Abstract: Disclosed is an axial and rotational stopping device for use when creating threads in a predrilled pilot hole or inserting an allograft bony void filler or synthetic implant into a threaded hole. The device can also provide consistent depth control for drilling a pilot hole, tapping the hole to create threads, and implanting an allograft bony void filler or synthetic implant while preventing damage to the threads in the tapped hole that would be caused by continuing to rotate a tap once the depth stop has been reached and the tap can no longer advance in the axial direction, as well as preventing damage to the threads in the tapped hole, the threads on the mating allograft bony void filler or synthetic implant, and the drive features on either the driver instrument or the allograft bony void filler or synthetic implant.

Abstract: A adaptor is used with a driver, a drill, and a cannula to facilitate removal of material from bone and placement of the cannula in the bone. The adaptor includes an end portion provided at a proximal first end that is configured to engage a portion of the drill; a body portion attached to the end portion and extending from the end portion toward a distal second end; a head portion provided at the distal second end and attached to the body portion; and a passageway for receiving the drill that extends through the adaptor. Furthermore, the head portion includes a distal surface and at least one coupler provided on or adjacent the distal surface for releasably engaging, the cannula.

Abstract: A separator element (300) is designed to prevent the passage of granulate along an axial direction (L) but to allow the passage of liquid along the axial direction (L). The separator element (300) has an internal thread (310) open towards its proximal end, and an external thread (320) open towards the distal end. At its proximal end, the separator element additionally has at least one resilient locking arm (330) which is arranged on the outer circumference and winch extends with its free end in the proximal direction. In this way, the separator element can be mounted on the discharge opening of a container (100) and, by means of a closure piece (400), can be fixed on the container in such a way that the separator element remains on the container when the closure piece is removed.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant screw driver includes drive shaft. A first gear is operably coupled to the drive shaft and in meshing engagement with a hollow gear which rotates in response to rotation of the drive shaft. The hollow gear includes a passage defining an inwardly facing screw engagement periphery configured to receive and drivingly rotate a threaded portion of the screw. A method of securing an orthopedic implant to a bone includes positioning a screw within the passage which is configured to drivingly engage a threaded portion of the screw and rotating a drive shaft in driving engagement with the gear causing the gear to engage the screw along the threaded portion of the screw and rotatably drive the screw via the threaded portion.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the treatment of tissue are disclosed. A system includes an elongate tube with a distal portion. A treatment element is positioned on the elongate tube distal portion, the treatment element constructed and arranged to treat target tissue. In one embodiment, gastrointestinal tissue is modified for the treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: A multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory having a handpiece and an extendable probe assembly. The extendable probe assembly has a shaft member, a tube, an electrode, a spacer and a collet. The shaft member and tube each may be formed of a plurality of structures assembled together, each may be of a single unitary design, or both together may be of a single unitary design. The shaft member has an interior channel, a distal end and a proximal end comprised of a neck portion at the distal end of the shaft member, a grip. The elongated portion of the shaft is movable within the spacer between a first position in which a portion of a distal end of the electrode extends out of the tube and a second portion in which the distal end of the electrode does not extend out of the tube.

Abstract: A method of treating a skin tissue area (3) having a skin surface (5) is provided. The method comprises the steps of: deforming the skin tissue area into a deformed shape comprising a plurality of folds (17) in the skin tissue area; arranging radiofrequency electrodes (13) in contact with the skin surface on opposite sides of the deformed skin tissue area; and, while maintaining the skin tissue area in said deformed shape, providing a spatially continuous radiofrequency energy flow between the radiofrequency electrodes on opposite sides of the deformed skin tissue area through the deformed skin tissue area, thereby heating at least a portion (19) of the deformed skin tissue area; and releasing the skin tissue area from said deformed shape, thereby deforming said heated portion (19) into a wave-shaped zone of heated skin tissue having a depth relative to the skin surface that varies between a minimum and a maximum value in a direction between said opposite sides.

