Abstract: A transverse connector includes a cross member connecting assembly, and first and second spinal rod connection members rotatably coupled to opposing end portions of the cross member connecting assembly. The cross member connecting assembly includes a first band slot defined therethrough and a threaded opening extending through an upper surface of the cross member connecting assembly and into the first band slot. The cross member connecting assembly includes a band set screw threadingly engaged with the threaded opening and movable relative to the first band slot.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and methods for delivering bone anchor assemblies into bone are disclosed herein. Use of these anchors or instruments can eliminate one or more of the steps in a conventional bone anchor installation procedure, improving surgical efficiency and safety. In general, a surgical instrument can include a handle assembly having an elongate shaft extending distally therefrom. The handle assembly can be configured to axially translate a carrier assembly that secures a stylet extending therethrough. Translation of the stylet can be made relative to a distal end of the elongate shaft. The surgical instruments can include various carrier assemblies for positioning the distal end of the stylet relative to the distal end of the elongate shaft based on a length of bone anchor to be installed by the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A rod reducer can comprise a reducing mechanism, a hinge mechanism, a handle mechanism and a bearing mechanism. The reducing mechanism can comprise a first elongate member extending along an axis to engage a bone anchor, and a second elongate member configured to slide along the first elongate member to engage a rod. The hinge mechanism can slidably couple the first and second elongate members such that the elongate members can translate against each other. The handle mechanism can comprise handles coupled to the hinge mechanism and configured to cause the first and second elongate members to translate relative to each other. The beating mechanism can be configured to permit the handles to rotate about the axis independent of the elongate members. Methods of using the rotating rod reducer can include rotating the handles out of the way of adjacent levels of a spinal column being simultaneously reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spinal implant structure. The spinal implant structure comprises a first part, a second part and at least one expansion arm. The second part is disposed on the horizontal orientation of the first part and does not overlap with the first part. The diameter of the first part is larger than that of the second part. One end of the expansion arm is connected to the first part, and the other end of the expansion arm is free end. The expansion arm includes a supporting arm. One end of the supporting arm is connected to the expansion arm, and the other end is connected the second part. The support arm includes a plurality of structure weakness. When the distance between the first part and the second part changes, the support arm bends from the structure weakness, thereby the spinal implant structure is expanded.

Abstract: Bone fixation systems include various combinations of stabilizing members, dynamic elements, fasteners, and locking mechanisms. Bone plates receive dynamic bone staples and bone screws. Other dynamic elements include elbow pegs, straight pegs, and wire pegs.

Abstract: A bone implant includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first portion extending between the proximal and distal ends having a maximum and minimum portion height, and a second portion extending between the proximal and distal ends having a maximum and minimum portion height. The second portion is connected to the first portion at the proximal end and the distal end and at least one of the first portion and the second portion is moveable relative to the other of the first portion and the second portion so as to transition the bone implant between a relaxed state wherein the first and second portions are separated by a first distance and a contracted state wherein the first and second portions are separated by a second distance different from the first distance. At least one of the proximal end and the distal end have the minimum portion height.

Abstract: Fastening devices for bone reconstruction that include a head portion; a centrally located rod having a length, a first end and a second end, the rod extending from the head portion at the first end of the rod; a plurality of threads extending around the centrally located rod; and a plurality of angled fenestrae residing within one or more of the plurality of threads to provide an angled fenestrated fastener for bone reconstruction. Computerized surgical systems, methods and equipment for fully-robotically implanting the angled fenestrated fasteners of the invention into a predetermined (i.e., premapped) bone with complete precision.

Abstract: A compression screw for applying compression at a bone joint. The compression screw includes an axial screw body extending from a distal end to a proximal end with the distal end including a series of bone engaging threads configured to be self-drilling and self-tapping and the proximal end including a head which defines a radially extending shoulder. At least one proximal rotary cutting structure is defined proximally of the bone engaging threads. The at least one proximal rotary cutting structure is configured to be self-drilling such that a proximal portion of the axial screw body cuts into and advances within a bone of the bone joint as the axial screw body is advanced. A method of inserting the compression screw is also provided.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and methods for delivering bone anchor assemblies into bone are disclosed herein. Use of these anchors or instruments can eliminate one or more of the steps in a conventional bone anchor installation procedure, improving surgical efficiency and safety. In general, a surgical instrument can include a handle assembly having an elongate shaft extending distally therefrom. The handle assembly can be configured to axially translate a stylet extending therethrough relative to a bone anchor assembly coupled to the elongate shaft, and it can be configured to move the stylet proximally in response to distal advancement of a bone anchor assembly into bone. The surgical instruments can include various mechanisms for adjusting the position of the stylet.

