Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering energy to passageways in a patient, such as airways in the lung of a patient for treating asthma. One embodiment of a method for delivering energy to a passageway comprises positioning an access device in a lung airway of a patient and advancing an elongated body of a treatment device along the access device until an energy delivery unit at a distal portion of the elongated body projects from the access device. The method can further include expanding the energy delivery unit such that energy delivery elements contact a sidewall of the airway and activating an energy supply coupled to the treatment device such that energy is delivered to the sidewall of the airway. A single person physically operates both the access device and the treatment device while expanding the energy delivery unit and activating the energy supply.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrosurgical instrument for delivering radiofrequency and microwave energy to biological tissue in order to cut and coagulate the tissue. The electrosurgical instrument comprises a coaxial transmission line for conveying radiofrequency (RF) energy and microwave energy, and an energy delivery tip coupled to a distal end of the coaxial transmission line. The energy delivery tip comprises: a first electrode electrically coupled to an inner conductor of the coaxial transmission line and protruding beyond a distal end of an outer conductor of the coaxial transmission line; a second electrode electrically coupled to the outer conductor of the coaxial transmission line and extending coaxially along a portion of the first electrode; and a dielectric body disposed between the first electrode and second electrode. The first electrode comprises a projecting nib that protrudes beyond a distal end of the dielectric body.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient with a therapeutic laser pulse includes applying a cooling mechanism to a first skin area, cooling a target skin area within the first the skin area from a first surface temperature to a second temperature through application of the cooling mechanism prior to application of the therapeutic laser pulse, initiating application of the therapeutic laser pulse at a first timepoint, while continuing to apply the cooling mechanism, determining a surface temperature of the target skin area a plurality of times during application of the therapeutic laser pulse at a refresh rate of 25 Hz to 400 Hz, and terminating the application of the therapeutic laser pulse at a second timepoint, based on the surface temperature determinations. Each of the plurality of surface temperature determinations occurs during a single therapeutic laser pulse duration from the first time point to the second timepoint.

Abstract: A hair cutting device of the present disclosure comprises an optical waveguide and a holding member that holds the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide comprises a light irradiator. The light irradiator irradiates hair protruding from skin with light to cut the hair. The holding member holds the optical waveguide in such a way that the light irradiator is exposed from at least one surface. As a result, even when the hair or the skin comes in contact with the light irradiator, misalignment or the like of the optical waveguide hardly occurs. This results in the improved hair cutting device being provided.

Abstract: A catheter for debulking of an undesired deposit from an inner surface of at least one of a blood vessel wall and a stent located in a blood vessel, the catheter having a tip section comprising: circumferentially-directed laser optics; and a circular-action cutter, wherein said circumferentially-directed laser optics is configured to transmit laser radiation for modifying an area of the undesired deposit thereby preparing said area for penetration of said cutter, wherein said cutter is configured to cut through said modified area and thereby debulk at least a part of the undesired deposit. In addition, a catheter for pacemaker and ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) lead extraction is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for creating a patient-specific surgical plan includes receiving one or more pre-operative images of a patient having one or more infirmities affecting one or more anatomical joints. three-dimensional anatomical model of the one or more anatomical joints is created based on the one or more pre-operative images. One or more transfer functions and the three-dimensional anatomical model are used to identify a patient-specific implantation geometry that corrects the one or more infirmities. The transfer functions model performance of the one or more anatomical joints as a function of anatomical geometry and anatomical implantation features. surgical plan comprising the patient-specific implantation geometry may then be displayed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for obtaining an implantable plate for healing a fractured joint of a patient, comprising the steps of: 1) providing a 3D representation of a bone structure in a zone around a joint fracture, the zone comprising essentially all fragments of broken or ruptured bones and at least the ends of unbroken bones which form part of the fractured joint; 2) identifying different bone fragments within said 3D representation; 3) simulating a reduction of said bone fragments into a full joint; 4) calculating optimal parameter values for an implantable plate; 5) obtaining the implantable plate taking into account the calculated parameter values, whereby in step 3, the reduction is simulated by automatedly fitting positions and orientations of said bone fragments to a 3D representation of a healthy joint of said patient.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for aligning a tool with a targeted axis in tissue to perform a medical procedure. medical plan is registered to the location of the tissue using a computer-assisted medical system, where the medical plan include a planned position for the targeted axis based on pre-procedure data. The tool is aligned with the planned position for the targeted axis using a computer- assisted medical system. The computer-assisted medical system includes a hand- held device having a handle and a working portion adjustable relative to the handle so as to orient the tool. A computing system is also provided comprising a tracking system and a control system for registering the medical plan to the location of the tissue, tracking the hand-held device relative to the tissue and the medical plan, and adjusting the working portion of the hand-held device relative to its handle.