Abstract: Concepts presented herein relate to an interface module that can be electrically coupled to an electrical stimulation generator, a radio frequency generator and an instrument. A selection module is coupled to the interface module and operates in a first mode to deliver electrical stimulation signals from the electrical stimulation generator to the instrument and in a second mode to deliver radio frequency signals from the radio frequency generator to the instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, an end effector, an articulation section, and a shaft assembly coupling the body with the end effector. The shaft assembly includes a sheath, a first monolithic articulation connector, and a second monolithic articulation connector. The first monolithic articulation connector includes a first distal portion and a first proximal portion. The first distal portion and the first proximal portion consist of a homogenous continuum of material. The first distal portion is configured to flex relative to the first proximal portion. The first distal portion is at least partially housed within the sheath. The second monolithic articulation connector is at least partially housed within the sheath. The first and second monolithic articulation connectors are configured to longitudinally translate in opposing directions relative to the sheath to deflect the articulation section and the end effector relative to the longitudinal axis of the sheath.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating tissue parameters, including mass of tissue to be treated and a thermal resistance scale factor between the tissue and an electrode of an energy delivery device, are disclosed. The method includes sensing tissue temperatures, estimating a mass of the tissue and a thermal resistance scale factor between the tissue and an electrode, and controlling an electrosurgical generator based on the estimated mass and the estimated thermal resistance scale factor. The method may be performed iteratively and non-iteratively. The iterative method may employ a gradient descent algorithm that iteratively adds a derivative step to the estimates of the mass and thermal resistance scale factor until a condition is met. The non-iterative method includes selecting maximum and minimum temperature differences and estimating the mass and the thermal resistance scale factor based on a predetermined reduction point from the maximum temperature difference to the minimum temperature difference.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for tightening tissue of the female genitalia by heating targeted connective tissue with radiant energy, while cooling the mucosal epithelial surface over the target tissue to protect it from the heat. Embodiments include a treatment tip that comprises both an energy delivery element and a cooling mechanism. As the treatment tip contacts the epithelial mucosa, the tip cools the mucosa by contact, and delivers energy through the epithelium to the underlying tissue, thereby creating a reverse thermal gradient. The effect of the applied heat is to remodel genital tissue by tightening it. Such remodeling may include a tighter vagina and a tighter introitus. The tightening may be a consequence of thermal denaturation of collagen as well as a longer term healing response in the tissue that includes an increased deposition of collagen.

Abstract: An ablation catheter equipped with ablation petals having electrodes that are continuous over an outer circumferential portion of the ablation petals. The ablation catheter can be moved from a rest position, where the petals are housed in an external tubular body, to an operating position, where the petals protrude from the external tubular body.

Abstract: Electrode assemblies include segmented electrodes disposed on a catheter. The segmented electrodes can be constructed at the tip of the catheter. Tip electrodes can be constructed from an electrically insulative substrate comprising an inner lumen, an external tip surface, and a plurality of channels extending from the inner lumen to the external tip surface, a plurality of segmented electrodes, and a plurality of spot electrodes. Each of the plurality of segmented electrodes and each of the plurality of spot electrodes can be laterally separated from each other by an electrically non-conductive substrate portion and each of the spot electrodes and each of the segmented electrodes can be electrically coupled to at least one wire or conductor trace.

Abstract: An ablation system for treating tissue in a patient's body includes an energy source, one or more probes connected to the energy source, and a controller communicatively coupled to one or more probes. Each of the probes includes an elongate member having a distal region with an electrically non-conductive outer circumferential portion and a proximal region. The probes further include an electrically conductive energy delivery device extending distally from the electrically non-conductive outer circumferential portion. The controller includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices. The one or more memory devices are configured to store computer-readable instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to perform operations. More specifically, the operations include detecting a number of probes connected to the energy source and allocating a portion of the predetermined power supply to each of the probes based on the number of probes detected.

