjustment part and the base part being separable from each other, and the adjustment part includes all of occlusal surfaces 13b of the dentition part, and a face 15a parallel to an occlusal plane 10a, the adjustment part being formed so that a movement of the adjustment part parallel to the occlusal plane with respect to the base part can be performed, a rotation of the adjustment part in the face parallel to the occlusal plane can be performed, or both the movement and the rotation can be performed.

Abstract: Monochromatic dental shaped body, which has an opacity of from 70 to 78%, and a process for its production.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flosser package that enables convenient storage, dispensing and disposal of oral care devices such as dental flossers. The flosser package includes a container with both a dispensing cavity and a disposal cavity. A lid covers at least a portion of the container and includes a dispensing portion and a disposal portion separate from said dispensing portion, the dispensing portion selectively provides access to one or more flosser flossers within the dispensing cavity and the disposal portion includes a disposal slot in communication with the disposal cavity and capable of receiving one of the flossers after it has been used. When finished with the flosser, the user can simply place the used flosser in the disposal slot such that it falls into the separate disposal cavity without contacting any of the unused flossers in the dispensing cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the treatment of periodontal disease. An ultrasonic scaler has a prong with measurement markings along tire prong. The dental instrument has an elongated body and a tip that is coupled to or formed contiguous with the elongated body. The scaler simultaneously cleans and provides a depth measurement by inserting the tip of the prong into the periodontal pocket depth of the space between the tooth and gum.

Abstract: A toothbrush for use by an operator and capable of being connected to a suction device and a syringe. The toothbrush includes a head, a handle, and a suction assembly. The head includes a plurality of bristles and an irrigation port configured to be in fluid communication with the syringe. The handle is coupled to the head and includes a user interface and a controller configured to actuate at least one of rotation, oscillation, and vibration of the plurality of bristles in response to feedback from the operator through the user interface. The suction assembly is coupled to one of the head and the handle and configured to be coupled to the suction device. The suction assembly includes a suction tip that is movable relative to the head.

Abstract: A fecal incontinence device for insertion into a vagina, comprising: a plurality of shell segments, which together form an enclosed cylinder with rounded ends in a collapsed state of the device, wherein one of the cylindrical shells is disposed in the device facing a posterior wall of the vagina when the device is inserted into the vagina; a pressure generating structure attached to and abutting the posterior-facing cylindrical shell; and, a state-changing mechanism configured to reversibly transition the device from the collapsed state to an expanded state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are gender-specific implantable mesh for inguinal hernia repair in a patient, comprising: a fabric layer comprising a side defining a surface area wherein the fabric layer is configured to enable tissue adhesion to said mesh; an anti-adhesive barrier comprising a shape configured to prevent direct contact between the fabric layer and both a spermatic cord and a genital nerve upon implantation, wherein the shape covers a part of the surface area on the side of the fabric layer, the part being less than 25%, and wherein the shape is oblique to a horizontally-oriented centerline and a vertically-oriented centerline; and a keyhole configured to fit the genital nerve and the spermatic cord of the patient therethrough without constriction, wherein the keyhole is oblique and inferior to a horizontally-oriented centerline and medial to a vertically-oriented centerline.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are gender-specific implantable mesh for inguinal hernia repair in a patient, comprising: a fabric layer comprising a side defining a surface area wherein the fabric layer is configured to enable tissue adhesion to said mesh; an anti-adhesive barrier comprising a shape configured to prevent direct contact between the fabric layer and both a spermatic cord and a genital nerve upon implantation, wherein the shape covers a part of the surface area on the side of the fabric layer, the part being less than 25%, and wherein the shape is oblique to a horizontally-oriented centerline and a vertically-oriented centerline; and a keyhole configured to fit the genital nerve and the spermatic cord of the patient therethrough without constriction, wherein the keyhole is oblique and inferior to a horizontally-oriented centerline and medial to a vertically-oriented centerline.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis for mending anatomical defects, including a groin hernia. The prosthesis includes a prosthetic repair patch that may be implanted in different tissue planes to mend a defect. The patch may include a medial portion configured to be positioned in a first tissue plane and a lateral portion configured to be positioned in a second tissue plane offset from the first tissue plane. The patch may include a transition region configured to extend through tissue and/or muscle, such as fascia, separating the tissue planes and transition the patch from one tissue plane to the other tissue plane. The transition region may be configured to inhibit buckling and/or bunching of the patch when implanted through the fascia. The lateral portion of the patch may have a level of stiffness that facilitates implantation of the patch in different tissue planes while inhibiting patient sensation to the implanted patch.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis for mending anatomical defects, including a groin hernia. The prosthesis includes a prosthetic repair patch that may be implanted in different tissue planes to mend a defect. The patch may include a medial portion configured to be positioned in a first tissue plane and a lateral portion configured to be positioned in a second tissue plane offset from the first tissue plane. The patch may include a transition region configured to extend through tissue and/or muscle, such as fascia, separating the tissue planes and transition the patch from one tissue plane to the other tissue plane. The transition region may be configured to inhibit buckling and/or bunching of the patch when implanted through the fascia. The lateral portion of the patch may have a level of stiffness that facilitates implantation of the patch in different tissue planes while inhibiting patient sensation to the implanted patch.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for filtering embolic particles that may be generated from a medical procedure including protection of the major branching vessels from the aorta, and catches and filters emboli that may be generated during the TAVR procedure. The filter devices disclosed herein form an improved seal against the vessel wall that is activated by flowing blood. Devices described herein also allow for the closing of the ends of the filter device after capture of emboli, providing further security against accidental loss of emboli post capture.

