Abstract: A method of treating a soft palate in a patient to treat sleep apnea, snoring or both may involve advancing a treatment element of a treatment device through the patient's mouth, contacting a tissue-contact surface of the treatment element with the soft palate, delivering energy to the soft palate via one or more energy delivery members on the tissue-contact surface, and removing the treatment element from the mouth.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to cauterize tissue. For example, certain aspects herein relate to a cautery device. The cautery device includes a voltage source comprising a voltage pump and a battery. The cautery device further includes a probe for applying current from the voltage source to tissue. The probe includes a first electrically conductive element electrically coupled to a first pole of the voltage source. The probe further includes a second electrically conductive element coupled to a second pole of the voltage source.

Abstract: A transoral ultrasound probe for imaging a temporomandibular joint and a method of imaging a temporomandibular joint using a transoral probe.

Abstract: An electrosurgical wand is disclosed for treating a plurality of tissues at a variety of tissue locations. The electrosurgical wand includes a handle on a proximal end and an elongate shaft with a combination active electrode at the distal end. The combination active electrode includes with a blade and screen portion; the blade portion extending along and laterally from the wand longitudinal axis, forming a dissecting tip. The screen portion extends from the blade portion at an obtuse angle and has at least one aspiration aperture through it. The wand also includes a second and third electrode, proximally spaced from the combination active electrode. The second electrode spans a portion of an outside surface of the wand adjacent the blade portion, while the third electrode spans a portion of the outside surface of the wand opposite the second electrode.

Abstract: Spinal tumor ablation devices and related systems and methods are disclosed. Some spinal tumor ablation devices include electrodes that are fixedly offset from one another. Some spinal tumor ablation devices include a thermal energy delivery probe that has at least one temperature sensor coupled thereto. The position of the at least one temperature sensor relative to other components of the spinal tumor ablation device may be controlled by adjusting the position of the thermal energy delivery probe in some spinal tumor ablation devices. Some spinal tumor ablation devices are configured to facilitate the delivery of a cement through a utility channel of the device.

Abstract: A medical device for tissue ablation may include a catheter shaft, an expandable member disposed on or coupled to the catheter shaft, and a plurality of elongate electrode assemblies each constructed as a flexible circuit. The expandable member may be configured to shift between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The plurality of electrode assemblies may be disposed on an outer surface of the expandable member. Each of the plurality of electrode assemblies may include a temperature sensor aligned with two or more electrodes.

Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a treatment device having a multi-electrode array configured to be delivered to a renal blood vessel. The array is selectively transformable between a delivery or low-profile state (e.g., a generally straight shape) and a deployed state (e.g., a radially expanded, generally helical shape). The multi-electrode array is sized and shaped so that the electrodes or energy delivery elements contact an interior wall of the renal blood vessel when the array is in the deployed (e.g., helical) state. The electrodes or energy delivery elements are configured for direct and/or indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or otherwise electrically modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.

Abstract: Systems for enabling delivery of very high peak power laser pulses through optical fibers for use in ablation procedures preferably in contact mode. Such lasers advantageously emit at 355 nm wavelength. Other systems enable selective removal of undesired tissue within a blood vessel, while minimizing the risk of damaging the blood vessel itself, based on the use of the ablative properties of short laser pulses of 320 to 400 nm laser wavelength, with selected parameters of the mechanical walls of the tubes constituting the catheter, of the laser fluence and of the force that is applied by the catheter on the tissues. Additionally, a novel method of calibrating such catheters is disclosed, which also enables real time monitoring of the ablation process. Additionally, novel methods of protecting the fibers exit facets are disclosed.

