Abstract: Systems and methods for providing assistance to a surgeon during an implant surgery are disclosed. A method includes defining areas of interest in diagnostic data of a patient and defining a screw bone type based on the surgeon's input. Post defining the areas of interest, salient points are determined for the areas of interest. Successively, an XZ angle, an XY angle, and a position entry point for a screw are determined based on the salient points of the areas of interest. Successively, a maximum screw diameter and a length of the screw are determined based on the salient points. Thereafter, the screw is identified and suggested to the surgeon for usage during the implant surgery.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for evaluating cardiovascular treatment options for a patient. One method includes creating a three-dimensional model representing a portion of the patient's heart based on patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart or vasculature; and for a plurality of treatment options for the patient's heart or vasculature, modifying at least one of the three-dimensional model and a reduced order model based on the three-dimensional model. The method also includes determining, for each of the plurality of treatment options, a value of a blood flow characteristic, by solving at least one of the modified three-dimensional model and the modified reduced order model; and identifying one of the plurality of treatment options that solves a function of at least one of: the determined blood flow characteristics of the patient's heart or vasculature, and one or more costs of each of the plurality of treatment options.

Abstract: A method is provided for planning, performing, and assessing of surgical correction to the spine during a spinal surgical procedure. This method is implemented by a control unit through a GUI to digitize screw locations, digitize anatomical reference points, accept one or more correction inputs, and generate one or more rod solution outputs shaped to engage the screws at locations distinct from the originally digitized locations.

Abstract: A process according to certain embodiments includes generating a distal femur model including an intercondylar surface model, receiving information related to user-selected points on the intercondylar surface model, generating a datum line extending between the points, generating an axis line, and determining an AP axis based upon the axis line. Generating the axis line includes performing an axis line procedure including generating a plurality of planes along the datum line, generating a plurality of contours at intersections between the intercondylar surface model and the planes, generating saddle points at local extrema of the contours, and fitting the axis line to the saddle points. The process may further include generating an updated datum line based upon the axis line, and performing a subsequent iteration of the axis line procedure using the updated datum line.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for assessing an arterio-venous malformation (AVM) may include, for example, receiving a patient-specific model of a portion of an anatomy of a patient; using a computer processor to analyze the patient-specific model for identifying one or more blood vessels associated with the AVM, in the patient-specific model; and estimating a risk of an undesirable outcome caused by the AVM, by performing computer simulations of blood flow through the one or more blood vessels associated with the AVM in the patient-specific model.