Abstract: A method and system to treat headaches in a patient by performing surgery via at least one nostril. Data from a computer tomography scan of at least one nasal cavity and one sinus cavity of the patient and a completed headache questionnaire are matched to at least one nasal/sinus surgery plan to operate on at least one of: a nasal septum, at least one sinus cavity and at least one turbinate of the patient.

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: Methods and systems that provide quantitative assessments of in vivo thermal treatments, such as ablations, during image-guided surgeries using a high-resolution pre-operative MRI image segmented with a shape constrained and deformable mesh representations of brain structures and generating 3-D visualizations of thermally treated volumes during the thermal treatment that can provide near real time visual and quantitative feedback to a clinician.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for visualizing a reference location of an electrophysiology device in an anatomical image are provided. According to one embodiment, an electrophysiological mapping and guidance system includes a processor circuit in communication with a catheter carrying a plurality of electrodes. The processor circuit controls the plurality of electrodes to obtain electrical measurements (e.g., voltage measurements) of an electrical field induced within an anatomical cavity. The processor circuit computes a reference location of the plurality of electrodes based on distortions in the electromagnetic field detected at a first time, computes a current location of the plurality of electrodes based on distortions in the electromagnetic field detected at a later second time, and outputs a signal to cause simultaneous display of a first visualization of the reference location and a second visualization of the current location.

Abstract: Systems and methods for vision-based position and orientation determination for endovascular tools are disclosed. In one example, a method includes receiving a two-dimensional medical image including a view of at least a distal portion of a medical instrument, the distal portion of the medical instrument including one or more fiducials positioned thereon, the one or more fiducials being radio-opaque and visible in the medical image. The method also includes detecting, within the medical image, a two-dimensional appearance of the one or more fiducials, and based on the two-dimensional appearance of the one or more fiducials, determining at least one of a roll angle of the distal portion of the medical instrument, and an incline of the distal portion of the medical instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods for high-bandwidth, minimally invasive brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are disclosed. The BCIs are configured for deployment and operation in conjunction with a comprehensive interventional electrophysiology procedural suite. Three primary methods of minimally invasive electrode array delivery are disclosed: (1) cortical surface delivery, (2) ventricular delivery, and (3) endovascular delivery. Additionally, systems and methods for interacting with such high-bandwidth electrode arrays are discussed, including real-time imaging, signal processing, and neural decoding. Systems and methods for architectures for accelerating the underlying computational processes (such as graphics processing units or tensor processing units) are also discussed. Multiple applications of BCIs are discussed, with emphasis on restoration, rehabilitation, and augmentation of neurologic function.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for enabling autonomous or semi-autonomous surgical operations. The system comprises: one or more processors that are individually or collectively configured to: process an image data stream comprising one or more images of a surgical site; fit a parametric model to a tissue surface identified in the one or more images; determine a direction for aligning a tool based in part on the parametric model; determine an optimal path for automatically moving the tool to perform a surgical procedure at the surgical site; and generate one or more control signals for controlling i) a movement of the tool based on the optimal path and ii) a tension force applied to the tissue by the tool during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for image space control of a medical instrument are provided. In one example, a system is configured to display a two-dimensional medical image including a view of at least a distal end of an instrument. The system can determine, based on one or more fiducials on the instrument, a roll estimate of the instrument. The system further can receive a user input comprising a heading command to change a heading of the instrument within a plane of the medical image, or an incline command to change an incline of the instrument into or out of the plane of the medical image. Based on the roll estimate and the user input, the system can generate one or more motor commands configured to cause a robotic system coupled to the medical instrument to move the robotic medical instrument.

