Abstract: A system for thermal ablation of tissue and temperature monitoring of said tissue is disclosed. They system includes an insertion device configured to be inserted into said tissue, a radio-frequency source configured to transmit radio-frequency energy into said tissue via the insertion device, a pulse generator configured to pulse the radio-frequency source at a pre-determined pulse rate and generate a thermoacoustic signal in said tissue, a thermoacoustic transducer configured to receive the thermoacoustic signal, and a processor configured to utilize the thermoacoustic signal to calculate a temperature of said tissue.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus and associated methods for the generation of at least one user adjustable, accurate, real-time, virtual surgical reference indicium. A method includes recording an image of an eye and producing a real-time multidimensional visualization using the recorded image. The method also includes determining at least one distinct visible feature within a patient specific pre-operative still image and producing the real-time, virtual surgical reference indicium in conjunction with the patient specific pre-operative still image. The method further includes aligning the real-time, virtual surgical reference indicium with the real-time, multidimensional visualization of the eye using the at least one distinct visible feature.

Abstract: A method and system for predicting a measure of hemodynamic compromise as a result of transcatheter cardiac treatment. The method includes providing a patient-specific anatomical model representing cardiac region and an implant model representing a three-dimensional representation of a cardiac implant. The method includes virtually deploying said implant model into said patient-specific anatomical model. A deformation of the patient-specific anatomical model is calculated as a result of implant model deployment A measure of hemodynamic compromise is determined from the virtually deployed implant model and the deformed patient-specific anatomical model.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a navigation procedure including a surgical tool, an imaging device, and a computing device. The surgical tool is navigated to a target tissue located in a target area to perform a surgical procedure on the target tissue. The imaging device acquires image data of the target area while the surgical tool is being navigated to the target tissue by automatically traversing back and forth along a path relative to the target area and acquiring image data of the target area while traversing the path. The computing device receives the image data acquired by the imaging device and displays the image data such that the surgical tool can be navigated to the target tissue while simultaneously visualizing a position of the surgical tool relative to the target tissue from multiple perspectives relative to the target area.

Abstract: Methods and systems for instrument tracking and navigation are described. In one embodiment, the system may be configured to receive position sensor data from at least one position sensor tracking an instrument positioned within a luminal network and determine a position sensor-based estimated state derived from the sensor data. The system may be configured to determine a combined estimated state for the instrument based on the position sensor data and at least one other type of position data. The system may be configured to determine a location transform based on the combined estimated state and the position sensor-based estimated state and output an estimated state of the instrument based on the position sensor-based estimated state adjusted by the location transform.

Abstract: Systems and methods for registering and tracking multiple anatomical structures, e.g., multiple vertebrae, as a single functional unit for surgical procedures are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the system can include a bone bridge for attaching a navigation marker to multiple vertebrae and for limiting or preventing movement between the multiple vertebrae. Various ways of attaching the bone bridge are disclosed, including fasteners that extend through gaps or throughholes formed in the bridge, bridges having a jaw portion that clamps the underlying bone, and bridges formed of adhesive or cement and directly attached to the bone. Various adjustment features are also disclosed, including joints that allow the position and/or orientation of the bridge to be adjusted in one or more degrees of freedom, and bridges that include telescoping portions or other features for adjusting a length of the bridge.

Abstract: A system for differential recording connectable to an electrical lead with at least two electrodes, including: the lead having a distal end; at least one amplifier electrically connectable to the at least two electrodes, wherein the at least one amplifier subtracts a signal recorded by one of the at least two electrodes, from a signal recorded by the other one of the at least two electrodes to generate a differential signal; a memory configured for storing said differential signal and reference indications of electrical signals associated with neural tissue; a processing circuitry for detection of an anatomical position, wherein the processing circuitry calculates an anatomical position of the electrical lead based on processing of the differential signal and the reference indications of electrical signals associated with the neural tissue.

