Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the pre-operative prediction of post-operative tissue function to assist a clinician in planning for and carrying out a surgical procedure. In particular, systems and methods that facilitate the pre-operative prediction of post-resection lung tissue function, thus assisting a clinician in determining the location(s) and volume(s) of lung tissue to be resected.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a surgical step or surgical procedure with visual guidance using an optical head mounted display are disclosed.

Abstract: A data processing method performed by a computer for judging implant orientation data representing an orientation of a first implant part relative to a first bone, the first implant part being part of an implant pair which further comprises a second implant part for a second bone, the implant pair being envisaged to be implanted in a patient, comprising the steps of: -acquiring the implant orientation data, -acquiring second implant orientation data representing the orientation of the second implant part relative to the second bone, -acquiring implant shape data representing the shapes of the first and second implant parts, -acquiring activity data representing at least one desired activity of the patient to be possible after implanting the implant, wherein each desired activity has an associated range of motion between the first bone and the second bone, -calculating a range of motion volume, which represents possible orientations between the first bone and the second bone over three rotational axes, from th

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices, and methods for planning a procedure for treatment of tissue in a patient's lungs. An exemplary method includes generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of the patient's lungs, displaying the 3D model of the patient's lungs, selecting a target location in the tissue of the patient's lungs as displayed on the 3D model, identifying a point on a pleural surface of the patient's lungs with access to the target location, determining an access path between the target location and the identified point on the pleural surface, calculating a risk of injury to intervening structures between the identified point on the pleural surface and the target location, based on the determined access path, and displaying the access path and the calculated risk of injury for the access path on the 3D model.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for pre-operatively planned shoulder surgery guides and implants. Pre-operative planning methods for designing glenoid implants and prostheses, particularly with patient-specific augmentation, based on considerations of multiple factors affecting the outcome of shoulder surgery. Methods of using surgery guides and implants, including adaptive glenoid implants, in patients undergoing shoulder surgery.

Abstract: A computer process including receiving first patient bone data of a patient leg and foot in a first pose, the first pose comprising a position and orientation of the patient leg relative to the patient foot as defined in the first patient bone data. The computer process may further include receiving second patient bone data of the patient leg and foot in a second pose, the second pose comprising a position and orientation of the patient leg relative to the patient foot as defined in the second patient bone data. The computer process may further include generating a 3D bone model of the patient leg and foot. Finally, the computer process may include modifying the 3D bone model of the patient leg and foot such that the plurality of 3D bone models are reoriented into a third pose that matches the second pose.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visualizing navigation of a medical device with respect to a target using a live fluoroscopic view. The methods include displaying, in a screen, a three-dimensional (3D) view of a 3D model of a target from the perspective of a medical device tip. The methods also include displaying, in the screen, a live two-dimensional (2D) fluoroscopic view showing a medical device, and displaying a target mark, which corresponds to the 3D model of the target, overlaid on the live 2D fluoroscopic view. The methods may include determining whether the medical device tip is aligned with the target, displaying the target mark in a first color if the medical device tip is aligned with the target, and displaying the target mark in second color different from the first color if the medical device tip is not aligned with the target.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optical topology detection and illumination. Embodiments provide an integrated system, and methods of operation thereof, where the integrated system includes an illumination system and an optical topology detection system, and where at least a portion of the spectral content of illumination light from the illumination system is within an optical detection bandwidth of the optical topology detection system, and where the operation of the optical topology detection system and the illumination system are interleaved to avoid crosstalk, such that the optical topology detection system detects the optical topology detection light when the illumination system is not emitting illumination light. The system may include, and control the operation of, an optical navigation system. The components of the system may be mounted to a rigid frame to maintain calibration.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to augmented reality navigation systems and methods of their use that, inter alia, address the need for systems and methods of robotic surgical system navigation with reduced distraction to surgeons. Augmented reality navigation systems disclosed herein enable a surgeon to maintain focus on a surgical site and/or surgical tool being used in a surgical procedure while obtaining a wide range of navigational information relevant to the procedure. Navigational information can appear in the augmented reality navigation system as being presented on virtual displays that sit in a natural field of view of a surgeon during a procedure. Navigational information can also appear to be overlaid over a patient's anatomy. Augmented reality navigation systems comprise a head mounted display comprising an at least partially transparent display screen, at least one detector connected to the head mounted display for identifying real-world features, and a computer subsystem.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed wherein a tracker is detected within a field-of-view of a localizer. In one example, a virtual line-of-sight boundary is generated based on the line-of-sight relationship between the tracker and localizer. Additionally or alternatively, a virtual field-of-view boundary is generated based on the field-of-view of the localizer. A virtual object is associated with a manipulator, a surgical tool coupled to the manipulator, or the tracker when coupled to manipulator and/or surgical tool. Controller(s) predictively determine whether a planned movement of the manipulator will cause a virtual collision between the virtual object and the virtual line-of-sight boundary and/or virtual field-of-view boundary. The controller(s) enable a response based on an outcome of predictively determining whether the planned movement will cause the virtual collision.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for registering a first anatomical structure (1) which is articulately coupled to a second anatomical structure (2), the method being constituted to be executed by a computer and comprising the steps of: acquiring second structure correlation data describing the spatial position of at least one correlation feature (3) relative to the second anatomical structure (2); acquiring coupling data describing a positional fixation (6) of the first anatomical structure (1) relative to the second anatomical structure (2), which is set by the articulated coupling (4) between the first anatomical structure (1) and the second anatomical structure (2); determining, based on the second structure correlation data and the coupling data, first structure correlation data describing the spatial position of the at least one correlation feature (3) relative to the first anatomical structure (1). The present invention further relates to a corresponding computer program and system.

