Abstract: A removable tip for a light energy handpiece comprises a hollow conduit configured to surround a light guide in the handpiece; a support extension having a length longer than a length of the hollow conduit; and a shielding extension coupled to the support extension at an angle less than 180 degrees and located in front of the hollow conduit. The shielding extension is configured to be inserted behind an eyelid and extend to the fornix, the shielding extension comprised of a thermally insulative material.

Abstract: Mechanical optics for mode mixing may be used to homogenize different modes in an optical fiber used for surgical illumination. A mechanical optical element, such as a rotating prism or a mirror membrane, may impart motion to an incident beam entering the optical fiber to generate a homogeneous illumination field from a coherent light source.

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: Systems and methods for estimating contact force on an anatomical structure during a surgical procedure are disclosed. A system may include at least one processor configured to receive, from at least one image sensor in an operating room, image data of a surgical procedure and analyze the received image data to determine an identity of an anatomical structure and to determine a condition of the anatomical structure as reflected in the image data. The processor may select a contact force threshold associated with the anatomical structure, the selected contact force threshold being based on the determined condition of the anatomical structure, receive an indication of actual contact force on the anatomical structure, and compare the indication of actual contact force with the selected contact force threshold. The processor may then output a notification based on a determination that the indication of actual contact force exceeds the selected contact force threshold.

Abstract: Medical procedure related objects (e.g., instruments, supplies) tagged with transponders (e.g., RFID transponders, dumb transponders) are accounted for in a medical or clinical environment via an accounting system using a number of antennas and interrogators/readers. A first set of antennas and RFID interrogator(s) interrogate portions of the environment for RFID tagged objects, for example proximate a start and an end of a procedure. A cannula of a trocar may include one or more trocar antennas positioned and oriented to integrate tapped objects that pass through a lumen of the cannula. Shielded packaging and/or shielded receptacles shield tagged objects, preventing interrogation except for those objects in unshielded portions of the environment. A data store may maintain information including a current status or count of each instrument or supply, for instance as checked in or checked out.

Abstract: Various embodiments of wirelessly detectable objects to be used in medical procedures are provided. Such may employ ionizing radiation hard wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders, other wireless transponders and/or integrated circuits, and attachment structures, all of which retain structural and functional integrity when exposed to standard sterilization dosages of ionizing radiation. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders, other wireless transponders and/or integrated circuits, and attachment structures, may retain structural and functional integrity when exposed to standard sterilization temperatures and/or pressures.

Abstract: Method for treating a service water supply unit of a dental treatment unit, wherein the method has the following sequence of treatment steps: cleaning the service water supply unit using a cleaning agent, preferably a cleaning liquid or a cleaning foam; disinfecting the service water supply unit using a disinfecting agent, preferably a disinfecting liquid.

Abstract: A bone foundation guide system and method, the system could includes a bone foundation guide including a body forming an open surgical space, the body further having a bottom contoured to reversibly affix to exposed bone of a dental surgical site and a top contoured to match a bottom side of a dental implant surgical guide; at least one anchoring strut that removably attaches to the body with an apex of the anchoring strut further denoting one or more indentations for matching up with and receiving one or more portions of one alveolar ridge that opposes another alveolar ridge supporting the dental surgical site; alternatively to the anchoring struts and a tissue spacing gasket, the dental implant surgical guide that removably connects to the body; and alternatively to the anchoring struts or the dental implant surgical guide, the tissue spacing gasket that removably connects to the body.

Abstract: To have convenient and highly precise prediction of the shape of a human body after a treatment by calculation processing that includes extracting a feature vector Fnew from face data of a patient as an evaluation subject, selecting a plurality of case patients having feature vectors Fpre(i), extracted from the face data of a plurality of previous patients, obtaining pre-orthodontic facial shape models Hpre(i) and a post-orthodontic facial shape models Hpost(i) in which the faces of the selected previous case patients before and after a treatment have been normalized, obtaining a facial shape model Hnew, and obtaining a three-dimensional predicted facial shape model Hprd, by modifying the facial shape model Hnew of the patient as an evaluation subject, using a vector average difference AVEpost?AVEpre between the pre-treatment and post-treatment facial shape models.

