Abstract: Embodiments relate to an aligner breakage solution that tests damage to an aligner using machine learning. A method includes processing data from a digital design for an orthodontic aligner by a trained machine learning model and outputting, by the trained machine learning model, a probability that the orthodontic aligner associated with the digital design will be damaged during manufacturing of the orthodontic aligner. The method further includes making a comparison of the probability that the orthodontic aligner associated with the digital design will be damaged during manufacturing of the orthodontic aligner to a probability threshold and determining whether the orthodontic aligner is a high risk orthodontic aligner based on a result of the comparison. Responsive to determining that the orthodontic aligner is a high risk orthodontic aligner, the method includes performing at least one of a) a corrective action or b) selecting a manufacturing flow for high risk orthodontic aligners.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to prevent interference between two physical tooth models in a physical dental arch model by acquiring the coordinates of a plurality of points on the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models and digitally representing the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models by a mesh of points in three dimensions using the acquired coordinates. The meshes representing the surfaces of the two physical tooth models intersect at least at one point to form an overlapping portion. The method also includes calculating the depth of the overlapping portion between the two meshes to quantify the interference of the two physical tooth models.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, method, apparatus and system for receiving digital representations of the initial parameters of a dentition; simulating a first orthodontic treatment process on the digital representations of the initial parameters, displaying a set of output results from the simulation of the first orthodontic treatment process, simulating a second orthodontic treatment process on the output results from the simulation of the first orthodontic treatment process, and displaying a set of output results from the simulation of the second orthodontic treatment process are provided.

Abstract: A system for repositioning teeth comprises a plurality of individual appliances used with braces. The appliances are configured to be placed successively on the patient's teeth and to incrementally reposition the teeth from an initial tooth arrangement, through a plurality of intermediate tooth arrangements, and to a final tooth arrangement. The appliances may be substituted with braces as appropriate to optimize the treatment of the teeth.

Abstract: An oral appliance including an upper body having an upper body channel to receive a maxillary dentition of an upper dental arch, a lower body having a lower body channel to receive a mandibular dentition, and at least one node disposed on the lower body base outer surface to engage the upper body outer surface upon receipt of the maxillary teeth of the upper dental arch in the upper body channel and the mandibular teeth of the lower dental arch in the lower body channel.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an aligner breakage solution. A method includes obtaining a digital design of a polymeric aligner for a dental arch of a patient. The polymeric aligner is shaped to apply forces to teeth of the dental arch. The method also includes performing an analysis on the digital design of the polymeric aligner using at least one of a) a trained machine learning model, b) a numerical simulation, c) a geometry evaluator or d) a rules engine. The method may also include determining, based on the analysis, whether the digital design of the polymeric aligner includes probable points of damage, wherein for a probable point of damage there is a threshold probability that breakage, deformation, or warpage will occur. The method may also include, responsive to determining that the digital design of the polymeric aligner comprises probable points of damage, performing corrective actions based on the probable points of damage.

Abstract: A tool and method for seating an orthodontic aligner, unseating the aligner, or both. In one aspect, the tool comprises a handle portion and seating portion. The seating portion is connected to the handle portion. The seating portion comprises a rippled structure having the shape of a series of waves, the waves having a direction of propagation directed away from the handle portion. In a second aspect, a handle portion of the tool comprises a hook adjacent to a recess in the handle portion, the hook being configured to unseat an aligner. In a third aspect, the method comprises seating an aligner by holding a handle portion of the tool, positioning the seating portion between sets of teeth and repeatedly biting the seating portion. In a fourth aspect, the method comprises unseating an aligner by holding the rippled seating portion and using the hook to apply force to the aligner.

