Abstract: Ablation and visualization systems and methods to access quality of contact between a catheter and tissue are provided. In some embodiments, a method for monitoring tissue ablation of the present disclosure comprises advancing a distal tip of an ablation catheter to a tissue in need of ablation; illuminating the tissue with UV light to excite NADH in the tissue, wherein the tissue is illuminated in a radial direction, an axial direction, or both; determining from a level of NADH fluorescence in the illuminated tissue when the distal tip of the catheter is in contact with the tissue; and delivering ablation energy to the tissue to form a lesion in the tissue.

Abstract: A medical device for treating a vein, including component parts thereof, wherein the device comprises a vein stretching member; a vein stretching member for use with the device; a kit of parts including the device and one or more vein stretching member and a method for treating a vein including use of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to comprehensive systems, devices and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, systems, devices, and methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for generating a graphical user interface for use during a microwave ablation procedure, an exemplary method comprising receiving microwave ablation procedure configuration settings, receiving ultrasound image data from the ultrasound sensor, receiving the EM tracking data from the EM tracking system, determining a trajectory of the ablation probe based on the EM tracking data, and generating a graphical user interface showing a position and orientation of the ablation probe and the trajectory in relation to a plane of the ultrasound image data.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for an optical surgical instrument includes a jaw member and a plurality of optical elements positioned within a cavity of the jaw member. The jaw member has a tissue contacting surface. The jaw member has a proximal portion that is configured to secure a fiber optic cable thereto such that a distal end of the fiber optical cable extends into the cavity. The plurality of optical elements are arranged in a staircase-like manner that rises towards the tissue contacting surface as the plurality of optical elements extends distally within the cavity. The plurality of optical elements is configured to direct a beam of light exiting the fiber optic cable towards the tissue contacting surface.

Abstract: A system for recording or recalling ablation information includes a workstation, and control circuitry. The workstation may include a display, a user input device, and a memory. The workstation may be configured to be in electrical communication with an ablation device. The control circuitry may be in electrical communication with the ablation device and the memory. The control circuitry may be configured to receive input associated with an ablation procedure performed by the ablation device, and associate the input with an anatomical structure of the patient.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for characterizing a behavior of an anatomical structure. Tracking data can be generated by a tracking system to represent at least a location of at least one sensor in a three-dimensional tracking coordinate system over time. A motion model is generated to characterize the behavior of the anatomical structure over a plurality of time instances. For instance, the motion model includes at least one free parameter and a temporal parameter. Each free parameter estimating geometry of the anatomical structure derived from the tracking data, and the temporal parameter indexes the free parameter over the plurality of time instances. A visualization is generated to provide a sequence of graphical images based on the motion model to characterize behavior of the anatomical structure over time.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for creating an activity-optimized cutting guides for surgical procedures includes receiving one or more pre-operative images depicting one or more anatomical joints of a patient, and creating a three-dimensional anatomical model of the one or more anatomical joints based on the one or more pre-operative images. One or more patient-specific anatomical measurements are determined based on the three-dimensional anatomical model. A statistical model of joint performance is applied to the patient-specific anatomical measurements to identify one or more cut angles for performing a surgical procedure. A patient-specific cutting guide is created that comprises one or more apertures positioned based on the one or more cut angles.

