Abstract: A device, system, and method for ligating the left atrial appendage without creating pro-arrhythmic tissue. The device may generally include a snare including a thermally transmissive distal portion and a suture including a distal portion, both distal portions having a lasso-shaped configuration that may be positioned proximate the base of the left atrial appendage. Once the distal portions of the snare and the suture are tightened around the base of the left atrial appendage, the thermally transmissive distal portion of the snare may be activated to create an ablation lesion in adjacent left atrial appendage tissue. The lesion may be created with radiofrequency energy or through cryoablation by the circulation of refrigerant within the thermally transmissive distal portion of the snare.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for performing ablation of myocardial tissues are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of ablation electrode configurations to which nanosecond pulsed electric fields are applied. The methods relate to therapies to treat cardiac arrhythmias, such as, atrial fibrillation and scar-related ventricular tachycardia, amongst others. The affected myocardial tissues are ablated creating a plurality of lesions enabled by the nanosecond pulsed electric fields applied to either penetrating electrodes, endo-endo electrodes, or endo-epi electrodes. Different electrophysiological tests are performed to assess the application of nanosecond pulsed electric field ablation to specific desired tissue location within the heart. Test results show the potential to overcome limitations of current ablation therapies, thereby providing patients and doctors a superior treatment for cardiac arrhythmias.

Abstract: Ablation of cardiac tissue is carried out by inserting a probe having an ablation electrode and a plurality of microelectrodes into a body of a living subject to establish contact between two of the microelectrodes and target tissue, and energizing the ablation electrode. While the ablation electrode is energized impedances are measured between the microelectrodes, and the power level of the ablation electrode adjusted according to the impedances.

Abstract: A probe for ablating tissue of a body cavity includes a shaft, an inflatable balloon connected to the shaft, and an electrode structure on or surrounding the balloon. The balloon expands within the body cavity to place the electrode structure in contact with the tissues in the body cavity. Additional electrodes, which are housed within the balloon during insertion into the cavity, can be extended outwardly from the balloon to penetrate the tissues in the body cavity. The electrode structure and the additional electrodes are adapted to transmit electrical energy to tissue of the body cavity in order to ablate the tissues up to a predetermined depth.

Abstract: Example systems and techniques for denervation, for example, renal denervation. In some examples, a processor determines one or more tissue characteristics of tissue proximate a target nerve and a blood vessel. The processor may generate, based on the one or more tissue characteristics, an estimated volume of influence of denervation therapy delivered by a therapy delivery device disposed within the blood vessel. The processor may generate a graphical user interface including a graphical representation of the tissue proximate the target nerve and the blood vessel and a graphical representation of the estimated volume of influence.

Abstract: A method of automatically registering a surgical navigation system to a patient's anatomy is provided. The method comprises programming a surgical navigation system with a first spatial relationship between a surgical component and a reference array connected to the surgical component, programming the surgical navigation system with a second spatial relationship between an anatomical feature of a patient and the surgical component, installing the surgical component on the patient such that the surgical component engages the anatomical feature in the second spatial relationship, and locating the reference array with the surgical navigation system. The navigation system automatically recognizes the position of the reference array relative to the patient's anatomy.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for assessing an arterio-venous malformation (AVM) may include, for example, receiving a patient-specific model of a portion of an anatomy of a patient; using a computer processor to analyze the patient-specific model for identifying one or more blood vessels associated with the AVM, in the patient-specific model; and estimating a risk of an undesirable outcome caused by the AVM, by performing computer simulations of blood flow through the one or more blood vessels associated with the AVM in the patient-specific model.

Abstract: The invention relates to a registration system (13) for registering an optical shape system to an imaging system with an imaging device (2) like a radiation C-arm device with a tracking device (4) like an optical shape sensing tracking device. One or more optical cameras (27) are used to detect position information of a tracked object to register the shape coordinate system with that of the imaging system. The optical cameras are pre-calibrated with the imaging system, so that the detected position information in the camera system can directly be translated to the imaging system.