Abstract: A medical device deployment system includes a main body and a guidewire capable of being passed through the main body and including a lumen. An optical shape sensing (OSS) system is configured to pass through the lumen in the guidewire. The OSS system is configured to measure shape, position or orientation of an endograft relative to a blood vessel for placement of the endograft.

Abstract: A system may comprise a tool including at least one reference feature. a processor, and a memory having computer readable instructions stored thereon. The computer readable instructions, when executed by the processor, may cause the system to receive image data including an image of the tool and the at least one reference feature, determine a pose of the tool from the image data, and modify the image data to visually decrement a portion of the image data corresponding to the at least one reference feature.

Abstract: A fiber optic tracking sensor includes an outer tube, a plurality of optical fibers within the outer tube and including a central optical fiber and a plurality of additional optical fibers, and one or more structural members within the outer tube and configured to provide a spacing between the plurality of optical fibers such that the central optical fiber is positioned along a central longitudinal axis of the outer tube and the plurality of additional optical fibers are spaced apart from one another and from the central optical fiber.

Abstract: A computer assisted system is disclosed that includes an optical tracking system and one or more computing devices. The optical tracking system includes an RGB sensor and is configured to capture color images of an environment in the visible light spectrum and tracking images of fiducials in the environment in a near-infrared spectrum. The computer assisted system is configured to generate a color image of the environment using the color images, identify fiducial locations using the tracking images, generate depth maps from the color images, reconstruct three-dimensional surfaces of structures based on the depth maps, and output a display comprising the reconstructed three-dimensional surface and one or more surgical objects that are associated with the tracked fiducials. The computer assisted system can further include a monitor or a head-mounted display (HMD) configured to present augmented reality (AR) images during a procedure.

Abstract: A surgical system, comprising an articulated mechanical arm with a plurality of arm joints, first and second user-input devices for controlling the arm, and a surgical end effector at the distal end of the arm, is operated initially in a retroflexing mode with the first user-input device is active to direct flexion and rotation of only a single given arm joints, and with the second user-input device is disabled. While in the retroflexing mode, a distal portion of the arm is retroflected by flexion and rotation of the single given arm joint. With the arm retroflected, the system is transitioned to surgical-operation mode which enables the second user-input device to flex and rotate any or all of the arm joints, to move the surgical end-effector to perform one or more surgical actions.

Abstract: A controller of a surgical system is configured to: set a center point; set a reference point on a reference line that is an extension of a rotation axis of a proximal end roll joint or that is offset from the extension in a direction normal to the extension; and position joints of a manipulator arm such that a shaft passes through the center point and that a reference plane passes through the reference point, the reference plane including a rotation axis of a distal end roll joint that coincides with a central axis of the shaft and crossing a rotation axis of a pivotal joint.

Abstract: A robotic instrument driver for elongate members includes a first elongate member, and at least one manipulator mechanism configured to manipulate the first elongate member, and at least one articulating drive configured to articulate the first elongate member, positionable on a bed and beside a patient access site. The manipulator and articulating drive are positioned relative to each other a distance less than the insertable length of the first elongate member, stationary in position.

Abstract: A system comprises a medical instrument including a rotatable capstan. The rotatable capstan includes a first coupling feature and a drive system including a rotatable drive element. The rotatable drive element includes a second coupling feature. The first and second coupling features have an aligned engagement configuration in which rotation of the rotatable drive element induces rotation of the rotatable capstan and a non-aligned engagement configuration in which rotation of the rotatable drive element does not induce rotation of the rotatable capstan.

