Abstract: A vascular closure device seals a vascular access site upon completion of a procedure wherein a blood vessel has been punctured to accommodate a guidewire, an introducer sheath, and other intravascular devices. The device uses compression and thermal heating of an area around the puncture to obtain immediate hemostasis. Electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing is preferably employed, wherein a forceps grasps and compresses tissue from opposite sides of the puncture and then applies a high-frequency alternating electric current to cause the vessel wall between the forceps to denature and seal.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an RF current generator, a handle body, and an end effector in mechanical communication with the handle body. The end effector has a first jaw including a first electrode having a first electrode surface in electrical communication with a first terminal of the generator. The end effector also includes a second jaw including a second electrode having an essentially planar second electrode surface in electrical communication with a second terminal of the generator The first jaw includes at least one feature configured to apply an amount of a compressive force to a tissue compressed between the at least one feature and the second electrode surface that differs from an amount of a compressive force applied to the tissue compressed between the first electrode surface and the second electrode surface when the first jaw is placed in a proximate position to the second jaw.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling delivery of electrosurgical energy to a vessel to seal the vessel, includes collecting data from an electrosurgical system including an instrument and energy source while the instrument is delivering electrosurgical energy from the energy source to a vessel, predicting by using a machine learning algorithm a burst pressure probability of the vessel based on the data, and determining if the vessel is adequately sealed based on the prediction. The data includes an electrical parameter associated with the delivery of the electrosurgical energy.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having a rounded barrel with a distal end and proximal end configured to seat within a palm of a user. A shaft extends from the distal end of the barrel and supports an end effector at a distal end thereof including first and second jaw members. A rotating assembly is disposed on the barrel and is actuatable to rotate the jaw members. A jaw actuation assembly is disposed on the barrel and is actuatable to move the jaw members between open and closed positions. An energy activation assembly is disposed on the barrel and is actuatable to supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members. A knife actuation assembly is disposed on the barrel and is actuatable to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members.

Abstract: The present application provides methods of restoring connective tissue in a patient, utilizing a combination of imaging techniques and minimally invasive tissue remodeling and regeneration, in combination with regenerative proteins. The methods provide a method for treating pain, mobility constraints, and stiffness issues across the interstitial layer (from head to toe), and in various joints and other areas where connective tissues are present. Also provided are kits for carrying out the various methods described herein.

Abstract: Methods and systems for spinal radio frequency neurotomy. Systems include needles capable of applying RF energy to target volumes within a patient. Such target volumes may contain target medial branch nerves along vertebrae or rami proximate the sacrum. Such procedures may be used to ablate or cauterize a portion of the targeted nerve, thus blocking the ability of the nerve to transmit signals to the central nervous system. Disclosed needles may be operable to asymmetrically, relative to a central longitudinal axis of the needle, apply RF energy. Such asymmetry facilitates procedures where a tip of the needle is placed proximate to anatomical structures for location verification. Then RF energy may be applied in a selectable direction relative to the needle tip to ablate volumes that include the targeted medial branch nerves or rami, thus denervating facet joints or the sacroiliac joint, respectively, to relieve pain in a patient.

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

Abstract: A method includes receiving position signals that are indicative of positions of multiple electrodes disposed on an expandable balloon that is fitted at a distal end of a shaft for engaging a lumen of an organ to occlude the lumen. Based on the received position signals, a change is calculated in one or more dimensions of the balloon between (i) a first configuration in which the balloon is inflated but not engaged in the lumen, and (ii) a second configuration in which the balloon is inflated and engaged in the lumen. Using the calculated change, a degree is estimated to which the balloon occludes the lumen. The estimated degree of occlusion is presented to a user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a medical system includes a catheter including electrodes, and configured to be inserted into a chamber of a heart and maneuvered among sampling sites to sample electrical activity, a display, and processing circuitry to receive signals provided by the catheter, and compute, for each sampling site, a sampling position of the catheter and respective electrode positions of the catheter electrodes, render to the display a 3D representation of the chamber including respective sampling-site markers indicating the computed sampling position of the catheter at respective ones of the sampling sites, receive a user input selecting one sampling-site marker, and update the 3D representation to include electrode markers indicating the respective electrode positions of the respective catheter electrodes while the catheter was sampling the electrical activity of the tissue at the sampling site corresponding to the selected sampling-site marker.

