Abstract: A computer-implemented technique for generating a data set that geometrically defines a bone plate design is presented. A method implementation of this technique comprises visualizing, based on shape data of a bone, a bone model on a display device, deriving, responsive to a user interaction signal that is indicative of a user interaction relative to the bone model, plate design data representative of a plate-specific design property, and generating a data set that geometrically defines a bone plate design from at least the plate design data and one or more generic plate parameters.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a robotic arm, a constraint mechanism coupled to the robotic arm, and a computer system configured to control the robotic arm to constrain manual movement of the constraint mechanism to a plane. The computer system is also configured to control the robotic arm to lock the constraint mechanism in a desired pose when the constraint mechanism is moved to the desired pose via manual movement in the plane.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a synthetic (virtual) orthopedic treatment device (e.g. a virtual external fixator representing a physical fixator attachable to a patients anatomic structure) is displayed concurrently in two views (e.g. anterior-posterior and lateral) along corresponding digital medical images (e.g. X-rays), and rotation/translation user input received along one of the images is used to concurrently control both displays of the orthopedic treatment device to reflect the rotation/translation user input.

Abstract: A method of generating a correction plan for correcting a deformed bone includes inputting to a computer system a first image of the deformed bone in a first plane and inputting to the computer system a second image of the deformed bone in a second plane. Image processing techniques are employed to identify a plurality of anatomical landmarks of the deformed bone in the first image. The first image of the deformed bone is displayed on a display device. A graphical of the deformed bone is autonomously generated and graphically overlaid on the first image of the deformed bone on the display device, the graphical template including a plurality of lines, each line connected at each end to a landmark point corresponding to one of the anatomical landmarks. A model of the deformed bone may be autonomously generated based on the graphical template.

Abstract: A surgery assisting apparatus comprises: a distance measuring unit configured to measure a distance to an object in a body cavity; a hollow tube including a cylindrical portion to be partially inserted into the body cavity and a portion that performs distance measurement by the distance measuring unit, the hollow tube enabling distance measurement in a given position on a circumference at a predetermined distance from a major axis of the cylindrical portion; and a controller configured to control the position on the circumference around the major axis where the distance measuring unit performs distance measurement, such that approach of a medical instrument inserted into the body cavity to the object is sensed, wherein the controller controls the position on the circumference around the major axis in accordance with an advancing direction of a distal end of the medical instrument.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a medical probe tracking system includes a first probe, a magnetic field generator to generate a magnetic field, and processing circuitry to measure first electrical currents between body surface electrodes and first probe electrodes, receive magnetic position signals from a magnetic field sensor of a second probe, compute first position coordinates of the first probe in a first coordinate frame responsively to distribution of the first electrical currents, render an initial 3D representation of the first probe in the first coordinate frame and then compute a current-position map with respect to a second coordinate frame defined by the magnetic field generator, find a transformation between the first and second coordinate frames, apply the transformation to the first position coordinates yielding second position coordinates, and render a modified 3D representation of the first probe according to the second position coordinates in the second coordinate frame.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the present disclosure are used for guiding a medical instrument towards a target, the method positioning a medical instrument at a first location within a patient anatomy, wherein the medical instrument comprises at least one sensor, determining a first biomarker measurement using the at least one sensor, determining a second biomarker measurement using the at least one sensor, comparing the first biomarker measurement with the second biomarker measurement to determine a proximity to the target to provide a first comparison, and providing guidance for moving the medical instrument based on results of the first comparison.

Abstract: A guide sheath includes ports at a handle portion through which flexible endoscopic tools may be advanced until they emerge from corresponding ports at a distal tip of the guide sheath. The guide sheath includes a position sensor at its distal tip that is compatible with an image guided surgery (IGS) system, such that a virtual view of the distal tip's position relative to a surgical site may be presented by the IGS system. The virtual view may assist a surgeon in precisely positioning the distal tip at the surgical site, and then one or more flexible endoscopic tools may be advanced the length of the guide sheath for use at the surgical site. The guide sheath may also include an articulating portion at the distal tip that may be deflected in one or more directions in order to provide additional control over placement within the surgical site.

Abstract: A system for registering a luminal network to a 3D model of the luminal network includes a computing device configured to identify potential matches in the 3D model with location data of a location sensor, assigning one of the potential matches a registration score based on a deformation model applied to the 3D model, and displaying the potential match having the highest registration score.

Abstract: A system and method for providing enhanced information to a surgeon is described. A three-dimensional reconstruction of a patient's anatomical structure selected for surgery and a representation of a surgical treatment apparatus are rendered on a display device. At least one attachment metric for a proposed attachment between the surgical treatment apparatus and the patient's anatomical structure is calculated using the three-dimensional position of the surgical treatment apparatus relative to the patient's anatomical structure. And, an indication of the attachment metric is rendered on the display device.

