Abstract: A surgical drape for a patient side cart of a teleoperated surgical system may include a body and an attachment device feature. The body may be sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of an arm or main column of the patient side cart. The attachment device feature may be connected to the body. The attachment device feature may be configured to install the surgical drape to the arm or main column so as to cover at least a portion of the arm or main column with the surgical drape. The attachment device feature may be detectable by a sensor in an installed position of the surgical drape on the arm or main column. At least one of the main column and the arm may include a sensor to detect an attachment device feature of a surgical drape.

Abstract: A surgical robotic drape for enveloping a surgical robotic arm includes a covering for enveloping the robotic arm to define a sterile boundary thereover; an interface element attached to the covering, the interface element being configured to engage a drive assembly interface and an instrument interface to couple the drive assembly to an instrument to thereby provide drive to the instrument through the drape; and a guiding structure attached to the covering for locating the interface element relative to the drive assembly interface. The guiding structure is deformable between a storage configuration for when the drape is to be stored, and an operative configuration in which the guiding structure is configured to attach to the robotic arm to position the interface element with respect to the interface of the drive assembly for engagement therewith.

Abstract: There is provided a medical observation apparatus including: a determination section configured to determine, on a basis of distance between a part corresponding to a sterile region and an object existing in a periphery of the part corresponding to the sterile region, if an approaching state in which an object is approaching the part corresponding to the sterile region exists; and a notification control section configured to cause a notification of the approaching state to be issued, on a basis of a determination result of the approaching state.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a device in a selected position comprises a base having a deformable adherent material disposed thereon, and at least one stability feature associated with the base that allows the apparatus to be maintained in a location and position. The deformable adherent material substantially conforms to at least a portion of a shape of the device and removably fixes the device in the selected position. Although not limited thereto, the apparatus is useful in surgical and interventional procedures for quickly and reliably fixing a medical device such as a catheter at a selected position and orientation while allowing easy removing and repositioning of the device.

Abstract: This invention provides a guide for surgical purpose, comprising: a long column body, being in a hollow shape, an upper side thereof having a semi-cylinder, a bottom side thereof having a cuboid, and an inside thereof being provided with an elongated slot, in which an interior of the semi-cylinder is in communication with an interior of the cuboid; a wing-shaped part, being in a wing shape, and disposed at one end of the long column body and engaged with one side of the cuboid and extending from both ends of the one side of the cuboid, for grasping during surgery; a limiting piece, being in a ring shape and socketing the other end of the long column body and engaging with the other side of the cuboid, for withstanding the tissues during surgery; and a replaceable expander, being disposed in the elongated slot, for expanding and opening a surgical incision of tissues, wherein the replaceable expander is replaceable with another expander of different dimension in a stepwise manner via the one side of the cuboid

Abstract: A surgical camera system is provided which includes a plurality of imaging devices each having a tunable iris configured to change between at least two different sized numerical apertures. A video stream is produced at a frame rate greater than or equal to about 20 frames per second from first and second images produced by respective sensors and tunable irises of at least two of the imaging devices, the tunable irises controlled to different numerical apertures, the first images acquired at a respective first numerical aperture of a first imaging device and the second images acquired at a respective second numerical aperture of a second imaging device, different from the respective first numerical aperture. The video stream alternates between the first images and the second images so that the video stream results in a three-dimensional effect at a display device when the video stream is rendered thereon.

Abstract: A medical or dental instrument part having a coupling device for connecting the instrument part to a control, regulating or supply unit, a memory device that can be operated with electrical power for storing identification data and/or operating and/or care data of the instrument part and at least one electrical line, which is provided for supplying electrical power to a lighting device that is provided on the instrument part or can be connected to the instrument part for operating the lighting device and for supplying electrical power to the memory device for operating the memory device. In addition, a medical or dental treatment device having such a medical or dental instrument part and a corresponding method for supplying electrical power to a lighting device and to a memory device by at least one electrical line are provided.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument comprising a tapered rod, the rod comprising an active portion, the active portion terminating at a distal tip end of the rod and defining a conical envelope, the conical envelope having a longitudinal axis that coincides with an axis of rotation of the instrument.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatuses to obtain an image, or a set of images, of a patient's teeth from one or more predetermined viewing angles. These methods and apparatuses may include the use an overlay comprising an outline of teeth for each predetermined viewing angle. The overlay may be used for automatically capturing, focusing and/or illuminating the teeth. Also described herein are methods and apparatuses for using a series of images of the patient's teeth including a set of predetermined views to determine if a patient is a candidate for an orthopedic procedure.

