Abstract: This application concerns a loupe-based wearable device that is enhanced by a mounted visualization aid on the housing body of at least one of the loupe eyepieces, the aid providing a dual light source, a beam splitter, and a camera directed in the same optical path as a user's eyesight such that both visible light and fluorescent dye exciting light can be directed at a site of operation to enhance real time visualization of tissue resection.

Abstract: A method comprises displaying a surgical environment image. The surgical environment image includes a virtual control element for controlling a component of a surgical system. The method also includes displaying an image of a body part of a user used to interact with the virtual control element. The method also comprises receiving a user input from the user with a gesture based input device while the body part interacts with the virtual control element. The method also comprises adjusting a setting of the component of the surgical system based on the received user input.

Abstract: Needles are deployed in tissue under direct ultrasonic or other imaging. To aid in deploying the needle, a visual needle guide is projected on to the image prior to needle deployment. Once the needle guide is properly aligned, the needle can be deployed. After needle deployment, a safety boundary and treatment region are projected on to the screen. After confirming that the safety boundary and treatment regions are sufficient, the patient can be treated using the needle.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] Provided are a medical display controlling apparatus and a display controlling method capable of enhancing convenience of medical providers. [Solution] Provided is a medical display controlling apparatus including: a generating unit configured to generate a three-dimensional model of an observed object based on a right-eye medical captured image and a left-eye medical captured image taken by an imaging device configured to image the observed object; and a display controller configured to cause a display screen to display a combination of the three-dimensional model with a right-eye special light observation image and a left-eye special light observation image, or a combination of the three-dimensional model with biological information acquired from an external biological information acquiring apparatus.

Abstract: A dock for a surgical equipment holder is disclosed. The dock for a surgical equipment holder includes a base having a central arm mount and a lower clamping jaw. The dock for a surgical equipment holder also includes an upper clamp jaw movably coupled to the base. The dock for a surgical equipment holder also includes a central docking arm coupled to the central arm mount and a central ball cup coupled to the to the central docking arm. The dock for a surgical equipment holder also includes a central attachment nut coupled to the central ball cup. The central attachment nut may include an extendable moment arm, and the dock may also include a ball coupled between the central ball cup and the central attachment nut and a surgical equipment holder attached to the ball.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a tooth or gum tissue is disclosed. The apparatus can include a tooth cap for supporting a treatment device during a treatment procedure. The tooth cap can comprise a platform to support the treatment device. The platform can include an access port to provide a portion of the treatment device with access to a treatment region of the tooth or gum tissue. The tooth cap can also include a wall coupled with and angled relative to the platform, the wall configured to be attached to the tooth or gum tissue during treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments for a handle for securing a patient's mouth in place while an oral procedure is performed. A handle includes a handle head extending from a handle body, the handle head comprising exterior border bumpers to the sides. An indented portion lies in between the border bumpers, the indented portion having grooves oriented substantially perpendicular to a length of the border bumpers. The indented region is configured to receive a patient's teeth and lock the patient's mouth open by preventing the teeth from sliding off the surface of the handle head. With the patient's mouth securely open, a caregiver may then use a second tool (e.g., a toothbrush, flosser, tongue cleaner, etc.) for cleaning the patient's mouth or performing any other oral procedure.

Abstract: A dental appliance, such as an orthodontic retainer or a dental flipper, made of metal, graphene, carbon, or carbon fiber, and techniques for forming the dental appliance are described. In the case of an orthodontic retainer, the retainer can be used to retain the upper set of teeth or the lower set of teeth. The dental appliance can be formed by an additive manufacturing process such as 3D printing.

Abstract: Dental braces according to one embodiment of the present invention comprise: wires for straightening teeth; a coating agent coated on the outer surfaces of the wires; and fixing parts for fixing the wires, coated with the coating agent, on the surfaces of the teeth and fixing the wires such that the wires can move along the longitudinal direction of the wire. A wire positioning unit applied to the surface of the tooth comprising a body and a slot configured to receive the wire.