Abstract: A medical device and its method of use includes a catheter, at least two electromagnetic sensing coils located within the distal tip of the catheter, and a multi-element planar ultrasound transducer array located within the distal tip of the catheter and configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic energy. The device also includes an imaging system coupled to the ultrasound transducer and is used for creating an image of tissue in a first target plane that extends orthogonally from the catheter body. The medical device also includes a backscatter evaluation system for use in receiving and evaluating the acoustic spectral characteristics of tissues within a second target area within the first target plane.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ablation system includes a probe to be inserted into a heart and including an electrode to apply radiofrequency (RF) power so as to ablate a myocardium, an RF signal generator, a tracking module to compute a relative location and orientation of the probe, and a processor to receive a signal from at least one user input device indicating an actuation of a serial ablation procedure including performing ablations at different locations of the myocardium, and control the serial ablation procedure so that for each ablation the processor is configured to check whether the relative location and orientation of the probe are steady, automatically compute an ablation duration, automatically control the RF signal generator to generate the RF power for the computed ablation duration, and render a user interface screen including a time indicator indicating a time remaining until an end of the ablation duration.

Abstract: A method for controlling a robot, which moves an ensemble that includes an arm and a tool, includes receiving from the robot, at one or more times, an arm-tracking signal, which indicates an arm-pose of the arm relative to a robot coordinate system (RCS) of the robot, deriving, from the arm-tracking signal, respective RCS-poses of at least one portion of the ensemble, relative to the RCS, at the times, receiving, from a tracking system, a sensor-tracking signal, which indicates a sensor-pose of at least one sensor, which belongs to the tracking system and is coupled to the ensemble, relative to a tracking-system coordinate system (TCS) of the tracking system, deriving, from the sensor-tracking signal, respective TCS-poses of the portion of the ensemble, relative to the TCS, at the times, registering the RCS to the TCS based on the RCS-poses and the TCS-poses, and, based on the registering, controlling the robot.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a medical robot system including a robot coupled to an end-effectuator element with the robot configured to control movement and positioning of the end-effectuator in relation to the patient. One embodiment is a method for removing bone with a robot system comprising: taking a two-dimensional slice through a computed tomography scan volume of target anatomy; placing a perimeter on a pathway to the target anatomy; and controlling a drill assembly with the robot system to remove bone along the pathway in the intersection of the perimeter and the two-dimensional slice.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for steering of a flexible needle into tissue using a steering robotic platform for manipulation of the needle shaft, and by use of a semi-active arm for locating and orienting of the steering robot on the patient's body. As opposed to other steering methods, the robot does not hold the base of the needle, which is its proximal region, but rather grips the shaft of the needle by means of a manipulatable needle gripping device, near its distal end. The needle gripper attached to the robotic platform may be equipped with a traction assembly to provide motion to the needle in its longitudinal direction, such that it co-ordinates the entry of the needle with the desired entry angle. The gripping of the needle at its distal end, close to its insertion point, provides the needle manipulator with a low profile, with concomitant advantages.

Abstract: A portable surgical robot includes a surgical device and a cart. The surgical device is coupled to the cart. The cart includes a chassis, a mount coupled to the chassis, a carriage pivotally coupled to the mount, and a set of wheels. The carriage includes a first bracket positioned at a first lateral end of the carriage and a second bracket positioned at a second lateral end of the carriage. A first wheel of the set of wheels is coupled to the first bracket and a second wheel of the set of wheels is coupled to the second bracket. The carriage is configured to pivot relative to the mount to prevent at least one of (i) rocking of the portable surgical robot, (ii) fluttering of the first wheel, (iii) fluttering of the second wheel, and (iv) tipping of the portable surgical robot.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system or simulator includes an input device, a display device, and a processing unit. The display device includes a representation of a surgical tool that is operably associated with the input device. The processing unit is in communication with the input device and is associated with the representation of a surgical tool to rotate the representation about a first axis of movement based on a scaled rotation of the input device about a first axis of rotation. In an aligned configuration, the input device is aligned with the representation about the first axis of rotation. When the input device is misaligned with the representation, the processing unit varies the scaled rotation of the input device to return the input device to the first aligned configuration until the input device is misaligned about the first axis of rotation a first predetermined offset from the aligned configuration.

Abstract: A manipulator system includes a manipulator configured for guiding an instrument. The system furthermore includes a controller configured to actuate the manipulator such that the instrument is pressed with a pressing force against a human body. A force reduction input device is provided separately from the manipulator and is operable by an operator to reduce the pressing force.