Abstract: Data characterizing a mother video feed acquired by an endoscopic video capture device can be received. The mother video feed can be for characterizing an operative field within a patient. One or more predefined markers can be identified within the mother video feed. Each of the one or more predefined markers can be associated with a surgical instrument in the operative field. Using the data characterizing the mother video feed, a daughter video feed comprising a sub-portion of the mother video feed can be generated. At least one of a location of the daughter video feed within the mother video feed and a zoom of the daughter video feed can be based on the identified one or more predefined markers. The daughter video feed can be provided. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: Medical software tools platform utilizes a surgical display to provide access to specific medical software tools, such as medically-oriented applications or tools, that can assist those in the operating room, such as a surgeon or surgical team, with a surgery. In particular, an optical sensor located within an endoscopic camera may register subtle differences in color characteristics reflected from a tissue surface and in turn transmit the information to a medical image processing system. Moreover, the new tools are intended to help surgeons better determine the boundaries between healthy and diseased regions during surgical procedures. Various tools are intended to be used in procedures where indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent dye is used. Intraoperative fluorescence imaging is commonly used during minimally invasive procedures to enable surgeons to visualize tissue perfusion and anatomical structures. The term perfusion refers to the passage of blood and tissue fluid through the capillary bed.

Abstract: An apparatus including a tendon-driven device such as an endoscope comprising a bendable body, a tendon attached to and extending a length of said body, and an actuator that will actuate said tendon based on a control signal from a controller. The controller is configured to send said control signal to said actuator and comprises a forward-kinematic-mapping unit that estimates an angular displacement, wherein the kinematic-mapping unit is configured for: providing a tension value of the tendon to obtain a desired angular displacement wherein the tension has a nonlinear relationship with the desired angular displacement based on information of friction where the tension is greater that would be calculated without including the effect of friction. The friction coefficient may be determined as it changes over time.

Abstract: A method for performing location determination of a candidate area of a heart disorder, while applying information from an ECG device and a processing unit: obtaining a torso model and/or a heart model of a subject, for the purpose of determining locations, determining of an origin in the hearts model and torso model, obtaining the location information relating to a number of ECG electrodes relative to the torso model and/or hearts model of the subject, based on the location information in the torso model and/or heart model, positioning of the number of ECG electrodes, obtaining of electrode measuring information related to respective distinct ECG electrodes, constructing weighted vector is based on electrode measuring information while applying a predetermined ECG feature, relating the weighted vectors to the origin and the respective electrodes, based on the weighted vectors relative to the said origin, constructing of an initial anatomical feature vector.

Abstract: The various inventions relate to robotic surgical devices, consoles for operating such surgical devices, operating theaters in which the various devices can be used, insertion systems for inserting and using the surgical devices, and related methods. A positionable camera is disposed therein, and the system is configured to execute a tracking and positioning algorithm to re-position and re-orient the camera tip.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Certain embodiments include various modular medical devices for in vivo medical procedures.

Abstract: For bending a manipulator without excessive increase in a tensile force acting on a driving power transmitting member, a manipulator is provided with: an end effector; a driving unit; a guide member to which the end effector is attached at one end thereof and the driving unit is attached at the other end thereof; and a driving power transmitting members that transmit the driving power from the driving unit to the end effector, wherein the guide member includes a guide tube that has lumens, and an outer sheath that has a greater rigidity than the guide tube and that covers an outer circumference of the guide tube, and one end of the outer sheath is movable in a longitudinal direction with respect to the end effector or the driving unit.

Abstract: A medical manipulator system includes: a first manipulator configured to change a position of an imaging section that images a target portion in a body; a second manipulator configured to change a position of an end effector that treats the target portion; a display section configured to display images from the imaging section; an operation section configured to generate an operation command for operating the first manipulator or the second manipulator; and a control section configured to select one of a plurality of control modes and control the first manipulator or the second manipulator based on the operation command.

Abstract: A torque transducer for mounting a motor includes a mounting flange, a motor flange, a body, and a strain gauge. The mounting flange is configured to secure the torque transducer to a fixed structure. The motor flange is configured to secure to a motor. The body interconnects the mounting and motor flanges. The body defines a channel about a longitudinal axis of the body and is configured to flex in response to the mounting flange and the motor flange rotating relative to one another in response to torque of the motor. The strain gauge is positioned on the body to measure flexation of the body.

