Abstract: A method of tracking a medical device includes creating a patient profile; creating an operating profile with at least one identified surgical site; providing a tracking assembly including a reader with a scanner, a housing enclosing the scanner and a medical drape; placing a medical device having an identifier over the reader; scanning the identifier of the medical device to electronically record the medical device data; associating the scanned medical device data with the at least one surgical site; and using the medical device on a patient on the at least one surgical site.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus can include a robotic arm cart for transporting, delivering, and securing robotic arms to a surgical table having a table top on which a patient can be disposed. The arm cart can include an arm container and a base. The arm container can be configured to receive and contain one or more robotic arms. The arm cart can include a first coupling member configured to engage with a second coupling member associated with a surgical table such that, when the first coupling member is engaged with the second coupling member, the one or more robotic arms can be releasably coupled with the surgical table. The arm cart can provide for movement of the one or more robotic arms in at least one of a lateral, longitudinal, or vertical direction relative to the table top prior to the securement of the one or more robotic arms to the surgical table.

Abstract: A collapsible quiver (2) has an outer tube (4) and an inner tube (6). When extended the inner end (24) of the inner tube (4) engages the inner surface of the outer tube (6) so there is substantially no discontinuity of the inner surface defined by the first and second tubular members.

Abstract: Tissue expanders and their methods of use.

Abstract: The invention discloses an object developing and calibrating method in a surgical environment. The method mainly includes the steps of: using at least one infrared LED (IR-LED) and at least one infrared sensor (IR-Sensor) on a surgical eyeglass, to have a surgical environment image; and retaining image signals within a first wavelength range and removing image signals not in the first wavelength range in the surgical environment image. The method helps the surgeon see only the object images on the surgical eyeglass without the interference of non-surgical environmental imaging noises.

Abstract: A massage guiding device and a massage guiding method are provided. The massage guiding device includes: a main body (1); and an image recognition unit (2) and a projection unit (3) which are disposed on the main body (1). The image recognition unit (2) is configured to obtain an image of a person being massaged and determine massage information based on the image of the person being massaged. The projection unit (3) is configured to emit visible light according to the massage information as determined by the image recognition unit (2) so as to display the massage information on a body of the person being massaged. The massage guiding device is applicable in a massage process to solve the problems that unprofessional massagers cannot achieve desired massage effect due to lacking of massage information or due to incorrect massage information.

Abstract: An end effector coupler for a surgical arm can include a body, a proximal coupler, and a tool lock. The tool lock can releasably retain a tool stem to the end effector coupler. The tool lock can include a keyed opening, a pin bore, a pin disposed in the bin bore, a biasing element located in the pin bore, and a pin release including an actuator, the pin release operable to retract the pin into to the body to disengage the pin from the tool stem allowing release of the tool stem from the keyed opening.

Abstract: A surgical device for stabilizing tissue or positioning organs, or for positioning and holding surgical instruments and devices during a surgical intervention, includes a main body and a flexible arm. The flexible arm can be fastened to the main body, which can be brought into different positions and/or locations and which can be locked in a desired positioning by a tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism can be tightened and/or released self-actingly and/or by an energy source. In a locked state of the flexible arm, the tightening mechanism has a retightening reserve, and the flexible arm can be automatically retightened in order to maintain its locked state, in particular by an introduction of energy from the energy source or self-actingly, by utilization of the retightening reserve. A retightening mechanism for use in the surgical device automatically retightens a flexible arm when in a locked state to maintain its locked state.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a zygomatic implant dental drill installed in a dental handpiece includes a collar configured to seat on a neck portion of the dental handpiece, with an offset post extending from the collar. A first extension extends from the offset post parallel to the neck portion, and a second extension extends from the first extension. The second extension is oriented parallel to the zygomatic implant dental drill, extending from the first extension to be co-terminal and off-set from the zygomatic implant dental drill. By observing the travel of the second extension along a patient's face, a dental surgeon can guide the zygomatic implant dental drill inside the patient toward the patient's zygomatic bone.

