Abstract: Unintended current flow or plasma discharge has been observed in known illuminated electrosurgical devices having a metallic tubular heat sink surrounding a conductive electrode and an illumination element, and having a distal outer edge that abuts against the light emitting element. An insulating, shielding or other isolating element that prevents or discourages unintended plasma formation between the distal outer edge and nearby patient tissue can reduce the potential for tissue damage to a patient or injury to a surgeon.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument is provided. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another. A first conductive lead is adapted to connect to a first electrical potential and a second conductive lead is adapted to connect to a second electrical potential. One of the first and second conductive leads extends through the pivot to connect to a respective jaw member.

Abstract: A method comprising sealing a vessel residing within tissue between jaws of forceps by sensing an amount of tissue held within the forceps, the sensing by passing electrical current through the tissue by way of the forceps. The method comprises heating the tissue using electrical current, the heating such that impedance of the tissue changes at a first predetermined rate, the first predetermined rate selected based on the sensing. The method comprises desiccating the tissue using electrical current, such that the impedance of the tissue changes at a second predetermined rate different than the first predetermined rate. The method comprises ceasing application of the electrical current to the tissue when impedance of the tissue reaches a predetermined value. Sensing the amount of tissue held within the forceps comprises varying electrical current flowing through the tissue through the forceps such that impedance of the tissue changes at a third predetermined rate.

Abstract: An end effector assembly is provided. The end effector assembly includes a pair of first and second jaw members including respective seal plates adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The first and second jaw members operable in a first bipolar mode of operation for treating tissue and a second bipolar mode of operation for separating tissue. A dissector translatable through one of the first and second jaw members is in electrical communication with one of the seal plates of the first and second jaw members and activatable in the second bipolar mode of operation for separating tissue when the first and second jaw members are in one of the open and clamping position and tissue is adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrode configuration configured for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. A pre-assembled jaw configuration including jaw members including respective first and second electrodes is provided. One or more stop members are positioned on the first electrode. The first and second electrodes are approximated toward one another for contact therebetween so as to form an at least one indentation on the second electrode.

Abstract: A conductive coating may be adhered to a structure comprising a hydrophobic and/or adhesion-resistant surface. The conductive coating may have a polymer backbone with conductive particles suspended in the backbone. In some embodiments, the conductive coating may be applied directly to the surface. In other embodiments, the conductive coating may be indirectly applied by first applying a primer adhesive to the outer surface, and then applying the conductive coating over the primer adhesive. An example structure may be a catheter of an endoscopic medical device, such as a bipolar sphincterotome, where the conductive coating functions as a return electrode.

Abstract: Tissue is resected and extracted from an interior location in a patient's body using a probe or tool which both effects resection and causes vaporization of a liquid or other fluid to propel the resected tissue through an extraction lumen of the resecting device. Resection is achieved using an electrosurgical electrode assembly including a first electrode on a resecting member and a second electrode within a resection probe or tool. Over a first resecting portion, radio frequency current helps resect the tissue and over a second or over transition region, the RF current initiates vaporization of the fluid or other liquid to propel the tissue from the resection device. In one embodiment, an extending element extends from a housing and into a channel in a resecting member as the resecting member moves toward a distal position.

Abstract: Partially insulated focused ablation (PIFA) catheters using thermally conductive materials have differential radiofrequency (RF) heating and thereby allow for tailored RF application. Open-irrigated, 4 mm, and 8 mm RF ablation catheters were partially insulated by coating half their surfaces with a layer of vinyl, silicone, vinyl-silicone, polyurethane, or a composite of aluminum oxide/boron nitride (AOBN). RF ablation using catheter tips partially coated with a thermally conductive insulation material such as AOBN results in larger ablation lesion volumes without being limited by standard temperature controls. Partial insulation of the catheter tip is able to protect adjacent critical structures during in vivo ablation.

