Abstract: A system for moving a portion of a patient's body including a housing having a first cavity extending along a longitudinal axis, a first distraction rod having a proximal end and a distal end, the first distraction rod and the housing being telescopically displaceable with respect to each other along the longitudinal axis, the first distraction rod having a cavity extending along the longitudinal axis, a second distraction rod having a proximal end and a distal end and configured to be telescopically displaceable from within the second cavity along the longitudinal axis, and a drive system configured to move the first distraction rod in relation to the housing and to move the second distraction rod in relation to the first distraction rod.

Abstract: A system for moving a portion of a patient's body including a housing having a first cavity extending along a longitudinal axis, a first distraction rod having a proximal end and a distal end, the first distraction rod and the housing being telescopically displaceable with respect to each other along the longitudinal axis, the first distraction rod having a cavity extending along the longitudinal axis, a second distraction rod having a proximal end and a distal end and configured to be telescopically displaceable from within the second cavity along the longitudinal axis, and a drive system configured to move the first distraction rod in relation to the housing and to move the second distraction rod in relation to the first distraction rod.

Abstract: A cylindrical shaft may be gripped with an apparatus including a housing having an axis and an inner surface with multiple asymmetric cam surfaces, a proximal end including a means to rotate the housing, and a distal end having an opening configured to receive the cylindrical shaft, at least two cylindrical gripping members configured to grip the cylindrical shaft, where each cylindrical gripping member contacts a corresponding asymmetric cam surface at a first rest position, and a rotatable frame which holds each pair of cylindrical gripping members at a fixed angular orientation relative to each other. The rotatable frame is configured to rotate upon insertion of the cylindrical shaft into a space defined by the gripping members so that each gripping member moves away from the axis of the housing along a first portion of the corresponding asymmetric cam surface.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating the prostate are disclosed where in one embodiment, the apparatus generally comprises a catheter which is sized for placement within a body lumen, at least one balloon positioned along a length of the catheter and defining a contact region for thermally contacting a portion of the body lumen which is in proximity to tissue to be treated, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the at least one balloon through at least one lumen defined through the length of the catheter. The at least one balloon may be configured to receive a refrigerant from the reservoir introduced through the at least one lumen until the contact region is at least partially expanded, the catheter being adjustable to selectively align the contact region against the portion of the body lumen to preferentially cool the portion relative to a remainder of the body lumen surrounding the portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical system, including a catheter defining an injection lumen, a chamber in fluid communication with the injection lumen, and an exhaust lumen in fluid communication with the chamber; a first temperature sensor positioned in the exhaust lumen proximal to the chamber; a second temperature sensor positioned in the chamber; and a console in electrical communication with the first and second temperature sensors, the controller modifying coolant flow through the medical device based at least in part upon a signal received from the first and second temperature sensor. The system may further include a thermally-conductive element circumscribing a substantial portion of the exhaust lumen proximal to the chamber, where the first temperature sensor is mounted to the thermally-conductive element, and the thermally-conductive element may include at least one of a braid, coil, and band.

Abstract: The present invention is related with a Generator, Concentrator and electromagnetic fields (EMF) Router apparatus for cellular regeneration, especially for the regeneration or reactivation of cells affected by trauma, ulcers or wounds. The apparatus comprises an EMF Generator-Concentrator-Router (GCR-EMF) (15) which have a hollow container (1) of inverted truncated-cone shape, having a combination of horizontal coils (2), which are rolled around the container (1), and circular coils (3) and rectangular coils (4) that are located inclined on the walls of the hollow container. Rectangular and circular coils are intercalated equidistantly. This combination and location of coils allows the EMF to be produced and directed in three-dimensional space at the operator's discretion and as a function of time. What allows a greater accuracy when bordering the contour of the affected skin and excite the surface of the cell membranes.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for an electrosurgical instrument includes an insulative core configured to support an active wire around a peripheral surface thereof, the active wire is electrically coupled to an active pin adapted for insertion within a distal end of an electrosurgical pencil. A ground electrode is operably coupled to a proximal end of the insulative core and is adapted for insertion within the distal end of the electrosurgical pencil. An insulative material is disposed between the active pin and the ground electrode and is configured to at least partially encapsulate and electrically isolate the active pin from the ground electrode along a partial length thereof. A hypotube is operably engaged to a proximal end of the insulative material and is configured to at least partially encapsulate the active pin.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an expandable energy delivery assembly adapted to deliver electrical energy to tissue. The assembly includes an elongate device and an expandable portion. The expandable portion includes an inflatable element, a single helical electrode disposed on the inflatable element, and at least one irrigation aperture within the inflatable element. The inflatable element is secured to the elongate device and the single helical electrode makes between about 0.5 and about 1.5 revolutions around the inflatable element. The at least one irrigation aperture is adapted to allow fluid to flow from within the inflatable element to outside the inflatable element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multifunctional medical device, apparatus or system that is capable of performing a surgical procedure or operation and also capable of removing or reducing smoke particles generated by the surgical procedure or operation on a subject, the apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes, two of which are configured to be in electrical communication with or being electrically connectable to opposite poles of a source of high voltage dc electricity to ionize, and remove or reduce smoke particles, and at least one of which is also configured to be part of a RF circuit to perform a surgical procedure or operation such as tissue cutting, cauterization, tissue sealing or coagulating at a surgical site on the subject. Also disclosed is a method of employing the above disclosed device, apparatus or system or variations thereof to perform a surgical procedure or operation at a surgical site and to remove or reduce smoke particles generated during the surgical procedure or operation.