Abstract: A medical visualization apparatus includes two or more imaging devices, two or more robotic arms, multiple magnetic sensors coupled with the imaging devices, and a processor. The two or more imaging devices are configured to acquire images of an organ of a patient. The two or more robotic arms are configured to move the respective imaging devices. The multiple magnetic sensors are configured to output, in response to a magnetic field of a position tracking system, signals indicative of positions and viewing directions of the imaging devices. The processor is configured to estimate a position and a viewing direction of each of the imaging devices based on the signals, and, using the estimated positions and viewing directions, combine the images of the organ acquired by the imaging devices into a virtual reality (VR) image of the organ, and present the VR image to a user on a VR viewer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for receiving an image of a portion of a body anatomy of a patient, registering the image to patient coordinates, inserting a probe into the portion of the body anatomy, the probe comprising a tool tip configured to identify the position of the probe relative to the registered image, performing the procedure, the procedure comprising navigating the probe within the portion of the body anatomy, generating a procedure report comprising one or more components related to the procedure, the one or more components comprising a visual indication of areas of the portion of the body anatomy navigated to by the probe, and providing the procedure report in a selected format upon termination of the procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-implemented of adapting a biomechanical model of an anatomical body part of a patient to a current status of the patient. The method encompasses determination of a currently executed step of a workflow such as a medical intervention, the result of the determination serving as a basis for adapting and/or updating a biomechanical model of an anatomical body part to the corresponding current status of the patient. The determination of the current workflow step may also be used as basis for controlling an imaging device for tracking entities around the patient or for imaging the anatomical body part or acquiring further data or for urging the user to perform a specific action such as acquisition of information using a tracked instrument such as a pointer. The biomechanical model has been generated from atlas data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for neuronavigation in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. Targeting systems and methods as described herein can generate personalized stimulation targets for the treatment of mental conditions. In many embodiments, direct stimulation of a personalized the stimulation target indirectly impacts a brain structure that is more difficult to reach via the stimulation modality. In various embodiments, the mental condition is major depressive disorder. In a number of embodiments, the mental condition is suicidal ideation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system, apparatus and method directed to placing a medical instrument in a vasculature of a patient body. The optical fiber includes one or more core fibers. The system also includes a console having non-transitory computer-readable medium storing logic that, when executed, causes operations of providing an incident light signal to the optical fiber, where the optical fiber is coupled to a deployable medical device, receiving a reflected light signal of the incident light, and processing the reflected light signal to determine deployment information pertaining to deployment of the deployable medical device. The medical device may be a balloon, a filter, a stent or a valve, and the deployment information may include a location of the deployment, a status of the deployment, measurements of the deployable medical device in a deployed state or a shape of the deployed medical device.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed that allow for generation of a model or reconstruction of a model of a subject based upon acquired image data. The image data can be acquired in a substantially mobile system that can be moved relative to a subject to allow for image acquisition from a plurality of orientations relative to the subject. The plurality of orientations can include a first and final orientation and a predetermined path along which an image data collector or detector can move to acquire an appropriate image data set to allow for the model of construction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for positioning and navigation of a fracture closed reduction surgery, comprising: installing preoperative positioning devices (1), performing CT-scanning to obtain image information of broken bones and the preoperative positioning devices; determining data information of broken bone segments and of positioning balls of the preoperative positioning devices (1); taking a broken bone segment and a preoperative positioning device (1) as a group to divide the obtained data information into data groups, determining ball center coordinates of the positioning balls (9); determining a matching relation between each preoperative positioning device (1) and the corresponding broken bone segment based on the ball center coordinates of the positioning balls (9); detaching the preoperative positioning devices (1), and installing intraoperative positioning devices (11); identifying indicator balls (14) of the intraoperative positioning devices (11) using infrared light tracking to d

Abstract: A procedure is performed with a tool coupled with one or more sensors. 3D image data is acquired of a skeletal portion. First and second x-ray images of the tool and the skeletal portion are acquired from respective first and second views. A computer processor (22) (i) registers the x-ray images to the image data, (ii) identifies a first location of the tool with respect to the skeletal portion, within the x-ray images, (iii) determines the tool's first location with respect to the image data, (iv) subsequently to moving the tool to a second location, obtains measurements by the sensors pertaining to the movement of the tool, (v) derives the second location of the tool with respect to image data by applying the information from the sensors to the determined first location of the tool, and (vi) generates an output. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed biopsy markers are adapted to serve as localization markers during a surgical procedure. Adaptation includes incorporation of materials detectable under ultrasound during surgery, as well as features for co-registration with image guidance or other real-time imaging technologies during surgery. Such biopsy markers, when used as localization markers, improve patient comfort and reduce challenges in surgical coordination and surgery time. Additional disclosed biopsy markers are adapted to serve as monitoring and/or detection apparatuses, Localization of an implanted marker may be done with ultrasound technology. Ultrasound image data is analyzed to identify the implanted marker. A distance to the marker or a lesion may be determined and displayed. The determined distance may be a distance between the ultrasound probe and the marker or lesion, a distance between the marker or lesion and an incision instrument, and/or a distance between the ultrasound probe and the incision instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods for femoral medial condyle spherical center identification and tracking are described herein. Once the spherical center of the medial condyle is identified, the spherical center is tracked using a pin or internal reference. The spherical center may be used to provide a key kinematic motion reference, such as when the medial condyle is adjusted during a surgical procedure. The tracking may be used to provide optical tracking, inertial tracking, or other tracking. In contrast with surface-mounted optical trackers, the spherical center tracking is not lost during resection (e.g., removal) of a bone surface. Tracking the medial condyle spherical center may reduce or eliminate the need for a surface-mounted optical tracker or preoperative 3-D modeling or of the joint.