Abstract: A coagulation suction device having an insulation cover and first and second bipolar wires. The insulation cover has a distal end and a distal opening formed at the distal end, and a hollow cavity configured to receive a hollow suction tube. The first and second bipolar wires are encapsulated within the insulation cover and extend along the insulation cover to the distal end. The first and second bipolar wires extend distally beyond a distal-most surface of the insulation cover, and each have an exposed distal end. The exposed distal ends are bent toward each other and terminate adjacent to and spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a selective photothermolysis device comprising: a tunable radiation source configured to emit radiation; a patient interface comprising a radiation delivery unit configured to deliver the radiation to a tissue, and an ultrasonic detector for detecting photoacoustic waves excited by the radiation from one or more surgical targets in the tissue; and a control system configured to acquire characteristics of the tissue and one or more surgical targets based on measurements on detected photoacoustic waves, determine optimal characteristics of the tunable radiation source for optimal surgical outcome on one or more surgical targets in the tissue, prescribe characteristics and optimal characteristics, and adjust the tunable radiation source for optimal surgical outcome based on the optimal characteristics, and methods applicable to the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a medical instrument. The medical instrument includes a housing and an end effector assembly operably connected to the housing. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each having a tissue contacting surface, at least one of the first and second jaw members movable between a first, spaced-apart position and a second proximate position, wherein in the second position, the jaw members cooperate to define a cavity configured to receive tissue between the jaw members. The end effector also includes at least one light-emitting element coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members, the at least one light-emitting element adapted to deliver light energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members to treat the tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a medical instrument. The medical instrument includes a housing and an end effector assembly operably connected to the housing. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each having a tissue contacting surface, at least one of the first and second jaw members movable between a first, spaced-apart position and a second proximate position, wherein in the second position, the jaw members cooperate to define a cavity configured to receive tissue between the jaw members. The end effector also includes at least one light-emitting element coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members, the at least one light-emitting element adapted to deliver light energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members to treat the tissue.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for virtual assessment of an implantation path for a medical device are presented. A system can analyze multi-dimensional medical imaging data regarding a patient body and a lesion area, generate a set of paths to reach the lesion area for deployment of a medical device, rank the set of paths to reach the lesion area, and recommend a subset of the paths for deployment of the medical device. The system can also generate a display of the recommendations and a multi-dimensional visualization of the recommended subset of paths for the deployment of the medical device.

Abstract: A system and process for performing orthopedic surgery is provided that uses a patient's existing implant as a registration tool in an orthopedic surgical procedure. The systems and processes may be used with computer assisted systems or navigation systems to aid in the removal of bone, bone cement, or a bone prosthesis, typically a bone prosthesis used in hip replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery, and the like. The removal of the prosthesis may be done by conventional methods, with navigation systems, robotic assistance or articulating hand held systems. The removal of bone and/or bone cement may be performed with navigated systems, robotic systems, articulating hand-held systems and combinations thereof.

Abstract: One variation of a method includes: accessing a virtual patient model defining a target resected contour of a hard tissue of interest; after resection of the hard tissue of interest during a surgical operation, accessing an optical scan recorded by an optical sensor facing a surgical field occupied by a patient, detecting a set of features representing the patient in the optical scan, registering the virtual patient model to the hard tissue of interest in the surgical field based on the set of features, and detecting an actual resected contour of the hard tissue of interest in the optical scan; and calculating a spatial difference between the actual resected contour of the hard tissue of interest and the target resected contour of the hard tissue of interest represented in the virtual patient model registered to the hard tissue of interest in the surgical field.

Abstract: A method for establishing an interaction between an operator and a monitor of a computer-assisted surgery system comprises tracking a tool manipulated by the operator for providing surgical data calculated from the position/orientation of the tool. A desired interaction is identified from the operator by tracking the tool reaching a specific position and/or a specific orientation. An interactive action is activated on a monitor as a function of the desired interaction, the interactive action being unrelated to said surgical data. A motion of the tool is converted to additional interactions related to said interactive action. A computer-assisted surgery system is also provided.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus images a first object (10), like a tip of a catheter, disposed within a second object, such as a vascular structure of a person. A three-dimensional representation of the second object including a representation of a surface (23) of the second object and the position of the first object relative to the position of the second object are provided. A projection (22) of the first object onto the representation of the surface of the second object is determined and shown to a user like a physician on a display (18). The three-dimensional spatial relationship between the first object and the second object is thereby shown in a way that is very native for the user, i.e. a visualization can be provided, which allows the user to easily and accurately grasp the three-dimensional spatial relationship between the first object and the second object.