Abstract: A tissue removal system for extracting a tissue specimen from a patient is disclosed. The system has a retrieval bag, a first electrode, and a return electrode. The retrieval bag has a flexible container with an opening. The first electrode is coupled to an interior of the flexible container, and has a conductive wire with an exposure area, a first load-bearing area, a coating having a first active electrode surface area, and an impedance that is greater than an impedance of the conductive wire. The first active electrode surface area is less than the exposure area. The coating is configured to degrade during application of electrosurgical power and wherein the degradation expands the first active electrode surface area during the application of the electrosurgical power.

Abstract: An articulating surgical instrument includes a distal retainer, a proximal shaft segment, a first articulating section extending between the distal retainer and the proximal shaft segment, a proximal base extending proximally from the proximal shaft segment, a proximal retainer, a second articulating section extending between the proximal base and proximal retainer. A plurality of articulation cables is secured at distal end portions thereof to the distal retainer and at proximal end portions thereof to the proximal retainer. The proximal shaft segment, first articulating section, proximal base, and second articulating section cooperate to define a central longitudinal lumen therethrough and a plurality of radial longitudinal lumens therethrough that are radially disposed about the central longitudinal lumen. The articulation cables extend through the radial longitudinal lumens. Articulation of the second articulating section affects articulation of the first articulating section.

Abstract: A colpotomy system includes a surgical instrument and a uterine manipulator. The surgical instrument has a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes an end effector supported on a distal end portion of the shaft assembly. The end effector includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The uterine manipulator extends distally to a head supporting a knife that is positioned to cooperate with the first and second jaw members of the end effector.

Abstract: A medical system includes a medical device and an analysis system. The medical device includes a perforation device having a shaft. The shaft has a proximal portion, and an opposed distal portion. A perforating tip is associated with the distal portion. At least a first light emitter is associated with the distal portion and is positioned proximate the perforating tip for illuminating a region surrounding the perforating tip. The analysis system is for analyzing returned light that is returned towards the shaft from the region surrounding the perforating tip. The analysis system includes a light sensor configured to detect one or more parameters of the returned light, a processor configured to perform an analysis of the one or more parameters, and an alert system connected to the processor for alerting a user to a result of the analysis.

Abstract: A tissue-treating portion of a surgical instrument includes a body defining a cavity and a light-energy transmissible sphere captured within the cavity such that a portion of the light-energy transmissible sphere protrudes from the body. The light-energy transmissible sphere is capable of unlimited rotation in all directions relative to the body. The light-energy transmission cable extends through the body to a position spaced-apart from the light-energy transmissible sphere. The light-energy transmission cable is configured to transmit light energy to the light-energy transmissible sphere. The light-energy transmissible sphere, in turn, is configured focus the light energy towards tissue to treat tissue.

Abstract: A microwave ablation device includes a cable assembly, a feedline, and a transmission line. The cable assembly is configured to connect to an energy source. The feedline is in electrical communication with the cable assembly and includes a first temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is disposed at a first axial location along a length of the feedline and is configured to sense a temperature at the first axial location. The first temperature sensor extends along the length of the feedline. The transmission line extends from the first temperature sensor and is disposed parallel and in contact with an outer conductor of the feedline.