Abstract: A series of appliances including a first shell and a second shell can be designed to incrementally implement a treatment plan. The first and second shells can have cavities designed to receive teeth of a jaw. A first number of bite adjustment structures can be formed of a same material as the first shell, extending therefrom and designed to interface with teeth of a second jaw. The first number of bite adjustment structures can have a first shape and location specific to a first stage of the treatment plan. A second number of bite adjustment structures can be formed of a same material as the second shell, extending therefrom and designed to interface with teeth of the second jaw. The second number of bite adjustment structures can have a second shape and location, different than the first shape and location, specific to a second stage of the treatment plan.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an implant including the steps of providing an implant element, the implant element made of a non-metallic material, depositing a thin layer of titanium-based material directly over an outer surface of the implant element, and forming a titanium-based structural body in direct contact with the thin layer by three-dimensional (3D) printing, the structural body being thicker than the thin layer of titanium-based material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biofiber dental implant, comprising a fixture having a groove, for osseointegrating into a bone of a jaw or a skull; a peripheral junction having a through hole, connected to the fixture by the groove, for connecting an abutment supporting a dental prosthesis; and a middle member is disposed through the fixture and peripheral junction by the through hole. The fixture, the peripheral junction and middle member are made of multiple biofibers which consist a single bare fiber or a single constructed fiber. The single constructed fiber consists a core and either a single cladding or multiple claddings, and the clad and core are fused together to form the single constructed fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cap part (1) intended to be placed on an interface (100) or on an attachment in order to act jointly as a scanning post. The cap part has a cavity (2) for housing at least one cylindrical portion (101) with a circular base of the interface or of the attachment. The cap part is configured by a single body comprising an upper portion (11) formed by a solid head (3) without holes or notches, and a lower portion (12) provided with a longitudinal blind hole forming the cavity (2). The blind hole comprises a retaining segment (4), the inner wall of which is partially or entirely formed by a concave, cylindrical retaining surface (40) with an elliptical or oval-shaped base for retaining by embedding an essentially cylindrical portion (101) of the interface (100) or of the attachment.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for extracting a broken fragment of a dental abutment screw from a dental implant. One such system includes an extractor tool having a tubular outer body and a conductor positioned within the tubular outer body, and an applicator that receives and end of the extractor tool and also includes a heating element that converts electrical energy into heat that is conducted to the extractor tool to melt a thermoplastic adhesive in a cavity at the distal end of the extractor tool, such that the melted thermoplastic adhesive can conform to and engage with a broken fragment of a dental abutment screw within a dental implant when the adhesive cools. The extractor tool can then be rotated to unscrew the broken fragment from the dental implant.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a dental model coupling portion and a base plate adapter coupling portion. The dental model coupling portion is configured to couple with a dental model. The base plate adapter coupling portion includes a body and a set of prongs extending from the body. The body is fixedly secured relative to the dental model coupling portion. The prongs are configured to removably secure the base plate adapter coupling portion to a base plate adapter of a dental model articulator. A base plate adapter includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side is configured to removably couple with the base plate adapter coupling portion. The second side is configured to removably couple with a dental model articulator.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for processing a plurality of customized dental restorations from individual millable material blocks in an automated process. The system comprises processing units that may comprise one or more of a milling center comprising one or more milling units, a plurality of material blocks a separating unit, a scrap disposal unit, a heating unit and a cooling unit. A carrier for holding a plurality of individual workpieces in spaced arrangement is also disclosed for use in the system.

Abstract: A compact, portable, self-contained dental trauma kit for on-site treatment and repair of dental avulsion, luxation and, subluxation in remote, non-dental and other emergent settings consists of a dental splinting material (“the band-aid”), dental resins (“the glue”), and a dental curing light (“the glue hardener”). This is everything necessary for the user to stabilize the traumatically involved teeth according to proper dental protocol in remote locations, without the need for any additional materials or other accessories. The use of the kit allows the patient to be treated rapidly, in less than thirty minutes, which drastically increases the survival rate of re-implanted or repositioned tooth or teeth.

Abstract: An approach is disclosed that involves creating an implant-supported prosthesis that is dynamically guided into position using an image-guided navigation system into position in a patient's mouth without the use of a surgical guide.

Abstract: An animal supporting device having a having three primary dimensions of unequal lengths for engaging the abdomen or other body part of an animal at various support elevations. The device may have one or more trough-shaped channels for engaging the abdomen or other body part of the animal at alternative support elevations. The device may have a dog-bone-shaped outline. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioresorbable prosthetic porous knit comprising an arrangement of yarns of bioresorbable biocompatible material defining at least two sides for said knit, said knit being provided, on one of its sides, with barbs protruding outwards from said one side, wherein each yarn of the arrangement defining said two sides is doubled. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a knit.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatuses for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse are provided. A specialized mesh having a shape for effective placement via the ischiorectal fossa is provided, as is a method of use of such a device.

Abstract: Packaging for a breast implant, the packaging comprising a lid and a cavity, wherein one of the lid or the cavity is configured to provide direct delivery of the breast implant from the packaging to a surgical pocket. A method for the direct delivery of a breast implant from breast implant packaging to a surgical pocket, the method comprising the steps of: a. ensuring that a delivery device present in a lid or a cavity of the packaging is in a delivery position; b. forming an aperture in the delivery device, thereby opening the packaging; c. transferring the breast implant to the delivery device; d. positioning the delivery device in contact with the surgical pocket; and e. delivering the breast implant to the surgical pocket.