Abstract: An electromagnetic device includes a jig and multiple wires. The jig includes a center member and coil-separating blocks. The coil-separating blocks protrude from the center member and are separated from each other to provide a coil channels. Each of the wires is wrapped on the jig, around the center member, and in one of the coil channels to form one of a multiple coils. Each of the coils is configured to connect to an electromagnetic navigation system and generate respective electromagnetic fields to be emitted relative to a subject.

Abstract: A colpotomy system includes a surgical instrument having a cutting element and a receiver at a distal end thereof and a uterine instrument. The uterine instrument has a handle operably coupled to a shaft having a balloon at a distal end thereof, the shaft extending through a retaining member to access a surgical site, the retaining member including a plurality of transmitters for transmitting at least one signal. A distance between the cutting element of the surgical instrument and one end of the retaining member of the uterine instrument is calculated to determine whether the cutting element is within a predetermined operating zone.

Abstract: A system for determining the position and orientation of a medical device relative to an image space during image-guided medical procedures. The system comprises a flexible pad mounted on the subject such that a part covers the region of interest. The pad incorporates detectable registration members. Prior to the procedure, the device is coupled to the pad, which is then rigidized, so that there is no movement of the registration members relative to each other and relative to the device. The fixed relation-ship between the device and the registration members is determined from initial images, for example using detectable markers attached to the device, enabling the pose of the device relative to the image space of images of the region of interest to be determined later, even if the device is remote from the region of interest. This minimizes exposure of the subject and medical staff to radiation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a surgical instrument includes a housing linkable with a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, a shaft operably coupled to the housing, a force transducer on a distal end of the shaft, and a plurality of fiber optic strain gauges on the force transducer. In one example, the plurality of strain gauges are operably coupled to a fiber optic splitter or an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) multiplexer. A fiber optic connector is operably coupled to the fiber optic splitter or the AWG multiplexer. A wrist joint is operably coupled to a distal end of the force transducer, and an end effector is operably coupled to the wrist joint. In another embodiment, a robotic surgical manipulator includes a base link operably coupled to a distal end of a manipulator positioning system, and a distal link movably coupled to the base link, wherein the distal link includes an instrument interface and a fiber optic connector optically linkable to a surgical instrument.

Abstract: Navigation assistance systems and methods for use with a surgical instrument to assist in navigation of a surgical instrument during an operation. The system may include sensors that may observe the patient to generate positioning data regarding the relative position of the surgical instrument and the patient. The system may retrieve imaging data regarding the patient and correlate the imaging data to the positioning data. In turn, the position of the surgical instrument relative to the imaging data may be provided and used to generate navigation date (e.g., position, orientation, trajectory, or the like) regarding the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A wrist mechanism for a surgical instrument is disclosed. In some implementations, a surgical instrument includes an end effector and a unitary wrist mechanism coupled to the end effector, where the wrist mechanism is formed from a single piece of material. The wrist mechanism provides at least one degree of freedom to the end effector, and includes a plurality of link members linked together as well as one or more flexures, where at least one of the flexures includes a chain of a connected plurality of segments. Each flexure connects associated adjacent link members and enables rotational movement of the associated link members relative to each other to provide an associated degree of freedom to the end effector.

Abstract: A bone connection system for attaching a surgical robot having its base mounted in the vicinity of a patient, to a bone of the patient. The system incorporates a switchable bone connection unit attached between the bone and a support element of the robot. This unit has a locked state in which the bone is attached essentially rigidly to the support element, and a released state in which the bone can move relative to the support element. The unit comprises a force sensor for determining the force exerted between the bone and the support element of the robot, and a position sensor for measuring the position of the bone relative to the support element of said robot. The unit switches from its locked state to its released state when the force exceeds a predetermined level, selected to ensure that the bone can move without detaching any bone connection elements.