Abstract: A tissue ablation system includes an antenna, a microwave energy source, measurement apparatus including a signal generator and a detector, a controller, and a switch assembly arranged to alternatively electrically couple the antenna to the microwave energy source or to the measurement apparatus, wherein the controller is configured to cause the switch assembly to alternate between assessment mode and ablation mode, and wherein the controller is configured to control the delivery of ablative microwave energy during an ablation mode based at least in part on a difference between a then-current broadband reflection coefficient spectrum and a previously measured broadband reflection coefficient spectrum obtained by delivery of a spectrum of individual non-ablative microwave signals and detecting the reflection of same during respective assessment modes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying tissue use a pressurized fluid stream carrying coherent light energy. The methods and systems may be used for resecting and debulking soft and hard biological tissues. The coherent light is focused within a stream of fluid to deliver energy to the tissue to be treated.

Abstract: A method, system for registration of a bone, and a trackable element, used to obtain a mark point information which can be obtained from a certain operation performed by a distal end of a trackable element on a surface of the bone; obtain an image data of the bone through scanning the surface of the bone by a scanning device of the trackable element; and to perform a virtual reconstruction of the surface of the bone according to the obtained mark point information and an image data of the bone which is obtained in advance. As a result, a precise registration of the patient's physical space coordinate system and image space coordinate system can be achieved, during which only one operator is enough for completing the registration. Therefore, operations with high accuracy and convenience are ensured, which can significantly improve the registration efficiency, and the operating experience of operators.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to improve the patient safety during thermal ablation. This object is achieved by an ablation therapy planning system, configured to carry out the steps of: receiving a medical image of a patient, and receiving an input defining an intended treatment location for one or more thermal applicators relative to a skin location and one or more intended treatment parameters and determining a location of a skin of the patient and estimating a temperature or thermal dose at the skin location resulting from the intended treatment location and one or more intended treatment parameters and raising an alarm if the calculated temperature or thermal dose at the skin location is above or below a certain threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning a cut guide using navigation-based techniques are discussed. For example, a system for use in an orthopedic surgery on a target bone can comprise a cut guide adjustably positionable onto the target bone via two or more coupling receptacles created on the target bone. The coupling receptacles can include one or more guide members and a plurality of landing members. The system also includes an input interface that can receive a target bone representation, and a model receiver module that can receive a generic post-coupling bone model. The target bone representation can include a data set representing two or more landing sites of the target bone, and the generic post-coupling bone model can include a data set representing a bone having two or more coupling receptacles each sized, shaped or otherwise configured to receive and secure the respective coupling feature of the landing members.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-implemented method of determining a consensus plane for imaging an elongate medical device such as an electrode or a catheter. When positioning an analytical device such that its imaging plane is parallel to or coincides with the consensus plane, an optimal image of the elongate medical device can be generated. The consensus plane is determined by analyzing patient image data used for planning an imaging procedure, planned trajectory data defining a planned position of the elongate medical device relative to the position of an anatomical body part, imaging device constraint data describing machine constraints governing operation of the medical imaging device, avoidance region position data defining the position of anatomical regions of the patient's body, and orientation condition data defining a boundary condition for an angle between the orientation of the consensus plane and the orientation of the characteristic geometric quantity of the elongate medical device.

Abstract: An endoscopy system including a flexible insertion tube, a motion sensing module and a processor is provided. The flexible insertion tube has a central axis. The motion sensing module includes a housing, patterns and sensors. The patterns are disposed at a surface of the flexible insertion tube according to an axial orientation distribution and an angle distribution based on the central axis. The sensors are disposed in the housing and located beside a guiding hole of the housing. The processor is disposed in the housing. During relative motion of the flexible insertion tube with respect to the motion sensing module via the guiding hole, the sensors are configured to sense a motion state of the patterns so as to obtain a motion-state sensing result. The processor determines insertion depth information and insertion tube rotating angle information according to the motion-state sensing result, the axial orientation distribution and the angle distribution.

Abstract: A controller for registering a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image to a tracking space includes a memory that stores instructions; and a processor that executes the instructions. The instructions cause the controller to execute a process that results in generating an image registration of a 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging volume in the tracking space based on 2-dimensional coordinates of a midsagittal plane of an organ, an image registration of the midsagittal plane of the organ, and a tracking position in the tracking space of an ultrasound image of the midsagittal plane.