Abstract: A processing device receives image data of an actual condition of a patient's dental arch at an intermediate stage of a multistage orthodontic treatment plan. The processing device compares the image data of the actual condition of the patient's dental arch to a planned condition of the patient's dental arch for the intermediate stage. The processing device identifies one or more clinical signs that the actual condition of the patient's dental arch has a deviation from the planned condition of the patient's dental arch for the intermediate stage of the multi-stage orthodontic treatment plan based on a result of the comparing. The processing device determines one or more probable root causes for the deviation based on the one or more clinical signs. The processing device additionally determines one or more corrective actions for the multi-stage orthodontic treatment plan based on the one or more probable root causes.

Abstract: A dental retainer including one or more of a retaining body having a plurality of dental impressions to receive teeth, a pair of passthrough openings to allow passage of one or more molars, premolars, and canines, and an aperture disposed adjacent the lingual surface of the incisors.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, implants including a biocompatible substrate, wherein the substrate includes a plurality of pores, such as trabecular and/or dodecahedral pores, and wherein said implant is configured as a transcutaneous implant. In some embodiments, provided implants may comprise multiple layers with differing pore densities, geometries, and/or distributions.

Abstract: The secondary part (17), for securing on and/or in a dental implant, is suitable for receiving a tertiary part. The secondary part (17) has a secondary-part body (22) with a recess (21) on the inside, and a secondary-part screw (20) receivable or received in the recess. The secondary part (17) has a screwing-in mechanism in the form of a contour for receiving a screwing-in tool for screwing the dental implant, connected to the secondary part (17), into a jawbone.

Abstract: An improved denture system is disclosed. An improved denture system has a support bar and an artificial denture base. The denture base has an oversize cutout and a corresponding cavity and the support bar has a plurality of reference posts which mechanically interface with the corresponding cavity so that the support bar is connected to the artificial denture base and provides reinforcement and stability to the denture system. The shape and position of the reference posts fully constrains the support bar in a fixed position with reference to the denture base. In one embodiment, the denture base snap-fits onto the support bar.

Abstract: A guide-sleeve is couplable to an oral surgical guide at a fixed rotational orientation, height, and angle with respect to oral anatomy. An implant delivery device, couplable to a dental implant, drives the implant into tissue of the subject by rotation of the delivery device about its longitudinal axis until the delivery device lockingly engages the guide-sleeve. When the implant lockingly engages the guide-sleeve, the implant is disposed in the tissue at a fixed rotational orientation, depth, and angle with respect to the oral anatomy, and any further advancement and rotation of the dental implant with respect to the tissue is prevented. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A 3D scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pattern generating device irradiating a light pattern to a subject and an imaging device receiving an omni-directional image of the subject to which the light pattern is irradiated.

Abstract: A device for tooth shade measurement comprising a housing, a handle and a measuring head, characterized in that said measuring head includes a hollow body extending along a longitudinal axis, said hollow body comprising a proximal end, a bent distal end relative to the longitudinal axis, said distal end being provided with a removable tip designed to come into contact with a tooth surface to be analyzed, at least one light source and image acquisition means, integral with the hollow body, said hollow body being adapted to transmit the light from said light source from the proximal end up to the distal end, and in that said device comprises an orientation assembly for mounting the proximal end of the hollow body in the housing so that the measuring head occupies different angular positions relative to the housing.

Abstract: A flexible support for a dental tool includes a distal holder configured to securely hold the dental tool which may be quickly released, the flexible support includes an anchoring member configured to fit within a tool recess of a tool cradle, the anchoring member includes a diameter that may decrease or increase depending on movement of a central member within the anchoring member that actuates displaceable members such that the anchoring member quickly conforms to grip sides of the tool cradle and quickly releases therefrom.

Abstract: A toothbrush, including a head portion, a handle portion, a locking mechanism configured to lock said head portion to said handle portion, a capsule including a motor assembly and power supply, the capsule being configured to be received within said handle portion, and at least one communication connection configured to enable said toothbrush to communicate with one or more external computing devices.