Abstract: A frictionally-retained detachable dental attachment assembly or anchor device is designed to attach a dental appliance with a tooth root or implant. The assembly includes a denture attachment housing for securing in the dental appliance, an abutment attached with a tooth root or implant, and a compressible retention member with a first end in fixed attachment with the cap and a second end in snap engagement with the abutment via a frictionally-retained ball secured within a cavity of the abutment. The retention member is formed using a compressible material to allow the ball to compress and the retention member to flex while inserting the ball into the cavity. Additional friction-retained and fixed attachment configurations of the dental anchor device are provided, along with methods of securing a dental appliance in a subject's mouth by means of the friction-retained and fixed attachment dental anchor devices.

Abstract: A feature for retaining a denture on dental implants is shown and described. An anchor for receiving prongs is threaded to each of one or more implants in the mouth. A denture having prong passages is placed onto jaw bone or overlying tissue, above the implant. The anchor occupies an opening in the denture. With the denture in place and with the prong passages aligned with prong reception sites of the anchor, a pronged denture connector is installed such that the prongs pass through the prong passages of the denture and penetrate the prong reception sites of the anchor. The prongs are frictionally secured in place by an elastic member lining the prong passages of the denture and constricting over inserted prongs. The denture may comprise synthetic resin reinforced by a metallic reinforcing bar.

Abstract: A scanning jig is capable of acquiring spatial positional relationships between a patient's face and an abutment. The scanning jig is configured to identify the spatial position of an implant including the abutment placed in the patient's mouth, and includes a base to be connected to the implant, a scan target with a scan area scannable by a 3D scanner, and a connecting portion for connecting the base and the scan target. The connecting portion is connected at one end to the base in a predetermined direction and at the other end to the scan target in the predetermined direction, and has a predetermined length such that the scan target is positioned outside the mouth when the base is connected to the implant.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for hybrid denture fabrication. The systems and methods improve the efficiency of the fabrication process for both the dental service provider (e.g., dentist, dental surgeon, etc.) and the patient. A permanent hybrid prosthesis (e.g., the bridge and its reinforcing bar) can be fabricated within 24 hours of the surgical procedure using the systems and methods described herein. This makes it possible to deliverer the permanent hybrid prosthesis within 48 hours (or even within 24 hours) of the surgical procedure. Additionally, the system and methods eliminate the need to provide the patient with a temporary denture following the surgery. Further, the systems and methods substantially reduce the patients chair-time and/or the number of patient visits.

Abstract: A dental device is described that comprises a monolithic support structure for use in implant-supported dental restoration applications for partially or fully edentulous patients. The monolithic support structure comprises a unitary support body with one or more teeth projections projecting from the support body, and at least one support region providing a framework for integrating discrete artificial teeth adjacent the teeth projections. An implant-supported dental device is also provided that comprises the monolithic support structure, one or more artificial teeth, and a gingival region comprised of a formable material that secures artificial teeth within the framework of the monolithic support structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photocurable composition for use in stereolithography, the photocurable composition including: a (meth)acrylic monomer (X) that is at least one selected from the group consisting of di(meth)acrylic monomers containing, within one molecule, two aromatic rings and two (meth)acryloyloxy groups, and that has a weight average molecular weight of from 400 to 580; a (meth)acrylic monomer (D) that is at least one selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylic monomers containing, within one molecule, at least one aromatic ring and one (meth)acryloyloxy group, and that has a weight average molecular weight of from 140 to 350; and a photopolymerization initiator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction device for intraoral use, comprising a suction line and a tongue protection, said suction line being bent substantially U-shaped, which are configured by a molded part, in particular integrally with one another. The suction tube comprises a connection which points mesially for a suction hose. In the course of the suction tube the connection is adjoined by an upper U-leg, a mesial U-central portion and a lower U-leg, said legs extending distally from the U-central portion. The lower U-leg comprises suction openings and is surrounded by a suction sponge which covers the suction openings. The suction tube terminates at the distal end of the lower U-leg in an end suction opening which is covered by the suction sponge.