Abstract: A controller (210) for tracking an interventional medical device (252) in three dimensions includes a memory (212) that stores instructions, and a processor (211) that executes the instructions. When executed by the processor (211), the instructions cause the controller (210) to execute a process. The process includes determining (S320/S420), based on an elevation plane in an ultrasound X-plane mode, a first two-dimensional location of the interventional medical device (252) in the elevation plane. The process also includes determining (S320/S422), based on an azimuthal plane in the ultrasound X-plane mode, a second two-dimensional location of the interventional medical device (252) in the azimuthal plane. The process moreover includes determining (S330/S430), based on the first two-dimensional location and the second two-dimensional location, a three-dimensional location of the interventional medical device (252).

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring system for monitoring at least one device. The monitoring system comprises a magnification lens system to generate a magnified image of the at least one device, and at least three positional sensors in an arrangement around the magnification lens system to determine a position of the at least one device. The at least one device may be a surgical tool.

Abstract: A method of spectrally imaging an organ during an image-guided intervention is disclosed. Based on at least one first scan, a first image modality is obtained. A selection of a region of interest is obtained within the first image modality. Based on at least one second spectral scan of the organ, at least three second image modalities are obtained. A contrast value is calculated over the previously selected region of interest for all obtained second image modalities. The second image modality with the largest contrast value is selected for display. Alternatively, image modalities of the organ are displayed over time and the modalities for display are selected according to an imaging protocol which associates a lesion type and timestamp of a spectral scan with a modality having optimal contrast.

Abstract: A device and method for a trackable suction tool in surgical use. A trackable suction tool involves a tubular handle with a main tube and an entrance tube extending from the main tube, a flattened section of the main tube with a suction-regulating orifice, a tip coupled with the main tube distal end and a tracking mechanism coupled with a handle proximal end. A method of tracking position of a trackable suction device involves attaching a tip to a handle in one of a plurality of fixed positions, attaching a tracking mechanism to the handle in one of a plurality of fixed positions, calibrating the position of the tip with a positional tracking system using the tracking mechanism, positioning the tracking markers in view of the positional tracking system, and tracking a position of the distal end of the tip of the suction device.

Abstract: A method of estimating a pose of a surgical table comprises reading one or more fiducial markers on a base of the surgical table with a camera mounted to a manipulator assembly adjacent the surgical table. The surgical table includes a substrate and a support structure supporting the substrate. The substrate has a support surface. The support structure is movable such that the support surface of the substrate is positionable along one or more degrees of freedom (DOF).

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an end effector include an end effector for grasping a material, a drive system coupled to the end effector, and a processor. The processor is configured to use the drive system to grasp a material using the end effector, determine a grasping separation parameter of the end effector, determine, based on the determined grasping separation parameter, a prediction of success or failure in configuring the end effector for firing a staple through the material, and based on the determined grasping separation parameter, output an indicator of whether it is safe to proceed with stapling of the material grasped by the end effector.

Abstract: The present application provides an endoscopic device with a shaft which has at least one portion which can be deflected in at least one plane, and having at least one deflection mechanism which is designed for deflecting the deflectable portion and includes, arranged in series, a first connecting link and at least a second connecting link which cooperates with the first connecting link and at least one control element which is coupled to the connecting links to adjust a deflection of the deflectable portion and is connected to an end portion of the shaft. At least part of the control element is arranged in the region of the end portion of the shaft, embodying a loop.

Abstract: A multifunctional robotic system for performing in vivo procedures includes a control unit comprising a computer processor and a robotic arm in communication with the control unit for multi-axis movement of the robotic arm. The robotic arm has a plurality of passages therein. A printer head is disposed in one of the passages and is configured to create multi-dimensional objects in vivo. The robotic system includes a measuring system disposed in one of the passages. The computer processor has executable software configured to receive signals from the measuring system and is configured to control the printer head and the measuring system to position the object in an in vivo location based upon the signals from the measuring system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimally invasive computer-assisted telesurgery are described. For example, this disclosure provides surgical instruments and instrument drive systems for computer-assisted tele-operated surgery that are structured and operated to negate the effects of cable stretch within the surgical instruments.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system and method for providing a stadium view with arm set-up guidance is provided. In one embodiment, a robotic surgical system comprises a plurality of robotic arms, a display device, and a processor. The processor is configured to render, on the display device, a graphical representation of the plurality of robotic arms in their current positions, as well as user-guidance information on how to move the plurality of robotic arms to a different position. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: Implementations relate to control switch position sensing across a rotational joint. In some implementations, a control input device includes a base member and a roll member rotatable about a central axis with respect to the base member in a roll degree of freedom. A switch contact portion is rotatable with the roll member and moveable to multiple positions in a switch degree of freedom. A first sensor element is coupled to and moveable with the switch contact portion and can be a passive element. A base sensor element is coupled to the base member and configured to sense a proximity of the first sensor element to the base sensor element, and to output a signal indicative of a current position of the switch contact portion in the switch degree of freedom independently of a rotational orientation of the roll member in the roll degree of freedom.