Abstract: Embolic protection devices and methods for making and using embolic protection devices are disclosed. An embolic protection device may include an elongate filter wire having a distal end region, a filter anchor coupled to the distal end region, a filter membrane coupled to the filter anchor, and a bumper coupled to the filter anchor. The bumper may be designed to provide a tactile feedback to a clinician during delivery of the embolic protection device.

Abstract: A multi-basket clot capturing device that includes a distal basket connected to a wire. The distal basket may be positionable distal of the clot and operable to capture a distal portion of a clot. A proximal basket may be connected to a hypotube that is slidably axially connected to the wire. The proximal basket may be positionable proximal of the clot and operable to capture a proximal portion of the clot. A cage can form between the proximal and distal baskets around multiple portions of the clot for capturing the clot. Sliding the wire distally, or microcatheter proximally, relative to the clot causes the distal basket to move from a collapsed state to an expanded state. The cage may be around at least two portions of the clot that are opposed.

Abstract: A method of using an implantable device provides an implantable device including a plurality of arcs. Each arc contains a multiplicity of links. The implantable device further includes a device closure pin, a lock-in unit attached and located between the three arcs, and a quick-release unit attached and located between three arcs. The plurality of arcs, the lock-in unit, and the release unit form a closed contour. The closed contour of the implantable device, in a rigid state is a three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: In one aspect, a radiopaque marker for a medical implant, such as a stent graft for aortic aneurism repair, includes a first radiopaque component connected to a second radiopaque component by a connection. The first radiopaque component includes a non-biodegradable radiopaque body. The radiopaque marker has a first configuration and a second configuration that differ from one another in at least one of volume and shape such that the first and second configurations produce different radiographic images. This change in radiopacity can provide useful information to a surgeon in the event that reintervention becomes necessary.

Abstract: A bone anchor including an outer sleeve defining slots and an inner sleeve including fins extendable radially outward through the slots to engage surrounding cancellous bone. The outer sleeve includes an outward extending flange disposed about an opening defined by the outer sleeve configured to receive a fastener. The flange can seat against cortical bone around an opening sized for the anchor. The anchor can be a suture anchor including the fastener that engages the inner sleeve when installed therein and pushes the fins outward to engage the cancellous bone as the fastener is installed, better securing the anchor to the bone, particularly where the bone is osteoporotic, weak, broken, diseased, and/or compromised. The outer sleeve can include projections between fins to prevent rotation as the fastener is installed. A related method of using the suture anchor is provided to anchor soft tissue with a suture to bone.

Abstract: Devices and methods for reinforcing tissue grafts are described herein. In one embodiment, an implant is described that includes a proximal end portion having a through-hole formed therein, a distal end portion, and a reinforcing insert disposed in the through-hole. The insert includes a proximal face, a distal face opposed to the proximal face, a first upper surface extending between the proximal and distal faces and having a generally convex shape that abuts against at least a portion of a sidewall of the through-hole, and a second lower surface extending between the proximal and distal faces and having a generally concave shape. The second lower surface and portions of the sidewall of the through-hole not abutted by the first upper surface form a reinforced through-hole of the implant.

Abstract: Breast fixation devices for use in breast reconstruction and breast augmentation limit the rotation or movement of breast implants after implantation that results in an unnatural appearance of the breast. The breast fixation devices can include a thin-walled enclosure in the shape of a pouch. A breast implant is secured inside the pouch to limit movement by applying compression to the breast implants, or using a mating or interlocking mechanism between the pouch and breast implant. The pouches containing the breast implants are implanted in the breast. Tissue in-growth into the pouch limits movement of the pouch-breast implant assembly and thereby limits rotation, migration, and displacement of the breast implant. The pouches preferably comprise poly-4-hydroxybutyrate or copolymer thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for preparing a customizable flesh simulating silicone gel or a flesh simulating silicone foam in particular for use in medical devices and a process for preparing said customizable flesh simulating silicone gel or silicone foam, in particular by using a 3D-printer.

Abstract: An orbital implant includes a bladder configured to be implanted between an orbit and an eyeball of a patient. The bladder defines at least one port and at least one compartment in fluid communication with each other. The at least one compartment defines an interior volume and is configured to hold a fill material so as to be adjustable responsive to injection of fill material into the at least one compartment through the at least one port as well as removal of fill material from the at least one compartment through the at least one port. Adjustment of the interior volume is configured to reposition the eyeball.