Abstract: A return electrode includes a removable sleeve having an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface configured to slide over a patient's limb. The removable sleeve also includes at least one electrically conductive pad that is operably associated with the inner peripheral surface, and adapted to connect to an electrosurgical generator. At least one sensor is associated with the sleeve and configured to measure a current level for each electrically conductive pad, such that the current levels of each electrically conductive pad is input into a computer algorithm configured to control the power output of the electrosurgical generator. A compression mechanism is disposed within the sleeve to compress the outer peripheral surface against the patient's limb.

Abstract: A wearable electrosurgical return electrode includes an outer pad, an inner pad, and a conductive element disposed between the outer pad and the inner pad. The return electrode is formed as a flexible sheath and configured to be worn over at least a portion of a body during use.

Abstract: A shock wave generating device includes an optical fiber and a reflective part, and is configured to reflect and converge the shock wave generated inside the reflective part to an outside of the reflective part. The reflective part includes: a reflector having a concave surface having a cut surface-of-revolution shape, and a through hole, which is formed coaxially with a rotating axis of the concave surface, and into which the optical fiber is to be inserted; a sealing body configured to seal an opening portion of the concave surface; and a liquid to be charged between the concave surface and the sealing body. The optical fiber has a distal end arranged at a position on a rear side of a focal point of the concave surface, at which the shock wave reflected by the concave surface is convergeable outside the reflective part.

Abstract: Systems and methods for planning peripheral endovascular, and other, procedures based on magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”] are provided. Mechanical properties of lesions, morphology, and vessel patency are characterized based on non-contrast angiography and ultrashort echo time (“UTE”] images. The methods described in the present disclosure also provide improved visualization of the vascular tree and microchannels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying potential ablation sites using principal component analysis (PCA) are provided. A method includes generating a dataset for analysis, the dataset including a plurality of variables and generated using imaging data associated with a three-dimensional geometry that includes a plurality of vertices. The method further includes performing PCA on the generated dataset to identify a plurality of principal components and to generate, for each vertex of the plurality of vertices, a score associated with each of the plurality of principal components. The method further includes transposing the scores for each vertex onto the three-dimensional geometry, and displaying, using the computing device, the three-dimensional geometry including the transposed scores to facilitate identifying potential ablation sites.

Abstract: A pre-operative surgical planning system utilizes machine learning classification to provide candidate elements of a pre-operative surgical plan. The pre-operative surgical planning system may comprise a machine learning reconstruction engine that is trained with artificial computer models of physiologically compromised anatomical structures.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a hollow anatomical structure of interest for percutaneous implantation. The method comprises acquiring image data of an anatomical region of interest that includes the anatomical structure of interest, and generating a segmented model of the anatomical region of interest using the acquired image data. The method further comprises obtaining image(s) of the anatomical structure of interest by sectioning out intervening anatomical structures from the segmented model thereof, identifying one or more pertinent landmarks of the anatomical structure of interest in the acquired image(s), and measuring at least one of a circumference, a maximal diameter, or a minimal diameter of one or more features of the anatomical structure of interest contained in the acquired image(s) to determine an anatomical structure size. The method still further comprises reconciling the anatomical structure size and an implant size.

Abstract: A computing system generates a plurality of training datasets from past shoulder surgery cases and uses the plurality of training datasets to train a neural network. Each output layer neuron in a plurality of output layer neurons of the neural network corresponds to a different class in one or more shoulder pathology classification systems. The computing system may obtain a current input vector that corresponds to a current patient. Additionally, the computing system may apply the neural network to the current input vector to generate a current output vector. The computing system may determine, based on the current output vector, a recommended type of shoulder surgery for the current patient.