Abstract: A surgical robot mechanism with single-port and multi-port minimally invasive surgery functions includes: a bracket; and a manipulator connected to the bracket, and supported by the bracket, the manipulator includes: a support arm movable along the bracket; a function conversion frame fixed on the support arm and configured for the surgical robot mechanism to switch between a single-port minimally invasive surgery mode and a multi-port minimally invasive surgery mode; a plurality of posture adjustment arm assemblies connected to the function conversion frame, each posture adjustment arm assembly configured to adjust a position and posture of a surgical tool connected thereto for performing a surgical operation.

Abstract: An assembly for driving linear movement and roll movement of an elongate surgical tool, comprising: an elongate shaft comprising a central lumen extending along the shaft long axis; the elongate shaft comprising a plurality of apertures extending across walls of the elongate shaft and into the central lumen; a set of wheels positioned opposing each other and aligned on two sides of the central lumen, the set of wheels at least partially extending through the apertures beyond the walls of the elongate shaft and into the central lumen to contact an elongate surgical tool received therein; the set of wheels being coupled to the elongate shaft and configured to rotate with the elongate shaft as a single unit when the elongate shaft is rotated about the shaft long axis.

Abstract: A surgical robotic user input apparatus has a fiber optic cable with a handheld user input device attached at one end, and a connector attached at another end. Multiple intrinsic sensors, such as fiber Bragg grating sensors, are in the fiber optic cable. The intrinsic sensors are used to detect a pose of the handheld user input device. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The application provides a method, system for registration of a bone, and a trackable element, it is configured to obtain a mark point information which can be obtained from a certain operation performed by a distal end of a trackable element on a surface of the bone when a switch of the trackable element meets a setting condition corresponding to the operation; and to perform a virtual reconstruction of the surface of the bone according to the obtained mark point information and an image data of the bone which is obtained in advance. As a result, a precise registration of the patient's physical space coordinate system and image space coordinate system can be achieved, during which only one operator is enough for completing the registration. Therefore, operations with high accuracy and convenience are ensured, which can significantly improve the registration efficiency, and the operating experience of operators.

Abstract: An optimal imaging POV intervention system employs an intervention instrument (30), an instrument guide (40), one or more force/torque sensors and an optimal imaging POV controller (20). In operation, the instrument guide (40) establishes a planned trajectory of the intervention instrument (30), and the force/torque sensor(s) sense a force and/or a torque exerted against the intervention instrument (30) and/or the instrument guide (40) when the intervention instrument (30) is positioned within the instrument guide (40). The optimal imaging POV controller (20) controls a determination of an optimal imaging POV of the intervention instrument (30) by deriving an imaging axis of the intervention instrument (30) from a measurement of the force and/or the torque exerted against the intervention instrument (30) and/or the instrument guide (40) as sensed by the force/torque sensor(s).

Abstract: A medical device package can include a tray defining a recess configured to receive an elongated medical device therein and a lid configured to cover at least a portion of the recess and retain the elongated medical device therein. A retention member or retention aperture formed in the lid permits a clinician to access to a medical device disposed within the recess to releasably retain the elongated medical device with respect to the tray. While releasably retaining the medical device, the clinician to manipulate the device, for example, to sheath or unsheath the device.

Abstract: A contact force sensor device (10) comprises a gas-inflatable balloon (20) 5 arranged to switch from a deflated state (D) to an inflated state (J) in which it protrudes out of a support member (11); a valve assembly (34) to inflate/deflate the gas-inflatable balloon (12) with a gas; a detector (41) of a force-related value related to a force acting on the inflated gas-inflatable balloon (20) including a membrane (22) due to a contact with a wall (90) 10 outside of support member (11); a processing unit (60) configured to receive a detection signal (45) and to consequently calculate a contact force signal (54) according to a predetermined function; and a notification device (70) configured to receive the contact force signal (54) and to notify it to a user.

