Abstract: In some embodiments, correcting an alignment error between an end effector of a tool associated with a slave and a master actuator associated with a master in a robotic system involves receiving at the master, master actuator orientation signals (RMCURR) representing the orientation of the master actuator relative to a master reference frame and generating end effector orientation signals (REENEW) representing the end effector orientation relative to a slave reference frame, producing control signals based on the end effector orientation signals, receiving an enablement signal for selectively enabling the control signals to be transmitted from the master to the slave, responsive to a transition of the enablement signal from not active state to active state, computing the master-slave misalignment signals (R?) as a difference between the master actuator orientation signals (RMCURR) and the end effector orientation signals (REENEW), and adjusting the master-slave misalignment signals (R?) to reduce the alignmen

Abstract: Provided is a master console for a surgical robot. The master console includes: a base unit including a first base and a second base, the first and second bases being provided parallel to each other; and a foot pedal unit between the first base and the second base, wherein the foot pedal unit includes at least one foot pedal switch capable of being manipulated by a foot of an operator, a foot panel configured to support the at least one foot pedal switch, and a footrest extending outward from the foot panel.

Abstract: A tool apparatus and a method for actuating a tool apparatus are disclosed. The tool apparatus includes an actuator housing, and an elongate tool manipulator extending outwardly from the actuator housing and having a plurality of control links extending along a length of the tool manipulator. The control links are operable to cause movement of a distal end of the tool manipulator in response to movement of the control links in an actuating direction generally aligned with the length of the tool manipulator. The apparatus also includes a plurality of actuators, each actuator being associated with at least one of the control links and being mounted in the actuator housing to facilitate a range of travel in a transverse direction substantially orthogonal to the actuating direction, and a plurality of linkages.

Abstract: Systems and methods for computer-assisted systems using robotic technology are described. For example, this disclosure describes systems and methods that can be used in various contexts such as, but not limited to, minimally invasive computer-assisted tele-operated surgery using robotic technology. The disclosure describes instruments and mechanisms for actuating and controlling the motions of such instruments. The instruments and actuator mechanisms may be used in medical operations and non-medical operations.

Abstract: A system for intraocular robotic surgery includes: (1) a set of mounts to receive a tool collar to which a surgical tool is secured; (2) a rotational actuator connected to the set of mounts to drive rotation of the set of mounts; and (3) a translational actuator connected to the set of mounts to drive linear translation of the set of mounts.

Abstract: A powered user interface for a robotic surgical system includes a handle on a linkage having a plurality of joints, a base, and actuators. The interface operates in accordance with a first mode of operation in which a plurality of its actuators are operated to constrain predetermined ones of the joints to permit motion of the handle in only 4DOF with respect to the base, and a second mode of operation in which the actuators permit motion of the handle in at least 6DOF with respect to the base.

Abstract: A glove donning system including glove assemblies is provided that maintains the cleanliness of a glove until the glove is utilized. In addition, the glove donning system assists a user during a donning process thereby preventing contamination of the glove during the donning process. A glove packaging system is provided that includes glove assemblies, each assembly including a glove and a glove insert card, housed within a glove assembly holder. The glove assembly holder is configured to fit within a container of the glove packaging system or the glove donning system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a surgical drape to be used in conjunction with a surgical procedure, and more specifically to a surgical drape that includes one or more of the following: (1) a patient drape for use with a standalone non-draped image acquisition device (requiring circumferential access to the patient); (2) a patient drape for use with a standalone non-draped image acquisition device with image guidance navigation technology; (3) the means to provide temporary sterile coverage of an underlying sterile field; (4) the means to provide sterile separation of at least a portion, if not the entire temporary sterile coverage; (5) the means to provide covering of the undersurface of the operating surface and enclosing any suspended medical devices, wires, cables, tubes, etc; and (6) a single-use disposable outer surgical drape that ensures sterility of a covered surgical apparatus, device, or machine, or an inner drape associated therewith.