Abstract: A device with controllable switch terminal voltage, comprising: a switch signal unit for outputting a corresponding switch signal according to the state of a switch, wherein the switch is coupled between the switch signal unit and an output of a power supply; a biasing unit coupled to the switch signal unit for outputting a bias voltage to the switch signal unit; wherein when the switch is open and a conductive liquid and/or the stream of conductive liquid exists inside the switch, the biasing unit cooperates with the switch signal unit so as to control the terminal voltage of the switch and the current flowing through the switch. The disclosed switch design allows the switch terminal voltage to be less than 1V when the switch is opened, which greatly depresses the electrochemical reaction of the switch, thus prolonging the switch life, and avoiding the possibility of hydrogen explosion.

Abstract: Provided is a cleaning device for personal cleaning and care, comprising a cleaning device housing detachably connected to a handle housing, a bracket for supporting the cleaning device, a cleaning element carrier and cleaning elements distributed on the cleaning element carrier, a passive assembly, and a cleaning device transducer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical treatment for a disordered knee in a dog, the disorder comprising a partially ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL), a fully ruptured CrCL, or a displaced patella. The methods of treatment include surgical transection of the tendon of the popliteal muscle, which reduces the in-toeing of the paw as it lands on the ground. In vitro experiments suggest that neutralization of this torque can reduce by several fold tensile forces in the CrCL or its replacement, as well as in its surrogate, a lateral suture placed extra-capsularly.

Abstract: To increase the resistance to liquid and substance flow through a lumen of a tubular organ, a flexible apparatus is appended to an exterior wall of the tubular organ such that it only partially surrounds the tubular organ. Ultimately, tissue ingrowth through the apparatus integrates the apparatus into the wall of the tubular organ. When the apparatus is applied to tubular tissue, flow though the tubular tissue is restricted. The apparatus may also support an optional expandable component, e.g., a balloon-like element that can be selectively inflated and/or deflated to restrict the lumen of the tubular tissue by a desired degree.

Abstract: A soft tissue implant for correction of temporalis depressions or hollowing. The implant has a symmetric shape or external configuration, so that the device may be used as either a right or left temporalis implant. The implant may lie under or on top of the remaining temporalis muscle, or in the location formerly occupied by the temporalis muscle, to correct post-craniectomy temporal hollowing. The implant is manufactured from a medical grade, long term implantable silicone polymer material. The implant has a shell which forms the base of the device, with the base having an exterior surface and an interior surface with spaced projecting support structures. The implant is fully flexible or bendable.

Abstract: An implantable areal device for supporting defective musculofascial tissue mechanically and by regeneration of muscle and fascial tissue. The device is formed by a plurality of thread sections that define a plurality of void spaces. At least one of the void spaces is more than one-hundred square millimeters in area. A method for supporting defective musculofacial tissue mechanically and by in-situ tissue engineering that includes the fixation of the device by open surgical techniques to defective musculofascial tissue. As a result, this fixation immediately provides mechanical support of the tissue, and subsequently provides physiological repair by allowing regenerative precursor cells to infiltrate freely into the void spaces and to proliferate therein, leading to regeneration of volumetric amounts of functionalized musculofascial tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to packages and methods of using packages that provide a sterile enclosure for an implant so that the implant can be transported and retrieved without being contaminated. In one embodiment, the package includes an insert with an implant disposed therein and a tray. The insert includes a first engagement feature and the tray includes a second engagement feature corresponding to the first engagement feature. The insert is sized to fit within and engage with the tray through engagement of the first and second engagement features, where in a first position the implant is secured within the package and in a second position, the implant is retrievable from the insert. The insert moves relative to the tray between the first and positions, but remains secured to it in both positions.