Abstract: A medical robot system, including a robot coupled to an effectuator element with the robot configured for controlled movement and positioning. The system may include a transmitter configured to emit one or more signals, and the transmitter is coupled to an instrument coupled to the effectuator element. The system may further include a motor assembly coupled to the robot and a plurality of receivers configured to receive the one or more signals emitted by the transmitter. A control unit is coupled to the motor assembly and the plurality of receivers, and the control unit is configured to supply one or more instruction signals to the motor assembly.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a controller configured or programmed to change a length between a first axis and a second axis in a direction in which a shaft extends, the length serving as a control parameter, according to a rotation speed of the shaft with respect to an amount of operation to control operation of a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A method of determining hysteresis according to an example embodiment may include capturing a real-time image of the surgical robot driven according to a drive input, and measuring a drive angle of the surgical robot by comparing the real-time image to a previously rendered image data set of the surgical robot, and calculating a difference between the drive input and the measured drive angle.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, a movable component coupled at the distal end of the shaft, a force transmission mechanism coupled at the proximal end of the shaft, and an actuation element with a first end coupled to the force transmission mechanism and a second end coupled to the movable component. The actuation element being configured to transmit an actuation force from the force transmission mechanism to the movable component. A coil spring is coupled to the actuation element between the first and second ends. First and second ends of the coil spring are coupled to longitudinally separated locations on the actuation element. The coil spring is configured to passively expand and contract in response to tension changes in the actuation element. A distance between the longitudinally separated locations changes as the coil spring passively expands and contracts.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and method for resisting external articulation of one or more joints of a manipulator assembly when the joints are approaching mechanical limits. For example, an articulable system may include a joint mechanism, an actuator coupled to the joint mechanism, a sensor system for sensing a joint state and a controller. The controller can operate the articulable system in an external articulation facilitation mode. The controller can command the actuator to resist movement of the joint in response to the joint state indicating the joint is moving toward a mechanical limit location with a joint velocity meeting a first velocity criterion. The controller can also command the actuator resist movement of the joint at a second joint position when the joint velocity meets a second criterion.

Abstract: Disclosed are disinfecting covers for optical-fiber connectors. For example, a male disinfecting cover can include a plug, a bore of the plug, an absorbent disposed in the bore, and a disinfectant absorbed by the absorbent. The plug is configured to insert into a receptacle of a female optical-fiber connector. A female disinfecting cover can include a body, a receptacle in the body, an absorbent disposed in the receptacle, and a disinfectant absorbed by the absorbent. The receptacle is configured to accept a male optical-fiber connector. Whether the disinfecting cover is male or female, the absorbent is configured to contact the ferrule and the optical fiber disposed of the optical-fiber connector. Methods can include at least a method of using the male or female disinfecting cover.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are portal-establishing devices and methods thereof for establishing portals in procedural barriers. For example, a portal-establishing device includes a portal and a breaching mechanism. The portal includes a portal barrier in a protruding-end portion thereof. The portal is configured to enable one or more functional connections such as an optical connection or an electrical connection across a procedural barrier between a single-use medical device on a clinician-facing side of the procedural barrier and another medical device on a patient-facing side of the procedural barrier. The breaching mechanism is configured to breach the procedural barrier and place the portal over a breach in the procedural barrier. Methods of the portal-establishing devices include methods of using the portal-establishing devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are procedural barriers with medical device-connecting features and methods thereof. For example, a procedural barrier can include a sheet of one or more nonwoven materials and an integrated electrical connector, an integrated conduit, or both the integrated electrical connector and the integrated conduit. The integrated electrical connector is integrated into the sheet for establishing an electrical connection across the procedural barrier between a single-use medical device in a procedural field to another medical device on a patient-facing side of the sheet without compromising the procedural field.

Abstract: A trocar assembly for releasable engagement with an adapter assembly of a surgical stapling instrument includes housing, a trocar member slidably supported within the housing between a retracted position and an advanced position, and a chive member rotatably supported within the housing and in operable engagement with the trocar member to cause longitudinal movement of the trocar member relative to the housing between an advanced position and a retracted position. The housing includes a tubular body having a distal portion and an end cap assembly secured to the distal portion. The trocar member includes a proximal portion and at least one tab disposed on the proximal portion. The at least one tab is configured to engage the end cap assembly when the trocar member is in the advanced position to prevent further advancement of the trocar member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medical devices including occlusion devices, clot retrieval systems, and stents. More particularly, the medical devices described herein measure characteristics for intravascular treatment sites. The medical devices may include pressure sensors and/or length sensors that may be used to determine the effectiveness of the medical devices during or after treatment. These sensors may be particularly helpful when used on an occlusion device or a clot removal device.