Abstract: Medical device kits for use in placing, maintaining, altering, and/or removing medical devices in, on, and/or from the body of a patient are disclosed. Such medical device kits can include one or more wrap assemblies for use in the placement/maintenance procedure. In accordance with present embodiments, the one or more wrap assemblies of the medical device kit can include various features to assist the clinician performing the particular procedure. In one embodiment, a medical wrap assembly is disclosed, comprising a foldable wrap body that includes a front surface, wherein the front surface is configured to define a sterile field. A plurality of pockets is included on the front surface of the wrap body. The pockets are configured to contain therein a plurality of medical components. The medical components are arranged in the pockets in a predetermined order of use for the medical procedure.

Abstract: A sterile drape positionable covering medical equipment, such as between a robotic manipulator and a sterile surgical instrument. The drape is formed of a flexible sterile material, with conductive ink printed on the flexible material. The drape provides both a sterile barrier and a shield against electrostatic discharge or electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: A package for a flexible polyvinyl chloride product has a heat scalable product contact layer comprising a cyclic olefin copolymer, the cyclic olefin copolymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 40° C. After extended storage of the polyvinyl chloride polymer in direct contact with the heat sealable product contact layer of the packaging, the product releases from the heat scalable product contact layer easily without significant tackiness.

Abstract: A head fixation device includes a rocker arm assembly containing one or more stabilizing features. The rocker arm is rotatably adjustable about a longitudinal axis of the rocker arm assembly to any rotational position in a non-stepped fashion. The rocker arm assembly is removable from the head fixation device for easy of cleaning. A lever of the rocker arm assembly translates a shaft and includes eccentric features to provide a camming action for moving locking features of the rocker arm assembly to an unlocked state such that the rocker arm can be rotationally adjusted.

Abstract: The inventive alignment frame simplifies the task of attaching a fixation frame to a patient's skull prior to radiotherapy treatments. The frame is adjustably attachable to the fixation frame and is equipped with a bite plate that allows a patient to bite down on the bite plate to immobile the alignment-calibration frame and the attached fixation frame. The positional relationships are adjusted to bring the fixation screws into optimal locations on the patient's skull. Needle calibration assemblies placed into the fixation screw holders include clear needle guides through which a hypodermic needle is inserted to inject anesthetic into the future fixation screw location. The needle calibration assemblies are removed and the optimal length fixation screw is tightened into the anesthetized location. After all the fixation screws are in place, the patient releases the bite plate and the entire alignment-calibration frame is removed from the fixation frame.

Abstract: A medical holding apparatus includes: an arm including a plurality of links mutually coupled through one of joints, the arm having at least six degrees of freedom due to rotational motion about a rotation axis, the arm being configured to function as a balanced arm with a counterweight and support a medical device; and an arm controller configured to control motion of the arm, in which at least three of the joints in the arm each are provided with an angular sensor that detects a rotation angle of the rotation axis and an actuator that gives the joint an assist force of assisting the rotational motion, and the arm controller controls, based on respective detected results of the angular sensors, the respective assist forces of the actuators such that an amount of force in operation necessary when an operator moves the medical device supported by the arm remains in a predetermined range.

Abstract: A system for tele-proctoring a surgical procedure includes an augmented reality head mounted display and a computer. The computer is configured to receive a visual experienced from the eyes of an onsite physician via the augmented reality head mounted display; receive additional content experienced by the onsite physician via the augmented reality head mounted display; integrate the visual experienced from the eyes of an onsite physician and the additional content into a single integrated view experienced by the onsite physician; communicate the integrated view to a remote computer for display on a remote display; receive an interaction with the integrated view from a remote physician via the remote computer; and present the interaction to the onsite physician via the augmented reality head mounted display.

Abstract: A laser-assisted ridge preservation method is performed using a free-running (FR) pulsed neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser device. The method includes one or more of photothermally denaturing and vaporizing encapsulated granulomatous tissues with the laser device on all sides of a socket of an extracted tooth, and irradiating the socket with the laser device to form a thrombus. A bone graft material may be placed into the thrombus.