Abstract: A number of improvements are provided relating to computer aided surgery. The improvement relates to both the methods used during computer aided surgery and the devices used during such procedures. Some of the improvement relate to controlling the selection of which data to display during a procedure and/or how the data is displayed to aid the surgeon. Other improvements relate to the structure of the tools used during a procedure and how the tools can be controlled automatically to improve the efficiency of the procedure. Still other improvements relate to methods of providing feedback during a procedure to improve either the efficiency or quality, or both, for a procedure.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: Dynamic reference arrays use markers and trackers to register a patient's anatomy to computer system. Wherein the dynamic reference array may be screwed into a patient's spinous process, clamped on to a spinous process, or attached to the spinous process using posts. In embodiments, a dynamic reference array may comprise a single structure comprising and attachment member and a scaffold. In alternate embodiments, the dynamic reference array may comprise distinct structures that allow the dynamic reference array to swivel and collapse in order to facilitate registration, while not interfering with a surgical procedure.

Abstract: There is described a system and a method for assisting a user manipulating an object during a surgery, the method comprising: tracking the object in a sterile field in which surgery is being performed at a location using a tracking device which generates tracking data; processing the tracking data using a processing device located outside the sterile field to generate position and orientation information related to the object; and sending the position and orientation information related to the object to a displaying device positioned in the sterile field adjacent to the location at which the surgery is being performed, for display to the user.

Abstract: Methods and system perform tool tracking during minimally invasive robotic surgery. Tool states are determined using triangulation techniques or a Bayesian filter from either or both non-endoscopically derived and endoscopically derived tool state information, or from either or both non-visually derived and visually derived tool state information. The non-endoscopically derived tool state information is derived from sensor data provided either by sensors associated with a mechanism for manipulating the tool, or sensors capable of detecting identifiable signals emanating or reflecting from the tool and indicative of its position, or external cameras viewing an end of the tool extending out of the body. The endoscopically derived tool state information is derived from image data provided by an endoscope inserted in the body so as to view the tool.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus is provided for use in a medical procedure for image acquisition using a high-resolution imaging system, a three dimensional imaging system and a navigation system. A 3D imaging scan of an imaged portion of the surface of the patient is acquired using the three dimensional imaging system. Then, a first high-resolution imaging scan covering a first sub-portion of the imaged portion is acquired using the high-resolution imaging system, which is tracked by the navigation system. The 3D imaging scan and the first high-resolution imaging scan are combined to create an enhanced three dimensional image having contour lines to provide a visual representation of depth derived from depth information acquired from both the three dimensional imaging system and the high-resolution imaging system. Subsequent high resolution scans may then be stitched into the image and the updated image displayed in real-time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to computer-implemented medical method of verifying an expected deformation of an elastically deformable and actuator-adjusted medical fine-adjustment unit (1), the method comprising executing, on a processor of a computer, the steps of; —acquiring model data describing a model of the fine-adjustment unit (1), the model reflecting deformation properties of the fine-adjustment unit (1); —acquiring actuator data describing an actuator position of at least one actuator coupled to the fine-adjustment unit (1); —determining, based on the model data and the actuator data, target deformation data describing a target deformation of the fine-adjustment unit (1) caused by the at least one actuator at said actuator position; —acquiring actual deformation data describing an actual deformation of the fine-adjustment unit (1) caused by the at least one actuator at said actuator position; —determining, based on the target deformation data and the actual deformation data, verification data descr

Abstract: A method performed by a computing system comprises receiving a collected set of spatial information for a distal portion of an instrument at a plurality of locations within a set of anatomic passageways and receiving a set of position information for a reference portion of the instrument when the distal portion of the instrument is at each of the plurality of locations. The method also comprises determining a reference set of spatial information for the distal portion of the instrument based on the collected set of spatial information and the set of position information for the reference portion of the instrument and registering the reference set of spatial information with a set of anatomical model information.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for determining a relation between a surface motion of a body (BD) and an object motion of an object (OB) within the body (BD). The apparatus comprises a first sensing unit configured to acquire a first position signal indicative of a position of a first element placed at the location on the surface of the body with the surface motion; a second sensing unit configured to acquire a second position signal indicative of a position of a second element attached to an interventional device and placed on or in the object, wherein the first position signal and the second position signal are acquired during a given duration synchronously; and a third unit for calculating the relation between the surface motion and the object motion based on the first position signal and the second position signal. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for determining the motion relation.