Abstract: A surgical navigation system for registering coordinates of a patient-customized tool, according to one embodiment, comprises: an electromagnetic wave generation unit for generating an electromagnetic wave; an electromagnetic sensor provided in a patient-customized tool and including a coil through which the electromagnetic wave passes; and a processing unit for calculating the position and the orientation of the electromagnetic sensor on the basis of magnetic flux, which is interlinked with the coil, and calculating the position and the orientation of the patient-customized tool on the basis of the position and the orientation of the electromagnetic sensor.

Abstract: An OSS foreshortening detection system employing an interventional device (40) including a OSS sensor (20) having shape nodes for generating shape sensing data informative of a shape of OSS sensor (20). The system further employs a OSS foreshortening detection device (80) including a OSS shape controller (90) for reconstructing a shape of a portion/entirety of interventional device (40) derived from a generation of the shape sensing data by OSS sensor (20). Device (80) further includes a OSS foreshortening controller (100) for monitoring any foreshortening of the interventional device (40) within an image of the interventional device (40) including the OSS foreshortening controller (100) detecting a location of any occurrence of a foreshortening of the interventional device (40) within the image of interventional device (40) derived from the reconstruction of the shape of the portion/entirety of interventional device (40) by the OSS shape controller (90).

Abstract: a medical fastening device for an electromagnetic sensor with a clamping element and with a sensor mount and to a medical device with such a fastening device, with an electromagnetic sensor and with a medical instrument. The clamping element has a counterpiece and a pressing piece movable relative to the clamping element, wherein the counterpiece has a lateral opening, which frees a free mounting area, which is itself at least partially enclosed by the counterpiece in a frame-like manner. The counterpiece has a depression, which points towards the mounting area and is arranged opposite the pressing piece, wherein the counterpiece is provided with an opening arranged opposite the depression. The pressing piece is movable in the opening in the direction of the depression of the counterpiece.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a tubular member including a tissue engaging element. A shaft is disposable with and movable relative to the tubular member. The shaft includes a tissue gathering element. An image guide is connected with the tubular member and oriented relative to a sensor for registration of anatomical image data and positional tracking of the anatomy during the procedure. In some embodiments, systems, spinal constructs, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a needle shield for an ultrasound probe. The needle shield fits closely with an ultrasound probe head, and any associated structures, and prevents accidental damage from needle punctures and the like. Further the needle shield includes a guide wedge that allows a user to stabilize the probe at an angle relative to the skin surface. This allows perpendicular needle access to the target vessel without the probe obstructing the needle. Further the needle shield includes an acoustic lens to modify the acoustic beam and compensate for the angle position of the probe head.

Abstract: Methods and systems providing guidance for operation of a biopsy needle based on ultrasonic imaging. Ultrasonic waves are emitted and detected by a ultrasonic transducer to generate image data. A biopsy needle is identified within the generated image data, and the biopsy needle may be in a pre-fire configuration. Based on the identification of the biopsy needle, the methods and systems may determine a predicted location of the biopsy needle based at least in part on biopsy needle properties. The predicted location of the biopsy needle may be the predicated location of the biopsy needle in its post-fire configuration. At least one indicator may be displayed indicating the determined predicted location.