Abstract: Embodiments of a radially collapsible and expandable prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. A valve frame can have a tapered profile when mounted on a delivery shaft, with an inflow end portion having a smaller diameter than an outflow end portion. The valve can comprise generally V-shaped leaflets, reducing material within the inflow end of the frame. An outer skirt can be secured to the outside of the inflow end portion of the frame, the outer skirt having longitudinal slack when the valve is expanded and lying flat against the frame when the valve is collapsed. A diagonally woven inner skirt can elongate axially with the frame. Side tabs of adjacent leaflets can extend through and be secured to window frame portions of the frame to form commissures. The window frame portions can be depressed radially inward relative to surrounding frame portions when the valve is crimped onto a delivery shaft.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve. The system includes a delivery catheter having a steering mechanism thereon for delivering a balloon-expandable prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve through an introducer passing into the left ventricle through its apex. The introducer may have a more floppy distal section than a proximal section to reduce trauma to the heart wall while preserving good operating field stability. The delivery catheter includes a deflecting segment just proximal to a distal balloon to facilitate positioning of the prosthetic heart valve in the proper orientation. A trigger in a catheter handle may be coupled to a deflection wire that actuates the deflecting segment, while a slider in the handle controls retraction of a valve pusher. The prosthetic heart valve may be installed over the existing calcified leaflets, and a pre-dilation valvuloplasty procedure may also be utilized.

Abstract: Devices and methods for implantation at a native mitral valve having a non-circular annulus and leaflets. One embodiment of the device includes a valve support having a first region configured to be attached to a prosthetic valve with a plurality of prosthetic leaflets and a second region. The device can further include an anchoring member having a longitudinal dimension and including a first portion configured to contact tissue at the non-circular annulus, a second portion configured to be attached to the valve support, and a lateral portion between the first portion and the second portion. The second portion of the anchoring member is attached to the second region of the valve support while in a low-profile configuration in which the anchoring member and the valve support are configured to pass through vasculature of a human. The lateral portion is transverse to the longitudinal dimension.

Abstract: The device (1) is intended to be positioned in a sealed introducer placed in a femoral vein in order to penetrate the left atrium (4) of the heart (3) by passing through the septal wall (5) thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including an implant including a tissue-adjusting member including a longitudinal member, and a tissue anchor coupled to the tissue-adjusting member and configured to be anchored into the tissue of the patient. A tissue-coupling element is coupled to the longitudinal member. A delivery tool is reversibly couplable to the implant and is configured to deliver the implant to the tissue of the patient. The delivery tool includes an elongate shaft, a tissue-coupling-element holder coupled to a portion of the elongate shaft, the tissue-coupling-element holder being configured to hold the tissue-coupling element during delivery of the implant to the tissue of the patient, and an actuating element configured to rotate the tissue anchor so as to facilitate anchoring of the tissue anchor into the tissue of the patient while not rotating the tissue-coupling-element holder with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: Described is a mould (1) for making a temporary prosthetic component for a knee in an operating room comprising: a first half-mould (10); a second half-mould (20) which can be coupled to the first half-mould (10) for forming a moulding chamber (C) for a temporary prosthetic component made of medical cement; and elements (30) for fixing the first half-mould (10) to the second half-mould (20). Each fixing element (30) has a rod (31) configured for connecting the first half-mould (10) to the second half-mould (20) and defining a weakness neck (32) configured to allow a facilitated breakage of the rod (31).

Abstract: A bone cement mold for a bone cement spacer, the bone cement mold including: a first mold component defining a first cavity shaped to form at least a majority of a head portion of the spacer; a second mold component defining a second cavity shaped to form a first part of a stem portion of the spacer; a third mold component defining a third cavity shaped to form a second part of the stem portion of the spacer; the second mold component and the third mold component combining to define a cavity shaped to form at least a majority of the stem portion; an abutting combination of the first mold component, second mold component, and third component defining a communicative cavity shaped to form the head portion integrally connected with the stem portion. Bone cement spacers formed from the bone cement mold, and computer methods and systems for selecting and operating the bone cement mold are also described.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis for a tibia and femur can include a tibial component, a tibial bearing, and a post. The tibial bearing can include a first bearing portion, a second bearing portion, and an aperture. The first bearing portion can be positionable on a first side of the sagittal axis and can have a first shape. The second bearing portion can be positionable on a second side can have a second shape different than the first shape. The post, together with the first bearing portion and the second bearing portion, can be configured to promote the femur to pivot substantially about the first bearing portion.

Abstract: Certain embodiments generally provide an improved tibial base member comprising keel portions that allow one or both cruciate ligaments to be preserved. Other embodiments provide improved lateral and/or medial inserts having a mesial lip that helps relieve and or prevent impingement between the femoral component and the tibial eminence. Other embodiments provide improved femoral components having various chamfers to provide additional clearance with respect to the tibial eminence and posterior cruciate ligament without decreasing bone coverage.