Abstract: An electromagnetic (“EM”) tracking configuration system employs an EM quality assurance (“EMQA”) (30) and EM data coordination (“DC”) system (70). For the EMQA system (30), an EM sensor block (40) includes EM sensor(s) (22) positioned and oriented to represent a simulated electromagnetic tracking of interventional tool(s) inserted through electromagnetic sensor block (40) into an anatomical region. As an EM field generator (20) generates an EM field (21) encircling EM sensor(s) (22), an EMQA workstation (50) tests an EM tracking accuracy of an insertion of the interventional tool(s) through the EM sensor block (40) into the anatomical region.

Abstract: An array of sensors may be used to perform touchless registration of landmarks of a patient's face before an ENT procedure in order to associate those landmarks with pre-operative images in three-dimensional space, which is required for image guided surgery features such as navigation. Touchless or light-touch registration may improve accuracy by avoiding the need for substantial pressing against a patient's skin, which may deform and thereby introduce erroneous registration data. A sensor may also be implemented in forms other than an array such as handheld probe having a single sensor as opposed to an array.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for use in electronic guidance systems for surgical navigation. A sensor is provided with an optical sensor and an inclinometer (e.g. accelerometer or other inclination measuring sensor) and communicates measurements of patient inclination to an inter-operative computing unit. A registration device is useful to construct a registration coordinate frame. The direction of gravity may be used to construct the registration coordinate frame such as determined from inclination measurements.

Abstract: Devices and methods for temporarily affixing a surgical apparatus to a bony structure. The temporary mount includes a base member having a top face configured to be impacted by an insertion device and a plurality of elongated prongs extending downwardly from the base member and configured to engage a bony structure. The prongs are separated a distance from one another, and the prongs are configured to move inwardly toward one another when driven downward into the bony structure.

Abstract: A hyperspectral imaging apparatus and methods for performing hyperspectral imaging of a surgical field, involving: an external optical imaging device for externally imaging internal tissue through a surgical access port, the access port having a port wall having a light-diffusing surface texture, whereby reflectance of the port wall is decreasable, and the external optical imaging device having an illuminated exoscope, the illuminated exoscope having: a longitudinal housing; an optical imaging assembly provided within the longitudinal housing; an imaging camera interfaced with the optical imaging assembly for detecting images collected by the optical imaging assembly; and one or more illumination sources supported by the longitudinal housing, wherein an illumination axis associated with each illumination source is offset from an imaging axis of the optical imaging assembly; a remote light source; a spectral filtering device in optical communication with the remote light source; and a light guide having a prox

Abstract: A system to control the interaction between a user-interface of a teleoperated surgical system and an input device of the teleoperated surgical system, the system comprising a first master controller communicatively coupled to the teleoperated surgical system, a feedback control communicatively coupled to the first master controller, and a display device communicatively coupled to the teleoperated surgical system and configured to display the user interface. The feedback control is configured to restrict the movement of the first master controller based on a state of the user interface changing from a previous state.

Abstract: Robotic surgical tools can incorporate a latching mechanism as a secondary fastener to maintain operable coupling between the robotic surgical tool and a mounting fixture of a robotic manipulator. Such robotic surgical tools may comprise: a tool housing, an elongate shaft extending from the tool housing, and a latching mechanism arranged on the elongate shaft. The latching mechanism comprises one or more retention tabs that are biased radially outward with one or more biasing members. The one or more retention tabs are configured to transition between a retracted state and a deployed state under influence of a biasing force supplied by the one or more biasing members. In the deployed state, the one or more retention tabs are positioned to engage an exterior surface of a mounting fixture of a robotic manipulator. In the retracted state, the one or more retention tabs are positioned to disengage from the mounting fixture.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes at least one robotic arm comprising at least one movable joint and an actuator configured to drive the at least one movable joint, and a controller configured to generate a first signal, the first signal comprising a first oscillating waveform having a first frequency and being modulated by a second oscillating waveform having a second frequency, wherein the second frequency is higher than the first frequency. The actuator is configured to drive the at least one movable joint based on the first signal to at least partially compensate for friction in the at least one movable joint.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a link of a counter balanced arm is disclosed including, a hollow housing with a cylindrical cavity having an open end and a closed end with a small opening to allow cables to pass through; a first pivotal joint near the closed end of the hollow housing; a second pivotal join near the open end of the hollow housing; a compressible spring assembly received through the open end by the cylindrical cavity of the hollow housing; and a plug coupled to the open end of the cylindrical cavity of the hollow housing.