Abstract: An image guide includes a member having a first surface and a second surface. The member defines a plane. The member is oriented relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of a surgical instrument. At least one marker is connectable with the member and extends relative to the plane from the first surface and the second surface for detectable alignment with the sensor. In some embodiments, surgical systems, surgical instruments, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Surgical systems and methods of controlling a surgical instrument are provided. The system includes a surgical instrument having a cutting portion and a body, the body having a handle, a drive motor for driving the cutting portion in a rotating, a reciprocating or a vibrating motion, a plurality of adjustment motors for adjusting a cutting pose of the cutting portion relative to the handle; and, a controller configured to measure the deviations between the cutting pose and a desired pose of the cutting portion and to activate the adjustment motors to reduce those deviations. The method involves coupling a cutting portion of a surgical instrument to a plurality of adjustment motors; holding the handle of the surgical instrument; operating a controller to measure deviations between a cutting pose and a desired pose; and operating the adjustment motors to adjust the cutting pose relative to the handle to reduce the deviations.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating and displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) is disclosed. The method includes displaying, via the GUI, a real-time video received from a camera disposed within an ablation catheter. The method further includes displaying, via the GUI, a graphical representation of a plurality of electrodes of the ablation catheter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an elongate device include an input control console. The console includes a first input control having an infinite length of travel in a first direction, a second input control having an infinite length of travel in more than one direction, one or more transceivers for coupling the console to a control unit for the elongate device, and interface circuits for coupling the first input control and the second input control to the one or more transceivers. The first input control provides a first command suitable for controlling an insertion depth of the elongate device. The second input control provides second commands suitable for controlling steering of a distal end of the elongate device. In some embodiments, the console includes raised rings or bezels within which the input controls are mounted. In some embodiments, pockets of a drape are anchored to the raised rings or bezels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reviewing surgical videos are disclosed. A system may include at least one processor configured to implement a method including accessing at least one video of a surgical procedure and causing the at least one video to be output for display. The method may include overlaying on the at least one video outputted for display a surgical timeline, wherein the surgical timeline includes markers identifying at least one of a surgical phase, an intraoperative surgical event, and a decision making junction. The method may enable a surgeon, while viewing playback of the at least one video to select one or more markers on the surgical timeline, and thereby cause a display of the video to skip to a location associated with the selected marker.

Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an articulated section and a drive mechanism. The articulated section extends from the shaft and terminates at its distal end in a tip. The tip has an attachment for an end effector. The drive mechanism drives the articulated section via flexible driving elements thereby altering the angular orientation of the tip relative to the shaft. The drive mechanism is controlled so as to always fully compress the articulated section along at least one extent by which the articulated section connects the tip and the shaft whilst driving the articulated section from any one configuration to any other configuration. The drive mechanism constrains movement of the articulated section so as to permit the tip to move with two degrees of rotational freedom and no degrees of translational freedom relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A method of initializing the layout of one or more robotic arms controllable by an input object, comprising: entering a paused mode, in which control of movement of the robotic arms by the input object is paused; measuring an input object initialization layout, defined by the layout of at least one segment of the input object; actuating at least a portion of the robotic arms to match the input object initialization layout; and entering a controlled mode, in which movements of the input object control the robotic arms.