Abstract: A surgical drape includes a seal connectable with a selected surface of a body to define a sterile region that includes access to at least two surgical approaches. A sleeve is connected with the seal and a draping is disposed with the body. The sleeve defines a cavity in communication with the region. Surgical instruments, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe tools and instruments for holding, transferring, delivering, deploying an implantable device and methods and means of aseptically storing and shipping the implantable device including but not limited to a device case for protecting, housing and filling the device, a surgical sizer for preparing the implantable site, a deployer for transferring the implantable device from the device case and delivering or deploying the implantable device at the prepared implantable site.

Abstract: A cart for dispensing, storing, and tracking medical instruments is provided. The cart has a housing, a first motor, a second motor, one or more trays, and a processor. The trays hold one or more medical instruments, and have a door and door opening assembly. The processor is in communication with the motors for rotating the housing and opening the doors. The processor has a storage medium for storing the cart's instrument dispensing history. The processor also has a user interface for capturing user input.

Abstract: A system for planning and performing a repeat interventional procedure includes a registration device (116) and an image generation device (120) which map current targets in a reference image (104) for a first interventional procedure to at least one guidance image (112) acquired from a different imaging modality. Biopsy locations are recorded to the guidance images during the first interventional procedure and the biopsy locations are mapped to the reference image to provide a planning image for use in a subsequent interventional procedure on the patient. In a subsequent interventional procedure, the prior planning image (124) may be registered to a current reference image (126) and the prior biopsy locations and prior and current targets are mapped to a guidance image acquired from a different imaging modality. Biopsy locations are then mapped to the guidance image (115) and mapped back to the current reference image.

Abstract: Medical software tools platforms utilize a surgical display to provide access to specific medical software tools, such as medically-oriented applications or widgets, that can assist surgeons or surgical team in performing various procedures. In particular, an endoscopic camera may register the momentary rise in the optical signature reflected from a tissue surface and in turn transmit it to a medical image processing system which can also receive patient heart rate data and display relevant anomalies. Changes in various spectral components and the speed at which they change in relation to a source of stimulus (heartbeat, breathing, light source modulation, etc.) may indicate the arrival of blood, contrast agents or oxygen absorption. Combinations of these may indicate various states of differing disease or margins of tumors, and so forth. Also, changes in temperatures, physical dimensions, pressures, photoacoustic pressures and the rate of change may indicate tissue anomalies in comparison to historic values.

Abstract: A marker for use in a living body includes an indicator part to be placed in a living body for a predetermined period of time, and the indicator part is configured to indicate information on the living body or information on the indicator part by means of a difference in X-ray image. Thus, there are provided the marker for use in a living body and an instrument set for inserting the marker for use in a living body capable of identifying a predetermined site in a living body easily and accurately.

Abstract: Connector enclosure assemblies for medical devices provide an angled lead passageway. The lead passageway which is defined by electrical connectors and intervening seals within the connector enclosure assembly establishes the angle relative to a base plane of the connector enclosure assembly. Various other aspects may be included in conjunction with the angled lead passageway, including an angled housing of the connector enclosure assembly, feedthrough pins that extend to the electrical connectors where the feedthrough pins may include angled sections, and a set screw passageway set at an angle relative to the lead passageway to provide fixation of a lead within the lead passageway.

Abstract: An ergonomic body positioning system for supporting and positioning a user such that the user can maintain a neutral body position while providing improved access and visibility to a worksite. The body positioning system includes a base, a support arm, a stem mounted to the support arm, and at least one body support device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter for connecting a dental instrument to be operated with compressed gas to a compressor supplying the compressed gas, and to a control unit as well as a treatment unit comprising the adapter, wherein the adapter has at least one first input for the compressed gas of a compressor, a second input for a control signal, an output for connecting to the dental instrument, and a valve between the first input and output that is controllable by the control signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a patient anxiety management system for managing patient anxiety during a dental procedure. In one example, a patient anxiety management system is presented. The patient anxiety management system includes a control module that a patient can use to disactivate a medical device used by a dental professional by way of a trigger mechanism. Upon deactivating the medical device, a recording device, in communication with the control module, plays a recorded message to the patient during a programmable timeframe. Once the patient is calm, the system resets the medical device to an initial operation state by reconnecting but not reactivating the medical device so that the dental professional may resume the procedure when it is safe to proceed.