Abstract: The method of assisting the production of an implantable unfurlable made to measure device comprises: three-dimensional reconstruction of a complex surface of the cavity in which the device will be implanted; Production of a first finite element mesh of this complex surface; Choosing of generic components of the device; Production of a second finite element mesh of these assembled generic components; Determination of the morphosis parameters for morphosing from the first mesh to a mesh of a set of simple linked volumes which is representative of the part of the cavity, and then deformation of the first mesh by this morphosis; Simulation of a deformation of the second mesh, by inverse morphosis dependent on the determined parameters, to the complex surface, simulating unfurling of the device; Determination of dimensioning of points of interest by projection onto the second deformed mesh; and Generation of a production blueprint plan of the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for surgical guidance and image registration are provided, in which three-dimensional image data associated with an object or patient is registered to topological image data obtained using a surface topology imaging device. The surface topology imaging device may be rigidly attached to an optical position measurement system that also tracks fiducial markers on a movable instrument. The instrument may be registered to the topological image data, such that the topological image data and the movable instrument are registered to the three-dimensional image data. The three-dimensional image data may be CT or MRI data associated with a patient. The system may also co-register images pertaining to a surgical plan with the three-dimensional image data. In another aspect, the surface topology imaging device may be configured to directly track fiducial markers on a movable instrument. The fiducial markers may be tracked according to surface texture.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining an OIS coordinate frame comprising an electronic control unit configured to determine a local 3D electric field loop, create a zero mean version of E(t) over a depolarization interval, compute an ? value at each of a plurality of time intervals, compute an initial estimate of ? from a cross product of E and the ? value for each of the plurality of time intervals, average the initial estimate of ? from each of the plurality of time for a best estimate of ?, determine a plurality of â(?) values and using the corresponding {circumflex over (n)}(?) values, compute a composite match score, and choose at least one best value for â and a best value for {circumflex over (n)}.

Abstract: A method for guiding a procedure is provided. A volumetric map of an interior portion of a body of a subject is presented, and, during the procedure, in response to movements of a sensor with respect to the portion, the presented volumetric map is updated, by changing a manner in which the presented volumetric map shows areas of the portion from which material was removed by the procedure. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus according to one or more embodiments includes a manipulator that supports surgical equipment; a display configured to display an image captured by an endoscopy; a display supporting arm that includes a joint and a locking mechanism and supports the display, the locking mechanism is configured to lock the joint; an operation handle that allows an operator to operate the manipulator; and an unlocking mechanism configured, in response to an operation by the operator, to unlock the locked joint of the display supporting arm.

Abstract: A remote control robot system includes a slave arm, a master main body imitating the shape of an object handled by the slave arm, a manipulation receiving device configured to receive manipulation of an operator based on the position and posture of the master main body, and a control device configured to control operation of the slave arm based on the manipulation received by the manipulation receiving device so that behavior of the object corresponds to behavior of the master main body.

Abstract: A remote-control manipulator system includes a manipulator configured to receive a manipulating instruction from an operator, a slave arm configured to perform a series of works comprised of a plurality of processes, a camera configured to image operation of the slave arm, a display device configured to display an image captured by the camera, a storage device configured to store information related to environment in a workspace as an environment model, and a control device. The control device is configured, while operating the slave arm manually or hybridly, to acquire circumference information that is information related to a circumference area of an area imaged by the camera based on the environment model stored in the storage device, and display on the display device so that the image captured by the camera and the circumference information are interlocked.

Abstract: A steerable introduction system for deploying an interventional tool (e.g., a replacement valve) within an anatomical object (e.g. a heart). The steerable introduction system employs a steerable introducer (20) including an end-effector for positioning the interventional tool within the anatomical object (e.g., the end-effector passively guides or actively steers the interventional tool within the anatomical object). The steerable introduction system further employs an image guidance workstation (120) controlling an actuation of a translation, a pivoting and/or a rotation of the end-effector within the anatomical object responsive to surgical image data illustrative of a position of the end-effector within the anatomical object (e.g., ultrasound or X-ray image data illustrative of a surgical position of the end-effector within a heart).

Abstract: Generally, a sterile adapter for use in robotic surgery may include a frame configured to be interposed between a tool driver and a surgical tool, a plate assembly coupled to the frame, and at least one rotatable coupler supported by the plate assembly and configured to communicate torque from an output drive of the tool driver to an input drive of the surgical tool.