Abstract: A system comprises an arm including a bendable section and a force transmission mechanism. The system also comprises an actuation mechanism coupled to the force transmission mechanism to bend the bendable section. The system also comprises an electronic data processor configured to receive sensor data about the bendable section and determine external force information about at least one of a magnitude or a direction of an external force applied to the arm from the sensor data. the processor is also configured to determine a pose of the bendable section from the sensor data and generate control information for the actuation mechanism to maintain the pose of the bendable section in a stationary configuration as the external force is applied to or withdrawn from the arm.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a hand controller apparatus for controlling a tool in a robotic surgery system can include a body including a proximal end and a distally located interface end configured to be coupled to an input apparatus configured to control a surgical tool. The hand controller apparatus can include a control lever attached to a pivot joint proximate a side surface of the body and extending along the body and away from the proximal end, the control lever being laterally moveable relative to the side surface of the body about the pivot joint. The control lever can include a tail region adjacent to the pivot joint and a paddle region connected to the tail region and extending toward the distally located interface end. The tail region can include an inner surface facing the body and an outer surface opposing the inner surface, and at least part of the outer surface of the tail region can be outwardly curved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible surgical instrument system comprising a flexible surgical instrument and a driving unit. The flexible surgical instrument comprises a flexible continuous body structure composed of a distal structural body, a proximal structural body. The driving unit comprises a motor part, a motion conversion part and a plurality of linear motion mechanisms. The motor part comprises a motor fixing plate and a first motor. The motion conversion part comprises a plurality of first transmission chains, each of the first transmission chains converts rotary output of the first motor into a linear motion of two first output rods and the linear motion each of the two first output rods is transferred to an input end of each of the linear motion mechanisms through a sterile barrier, an output end of each of the linear motion mechanisms is connected to one end of one driving backbone.

Abstract: A robot system which is capable of reducing an operator's workload and easily correcting preset operation of a robot. The robot system includes a robot main body having a plurality of joints, a control device configured to control operation of the robot main body and an operating device including a teaching device configured to teach the control device one of positional information on the robot main body and angular information on the plurality of joints so as to execute an automatic operation of the robot main body and a manipulator configured to receive a manipulating instruction from an operator to manually operate the robot main body or correct the operation of the robot main body under the automatic operation.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for selectively interconnecting an end effector and a surgical device includes a housing configured to connect to the surgical device, a shaft assembly extending from the housing, a cable drive assembly, and a coupling member. The cable drive assembly includes a cable supported in the housing. The coupling member is secured to the cable and configured to connect to the end effector. The coupling member is movable relative to the shaft assembly in response to movement of the cable.

Abstract: A guiding and support device, particularly for a robot for minimally-invasive surgery through a single parietal incision and/or natural orifice, includes mutually associated rigid bodies, and stiffening elements associated with the guiding and support device and adapted for the transition of the device from an inactive configuration, the rigid bodies can move with respect to each other, to an active configuration, in which the rigid bodies are mutually aligned so as to define a rigid guide, and vice versa. The device further includes elements for combined rotary and translational motion which are adapted, in the active configuration of the guiding and support device, to translate and/or to rotate a robot.

Abstract: A surgical sponge inventory rack includes a vertical mounting rod, a laterally extending sponge bag holder connected to the mounting rod, and a sponge bag supported on the sponge bag holder. The sponge bag includes a pocket configured to receive and display a surgical sponge. The sponge bag holder including a plurality of support members. The support members are shiftable relative to one another to transition the sponge bag holder between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. At least one of the support members extends in the lateral direction past another of the support members when the sponge bag holder is in the expanded configuration. The support members collectively present a depth in a fore-and-aft direction that is transverse to the lateral direction and transverse to the vertical direction. The depth is at least substantially constant as the sponge bag holder transitions between the collapsed and expanded configurations.

Abstract: A support or holder for a biopsy device is disclosed. The support includes a holder section that grasps or otherwise supports the biopsy device, wherein the support may be configured with flexible support members that may be bent, flexed or articulated thereby allowing the practitioner to manipulate the support for re-positioning the biopsy device into a desired position where the biopsy device may then be actuated to acquire a tissue sample.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a package status check are provided, including a scanner for use in a surgical field and having an antenna for emitting a radio frequency detection field, the scanner including control circuitry configured to determine a predetermined quantity of sponges corresponding to a complete pack of sponges; count a number of sponges associated with the pack with the scanner prior to use of the sponges in a surgical field; and issue an alert when a number of counted sponges does not match the predetermined quantity corresponding to the complete pack. The system and method may include the control circuitry configured to determine whether a sponge has been re-scanned or is unknown by comparing detected information with previously detected information prior.