Abstract: A method for controlling an output of an energy module of a modular energy system is disclosed. The modular energy system includes a header module, the energy module, and a secondary module communicably coupled together. The energy module configured to provide an output driving an energy modality deliverable by a surgical instrument connected thereto. The method includes causing the energy module to provide the output driving the energy modality delivered by the surgical instrument; sensing a parameter associated with the secondary module; receiving the parameter as sensed by the secondary module at the energy module; and adjusting the output of the energy module from a first state to a second state according to the received parameter.

Abstract: A cryosurgical probe assembly including a cryosurgical probe having a shaft, an insulation element housed within the cryosurgical probe and being slideably repositionable relative to the shaft, and a fluid supply line having an inlet portion for connection to a cryogenic fluid source.

Abstract: A cryoprobe having a working tip formed of two coaxial flexible internal and external tubular lines, wherein the cross-section diameter of the internal line is substantially smaller than the cross-section diameter of the external line, and the length is slightly smaller than the length of the external line. The external line ends with a top closing the working tip of the cryoprobe, while the end of the internal line is open, and there are openings evenly distributed across the circumference on at least half of the section of the internal line. On the section from the handle to the end located under the top, a resistance wire is spirally wound on the internal line, wherein the distance between the wall of the external line and the wall of the internal line is larger than the diameter of the resistance wire. On the external line, no further from the top located on the top of the working tip than ? of the length thereof, there is a temperature sensor connected to the handle by a power line.

Abstract: A method for anesthetizing a human patient undergoing surgery and/or pain block procedure, the method comprising sterilizing the patient's skin including a target region, the target region including a surgical site including the patient's spine; inserting at least one cryo-needle into a first tissue region, the cryo-needle having a distal end configured to cool surrounding patient tissue, the first tissue region comprising soft tissue superficial to the one or more vertebra and on a first lateral side of the patients spine; cooling the distal end of the cryo-needle to cause cooling of surrounding patient tissue thus inhibiting one or more sensory nerves in the surrounding patient tissue; thereafter, performing spinal surgery on the patient's spine at the surgical site; and, thereafter, performing an erector spinae plane block to further inhibit nerves post-operatively in the target region.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways.

Abstract: A method for constructing a modular surgical system is disclosed. The method comprises providing a header module comprising a first power backplane segment, providing a surgical module comprising a second power backplane segment, assembling the header module and the surgical module to electrically couple the first power backplane segment and the second power backplane segment to each other to form a power backplane, and applying power to the surgical module through the power backplane.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes a power supply configured to output a DC waveform, a current or voltage source coupled to the power supply and a power converter coupled to the current or voltage source, the power converter including at least one power switching element and a power inductor having an inductance value during switching of the at least one power switching element. The electrosurgical generator further includes a zero voltage switching (ZVS) inducing circuit coupled to the power converter at a switching node, the ZVS inducing circuit including an inductor having an inductance which is greater than the inductance value of the power inductor of the at least one power switching element.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to a treatment system comprises a power supply apparatus and a treatment instrument configured to communicate electrically so as to perform an operation on a biological tissue. The treatment instrument includes an end effector that transmits a high-frequency current to the biological tissue. An ultrasonic transducer is disposed in the treatment instrument. The ultrasonic transducer generates ultrasonic vibration when a second electrical energy is supplied. The ultrasonic transducer delivers the ultrasonic vibration to the end effector. The power supply apparatus includes a processor that supplies the first electrical energy to the end effector with a first voltage waveform about which a crest factor is equal to or lower than 1.5 and controls output of the first electrical energy in a manner that the biological tissue is degenerated and coagulated due to flowing of the high-frequency current in the biological tissue with no discharge occurs.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated first shaft fabricated from thermally-conductive plastic material, an elongated second shaft, and opposing first and second jaw members each having a proximal end portion coupled to a distal end portion of the respective first and second shafts. One or both of the jaw members has a jaw frame and an electrically-conductive tissue sealing structure disposed over the jaw frame. The first shaft has a heat sink disposed therein configured to dissipate heat from the tissue sealing structure toward the thermally-conductive plastic material.