Abstract: A medical robot includes an arm, a controller that controls driving of the arm, a holding body that is connected to the arm at a connection portion and holds a held body, and a selector switch provided on the holding body for selectively switching between a control state in which the driving of the arm is controlled by the controller and a manual state in which control by the controller is released. The controller performs control of switching between the control state and the manual state based on an operation signal from the selector switch.

Abstract: The present application relates to a motion control method and system for a mechanical arm and surgical system, the terminal end of the mechanical arm is adapted to carry an effector, the method includes steps of: receiving a first control command from a first input device by a graphical user interface, wherein the first control command is configured to control the mechanical arm to move according to a first movement mode; receiving a second control command from the first input device or a second input device, wherein the second control command is configured to control the mechanical arm to enter a second movement mode; and receiving a third control command from the second input device, wherein the third control command is configured to control the effector to perform a predetermined movement, wherein the first input device and the second input device are separated from each other.

Abstract: A surgical system according to one or more embodiments may include: manipulators respectively supporting an endoscope and first and second surgical instruments; a remote control apparatus including a display device, a first operation handle for right hand to operate the first surgical instrument, and a second operation handle for left hand to operate the second surgical instrument; and a control apparatus. The control apparatus may display, on the display device, a graphical user interface, overlapped with the image captured by the endoscope, the graphical user interface including a first area that displays information on the first surgical instrument to be operated by the first operation handle, a second area that displays information on the second surgical instrument to be operated by the second operation handle, and a third area that displays information on the endoscope, which are arranged side by side in order from right to left.

Abstract: Disclosed is a robotic surgical tool, comprising an end effector, an elongate shaft, and an articulation joint. The articulation joint comprises a pivot plate attached to the end effector, a fixed plate attached to the elongate shaft, and a spherical joint coupled to the pivot plate and the fixed plate. The robotic surgical tool further comprises an articulation drive system. The articulation drive system comprises a first rod, a second rod, a third rod, and a fourth rod that extend through the elongate shaft, a first mechanical link pivotably coupled to the first rod and to the pivot plate, a second mechanical link pivotably coupled to the second rod and to the pivot plate, a third mechanical link pivotably coupled to the third rod and to the pivot plate, and a fourth mechanical link pivotably coupled to the fourth rod and to the pivot plate.

Abstract: A surgical system comprises an articulated mechanical arm comprising arm segments connected serially by arm joints that flex and rotate, and first and second input-devices. The second input-device comprises a handle configurable to be oriented in any orientation in an x-y-z space, and the handle comprises segment members and joint members corresponding to the arm segments and arm joints of the arm. The arm joints can be actuatable by, and have the same degrees of freedom as, the handle joint member. A method of using the surgical system includes retroflecting the arm, transitioning control of the arm from the first input device to the second input device, and performing a surgical action, during which a displacement vector or a reorientation arc of the handle member through the x-y-z space is translated to a corresponding displacement vector or corresponding reorientation arc of the end effector in the same x-y-z space.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a drape unit that is disposed between a medical robot holding a surgical instrument and the surgical instrument to isolate the surgical instrument and the medical robot from each other. The drape unit transmits power in a forward/backward direction from a power transmission part of the medical robot to a movable part provided in the surgical instrument. The drape unit comprises: a movable intervening part that receives the power from the power transmission part; and a fixed intervening part that is detachably attached to the medical robot. The fixed intervening part has a through-hole through which a part of the movable intervening part is inserted. The fixed intervening part has a housing portion that covers a part of the movable intervening part as viewed in a penetrating direction of the through-hole when the movable intervening part moves to an end portion in the forward/backward direction.

Abstract: A sterile bag for covering medical equipment comprises: a barrier section, a flexible body section, and an attaching section. The flexible body section has a tubular shape extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof, and an outer surface, an inner surface, and an open end. The barrier section is coupled to the proximal end, and the attaching section is formed at the distal end of the flexible body section. The barrier section is a rigid or semirigid component which attaches the sterile bag to a sterile component or to an unsterile component of the medical equipment in a pleaded or folded state. The flexible body section is configured to be deployed over the unsterile component so as to enclose within the inner surface thereof the unsterile component. The unsterile component is connectable to the sterile component through the central opening of the barrier section.