Abstract: An adapter assembly is provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform a function and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, the end effector including at least one axially translatable drive member, and the surgical device including at least one rotatable drive shaft. The adapter assembly includes at least one drive converter assembly including a drive shaft; a drive coupling nut threadably connected to a distal end portion of the drive shaft; and an axially translatable drive bar connected to the drive coupling nut, wherein rotation of the drive shaft results in axial translation of the drive bar. The drive coupling nut engages 29 teeth of the threaded distal end portion of the drive shaft. The drive coupling nut is manufactured from unreinforced PEEK thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for robotic assisted surgery. A robotic system includes a localizer, a surgical robotic manipulator, an end effector configured to be removably coupled to the manipulator, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive signals from the localizer, determine a final position of a cavity creation tool used to penetrate a portion of a patient's anatomy based on the signals received from the localizer, and determine an implant insertion path for an implant to be inserted into a final implant position within the portion of the patient's anatomy, wherein the final implant position corresponds to the final position of the cavity creation tool. The controller is also configured to move the end effector with the implant coupled thereto such that the implant moves along the implant insertion path, and terminate the movement of the end effector when the implant reaches the final implant position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is configured to be installed for use on a teleoperated surgical system. A surgeon or other medical person controls the surgical instrument by manipulating one or more control inputs. Computer-assisted teleoperated actuators of the teleoperated surgical system move one or more surgical instrument mechanical degrees of freedom in response to movements of the one or more control inputs. A teleoperated surgical system is provided to enable a surgeon or medical person to manually control one or more surgical instrument mechanical degrees of freedom, while the surgical instrument is installed for use on the teleoperated surgical system.

Abstract: A surgeon console for a teleoperated surgical system includes a user input mechanism configured to be actuated to command a flux supply unit to supply a flux to a surgical instrument operatively coupled to the surgeon console; and a user interface configured to display setting information of the flux supply unit, wherein the user interface comprises actuatable control features configured to change a control setting of the flux supply unit.

Abstract: A surgical simulation device includes a support structure and animal tissue carried in a tray. A simulated human skeleton is carried by the support structure above the animal tissue and includes simulated human skin. A camera images the animal tissue and an image processor receives images of markers positioned on the ribs and animal tissue and forms a three-dimensional wireframe image. An operating table is adjacent a local robotic surgery station as part of a robotic surgery station and includes at least one patient support configured to support the patient during robotic surgery. At least one patient force/torque sensor is coupled to the at least one patient support and configured to sense at least one of force and torque experienced by the patient during robotic surgery.

Abstract: A system comprises a teleoperational assembly including an operator control system and a first teleoperational manipulator configured for operation by an operator control device of the operator control system. The first teleoperational manipulator is configured to control the operation of a first medical instrument in a surgical environment. The system also comprises a processing unit including one or more processors. The processing unit is configured to display an image of a field of view of the surgical environment and display a menu proximate to an image of the first medical instrument in the image of the field of view. The menu includes at least one icon representing a function for the first medical instrument.

Abstract: An information sharing system between a plurality of robot systems includes a plurality of robot systems, communicatably connected with each other through a network, and configured to be capable of presetting a given operation of a robot and repeating a correction of the operation, and a storage device, connected with the network and configured to store corrected information containing corrected operating information that is operating information for causing the robot to execute a given operation corrected in at least one of the robot systems. Each of the plurality of robot systems shares the corrected information stored in the storage device and operates the robot based on the sharing corrected information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for driving a flexible medical instrument to a target in an anatomical space with robotic assistance are described herein. The flexible instrument may have a tracking sensor embedded therein. An associated robotic control system may be provided, which is configured to register the flexible instrument to an anatomical image using data from the tracking sensor and identify one or more movements suitable for navigating the instrument towards an identified target. In some embodiments, the robotic control system drives or assists in driving the flexible instrument to the target.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods combine light emitted by a narrow band laser having a peak emission wavelength greater than or equal to about 480 nm with light emitted from one or more additional light sources to provide an illumination beam for illumination inside a human or animal during a diagnostic or surgical procedure. The narrow band laser provides the shortest wavelength contribution to the illumination beam.