Abstract: Imaging marker embodiments that may be used for marking sites within a patient's body are discussed. Some imaging marker embodiments are particularly useful for imaging with ultrasound imaging modalities and some imaging marker embodiments may be suitable for imaging with multiple modes of imaging modalities. Method embodiments for making and using imaging markers are also discussed herein.

Abstract: A medical arm assembly according to an embodiment disclosed includes: a remote joint where a remote point is located; a positioning arm section configured to support the remote joint, move the remote joint that a position of the remote point relative to the reference point is changed only in the direction of a virtual reference straight-line through the reference point and the remote point, and fix the relative position of the remote point; an operating arm section connected to the remote joint and configured to fix a medical tool, rotate the tool about a remote rotation axis perpendicular to the reference straight-line and through the remote point, and move the tool in a direction perpendicular to the remote rotation axis and through the remote point; and an arm supporting section where the positioning arm section and the operating arm section are supported by connecting and the reference point is located.

Abstract: A method includes sensing magnet information at a plurality of magnet positions on a cannula and determining identification information for the cannula based on the magnet information.

Abstract: Provided is a non-incisional dental implant surgical method, and more particularly, a non-incisional dental implant surgical method using a guide pin, whereby a dental implant surgery may be conducted accurately by easily determining an outer shape of an alveolar bone of a patient, into which an implant fixture is to be placed, when forming an implant hole in the alveolar bone and placing the implant fixture in the implant hole to place an implant in the alveolar bone of the patient.

Abstract: Methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth and dental matrices that may be used in the methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth are disclosed. Methods for direct elective composite additive crowning and veneering of teeth that may or may not have decay or previous restorations are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of an anterior tooth or re-restoration of a previously filled anterior tooth, and to dental matrices and composite resin dispensers that may be used in the methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of an anterior tooth.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for improving a patient's buccal corridor, including developing treatment plans and/or appliances to improve and enhance buccal corridor. Also described herein are methods of treating a patient's teeth to enhance the patient's buccal corridor.

Abstract: A method for determining a jaw curve for orthodontic treatment planning for a patient, the method being executable by a processor. The method includes obtaining a tooth and gingiva mesh from image data associated with teeth and surrounding gingiva of the patient, the mesh being representative of a surface of the teeth and the surrounding gingiva; obtaining a tooth contour of each tooth, the tooth contour being defined by a border between a visible portion of each tooth and the surrounding gingiva; determining a tooth contour center of each tooth, the tooth contour center of a given tooth being an average point of the tooth contour of the given tooth; projecting the tooth contour center of each tooth onto a jaw plane; and fitting the tooth contour center of each tooth to a curve to determine the jaw curve.

Abstract: An archwire for use with a passive self-ligation orthodontic bracket is described and which includes a resilient main body which is received in the archwire slot, and which further has a predetermined width dimension, and a variable thickness dimension, and wherein the variable thickness dimension of the archwire can be varied so as to facilitate an adjustable application of a force to the passive self-ligation orthodontic bracket so as to achieve a clinician selectable and controllable second and third order movement of a patient's tooth.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a topography for improved blood coagulation and/or cell attachment on a body made of titanium or a titanium alloy. The process includes the subsequent steps of: a) etching at least a portion of the surface of the body with a first etching solution including a mineral acid, and b) etching the surface etched under a) with a second etching solution different than the first etching solution, the second etching solution including hydrofluoric acid.