Abstract: A surgical robot system is disclosed. The surgical robot system includes a handheld introducer and a flexible surgical device. A control unit includes a processor, and a memory that stores, among other things, machine readable instructions configured to be executed by a processor to control a flexible surgical device. The surgical robot system also includes an imaging device, and a tracking system. The processor is configured to generate guidance commands to control the flexible surgical device based on information relaying to the images of the flexible surgical device, and the position of at least on point of the handheld introducer.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes a drive housing having an input shaft arranged therein for rotation, an elongate shaft that extends from the drive housing, and an end effector operatively coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft. A cable band is coupled to the input shaft and operatively couples the input shaft to a drive cable that extends to the end effector. Rotation of the input drive correspondingly moves the cable band and thereby controls longitudinal movement of the drive cable to articulate the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a force sensor apparatus that is immune to noise from arcing cautery without relying on fiber optic strain gauges, and that is autoclabable. The surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft, the force sensor apparatus, a joint, and an end component. The force sensor apparatus includes at least one strain gauge that is enclosed in a Faraday cage. The Faraday cage includes a sensor capsule that includes one or more strain gauges, a cable shield tube connected to the sensor capsule, and an electronics enclosure connected to the cable shield tube. The sensor capsule is positioned between the joint and the shaft. The cable shield tube extends through the shaft to the electronics enclosure that is within the housing.

Abstract: A flexible-manipulator guide member is provided in an inserted portion of a flexible manipulator including the elongated flexible inserted portion, the movable portion disposed at the distal end of the inserted portion, a drive portion disposed at the base end of the inserted portion, and the elongated driving-force transmitting member that transmits motive power of the drive portion to the movable portion, and is provided with a lumen through which the driving-force transmitting member passes in the longitudinal direction, wherein the lumen has a twisted shape about the longitudinal axis of the inserted portion.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a handheld surgical instrument including a laser source configured to emit a laser beam for generating a laser marker on a surface, an inertial measurement unit configured to detect a motion of the handheld surgical instrument and generate a first signal including information on the motion of the handheld surgical instrument detected by the inertial measurement unit, and a movable platform for holding a controlled tool tip. The handheld surgical instrument additionally includes an actuator mechanically coupled to the movable platform, and a processing circuit configured to control the actuator to move the movable platform based on the first signal generated by the inertial measurement unit and a second signal generated by a vision unit based on a movement of the laser marker, so that the movement of the movable platform at least partially compensates a tremulous motion of the handheld surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a stop member is disclosed. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The first jaw member includes an upper tissue-contacting surface and a lower shelf portion. The shelf portion includes a groove disposed therein. The stop member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the first jaw member and is pivotable with respect to the first jaw member between a first position, a significant portion of the stop member being positioned external to the first jaw member, and a second position where a lower portion of the stop member being positioned at least partially within the groove.

Abstract: An anchor bolt fixation system for catheter probes and electrodes having different diameters. A removable reducing tube is provided for insertion into the lumen of an anchor bolt and an anchor bolt cap is provided for securing the reducing tube to the anchor bolt. A second anchor bolt cap is provided having a bore with a diameter generally equal the diameter of the lumen of the reducing tube.

Abstract: A surgical image pickup system utilizes an adjustable lens set and a complex lens set to change the direction of the incident light emitted from the light source and the position of the surgical site on which the incident light projects. The eyepiece and the sensor have the same field of view and the same optical axis such that first image generated by the sensor and a second image generated by the eyepiece are the same. The sensor transmits the first image to the external display for display by wireless communication. By means of the foregoing configuration, the second image which doctor utilizes the eyepiece to see and the first image which the external display displays are the same, thereby facilitating the operation of surgery.