Abstract: A tissue removal system may include a tissue removal device including a handpiece and an upper housing, and configured with an outer cannula having an outer cannula opening for severing tissue, an inner cannula disposed in the outer cannula and reciprocal within the outer cannula, an illumination device having a sleeve arranged at least partially on the outer cannula, and a fiber optic channel defining an opening and arranged offset from the sleeve, and a light source arranged within the channel and configured to supply light from the opening to a surgical site.

Abstract: The various inventions relate to robotic surgical devices, consoles for operating such surgical devices, operating theaters in which the various devices can be used, insertion systems for inserting and using the surgical devices, and related methods.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an impact absorber attaches a reference array of a computer-assisted surgery system to a medical implant. The impact absorber has a coupler that couples the reference array to the implant such that the reference array is rotatable relative to the implant from an undeflected orientation to a deflected orientation when an external impacting force is applied to the reference array, and from the deflected orientation to the undeflected orientation when the external force is removed. The impact absorber has an alignment feature that 1) engages with a corresponding alignment feature so as to align the reference array with the undeflected orientation and 2) disengages from the corresponding alignment feature when the reference array is rotated from the undeflected orientation to the deflected orientation. Allowing the reference array to be returned to the undeflected orientation after it is impacted can avoid a need to recalibrate the system.

Abstract: Devices for imparting vibration to implanted devices to reduce accumulation of biofilm thereon including a vibration tip, the vibration tip being sized and shaped to couple to a vibrator and receive a vibration therefrom, wherein the vibration tip is sized and shaped to conduct the vibration from the vibrator to an implanted device are disclosed. Methods of inhibiting biofilm formation including abutting a vibration source against an implanted device, and activating the vibration source to impart vibration to the implanted device thereby inhibiting a formation of biofilm on the implanted device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for identifying a patient, said apparatus comprising: a medical device for implantation into the patient; an optical identifier affixed to the medical device; wherein at least a portion of the optical identifier is radiopaque, whereby to generate a scannable X-ray image of the optical identifier when the medical device is imaged using X-ray.

Abstract: Surgical templates and methods of manufacture to assist in a surgical procedure such as dental implant placement, where the positioning of the surgical template onto its supporting surface is achieved through using a limited number of contact features that are located such that a force-closure or form closure positioning of the surgical template with respect to the supporting surface is achieved.

Abstract: Examples of apparatus, methods, and compositions for endodontic treatments are described. The apparatus can include a fluid platform configured to substantially retain fluid in a tooth chamber during treatment. The fluid platform can help maintain fluid circulation in the tooth chamber as fluid flows into and out of the tooth chamber. The apparatus can also include a pressure wave generator configured to generate acoustic waves that can be used for cleaning root canals and tooth surfaces in the tooth chamber. Examples of pressure wave generators include a liquid jet, an electromagnetic energy delivery device, and an ultrasonic device. The fluid can include antiseptic or antibacterial solutions to assist in tooth cleaning. The fluid may be degassed to have a reduced dissolved gas content (compared to non-degassed fluids used in endodontic treatments), which may improve the effectiveness of the pressure wave generation or the cleaning.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for removing a foreign object from a root canal of a tooth is disclosed. The method can include positioning a fluid generator to be in fluid communication with the root canal of the tooth. Fluid can be supplied to the root canal. The method can include generating fluid motion and/or pressure waves in the fluid in the root canal with the fluid motion generator. The foreign object can be removed from the root canal with the pressure waves and/or the fluid motion.

Abstract: An orthodontic remodeling system includes an extraoral vibratory source coupled to a bite plate, where the extraoral vibratory source is operable to vibrate the bite plate at a frequency in a range of 0.1 to 400 Hz. The bite plate is configured to deliver cyclic forces simultaneously to teeth of the maxillary and mandibular arches, and the bite plate and the extraoral vibratory source are held during use only by clamping with the teeth. A battery is operable to power the extraoral vibratory source, and a processor is configured to control the extraoral vibratory source. Electronic media is operable to capture data indicating usage duration and usage frequency to allow patient compliance to be determined.