Abstract: A thin-form mouthguard can be formed from a U-shape planar sheet. The sheet can be made of expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene and have a thickness between 0.02 inches and 0.25 inches. The sheet can also include instructions for modification of the mouthguard printed thereon. A method for preparing a mouthguard is also provided.

Abstract: A removable orthodontic device includes an anchorage cap segment, a moving cap segment, a pair of spring elements, and a guiding wire. The anchorage cap segment is removably worn on the anterior teeth of a dental arch. The moving cap segment is removably worn on at least one posterior tooth on one side of the dental arch. The spring elements are disposed between the anchorage and moving cap segments to generate an elastic resilient force to move the moving cap segment relative to the anchorage cap segment. The guiding wire has a U-shaped portion and two rod portions. The U-shaped portion is embedded in and disposed around three sidewalls of the moving cap segment, and the rod portions are received in guiding channels formed in the buccal and lingual sidewalls of the anchorage cap segment to guide the movement of the moving cap segment.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having a bracket pad (2), and a bracket body (1) extending from the bracket pad. The bracket has a slot (4) for receiving an orthodontic archwire. The slot has a proximal slot side face (4a), a distal side face (4b) and a slot ground face (4c). The bracket has at least one archwire support structure (5a, 5b) that forms a support surface (6a, 6b) in a plane of the slot ground face. The support surface is spaced from the slot ground face. The archwire support structure forms a flat and protrudes in a dimention generally parallel to a slot cross axis. The invention help maximizing the tip control in an orthodontic treatment.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is provided, including a backend surface, a frontend surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, and a passageway. The backend surface is adapted for attachment and is opposite the frontend surface. The first and second side surfaces are connected between the backend surface and the frontend surface. The passageway extends from the first side surface to the second side surface. The cross-section of the passageway includes an access opening, an archwire slot, a path portion, and at least one rotation portion. The access opening is configured to allow the archwire to enter the passageway. The archwire slot is configured to receive the archwire. The path portion connects the access opening and the archwire slot. The rotation portion is provided in the path portion to allow the archwire to change its orientation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced techniques for determination of dental margins in intraoral scans. An example method includes receiving a request including an intraoral scan of a portion of a mouth, the intraoral scan depicting a margin created via adjustment of a tooth. A prepared region depicting the tooth is identified based on the intraoral scan. A representation of the intraoral scan usable as input to a machine learning model is generated, with the representation comprising structured data associated with the point cloud or mesh. Information identifying an estimated margin is determined based on the representation via computing a forward pass of the machine learning model. A response comprising the determined information is generated, with the determined information being usable to fabricate a prosthetic according to the estimated margin.

Abstract: A nozzle (12) for an oral irrigator device (10) having a guidance tip (34) with at least one orifice (36) at one end, and a nozzle spacer assembly (58) positioned around the at least one orifice (36). The at least one orifice is configured to expel a fluid as one of a jet, a spray, or any combination thereof. The nozzle spacer assembly (58) comprises at least two pairs of pliable spacers (60) that extend from the surface (35) for ensuring that the area at an entrance of an interproximal space between two teeth are treated, and (ii) establishing an improved angle of impact of the fluid expelled from the orifice.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance case for use with a mobile computing device. The orthodontic appliance case has beveled edges and a magnet to removably couple to a mobile computing device. The beveled edges add support to the mobile computing device when propped upward. The orthodontic appliance case may also serve as a support or handle for the user of the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A container, a toothbrush, or a device including at least one sacrificial electrode. In one aspect, the container may include a body adapted to contain an oral care solution and a cap selectively removable from the body. The cap may include a cavity configured to contain a fluid, a first electrode comprising a sacrificial metal, a second electrode spaced from the first electrode, and an electrical connection electrically connecting the first electrode and the second electrode to a power source. Activation of the power source may generate an electric field between the first and second electrodes, thereby causing the sacrificial metal of the first electrode to release ions into the fluid in the cavity of the cap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brace for use with animals. The brace comprises an upper structure, a lower structure, a first reinforcement positioned to a first lateral side of a longitudinal axis of the upper structure, and a second reinforcement positioned to a second lateral side of the longitudinal axis of the upper structure. Each of the first reinforcement and second reinforcement are integral to the upper structure and parallel to the longitudinal axis. The lower structure is independent of and releasably secured to the upper structure.