Abstract: Feedback data useful in prosthodontic procedures associated with the intra oral cavity is provided. First, a 3D numerical model of the target zone in the intra oral cavity is provided, and this is manipulated so as to extract particular data that may be useful in a particular procedure, for example data relating to the finish line or to the shape and size of a preparation. The relationship between this data and the procedure is then determined, for example the clearance between the preparation and the intended crown. Feedback data, indicative of this relationship, is then generated, for example whether the preparation geometry is adequate for the particular type of prosthesis.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring an occlusal distance and/or a space of a missing tooth comprises a connecting rod and a measuring head disposed at an upper end of the connecting rod, the measuring head comprises a first measuring ruler and a second measuring ruler perpendicular to the first measuring ruler, a lower end of the second measuring ruler and one end of the first measuring ruler are connected to the connecting rod. The occlusal distance checking can be performed simply and directly by using the first measuring ruler to directly compare whether it can pass through the occlusion gap in the region to be repaired, the gap of the single missing tooth analysis is performed easily and directly by using the second measuring ruler to directly compare whether it can pass the gap in the measuring region to be repaired.

Abstract: An oral care illumination device (30) includes a mouthpiece (300) and a backlight module (320). The mouthpiece is adapted to fit at least a portion of a user's mouth. The backlight module is coupled to the mouthpiece and includes at least one light source (320), a light guide plate (310) configured to receive light from the at least one light source, including a curved light emitting surface (360) and a plurality of microstructures (350), and at least one reflector (340) to redirect light through the light guide plate. The plurality of microstructures, the curved light emitting surface, and the at least one reflector alter a propagation of light from the at least one light source through the light guide plate to illuminate a predetermined area of the user's mouth with a desired light distribution.

Abstract: Techniques for overmolding a composition onto a substrate are disclosed. More particularly but not exclusively, techniques for overmolding a therapeutic composition onto a substrate configured for delivery of the composition to teeth and/or oral tissue are disclosed. The overmolding techniques may include injection molding the therapeutic composition onto the substrate, and the therapeutic composition may include one or more therapeutic agents effective for treating one or more oral conditions.

Abstract: A breathable fabric sleeve provides varying elastic support to help heal strains, sprains and bruises to the ligaments and tendons of an animal's fetlock and pastern joints. Preferably the sleeve is made of a seamlessly woven elastic fabric. The sleeve is applied over the fetlock of the leg of a horse or other animal, from the pastern up to below the knee, on the front leg, or to below the hock, on the hind leg. The sleeve has uniform elastic strength around the circumference of the sleeve, but provides variable compression, so that an upper part of the sleeve provides greater circumferential compression and the lower part provides less compression. The variable compression can be produced by using a looser weave in a bottom end of the sleeve, and/or by increasing the diameter of the bottom end, relative to that of the central portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to the fields of medicine and medical technology and is directed toward improving the technical properties of mesh implants used for delicately surgically shaping thin anatomical structures: eyelids, cornea, etc. A tension-free titanium metal warp knit fabric for surgically shaping soft tissues is a mesh fabric made of titanium threads bent to form interconnected loops, wherein the titanium threads have a contoured surface. The technical result is a decrease in the elasticity and an increase in the plasticity of the material, making it possible to incorporate said material into thin anatomical structures without risk of trauma, while improving the formation of connective tissue, reducing wound discharge, shortening healing times, and reducing the rate of complications, thus enabling more rapid recovery of patients. 6 d.c., 7 ill.

Abstract: An embolic coil with a secondary, delivered shape utilizing regions of varying stiffness is described. In some embodiments, these regions of varying stiffness are created by utilizing a larger primary wind loop diameter to create selective regions with lower stiffness and higher flexibility. In some embodiments, these regions of higher flexibility correspond to inflection regions on a complex coil shape to ease deliverability of the coil during therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: A delivery system for deploying a medical implant includes an elongate delivery wire assembly slidably disposed within a delivery catheter lumen, the delivery wire assembly having an implant loading region configured for seating the implant when the delivery wire assembly is constrained within the delivery catheter lumen and the implant is in a compressed delivery configuration, the delivery wire assembly further including an implant distal protection feature having a central portion coupled to the delivery wire assembly distal of the implant loading region, and a peripheral portion extending proximally from the central portion to at least partially cover a distal end portion of the implant when the delivery wire assembly, implant and implant distal protection feature are constrained within the delivery catheter lumen, wherein the peripheral portion remains extending in the proximal direction when the implant assumes an expanded configuration after being released from the delivery catheter lumen.