Abstract: An immersive display for use in a robotic surgical system includes a support arm, a housing mounted to the support arm and configured to engage with a face of the user, at least two eyepiece assemblies disposed in the housing and configured to provide a three-dimensional display, and at least one sensor, wherein the sensor enables operation of the robotic surgical system, and wherein the support arm is actuatable to move the housing for ergonomic positioning.

Abstract: A surgical retraction system includes a frame and a universal joint coupled to the frame. A handle adaptor secures a surgical retractor to the frame via the universal joint. The handle adaptor includes an extension arm, a hinge, and a clamp. The extension arm comprises an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongated member is secured to the frame via the universal joint. The hinge is attached to the distal end of the extension arm. The clamp is attached to the hinge and is configured to receive and retain a handle of a surgical retractor.

Abstract: An instrument device manipulator (IDM) is attached to a surgical arm of a robotic system and comprises a surgical tool holder and an outer housing. The surgical tool holder includes an attachment interface that can secure a surgical tool in a front-mount configuration (where the attachment interface is on a face opposite of a proximal extension of the surgical tool) or a back-mount configuration (where the attachment interface is on the same face as the proximal extension of the surgical tool). The surgical tool holder may rotate continuously within the outer housing. In a back-mount configuration, the surgical tool holder may have a passage that receives the proximal extension of the tool and allows free rotation of the proximal extension about the rotational axis. A surgical drape separates the IDM and robotic arm from a tool, while allowing electrical and/or optical signals to pass therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at minimally invasive systems in which the proximal end portion of the working channel has either zero or a limited range of movement in the lateral direction. A first embodiment has a slidable collar attached to a pair of flanges, wherein movement of the collar is bounded by an annular frame. A second embodiment has a substantially spherical element attached to the tube. A third embodiment has a plurality of caps. A fourth embodiment is adapted for a larger working channel.

Abstract: A tray includes a plurality of rows, each of which includes a plurality of slots. Each row contains a plurality of screws. Different rows may contain screws of different types, e.g., lengths. Each of one or more rows contains a machine-readable object (e.g., peg) containing both: (1) machine-readable data representing one or more properties of the objects in the corresponding rows, and (2) human-readable indicia representing one or more properties of the objects in the corresponding rows. Removal of an object from a row is performed by reading data from the machine-readable object in the row and using that data to modify (e.g., decrement or increment) a count of the type of object contained in that row.

Abstract: A tailpiece for a dental valve device is disclosed which has a body having a valve receiving end, a hose receiving end, and a hose retaining section having a hose insertion section, an inclined section, a first flat section, a first tapered ring section having a central section, a second flat section, a second tapered ring section having a central section, and a third flat section.

Abstract: A system which has a static mixer and which contains a dental material. The static mixer has a mixing barrel that extends along a longitudinal axis and, accommodated therein, a cascade of mixing elements. Mixing elements have an outer diameter D of between 1.5 mm and 1.6 mm. The barrel has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the mixing elements. The system helps minimizing any residual dental material in the mixer and minimizing forces for extruding the dental material through the mixer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing pre-formed, customized, ceramic, labial/lingual orthodontic clear aligner attachments (CCAA) by additive manufacturing (AM) may comprise measuring dentition data of a profile of teeth of a patient, based on the dentition data, creating a three dimensional computer-assisted design (3D CAD) model of the patient's teeth using reverse engineering, and saving the 3D CAD model, designing a 3D CAD structure model for one or more CCAA on various parts of each tooth, importing data related to the 3D CAD CCAA structure model into an AM machine, directly producing the CCAA in the ceramic slurry-based AM machine by layer manufacturing, enabling the provider to deliver patient-specific CCAA's by an indirect bonding method to the patient's teeth to improve the efficacy and retention of the clear aligners.