Abstract: A tissue removal system includes an electrosurgical generator including an active electrode port and a return electrode port, an active electrode device configured to connect to the active electrode port, and a return tissue clip configured to connect to the return electrode port. Another tissue removal system includes an electrosurgical generator including an active electrode port and a return electrode port, an active electrode device configured to connect to the active electrode port, and a return tissue harpoon configured to connect to the return electrode port. Another tissue removal system includes an active electrode device and a return electrode attachment configured to releasably engage the active electrode device.

Abstract: A tissue removal system includes an electrosurgical generator including an active electrode port and a return electrode port, an active electrode device configured to connect to the active electrode port, and a return tissue guard configured to connect to the return electrode port. Another tissue removal system includes an electrosurgical generator including an active electrode port and a return electrode port, an active electrode device configured to connect to the active electrode port, and a return specimen bag configured to connect to the return electrode port.

Abstract: A probe for resecting and coagulating tissue comprises an outer sleeve having a tissue cutting window and an inner sleeve having a tissue cutting distal end. And RF cutting region is formed at the distal end of the inner member and an RF coagulation region is formed on an exterior surface of the inner member immediately proximal to the cutting surface. A single power supply providing a single RF energy mode can be connected to both RF applicator regions to simultaneously cut and coagulate tissue.

Abstract: A tissue interface module has an applicator chamber on a proximal side of the tissue interface module and a tissue acquisition chamber on a distal side of the tissue interface module. The applicator chamber may include: an opening adapted to receive the applicator; an attachment mechanism positioned in the applicator chamber and adapted to attach the tissue interface module to the applicator; a sealing member positioned at a proximal side of the applicator chamber; and a vacuum interface positioned at a proximal side of the applicator chamber and adapted to receive a vacuum inlet positioned on a distal end of the applicator. The invention also includes corresponding methods.

Abstract: Devices for therapeutic nasal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A system for therapeutic neuromodulation in a nasal region configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a shaft and a therapeutic element at a distal portion of the shaft. The shaft can locate the distal portion intraluminally at a target site inferior to a patient's sphenopalatine foramen. The therapeutic element can include an energy delivery element configured to therapeutically modulate postganglionic parasympathetic nerves at microforamina of a palatine bone of the human patient for the treatment of rhinitis or other indications. In other embodiments, the therapeutic element can be configured to therapeutically modulate nerves that innervate the frontal, ethmoidal, sphenoidal, and maxillary sinuses for the treatment of chronic sinusitis.

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

Abstract: A method of generating a patient-specific prosthetic includes receiving anatomic imaging data representative of a portion of a patient's anatomy. A first digital representation of the anatomic imaging data is defined. The first digital representation of the anatomic imaging data is modified. A second digital representation of the portion of the patient's anatomy is defined based on the modifying of the first digital representation of the anatomic imaging data. A patient-specific prosthetic template of the portion of the patient's anatomy is generated based at least in part on the second digital representation of the anatomic imaging data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer-implemented medical data processing method for determining a 2D-view within an acquired 3D-image-dataset of a patient, wherein the method comprises executing, on a processor of a computer, the following steps: a) a representation of at least one anatomical structure (2) of interest is identified in the 3D-image-dataset and registered with the at least one anatomical structure (2); b) the spatial position of the at least one anatomical structure (2) and the spatial position of a predetermined section of a medical instrument (1) are determined in real space; c) the 2D-view is determined within the 3D-image-dataset, wherein the view-plane of the 2D-view is defined on the basis of the spatial position of the medical instrument (1), and wherein the view-center (B) of the 2D-view is defined on the basis of the relative spatial position of a predetermined section of the medical instrument (1) and the at least one anatomical structure (2); d) the relative position of the de

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for carrying out image-guided medical procedures. In some aspects and embodiments, the disclosure provides systems and methods for improving the accuracy of such procedures, especially where multiple tools are used to carry out the procedure.