Abstract: A chamber for placement over a patient while allowing medical personnel to perform a medical procedure on the patient releasing virus, bacteria, or other contaminants, including a frame forming, supporting, and operatively integrated within a transparent body including a supported arch, an unsupported arch, and a top shield extending between the supported arch and the unsupported arch, wherein the body includes at least one access hole, and wherein the chamber surrounds the patient's head and the unsupported arch deforms around the patient's body in order to capture and exhaust any virus, bacteria, or other contaminants released by the patient during the medical procedure through negative pressure. A method of using the chamber of to perform a medical procedure on a patient. Methods of preventing exposure to waste anesthetic gas released from a patient after surgery, and preventing exposure to ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds during 3D printer use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical instrument holder. The holder includes an assembly of linkages comprising a first line of center and a second line of center, wherein where the first line of center and the second line of center intersect each other forms a stagnation point; a securing module configured to secure a surgical instrument and define a first line of center; and a complex lockable joint configured to define a second line of center, and comprising a turn piece to selectively lock up the assembly of linkages.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a system for assessing at least one characteristic of a device within a recipient is provided. The system includes a device removably insertable into the recipient where the device includes at least one of a treatment element and implant, and at least one wireless tag positioned within at least one portion of the device. The system includes a tracking device that includes processing circuitry configured to: if the device is inserted into the recipient, interrogate the at least one wireless tag positioned within at least one portion of the device; determine at least one characteristic of at least one portion of the device in three dimensional space based at least in part on the interrogation of the at least one wireless tag; and cause the at least one characteristic of the at least one portion of the device relative to the recipient to be indicated.

Abstract: An apparatus for verifying an osteotomy trajectory may include a straight rod portion extending along a first axis in a first direction, a sliding arm slidably coupled to the straight rod portion and configured to slide along a sliding direction on the straight rod portion along the first axis. The sliding arm may include a sliding portion slidably coupled to the straight rod portion to slide along the sliding direction, a pointing portion including a tip protruded along a second axis in a second direction, the second axis being at least substantially parallel to the first axis, and an extending portion having a first side attached to the sliding portion and a second side attached to the pointing portion. The apparatus further includes a fixed arm coupled to the straight rod portion and configured to mount a drill thereon to point the drill along the second axis toward the tip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a film tensioning element (10), in particular for performing dental operations in a patient's oral cavity, comprising a vestibular ring (16) and a lip ring (14) between which and optionally beyond which a film (12) extends, in particular substantially in a ring shape or hose shape, said film being held tensioned by the rings (14, 16), the film (12) and the rings (14, 16) being resiliently deformable. The film (12) has a radially inwardly extending constriction (18), at least in a region, in the progression between the lip ring (14) and vestibular ring (16), the film (12), at least in said region, extending without tension and in a single piece between the radially inwardly directed inner face (36) and radially outwardly directed outer face (38) thereof, in particular without overlays and/or inlays.

Abstract: An improved manual oral cavity expansion device comprising a fixing element with one end connected with a first holding element, and another end forming an accommodating portion protrudingly disposed with a pivoting portion; at least one linkage element disposed on the fixing element; a rotating element accommodated in an accommodating space of the accommodating portion and sleeved on the pivoting portion; a movable element with one end connected with a second holding element, and another end forming a movable portion correspondingly disposed in the accommodating space and sleeved on the pivoting portion; and an expansion unit. An outer circumference of the rotating element is arranged with a plurality of tooth elements in a row, and one end of the linkage element contacts the tooth elements. The expansion unit has a first expansion arm connected to the accommodating portion and a second expansion arm connected to the movable portion.

