Abstract: A system for dispensing sterile covers for a stethoscope or other medical device, including a container including elongated members positioned in the container, terminating at tips proximate one end of the container; one or more collapsed pouches positioned inside the container, each pouch having open and closed ends and retainers, each retainer adapted to receive a corresponding elongated member, the collapsed pouches being supported on the elongated members; each pouch comprising a tab positioned proximate the open end for being grasped and pulled in a direction away and downwards from the elongated members, the open end forming an open position defined by the retainers and the tab for receiving a head of the stethoscope inside the pouch while the retainers remain engaged with the elongated members; after use, the pouch is removable from the stethoscope without a user contacting a patient contacting region of the cover.

Abstract: A removable tip for a light energy handpiece comprises a hollow conduit configured to surround a light guide in the handpiece; a support extension having a length longer than a length of the hollow conduit; and a shielding extension coupled to the support extension at an angle less than 180 degrees and located in front of the hollow conduit. The shielding extension is configured to be inserted behind an eyelid and extend to the fornix, the shielding extension comprised of a thermally insulative material.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes customized guidance devices in the form of guidance templates configured to fit over a given area of a patient's body and provide guidance during a tissue treatment or tissue removal procedure of that given area, which may include administration of an agent to a target tissue, target tissue biopsy, target tissue resection, or target tissue ablation. The customized guidance templates are generally constructed via an additive manufacturing process (i.e., three-dimensional (3D) printing) or subtractive manufacturing process (i.e., milling) based on a fabrication instruction file, which may include imaging data of the given area of the patient's body in which targeted tissue treatment is to be performed. The fabrication instruction file may further include additional data, such as the type of procedure to be performed (i.e., biopsy of the tissue abnormality, destruction or resection of the tissue abnormality, etc.).

Abstract: A light guide assembly for use with a retractor having a channel for slidably receiving an end portion of a light guide. The light guide assembly includes a light guide having the end portion for slidably inserting into the channel and retentor for releasably holding in position the end portion relative to the retractor.

Abstract: A releasable light carrier mounting frame includes an upper portion having a receptacle for receiving a light carrier. One or more clips are attached to the upper portion and engaged with an underlying surgical instrument to secure the light carrier to the surgical instrument.

Abstract: The invention involves a system and method for controlling the movements of a multi-axis robot to perform a surgery at least on the spinal area of a human in vivo. The system includes controls and software coding to cause the robot to move in desired patterns to complete the surgery, which may include bone, disc and tissue removal, and may also include insertion of hardware for fusing adjacent bony structures.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting a medical device is provided. The system includes a light source that generates light having at least one wavelength between about 100 nm and about 500 nm. The system further includes at least one cylindrical optical diffuser disposed in optical communication with at least one interior channel of a medical device, the at least one cylindrical optical diffuser having an outer surface and an end optically coupled to the light source. The at least one cylindrical optical diffuser is configured to scatter guided light through the outer surface to form a light diffuser portion having a length that emits substantially uniform radiation over its length.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns orthotic devices and related methods for treating complications of the masticatory neuromusculature, including, for example, temporomandibular disorder (TMD). In one aspect, the disclosure concerns an orthotic device for treating complications of the neuromusculature. In another aspect, the disclosure concerns a method for treating a patient experiencing complications of the neuromusculature. In yet another aspect, the disclosure concerns a method for: (i) finding a superior compressed position (SCP) of the jaw-joint, or a SCP range, wherein the neuromusculature is relaxed with the jaw-joint placed in the SCP range at least during occlusion, and (ii) designing one or more dental orthotic devices being configured to maintain the jaw within the SCP range during occlusion.

Abstract: An orthodontic system including one or more sensors configured to capture compliance data with reference to an orthodontic treatment and a controller coupled to the one or more sensors, the controller configured to control access to a media device according to the captured compliance data.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system for tooth repositioning comprising appliances that comprise polymeric shells, where at least one shell of the polymeric shells has an occlusal side opening such that a tooth receiving the at least one shell has its occlusal surface exposed.