Abstract: A system and method for mitigating pain associated with dentistry provides a removal apparatus for removing a portion of a tooth. A desiccation apparatus flows a desiccated gas to the portion of the tooth to desiccate dentinal tubules in a region surrounding the portion of the tooth, generally preventing nerve cells within the tooth from transmitting pain signals associated with the removal. The removal apparatus has a drill head with a body having an axial opening configured to accept a dental burr. An annular passage exists between the dental burr and the body within the axial opening. A chamber in the body is in fluid communication with the axial opening, where a channel is fluidly coupled to an external port and to a source of the desiccated gas to flow the desiccated gas therethrough and expose a drilling region of the dental burr to the desiccated gas to mitigate pain.

Abstract: An adjustable mandibular repositioning appliance including first and second connecting members and a link arm which is pivotable about an axis wherein protrusive positioning of the mandible is provided by relative positioning of the link arm along aid axis, to kits and couplings for making a readily adjustable mandibular appliance, to a system for providing a readily adjustable mandibular repositioning appliance and methods of use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental applicator comprising an applicator housing and a plunger body guided movably in said applicator housing, wherein the applicator housing comprises a connection for detachably mounting a cannula in a pressure-resistant manner, said cannula comprising a connection body and a cannula tube that is rigidly connected in or on said connection body, and the applicator housing (12) and/or plunger body (14) having a receiving device (22) for at least partially receiving a bendable cannula tube (20).

Abstract: Systems and method for fabrication of dental appliances are provided. An example method includes receiving data identifying approximate locations of individual teeth in a three-dimensional digital dental model representing an impressioned position of a patient's dentition. The example method may also include generating component models corresponding to individual teeth for each of the identified approximate locations. The component models may be disposed at initial positions based on the impressioned position of the patient's dentition. The example method also includes determining target positions for the component models and generating a tooth-positioning appliance design based on the determined target positions for the component models. The method may also include causing a tooth-positioning appliance to be fabricated based on the tooth-positioning appliance design.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for cutting and trimming dental molds and oral appliances by receiving a digital model of teeth, determining a cutting loop path and applying a drape wall to the cutting loop to generate a simplified tooth base in a dental mold having an inner arch curve and an outer arch curve. The oral appliance may be formed on the dental mold and a cutter may be applied using a sweeping motion across the inner and outer arch curves.

Abstract: A method of using AR for dentistry and orthodontics is provided. An image of a dental arch is received, the image having been generated by an image capture device associated with an augmented reality (AR) display. A processing device registers the image to previous image data associated with the dental arch, compares one or more areas of the dental arch from the image to one or more corresponding areas of the dental arch from the previous image data, determines a position of an area of interest on the dental arch based on the comparing, generates a visual overlay comprising an indication of the area of interest, and outputs the visual overlay to the AR display, wherein the visual overlay is superimposed over a view of the dental arch on the AR display at the position of the area of interest.

Abstract: A biological tissue rootage face (30) capable of closely bonding to a biological tissue (H, S) is composed of a biocompatible material and has numerous fingertip-shaped microvilli (41). The microvilli (41) have tip diameters in the order of nanometers. An implant (1) has the biological tissue rootage face (30) on a surface (11, 24) configured to root into a biological tissue (H, S). In a method for forming the biological tissue rootage face (30), a surface of a biocompatible material is subjected to laser nonthermal processing carried out by emitting a laser beam in air, to form numerous fingertip-shaped microvilli (41). The laser beam is a laser beam of an ultrashort pulse laser.