Abstract: A control arm of a robotic surgical system includes a member, a drive motor, a first joint encoder, and a controller. The member is supported about a first joint. The drive motor is operably coupled to the member and configured to rotate the member about the first joint. The first joint encoder is disposed about the first joint and configured to transmit position signals indicative of the position of the member about the first joint. The controller is configured to transmit control signals in response to receiving position signals from the first joint encoder, the control signals causing the drive motor to overcome friction associated with the motion of the member about the first joint.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling a robotic system includes receiving a signal in response to movement of an input device through an input distance, determining the position of a repositioning control disposed on the input device, and moving the tool of the robotic system in response to movement of the input device the input distance. The input device is coupled to an input shaft of an input arm. The robotic system moving the tool a first distance when the repositioning control is in a deactivated position and moves the tool a second distance when the repositioning control in an activated position. The first distance is greater than the second distance.

Abstract: A drape management assembly for a robotic surgical system includes a base portion and a grasping portion. The base portion is configured for connection to the robotic surgical system. The grasping portion extends from the base portion and defines a cavity therebetween. The cavity is configured to locate an excess portion of a drape which sheaths at least a robotic arm of the robotic surgical system.

Abstract: Invasive cardiology and radiology are widespread procedures that involve the use of X-ray radiations for imaging. During these procedures, the operators are exposed to a variable dose of radiation. It is shown that these professionals are among the most exposed to ionizing radiations. New studies have shown that brain cancers can be linked to these exposures. As these exposures are harmful to health, maximum protection is required to protect the patient and the staff. The current invention provides an improved protective shield to fully protect the staff in cardiologic, angiologic, and radiologic procedures. The present invention relates to a modified surgical drape that include a layer that absorbs the X-rays scattered from the patient's body during invasive angiology procedures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a holder for medical tubing. Specific embodiments find particular use in managing reagent replacement tubes which are often used in connection with various types of types of laboratory equipment. In a specific example, one or more magnets are associated with the reagent tubing. The one or more magnets are used to secure the reagent tubing to a portion of the equipment stand or base, the drawer, or any other magnetically responsive surface.

Abstract: Various implementations include a device for holding and supporting a medical instrument in a position. For example, the medical instrument may include a percutaneous procedure apparatus, such as a needle (e.g., biopsy needle, anesthesia needle) or needle holder. In some implementations, the device holds and supports the percutaneous procedure apparatus and liberates the procedure operator's hands from direct beam exposure, which lowers the risk of complications and radiation exposure to patients and procedure operators. The device also increases the effectiveness of the procedure by holding and supporting the apparatus in the intended position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a waste container comprising a port in communication with a tube where the port is configured to receive a fluid from an implement and the tube is configured to direct the fluid from the implement toward an absorbent material within the waste container.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a control device, a control method, and a surgical system that enable an operator to implement operation without a burden. A control unit controls a plurality of patterns of operations of a surgical instrument, and an acquisition unit obtains motion information indicating a motion of a user. Furthermore, the control unit controls the operations of the respective patterns corresponding to the motion information obtained by the acquisition unit in parallel using only a single operation performed by the user as a trigger. The present technology can be applied to a control device of a surgical system.

Abstract: A cannula system with a proximally mounted camera assembly, sensors or sensor pair component(s), radially fixed to the camera assembly and an image control system operable to rotate image data obtained from the camera for display on a display screen, to maintain an image in an orientation preferred by a surgeon even as the camera assembly is rotated radially about the axis of the cannula.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical system is configured to 1) access a plurality of surgical site scenes captured entirely outside a structure within a patient, each surgical site scene in the plurality of surgical site scenes being captured from reflected light of a different waveband of a plurality of wavebands, each waveband of the plurality of wavebands being reflected by structure tissue of the structure and non-structure tissue outside the structure; 2) detect a difference between spectral reflectances of each of the surgical site scenes in the captured surgical site scenes, and 3) identify, based on the detected difference between the spectral reflectances of each of the surgical site scenes in the captured surgical site scenes, pixels in the captured surgical site scenes that correspond to the structure tissue and pixels in the captured surgical site scenes that correspond to the non-structure tissue outside the structure.