Abstract: An anastomosis stent includes an elongated body of a tubular configuration having a length and diameter dimensions extending in axial and radial directions of the elongated body and in a transverse relationship to each other. The elongated body is formed by multiple rings stacked adjacent one another in a direction parallel to the length dimension. Each ring is a single strand of wire bent in a repetitive pattern of sine waves. Each sine wave defines an alternating peak and valley divided by a length dimension extending orthogonal to the length dimension of the elongated body. The rings are fused together at locations on selected pairs of adjacent peaks and valleys of the rings with the fused locations arranged in parallel rows. The elongated body includes main and end portion and a safety mark about the elongated body at the juncture therebetween.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a method of fabricating an artificial heart muscle (AHM) patch. In some embodiments, the method includes obtaining and/or isolating cells from a subject. In some embodiments, the cells are primary cardiac cells. In some embodiments, the method further includes forming a scaffold. In some embodiments, the method includes seeding the cells in the fibrin gel scaffold. In some embodiments, the method includes culturing the cells seeded in the fibrin gel scaffold under conditions appropriate for the formation of an artificial heart muscle (AHM) patch.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device for engaging surgical tethers used in surgical repair, allowing for near full load application to the tether without failure at the site of restraint in the holding mechanism, with economical construction, compact size, and manageable complexity, without sharp edges that will cut the polymer fibers, and without requiring expensive polishing. The holding mechanisms comprise a tether, an orifice sheath, and a restraint element. The tether forms a bight projecting from the orifice sheath, the direction of projection being opposite to the direction of functional pull on the tether, where the bight is formed from a continuous tether or from coupled tether ends, and the restraint element is a fusiform structure positioned under the bight of the tether and over an orifice in the orifice sheath.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens to be attached in or near an eyeball includes a first region that is near an optical axis; a second region that is farther from the optical axis than the first region; and a third region that is farther from the optical axis than the second region, the first region applies a first phase difference of 3 rad or more of a third phase difference with respect to the third region; the second region applies a second phase difference continuously connecting phase differences of the first region and the third region, and continuously changing in accordance with a distance from the optical axis; and the third region applies the third phase difference varying in accordance with the distance from the optical axis around a reference value, wherein a variation amplitude of the third phase difference is not less than 0.1 rad and less than the first phase difference.

Abstract: An intraocular lens is provided. The intraocular lens includes an optical part and an adjoining haptic part. The optical part includes an optically imaging element and a telescope, the entire telescope being integrally formed and being integrated in the optical imaging element. The optically imaging element has a convexly-curved front side and a concavely-curved rear side. Further, the optically imaging element is arranged as a single lens system.

Abstract: An expandable stent comprises a cylindrical wall made up of lattice members connected to each other, at least one first arm and at least one second arm. The first arm comprises: a first non-linear member that is connected at each of its axial ends to a lattice member at respective first junctions; a second non-linear member connected at each axial end to a lattice member; and at least one bridge member extending between the first member and the second member. The second arm comprises: a first non-linear member that is connected at each of its axial ends to a lattice member; a second non-linear member connected at each axial end to a lattice member; and at least one bridge member extending between the first member and the second member. The second member of the first arm is generally U-shaped, extending from its axial ends towards: (i) a first axial end of the stent; and (ii) towards the bridge of the first arm.

Abstract: Embodiments of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such embodiments can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some embodiments can include a sheath with inner and outer layers, where a folded portion of the inner layer extends through a slit in the outer layer and a portion of the outer layer overlaps the folded portion of the inner layer. Some embodiments include an elastic outer cover positioned outside the outer layer. Embodiments of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths.

Abstract: Systems for delivering prosthetic heart valve devices can include, for example, an elongated catheter body, a deliver capsule carried by the catheter body, and an expandable atraumatic member. The delivery capsule includes a platform and a housing having an outer wall and a proximal rim, and the platform is configured to be releasably coupled to a prosthetic heart valve device. The housing is configured to slide along the platform from a containment configuration to a deployment configuration. The expandable atraumatic member has an atraumatic surface and a peripheral portion. The atraumatic member has a compacted configuration and an expanded configuration in which the peripheral portion extends laterally outward over the proximal rim of the housing to protect tissue of the heart and the vasculature from potentially being damaged by the proximal rim of the housing as the delivery system is withdrawn in a proximal direction through the patient.