Abstract: A method comprises displaying a surgical environment image. The surgical environment image includes a field of view image obtained by a first imaging system. The method also includes receiving alert information and providing an alert indication, based upon the alert information, within the surgical environment image by altering a portion of the surgical environment image.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system for a minimally invasive procedure involving a planned tool trajectory through a planned incision point into a patient. The robotic surgical system employs an optical end-effector (50) (e.g., a laser point or an endoscope), a RCM robot (40) (e.g., a concentric arc robot), and a robot controller (60). In operation, the robot controller (60) controls an optical pointing by the RCM robot (40) of the optical end-effector (50) to one or more markers attached to the patient, and further controls an axial alignment by the RCM robot (40) of the optical end-effector (50) to the planned tool trajectory as illustrated within a volume image of the patient based on a registration of the remote center-of-motion to the planned incision point as illustrated within the volume image of the patient derived from the optical pointing.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for use in a robotic surgical system includes an electrosurgical end effector, a housing configured to be operably coupled to an instrument drive unit, a shaft extending distally from the housing, and a wrist assembly coupled to a distal end portion of the shaft. The wrist assembly includes a first pivot member and a second pivot member having a proximal end portion movably coupled to the first pivot member, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to the end effector. The first pivot member has a pair of first and second distally-extending arms each defining a first groove configured to receive and guide a cable.

Abstract: A magnetic robot system is provided. The magnetic robot system comprises: a catheter having a first magnet coupling part provided at the front end thereof; and a mobile robot having a second magnet coupling part provided at the rear end thereof, and having a driving magnet, wherein the mobile robot is coupled to the catheter by means of magnetic force between the first magnet coupling part and the second magnet coupling part, and the magnetic force coupling of the first magnet coupling part and the second magnet coupling part can be released by rotating magnetic torque generated by the driving magnet because of the application of external rotating magnetic force.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for tracking the position of a target object. A marker arranged on the target object and an additional control marker are tracked by a tracking device secured to the robot arm. The control marker is arranged in a known specified three-dimensional positional relationship with the tracking device. During the tracking of the position of the target object, the specified three-dimensional positional relationship between the tracking device and the control marker is measured. In the event of a difference between the measured and the real specified three-dimensional positional relationship, a corresponding signal is generated depending on the difference.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for guiding a medical flexible shaft, in particular an endoscope shaft, to a body into which the shaft is to be inserted. The device includes a length-variable bridging device and a shaft receptacle connected to the bridging device for fixing the shaft to the bridging device. The bridging device prevents a vibration of the shaft at least at the bodily insertion orifice. The invention also relates to a medical endoscopy system comprising such a device. In addition, the invention relates to a medical endoscopy robot system including an endoscopy system of this kind. Lastly, the invention relates to a method for guiding a medical flexible shaft, in particular an endoscope shaft, to a receiving body. In accordance with the method the shaft tip is moved forwards and/or backwards to the receiving body.