Abstract: A method of determining a position of an electromagnetic (EM) sensor. The method including generating a magnetic field, storing in memory an ultra-high definition (UHD) map of the magnetic field, and placing an EM sensor within the magnetic field. The method further includes sampling the magnetic field with the EM sensor at one point, conducting a global search of the UHD map of the magnetic field to identify a point in the magnetic field with the smallest difference from the point sampled by the EM sensor, conducting a local search of a portion of the UHD map in proximity to identified point to determine a new point in the magnetic field with the smallest difference from the point sampled by the EM sensor, and iterating the local search until the difference between the new point in the magnetic field and the sampled point is below a threshold.

Abstract: Navigation systems and methods for magnetic interference correction involve antennae that generate magnetic fields at different frequencies, sensors that measure the magnetic fields, and a computing device that uses sensor measurements to determine the magnetic interference and produce accurate sensor position and orientation information.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for manually and robotically driving a medical instrument. For example, a system can include a handle configured to receive an elongated shaft of a medical instrument. The handle can include a gripping mechanism for selectively engaging the elongated shaft, and an articulation input and configured for receiving user inputs of commanded articulation of the elongated shaft. The system can include an instrument drive mechanism configured to engage a base of the medical instrument. The instrument drive mechanism can include at least one robotic drive output configured to engage a robotic drive input of the base to cause articulation of the elongated shaft based on the user inputs received at the articulation input, and a first connector configured to removably couple the instrument drive mechanism to an instrument positioning device.

Abstract: An active detection self-propelled artificial intelligence surgery navigation cart applied in medical institutes includes a cart body, a control unit, a signal transmission unit, a detection unit, a robotic arm and/or an optical navigation host. The cart can travel to a designated place or follow a counterpart (based on a stored map path) according to a predetermined schedule or an inputted instruction, or the cart can be controlled by an external remote control system or a counterpart to be followed, so as to achieve the effect of reducing the burden of medical staff while they are walking around, so that the medical staff can concentrate on the care of patients or improve the quality of surgical operations.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provide for facilitating registration and calibration of surface imaging systems. Tracking marker support structures are described that include one or more fiducial reference markers, where the tracking marker support structures are configured to be removably and securely attached to a skeletal region of a patient. Methods are provided in which a tracking marker support structure is attached to a skeletal region in a pre-selected orientation, thereby establishing an intraoperative reference direction associated with the intraoperative position of the patient, which is employed for guiding the initial registration between intraoperatively acquired surface data and volumetric image data. In other example embodiments, the tracking marker support structure may be employed for assessing the validity of a calibration transformation between a tracking system and a surface imaging system.

Abstract: An optical tracking system includes at least one tracking array for generating and optically transmitting data between 1 and 2,000 MB/s. At least one tracker for optically receiving the optically transmitted data between 1 and 2,000 MB/s is also provided. The tracking system is used not only for tracking objects and sending tracking information quickly but also providing the user or other components in an operating room with additional data relevant to an external device such as a computer assisted device. Orthopedic surgical procedures such as total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are performed more efficiently and with better result with the optical tracking system.

Abstract: Navigation systems and methods used to track objects moving in space. One navigation system and method employs trackers each having a light emitting diode that emits a colored light when obstruction of line-of-sight between tracking elements on the trackers and sensors or other errors are absent. When obstruction of line-of-sight between tracking elements on the trackers and sensors or other errors are generated, the light emitting diode is deactivated. Another navigation system and method employs trackers each having a light emitting diode that emits a colored light when obstruction of line-of-sight between tracking elements on the trackers and sensors or other errors are generated. When obstruction of line-of-sight between tracking elements on the trackers and sensors or other errors are absent, the light emitting diode is deactivated.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a first detector that includes a first array of pixels configured to detect light reflected by a surgical instrument and generate a first signal comprising a first dataset representative of a visible image of the surgical instrument. The surgical system also includes a second detector, comprising a second array of pixels configured to detect infrared radiation produced by the surgical instrument during a procedure using the surgical instrument and generate a second signal comprising a second dataset representative of an infrared image of the surgical instrument. The surgical system further includes a processor configured to receive the first and second signals, identify from the first dataset data representative of the surgical instrument, and identify from the second dataset data representative of one or more regions of the surgical instrument above a predetermined threshold temperature.