Abstract: A surgical support apparatus for supporting and positioning a patient's limb or an instrument during surgical procedures. The apparatus consists of an adjustable structural component which houses a separate hydraulic system used for locking and unlocking the structural apparatus. The structural component includes three lockable joints and two rigid support arms. Each joint houses a hydraulic piston and a locking ring. Hydraulic pressure is supplied to the joints by an electric motor and pump and is controlled by an electric circuit, pressure sensors and valves. When hydraulic pressure is applied, the pistons are activated, locking the joints. Hydraulic pressure can also be released to unlock the joints through a user control circuit. The structural component also includes a universal rail clamp to attach the device to a support structure and a distal quick connect for attachment of accessory devices.

Abstract: A dental instrument for shaping an occlusal surface of a dental restoration includes a handle portion and an end member. The end member includes an elongated portion and a working end portion. The elongated portion is coupled with the handle portion and extends to the working end portion. The working end portion includes a concave surface shaped to be interfaced with a dental restoration material to shape the dental restoration material to form a convex occlusal surface of the dental restoration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the design and manufacture of a dental component with a surface, wherein a 3D model of the dental component is designed by means of a CAD unit and the dental component is manufactured by a CAM unit on the basis of the 3D model.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a dental strip with elastic characteristics. The dental strip can be used for dental restoration procedure, particularly for maintaining a dry and clean area for one or more teeth. The dental strip can include a strip of elastic material. The strip has an elongated body between a first end and a second end. The elongated body comprises an upper surface and a lower surface that extend parallel between a first edge and a second edge. At least one of the upper and lower surfaces having a first edge strip and a second edge strip situated respectively along the first edge and the second edge. At least one of the first edge strip and the second edge strip being used to stabilize the strip at a position between at least two teeth of a human.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for structures including bioresorbable alloy membrane (e.g., Mg-, Fe-, Zn-based alloy membranes that include calcium, strontium, and/or manganese), methods of guided bone regeneration, and the like. In an aspect, the membrane can be a periodontal mesh that is biodegradable, bioerodible, and biocompatible and has a life time (e.g., 1-4 months) in line with what is desired for such procedures.

Abstract: A biomimetic composite material includes a bioactive cement material, an autologous dentin matrix, and an inorganic nano-reinforcement material. A dental implant includes a body including a biomimetic composite material, wherein the biomimetic composite material includes a bioactive cement material, an autologous dentin matrix, and an inorganic nano-reinforcement material.

Abstract: A dental implant includes a crown socket for supporting a prosthetic tooth, the crown socket comprising a first longitudinal axis for supporting the prosthetic tooth in an anatomically correct shape; an abutment; and an implant post having a second longitudinal axis coinciding with a third longitudinal axis of an osteotomy; the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are not coincident.

Abstract: Copper electroplating baths include reaction products of amines, polyacrylamides and bisepoxides. The reaction products function as levelers and enable copper electroplating baths which have high throwing power and provide copper deposits with reduced nodules.

Abstract: Disclosed is a teeth cleaning apparatus, including a first liquid reservoir, a teeth cleaner, a connector, and a liquid conveyer. The teeth cleaner includes a teeth cleaner body and a second liquid reservoir that is fixedly connected to the teeth cleaner body and transmits a teeth cleaning liquid to the teeth cleaner body during teeth cleaning. The connector is separable from the teeth cleaner, and the liquid conveyer transmits the teeth cleaning liquid in the first liquid reservoir to the second liquid reservoir when the teeth cleaner is connected on the connector.

Abstract: Oral hygiene monitoring system is disclosed to track motion and orientation of an oral hygiene device. The control system may process data output from a motion sensor to determine position and orientation of an oral hygiene device with respect to a user's mouth. In some examples, the system may use machine learning techniques to identify position and orientation, brush stroke type, and other specific actions.

Abstract: A brushing system with a rechargeable toothbrush and associated charging components include a charging cup, a charging base, and a charger. The charging cup is seated on the charging base which in turn is engaged with the charger. The charger includes a universal serial bus (USB) receptacle that is configured to receive a USB header extending outwardly from the charging base. The charging base includes a first charging coil in a protrusion that extends upwardly from the charging base and into a receptacle in the charging cup. The charging cup includes a projection that is received in a recess of the toothbrush. The toothbrush includes a second charging coil that is brought into the proximity of the first charging coil when the toothbrush is placed in the cup. The toothbrush is charged by induction when prongs on the charger are engaged in an electrical wall outlet.

Abstract: A toothbrush (10) includes a brush assembly (16) with at least three bristle arrangements (12), each having opposing inwardly-directed bristles (122, 124, 126) for simultaneously contacting facial and lingual surfaces (52, 54), and preferably also occlusal surfaces (56) of the teeth (50). Flexible linkages (14), interconnecting the bristle arrangements (12), maintain a relative spacing between the bristle arrangements (12) while allowing variation of an effective curvature of the brush assembly (16) such that the bristle arrangements (12) can ride along, and conform to a non-uniform curvature of, the arch of teeth. The toothbrush (TO) preferably also includes an actuation mechanism (22) for generating to-and-fro motion of the brush assembly (16) along the arch of teeth, most preferably combined with a more rapid small-amplitude oscillatory motion.