Abstract: A method is provided, including, during a percutaneous transcatheter procedure, placing an annuloplasty device entirely around an annulus of a mitral valve of a subject in a closed loop. The annuloplasty device includes a flexible sleeve, which is fastened to the annulus by coupling a plurality of tissue anchors to a posterior portion of the annulus, without coupling any tissue anchors to any anterior portion of the annulus between left and right fibrous trigones of the annulus. After (a) placing the annuloplasty device entirely around the annulus in the closed loop and (b) fastening the flexible sleeve to the annulus, a longitudinal portion of the flexible sleeve is longitudinally contracted. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is disclosed including an anchor unit configured to be permanently anchored at a cardiac valve of a patient, at least one locking unit, such as for fixation of tissue of the cardiac valve and/or fixation of at least a part of a shape of the anchor unit, and at least one coupling unit for connecting the anchor unit to at least one of the locking unit. The coupling unit has a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion is connectable to the anchor unit, and the second end portion includes the locking unit.

Abstract: A limb sparring system for replacing a portion of a radius, the radius being adjacent to an ulna, the system comprising a cutting guide including a cut guiding portion for guiding a saw when making a predetermined cut in the radius to excise the portion of the radius, an opposed ulnar mounting portion mountable to the ulna, and a linking portion extending therebetween; and an endoprosthesis configured for replacing the portion of the radius after the portion of the radius has been excised. When the cutting guide is operatively mounted to the radius and ulna, the cut guiding portion and the ulnar mounting portion engage respectively the radius and the ulna in a predetermined spatial relationship relative thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are implants with threaded inserts and methods for attaching the same to the implants. The threaded insert may define a first external dimension and include an internally threaded hole to receive a fastener. The implant may include a receiving hole with a proximal portion having a proximal diameter and a distal portion having a distal diameter. The distal diameter may be greater than the proximal diameter and substantial the same as the first dimension of the insert to secure the insert in the receiving hole. A method of attaching a threaded insert to a receiving hole of an implant with an insertion tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for use in a hip replacement surgical procedure. One aspect includes methods and devices for reaming selective regions of the femoral canal. This may include reaming distal and proximal sections of the femoral canal prior to reaming a middle region of the canal. Another aspect includes a dummy implant and methods of use. The dummy implant is inserted into the femoral canal and may be used for one or more of retraction of the femur, gauging a space with the acetabulum, and further revising the femoral cut. The aspects may be used together in a single surgical procedure or separately in different surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fused femoral stem system, including a curved short handle, a fixing mechanism and a femoral head prosthesis, one end of the curved short handle is provided with a conical connector, the conical connector is cooperatively connected with a conical connecting hole of the femoral head prosthesis, the other end of the curved short handle is inserted from the osteotomy surface of the femoral neck and stretches to the position of a medullary cavity below a small trochanter, and the curved short handle is connected and fixed with a large trochanter through the fixing mechanism. The present invention has the beneficial effects that, after the growing-in osseointegration with the sclerotin surrounding the proximal bone bed of the host after the surgery of the whole system, the mechanical influence on the retained femoral neck and the sclerotin in the vicinity of the large and small trochanters is substantially similar to the biomechanical state prior to the surgery.

Abstract: An implantable modular spacer device to treat an infected articular seat includes a stem element, a head or ball element, and coupling elements between the stem element and the head that include a plurality of elongated teeth, placed at pre-established distances from each other, and a plurality of housing seats for the teeth. An implantable spacer device to treat a bone seat or joint seat or for the two-step treatment of infections of joint prostheses includes a joint component adapted to be inserted in an articular zone of the patient and having an external surface, a stem component adapted to be implanted in a bone or in a residual bone bed of a preceding joint prosthesis, and adjustable connection elements, wherein at least part of the external surface of the first portion of the stem component and at least part of the external surface of the joint component define a contact surface with the bone tissue or adapted for coupling with the bone tissue.