Abstract: A navigation, tracking and guiding system for the positioning of operatory instruments inside the body of a patient. The system includes a control unit, a viewer and detecting means for determining the spatial position of the viewer. The system further includes a sensor associated to an operatory instrument and insertable inside the internal portion of the body of the patient. The control unit is configured to project on the viewer an image of the state of the internal portion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a medical instrument, a position tracking system to track coordinates of the instrument within a passage in a body, a processor to register the system and a 3D CT image of at least a part of the body, find a path of the instrument through the passage, compute segments of the path, compute respective locations along the path of respective virtual cameras responsively to the computed segments, select the respective virtual cameras for rendering respective virtual endoscopic images responsively to the tracked coordinates, compute respective orientations of the respective virtual cameras, and render and display the respective virtual endoscopic images, based on the 3D CT image, of the passage in the body viewed from the respective locations and orientations of the respective virtual cameras including an animated representation of the instrument positioned in the respective virtual endoscopic images in accordance with the tracked coordinates.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods and systems are provided for training a machine learning architecture for surgical performance tracking and measurement based on surgical procedure video data set. The methods and systems include, in a first aspect, a sequential relation architecture and a dimensionality reduction architecture. In a second aspect, the methods and systems include a surgical instrument instance segmentation architecture, a decomposition model, and a sequential relation architecture. The video data is processed on a frame level to generate compressed or reduced representations of the video data.

Abstract: Robotic surgery systems and methods of surgical robot operation are provided. A method of surgical robot operation includes moving a surgical instrument through a tissue using the surgical robot, where the surgical robot attempts to move the surgical instrument to a desired position. The method further includes measuring an actual position of the surgical instrument, and calculating a difference between the actual position and the desired position. The actual position of the surgical instrument is adjusted to the desired position using the surgical robot.

Abstract: The disclosed method encompasses moving an object such as a medical device or instrument to a desired spatial position based on tracking data provided by a tracking system. Once it is determined from the tracking data that the object has reached the desired spatial position, a projection image is generated, which is registered with the desired spatial position and shows the object. Based on the image data, it is possible to verify whether the object has actually reached the desired position, or whether the object's actual position deviates from the desired position due to errors or inaccuracies, allowing measures to be taken to compensate for these errors or inaccuracies.

Abstract: A method for remotely supporting a surgery assistant robot may include: receiving at least one piece of operation information concerning an operation of the surgery assistant robot, by a server device that performs a remote support for the surgery assistant robot; and transmitting, in response to a predetermined event, at least one of a sound, an image, or a text from the server device to at least one of the surgery assistant robot or a terminal device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimally invasive tele-surgery are described. For example, the disclosure describes methods for independently controlling motions of the robotic manipulator, cannula, and surgical instrument in various surgical contexts.

Abstract: A method of controlling a robotic surgical system is provided, where the robotic surgical system including an arm having an instrument with jaws and an access port each coupled to the arm. The method includes detecting a position of the instrument, and opening the jaws of the instrument, in response to a determination that a distance between the position of the instrument and a position of the access port is greater than a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An instrument manipulator may comprise a frame comprising an outer shell and an inner frame, the inner frame being movably coupled to the outer shell. The instrument manipulator may also include a plurality of actuator outputs protruding in a distal direction from the frame and an instrument support feature coupled to the outer shell. The instrument manipulator may further comprise a latching mechanism, the latching mechanism being configured to move the inner frame, the outer shell, or both relative to one another, so as to operably engage the plurality of actuator outputs with a plurality of actuator inputs of an instrument supported by the instrument support feature.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a controller, a surgical instrument supporting an end effector, and one or more connector members coupled to the end effector and movable to operate the end effector. Memory is operably coupled to the controller and is configured to maintain reference data of the one or more connector members. A sensor is secured to the one or more connector members and is disposed in electrical communication with the controller. The sensor is configured to register real-time data of the one or more connector members and communicate the real-time data to the controller. The controller is configured to compare the real-time data to the reference data and provide an output signal in response to a comparison of the real-time data to the reference data. A pair of connector members may be coupled to the end effector to impart three outputs.

Abstract: A teleoperative system includes an input device and a controller. The controller is configured to receive input associated with movement of the input device, determine a commanded pose of an instrument coupled to the teleoperative system based on the received input, determine a first preferred pose of the instrument based on at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of: a type of the instrument and an operating mode of the instrument, determine a first feedback force command based on a difference between the commanded pose and the first preferred pose, and actuate the input device based on the first feedback force command.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a holder for medical tubing. Specific embodiments find particular use in managing reagent replacement tubes which are often used in connection with various types of types of laboratory equipment. In a specific example, one or more magnets are associated with the reagent tubing. The one or more magnets are used to secure the reagent tubing to a portion of the equipment stand or base, the drawer, or any other magnetically responsive surface.