Abstract: Dental apparatuses, such as palatal expanders, and methods of forming them. The dental apparatuses may have multiple regions having different physical characteristics for performing different functions when worn by a patient as part of a dental treatment. The different regions may be made of different materials, or different combinations of materials, based on rigidity, flexibility and/or other physical characteristics. For palatal expanders, the different regions can include a tooth engagement region adapted to engage with the patient's teeth and a palatal region adapted to exert an expansion force across the patient's palate. The different regions may be joined together by a junction or a transition region configured to sufficiently hold adjacent regions together during use.

Abstract: Dental apparatuses, such as palatal expanders, attachment templates, mandibular repositioning aligners, and a variable property aligners, and methods of forming them. The dental apparatuses may have multiple regions having different physical characteristics for performing different functions when worn by a patient as part of a dental treatment. The different regions may be made of different materials, or different combinations of materials, based on rigidity, flexibility and/or other physical characteristics. The different regions may be joined together by a junction region configured to sufficiently hold adjacent regions together during use.

Abstract: Dental apparatuses, such as palatal expanders and aligners, and methods of forming them. The dental apparatuses may formed by printing different regions of the device with different properties, including hybrid regions formed between adjacent regions having different physical characteristics for performing different functions when worn by a patient as part of a dental treatment. The different regions may be joined together by a transition region configured to hold adjacent regions together during use and provide advantageous properties.

Abstract: An orthodontic kit comprising an orthodontic device for a molar or premolar zone of a mouth and a handling tool for handling the orthodontic device in the molar or premolar zone of the mouth is provided. The orthodontic device comprises a base for attaching the device to a surface of a molar or a premolar, and an attachment for temporarily connecting the orthodontic device to the handling tool. The handling tool comprises a gripping region for gripping the handling tool and a tool connector for temporarily connecting the handling tool to the orthodontic device. The attachment of the orthodontic device and the tool connector form a plug and socket connection. Handling tools and orthodontic devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein pertaining to orthodontic devices. In some embodiments, a hybrid attachment for orthodontic use comprises a body, wherein the body comprises an archwire slot, wherein the archwire slot is configured to receive an archwire, a bonding surface, wherein the bonding surface is configured to bond to a facial surface of a patient's tooth via an adhesive, and wherein the bonding surface is located on a first side of the body, and a facial surface, wherein the facial surface has a nonnegative draft normal to the facial surface of the patient's tooth, wherein the facial surface is configured to releasably retain a removable orthodontic aligner, and wherein the facial surface is located on a second side of the body.

Abstract: A device for enhancing the appearance of a person's lips is formed from a curved member configured to fit between the person's upper or lower lip and an adjacent gum at the front of the mouth. The curved member has a gingival portion configured to be placed on the person's gums, a top surface and an extension connected to the top surface and extending from a longitudinal edge of the top surface to overlap and extend beyond the gingival portion. The extension is configured to rest against and evert the person's upper or lower lip when the device is placed between the lip and the person's gum.

Abstract: A method to combine dental anatomy data includes, by the use of a computing device: receiving volumetric dental data and superficial dental data; segmenting the crowns of the volumetric dental data from the roots of the volumetric dental data; segmenting the crowns of the superficial dental data from the gingiva of the superficial dental data; transforming superficial dental data of the crowns to substantially align with volumetric dental data of the crowns; stitching the transformed superficial dental data of the crowns to volumetric dental data of the crowns; and outputting for display an image data based on the combined dental data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described that receive intraoral scan data in response to an optical scan of a surface of the tooth and a material disposed between the tooth and a gingiva surrounding the tooth, the material separating the surrounding gingiva from the tooth and covering a sub-gingival surface of the tooth. The received intraoral scan data is processed to differentiate the first optical scan data associated with the sub-gingival surface of the tooth and the second optical scan data associated with the material covering the sub-gingival surface of the tooth. The three-dimensional model of the tooth is generated based on the first optical scan data that is associated with the sub-gingival surface of the tooth and the third optical scan data associated with the tooth surface that is not covered by the material such that the three-dimensional model of the tooth includes the sub-gingival surface of the tooth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for designing a dental restoration, comprising the steps of determining (S101) a target data set based on a natural tooth which reflects the optical properties and/or the geometry of the natural tooth; generating (S102) a digital tooth model with an internal architecture; rendering (S103) the digital tooth model based on the internal architecture to generate an actual data set representing the optical properties and/or the geometry of the digital tooth model; calculating (S104) a deviation between the target data set and the actual data set; and iteratively altering (S105) the digital tooth model to obtain a smaller deviation between the detected target data set and the actual data set of the re-rendered digital tooth model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a dental restoration, comprising the steps of: generating (S101) a digital tooth model having a first spatial region in which a first restoration material is disposed and a second spatial region in which a second restoration material is disposed; rendering (S102) the digital tooth model to generate an actual data set representing optical properties of the digital tooth model; determining (S103) a deviation between a target data set and the actual data set; altering (S104) at least one of the first spatial region and the second spatial region to obtain a smaller deviation between the detected target data set and the actual data set of the re-rendered digital tooth model; and producing (S105) the dental restoration based on the digital tooth model having the smaller deviation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a dental restoration, comprising the steps of rendering (S101) a first digital tooth model with a first material combination for generating a first actual data set representing the optical properties of the first digital tooth model; determining (S102) a first deviation between a target data set and the first actual data set; rendering (S103) a second digital tooth model based on a second combination of materials to generate a second actual data set representing the optical properties of the second digital tooth model; determining (S104) a second deviation between the target data set and the second actual data set; and fabricating (S105) the dental restoration based on the first digital tooth model when the first deviation is less than the second deviation and fabricating the dental restoration based on the second digital tooth model when the second deviation is less than the first deviation.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for generating dental products or orthodontic products. The compositions and methods comprise latent ruthenium complexes and photoacids and/or photoacid generators.