Abstract: A detachable orthodontic bracket and wire system includes bracket bases, brackets, and an arch wire for guiding alignment of teeth. The bracket bases are positioned on a lingual surface and/or a facial surface of the teeth. Each bracket base includes a first surface, a second surface, and at least one first interlocking element. The first surface is rigidly attached to the lingual surface and/or the facial surface of the teeth. The second surface opposes the lingual surface and/or the facial surface of the teeth. The first interlocking element is attached to and positioned in a direction substantially perpendicular to or parallel to the second surface of each bracket base. The brackets include at least second interlocking element that interlocks with the first interlocking element. The arch wire is inserted through a slot channel of each bracket. The bracket and the arch wire are infused and rigidly anchored within enclosing layers.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket assembly may include a mounting plate configured to be coupled to a tooth. A bracket member may include a single tie-wing having a superior tie-wing portion, an inferior tie-wing portion, and a slot defined between planar side walls of the superior and inferior tie-wing portions. Each of the superior and inferior tie-wing portions may include a curved surface extending at a mesial end of the tie-wing portion and a distal end of the tie-wing portion.

Abstract: A semi-custom dental abutment is provided by capturing objective oral geometry of a patient's mouth without the need to use 3D scanning equipment, designing the semi-custom dental abutment based on the captured data and using abutment design software that has menus of discrete incremented design options such as rotational position, subgingival shape, and overall abutment dimensions, and outputting data representing the design for further processing to manufacture the semi-custom dental abutment. Aspects of the invention include the overall semi-custom dental design method as well as the semi-custom dental abutment design software used in the method.

Abstract: The present application relates to an abutment system (12) and its use. The abutment system (12) comprises: a soft tissue level abutment part (10) adapted to be attached to a bone level dental implant (40) by means of an abutment screw (56), wherein the abutment system is adapted to selectively support both a cement-retained final restoration (66) and a screw-retained prosthetic component (68; 70). The present application also relates to dental methods.

Abstract: An intraoral scanning apparatus has a mouthpiece and a transport apparatus that defines at least a first curved track within the mouthpiece. An image sensor is movable along the first curved track. A scanner is movable along the first curved track, scanning in synchronization with the image sensor and having an illumination source that has a laser light source and beam-shaping optics in the path of the laser light for forming a linear light pattern. At least one actuator is energizable to move the image sensor and scanner along the first curved track for image acquisition. A control logic processor synchronizes the scanner and image sensor for automated acquisition of surface contour data. A display is in signal communication with the control logic processor to process and display the acquired surface contour data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental machine tool, in particular a dental milling machine (10), having a tool (12) that is changeable in particular via a tool bank (16), and a workpiece holder (14) for receiving a workpiece such as a dental blank made of ceramic, composite or plastics material such as PMMA, and having a housing (24) which is closable during machining by the machine tool, and having a negative-pressure connection to the housing (24). At least one air nozzle (30) that is fitted on or in the housing (24) is directed towards the workpiece and/or the workpiece holder (14) and/or the tool (12) and/or the tool bank (16) and/or a pane of a front flap of the machine tool. Said air nozzle (30) is equipped with at least one electrode for generating an electric field in the region of the nozzle or in front of the latter, and at least one nozzle comprising at least one electrode is directed towards that side of the workpiece or of the workpiece holder (14) on which the tool (12) machines the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibrating toothbrush, and more particularly to a vibrating toothbrush enabled to perform toothbrushing for a running time, periodically output an alarm signal in a multisensory way to guide change of a region subject to toothbrushing, and supply driving power in the form of pulses according to a period, thereby reducing power consumption and rapid driving stress of a motor.

Abstract: Method and system for treating a patient using a compressible, pressure-attenuating device. According to one embodiment, the system is used to treat urinary tract disorders and can include one or more of an access device, a delivery device, a pressure-attenuating device, and a removal device. The access device may be used to create a passageway to an anatomical structure, such as the patient's bladder. The delivery device may be inserted through the passageway created by the access device and may be used to deliver the pressure-attenuating device to the anatomical structure. The removal device may be inserted through the passageway created by the access device and may be used to view the bladder and/or to capture, to deflate and to remove the pressure-attenuating device.

Abstract: A system and method for closing a fascial opening is disclosed. The system may include a strap that may be locked into each of a pair of anchors placed anterior to a muscle and on opposite sides of a fascial opening, one or more delivery tubes for delivering the anchors, and a needle for pulling the strap into each anchor. The method may include the steps of placing a dilating port through a skin incision, inserting an anchor through the dilating port, placing a strap into the body cavity, whereupon the strap may be pulled through the anchor. A second anchor may be placed on the contralateral side of the defect so that the strap may be pulled through the second anchor and cinched tightly closing the defect. The anchors may have a locking aperture that engages with the strap.