Abstract: A dental zirconia system to produce translucent zirconia sintered bodies comprises at least two separate zirconia green bodies. At least one zirconia green body comprises zirconium oxide and a lower content of at least one other oxide summing to between 6.5 wt % to 20 wt % based on a total weight percent of the zirconia green body. At least another zirconia green body comprises zirconium oxide and a higher content of at least one other oxide summing to between 7.5 wt % to 20 wt % based on a total weight percent of the zirconia green body. The at least two zirconia green bodies each have at least some particles with a diameter of 100 nanometers to 1000 nanometers. The at least two zirconia green bodies have different amounts of the at least one other oxide with respect to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental prosthesis comprising a prosthesis base and teeth which are attached in or to the prosthesis base (14), wherein the prosthesis base (14) comprises a ventilation element, in particular a ventilation valve (12).

Abstract: Quartz solid solution glass ceramics and precursors thereof are described, which are characterized by very good mechanical and optical properties and in particular can be used as restoration material in dentistry.

Abstract: Tooth brushing monitoring system is disclosed that includes a toothbrush with sensors and a base station. The sensors record data regarding the quality, quantity and location of brushing and the system can analyze the data to provide feedback on the quality of brushing. This feedback provides motivation for users to increase their brushing habits, leading to a decrease in plaque, tooth decay and gingivitis.

Abstract: Rotating dental systems and related guards and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments a guard is configured to prevent material from building up on at least a portion of the dental system. In some embodiments the guard is configured to prevent materials from being discharged from the dental system. In some embodiments, the guard is configured to direct the flow of material along a portion of the dental system. Some guards within the scope of this disclosure include bristles.

Abstract: A vibrating toothbrush is provided with vibration-isolating zones that substantially isolate vibrations in the head and reduce vibrations transmitted to the handle without sacrificing structural integrity around the vibration-isolation zones. Such zones may generally comprise neck material that is reduced in cross-section, thinned, replaced by dampening material, or removed altogether to create transmission-inhibiting voids. The vibration-isolating zones may be further supported by the housing of the vibratory element to maintain the structural integrity around the zones and to thereby alleviate weakness conditions that might subject the toothbrush to fatigue and breakage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental restoration production device, comprising a curable dental restoration material (20) and a radiation-curing device by means of which the curable dental restoration material (20) can be cured using light radiation, UV radiation and/or heat radiation in order to produce a dental restoration part (22), and comprising an add-on (24) or attachment to the radiation-curing device, which faces said dental restoration material (20) or can be directed thereto, wherein said attachment or add-on (24) has a molding surface that corresponds to the target shape of the surface (52) of the dental restoration material (20) and forms a negative mold (54) therefor on the region facing the radiation-curing device.

Abstract: A wirelessly powered inflatable medical implant system includes a medical provider software application, a patient external controller and a MR-Conditional, nonferrous pump in reservoir implant. The medical provider software application programs the patient external controller for the patient to transmit wireless power and control signals to circuitry in a pump in reservoir implant. In response, the pump in reservoir implant, containing a fluid reservoir and pump package submerged therein, transfers fluid from the reservoir through tubing, and into one or more inflatable medical implants. Submerging the pump package within the reservoir simplifies surgery in males and pump placement in females and provides pump package heatsinking to limit implant overheating.

Abstract: A system and method of treating vaginal prolapse and incontinence comprises a kit. The kit includes a mesh graft configured for attachment to the anterior and posterior vaginal walls to thereby treat the vaginal prolapse. A graft delivery device is also provided for introducing and placing the mesh graft to a location deep within the peritoneal cavity and for attaching the graft thereto. A leg assembly is provided and coupled to an end of the mesh graft and cooperates with the graft delivery device to anchor and affix the mesh graft to the desired anatomical structures. The method according to the present invention contemplates a laparoscopic graft placement utilizing the components of the kit.