Abstract: An endoscopic system for winding and inserting a mesh into an abdominal cavity of a patient is provided. The endoscopic system includes an introducer having an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft includes a split portion that defines an opening therealong. The split portion is configured to support the mesh within the opening. A furler defining a lumen is engageable with the split portion of the shaft and configured to exert a radial force onto the mesh that is supported by the split portion. Rotation of one of the furler and introducer with respect to the other winds the mesh inside the furler to a diameter smaller than a diameter of the lumen of the furler.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the use of thin-film cuffs on endovascular grafts. A method includes forming a fenestrated thin-film Nitinol sheet, expanding the fenestrated thin-film Nitinol sheet to expand the fenestrations, and attaching the expanded thin-film Nitinol sheet to a longitudinal end of a cover for an endovascular graft to form a cuff for the endovascular graft. The method may further include implanting the endovascular graft into a blood vessel. An endovascular graft may include a cover having a proximal and distal end, a proximal thin-film mesh cuff extending from the proximal end, and a distal thin-film mesh cuff extending form the distal end.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing a joint according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, fixating at least one suture inside a joint space, retrieving the at least one suture from inside the joint space, passing the at least one suture through a graft at a location external to the joint space, shuttling the graft into the joint space, and fixating the graft using the at least one suture.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing a soft tissue site, and augmenting the soft tissue site, such as the breast(s), scar, depression, or other defect, of a subject through use of devices that exert a distractive force on the breast(s) and grafting of autologous fat tissue such as domes with scaling rims for surrounding each of the soft tissue site and a regulated pump. The method for preparing the soft tissue site, and enhancing fat graft results, entails application of the distracting force to the targeted soft tissue site at least intermittently for some period of time and preferably several weeks prior to the graft procedure. A related aspect of the invention includes following the preparation steps by transfer of fat from other areas of the subject to the subject's soft tissue site, and then reapplication of the distractive force to the soft tissue site that received the autologous fat graft.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to Myointegration, the improvement of breast implant apparatus, system and methods for a design that extends the breast implant centrifugally, or in which a separate device is utilized in combination with a breast implant, that has one or more straps originating from the breast implant extension or from the separate device. The one or more straps are looped through the pectoralis major muscle then back into the implant extension or the separate device repeatedly. The straps are eventually attached in some manner to themselves, to the implant extension, or to the separate device. Since the pectoralis major muscle contains neuromuscular spindles that sense length, velocity and acceleration, when the user changes position from supine to vertical, the gravitational force generated by the mass of the breast implant pulls on the strap or straps, which pulls the muscle and stimulates the neuromuscular spindles, thereby generating lift of the implanted breast insert.

Abstract: A method of sutureless intrascleral haptic-hook lens implantation which improves the fixation process of the lens haptics, allowing the lens haptics to be bent and folded back into the vitreous cavity to generate a better stability, avoiding the complication of intrascleral fixation haptic slippage, meanwhile forming a sclera lamellar groove between two adjacent scleral incisions to bury the lens haptics. The method may be adapted to patients in need of intraocular lens implantation without sufficient capsular support, such as aphakia, intraocular lens, lens dislocation, etc. This method enhances the stability and centrality of the lens, the surgical procedures are simple and easy to master, which reduces the operation time.

Abstract: Methods and systems wherein laser induced refractive index changes by focused femtosecond laser pulses in optical polymeric materials or optical tissues is performed to address various types of vision correction.