Abstract: Disclosed are a dental barrier membrane for guided bone regeneration using a silk matrix and a method of manufacturing the same, wherein the dental barrier membrane is configured such that a silk matrix having a cross-section with a first thickness, produced from silkworms, is subjected to planar division into two or more silk matrix pieces having a predetermined shape with the first thickness. This dental barrier membrane is biocompatible, has superior tensile strength and porosity, and promotes the formation of new bone in bone defects, unlike existing dental barrier membranes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined model scanning and oral cavity scanning apparatus. The combined model scanning and oral cavity scanning apparatus includes an optical three-dimensional measurement unit configured to generate light, acquire intraoral shape information, and acquire model shape information, a data processor configured to generate three-dimensional tooth data, a data transmission unit configured to transmit the three-dimensional tooth data, a main body accommodating the optical three-dimensional measurement unit, the data processor, and the data transmission unit, and at least two intraoral scanning tips configured to be alternately detachable to the main body and provide light paths, wherein the at least two intraoral scanning tips includes a model scanning tip for scanning a dental model.

Abstract: Provided is an interdental cleaning tool which has a simple configuration and can effectively prevent an occurrence of breakage of a core base portion when inserting the interdental cleaning tool into an interdental space or during interdental cleaning without reducing productivity of the interdental cleaning tool, and provided is a method for manufacturing the interdental cleaning tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing structure for use in a driver apparatus of an electric cleaning appliance. The driver apparatus comprises a transducer assembly and a drive coil assembly within a handle housing. The transducer assembly comprises a transducer, a transducer frame and a transducer assembly fixing member. The drive coil assembly comprises a drive coil, a drive coil frame and a drive coil assembly fixing member. The transducer frame and the drive coil frame respectively comprise left and right frames disposed separate from each other. The handle housing is respectively fastened with the transducer assembly or the drive coil assembly via a first or second structural feature part in a way that one cannot move relative to the other. The transducer assembly and the drive coil assembly are connected via a third structural feature part in a way that one can move relative to the other.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a toothbrush head configured to brush teeth and a body releasably coupled with the toothbrush head. The body includes a vibration component configured to vibrate the toothbrush head, and an element configured to operate the vibration component. The apparatus includes an appliance brush interchangeable with the toothbrush head and configured to brush a dental appliance.

Abstract: An electric tooth brush is equipped is equipped with a water or other fluid dispensing jet function. The fluid is contained in a replaceable capsule inserted into the body of the tooth brush. The capsule contains antibacterial cleaning solution. The bristles are replaceable to enable the product of the invention to be long lasting. It has advantages over the standard electric toothbrush because of the water jet aspect, which gives a more thorough clean and eliminates the need for separate flossing by providing a flossing effect.

Abstract: An imaging system for a living organism is described and has a receiving device used to receive the living organism and formed with at least two receiving grooves, at least one micro-channel connected to the receiving grooves, and a plurality of magnetic cilia disposed on a surface of the micro-channel; a magnetic field providing device neighboring a first side of the receiving device to control an action of the magnetic cilia; a driving device neighboring a second side of the receiving device to drive a movement of the living organism and control a moving direction thereof; a liquid providing device in communication with the receiving device to provide liquid; and an image capturing device neighboring a third side of the receiving device to capture an image of the living organism.

Abstract: A doser including one or more cartridges for holding one or more products. The cartridge has a body defining a cavity for holding the products, a nozzle disposed on the body and connected to the cavity for dispensing the product from the cavity, and a piston arranged to move within the cavity to propel the product from the cavity into the nozzle. The cartridge also has a cap removably coupled to the cartridge for protecting the nozzle. Lastly, the doser has a dispenser for holding the cartridge or cartridges which actuates the piston, and removes the cap from the cartridge, so that the product is dispensed from the cartridge.

Abstract: An implantable medical device having enhanced endothelial migration features, generally comprises: a structural member including a leading edge and a trailing edge interconnected by a third surface region, the leading edge including a second surface region in a generally curvilinear cross-section, and the trailing edge including a fourth surface region in a generally curvilinear cross-section, whereby blood flow over the second surface region generate shear stress at the second surface region without an eddy region in the second surface region.

Abstract: A method for making a polymer with a porous layer from a solid piece of polymer is disclosed. In various embodiments, the method includes heating a surface of a solid piece of polymer to a processing temperature and holding the processing temperature while displacing a porogen layer through the surface of the polymer to create a matrix layer of the solid polymer body comprising the polymer and the porogen layer. In at least one embodiment, the method also includes removing at least a portion of the layer of porogen from the matrix layer to create a porous layer of the solid piece of polymer.