Abstract: A shade matching method for a tooth obtains a plurality of digitized tooth shade references, obtains a three-dimensional (3D) surface representation of a tooth and associated color information defined on the three-dimensional (3D) surface, selects a region on the three-dimensional (3D) surface representation of the tooth, determines a plurality of correspondences with the common tooth shape of all the tooth shade references, computes color difference with each of the tooth shade reference from the plurality of tooth shade references, and records the label corresponding to the shade reference with a smallest difference.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for configurating a split denture. A digital 3D model of the denture comprising a plurality of teeth is provided. The digital 3D model of the denture is split into a digital 3D model of a base part and a digital 3D model of a teeth part. The base part comprises a first artificial gingiva portion. Further, the base part is configured to support the teeth part. The teeth part comprises the plurality of teeth of the denture and a second gingiva portion. The teeth part is configured to be mounted on the base part. The digital 3D model of the split denture is provided for generating at least one of the base part and the teeth part.

Abstract: An oral irrigator, comprising: a first pumping assembly (200) used for pumping a first working medium for oral irrigation; a second pumping assembly (300) used for pumping a second working medium for oral irrigation; and a nozzle (400) in fluid communication with output ends of the first pumping assembly (200) and the second pumping assembly (300), the first working medium for oral irrigation and/or the second working medium for oral irrigation being ejected by means of the nozzle (400).

Abstract: A saliva ejector having a first member with a first end and a second end and a second member rotatably and removably connected to the first member. The first member has a first section that extends from the first end and terminates in a second section that is angled in relation to the first section. The second member has a first working end that is perpendicular in relation to a second open end. The first working end has a plurality of slits.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of teeth, including one or more dental treatment applicators having at least two walls and a floor, the walls and floor defining a well configured to accommodate at least one human dental arcade and an active agent. Furthermore, one or more energy-applying elements such as electrodes or light sources are located on at least one of the walls.

Abstract: According to an aspect, an apparatus includes a bodily implant configured to be implanted into a body of a patient, the implant including an inflatable member and a sending unit, the sending unit having a sensor configured to sense the pressure of the inflation member; and a reading unit, the reading unit configured to be disposed outside of the body of the patient and configured to operatively communicate with the sending unit.

Abstract: A surgical implant for repairing a defect. The implant has a first layer and a second layer. Each layer is flexible and planar. The first layer has an inner portion remote from a periphery, and an outer portion between the periphery and the inner portion. The second layer has an inner portion remote from a periphery, and an outer portion between the periphery and the inner portion. A bottom surface of the first layer near the inner portion thereof is connected to top surface of the second layer near the inner portion thereof so that the inner portion of the top layer is fixed relative to the inner portion of the second layer and the outer portion of the first layer is moveable relative to the outer portion of the second layer.