Abstract: A re-usable medical procedure power tool includes a subframe having a handle portion connected to a tool attachment portion and a power source portion. A removable, single use, contamination-blocking cover substantially covers the sub frame of the tool. At least the handle portion of the cover includes a flexible portion providing a tactile feel portion for a user. The tactile feel portion is movable sufficient to move an associated trigger attached to the subframe.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for robotic surgical device control. A system is provided including a robotic arm, an autosteroscopic display, a user image capture device, an image processor, and a controller. The robotic arm is coupled to a patient image capture device. The autostereoscopic display is configured to display an image of a surgical site obtained from the patient image capture device. The image processor configured to identify a location of at least part of a user in an image obtained from the user image capture device. The controller is configured to, in a first mode, adjust a three dimensional aspect of the image displayed on autostereoscopic display based on the identified location, and, in a second mode, move the robotic arm or instrument based on a relationship between the identified location and the surgical site image.

Abstract: A radiopaque structure and an implanted medical instrument having the radiopaque structure. The radiopaque structure includes at least one radiopaque unit, and each radiopaque unit includes at least one radiopaque object. In at least one incidence direction of a light source, all the radiopaque objects in the radiopaque structure are divided into n regions according to the thickness in the incidence direction, and a projection area Sm of m regions of the n regions and an effective thickness dm of the m regions meet Sm?0.0136(dm)a?0, wherein ?0.95?a??0.85 and 1?m?n. The radiopaque structure has good or excellent visibility.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a processing device receives a 3D image of a face of a person. The processing device identifies a first plurality of visible landmarks and a second plurality of visible landmarks on the face from the 3D image, wherein the second plurality of visible landmarks are associated with soft facial tissues. The processing device determines a post-treatment arrangement of the first plurality of visible landmarks based on a first mapping between a current dentition of the person and a post-treatment dentition of the person. The processing device determines, based on applying the post-treatment arrangement of the first plurality of visible landmarks to a second mapping between the first plurality of visible landmarks and the second plurality of visible landmarks, a post-treatment shape of the soft facial tissues. The processing device generates a modified version of the 3D image, wherein the soft facial tissues have the post-treatment shape in the modified version of the 3D image.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for performing orthodontic treatment planning are provided. Virtual/Augmented Reality devices can be used to virtually manipulate patient's teeth, modify virtual models of the patient's teeth, analyze the fit of a dental appliance on the patient's teeth, analyze the position of attachment sites for dental appliances, and provide overlays showing forces applied to the patient's teeth. The VR/AR devices can be used by physicians and/or the patient to provide and display treatment planning.

Abstract: Systems and methods of repositioning teeth, using one or more appliances for installing on a patient's teeth are described. The appliance includes an arch shaped member; a plurality of spring members coupled to or provided on the arch shaped member; and a plurality of securing members for securing to a corresponding plurality of the patient's teeth on a one-to-one basis, the securing members being supported by the arch shaped member. The arch shaped member and the plurality of springs, together, comprise a two dimensional structure having a length dimension and a width dimension with varying widths along the length dimension, that is bent into a three dimensional structure.

Abstract: An appliance for correcting a malocclusion in a mouth of a user, the appliance including a generally U-shaped upper body having an anterior portion configured to be adjacent to upper incisors and a posterior portion located rearward to the anterior portion, the upper body having an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter that is located interior to the outer perimeter; a generally U-shaped lower body having an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter of the lower body having an anterior portion adjacent to lower incisors and a posterior portion located rearward to the anterior portion of the lower body, wherein the lower body has a lower labial shield extending along the outer perimeter of the lower body; and lingual protrusions extending generally upward from the posterior portion of the inner perimeter of the upper body, the lingual protrusions being configured to contact a palate of the user as the appliance is worn within the mouth of the user.