Abstract: Vascular devices and methods for addressing pathologies in the hemiarch of the aorta are provided. The device includes a main body and a secondary body. The main body has ends that are designed to be connected to corresponding ends of the native blood vessel. The secondary body has a free end and a fixed end that is engaged with an inner surface of the main body. The vascular device is movable from a retracted configuration, in which the secondary body is at least partially contained within the main body and the free end is on a proximal side of the fixed end, to an extended configuration, in which the secondary body is extended distally from the main body and the free end is on a distal side of the fixed end to address defects in the aorta downstream of the hemiarch.

Abstract: An arterial anchor device operably coupled by graft material to form an anastomotic connector is provided. The arterial anchor device comprises a generally tubular main body including a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end defining a plurality of flanges integrally formed with the tubular main body and being movable from a first loaded position to a second expanded position. The arterial anchor device is fluidly connected by a graft to form an anastomotic connector.

Abstract: A scleral belt with an elongate strap having a first end and a second end. The strap has a plurality of openings disposed near the first end. A loop is disposed near the second end of the strap. A frame may be pivotally attached at the second end. The frame supports a prong which is pivotally attached to the frame. The first end of the strap passes through the frame and the loop, and the prong engages with one of the openings to fix the position of the two ends of the strap. The operation of the improved scleral belt makes it easier to adjust the scleral belt to adjust the height and location of the “buckling effect.

Abstract: A method and system provide an ophthalmic lens including a lens body having a chamber therein, a reservoir module coupled with the lens body and an optical fluid. At least part of the lens body is flexible. The reservoir module includes a reservoir and a heat sensitive portion bordering the reservoir. The reservoir has a reservoir volume and is fluidically connected with the chamber. The heat sensitive portion has a shape responsive to a temperature of at least forty five degrees Celsius such that the reservoir volume changes in response to at least part of the heat sensitive portion reaching the temperature. The optical fluid resides in the chamber and the reservoir. A change in the reservoir volume flows a portion of the optical fluid between the reservoir and the chamber such that the flexible portion of the lens body undergoes a shape change corresponding to a base power change.

Abstract: This disclosure features artificial tympanic membrane graft devices and two-component bilayer graft devices that include a scaffold having a plurality of ribs made of a first material and a plurality of spaces between the ribs filled or made with the first material, a different, second material, a combination of the first and a second materials, or a combination of a second material and one or more other different materials. The bilayer graft devices have two components or layers. One component, e.g., the underlay graft device, can include a projection, and the second component, e.g., the overlay graft device, can include an opening that corresponds to the projection (or vice versa) so that the opening and the projection can secure the two layers together in a “lock and key” manner. This disclosure also features methods of making, using, and implanting the three-dimensional artificial tympanic membrane and bilayer graft devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described herein for use in the transvascular delivery and deployment of a prosthetic mitral valve. In some embodiments, a method includes inverting an outer frame of a prosthetic mitral valve when the valve is in a biased expanded configuration. After inverting the outer frame, the prosthetic mitral valve is inserted into a lumen of a delivery sheath such that the mitral valve is moved to a collapsed configuration. The distal end portion of the delivery sheath is inserted into a left atrium of a heart. The prosthetic mitral valve is moved distally out of the delivery sheath such that the inverted outer frame reverts and the prosthetic mitral valve assumes its biased expanded configuration. In some embodiments, actuation wires are used to assist in the reversion of the outer frame. The prosthetic mitral valve is then positioned within a mitral annulus of the heart.

Abstract: The present technology is a prosthetic heart valve device, and related systems and methods, for treating a native valve of a human heart having a native annulus and native leaflets. One embodiment comprises a valve support, a prosthetic valve assembly within the valve support, and an anchoring member. The device further includes an extension member coupled to the anchoring member and having an annular first portion coupled to the anchoring member and a second portion coupled to the first portion. The extension member is folded in a delivery configuration such that the first portion overlaps the second portion. When released from the a delivery catheter, the extension member unfolds such that the first portion extends radially outwardly from the anchoring member and the second portion extends radially outwardly from the first portion.