Abstract: An aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for generating a reference information item of an eye, wherein at least one characterization information item that characterizes a rhexis size and/or a rhexis position of a potential actual rhexis on an anterior capsular bag wall of the eye is input into an input unit of an ophthalmic surgical apparatus and, depending on the characterization information item, a reference rhexis is determined as at least a constituent part of the reference information item of the eye by an evaluation unit of the ophthalmic surgical apparatus, wherein the determined reference rhexis is optically displayed by an optical display unit of the ophthalmic surgical apparatus. The disclosure further relates to an ophthalmic surgical apparatus.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus according to one or more embodiments may include a display, an operation handle, an armrest, and a supporting mechanism. The supporting mechanism includes a supporting section that supports the display, the operation handle, and the armrest and a driver configured to move the supporting section in an up-and-down direction. The supporting mechanism is configured, upon transitioning between a first mode and a second mode, to move the supporting section by the driver in the up-and-down direction to move the display, the operation handle, and the armrest in an integrated manner in the up-and-down direction.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for docking medical instruments. For example, a medical system can include an instrument drive mechanism having a drive output that rotates and engages a corresponding drive input on a robotic medical instrument, a motor configured to rotate the drive output, and a torque sensor configured to measure torque imparted on the drive output. The robotic medical instrument can include a pre-tensioned pull wire actuated by the drive input. The system can activate the motor associated with the drive output to rotate the drive output in response to a torque signal from the torque sensor associated with the drive output in order to align the drive output with the drive input.

Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument comprising: a shaft; an articulation at a distal end of the shaft configured to articulate an end effector, the articulation driveable by a pair of driving elements; and an instrument interface at a proximal end of the shaft, the instrument interface comprising: an instrument interface element configured to drive the pair of driving elements, the instrument interface element displaceable over a displacement range, the pair of driving elements fast with the instrument interface element such that a displacement of the instrument interface element is transferred to the pair of driving elements; a tensioning mechanism configured to tension the pair of driving elements; and an alignment mechanism configured to set the displacement position of the instrument interface element to a predetermined alignment position when the end effector has a predetermined configuration, the alignment mechanism being independent of the tensioning mechanism.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for endoscopically-assisted percutaneous medical procedures. A method can include inserting a first medical instrument having an elongated shaft and a first position sensor into a treatment region of a patient through a natural orifice of the patient. A first position of the first medical instrument within the treatment region can be determined with the first position sensor. A target location can be defined within the treatment region that is distanced from the determined first position. A second medical instrument can be percutaneously guided toward the target location. The method can be performed on a robotically-enabled medical system.

Abstract: Provided is an information input apparatus capable of inputting rotation angles of three degrees of freedom. The information input apparatus includes: an outer shell section having a structure of a hollow sphere; a connection section attracting and rotatably supporting the outer shell section; and a rotation detection section configured to detect a rotation angle of the outer shell section. The rotation detection section includes at least one or a combination of two or more of an acceleration sensor, an angle sensor, and a magnetic sensor. The rotation detection section is arranged in a vicinity of a center of the sphere and configured to detect rotation angles of three degrees of freedom of the outer shell section. The outer shell section includes an opening section into which a finger of a user is inserted, and the rotation detection section is configured to detect the rotation angle when the outer shell section is manually operated by the inserted finger.

Abstract: A medical system includes: a slave having at least one moving part; an operation device having at least one operation part; and a processor that controls operations of the slave based on a conversion table that associates operations of the moving part of the slave with inputs of the operation part of the operation device. The processor is programmed to execute: acquiring user identification information of a user of the slave, slave identification information of the slave, and operation device identification information of the operation device, and generating and proposing the conversion table based on the user identification information, the slave identification information, and the operation device identification information.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides sterilization containers with features for sealing a volume against an ingress of contaminants. The present disclosure also provides a sterility breach detection system for detecting whether the sterilization container seal has been breached, which potentially could compromise the sterility of any contents of the container. Further, the present disclosure provides a controller system for detecting, tracking, and alerting a user to the state of a sterilization container, such as whether the container seal has been breached. The sterility breach detection system and/or the controller system may utilize a smart gasket to detect breaches in a seal of a sterilization container, and a controller in operative communication with the smart gasket may activate an indicator to alert a user to a detected breach in the seal.