Abstract: Herein are described surgical screw guides comprising a radio-translucent portion and a radio-opaque portion. The guides are configured for attachment to tissue of a subject, such as gingiva and provide a method for imaging where to insert miniscrews.

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 adapted to allow passage of one or more molars, premolars, and canines, and an aperture disposed adjacent the lingual surface of the incisors.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is provided, including a main body, a cover, and an elastic spring element. The main body has an archwire slot configured to receive an archwire. The cover is hingedly connected to the main body, and the cover can be moved between an open position and a closed position. The open position exposes the archwire slot and the closed position covers the archwire slot. The elastic spring element is disposed in the main body, coupled to the cover and the main body, and configured to generate a force that moves the cover into the open position.

Abstract: A bone implant includes an anchoring part and a structural part. The anchoring part includes a substantially cylindrical or frustoconical first portion with an external screw thread, which is configured to be implanted in a bone by a turning motion, and a second portion, which is configured to be arranged in a region of soft tissue. The anchoring part is formed from a first, biocompatible plastic and has a recess which extends from a top surface of the second portion into the first portion and which has an internal screw thread in a first thread portion. The structural part has a second thread portion configured to be screwed together with the first thread portion.

Abstract: Dental implants, dental abutments, and dental systems are disclosed. A dental implant can include an implant body having a longitudinal axis, a coronal end, and an apical end. An internal bore can be provided within the implant body, and can have a coronal end, adjacent to the coronal end of the implant body, and an apical end. The internal bore can include a first internally facing surface, extending from the coronal end of the internal bore towards the apical end of the internal bore, at least a portion of which tapers inwardly towards the apical end of the internal bore. The internal bore can further include an internally threaded portion positioned between an apical end of the first internally facing surface and the apical end of the internal bore. A dental abutment can be configured to engage with the dental implant.

Abstract: A multifunctional abutment configured to releasably connect to a dental implant comprises a body and a head at an upper edge of the body. The multifunctional abutment is configured to allow execution of multiple steps during an implantation procedure of the dental implant, while using same multifunctional abutment.

Abstract: A method of making a denture comprised of fabricating a mold form, including a mold surface corresponding to an external surface of the denture; casting a liquid mold block material against the mold surface of the mold form, and curing the liquid mold block material to form a solid mold block including a second mold surface corresponding to the external surface of the denture. Denture teeth are placed in the tooth sockets of the mold block. Denture base material is delivered against the denture base surface portion of the second mold surface and bases of the denture teeth. The liquid denture base material is cured into a solid state to form a denture base block including embedded denture teeth. The denture base block is placed in a milling fixture; and milled to form the internal surface of the denture.

Abstract: Removable denture data of a removable denture is produced, and disk frame data of a disk frame in which the removable denture is accommodated is produced, thereby building the disk frame based on the disk frame data. Next, a resin disk in which artificial teeth are embedded is produced by arranging the artificial teeth in the disk frame and curing a base resin, and a denture base is milled by milling the resin disk based on the removable denture data, thereby manufacturing the removable denture in which a base side of the artificial teeth is embedded in the denture base. As a result, artificial teeth having an excellent aesthetics may be used, it is possible to firmly join the artificial teeth and the denture base to each other, and it is possible to manufacture a removable denture with a favorable restoration accuracy of the artificial teeth.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to marking orthodontic devices. In some embodiments, a carrier for orthodontic appliances comprises a base that is additively manufactured and comprising a plurality of wells configured to house orthodontic appliances and a marking integral to the base, wherein the marking identifies one or more of the orthodontic appliances and locations for the orthodontic appliances. In some embodiments, an orthodontic appliances comprises a body including features and a bonding surface, wherein the orthodontic appliance is additively manufactured and includes a marking integral to the orthodontic appliance, wherein the marking is located on one or more of the body and the bonding surface.