Abstract: An aligner fabrication system combines design data and material to form a plurality of dental molds with which a plurality of aligners are formed. The aligner fabrication system includes a build assembly that defines a build surface on which the dental molds are formed. The build assembly is constructed of a plurality of individual build platforms that are removably coupled together. Each individual build platform is associated with an identification entity. The dental molds are formed on the build surface. One dental mold is formed on one individual build platform. The design data associated with the one dental mold is linkable to the identification entity on the one individual build platform.

Abstract: Provided herein are crosslinked polymers useful in orthodontic appliances and light polymerizable liquid compositions and formulations useful for making crosslinked polymers. Also provided are methods of making an orthodontic appliance comprising a cross-linked polymer formed by a direct fabrication technique.

Abstract: A dental restoration system including a dental prosthesis having an occlusal body having defined therein a cavity and having an outer profile; and a dental abutment having a main body with a gingival part for anchoring to an implant and an occlusal part shaped to fit within the cavity to support cementation of the dental prosthesis, wherein the occlusal part of the main body has an outer profile radially closer to the longitudinal center axis than an outer profile of the gingival part at the interface between the occlusal part and the gingival part, thereby defining a shoulder between the occlusal part and the gingival part. The radial width of the outer profile of the dental prosthesis where it meets the shoulder is the same as or smaller than the radial width of the outer profile of the gingival part at the shoulder.

Abstract: Data from an intraoral scan is received, the data comprising a plurality of intraoral images of a dental site. At least two intraoral images are identified that comprise a representation of at least a portion of a non-rigid object that was affixed to the dental site at a target area. Image registration is performed between the at least two intraoral images using the non-rigid object identified in the at least two intraoral images. A 3D model of the dental site is generated based on the image registration. A representation of the non-rigid object is subtracted from the 3D model based on the known properties of the non-rigid object. A surface of a portion of the dental site is interpolated where the non-rigid object was located based on a) data for other portions of the dental site and b) the surface of the base of the non-rigid object.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a dental restoration. The apparatus includes a first laser module, a powder supplying nozzle, a second laser module, a dust cleaning device and an air bearing device for holding the dental restoration. The second laser module includes a plurality of laser sources, and the laser sources disposed circumferentially around the first laser module, in which each laser source is equally spaced apart from one another. The present invention further provides a method for manufacturing the dental restoration, in which the method can be applied to a laser cladding process or a laser milling process.

Abstract: A floss holder includes a housing and a spindle for receiving floss and a fork having two ends between which the feed portion of the floss is secured for use. A first locking plate is operable for receiving a feed portion and a return portion of the floss upon a horizontal surface thereof. A second locking plate is operable to engage the first locking plate, where a distal end of the second locking plate engages the feed portion and the return portion to substantially constrain the feed portion of the floss on the fork and the return portion, applying tension along the feed portion and the return portion. A number of protrusions assist in retaining the feed portion and preventing the tape floss from slippage while reducing the friction around the fork; the protrusions are located at the base of the fork and inside the floss holder.

Abstract: A phone grip floss dispenser apparatus for securing a cellphone and conveniently dispensing dental floss includes a base. An adhesive is coupled to the base and is configured to secure the base to a cellphone. An expandable grip body has a foldable lower portion and upper portion to move the grip body between a collapsed position and an extended position. A cap bottom is coupled to the upper portion and has a threaded outer lip having a notch. A floss spool is coupled to the cap bottom and has a spool body and a length of dental floss windingly coupled around the spool body. A cap top is coupled to the cap bottom and has an inner threading selectively engageable with the outer lip of the cap bottom to secure the floss spool. The dental floss is dispensed through the notch.

Abstract: An oral care mouthpiece (10) is disclosed. The mouthpiece includes a shell (15) having an arch shape corresponding to a dental arch. The shell (15) includes a wall corresponding to facial surfaces of teeth in the dental arch, and a bite plate corresponding (157) to biting surfaces of the teeth. The mouthpiece also includes a wicking layer (19) on an inner surface of the wall. The mouthpiece further includes a filament layer (23) on the wicking layer.