Abstract: A series of appliances including a first shell and a second shell can be designed to incrementally implement a treatment plan. The first and second shells can have cavities designed to receive teeth of a jaw. A first number of bite adjustment structures can be formed of a same material as the first shell and extend from the first cavities and be designed to interface with teeth of a second jaw. The first number of bite adjustment structures can have a first shape and location. A second number of bite adjustment structures can be formed of a same material as the second shell and extend from the second cavities and be designed to interface with teeth of the second jaw. The second number of bite adjustment structures can have a second shape and location, different than the first shape and location.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include a screw device configured for implantation into human bone for dental and bone restoration purposes, or animal long bone. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention include a surgical screw having a surgical pinpoint tip, a head, a set of threads having a dynamic surgical region including quantified progressing minor diameters and a stabilizing surgical region including a substantially equal and parallel minor diameter between threads, and in some embodiments, an annular region and/or a tapered region. The set of threads are surgically sharp at the crest. The combination of these features enables the screw to be implanted without use of a drill or osteotome and without breaking.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis and a process for design and manufacturing, incorporating a dental implant framework and veneering overlay that will be designed and manufactured simultaneously and permanently fixated to one another.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing and machining dental, maxillofacial and trauma prostheses and for optimizing an amount of time used in machining a prosthesis that has been previously manufactured with additive manufacturing technology is provided. The method includes manufacturing, by using excess material and additive manufacturing technology on a printing plate, a prosthetic block including at least a prosthesis. The method further includes joining pieces and positioning elements with specific dimensions and distances between the same; positioning the prosthetic block on a machining tray using the positioning elements; fixing the prosthetic block to the machining tray using the positioning elements; and fixing the machining tray to a machining machine, such that the prosthesis is fixed in a specific and known position in the machining machine by the specific dimensions and distances of the prosthetic block. The method further includes performing a machining operation to critical areas of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A resin-retained denture bridge having an improved bonding between a false tooth or teeth of the bridge and a retainer wire of the bridge is provided in the present invention, wherein a coupling recess is formed on a lingual side of the false tooth and a protrusion or an omega-shaped bend is formed on the retainer wire. The protrusion or omega-shaped bend is received in the coupling recess of the false tooth after or prior to a resin being filled in the coupling recess, which is then cured to form a secure engagement, so that the false tooth is bonded to the retainer with the end portions of the retainer wire extending laterally from the false tooth.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for exporting design data of a virtual 3D dental design model (12) from an AR application, the AR application being adapted to visualize the dental design model with a preliminary pose and scale (13) in an image (11) of a face comprising a mouth region with a dental situation. The invention further pertains to a method for visualizing a 3D dental design model in an AR application.

Abstract: A tooth cleaning device for the specific cleaning of crevices between teeth and gingival pockets having a curved carrier body in the shape of a jaw and a resilient, curable dental impression material, which is applied on both sides of the carrier body. The impression material is applied at a low height such that, during use, only the occlusal surfaces of teeth submerge into the dental impression material, while the crevices between teeth are largely free from the dental impression material. The carrier body has at least one, preferably a plurality of centering projections, which ensure that the tooth cleaning device is inserted in a centric position of the jaw. The device forms a barrier between the actual oral cavity (cavum oris proprium) and the oral vestibule, that is, the space between the lips/cheeks and row of teeth (vestibulum oris). In view of this barrier, the crevices between teeth present the only passage through which a cleaning fluid can be pressed by moving the tongue and/or cheek muscle.

Abstract: An oral cavity washing device includes: a device body including a pump configured to discharge washing liquid, and a body unit including a tank provided at the device body; a tube connected to the body unit and configured to allow the discharged washing liquid to flow through the tube; and a washing unit connected to the tube and configured to discharge the washing liquid. The body unit has a two-dimensional shape like an ellipse or an approximate ellipse in a planar view.

Abstract: A toothbrush (10) includes a brushhead (18), a first force sensor (30A) for measuring a first force exerted by the brushhead at a first angle relative to a tooth and a second force sensor (30B) for measuring a second force exerted by the brushhead at a second angle relative to the tooth, the second angle being different than the first angle, and a processing unit (26). The processing unit is structured to: (i) receive first information indicative of the first force as measured by the first force sensor, (ii) receive second information indicative of the second force as measured by the second force sensor, and (iii) determine information regarding a current brushing angle of the brushhead based on the first information and the second information.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices for fastening a hernia mesh. The invention provides a surgical fastening device that includes a shaft with a fastener carrier disposed at least partially within the shaft, in which the carrier is configured to accept fasteners of a plurality of different sizes. Different sized fasteners can be preloaded in interchangeable carriers or even mixed together within a carrier in the fastening device. The device can deliver the fasteners to different depths in a patient's tissue.