Abstract: A container capable of housing an orthodontic retainer or the like, or any number of small enough items capable of being housed therein, comprising a top lid portion formed with first engaging surfaces, a bottom base portion formed with second engaging surfaces, said lid and base portions defining an opening of a size and shape to accommodate the passage therethrough of said item, said lid and base portions forming means for closing said opening, and said lid and base portions further defining the appearance of a drinking glass coaster or other recognizable product when said opening is closed, wherein said small items may include one or more of earrings, rings, athletic or other types of mouth guards, Invisalign products, dentures, and retainers.

Abstract: Packaging for prosthetic heart valves including an assembly for stabilizing dry prosthetic tissue implants such as heart valves during storage. The packaging assembly can be used for storing a bioprosthetic heart valve without a liquid preservative solution. The packaging assembly can have a valve holder configured for removably attaching a bioprosthetic heart valve, a storage tray comprising an open end and a cavity, and a retaining member configured for removably attaching the valve holder. The retaining member can be generally planar and have a slot having a closed end and an open outer end. The valve holder can be configured to be retained at the closed end of the slot in the retaining member.

Abstract: An esophageal atresia bridge device including a proximal anchor, a distal anchor, and a brace extending between the proximal anchor and the distal anchor. The brace permits the proximal anchor to move toward the distal anchor to apply a controlled tension that pulls the esophagus together and stretches the esophagus over time.

Abstract: A stent includes a fluid-permeable stent body having longitudinally separated proximal and distal stent ends. The stent body has inner and outer stent body surfaces. The stent body defines at least one longitudinally extending primary lumen and at least two longitudinally extending secondary lumens laterally spaced from one another with at least a portion of the primary lumen interposed laterally therebetween. The secondary and primary lumens all are at least partially fluid-permeable between the inner and outer stent body surfaces. At least one fluid-impermeable and longitudinally extending berm is located directly laterally adjacent a corresponding secondary lumen. The berm prevents fluid flow laterally between at least a portion of the corresponding secondary lumen and a space laterally opposite the secondary lumen beyond the berm. A method of using the stent in at least partially extending a superior landing zone of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is also described.

Abstract: A vascular graft that includes a biodegradable polyester electrospun tubular core; a biodegradable polyester outer sheath surrounding the biodegradable polyester tubular core; and a biodegradable poly(lactide) copolymer adhesive composition (i) disposed between the polyester electrospun tubular core and the polyester outer sheath, (ii) disposed between the polyester electrospun tubular core and the polyester outer sheath and on an outer surface of the polyester outer sheath, (iii) or disposed on an outer surface of the polyester outer sheath.

Abstract: Methods for whip-stitching soft tissue with a needle and a looped suture avoid placing the tissue graft through the suture loop, which also eliminates the need for passing a tissue clamp through the suture loop. The methods described herein can also include combinations of the techniques described.

Abstract: A double lead interference screw useful for securing a soft tissue graft inside a bone tunnel of a bone mass is disclosed. The interference screw has continuous independent double threads having uniform pitch, helix angle, and crest height throughout the threaded portions of the screw; a bulbous head; a threaded proximal section with a cylindrical root, a threaded distal section with a tapered root, and a threaded tapered distal tip. Methods for soft tissue repair using the double lead interference screw are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an anchor. The anchor includes a suture bridge having a proximal end and distal end. The distal end of the suture bridge has a thickness greater than a thickness of the proximal end of the suture bridge. At least two ribs extend from the proximal end of the suture bridge to a proximal end of the anchor. At least one open helical coil wraps around the at least two ribs and extends, substantially, from the proximal end of the suture bridge to the proximal end of the anchor. The at least one open helical coil defines an internal volume communicating with a region exterior to the anchor through apertures between turns of the at least one open helical coil. The at least two ribs are engagable with a grooved shaft of a driver.

Abstract: Reversibly deformable corneal implants for replacing excised corneal tissue, the implants including an optical portion and an anchoring portion having different mechanical properties from each other.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) assembly into an eye may be provided. In an exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a haptic optic management system. The haptic optic management system may include a housing. The haptic optic management system may further include a plate, wherein the plate is disposed within the housing. The haptic optic management system may further include a clip that engages the plate in the housing, wherein the clip comprises a clip body and a plurality of legs that extend from the clip body.