Abstract: A medical system includes a catheter and a processor. The catheter includes a first channel and a distal end portion associated with a catheter frame of reference. The processor is configured to receive a first image captured by a first imaging device provided by the catheter within a patient anatomy, and receive a second image of the patient anatomy captured by a second imaging device from outside the patient anatomy. The second image includes the catheter and the first imaging device. The processor is further configured to determine a relative pose between the first imaging device and the distal end of the catheter based on the second image, determine a target location associated with a target structure in the first image, and transform the target location in an image frame of reference associated with the first image to the catheter frame of reference based on the relative pose.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system includes an assistant interface for providing remote medical assistance to aid a patient in performing various aspects of a rehabilitation regimen for a body part comprising a joint, a bone, or a muscle group. The assistant interface is configured to communicate, via a network connection, a telemedicine signal with the patient interface. The telemedicine signal is configured to control the patient interface and/or a treatment apparatus configured to be manipulated by the patient to perform the rehabilitation regimen. The patient interface and the treatment apparatus are at a patient location geographically separate from a location of the assistant interface. The telemedicine signal includes one or more of an audio signal, an audiovisual signal, an interface control signal for controlling a function of the patient interface, and/or an apparatus control signal for changing an operating parameter of the treatment apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting bone cut positioning are disclosed that can aid in optimizing implant size selection and positioning relative to bone during, e.g., orthopedic surgical procedures such as knee arthroplasty, hip arthroplasty, etc. In one embodiment, such a surgical method can include performing a first bone cut of a first bone using an at least partially robot-assisted surgical instrument, detecting one or more parameters related to bone hardness, selecting a bone hardness index based on the one or more detected parameters, and adjusting a position of a second bone cut of the first bone based on the selected bone hardness index to optimize implant fit relative to bone. Detecting the one or more parameters related to bone hardness can be performed in a number of manners, including by monitoring energy required to perform the first bone cut.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein comprise an absorbent pad, at least one perforation formed in the absorbent pad configured to fit a medical device, and at least one drape flap attached to an end of the absorbent pad, the absorbent pad further comprising a top layer and a bottom layer, and an absorbent layer contained between the top layer and bottom layer.

Abstract: The subject invention is a standardized system that provides for the methodical performance of a variety of procedures, which is designed to be configured as a variety of single-use devices, each in the form of a procedure kit which corresponds to a particular type of procedure, organized with all the exact components necessary to perform such particular type of procedure, in accordance with the included step-by-step instructions of a proprietary protocol with which such components correlate. This standardized system for performing a variety of procedures, and the methodical approach for performing each corresponding proprietary protocol, can improve the precision and efficiency of each procedure and, thereby reduce the chance of errors, minimize waste, increase productivity and provide for consistent outcomes.

Abstract: A method for performing a surgical procedure related to a pelvis of a patient comprises adjusting a length between ends of a digitizer device to a distance between opposite landmarks of the pelvis of the patient. The ends of the digitizer device are applied against the opposite landmarks of the pelvis. An inertial sensor unit of the digitizer device is initialized to set an orientation of the digitizer device relative to a medio-lateral axis of the patient, the medio-lateral axis of the patient being part of a pelvic coordinate system. A tool is navigated within the pelvic coordinate system during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for partly isolating a target biological structure. The device may include a main body comprising a front face and a rear face, the main body having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end may be arcuate in a first state and may be substantially planar in a second state. The device may further include one or more balloons disposed on the distal end of the main body. Each of the one or more balloons is deflated in the first state and each of the one or more balloons is inflated in the second state. The distal end of the main body is configured to deform to be substantially planar when each of the one or more balloons are inflated in the second state.

Abstract: A debrider or other medical device can include an extendable and retractable stylet to ream or unclog a working lumen, a distal portal, or the like. The device can include an elongate tubular body with a proximal and a distal portion. A working lumen can extend from a proximal working lumen portal at the proximal portion of the tubular body to a distal working lumen portal at the distal portion of the tubular body. The device can also include an auxiliary passage, interconnected to the working lumen of the tubular body at an auxiliary lumen portal located between the proximal working lumen portal and the distal working lumen portal. A spoolable or otherwise extendable and retractable stylet can include at least a portion of the stylet being extendable into the working lumen and toward the distal working lumen portal via the auxiliary lumen portal, and the stylet being retractable from the working lumen via the auxiliary lumen portal.