Abstract: A surgical robot includes a fixed frame and a moving frame, each having an open space in a center region and may be formed as a partially open ring. The robot also includes three leg structures connecting the fixed frame and the moving frame, and enabling the moving frame to move relative to the fixed frame. The robot also includes a stabilizer for holding an anatomical structure in the open space of each frame. Each leg structure may include a linear component coupled to the moving frame, a rotary component mounted to the fixed frame, and a connector connecting between the two. Each of the linear component and the rotary component may have a rotary actuator that can be controlled by a computer. The robot may be controllable by a computer to assist a reduction procedure of long bone fractures or pelvis surgery.

Abstract: An instrument adapter includes a housing, a drive member, a nut, and a shaft assembly. The nut is threadedly coupled to the drive member and axially movable relative thereto. The shaft assembly includes a shaft and a link. The shaft extends distally from the housing and is configured to be operably coupled to an end effector. The link has a proximal end movably coupled to the nut and a distal end configured to selectively lock the end effector to the shaft assembly. The link is movable between a proximal non-locking position, and a distal locking position. The nut is movable between a first position along the drive member, in which the nut resists proximal movement of the link from the distal position to the proximal position, and a second position, in which the nut does not resist proximal movement of the link from the distal position to the proximal position.

Abstract: A user interface for a surgical system can include a display configured to output video images of a remote surgical site at which one or more electrosurgical instruments of the surgical system are deployed; and a graphical user interface configured to be output on the display with the video images. The graphical user interface may comprise a visual indication of a state of the one or more electrosurgical instruments that indicates a state of the one or more electrosurgical instruments being ready for activation to deliver energy or actively delivering energy.

Abstract: A system for use in surgery includes a central body, a visualization system operably connected to the central body, a video rendering system, a head-mounted display for displaying images from the video rendering system, a sensor system, and a robotic device operably connected to the central body. The visualization system includes at least one camera and a pan system and/or a tilt system. The sensor system tracks the position and/or orientation in space of the head-mounted display relative to a reference point. The pan system and/or the tilt system are configured to adjust the field of view of the camera in response to information from the sensor system about changes in at least one of position and orientation in space of the head-mounted display relative to the reference point.

Abstract: A system comprises a teleoperational assembly including an operator control system and manipulators configured for teleoperation by the operator control system. A first manipulator controls a first medical instrument in a surgical environment and a second manipulator controls an imaging instrument. The system also comprises a processing unit to display an image of a field of view of the surgical environment captured by the imaging instrument and determine a position of a distal portion of the first medical instrument in an image coordinate space. The processing unit determines an initial position for a first badge associated with the distal portion of the first medical instrument and determine a badge placement boundary for the image of the field of view. The processing unit also adjusts the first badge from the initial position to a display position within the badge placement boundary of the image of the field of view.

Abstract: Apparatus for imaging during surgical procedures includes an operating room for the surgical procedure and an MRI for obtaining images periodically through the surgical procedure by moving the magnet up to the table. The magnet wire is formed of a superconducting material such as magnesium di-boride or Niobium-Titanium which is cooled by a vacuum cryocooling system to superconductivity without use of liquid helium. The magnet weighs less than 1 to 2 tonne and has a floor area in the range 15 to 35 sq feet so that it can be carried on the floor by a support system having an air cushion covering the base area of the magnet having side skirts so as to spread the weight over the entire base area. The magnet remains in the room during surgery and is powered off to turn off the magnetic field when in the second position remote from the table.

Abstract: An instrument manipulator may comprise a frame comprising an outer shell and an inner frame, the inner frame being movably coupled to the outer shell. The instrument manipulator may also include a plurality of actuator outputs protruding in a distal direction from the frame and an instrument support feature coupled to the outer shell. The instrument manipulator may further comprise a latching mechanism, the latching mechanism being configured to move the inner frame, the outer shell, or both relative to one another, so as to operably engage the plurality of actuator outputs with a plurality of actuator inputs of an instrument supported by the instrument support feature.

Abstract: A method of replacing cables in a cable-driven surgical tool includes accessing a cable system of the cable-driven surgical tool, the cable-driven surgical tool including a shaft and an end effector operatively coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The cable system comprises distal and proximal cable portions extending within the shaft and adjoined by a releasable interconnect, the distal cable portion being operatively coupled to the end effector. The distal and proximal cable portions are disconnectable at the releasable interconnect, wherein the distal cable portion exhibits a first diameter and the proximal cable portion exhibits a second diameter greater than the distal cable portion. The distal cable portion is then removed and replaced with a replacement distal cable portion mated to the proximal cable portion.