Abstract: An incontinence clamping device has been presented herein. The incontinence clamping device comprises an upper clamp arm having a stopper and a bottom clamp arm having a locking component with a plurality of interlocking gaps. The incontinence clamping device further comprises a top and a bottom stabilizer having a plurality of zig-zag portion including at least one or more elevated and one or more non-elevated portions. The incontinence clamping device further comprises an upper silicone fitting that is used for accommodating the top stabilizer and a bottom silicone fitting that is used for accommodating the bottom stabilizer. The incontinence clamping device in its closed state allows for delivery of different pressures to urethra and corpus spongiosum as a function of various sizes of penises in a flaccid state.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an intraluminal device may include elongated structure formed of a plurality of wires. The intraluminal device may also include a plurality of sets of looped wires longitudinally located at an intermediate area of the elongated structure and the plurality of sets may be spaced circumferentially about the structure and being configured to cooperate with each other to form a plurality of clot entry openings. At least one grouping of woven wires may be longitudinally located adjacent the intermediate area and the at one grouping of woven wires may be configured such that when an opening force is exerted on the elongated structure, the at least one grouping provides structural support to hold open first interstices between the plurality of sets of looped wires.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a filter (1) for a blood vessel, and in particular a vena cava filter, comprising at least two anchoring branches (11) for anchoring the filter in the wall of the blood vessel, the anchoring branches having a fixed end (111) and a free end (112), the fixed ends of the anchoring branches being fixed to one another and the free ends being terminated with a hook (113) oriented toward the outside, characterised in that each of the anchoring branches comprises an anti-transfixion protection (114).

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to ureteral stents having an elongated stent body and one or more deformable bladders secured thereto, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to stents, systems, and methods for gastrointestinal treatment. In some embodiments, a stent may include a tubular scaffold having a first end opposite a second end, wherein a lumen extends between the first and second ends. The tubular scaffold may include a flared section and a medial section extending from the flared section, wherein a first diameter of the flared section is greater than a second diameter of the medial section. The stent may further include a liner extending partially along a surface of the tubular scaffold, wherein the liner is spaced from an anchoring region of the flared section to promote tissue ingrowth with the flared section.

Abstract: The stent graft (10) comprises a cylinder comprising a graft material in the form of a film and a stent that supports the cylinder. Further, the stent graft (10) is inserted within a region from the ascending aorta to the sinus of valsalva, and the stent graft comprises cylindrical body section (11) arranged in the ascending aorta and the sinus of valsalva section (12) arranged in the sinus of valsalva and having an inner diameter larger than that of the body section (11).

Abstract: The present disclosure includes, in one embodiment, a tensioner instrument having a body having a channel and a plurality of arms projecting outward from the body, each arm including a cleat having a slot adapted to receive a suture; a base member positioned within the channel of the body; an actuating mechanism having a first coupling member adapted to engage a second coupling member on the body to removeably couple the actuating mechanism to the body; and a universal joint adapted to allow for relative movement between the base member and the body such that, when each suture is positioned within each cleat and the actuating mechanism is actuated, the tensioner applies uniform tension to each suture positioned in each cleat.

Abstract: A device for attaching soft tissue to a prosthetic implant. The device includes a body that includes a frame and a porous section disposed within the frame, wherein the porous section permits the passage of body fluids therethrough to encourage the healing of the soft tissue as well as the growth of soft tissue into and through the porous section.

Abstract: Graft materials and devices for surgical breast procedures may include a sheet of biocompatible material and a plurality of fenestrations distributed across a portion of the sheet of biocompatible material. The sheet of biocompatible material can have a first axis and a second axis coincident with the sheet of biocompatible material. The sheet of biocompatible material can also have a first edge that intersects the second axis and a second edge that intersects the second axis. The first axis can be orthogonal to the second axis. The plurality of fenestrations can be distributed across a portion of the sheet of biocompatible material closer to the first edge than the second edge. Other apparatuses and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for the wireless transmission of power or control signals between two components of an implantable ophthalmic system are disclosed herein. An example device includes an accommodating intraocular lens (aIOL) and separate auxiliary electronics, both enclosed in biocompatible materials. The aIOL includes a dynamic optic, control logic, a battery and an antenna. The auxiliary electronics include an antenna, an energy storage cell, and a sensor. The auxiliary electronics may be wirelessly coupled to the aIOL for the wireless transmission of power or control signals.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for an ocular device implantable in a user's eye and which has an adjustable optical element for varying one or more optical properties for the eye such as, but not limited to, providing a dynamically adjustable aperture stop to control the amount of incoming light, filtering incoming light, polarizing incoming light, and/or varying a depth of field for the eye.