Abstract: Tooth-positioning appliances and apparatuses, components, methods, and techniques for producing and using tooth-positioning appliances are provided. An example tooth-positioning appliance for adjusting the position of teeth of a patient includes a tooth-clasping arrangement shaped to secure the orthodontic appliance to at least one tooth and a flexible arrangement connected to the tooth-clasping arrangement. The flexible arrangement is less rigid than the tooth-clasping arrangement.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket apparatus and method for treating a malocclusion includes a bracket base having an angulated posterior facing surface and which is matingly and releasably positioned adjacent to an anterior facing surface of a patient's tooth; a multiplicity of bracket bodies releasably and adjustably engageable with the bracket base; and an arch wire simultaneously engageable within an arch wire slot defined in each of the bracket bodies to exert first, second and third order movements to the maloccluded tooth; and wherein the bracket base remains affixed to the patient's tooth throughout the multiple step orthodontic treatment regimen selected by the treating clinician.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having a bracket body configured to be mounted to a tooth includes an archwire slot having a base surface defining a base plane and a slide engagement track defining a translation plane. The translation plane is angled with respect to the base plane. A ligating slide is engaged with the slide engagement track of the bracket body and movable along the slide engagement track and parallel to the translation plane between an opened position, in which an archwire is insertable into the archwire slot, and a closed position, in which the archwire is retained within the archwire slot. The translation plane is angled with respect to the base plane so as to prevent the ligating slide from contacting the gingiva surrounding the tooth when the ligating slide is moved to the opened position.

Abstract: An aesthetic, stain resistant ligature with material properties suited for prolonged maintenance of sliding mechanics. The orthodontic ligatures of the present disclosure offer a practitioner the ability to tailor the level of tension applied by the ligature without fear of disengagement or deterioration over time.

Abstract: A dental implant for insertion into bone within a patient's mouth comprises a body and a scannable code. The body includes a bone-engaging exterior surface, an anti-rotational feature for non-rotationally mating with an abutment, and an upper region. The upper region includes an upper surface for engaging the abutment. The scannable code on the upper surface provides information concerning the dental implant. The information includes at least two features of the dental implant.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush includes a handle, a power source disposed in the handle, a head including a cavity disposed at a distal end of the handle, an electrically conducting element disposed in the cavity and electrically connected to the power source, and a movable cleaning element connected to the head and movable relative to the cavity. The movable cleaning element includes a tooth cleaning support member, a tooth cleaning element mounted on the support member, and a ferromagnetic member. Application of an electrical current to the electrically conducting element generates a magnetic field at the electrically conducting element. The magnetic field selectively at least one of attracts and repels the ferromagnetic member to move the movable cleaning element relative to the electrically conducting element.

Abstract: A protective cover device for an animal's head includes a first portion for securement around the animal's neck, behind the occiput and at or near the smallest diameter of the neck, and a second portion for covering the animal's ears that is fastened forward of said first portion and at or near the throat or jaw of the animal. The device may be a flexible/generally-flexible panel with supplemental shaping, stiffening, and/or adjustment systems to cup/fit the ears, to prevent the ears from sliding out of the device, and/or to prevent foreign objects such as cheat-grass or fox-tail, ticks, or insects from reaching the ears. Stiffeners may be added along or beside the central axis, around the front edge, and/or near the animal's ears, to shape and hold the second portion in a configuration protective of the animal ears and not easily rolled-up or pushed off by a paw/foot.