Abstract: A bending mechanism includes: an elongated support member; a swivel that is pivotably connected to a distal end of the support member; a first link that can transmit a driving force applied at the proximal end, to make the swivel pivot with respect to the support member; a second link that can transmit a driving force applied at the proximal end, to make the swivel pivot with respect to the support member; and a connector that is provided on at least one of the first and second links and that can switch the coupled state of one of the first and second links when a pivoting angle of the swivel exceeds a threshold such that the permissible stress of the one of the links has become less than the permissible stress of the other.

Abstract: A trajectory guiding apparatus and one or more methods associated therewith for facilitating precision-guided alignment and implantation of a DBS therapy device in a patient. A base plate and base frame combination provides a platform for a dual-stage slider (DSS) assembly comprising a bottom stage slider (BSS) table and a top stage slider (TSS) table that each have suitably sized apertures or orifices therethrough for allowing the passage of and securely holding an instrumentation column (IC) assembly whose translational movement (i.e., sideways or forward and/or backward directions along a translational plane) and pivotal/rotational movement (i.e., around a perpendicular axis orthogonal to the translational plane and extending through a pivot or fulcrum) are independently controlled by respective slide actuators in order to properly align the IC assembly to a desired trajectory.

Abstract: A trajectory guiding apparatus and one or more methods associated therewith for facilitating precision-guided alignment and implantation of a DBS therapy device in a patient. A pivotally rotatable stage is pivotally coupled to a base support and a vertical support operative to support a slider assembly arranged to accommodate an instrumentation column (IC) containing the therapy device. A first gimbal drive is disposed between the pivotally rotatable stage and the base support, wherein the first gimbal drive is actuatable to cause a first pivotal motion of the slider assembly including the IC, the first pivotal motion defined along a first arcuate path pivoted around a first pivotal axis.

Abstract: A trajectory guiding apparatus and one or more methods associated therewith for facilitating precision-guided alignment and implantation of a DBS therapy device in a patient. Orthogonally disposed first and second arcuate racks are independently actuatable by respective pinion drives, wherein the first arcuate rack is coupled to a base support and the second arcuate rack is operative to support a slider assembly arranged to accommodate an instrumentation column (IC) containing the therapy device. The first pinion drive is actuatable to cause a first curvilinear motion of the second arcuate rack including the slider assembly, the first curvilinear motion defined along a first arcuate path on a first perpendicular plane.

Abstract: A laryngoscope includes a curved blade including a proximal end, a distal end, and a first channel. The laryngoscope also includes a handle and a second channel. The handle includes a non-electric light source, e.g., a chemiluminescent light source. A catalytic agent in the chemiluminescent light source is activated by pressure on the chemiluminescent light source to generate light that transmits along the first channel. The second channel is disposed proximate and through the blade and configured to provide at least one of oxygen, suction, and an instrumentation into the proximal end and out of the distal end of the blade.

Abstract: A flexible operating room lighting system may be coupled to a wall, ceiling, or fixture of a facility. The lighting system can modularly accommodate multiple illumination arms and incorporate one or more microphone thereon, permitting the vocal control using a processor for hands free operations. The lighting system may include a speaker and a camera to facilitate two-way communications with a user to facilitate demonstrations for individuals undergoing tutelage in the particular facility's profession. The lighting system may employ a stand with wheels to facilitate modularity. Further, a cover with a transparent front end may be provided to be slipped over the lighting system and securing through a cover fastener. By providing each illumination arm with a jack, the illumination arm may be modularly assigned, replaced, sanitized. Thus, the present invention provides reliable sanitary measures while further facilitating a flexible operable device through the illumination arms.

Abstract: An illuminated suction apparatus including a hand-held surgical device combining a high-performance illumination waveguide with suction. This device would be useful in a wide array of various surgical procedures including open and minimally invasive orthopedics.

Abstract: A cannula can include a body with proximal and distal portions and a lumen extending through the body, the distal portion configured for insertion into a patient anatomy. An energy interface can be positioned in the proximal portion, and a light emitting device can be coupled to the energy interface and configured to emit light from the body. A system can include the cannula, a support structure, and an energy source. The support structure can include another energy interface that transfers energy to/from the energy interface. The energy source can be coupled to the cannula via the energy interfaces, where the light emitting device emits light from the body in response to energy received from the energy source via the energy interfaces. One or more cannulae can be used to illuminate the patient anatomy.