Abstract: A transcatheter atrio-ventricular valve prosthesis for functional replacement of an atrio-ventricular heart valve in a connection channel, the prosthesis comprising a radially expandable tubular body extending along an axis, and a valve arranged within and attached to the tubular body. The tubular body is provided with an outer circumferential groove which is open to the radial outside of the tubular body, whereby the tubular body is separated by the outer circumferential groove into first and second body sections. The tubular body is provided with a first plurality of projections which extend from the first or second body section in an axial direction of the tubular body and each of which has a free end arranged to overlap the outer circumferential groove. An elongate outer member may be disposed at the exterior of the connection channel wall structure at a level of the circumferential groove.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve delivery apparatus can comprise a handle, a gearbox, an input torque shaft and a plurality of output torque shafts. The input torque shaft can extend distally from the handle and can have a distal end portion operatively connected to the gearbox. The output torque shafts can be operatively connected to and extend distally from the gearbox. Rotation of the input torque shaft can cause rotation of the output torque shafts via the gear box.

Abstract: Fixation device for fixation of leaflets of a heart valve includes a central assembly and at least one arm moveably coupled to the central assembly. The at least one arm includes a body portion having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis defined therebetween, the second end being moveable between a closed position and an open position, the body portion having opposing body lateral sides, each body lateral side extending between the first end and the second end, the body portion having a body portion width defined between the opposing body lateral sides. The at least one arm further includes first and second nondeformable wing extensions, each wing extension extending laterally from a respective lateral side, each wing extension having a lateral outer edge, wherein a maximum arm width is defined between the outer lateral edge of the first wing extension and the outer lateral edge of the second wing extension.

Abstract: A method of treating a defective heart valve includes inserting a delivery catheter through a small incision in a patient's groin, wherein the delivery catheter has a prosthetic device positioned along a distal end. The prosthetic device includes an insert member and an anchoring member. The insert member is positioned between the native heart valve and is allowed to self-expand. The anchoring member is preferably a stent connected to the insert member by at least one elongate member. The stent is deployed within an adjacent blood vessel for anchoring the insert member between the native leaflets. After deployment of the prosthetic device, the native leaflets of the heart valve form a tight seal against the insert member for preventing regurgitation through the native heart valve during ventricular systole.

Abstract: An implantable valve replacement system for a cardiovascular valve may include an adjustable stabilizing ring. The stabilizing ring may be composed of a body member that is transitionable from an elongate insertion geometry to an annular operable geometry. The stabilizing ring may further include a plurality of anchors deployable in the annular operable geometry to engage the annulus of the cardiovascular valve. The ring may be used in conjunction with an implantable valve frame. The valve frame may be located within the ring and the ring, in turn, may be stabilized through the anchors engaging the valve annulus. The valve replacement system may be applied by engaging the ring in its annular operable geometry with the valve annulus through the anchors. The valve frame may be inserted through the opening of the ring, thereby forming a stabilizing mechanical contact between the frame and the annulus.

Abstract: The present application discloses an implant loading apparatus comprising a guider and a guide base. The guider is sleeved on the exterior of the guide base. The guide base comprises a guide column, a connecting section, and a base connected in the axial direction. Fixing sections are provided on either end of the connecting section. The guide base is removably connected to the guider via the fixing sections. The guide base is provided with the two fixing sections that fit the guider to implement twice removable fixing, thus favoring a coaxial operation. A valve stent is neither twisted nor tilted during a compression process, thus increasing loading efficiency, greatly reducing the operation difficulty of a surgery, and allowing the implementation of a single person operation.