Abstract: A device for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the walls of a vessel in a patient's body, comprising: a filter element being expandable from a collapsed configuration when the filter element is restrained to an expanded configuration when the filter element is unrestrained, and an elongate support member, the filter being carried on a portion of the elongate support member, wherein the filter element has proximal and distal portions and a central portion, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximal facing opening, and wherein the proximal portion of the filter element comprises a radiopaque element in the form of a discontinuous loop extending around a portion of a perimeter of the proximal facing opening, the discontinuous loop having a gap and the gap being proximate to the elongate support member.

Abstract: Medical stent designs are disclosed. An example stent includes a tubular scaffold having a proximal end and a distal end. The tubular scaffold includes a first filament extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the first filament including a first biodegradable region positioned adjacent to a second biodegradable region. Further, the first biodegradable region includes a first biodegradable material, the first biodegradable material having a first rate of degradation. The second biodegradable region includes a second biodegradable material, the second biodegradable material having a second rate of degradation, wherein the first rate of degradation is different from the second rate of degradation.

Abstract: The devices and methods described herein include an implantable body lumen fluid flow modulator including an upstream flow accelerator separated by a gap from a downstream flow decelerator. The gap is a pathway to entrain additional fluid from a branch lumen(s) into the fluid stream flowing from the upstream flow accelerator to the downstream flow decelerator.

Abstract: A method of generating a patient-specific prosthesis 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 prosthesis is generated based at least in part on the second digital representation of the anatomic imaging data.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of surgical tissue reconstruction, such as for joint or ligament repair, and associated surgical constructs.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes 3D retinal tissue generated in a laboratory. The 3D retinal tissue is coupled to an engineered microelectronic chip. The 3D retinal tissue together with the engineered microelectronic chip enable retinal regeneration and vision restoration for patients with retinal cell damage. The engineered microelectronic chip sends electrical signals to specific parts of the 3D retinal tissue for stimulating and recording both the 3D retinal tissue and the cells in the patient's own retina. The chip may be absorbable or removable once connection is made between the 3D retinal tissue and the patient's own remaining retinal tissue.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting an intraocular lens in a patient's eye includes a light source for generating a light beam, a scanner for deflecting the light beam to form an enclosed treatment pattern that includes a registration feature, and a delivery system for delivering the enclosed treatment pattern to target tissue in the patient's eye to form an enclosed incision therein having the registration feature. An intraocular lens is placed within the enclosed incision, wherein the intraocular lens has a registration feature that engages with the registration feature of the enclosed incision. Alternately, the scanner can make a separate registration incision for a post that is connected to the intraocular lens via a strut member.

Abstract: Ophthalmic systems and methods of changing an optical power of an ophthalmic system are described. In an example, the ophthalmic system includes an accommodating intraocular device shaped to be implantable in an eye and an extraocular device separate from the accommodating intraocular device shaped to be removably mountable to a portion of the eye outside a bulb of the eye, such as an underlid portion of the eye. In an example, the method includes wirelessly transmitting power from a power source of an extraocular device removably mounted outside a bulb of an eye to an accommodating intraocular device implanted in the eye.

Abstract: An intra-annular mounting frame for an aortic valve having native aortic cusps is provided which includes a frame body with native leaflet reorienting curvatures and interconnecting points; the curvatures shaped to be received inside the valve below the native aortic cusps and to reorient the native aortic cusps within the aortic valve, where each of the curvatures extends concavely upward from a reference latitudinal plane tangential to each curvature's base.

Abstract: A delivery system includes an elongate shaft, a handle, a first clasp control member, a second clasp control member, and an actuator. The handle is connected to a proximal portion of the elongate shaft. The first and second clasp control members each extend into a distal portion of the elongate shaft, through at least a portion of the elongate shaft, out of the proximal portion of the elongate shaft, and through the handle. The actuator is coupled to the handle and has a first side portion connected to the first clasp control and a second side portion connected to the second clasp control.