Abstract: Apparatus for imaging during surgical procedures includes an operating room for the surgical procedure and an MRI for obtaining images periodically through the surgical procedure by moving the magnet up to the table. The magnet wire is formed of a superconducting material such as magnesium di-boride or Niobium-Titanium which is cooled by a vacuum cryocooling system to superconductivity without use of liquid helium. The magnet weighs less than 1 to 2 tonne and has a floor area in the range 15 to 35 sq feet so that it can be carried on the floor by a support system having an air cushion covering the base area of the magnet having side skirts so as to spread the weight over the entire base area. The magnet remains in the room during surgery and is powered off to turn off the magnetic field when in the second position remote from the table.

Abstract: Knuckle joint assembly for a medical device support system. The knuckle joint assembly includes a cartridge assembly that includes a cartridge housing and a rotary bearing. The cartridge housing includes a bore having a central axis and a bearing mount in the bore. The rotary bearing is press fitted in the bearing mount and configured to receive axially therethrough a spindle to rotatably support the spindle about the central axis. The knuckle joint assembly includes a retaining clip and a retaining pin. The retaining clip is selectively movable to disengage and engage a groove in a spindle to respectively support or release the spindle along a central axis. The retaining pin is movable between a first position to allow movement of the retaining clip between positions but prevent removal of the retaining clip, and a second position to block movement of the retaining clip from the engaged position.

Abstract: A medical device support system adapter for connection to a load balancing arm of a medical device support system. The adapter includes a body having a central axis, a connection component at one end of the body and an interface at an opposite end of the body. The body is rotatably connectable to another component of the medical device support system. The interface is connectable to a hub of the load balancing arm of the medical device support system. The interface has at least two mounting bolt holes equally angularly spaced apart about the central axis such that the body is connectable to the hub of the load balancing arm in at least two different angular positions of the body about the central axis.

Abstract: A support arm for a medical device support system. The support arm includes a proximal hub, a distal hub, and an intermediate beam between the proximal hub and the distal hub. The intermediate beam having a cavity. A tension member extends through the cavity of the intermediate beam and is secured at opposite ends to the proximal hub and the distal hub to secure the proximal hub, the distal hub, and the intermediate beam together.

Abstract: A load balancing arm for a medical device support system. The load balancing arm includes a proximal hub, an adjustable bearing element, a support arm, a spring and a link. A distal end of the support arm is configured to support a medical device load and a proximal end is pivotably mounted to a main bearing element for pivotable movement about a main pivot axis. The spring extends within a cavity of the support arm and is mounted to exert a biasing force between the main pivot axis and a distal end of the spring. The link has a proximal end pivotably mounted to the adjustable bearing element for pivotable movement about an adjustable pivot axis, and a distal end pivotably mounted to the distal end of the spring such that the biasing force exerted by the spring is transmitted through the link to the adjustable bearing element.

Abstract: A clamping device includes a support base, a handle pivoted to the support base, a clamping unit including an upper jaw, a lower jaw and a slide respectively mounted in the support base, and a locking unit including a stop block and a locking bar respectively mounted in the support base. When the handle is pressed, the locking bar is driven to unlock the stop block for allowing movement of the slide, and then the slide is pushed by the handle to lift the lower jaw, causing the upper jaw and the lower jar block to clamp a side rail of an operating bed. When the handle is returned, the stop block is locked by the locking bar, so that the slide is positioned to prevent accidental loosening.

Abstract: A 3-dimentional strip for stripping a tooth is provided. Some or whole of at least one side of both sides includes a abrasive face to abrade an interdental area, an upper portion includes a predetermined thickness along a longitudinal direction, and a lower portion includes a thickness decreased toward an end of the longitudinal direction and increased toward the other end of the longitudinal direction. The thickness on the other end is greater than the thickness of the upper portion.

Abstract: In aspect, a multi-directional endodontic file in the present invention may include a non-cutting portion, a shaft and a plurality of thin cutting blades branching from the shaft toward different directions. More specifically, the cutting blades are branched from an upper portion, a center portion and a lower portion of the shaft. Comparing with conventional endodontic files having a relatively rigid cutting portion, the endodontic file in the present invention has a hollow structure with a plurality of thin cutting blades extending from the shaft, which conducts the cutting in the root canal more conservatively, and since each cutting blade extends toward different directions, each blade operates independently at different levels.