Abstract: Provided is a medical self-expandable stent which includes a stent body that is self-stretched or expanded by heat and emits the heat, a stretchable light emitting diode (LED) that is stacked to be longitudinally spread on the stent body and emits the heat by converting electric energy into optical energy, and a thin-film formation part that includes a thin film to fix the stretchable LED to the stent body, and is self-expanded by the heat.

Abstract: There is provided a plain-weave fabric excellent in low air permeability and waterproofness. Further, there is provided a stent graft excellent in low water permeability mechanical properties and catheter storage capacity, including the plain-weave fabric as a graft substrate. A plain-weave fabric woven by interlacing weaving yarns in warp and weft, in which weaving yarns YA and YB arranged in the same direction have different crimp ratios A and B, respectively, a relationship thereof satisfies Formula 1, and the crimp ratio B is 4% or more, and the plain-weave fabric is preferably used for a stent graft; A?B×1.2.

Abstract: A graft retention device has an elongated body with first and a second ends, and a midpoint therebetween. A pair of elongated slots through the body defines a tang therebetween. At least one of the slots have an open first end into the body at the body first end such that the first end is closed via a retention line between the tang and the body. A graft retention loop disposed over the tang is slidable therealong from a first position closer to the body first end and a second position closer to the midpoint.

Abstract: A device having one or more adjustable loops or coils associated with an implant body for use in soft tissue reconstructions is provided. One exemplary embodiment of a device includes a body and a suture filament, with the filament being used to form a self-locking sliding knot disposed on a top side of the body and a plurality of adjustable coils that are substantially disposed on the body's bottom side. Terminal ends of the filament located above the body's top side can be passed through an opening of a Lark's Head knot from opposite sides, thus forming a self-locking sliding knot, and then the terminal ends can be tensioned to adjust a circumference of the coils. Changing a coil's circumference changes a location of a ligament graft disposed on the coil. Other configurations of devices and systems, as well as methods for performing ACL repairs, are also provided.

Abstract: An implant comprising a shell, a core within the shell, and a conductive layer between the core and the shell; wherein the implant additionally comprises a sensor for detecting a change in one or more electrical properties of the conductive layer.

Abstract: An intraocular lens fixing device for fixing in an eyeball an intraocular lens having a plurality of haptics is provided, the intraocular lens fixing device comprising: a linear member stretched in the eyeball; and a plurality of haptic retaining members, each being provided to correspond to and retain each of the plurality of haptics and supported in the space of the eyeball by the linear member, wherein the linear member is secured to each of the plurality of haptic retaining members and the haptic retaining member are made of a flexible material.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) assembly into an eye may be provided. An apparatus for delivery of a lens component into an eye, including: a housing; a nozzle operatively coupled to the housing; a plunger at least partially and moveably disposed within the housing for driving the lens component; and a spring that applies a biasing force to the plunger.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device includes an optic including an optic axis and a haptic structure coupled with the optic. The haptic structure includes an inner ring comprising a plurality of hinges such that portions of the inner ring reside at different radii from the optic axis. The haptic structure further includes a first loop extending from the inner ring and having two points of connection to the inner ring and a second loop extending from the inner ring and having two points of connection to the inner ring. The second loop is oriented opposite the first loop.