Abstract: Described is a catheter for being retained inside the body for extended periods, and a catheter mating device that can connect to the catheter to move the catheter inside of the body or remove it from the body. The catheter mating device has a stem with an apparatus at its distal end. The apparatus is moveable between a first position and a second position. When in its first position, the distal end is configured to fit in the proximal end of the catheter. When in its second position, the distal end engages the proximal end of the catheter and connects the catheter mating device to the catheter.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a biological prosthesis suitable for gastrointestinal surgery and in particular for the treatment of parastomal hernias. It has a thickness (12) of between 0.5 and 4 mm, consisting of dermis removed from a part of an animal belonging to the family of pigs, cattle or goats, with the said part of the animal corresponding to a part extending from the area (16) located at the base of the tail next to the junction of the last sacral vertebrae up to an area (18) starting at the base of the tail and encompassing the circumference of at least a part of the caudal vertebrae.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a flexible container, a port, and a support structure. The container includes a first layer coupled to a second layer to define a storage volume within which a tissue specimen can be contained. The first layer is characterized by a first stiffness and the second layer characterized by a second stiffness. An edge of the first layer is spaced apart from an edge of the second layer to define an opening into the storage volume. The edge of the first layer and the edge of the second layer are configured to form a peelable seal that hermetically seals the storage volume such that the first layer can be peeled away from the second layer to expose the storage volume. The port is coupled to the flexible container and allows fluid communication between the storage volume and an external volume. The support structure is configured to support the tissue specimen within the storage volume and is characterized by a third stiffness.

Abstract: Medical procedures and devices suitable for reducing the risk of embolic cerebrovascular events, including but not limited to cardioembolic stroke, that result from emboli entering the right or left common carotid artery. The invention uses a combination of intracranial flow diverting stent technologies and carotid stent technologies to achieve clinical objectives of embolic stroke prevention without thromboembolic and/or vascular stenosis complication. Such a stent has struts that generate high radial forces for endothelial apposition, and a mesh with interstices sufficiently small to prevent clinically significant-sized embolic material from passing therethrough from the common carotid artery into the internal carotid artery, but sufficiently large to enable blood and small clinically insignificant-sized embolic material to pass therethrough from the common carotid artery into the internal carotid artery.

Abstract: Stent-grafts for treating thoracic aortic aneurysms and abdominal aortic aneurysms include graft portions having inflatable channels and graft extensions. The graft extensions include an undulating wire stent and porous, but substantially fluid impermeable, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft materials.

Abstract: Provided is a medical fabric that is thin, and has both high tear strength and low water permeability. The medical fabric is characterized in that multifilament yarns having a total fineness of 7-80 dtex are disposed in the warp and weft, the single yarn fineness of at least one of the multifilament yarns among the warp and weft is 0.5 dtex or less, the twist factor A of the weft is 50-2,000, the thickness is 10-90 ?m, and the water permeability both before and after puncture by a needle is 300 cc/min/cm2 or less.

Abstract: A composite lumen includes an extruded tube of a composite including a poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) matrix mixed with a PGS thermoset filler. The composite lumen also includes an overbraid structure overlying an outer surface of the extruded tube. A method of forming a composite lumen includes extruding a PGS tube of a composite including a PGS matrix mixed with a PGS thermoset filler. The method also includes applying an overbraid structure over an outer surface of the extruded tube.

Abstract: A vascular repair device assembly includes a main prostheses, first internal prostheses, an optional second internal prostheses, and at least two sub-prostheses. Methods for delivering vascular repair devices include delivering a vascular repair device through a blood vessel to the aneurysm site, aligning a proximal open end of a main prosthesis cranially to the site of the aneurysm patient and directing a distal end of at least one additional one vascular repair device through a proximal end of at least a first internal lumen, and aligning the proximal end of the additional vascular repair device into a distal end of the at least one sub-prosthesis.

Abstract: A torsional actuator formed of a yarn of twisted shape memory material. The yarn has multiple strands of homogeneous shape memory material that have been homochirally twisted. For torsional actuation, a fractional portion of the yarn is heated such as by Joule heating. Various Joule heating mechanisms include passing an electrical current through an unwound segment of the yarn, or by coating a fractional portion of the length of each homogeneous strand with a coating material of higher electrical conductivity than the electrical conductivity of the shape memory material an passing current through the length of the yarn. The shape memory material may be a shape memory alloy such as a NiTi alloy.