Abstract: Devices and methods for retrieving percutaneously implanted catheter systems such as a heart valve repair system. The devices include at least one locking connector at the distal end of a flexible elongated extension for coupling to an implanted tubular member. The locking connector may be a tubular anchor having a pair of distal prongs which are biased outward and face in a proximal direction, as well as an expandable auxetic midsection. Inserting the tubular anchor into the implanted tubular member flexes the distal prongs inward such that they prevent proximal movement of the tubular anchor. A user pulls on the proximal end of the tubular anchor to expand the auxetic midsection and lock the two pieces together. The devices and methods are particularly useful to attach extensions to implanted concentric tubes to enable relative axial force application.

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: The disclosure provides insertion tools and articles that facilitate entry of a medical device, such as a balloon catheter, into the body. In embodiments the insertion tools have an elongate hollow body (50) that is able to protect a portion of a medical device, such as a balloon of a balloon catheter, during an insertion procedure. In one embodiment the insertion tool has an elongate hollow body (131), a tapered distal end (135), and a locking mechanism (133) at the proximal end which can secure a portion of a balloon catheter. An opening at the distal end can allow passage of the balloon in a folded uninflated state.

Abstract: Fixation system for fixation of leaflets of a heart valve including an implantable fixation device having a first arm and a second arm, a first proximal element moveable relative to the first arm between a first position and a second position, and a second proximal element moveable relative to the second arm between a first position and a second position. The fixation system includes a delivery device having a catheter, a first proximal element line and a second proximal element line, and a handle having a first and second proximal element line handles coupled to the first proximal element line and the second proximal element line, respectively. The handle can include an interlock moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position.

Abstract: A partial valve prosthesis includes a framework configured for following a shape of a portion of the native valve annulus when implanted into the native valve annulus, the framework including securement features for anchoring the framework to an inner periphery of the native valve annulus and retaining at least one leaflet configured to replace a corresponding one of the plurality of native leaflets; and at least one leaflet secured to the framework. Additional embodiments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter (4) based medical system (1) and medical procedure for reducing cardiac valve regurgitation are disclosed. The system comprises a resilient curvilinear shaped annuloplasty implant (3) for reducing the size of a dilated annulus (18) of said valve for reducing said regurgitation having resilient anchoring elements (300), and a delivery device (2) for said annuloplasty implant (3) having a distal curvilinear shaped portion (200) that is hollow to mount said annuloplasty implant (3) and has an annular opening (201) arranged to be in apposition against an annulus (18) of said cardiac valve. The annuloplasty implant (3) is arranged to be releasable in said hollow and has said resilient anchoring elements (300) arranged in a restrained spring loaded delivery conformation in said hollow, and wherein said resilient anchoring elements (300) when released are arranged in a tissue engaging conformation protruding out of said opening.

Abstract: During a percutaneous transcatheter procedure, an annuloplasty structure is secured at least partially around an annulus of a mitral valve of a subject by coupling a plurality of tissue anchors to the annulus such that (i) a longitudinal contracting member of the annuloplasty structure extends at least partially around the annulus, and (ii) the plurality of tissue anchors is distributed at least partially around the annulus. A longitudinal density of the anchors along a middle scallop of a posterior leaflet of the mitral valve is at least twice as great as a longitudinal density of the anchors along a lateral scallop of the posterior leaflet, and/or at least twice as great as a longitudinal density of the anchors along a medial scallop of the posterior leaflet. Thereafter, at least part of the annulus is contracted by contracting a longitudinal portion of the annuloplasty structure by tightening the longitudinal contracting member.

Abstract: A method for treating joint pain in a subject is disclosed. The method can include inserting a bone dowel and a first portion of a bone marrow aspirate into a subchondral region of a bone that is part of a joint being treated and introducing a second portion of the bone marrow aspirate into the intraarticular space of the joint being treated.