Abstract: A tonic lens guide comprises a substantially linear bar member and a pair of crab claw members fixedly attached to opposite ends of the linear bar member. The toric lens guide is adapted to be mounted upon an intraocular lens (IOL) which has been implanted within the capsular bag of a human eye during cataract surgery such that the substantially linear bar member is adapted to be disposed atop the central optic component of the intraocular lens (IOL) while the crab claw members effectively grasp the optica/haptic junctions of the intraocular lens (IOL). After the intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted within the capsular bag, it is rotated within the capsular bag such that the substantially linear bar member of the toric lens guide will effectively define a diametrical vector across the intraocular lens (IOL) such that the cataract surgeon can precisely orient the intraocular lens (IOL) within the capsular bag such that the patient's astigmatism is optimally corrected.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) assembly into an eye may be provided. An apparatus for delivery of a lens component into an eye, including: a nozzle; a housing, wherein the nozzle is operatively coupled to the housing; a first lever; a second lever; and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly may be disposed within the housing between and adjacent to the first and second levers. The linkage assembly may include a plurality of linkages pivotably coupled to each other, wherein the linkage assembly is collapsible.

Abstract: An IOL system includes a capsular ring having a concave exterior surface extending around its circumference that is configured, upon insertion into a capsular bag of a patient's eye, to engage an equatorial region of the capsular bag. The concave exterior surface extends between an anterior surface and a posterior surface of the capsular ring. A first one or more flaps are arranged on the anterior surface such that at least a portion of each of the first one or more flaps, upon insertion into the capsular bag of a patient's eye, engages an anterior portion of the capsular bag. Similarly, a second one or more flaps are arranged on the posterior surface such that at least a portion of each of the second one or more flaps, upon insertion into a capsular bag of a patient's eye, engages a posterior portion of the capsular bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ear implant for improving or restoring the hearing ability in the event of defects in the area of the ossicles of the ear or posterior wall of the auditory canal, said implant consisting of lithium disilicate glass ceramic having a molar ratio of SiO2 to Li2O of 2 to 3, wherein the glass ceramic material being doped and stabilized with P2O5 and ZrO2, as well as a method for the production of the implant and the use of lithium disilicate glass ceramics in ear implants.

Abstract: There is provided herein a bone anchored implant that is used to support a nasal prosthesis in patients with a missing external nose. The implant consists of central section (which is preferably generally triangular) suspended within the aperture of the nasal cavity by four fixation arms which extend radially to engage the surrounding maxillary bone. The triangular portion may support three fixation points, one at each corner of the triangular portion, which in turn, directly engage the nasal prosthesis either via magnets or mechanical locking interface. Extending radially from the triangular section, the four fixation arms may flatten to a clover leaf arrangement of three apertures which accommodate micro-screws that secure the implant to the surrounding maxillary bone.

Abstract: A system for implanting a repair device onto a native valve of a natural heart to repairing the native valve of a patient during a non-open-heart procedure. The system includes a pair of paddles and a pair of gripping members. The paddles are moveable between an open position and a closed position. The gripping members can have different configurations for effective attachment and release from the native valve of the patient.

Abstract: Devices for assisting with the functioning of a tricuspid valve of a heart include a shaft, a flow optimizer, and an anchoring mechanism. A tilting mechanism can be configured to tilt the shaft relative to a central axis of the anchoring mechanism. Leaflets (e.g., multi-layer leaflets) of the flow optimizer can include a membrane and a rim, and the rim can have a higher stiffness than the membrane.

Abstract: A first anchor is anchored inside a coronary sinus of a heart of a subject. A second anchor can be driven into a tricuspid annulus of the heart. A distal portion of the second anchor can be disposed adjacent and parallel to a center portion of the second anchor. The second anchor can be seated against a surface of the annulus, for example, such that (i) the distal portion is disposed perpendicular to the center portion, (ii) the center portion extends through the annulus, and (iii) a proximal portion of the second anchor is disposed in the atrium. A distance between the first and second anchors can be reduced by applying tension to a tensioning member coupled to the first anchor and the proximal portion of the second anchor. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Improved prosthetic valves, their methods of manufacture, and systems and devices for manufacturing the valves are described. The prosthetic valves can be configured for transcatheter implantation. The prosthetic valves can have artificial leaflets. The prosthetic valves can be manufactured in numerous ways, such as by polymeric dipping processes and/or electrospinning. Sponge-like polymers for valves and other medical devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stented valve including a generally tubular stent structure that has a longitudinal axis, first and second opposite ends, a plurality of commissure support structures spaced from the first and second ends and extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, at least one structural wire positioned between each two adjacent commissure support structures, and at least one wing portion extending from two adjacent commissure support structures and toward one of the first and second ends of the stent structure. The stented valve further includes a valve structure attached within the generally tubular stent structure to the commissure support structures.