Abstract: A composite scaffold having a highly porous interior with increased surface area and void volume is surrounded by a flexible support structure that substantially maintains its three-dimensional shape under tension and provides mechanical reinforcement during repair or reconstruction of soft tissue while simultaneously facilitating regeneration of functional tissue.

Abstract: A system for use in graft fixation in a knee reconstruction procedure can include a first femoral fixation member adapted to be retained relative to a first end of a femoral tunnel and a first self-locking adjustable flexible member construct having a passage portion with a pair of free ends and a pair of self-locking adjustable loops. The first flexible member construct can be interconnected to the first femoral fixation member. A second femoral fixation member can be coupled to the first flexible member construct and can be adapted to be positioned in the femoral tunnel relative to a second end of the femoral tunnel adjacent a joint space between the femur and a tibia. A second self-locking adjustable flexible member construct having a passage portion with a pair of free ends and a pair of self-locking adjustable loops can be interconnected to the second femoral fixation member.

Abstract: Systems and tools are provided for anchoring a ligament or tendon to bone. In one embodiment, a sheath is provided having a first sidewall with proximal and distal ends and a second sidewall with proximal and distal ends. The distal ends of the first and second sidewalls can be coupled to one another by a hinge pin such that the first and second sidewalls pivot relative to one another about the hinge pin. A sheath inserter tool is also provided and it can be configured to couple to the sheath and to advance the expandable sheath, with a tendon disposed therearound, into a bone hole. An expander is also provided for expanding the sheath. In this way, a tendon or ligament is delivered into the bone hole and the sheath and tendon are locked within the bone hole.

Abstract: A reinforced graft construct for repairing a tendon or ligament formed by inserting a piece of material, such as suture, through the graft lengthwise. The material may be inserted along only a portion of the graft or along the entire graft. The material may be a reinforcement (reinforcing) material such as suture, tape, weave, or mesh passed lengthwise through the graft (for example, along the center of the graft). The ends of the graft may be whipstitched to provide additional fixation when implanted. The material may be bioabsorbable such that it will resorb away after a period of time in the body.

Abstract: A tissue holding assembly for endothelial implantation comprising an open frame having legs for engaging a stem, such that said frame is insertable between a stroma and a Descemet's membrane, said frame being coated with a biological adhesive for adhering to a perimeter of a section of the Descemet's membrane to adhere the section of the Descemet's membrane to the frame for surgical separation of said section by cutting therearound, wherein said frame further comprises a heating element around its inner perimeter.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens device is provided. The accommodating intraocular lens device comprises a base assembly and a power lens. The base assembly comprises a first open end, a second end coupled to a base lens, and a haptic surrounding a central cavity. The haptic may comprise an outer periphery, an inner surface and a height between a first edge and a second edge. The power lens is configured to fit within the central cavity. The power lens may comprise a first side, a second side, a peripheral edge coupling the first and second sides, and a closed cavity configured to house a fluid. The first side of the power lens may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the first edge of the haptic.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device includes an optic including an optic axis and a closed-loop haptic structure coupled to the optic via a frame surrounding the optic, the closed-loop haptic structure including a closed loop extending from first and second attachment points to the frame. The closed loop includes a first hinge and a second hinge. The first hinge has a first section having a first component extending in a first angular direction, a second section having a second component extending in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction, and a first connecting section between the first section and the second section. The second hinge has a third section having a third component extending in the second angular direction, a fourth section having a fourth component extending in the first angular direction, the fourth section being connected to the second section to form the closed loop.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) for implantation within a capsular bag of a patient's eye comprises first and second components coupled together to define an inner fluid chamber and an outer fluid reservoir. The inner region of the AIOL provides optical power with one or more of the shaped fluid within the inner fluid chamber or the shape of the first or second components. The fluid reservoir comprises a bellows region with fold(s) extending circumferentially around an optical axis of the eye. The bellows engages the lens capsule, and a compliant fold region between the inner and outer bellows portions allows the profile of the AIOL to deflect when the eye accommodates for near vision. Fluid transfers between the inner fluid chamber and the outer fluid reservoir to provide optical power changes. A third lens component coupled to the first or second component provides additional optical power.