Abstract: A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis is provided and may include first and second stem structures and first and second bearing members. The first stem structure may include a generally U-shaped portion having first and second legs. The second stem structure may include first and second bearing surfaces. The first bearing member may be removably coupled to the first leg and may include a first laterally facing bearing surface rotatably contacting the first bearing surface. The second bearing member may be removably coupled to the second leg and may include a second laterally facing bearing surface rotatably contacting the second bearing surface. The first laterally facing bearing surface may be disposed between the first leg and a first lateral side of the second stem. The second laterally facing bearing surface may be disposed between the second leg and a second lateral side of the second stem. The second lateral side may oppose the first lateral side.

Abstract: A knee spacer device configured to be implanted temporarily at the joint area between the tibia and femur of a patient to replace an infected joint prosthesis and to maintain the size or spaces of the patient's joint area before implanting a new prosthesis includes a tibial unit and a femoral unit.

Abstract: An arthroplasty trial assembly for a human shoulder can include a first implant securable to a first bone and a second implant securable to a second bone. The second implant can include a body, a stem, an articulation component, and a sensor. The stem can extend from the body, and the stem can be insertable into the second bone. The articulation component can be coupled to the body opposite the stem, and the articulation component can be articulable with the first implant. The sensor can be connected to the articulation component and can be configured to monitor a condition of the second implant and can produce a sensor signal as a function of the condition that is indicative of stability of the shoulder.

Abstract: Provided is a spinal implant. The spinal implant include an implant unit disposed between a vertebra (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘first vertebra’) and a neighboring vertebra (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘second vertebra’) and a buffer unit provided in the implant unit to disperse or absorb a pressure, an impact, or a load, which is applied from the first vertebra and the second vertebra. The spinal implant may promote bone fusion formation in the state of being inserted between the vertebra and the neighboring vertebra during the surgery and to promote the quickly recovery after the surgery and also may fulfill its role as a substitute for a damaged disk through the shape deformation and the restoration of the buffer unit after the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a hollow body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a pair of lateral walls extending from the distal end to the proximal end, the lateral walls having a concave-shaped cross-section and having concave, non-threaded interior surfaces for defining an at least partially cylindrical internal space between the lateral walls. The hollow body has upper and lower faces that are inclined relative to one another, whereby a distance between the upper and lower faces decreases from a first lateral side of the hollow body to a second lateral side of the hollow body opposite the first lateral side. The implant includes an anchoring member having bone anchoring projections that is inserted into the hollow body. The anchoring member is rotatable for enabling the anchoring member to be screwed into the internal space of the hollow body.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant, including a support component, an inferior component, including a first proximate end connected to the support component, a first distal end, a first top surface, and a first bottom surface, a superior component, including a second proximate end connected to the support component, a second distal end, a second top surface, and a second bottom surface, and a wedging component operatively arranged to be slid along the first top surface and the second bottom surface and expand the expandable intervertebral implant.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes an insertion end, an opposing engagement end, and first and second opposed main surfaces configured to contact respective adjacent vertebral endplates. Each of the first and second main surfaces has an anterior edge, a posterior edge, and extends between the insertion and engagement ends. Anterior and posterior walls are formed between the first and second main surfaces and along the respective anterior and posterior edges and converge at the insertion and engagement ends. A slot is formed at the engagement end and extends continuously between and at least partially along the anterior and posterior walls. A post is positioned within the slot, spaced from at least one of the anterior and posterior walls and extending at least partially between the first and second main surfaces. The post includes a plurality of exposed facets and is configured for engagement with a pivotable insertion instrument.

Abstract: A surgical assembly includes a housing, a first arm extending outside the housing and a linkage assembly housed by the housing and connected to the first arm. Movement of the linkage assembly inside the housing is linked to movement of the first arm outside of the housing.