Abstract: A plan-specific instrument template system employing an intervention guide base (20), and an instrument guide design controller (60) for controlling a designing of a plan-specific instrument template (40) including one or more instrument guides for guiding one or more intervention instruments during an percutaneous intervention. In operation, the controller (60) generates and positions a generic instrument template (30) relative to an image segmentation of the intervention guide base (20), the generic instrument template (30) being a geometric representation of the plan-specific instrument template (40) including the/each instrument guide of the generic instrument template (30) having a generic location and a generic orientation of a generic configuration relative to a platform of the generic instrument template (30).

Abstract: A virtual model a planned instrument attachment can be provided to ensure correct selection of a physical instrument attachment. An XR headset controller can generate a shape and a pose of the virtual model of the planned instrument attachment based on predetermined information associated with the planned instrument attachment and based on a pose of an instrument relative to the XR headset. An XR headset can display the virtual model on a see-through display screen of the XR headset that is configured to allow at least a portion of a real-world scene to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A shroud for an extended reality (XR) headset may include an opacity filter including a first region having a first light transmissivity, and a second region having a second light transmissivity different from the first light transmissivity. The shroud may also include a connection mechanism for removably connecting the opacity filter to the XR headset to position at least a portion of the opacity filter in a user's field of view when viewing a real-world scene while the XR headset is worn by the user.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for performing intraocular lens implantation using real-time surgical reference indicium are disclosed. An example method includes recording a patient specific pre-operative still image of an eye prior to cyclorotation of the eye when a patient lies down for surgery and generating at least one real-time multidimensional visualization of at least a portion of the eye for display. The method further includes using the patient specific pre-operative still image to at least produce at least one virtual surgical reference indicium including an ocular natural vertical axis of the eye and align the at least one virtual surgical reference indicium to the eye in conjunction with the real-time multidimensional visualization of at least a portion of the eye. The patient specific pre-operative still image is captured under a dilation condition selected from the group consisting of natural dilation, chemical dilation, and no dilation.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes an instrument shaft with exit holes near a distal end of the shaft, a tool coupled to the distal end of the shaft, and a backend. The backend may include a mechanism that manipulates a drive element that extends through the shaft and couples to the tool, a fluid inlet, and a fluid channel assembly providing fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the proximal end of the shaft. Cleaning fluid is directed into the fluid inlet, through the fluid channel assembly, and into the shaft. A chassis or other structural piece of the backend may form part of the fluid channel assembly.

Abstract: In this patent disclosure, various embodiments of using near-field communication (NFC) to facilitate the transfer of data and power between a robotic surgical system and a surgical tool attached to the robotic surgical system are disclosed. In one aspect, a process for automatically managing surgical tool attachment in a robotic surgical system can begin by detecting an attachment of a surgical tool. The process next establishes a secure near-field communication (NFC) link between a first NFC module embedded in the robotic surgical system and a second NFC module embedded in the surgical tool. Next, the process requests tool calibration data from the surgical tool via the secure NFC link. The process subsequently uses the received tool calibration data to initialize the surgical tool so that the surgical tool is ready for use.

Abstract: An automated dental drill includes a dental drill housing that includes a mouthpiece housing section and a one or more degrees of freedom drive housing section; an end effector drive support having a shaft section that is at least partially positioned in the mouth piece housing section, and an end effector for the cutting of a native tooth or dental appliance to a desired tolerance. The end effector is positioned on the end effector drive support. The automated dental drill also includes a power source that drives the end effector and is coupled to the end effector and a one or more degrees of freedom drive assembly to direct the end effector along one or more degrees of freedom relative to the mouth piece housing section.

Abstract: A spacer for an endodontic instrument includes a base surface with a diameter dG, a top surface with a diameter dD, which is smaller than the diameter dG, an axis of rotation, a lateral surface, a height h, an opening with a longitudinal axis for receiving an endodontic instrument and a cylindrical recess for receiving a stopper on the base surface. The spacer is frustoconically formed, and the opening extends from the base surface to the top surface. The longitudinal axis of the opening is coaxial to the axis of rotation of the spacer, and the cylindrical recess is coaxial to the opening.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for determining deformation of gingiva. A three-dimensional (3D) digital model of an archform comprising a representation of gingiva and a tooth may be received. The 3D model may comprise a 3D mesh describing a surface of the gingiva, the tooth, and a contour between the gingiva and the tooth. A tooth-movement displacement may be applied to the vertices corresponding to the tooth in the 3D mesh and the vertices corresponding to the contour. A vertex-specific displacement may be determined for each of the vertices corresponding to the gingiva by solving a harmonic equation. The 3D digital model may be updated.