Abstract: A device includes an annular, elastic band having a rectangular cross section. A foil band is affixed to a surface of the elastic band. A contiguous fabric sheath is configured to encase the elastic band and foil band.

Abstract: Systems and methods usable in delivering a docking device to a native valve of a patient's heart. A distal region of a delivery catheter can be positioned in an atrium of the heart and a distal tip can be positioned at or near a commissure of the native valve. The docking device can be located within the delivery catheter. A pusher, such as a pusher wire or tube, of a pusher tool can be advanced distally through the delivery catheter, wherein the pusher can push the docking device along within the delivery catheter. The docking device can be connected to the pusher tool by a line, such as a suture. A member of the pusher tool can be rotatable to change the amount of the suture extending from the pusher tool.

Abstract: Described embodiments are related to a prosthetic valve for surgical placement with a sewing cuff durably attached to a frame. The durability of the attachment is accomplished by sandwiching a fabric between the frame and a composite material. The fabric extends beyond the frame base to form a sewing cuff that is integral to a frame assembly. The sewing cuff facilitates tissue ingrowth while tissue ingrowth is discouraged elsewhere around the frame.

Abstract: A tubular seal includes an outflow end region and an inflow end region. The inflow end region is a portion of a polymeric web retaining a woven fabric, wherein the woven fabric has a non-linear edge defining an interface between the inflow end region and the outflow end region.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a valve frame configured to support a prosthetic valve within a native atrio-ventricular valve. The valve frame includes a frame body that includes an atrial portion configured to be positioned such that, when the valve frame is deployed, at least a portion of the atrial portion is disposed on an atrial side of the native atrio-ventricular valve, and a ventricular portion configured to be positioned such that, when the valve frame is deployed, at least a portion of the ventricular portion is disposed within a ventricle of the subject. At least one arm is configured to extend from the ventricular portion of the frame body. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves are described. Prosthetic heart valves can include radially expandable and compressible inner and outer metal frames. The inner frame can be disposed within a lumen of the outer frame and can be coupled to the outer frame. An outflow end of the inner frame can be coupled to and/or located at an outflow end of the outer frame. An end portion of the inner frame can be spaced radially inwardly from an inner surface of the outer frame, such that a radial gap exists between the inner surface of the outer frame and an outer surface of the inner frame. Prosthetic heart valves can further include a plurality of leaflets disposed within and supported by the inner frame, such as by commissure posts of the inner frame.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for transfemoral retrieval and/or repositioning of a prosthetic valve (400) implanted within a heart includes inserting a retrieval assembly through a femoral vein and into a heart until a distal end portion of the retrieval assembly is disposed in an atrium of the heart. The prosthetic valve is formed with a shape-memory material. The retrieval assembly (402) includes an outer catheter (403), a middle catheter (404), a snare catheter (406), and a snare member (415). The snare member is moved distally out of a lumen of the snare catheter and into engagement with an inner frame (440) of the prosthetic valve. The retrieval assembly can invert an outer frame (410) of the prosthetic valve to collapse and retract the valve into a lumen of the retrieval assembly. In some embodiments, a positioning catheter (419) can be inserted through the apex of the heart to assist in positioning and inverting the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: The invention is a prosthetic device for improving function of a mitral valve. The device includes an adjustable and axisymmetrical-or-elongated sealing member configured for positioning between mitral valve leaflets. The device also includes an expandable anchor frame configured to be positioned within one or more heart chambers, for maintaining the sealing member at a desired position and size/shape between valve leaflets. The sealing member reduces mitral regurgitation be filling the gap that can occur between opposing leaflets of a damaged mitral valve, thus restoring proper mitral valve closure.