Abstract: Single use medical devices that incorporate one or more destruct elements configured to deform during an autoclave cycle, rendering the device visually damaged or unusable. The use of such destruct elements prevents reuse (knowingly or unwittingly) of single use devices on patients after off-label autoclaving.

Abstract: An electrosurgical assembly that includes one or more electrodes, and one or more AC conductors electrically connecting the one or more electrodes to a power source that is configured to generate and output an AC power signal to the one or more electrodes via the one or more AC conductors. A rectifier is electrically connected to the one or more AC conductors, and configured to convert the AC power signal into a DC power signal. A light source is electrically powered by the DC power signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for aiding a clinician in the proper positioning, placing or otherwise locating of a non-contact detector component of a non-contact patient monitoring system are described. The systems and methods may employ a targeting aid superimposed on a display screen component of the non-contact patient monitoring system, the targeting aid being designed to assist the clinician in properly locating the non-contact detector for proper and accurate functioning of the non-contact patient monitoring system. The systems and methods described herein may also employ a bendable mounting arm to which the non-contact detector is attached such that the non-contact detector can be easily moved into the proper location when used in conjunction with the targeting aid superimposed on the display.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marking element for marking body tissue. The marking element has a shape which is at least approximately rotationally symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, and the marking element consists of interconnected preshaped elastic metal braces and can assume a radially compressed state and a radially expanded state. In the expanded state, the marking element is constricted in a central longitudinal section and expands continuously from the central longitudinal section towards the two sides in the longitudinal direction. The marking element has two widened longitudinal sections, the maximum outer diameter of which is two times to twenty times larger than the outer diameter of the central longitudinal section in the expanded state of the marking element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marker element for marking body tissue. The marker element has an at least approximately rotation-symmetric geometry about a longitudinal axis, is formed by interlinked, elastic and preformed wire members and can assume a radially compressed and a radially expanded state. The wire members are interlinked at their respective ends, preferably in pairs.

Abstract: A biopsy site marker includes a marker element. The marker element includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion each being configured to be displaced outwardly when deployed to a biopsy site. The marker element further including one or more anchors being configured to engage tissue of the biopsy site when the first portion and the second portion are displaced outwardly.

Abstract: A biopsy site marker includes a carrier, and a marker element. The marker element includes a primary coil, a first anchor and a second anchor. The primary coil is disposed within the carrier. At least a portion of the first anchor and the second anchor extend outwardly from opposite sides of the carrier. The first anchor and second anchor are configured to move relative to the primary coil to engage tissue at a biopsy site.

Abstract: Provided is a method of discriminating probes by using a change in resonant frequency, the method including receiving an identification frequency for discriminating the type of probe of an ultrasonic surgical device, analyzing a feedback signal generated on the basis of the received identification frequency information, discriminating any one probe among multiple types of probes on the basis of comparison between an analysis result and preset reference frequency information, and generating a control signal for controlling an operation of the ultrasonic surgical device on the basis of a predetermined value corresponding to the discriminated type of probe.

Abstract: Methods of treating exposed tooth pulp are provided herein, including, e.g., methods of pulp capping comprising administering a combination of growth factor substance and pulp capping material to exposed pulp thereby inducing dentin formation and/or pulp revitalization.

Abstract: A dental restoration device includes a sleeve having an exterior surface and an interior pocket that is at least partially filled with a dental cement, and a crown having an exterior surface and an interior surface that is mated to the exterior surface of the crown and bonded thereto by an adhesive disposed between the exterior surface of the sleeve and the interior surface of the crown.