Abstract: A vascular catheter including an embolic protection system which is deployable within a blood vessel, comprising a filter arranged to block the flow of solid particles and a gas capture system for capturing gas bubbles entrained within a flow of blood along the blood vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices that are inserted in a blood vessel or other body lumen, and in particular to filter that may block particles from entering a blood vessel. Devices of this invention position and secure a filter in a vascular system to intercept particulates, including emboli.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a layered graft material and to implantable medical devices including such a graft material. In one embodiment, the device is a stent-graft. In other embodiments, the invention relates to methods of manufacturing and using such devices. In one embodiment the graft is formed of at least three layers, including a folded central layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a graft material including a reinforced layer and to implantable medical devices including such a graft material. The invention also relates to methods of using and manufacturing such graft materials and devices. In one embodiment the implantable medical device is a stent graft.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a system, device and method for data storage on implantable magnetizable fabric. The system includes implantable magnetizable fabric coupled to a graft segment of a prosthesis for being delivered into a body of a subject. The system includes information written on the implantable magnetizable fabric. The system further includes a magnetic detection device capable of, after the prosthesis is delivered into the body of the subject, detecting the implantable magnetizable fabric and accessing at least a portion of the information.

Abstract: A suture to be used in producing a medical instrument provided with a sutured site such as a stent graft, an artificial blood vessel or an artificial heart valve, has two components, i.e., a high melting-point component and a low-melting point component, the difference between the melting points of components being 30° C. or more and the low-melting point component is exposed on the suture surface entirely along the length direction. When a medical material formed of a fabric or a film is sutured or knotted with the suture and then the suture site is heated at such a temperature not allowing the high-melting point component but the low-melting point component alone to melt, the sutured site is fused and fixed. Thus, a knot or a seam, which sustains the fiber shape and strength and never becomes loose, can be formed.

Abstract: Surgical constructs and methods of soft tissue repairs. A tendon is approximated to bone with a surgical construct in the form of a soft anchor that includes a soft anchor sheath and shuttling sutures passed through the soft anchor sheath. The soft anchor sheath loaded with the shuttling sutures is inserted either unicortically or bicortically. Suture limbs extending from sutured tendon are passed/shuttled through the sheath by employing the shuttling sutures. The tendon is secured into or onto the bone. The suture limbs may be passed through the soft anchor sheath in various directions and/or orientations and/or locations.