Abstract: A brace for mounting to an annulus of a cardiac valve, the brace comprising: first and second bottom gripping wings for gripping the annulus; first and second top gripping wings for gripping the annulus; and a support bridge that connects the top wings to the bottom wings; wherein the brace is deformable from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration and in the delivery configuration the top wings are oriented substantially back to back along an axis and the bottom wings are oriented substantially back to back along the same axis, and in the deployed configuration the first top and bottom gripping wings face each other to grip the annulus between them and the second top and bottom gripping wings face each other to grip the annulus between them.

Abstract: Fixation device for engaging tissue including a pair of fixation elements, each fixation element has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first ends are moveable between a closed position and an open position. The fixation device further includes a pair of gripping elements. Each gripping element is moveable with a respective fixation element and disposed in opposition to at least a portion of the respective fixation element to capture tissue therebetween. The fixation device further includes a central portion operatively connected to each gripping element at a respective central portion-gripping element interface. The central portion has at least one distal end and a width “W1” proximate the distal end. Each of the gripping elements has a free end opposite its respective central portion-gripping element interface and a length “L1” defined between the respective central portion-gripping element interface and the free end.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus for approximating targeted tissue using locking sutures. The locking sutures can be configured to receive suture ends that are interweaved through portions of the locking sutures. In a pre-deployment configuration, a locking suture can slide along suture tails and can be positioned at a target location within a target region. Once a desired position and/or tension is achieved, the locking suture can be transitioned to a post-deployment configuration where the locking suture constricts around the suture tails to inhibit relative movement between the suture tails and the locking suture.

Abstract: An introducer catheter device comprising a handle and an elongate shaft coupled to the handle and extending therefrom. The shaft defines a lumen therethrough, a longitudinal axis, and a first aperture in connection with the lumen. The shaft includes a movable deployment element configured for deploying an ancillary device from the first aperture at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve leaflet is placed across a bar, and the bar is positioned such that the leaflet drapes over the bar and blocks a beam of light emitted by a light source. While the leaflet remains draped over the bar, the bar is elevated at least until the leaflet stops blocking the beam. An elevation of the bar from the beam at which the leaflet stopped blocking the beam is identified. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Provided is a compression resistant implant configured to fit at or near a bone defect to promote bone growth, the compression resistant implant comprising porous ceramic particles in a biodegradable polymer, and an oxysterol disposed in or on the compression resistant implant. Methods of making and use are further provided.

Abstract: A femoral assembly includes a femoral component that includes condylar portions and an anterior flange portion. The condylar portions and anterior flange portion together define an outer side of the femoral component for articulating with a tibial prosthesis and an inner bone facing side opposite the outer side. The inner bone facing side defines five intersecting component inner surfaces that each extend from a lateral side of the femoral component to a medial side thereof. A femoral augment includes condylar portions and an anterior flange portion. The condylar portions and anterior flange portion together define an outer side of the femoral augment comprised of five intersecting augment outer surfaces and an inner side comprising no more than three intersecting augment inner surfaces. The augment outer surfaces correspond to the component inner surfaces of the femoral component. The augment inner surfaces correspond to resected surfaces of a distal femur.

Abstract: Disclosed are prosthesis systems and methods that provide ways by which the articulating surfaces of the implant can be exchanged such that the anatomic surfaces can be converted to reverse surfaces, while not exchanging the fixation components. Also disclosed herein are methods by which the surgeon can implant an inset anatomic articulating glenoid implant whereby at a later date, can remove the anatomic articulating surface and replace it with a reverse articulating surface such that the primary means of fixation remains well fixed in the glenoid fossa at the moment of articular exchange.

Abstract: A spinal interbody device (IBD) includes a solid wall that at least partially defines a boundary of the IBD and a porous body connected to the solid wall. The porous body includes a plurality of sections that form at least a portion of both a superior and inferior bone interface side of the IBD. Each section of the porous body has a different porosity than an adjacent section such that the porosities increase toward a center of the IBD.