Abstract: A filter formed from a sheet is described herein. In one aspect of the invention, a filter is formed from a sheet of material and, following removal of portions of the sheet, the filter is folded into a shape for insertion into a blood vessel. In another aspect of the invention, features for a filter are formed from a sheet of material and incorporated into the filter.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of esophageal stenoses, including at least a body of elongated shape intended to be inserted within the esophagus of a patient, and a tubular sheath mounted around said body to define an interspace between said body and the tubular sheath, wherein it includes a stiffening element accommodated in said interspace and including a plurality of ribs which extend along said interspace.

Abstract: There is disclosed a synthetic joint stabilisation device (10) and associated assembly, the device having a particular use in a method of stabilising a dislocated acromioclavicular joint. The joint stabilisation device (10) comprises a first elongate portion (22) forming a first free end (24); a second elongate portion (26) forming a second free end (28) which is opposite the first free end; and an integral eye (30) provided at a location which is between the first and second free ends, the eye serving for securing the device to a bone (19) of a patient. The device (10) is at least partly tubular so as to define an internal cavity (32), said part, of the device being of a woven material.

Abstract: Fluids incorporated into intraocular lenses and their methods of use. In some embodiments the fluids are silicone oils, and in some embodiments they are used in accommodating intraocular lenses.

Abstract: An eye-mountable device is provided that includes a battery or other local power source and that can wirelessly power one or more intraocular devices using power from the battery. The eye-mountable device could be provided as a contact lens. The eye-mountable device could provide power to an intraocular device by emitting radio frequency energy, time-varying electrical fields through the conductive medium of the eye, or optical energy. The intraocular device could include an electronic lens configured to provide a controllable optical power to the eye. The intraocular device could include sensors configured to detect accommodation forces exerted by muscles of the eye; such detected forces could be used to control an electronic lens of the intraocular device or an electronic lens of the eye-mountable device. The battery could be rechargeable and the eye-mountable device could be configured to receive power to recharge the battery.

Abstract: Described are implants for placing in a body, tools for delivering the implants, and systems and methods for using implants and tools for placing in a body and more particularly to nasal implants, tools for delivering nasal implants, and systems and methods for using such implants and tools. A tool may include a hand-held implant delivery device that holds, moves, orients, inserts, or shapes an implant. An implant may be a biodegradable, longitudinal implant that may be oriented for implantation by an implant delivery device.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve (1) for implantation at the mitral annulus of a heart, the prosthetic heart valve comprising: a support framework (10) reversibly transformable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration; and one or more leaflets connected to the framework; wherein, in the expanded configuration: the support framework defines a fluid pathway through the prosthetic heart valve, the fluid pathway having a portion with a D-shaped cross section for engaging the mitral annulus; and the one or more leaflets allow fluid to pass through the fluid pathway in a first direction but prevent fluid from flowing in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward centrally-opening leaflet prosthetic valve devices having a leaflet frame and a non-sewn mechanically coupled leaflet. The described leaflet frames have projections that are configured to couple with apertures located within the leaflet attachment region of a leaflet. Some embodiments are further directed toward pulmonary valved conduits incorporating such leaflet and leaflet frame constructs. Methods of making and using such prosthetic valve devices are also described amongst others.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a medical device delivery system includes a catheter and a retainer. The retainer can be engaged with the medical device to restrain relative movement of the medical device in one or more axial and/or radial directions. A variety of retainers and retainer systems are disclosed, many of which can reliably disengage the medical device from the retainer. Methods for using the medical device delivery system are also described.

Abstract: An annuloplasty device formed from a Nitinol stent frame that expands into contact with the annulus above the native leaflets. A torus balloon activates barbs along the perimeter to fasten the stent frame to the annulus. A cinch ring is placed under tension to reduce the perimeter of the stent frame. The cinch ring and torus balloon are implanted along with the stent frame.