Abstract: A transfer system can include a receiver; and a transfer device including: a housing comprising a first docking cup and a second docking cup, each of the first docking cup and the second docking cup configured to receive and lockably engage the receiver; a security mechanism positioned inside the housing and configured to engage with the receiver through either of the first docking cup and the second docking cup; and a pair of indicators coupled to the security mechanism and at least partially visible from outside the housing, each of the pair of indicators configured to indicate to a user of the transfer system that the receiver has been lockably engaged with one of the first docking cup and the second docking cup.

Abstract: A noiseless handpiece providing indicator lights. The head portion of the handpiece has one or more internal silencers for baffling the noise that is a byproduct of the generation of the rotational force used to drive the drill component. The indicator lights communicate one or more operational states to the user and reflect the engagement of an electrically connected transducer.

Abstract: An instrument for performing periodontal surgery comprises a longitudinally extending handle, a blade section comprising at least one cutting edge, a connector comprising a first end coupled to the handle and a second end coupled to the blade section. The connector spaces the blade section laterally from the handle, relative to a longitudinal extent of the handle, and the cutting edge(s) define a cutting plane that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the handle. The instruments provide a three-dimensional structure that facilitates periodontal surgery.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of managing delivery of an orthodontic treatment plan using treatment guidelines, instructions and appointment planning tools customized to the individual patient being treated. A method includes, e.g., generating a treatment plan for a patient, generating a customized set of treatment guidelines, providing the set of customized treatment guidelines to the practitioner; and providing a set of orthodontic appliances to the practitioner.

Abstract: A high-strength, self-ligating appliances with orthodontically desirable dimensions. The appliances incorporate a door slidably engaged to a channel in the body; one that can be opened or closed depending on the equilibrium position of an integral protrusion on the door. Cooperating grooves and rails on the body and the door can guide the door between the open and closed positions, and mitigate against unintentional detachment. Appliances including rails that result in improved labial pull strength are disclosed.

Abstract: A dental prothesis subsurface assembly including an O-ball joint distal from a neck, the neck having a smaller diameter than the O-ball and extending from an implant or an abutment, and a polymeric sleeve having a first inner diameter portion and a different second inner diameter portion the second inner diameter portion or the first inner diameter portion adapted to overlie the neck and the O-ball joint and having a portion of the O-ball joint extending into the other portion, the other portion adapted to receive a socket of a prothesis to prevent direct contact between the O-ball joint and the socket. Additionally, a process of joining a prosthesis to an implant including placing a polymeric sleeve over the O-ball joint and the neck of the implant and inserting a socket of the prosthesis over the sleeve joining the prosthesis and the implant without direct contact therebetween.

Abstract: A method of CT scanning a physical dental impression includes arranging a physical dental impression with a higher radiodensity material in a CT scanner.

Abstract: In embodiments, a processing device detects a margin line in a model of a preparation from one or more images. The processing device determines, for each segment of a plurality of segments of the margin line, a quality score for the segment. The processing device determines that a segment of the margin line has a quality score that is below a quality threshold, wherein the segment of the margin line was generated based on a first set of images. Responsive to determining that the segment of the margin line has the quality score that is below the quality threshold, the processing devices updates the three-dimensional model of the preparation by replacing a portion of the three-dimensional model associated with the segment of the margin line with image data from at least one of a new image or a second set of images.

Abstract: In embodiments, a processing device generates a three-dimensional model of a dental site from scan data, the three-dimensional model comprising a representation of a tooth, wherein a portion of the three-dimensional model comprises an interfering surface that obscures a portion of the tooth. The processing device receives or generates an image of the tooth, wherein the image depicts the interfering surface. The processing device processes the image to generate a modified image, wherein the portion of the tooth that was obscured by the interfering surface in the image is shown in the modified image. The processing device updates the three-dimensional model of the dental site by replacing, using the modified image, the portion of the three-dimensional model that comprises the interfering surface that obscures the portion of the tooth, wherein the portion of the tooth that was obscured in the three-dimensional model is shown in an updated three-dimensional model.