Abstract: A strain gauge (10, 40, 50), a pressure sensor (20, 60), and an interventional medical catheter. The strain gauge (10, 40, 50) comprises a substrate (11) and at least two sensitive gages (1, 2) provided on the substrate (11), the at least two sensitive gages (1, 2) being arranged along two mutually perpendicular directions and sharing one ground port (3). The pressure sensor (20, 60) comprises an elastomer (21, 61) and the strain gauge (10, 40, 50) provided on the elastomer (21, 61). The interventional medical catheter comprises a catheter distal end and the pressure sensor (20, 60) provided at the catheter distal end.

Abstract: A sterile field encroachment indicator apparatus for a surgical lighting system includes one or more encroachment indicators, one or more sensor units, and one or more controllers. The encroachment indicators are configured to indicate encroachment of a predetermined proximity to a surgical lighthead by a foreign entity and contact of the encroaching foreign entity with the surgical lighthead. The surgical lighthead is configured to provide illumination in order to illuminate a surgical environment. The sensor units are positioned in the surgical lighthead, and are configured to sense proximity of the foreign entity to the surgical lighthead and the contact of the encroaching foreign entity with the surgical lighthead. The controllers are configured to control the encroachment indicators based on the sensed proximity of the foreign entity to the surgical lighthead and the sensed contact of the foreign entity with the surgical lighthead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring arm and a laser treatment apparatus including same and, particularly, to a spring arm for a laser treatment apparatus, which can provide an appropriate support force according to a change in the center of gravity of a link at an initial high rotation angle and at a low rotation angle during use, and a laser treatment apparatus including same. According to the present invention, a user fatigue degree can be reduced and accuracy of the apparatus when in use can be improved.

Abstract: A method is provided of cleaning trocars or cannulas and a lens of a scope by using a minimally invasive device including a rod having at least one sponge attached to an end thereof. The method includes inserting one end of the device through a trocar such that the at least one sponge is in contact with an inner surface of the trocar to thereby clean the inner surface of the trocar. The device is extended through the trocar such that the sponge is positioned within a body cavity. The sponge is used to clean the lens of the scope while the scope and the sponge are within the body cavity.

Abstract: A method of making a dental restoration has the steps of: determining a virtual space available for accommodation of a dental restoration for a tooth to be restored; retrieving a predefined virtual master dental restoration surface from a database; fitting the virtual master dental restoration surface in the space to provide a virtual outer dental restoration surface; creating a virtual inner dental restoration surface independent of a shape of the tooth to be restored; providing a virtual model of a dental restoration based on a combination of the virtual outer dental restoration surface and the virtual inner dental restoration surface; and fabricating the dental restoration based on the dental restoration model.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an aligner breakage solution that tests probability of aligner breakage at weak points. A method includes gathering a digital model representing an aligner for a dental arch of a patient, receiving material property information for a material to be used to manufacture the aligner, and analyzing one or more regions of the aligner. Analyzing a region of the aligner comprises simulating application of a load around the region, determining at least one of a stress, a strain or a strain energy density at the region, evaluating a strength of the aligner at the region, and determining whether the region satisfies a damage criterion based on the strength of the aligner at the region.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an aligner breakage solution that tests progressive damage to an aligner. A method includes gathering a digital model representing an aligner for a dental arch of a patient, and simulating progressive damage to the aligner. Simulating progressive damage for a region of the aligner comprises simulating, using at least the digital model, a sequence of loads on the aligner, determining an amount of damage to the region of the aligner for each load, and after each simulation of a load on the aligner, updating the digital model based on the amount of damage to the region of the aligner. The method further includes determining whether a damage criterion is satisfied for at least one region of the aligner and determining whether to implement one or more corrective actions for the aligner.