Abstract: A dental restoration device includes a sleeve having an exterior surface and an interior pocket that is at least partially filled with a dental cement, and a crown having an exterior surface and an interior surface that is mated to the exterior surface of the crown and bonded thereto by an adhesive disposed between the exterior surface of the sleeve and the interior surface of the crown.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of managing planning and delivery of an orthodontic treatment using planning tools, treatment guidelines, instructions and appointment planning tools customized to the individual patient being treated, as well as tools and methods for tracking delivery and patient progression through an orthodontic treatment plan.

Abstract: A method and computer program for designing straightening aligners are disclosed. The method for designing straightening aligners according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes generating current alignment information representing a patient's current tooth alignment state, and generating orthodontic alignment information for multiple orthodontic steps that are reached sequentially by correcting the current alignment information, wherein generating the orthodontic alignment information sets the multiple orthodontic steps such that the total sum of orthodontic forces applied to the patient's teeth per one orthodontic step is less than or equal to a preset total sum of orthodontic forces in order to reach a tooth alignment state corresponding to the orthodontic alignment information of each orthodontic step.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for manufacturing an appliance for correcting malocclusions of a patient's teeth. The method may include measuring the positions of a patient's teeth and receiving tooth movement constraints. The method may also include generating an initial treatment plan based on the measured tooth positions and the tooth movement constraints and measuring the malocclusions of the patient's teeth for one or more types of dental malocclusions. The method may also include generating a plurality of treatment plans from the initial treatment plan based on the measured malocclusion and generating a model of an appliance for each stage of the treatment plan. The method may also include generating instructions for fabricating the appliance for each stage of the treatment plan based on the model of the appliance for each stage of the treatment plan.

Abstract: A method for making a dental appliance configured to position at least one tooth of a patient includes printing a hardenable liquid resin composition on a major surface of a polymeric material to form a pattern thereon, wherein the hardenable liquid resin composition includes a glass ionomer, a resin modified glass ionomer, and mixtures and combinations thereof. A dental appliance is formed from the polymeric material that includes an arrangement of cavities configured to receive one or more teeth.

Abstract: Methods of forming dental positioning appliances, such as removable mesh dental appliances. Methods may include forming one or more dies based on a digital three-dimensional model of one or more teeth. Methods may include applying a mesh material onto one or more dies having a three-dimensional shape corresponding to one or more teeth and shaping the mesh material via interaction with the one or more dies to conform to one or more surfaces of one or more teeth. The mesh material may be shaped to conform to an inside, an outside, and/or a biting surface of one or more teeth. The methods may include encapsulating the shaped mesh material into a polymer shell to form a dental positioning appliance.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anchoring device (1) for implant-supported removable dental prostheses having a female anchoring part (2); having a male anchoring part (3) connected to the female anchoring part (2); and having a base (4) that comprises a connection geometry arrangement (4A) and an implant thread (4B) for fastening the anchoring device (1) in an implant (6), characterized in that the male anchoring part (3) and the base (4) are interconnected by an elastic connection element (5).

Abstract: Disclosed herein a surgical tool set for implant having an implantation driver for implanting a fixture. The implantation driver comprising: a first supporting portion disposed radially in an engagement portion that transmits implantation torque to the fixture; and at least one second supporting portion that is disposed radially in the engagement portion so as to be spacedly apart from the first supporting portion and is arranged asymmetrically with respect to a center point located on a central axis of the implantation driver. The second supporting portion has a larger size than the first supporting portion along at least one of an outer circumference direction and a radial direction of the engagement portion.

Abstract: A method for intraoral imaging generates one or more output imaging signals from an intraoral probe and acquires multimodal image content from intraoral surface locations according to tissue response from the one or more imaging signals and associates spatial coordinates to the acquired multimodal image content. A surface contour of the patient dentition is generated by stitching the acquired multimodal image content and preserving the association of spatial coordinates with the stitched multimodal image content. Tooth outlines for one or more teeth are generated from the generated surface contour and the generated outlines arranged as a dental chart representing a spatial ordering of the one or more teeth and of supporting gum tissue adjacent to the teeth. The dental chart is populated by analyzing the acquired multimodal image content and associating the analysis to positions on the dental chart according to the preserved association of spatial coordinates and is displayed.