Abstract: Tunable apodized multiple-focus ophthalmic devices and methods characterized by a lens with multiple optical zones each with an optical power optimized for one or more focal lengths and a tunable apodization mask positioned within at least a portion of the optical zone(s). Upon a desired change of focus for the wearer, an optical transmission characteristic of the tunable apodization mask may be varied. The tunable apodization mask may take the form of an electrochromic device or another suitable material.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable prosthetic valve are disclosed. The valve can have an annular frame having a plurality of frame members and a skirt assembly. The skirt assembly can include a laminate having a fabric layer sandwiched between a first covering member and a second covering member. At least one surface of the fabric layer can be exposed at one or more windows in the second covering member. The skirt assembly can be coupled to the annular frame by a suture extending through the fabric layer at the one or more windows and around at least one of the plurality of frame members. Methods for making such an implantable prosthetic valve are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for treating regurgitation of a tricuspid valve (4). The device comprises a tricuspid valve plug (21) capable of compressing and expanding and a tricuspid valve plug fixing device used for anchoring the tricuspid valve plug (21) to an orifice of the tricuspid valve (4). The tricuspid valve plug (21) is provided with an inflow end (42, 52) and an opposite outflow end (47, 57), and a prosthetic valve (50, 70) capable of being opened and closed is disposed in the tricuspid valve plug (21). When the tricuspid valve (4) is closed, the prosthetic valve (50, 70) is automatically closed, and when the tricuspid valve (4) is opened, the prosthetic valve (50, 70) is automatically opened.

Abstract: An introducer sheath includes a body having a lumen extending between a leading end and a trailing end and having a collapsed condition with a first lateral cross-section, the first lateral cross-section being flower-shaped, the body being configured to transition from the collapsed condition to an expanded condition with a second lateral cross-section when an apparatus is passed through the lumen, the second lateral cross-section having a maximum dimension larger than a maximum dimension of the first lateral cross-section.

Abstract: An assembly for transvascular replacement of a native aortic heart valve can have a radially collapsible and self-expandable prosthetic heart valve and a delivery apparatus. The valve can have an annular metal frame made of a shape-memory material with a plurality of posts extending from an end portion of the frame. The delivery apparatus can have a shaft comprising a valve connection portion that is releasably coupled to the posts of the valve. The valve connection portion can have a plurality of discrete radially facing recesses that receive the posts. The delivery apparatus can have a delivery sheath that is positioned around the prosthetic heart valve and the valve connection portion of the shaft to maintain the prosthetic heart valve in a radially compressed state and maintain the posts within the recesses. The delivery apparatus can cause relative axial motion between the delivery sheath and the valve.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring for attachment to an annulus of a tricuspid valve comprises an elongate tube of suturable material comprising a central segment and first and second end segments. An arcuate stiff ener is received in the central segment of the tube and extends the length thereof. The arcuate stiffener is circumferentially confined within the central segment to prevent circumferential movement of the stiffener relative to the tube. The first and second end segments of the tube lack a stiffener and are axially deformable.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic has a coaption portion, paddles, and clasps. The paddles are extendable from a folded closed position to an open position. A clasp has a fixed arm attached to the paddle. The clasps also have a moveable arm having a barbed portion and an end that is rounded. A hinge portion connects the fixed arm to the moveable arm.