Abstract: This application relates to methods, systems, and apparatus for replacing native heart valves with prosthetic heart valves and treating valvular insufficiency. In a representative embodiment, a support frame configured to be implanted in a heart valve comprises a main body formed by formed by a plurality of inner members forming an inner clover and a plurality of outer members forming an outer clover. The support frame can include gaps located between inner members of the plurality of inner members and outer members of the plurality of outer members. The inner clover can be radially inside the outer clover, and the outer clover can have larger dimensions than the inner clover. The support frames herein can be radially expandable and collapsible.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for sealing a native heart valves to prevent or reduce regurgitation comprises a spacer having one or more anchors. The spacer may also have atrial support structures, ventricular support structures, or both atrial and ventricular support structures In some cases, the spacer has anchors that attach to the leaflets as well as atrial and ventricular support. In some cases, the spacer straddles the annulus and is located by anchors, and in some cases the support structures can be implanted within the native heart valve. In some cases, the prosthetic device reduces the annulus diameter when implanted within the native heart vasculature. In some cases, the prosthetic device cinches the annulus when implanted within the native heart vasculature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heart implant, particularly being configured to reduce or eliminate a heart valve insufficiency after implantation into the heart, comprising a closure element (1) being configured to be positioned within the heart valve annulus, particularly being configured to close or at least to reduce a remaining gap between closing valve leaflets, an anchoring element (2) being attached to the closure element (1) for fixing the implant in the heart, preferably for non-invasive fixing by surface contact between the exterior surface of the anchoring element (2) and an interior surface of a heart lumen, preferably the atrium, wherein the closure element (1) and the anchoring element (2) are connected with a means (1a, 2a) for changing the relative position of the closure element (1) and the anchoring element (2) to each other. The invention furthermore relates to a method of treating a heart valve insufficiency.

Abstract: Thin, biocompatible, high-strength, composite materials are disclosed that are suitable for use in a prosthetic valve for regulating blood flow direction. In one aspect, the leaflet material maintains flexibility in high-cycle flexural applications, making it particularly applicable to high-flex implants such as a prosthetic heart valve leaflet. The leaflet material includes a coherent single layer and an elastomer, wherein the elastomer is present in the pores of the porous coherent single layer.

Abstract: A mitral valve prosthesis, a tricuspid valve prosthesis and a stent thereof. The stent is configured to support the heart valves of the mitral valve prosthesis and has a contracted configuration for delivery and an expanded configuration for deployment. The stent comprises, along its axial direction, an inflow section, a transition section and an outflow section, and the transition section is connected to the inflow section at one end and to the outflow section at the other end. When in the expanded configuration, the inflow section is located upstream of the outflow section with respect to the blood flow direction. The inflow section is less radially rigid than the outflow section and/or the transition section. Due to such a small radial rigidity, the inflow section can well adapt itself to the anatomy of the native mitral annulus.

Abstract: Artificial heart valves, their manufacture, and methods of use are described. Generally, artificial heart valves can be deployed to replace or supplement defective heart valves in a patient. These artificial heart valves can comprise a frame with an inner skirt and leaflets. These inner skirt and leaflets can be generated from regenerative tissue to allow integration of the tissue with the body of a patient, while the frame can be generated from bioabsorb able material to allow dissolution of the frame over time. This combination of materials may allow for the artificial valve to grow with a patient and avoid costly and potentially dangerous replacement for patients receiving artificial valves.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve for replacing a native valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end and a distal end, and a valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets, the valve assembly being disposed within the stent. The heart valve further includes a first plurality of elongated legs coupled to the stent and transitionable from an extended configuration to a relaxed configuration. A first sealing portion connected to the first plurality of legs forms a sealing structure when the legs transition to the relaxed configuration to reduce perivalvular leakage between the implanted valve and surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided, including a plurality of anchoring elements, each of the anchoring elements being an elongate element that is curved to define an opening. A housing holds each of the anchoring elements. A mandrel is reversibly disposable through the openings defined by the anchoring elements. The anchoring elements are configured such that, in response to removal of the mandrel from the openings, ends of the anchoring elements automatically move outwardly, and diameters of the openings decrease, due to elastic loading of the anchoring elements. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method for treating a heart valve comprises delivering a repositioning device to a ventricle of a heart. The repositioning device comprises an anchoring element and a band. The method further comprises securing a first end of the band to the anchoring element, extending a second end of the band to encircle and at least partially contact a first papillary muscle, tightening the band to cause repositioning of at least a portion of the first papillary muscle, and locking the band in place.

Abstract: There is provided herein a supra mitral device for mitral/tricuspid valve repair in a subject in need thereof, the device comprising: a main body portion having essentially annular D-shape with an eccentric opening, such that a posterior section of said main body portion is wider than an anterior section of said main body portion, said posterior section of said main body portion configured for coverage and attachment to essentially the whole section of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve which faces the left atrium on systole, thereby preventing and/or reducing mitral regurgitation, wherein said posterior section of said main body portion is made of a pliable material, adapted to stiffen after implantation of the device.