Abstract: An expandable spinal fusion implant including a housing, upper and lower endplates, a wedge positioned within the housing and between the upper and lower endplates and a drive mechanism to urge the wedge distally between the upper and lower endplates to increase the separation between the endplates and expand the overall height of the distal end of the implant.

Abstract: Expandable spinal interbody implants include a body and at least one extendable support element connected thereto. Such an implant may include a second extendable support element and a tool selectively positionable with respect to the implant so as to independently or simultaneously expand both extendable support elements. In another example, such an implant may include, at each of a first and second location, a respective movable member and a respective locking element. The at least one extendable support element may be actuatable to expand so as to induce movement of at least one of the movable members away from the body. The locking elements at each of the first and second locations may be selectively lockable such that, when locked, the locking element restrains movement of the associated movable member at that location away from the body without restraining movement of the other movable member away from the body.

Abstract: An intervertebral spinal spacer system includes a first portion of a modular spacer, the first portion having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an outer surface, and a second portion of the modular spacer, the second portion having an upper surface a lower surface, and an outer surface. The first portion is selectively engageable with the second portion. The first portion and the second portion each define an internal cavity extending from the respective upper surface to the respective lower surface.

Abstract: This disclosure presents a MITLIF procedure. The procedure uses a single incision on one side and pedicle screws are placed on that side and through the same incision a facet screw is placed on the opposite side using a series of jigs, and, for example, the hole cutter, drill, guide shaft and screw driver described herein.

Abstract: A system for delivering bone graft material into an interbody fusion device (IBFD) in an intradiscal space of a spine, the IBFD having an open-frame with a hollow interior and an opening through its proximal end communicating with the interior. Included is an elongate channel having a lumen extending therethrough, the distal end being in engagement with the IBFD to align the lumen with the opening through the proximal end of the IBFD. An adjustable block is movably attached to the channel, the block having plural chambers containing bone graft material, the chambers being individually sequentially alignable with the lumen. A plunger pushes graft material from each chamber, through the lumen and into the IBFD. A distal end of a tamper is configured to be inserted through each chamber and the lumen and into the IBFD interior for tamping graft material deposited into the interior of the IBFD.

Abstract: Disclosed are designs, methods and systems for manufacturing implants, implant components, features of implant components, and/or related tools using solid freeform fabrication or additive metals technologies.

Abstract: An orthopaedic joint replacement system is shown and described. The system includes a number of prosthetic components configured to be implanted into a patient's knee. The system also includes a number of surgical instruments configured for use in preparing the bones of the patient's knee to receive the implants. A method or technique for using the surgical instruments to prepare the bones is also disclosed.

Abstract: A arthroplasty trial tool for a human shoulder can include a handle, a first sensor, and a user interface. The handle can include a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first sensor can produce a first sensor signal as a function of a sensed shoulder condition. The user interface can be configured to display a first value as a function of the first sensor signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating a hip joint of a human patient, the hip joint comprising an acetabulum, the acetabulum being a part of the pelvic bone, and a caput femur, the caput femur being the proximal part of the femoral bone, said method comprising the steps of: cutting the skin of the human patient, dissecting an area of the pelvic bone on the opposite side from the acetabulum, creating a hole in said dissected area, said hole passing through the pelvic bone and into the hip joint of the human patient, and performing an action in the hip joint, through said hole in the pelvic bone.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing any surgeon, including those surgeons who perform a fewer number of a revision procedure as compared to a more experienced surgeon who performs a greater number of procedures, to provide an improved likelihood of a favorable outcome approaching, if not exceeding, a likelihood of a favorable outcome as performed by a very experienced surgeon with the revision procedure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing correction of one or more maladies or conditions of the spinal column of a living being. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an implant delivery instrument and an implant for use therewith. In one variant, the implant delivery instrument includes a non-detachable distraction member for distraction of the disc space and a track for slidable delivery of an implant to the distracted disc space. In another variant, the implant delivery instrument includes a detachable distraction member for distraction of the disc space and a track for slidable delivery of an implant to the distracted disc space. In the latter variant, the distraction member is co-implanted in the disc space with the implant.

Abstract: A milling module (60) for converting bone stock into bone chips comprises a shell (34) adapted for releasable attachment to a base module (32). The shell has an inlet opening (152) through which bone stock is introduced into the shell and an outlet opening (96) through which bone chips are discharged from the shell. A milling element (170) is moveably disposed in the shell between the inlet opening and the outlet opening for converting bone stock into bone chips. The shell includes abase (62) adapted for releasable attachment to the base module. The base includes the outlet opening and a lid (126) removably attached thereto. The lid includes the inlet opening of the shell. The base and the lid are collectively configured so that removal of the lid from the base allows the milling element to be accessed.