Abstract: A device for treating regurgitation of a tricuspid valve (4) is disclosed. The device comprises a tricuspid valve plug (21) capable of compressing and expanding and a tricuspid valve plug fixing device used for anchoring the tricuspid valve-in-plug (21) to an orifice of the tricuspid valve (4). The tricuspid valve plug (21) is provided with an inflow end (42, 52) and an opposite outflow end (47, 57), and a prosthetic valve (50, 70) capable of being opened and closed is disposed in the tricuspid valve plug (21). When the tricuspid valve (4) is dosed, the prosthetic valve (50, 70) is automatically closed, and when the tricuspid valve (4) is opened, the prosthetic valve (50, 70) is automatically opened.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process to functionalize nanofiber membrane (NFM) on a total joint replacement (TJR) implant surface to support bone ingrowth and reduce macrophage-associated inflammation, the process comprising amending the implant surface by laser cutting microgrooves greater than 100 ?m in depth to protect functional PCL NFM from applied loading, induce a higher amount of osteoblast cell function, increase implant-bone contact area, and serve as a reservoir for the local delivery of biomolecules to increase osseointegration of the implant; depositing aligned fibers on the implant surface, the fibers aligned in the direction of the microgrooves and collected in layers until a thickness less than 30 ?m is reached and preferably in the range of 1 ?m to 10 ?m. Biofunctionalized NFM are used to indirectly attach biomolecules on said implant surface, or extracellular matrix proteins with biomolecules are immobilized and deposited on the PCL NFM coated implant.

Abstract: An implantable orthopedic wedge can include a main body having a base portion and an apical portion, the apical portion including a first end. The main body can have a thickness that tapers along a perimeter of the main body from a first thickness at the base portion to a second thickness at the apical portion. The implantable orthopedic wedge can also include a fixation member coupled to the main body and configured to receive one or more anchoring elements to anchor the wedge to an implantation site.

Abstract: A system for treating a bone including a graft containment device extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and including a channel extending therethrough for receiving a graft material therein, the graft containment device including a plurality of fixation openings extending therethrough and a strut extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and including an attaching portion configured to be attached to the graft containment device and an overhang portion configured to extend beyond one of the first and second ends, when the attaching portion is attached to the graft containment device, the attaching portion including a plurality of coupling elements for engaging the fixation openings of the graft containment device, the overhang portion including an overhang opening configured to receive a bone fixation element for fixing the strut to a bone.

Abstract: A multi-layered prosthetic element comprises a central body (1; 1?) of a substantially truncated conical shape and having a through axial cavity (2; 2?) open at both ends which gives the central body (1; 1?) a ring-shaped cross-section. The central body (1, 1?) comprises an outer portion (110; 110?), made of trabecular metal material, an inner portion (130; 130?), made of trabecular metal material, and an intermediate portion (120; 120?) made of metal material without significant porosity. The outer portion (110; 110?) and the inner portion (130; 130?) are integrally connected to the intermediate portion (120; 120?). The intermediate portion (120; 120?) is configured to mechanically resist to stresses transmitted to the inner portion (130; 130?) on one side and to the outer portion (110; 110?) on the other side.

Abstract: A tibial implant may include a plurality of implant subunits. The implant subunits may be configured for individual insertion within a wedge-shaped-void of the tibia. The implant subunits may further be configured for assembly in order to provide an implant substantially covering an exposed portion of cortical bone formed when performing a surgical osteotomy. Methods and kits for insertion and assembly of implants are further described.

Abstract: A prosthetic total knee replacement system comprises a distal femoral implant component, a tibial tray implant component and a fixed bearing tibial tray insert. The fixed bearing tibial tray insert is fixed to the tibial tray and articulates with the distal femoral implant component. The fixed bearing tibial tray insert component has a medial-lateral centerline and a stabilizing post. The stabilizing post has a medial-lateral centerline offset laterally from the medial-lateral centerline of the fixed bearing tibial tray insert.

Abstract: A semi-synthetic hybrid material having a pH from 7 to 7.4 includes an inorganic fraction and a cross-linked organic fraction. The method for producing this material, and osteosynthesis devices or implants made of semi-synthetic hybrid material are also described.

Abstract: Medical implants disclosed herein may include an interior space and at least one bone on-growth structure within the interior space. The bone on-growth structure may include a root coupled to an interior surface of the implant, or to a mesh insert disposed within the interior space of the implant. The root may extend into the interior space toward another opposing interior surface of the implant. The bone on-growth structure may include a plurality of branches coupled to the root via a plurality of junctions. The plurality of branches may project at a plurality of different angles with respect to the root. The plurality of branches may each terminate within the interior space, or alternatively, one or more branches may contact opposing interior surfaces of the implant. The medical implants may also include one or more channels to enhance bone growth within the interior space.