Abstract: A prosthesis secures a replacement valve in a heart. The prosthesis includes a radially expandable inflow section and outflow section, and migration blocker rods. The inflow section has a tapered shape and is implanted within an atrium of a heart adjacent a native valve annulus. The outflow section couples to the inflow section, and is configured to be implanted through the native valve annulus and at least partially within a ventricle of the heart. The migration blocker rods extend circumferentially around at least a portion of the outflow section and hold native leaflets of the heart valve. In a contracted configuration, the prosthesis may be implanted through a catheter into the heart. In an expanded configuration, the tapered shape of the inflow section in the atrium cooperates with the migration blockers in the ventricle to hold the prosthesis against the native valve annulus.

Abstract: In various embodiments, provided herein are methods, devices and systems for transcatheter mitral valve replacement in a double-orifice mitral valve. These methods, devices and systems are used to treat patients with mitral valve disease, particularly those who have had failed edge-to-edge leaflet repair, or patients presently considered anatomically unsuitable for edge-to-edge leaflet repair alone.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves described herein can be deployed using a transcatheter delivery system and technique to interface and anchor in cooperation with the anatomical structures of a native heart valve. Some embodiments of prosthetic valves described herein include an anchor portion that couples to the anatomy near a native valve, and a valve portion that is mateable with the anchor portion. In some such embodiments, the anchor portion and/or the deployment system includes one or more prosthetic elements that temporarily augment or replace the sealing function of the native valve leaflets.

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 an intermediate layer including an expandable mesh tube, an outer polymeric layer extending over at least a portion of the intermediate layer, and an inner polymeric layer extending within the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer and the inner polymeric layer are configured to establish an enlarged lumen to allow passage of the prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve delivery system can include a catheter portion having a sheath that can cover and uncover the prosthetic heart valve mounted on an inner shaft, a handle having a sheath actuator operatively coupled to a proximal portion of the sheath, the inner shaft extending through the handle, and a shaft retractor releasably coupled to a proximal portion of the handle and fixedly coupled to a proximal portion of the inner shaft. A sheath actuator can move the sheath axially relative to the inner shaft when the shaft retractor is coupled to the handle, and a proximal movement of the sheath relative to the inner shaft can cause the sheath to uncover the prosthetic heart valve. The shaft retractor can be operable to retract the inner shaft and the nosecone proximally relative to the sheath when the shaft retractor is released from the handle.

Abstract: A delivery device includes a central elongate structure including an annular member at the distal end, a sheath, a plurality of tethers extending through the central elongate structure, a handle, and a control on the handle. The handle is connected to the elongate structure, the sheath, and the plurality of tethers. The control is configured to move the sheath proximally and distally over the central elongate structure. The annular member includes a plurality of pockets extending radially therearound. Each tether includes a feature on a distal end thereof configured to fit within a pocket of the plurality of pockets to hold the tethers in place.

Abstract: An adjustable heart valve repair system includes a suture implanting apparatus and a suture locker. The suture implanting apparatus is operable to implant a suture into at least one leaflet of a heart valve. The suture locker is operable to fix the suture. The suture locker includes an adjusting device to adjust tensioning or loosening of the suture.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for resizing a valve annulus are described. An implant is delivered proximate a mitral valve, the implant comprising a tubular body and a plurality of piercing helical anchors, the tubular body comprising an proximal diameter and a distal diameter. Tissue proximate the mitral valve is engaged by rotating the plurality of anchors with corresponding rotational drivers. The tubular body may be transitioned from a first structural configuration having the proximal diameter smaller than the distal diameter to a second structural configuration having the proximal diameter larger than the distal diameter.