Abstract: In a method for closing a space between a first tooth and a second tooth, a pair of dental matrices is used. The pair of dental matrices is selected using a matrix selection tool, such as a gauge having a distal end section with color coded sections.

Abstract: A dental implant having a surface made of a ceramic material. At least a part of the surface includes recesses and cavities formed by removal of discrete grains having an average grain size from 0.1 ?m to 0.6 ?m and/or agglomerates of these grains from the ceramic material.

Abstract: A compression tool for performing a finishing procedure, within a bore hole formed within a human jawbone so as to serve as an implantation site for a dental implant, by compression and densification processes, comprises a tapered body portion, and a plurality of flute sections disposed the body portion, wherein, when the compression tool is rotated in a clockwise direction and simultaneously axially inserted into the bore hole, the plurality of flute sections, which comprise structure for continuously cutting bone material from bone mass surrounding and defining the bore hole formed within the human jawbone, for accumulating the bone material so as to prevent the bone material from being evacuated from the implantation site, and for immediately compressing the bone material, cut from the bone mass surrounding and defining the bore hole formed within the human jawbone, back into the bone mass surrounding and defining the bore hole formed within the human jawbone will compress, compact, and enhance the density

Abstract: A data set representative of a dental part to be fabricated is provided. The data set defines dimensional and mechanical characteristics of the dental part. First and second patterns are made by 3D printing. A first set of fibres is deposited on a top surface of the first pattern before the second pattern is deposited. The first set of fibres includes a plurality of first fibres oriented in a first set of directions by means of the data set. A second set of fibres is deposited on a top surface of the second pattern. The second set of fibres includes a plurality of second fibres oriented in a second set of directions defined by means of the data set. A third pattern is made from a third resin by 3D printing by means of the data set.

Abstract: A polymerizable dental composite material comprising (i) 70 to 85% by weight of an inorganic filler component comprising at least one dental glass and optionally at least one amorphous metal oxide, (ii) 10 to 30% by weight of a mixture of at least two different urethane (meth)acrylates, (iii) 0.01 to 5% by weight of at least one di-, tri-, tetra- or multi-functional monomer not being a urethane (meth)acrylate, (iv) 0.01 to 10% by weight of at least one initiator, of an initiator system as well as optionally of at least one stabilizer and optionally of at least one pigment, wherein the total composition of the composite material amounts to 100% by weight, as well as a polymerized composite material having a flexural strength of greater than or equal to 200 MPa and an elastic modulus of 15 to 20 GPa for producing indirect dentures.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for marking models for dental aligner fabrication. A method for producing a physical model of teeth including a three-dimensional marking includes receiving a first digital model of teeth in an alignment position and selecting a location for marking a physical model of the teeth in the alignment position with a three-dimensional marking, the physical model to be fabricated based on the first digital model. The method also includes generating a second digital model of the teeth in the alignment position based on the first digital model, the second digital model representing the physical model and including the three-dimensional marking at the marking location, and using a three-dimensional fabrication method to fabricate the physical model including the three-dimensional marking from the second digital model.

Abstract: A polymerization and tempering device (10) comprising at least one light source (60) which emits light in the visible and/or ultraviolet wavelength range, and comprising a fan (30), a light chamber (24) and with a door to the light chamber is provided, wherein the polymerization and tempering device is light-proof and the fan is arranged in an air channel (14) which extends through a housing (12) of the polymerization and tempering device (10) and in particular blows air behind at least the light source wall (56).

Abstract: An assistance system for dental treatment, particularly for changing tooth color, is provided herein, including a measuring device for determining tooth data. The data captured is transmitted from the measuring device to a data processing means. The data processing means includes a camera for capturing a tooth mage. Using a selection means, a color change level for the tooth image or the teeth is specified and, thereafter, the tooth image is adapted based on the selected color change level using an adaptation means. Thus, it is possible to show the patient an image of a color change of his teeth caused by the dental treatment in relation to the appearance of his face, so the patient can judge a color change in relation to his or her face.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for ligation. The ligation apparatus or band provides topical active agent(s) that alleviate pain during various ligature procedures. This invention also relates to a method that includes applying a loop or band around a body part for elastomeric ligation, whereby the band material supplies a topical active agent (s) to the body part to reduce the pain of ligation.