Abstract: A method for preparing a prosthetic valve and a delivery system for an implantation procedure. The method comprises (a) obtaining a tray, the tray containing the delivery system, the prosthetic valve coupled to the delivery system, and a valve cover in which the prosthetic valve is disposed. The tray comprises a storage cavity comprising an open end, a floor, and a peripheral side wall defining the depth of the cavity, wherein the prosthetic valve and the valve cover are disposed in the storage cavity; and a mounting surface that substantially immobilizes and maintains the valve cover and prosthetic valve within the storage cavity. The method further comprises (b) at least partially filing the storage cavity with a first hydrating fluid to completely immerse the prosthetic valve; and (c) removing the delivery device with the prosthetic valve from the tray, including disengaging the prosthetic valve from the mounting surface.

Abstract: Funnel-trap type devices are described that are made of shape-set (e.g., heatset) braid for delivery and/or retrieval of Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters or other medical devices. Delivery and/or retrieval devices, kits in which they are included, methods of use and methods of manufacture are all contemplated. Additional forming tooling, methods and device embodiment shapes are described herein.

Abstract: Embolic protection elements are integrated with a catheter or access sheath for any catheter. A catheter with an integrated embolic protection element comprises a catheter shaft, an embolic filter slidably mounted on a distal portion of the shaft, a proximal stop for limiting the proximal movement of the embolic filter, and a distal stop for limiting the distal movement of the embolic filter. The filter comprises a porous mesh material defining a collection chamber for captured emboli and has a collapsed and a deployed configuration. The filter may be collapsed by an access sheath used with the catheter. An access sheath may comprise a tubular main body and an embolic filter mounted on the distal portion of the tubular main body. The embolic filter may evert into the central lumen of the sheath or may be constrained on the exterior of the sheath with a larger diameter outer tube.

Abstract: Shortly after completing a thrombectomy procedure, a temporary carotid filter can be deployed downstream of an occlusion not treated by the thrombectomy (e.g. a carotid lesion having plaque buildup), and the temporary carotid filter can remain in place during the patient's recovery period following the ischemic stroke until a procedure to treat the remaining occlusion is completed and antiplatelet therapy is administered. The temporary carotid filter can anchor in place while deployed with or without being tethered to a wire extending through the patient's Femoral Artery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a neovaginal prosthesis formed by an essentially cylindrical hollow main body comprising a closed upper end and an open lower end, and a securing plate intended to connect to the lower end of the main body.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there are provided a membrane for immunoisolation, including: a porous membrane that contains a polymer, in which the porous membrane includes a layered compact portion where a pore diameter is the smallest within the membrane, and a pore diameter continuously increases in a thickness direction from the compact portion toward at least one surface of the porous membrane; a chamber for transplantation for enclosing a biological constituent therein, including the above-described membrane for immunoisolation on at least a part of a surface forming an inside and an outside of the chamber for transplantation; and a device for transplantation, including the above-described chamber for transplantation enclosing the biological constituent therein. In the membrane for immunoisolation of the present invention which can be manufactured at low costs, a deterioration in substance permeability is unlikely to occur.

Abstract: A method is provided for rerouting flow through the small intestine of a patient with an implanted artificial sphincter that encircles a portion of the small intestine. The small intestine includes a duodenum, a jejunum extending from the duodenum, and an ileum extending from the jejunum. The method includes providing the artificial sphincter in an open state to thereby permit intestinal flow through the encircled portion of the small intestine such that the intestinal flow passes through the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum. The method further includes, in response to a user-activated electrical input, transitioning the artificial sphincter to a closed state to constrict the encircled portion of the small intestine and thereby redirect intestinal flow from a first portion of the small intestine to a second portion of the small intestine such that the intestinal flow bypasses at least a portion of the jejunum.

Abstract: An implant delivery system for delivering a sheet-like implant is disclosed. The implant delivery system includes a distal guidewire port for receiving the proximal end of guidewire after the guidewire distal end has been affixed to a first point on bone or other tissue. The implant delivery system is tracked over the guidewire to a selected position defined by the guidewire attachment. The device includes an implant spreader assembly disposed proximate the distal end of a delivery shaft. The implant spreader assembly includes a first arm and a second arm. The arms are coupled to the delivery shaft such that the first arm and second arm are moveable between a closed position and an open position. When pivoting to the open position the distal end of each arm travels in a generally transverse direction to spread a sheet-like implant.