Abstract: An interdental cleaner has a gripping portion (3) and a cleaning portion (4) formed by an elongate body made from a thermoplastic material. The cleaning portion (4) has a coating made of a self-adhesive, heat-vulcanized rubber material forming peripheral, flexible brush members (6).

Abstract: An oral cavity treatment device including a power component and a tray component that are detachably coupled together. The power component may include a housing having a cavity and a power source located therein. The tray component may include a tooth receiving channel and may have a first electrode and a second electrode located on opposite sides of the tooth receiving channel. The tray component may be detachably coupled to the power component in: (1) a first configuration whereby the first electrode is operably coupled to a positive terminal of the power source and the second electrode is operably coupled to a negative terminal of the power source; and (2) a second configuration whereby the first electrode is operably coupled to the negative terminal of the power source and the second electrode is operably coupled to the positive terminal of the power source.

Abstract: A vena cava filter is described, having one or more frame members or an elongated member arranged in helical fashion. A plurality of filaments connect frame members or portions of the elongated member. The filaments may be made of suture material. Hooks may be placed on a free end of the filaments, along the length thereof, or on one or more frame members to engage the blood vessel wall and anchor the filter. A retrieval member may be positioned on the filter to facilitate withdrawal of the filter from the blood vessel.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering an implant having both a rigid portion and a flexible portion to a body lumen. The delivery system includes an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member slidably disposed within the lumen of the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member includes at least one opening positioned in a side wall adjacent to a distal end region. An expandable implant, including a rigid portion and a flexible portion, is disposed about the outer surface of the inner tubular member. A distal portion of a thread is wrapped around the flexible portion of the implant and configured to maintain the flexible portion in a radially collapsed configuration during delivery of the implant. A distal end region of the outer tubular member is disposed around the rigid portion of the implant to maintain the rigid portion in a radially collapsed configuration during delivery of the implant.

Abstract: An example medical device is disclosed. The medical device includes an implant delivery system having a delivery shaft including a proximal portion and a distal portion and a detachable frame coupled to the distal portion of the delivery shaft. The detachable frame includes a body portion and a plurality of attachment arms extending away from the body portion. The plurality of attachment arms are configured to be attached to an implant and the detachable frame is configured to detach from the delivery shaft in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed are adjustable intraocular lenses and methods of adjusting intraocular lenses post-operatively. In one embodiment, an adjustable intraocular lens can comprise an optic portion and a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion can comprise a composite material comprising an energy absorbing constituent and a plurality of expandable components. A base power of the optic portion can be configured to change in response to an external energy directed at the composite material.

Abstract: Disclosed are adjustable accommodating intraocular lenses and methods of adjusting accommodating intraocular lenses post-operatively. In one embodiment, an adjustable accommodating intraocular lens comprises an optic portion and a peripheral portion. At least one of the optic portion and the peripheral portion can be made in part of a composite material comprising an energy absorbing constituent and a plurality of expandable components. At least one of a base power and a cylindricity of the optic portion can be configured to change in response to an external energy directed at the composite material.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens assembly can include a first lens, a first stanchion, a second lens, and a second stanchion. The first lens can have a first anterior side and a first posterior side. The first stanchion can have a first distal end connected to the first lens and a first base end. The second lens can have a second anterior side and a second posterior side. The second stanchion can have a second distal end connected to the second lens and a second base end. The first lens and the second lens can move laterally relative to one another during contraction of the ciliary muscle in a vertically-extending plane containing the optic axis of the eye and substantially centered in the eye.

Abstract: Disclosed are toric accommodating intraocular lenses. In one embodiment, a toric accommodating intraocular lens comprises an anterior element and a posterior element. The anterior element can comprise an anterior optical surface. The posterior element can comprise a posterior optical surface. A fluid-filled optic fluid chamber can be defined in between the anterior element and the posterior element. The toric accommodating intraocular lens can be configured to correct for corneal astigmatism, spherical aberration, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A novel prosthetic valve is described herein, as well as methods of making such novel prosthetic valves.