Abstract: A delivery system for an interventional device includes an elongate catheter body, a catheter shaft extending within the elongate catheter body and configured to releasably attach to the interventional device, and at least one flexible element attached to a distal portion of the catheter shaft. The at least one flexible element has an expanded configuration in which the at least one flexible element extends beyond an outer circumference of the elongate catheter body and a collapsed configuration in which the at least one flexible element collapses within an inner circumference of the elongate catheter body. The at least one flexible element is configured to act as a tactile stop when pulled proximally against the elongate catheter body and/or to fold over the interventional device to act as a retraction aid.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis implantation apparatus and related methods are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for imaging and/or treating brain tissue, having at least one acoustic window (10) which comprises a plate (1) that is transparent to ultrasonic waves, and at least one positioning marker (2) which facilitates positioning of a probe for generating ultrasonic waves so as to be aligned with said acoustic window (10).

Abstract: An intervertebral disc is provided having an upper plate, a lower plate, and a core. The upper and lower plates include outer vertebral body contacting surfaces which are provided with attachment enhancing features to ensure bone integration. The attachment enhancing features shown include one or more fins, serrations and teeth. An opposite surface of the plates from the vertebral body contacting surfaces is formed with a recess which serves as a bearing surface for the core. In order to form an intervertebral disc with a lower disc height, at least one of the recesses is provided opposite a corresponding dome shaped portion on the vertebral body contacting surfaces. This allows the plates to be formed with a thinner profile for a smaller overall disc height. In addition to providing a lower overall height to the artificial disc, the dome shaped portion of the plates also provides a more anatomically shaped outer vertebral body contacting surface.

Abstract: A medical implant includes a body and an identification assembly. The body includes a first material that is biocompatible, an inner portion, and an external surface made form the first material. The external surface completely contains the interior portion of the body such that the external surface is the only portion of the body exposed to an external environment. The identification assembly is fixed relative to the body. The identification assembly includes a radiopaque material forming a datamatrix. The identification assembly stores a readable data associated with the medical implant. The identification assembly may transfer the readable data to a scanning system.

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: 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: The invention relates to a total prosthesis for the shoulder joint. It is of the socalled reverse type with a concave component in the humerus and a convex component on the scapula.

Abstract: A pin placement instrument for placing a pin in a bone comprises an anatomical interface with a hook-like portion being opened in a lateral direction of the instrument to receive a bone therein in a planned position. A drill guide is connected to the anatomical interface and defining at least one guide slot in a longitudinal direction of the instrument. The guide slot has a lateral opening over its full length in the drill guide to allow lateral withdrawal of the instrument in said lateral direction with the pin placed in the bone passing through the lateral opening. A bushing is removably placed in said guide slot via said longitudinal direction in a planned fit, the bushing defining a throughbore aligned with the guide slot and adapted to receive the pin extending in said longitudinal direction when the bushing is in the guide slot for pin placement.

Abstract: A medical grade thermoplastic or polymer implant with an osteoconductive coating is provided, specifically for corrections of the distal and proximal interphalangeal toe joints of the foot. The implant can be either straight or angled, and can be either solid or cannulated for insertion. The implant is sized and shaped depending on the specific anatomy and desired correction. End portions of the implant may be coated with an osteoconductive coating that promotes bone growth, but may reduce radiolucency. Thus, a central portion of the implant may remain uncoated to increase radiolucency of the implant at the region where two bones come together.

Abstract: An intervertebral cage and intervertebral cage apparatus and a method for using the intervertebral cage and/or the intervertebral cage apparatus. The intervertebral cage can be any desired material including a memory material. The intervertebral cage apparatus can include the intervertebral cage and one or both of a variable volume pouch and a deployment cable. The variable volume pouch can be inserted into an internal volume of the intervertebral cage and affixed to the intervertebral cage. The variable volume pouch can be filled with material to achieve an expanded state. The variable volume pouch can assist in the deployment of the intervertebral cage. The deployment cable can be attached to the intervertebral cage and can include features to facilitate that attachment. The deployment cable can apply a force to the intervertebral cage to deploy the intervertebral cage, and can include features to lock the intervertebral cage in the deployed configuration.