Abstract: A dental device and a method of use for associating with an implanted dental implant anchor immediately following implantation. The device provides for projecting the implant's location, orientation and axis such that the device is readily visible to the naked eye by way of visual inspection so as to reveal the location of the implanted dental implant anchor following a healing period. The device having a distal portion, for coupling to the dental implant, a medial portion, for covering the proximal end of the dental implant, and a proximal portion, defining a vertically adjustable shaft provided for projecting the location, orientation and axis of implant anchor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a zirconia slurry for forming porous surfaces on an abutment and a crown of a ceramic implant, the method including: the zirconia pulverization step (step S10) of putting zirconia powder, carbon powder as a foaming agent, and an organic binder in a ball mill and agitating and pulverizing the zirconia, carbon powder, and organic binder to allow the mixed zirconia powder to have nanoparticles; the carbon powder oxidization step (step S20) of heating the zirconia powder mixed with the carbon powder to a temperature of 1200 to 1800° C. and oxidizing the carbon powder to a concentration of 10 to 40 wt % to allow the porous surfaces to be formed on every particle of the zirconia powder; and the degreasing step (step S30) of putting a dispersing agent and a solvent in the zirconia powder whose particles have the porous surfaces to make a zirconia solution and removing the organic binder from the zirconia powder.

Abstract: Process and systems for molding or forming products from thermosetting plastics. The system utilizes a deformable container that is placed within the cavity of the housing of the mold with the resins and initiator mixed therein. As a piston slides into the cavity, the upper edges of the container engage between the housing and the piston to seal the housing form leakage. The pressure of the piston along with heat on the housing enable the curing process to be controlled to minimize shrinkage and porosity.

Abstract: A method for making a set of dentures comprises a providing step, a mandibular impressing step, a first maxillary impressing step, a tray fabricating step, a second maxillary impressing step, a bite registering step, and a denture fabricating step. Optionally, the method further includes a bending step, a lifting step, a posterior molding step, a removing step, and/or an anterior molding step.

Abstract: Molds for fabrication of custom and potentially modifiable abutments and impression posts for dental implants with various degrees of angulations (including zero degrees) and various dimensions are provided, with a generally oval shape that expands laterally upwards, a symmetrical or asymmetrical cross-section, and regular surfaces, that are fabricated as one piece, or as two coupling pieces snapping onto each other. Custom abutments achieve the development of a custom gingival emergence profile, three dimensionally, which is potentially modifiable according to the needs of each particular clinical case. Custom impression posts that correspond in dimensions and angulations to the abutments allow the accurate recording and transfer of the developed gingival emergence profile from the mouth onto the working cast, where the final implant prosthesis is fabricated.

Abstract: A directed jet mouthpiece (10) comprises at least one mouthpiece trough (12,14) configured to fit over a front portion of a dental arch of a user's teeth. The at least one mouthpiece trough includes a buccal-side vertical member (16), a lingual-side vertical member (18) and an occlusal-side horizontal member (20) extending in between. The at least one mouthpiece trough further includes at least one fluidics inlet (22), a plurality of jet orifices (24) on both buccal- and lingual-side vertical members, and at least one fluidics path (26) disposed between the fluidics inlet and jet orifices. A plurality of directed jet orifices (28) is disposed in end regions (30) of the at least one mouthpiece trough. The at least one fluidics path (26) is further disposed between the fluidics inlet and plurality of directed jet orifices. The plurality of directed jet orifices (28) direct fluid jets rearward towards a remainder of teeth in a user's mouth beyond the end regions (30) of the at least one mouthpiece trough.

Abstract: A multi-purpose molar lift oral insertion and double level panorama form designed bristle brush tilter provides a thorough oral cleaning for dental and gums. Described is a small mechanism apparatus designed to assist with brushing teeth and other oral operations, and works especially well for persons that have difficulty with brushing their teeth. The device includes a molar gap tilt lift platform set between the upper molars and the lower molars to cause a gap or space between to upper and bottom jaw. The oral insertion can be enclosed in the mouth. A pivot axle attached to a double level bristle brush can swivels on a shaft pin allowing a user to oscillate or maneuver in left or right directions and up and down with just a touch of the fingertip.