Abstract: A method of revising a patient having a fusion cage implanted within a spinal column, involving percutaneously delivering a first end of a tube to the spinal column, fluidly connecting the first end of the tube to the fusion cage, and delivering a bone growth agent into the fusion cage through the tube.

Abstract: A system used for connecting a first implant and a second spinal implant. Among other things, the system includes a connector with a flexible member that allows the connector to be positioned a plurality of angles relative to the first implant.

Abstract: A geared cam expandable spinal implant. Rotational motion of a rotating portion is translated into linear motion of a yoke, which moves geared cams at the distal end of the implant to mate with, and walk along, teeth of corresponding racks. The walking of the gear cam teeth along the rack teeth creates a regular rate of implant expansion, reduces initial excessive expansion force applied to the implant, and provides fine adjustment of the expansion rate and force.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the orientation of a surgical tool with respect to a bone of a patient discloses initializing a first active sensor and a second active sensor relative to each other with the first active sensor and second active sensor having a predetermined (relative) orientation. The first active sensor is configured to sense a change in its orientation, provide first information relating to the change and be attached to a bone in a relationship to a reference plane therefor, for use during an operation. The second active sensor is configured to sense a change in its orientation, provide second information relating to the change and be attached to a surgical tool. The relative orientation of the active sensors is useful to determine the relative orientation of the tool and the reference frame of the bone.

Abstract: A spinal implant insertion tool includes a handle portion and an attachment portion extending distally from the handle portion. A first attachment section on the attachment portion is adapted to secure a surgically sterile spinal plate to the spinal implant insertion tool. A second attachment section on the attachment portion is adapted to secure a surgically sterile spinal cage, so that the spinal plate and the spinal cage may be attached to the spinal implant insertion tool simultaneously. The second attachment section is sized to allow the spinal plate to pass over the second attachment section before the spinal plate is secured to the first attachment section.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses an ankle prosthesis hydraulic drive circuit for achieving damping control and energy recovery, belonging to the technical field of prosthesiss and orthotic devices. The hydraulic drive circuit particularly includes a motor, a hydraulic pump, a first check valve, a first high-pressure energy accumulator, a three-position four-way valve, an electromagnetic normally-closed valve, a second high-pressure energy accumulator, a single-rod hydraulic cylinder, an electromagnetic normally-opened valve, a low-pressure energy accumulator, a second check valve, an oil inlet line, an oil outlet line, a first line and a second line. The hydraulic drive circuit provided by the disclosure is capable of outputting enough peak power to meet a normal walking demand, and meanwhile actively controlling the damping of the circuit and recycling energy during the walking.

Abstract: A degradation data generator is used with a scaffold for delivery within a patient. The degradation data generator includes a driving circuit electrically coupled to drive an impedance of the scaffold. A detection circuit generates degradation data based on the impedance of the scaffold or other properties such as RF or lightwave transmission, conductance or absorption. The degradation data indicates an amount of biodegradation of the scaffold. A wireless transmitter is coupled to transmit the degradation data to a wireless degradation data receiver, while the scaffold is within the patient.

Abstract: A bioabsorable stent is disclosed. The stent is made of a polymer and/or non-polymer material and has an elongated body having a proximate end, a distal end, and at least one open channel formed on the exterior surface of the elongated body to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end. Also disclosed is a bioabsorable stent having an elongated center rod having a proximate end and a distal end and a plurality of leaflets extending outward from the center rod and forming channels between two neighboring leaflets to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end.

Abstract: Various stent assemblies for placement in a body lumen that includes a support element comprising metal struts constructed to be positioned in a body lumen, and a knitted layer or cover disposed over an interior, an exterior, or both, of the support element and along an entire length thereof, wherein the knitted layer or cover comprises a single polymer fiber or metal wire having a diameter of at least 40 nanometers to 30 microns, wherein the support element and knitted cover together have apertures sized 100 microns to 300 microns in diameter, or alternatively from 200 microns to 1500 microns, to block larger debris when the stent assembly is properly placed in a body lumen. Methods of stenting a body lumen by applying the stent assembly to a patient in need of treatment and expanding the stent assembly in situ are disclosed.