Abstract: An insert for a surgical apparatus tray and method of preparing a surgical apparatus tray are described. The insert may include an upper part defining at least one support configured to receive an item of surgical equipment, and defining a first plane and having a plurality of edges defining a polygonal shape. A first side wall may extend downwardly from a first edge of the upper part and define a second plane. The first side wall may have a first, male attachment feature. A second side wall may extend downwardly from a second edge of the upper part and have a second, female attachment feature. The first attachment feature may be configured to mate with the form of the female attachment feature when the first side wall is moved in a direction parallel to the first plane and the second plane to connect the insert to a further insert having a similar construction.

Abstract: A strain gauge (10, 40, 50), a pressure sensor (20, 60), and an interventional medical catheter. The strain gauge (10, 40, 50) comprises a substrate (11) and at least two sensitive gages (1, 2) provided on the substrate (11), the at least two sensitive gages (1, 2) being arranged along two mutually perpendicular directions and sharing one ground port (3). The pressure sensor (20, 60) comprises an elastomer (21, 61) and the strain gauge (10, 40, 50) provided on the elastomer (21, 61). The interventional medical catheter comprises a catheter distal end and the pressure sensor (20, 60) provided at the catheter distal end.

Abstract: Airway management methods, devices, assemblies and systems. Methods, devices, assemblies and systems may include robotic movement and control of an intubation tube introducer or guide, and may include utilizing image data from one or more image sensors. The methods, devices, assemblies and systems may optionally be used in endotracheal intubation procedures.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a surgical rigid arm (100, 150, 200, 900) includes a first portion (102, 152, 202, 902), a second portion (103, 153, 203, 903) and a central portion (105, 154, 205, 906), where the central portion is extends between the first and second portions. A first end of the first portion and a second end of the second portion are each attached to a peripheral side (14) of a surgical bed (10, 30) such that the first portion and the second portion extend from the surgical bed in a first direction. The central portion extends substantially horizontally and is positioned over the surgical bed, the central portion being connected to the surgical instrument such that a load from the surgical instrument is distributed across the central portion to the first portion and second portion to provide rigid support for the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical device including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, at least one window, an end effector, and a shroud is disclosed. The at least one window extends through an outer wall of the elongated portion and is configured to allow fluid to travel therethrough from an interior portion of the elongated portion to ambient air. The end effector is configured to selectively engage a distal portion of the elongated portion. The shroud is affixed to the end effector and extends proximally therefrom. The shroud is configured to cover the at least one window when the end effector is engaged with the elongated portion.

Abstract: A bite block with inclined surfaces fits between a patient's upper and lower jaws to hold them apart and fixes the bite block position relative to the jaws. A support plate slides relative to the bite block to position a needle guide on the support plate along an axis of the support plate. A position stop on the support plate contacts the anterior border of the Ramus of the patient's mandible to position the needle guide along the axis. A syringe needle is guided by the needle guide to a predetermined location to administer anesthetic, preferably to the inferior alveolar nerve as it enters the mandible. The needle guide is inclined to avoid gaging and a tongue depressor attached to the support plate positions the patient's tongue.

Abstract: A disposable, inflatable, matrix (tooth dam) used to form a temporary, removeable side wall for the placement of a tooth filling material. It establishes the original dental anatomy of the tooth, and maintains the correct contact between adjacent teeth for flossing purposes and gingival health. It accomplishes this by inflating a pair of self-sealing air chambers that extend from the back face of a planar panel that they are formed on, such that these chambers contact and press against the adjacent tooth and exert enough force to elastically secure the planar panel without wedges and clamps. It prevents the tooth filling material from leaving the prepared tooth and entering the space between the teeth to enhance flossing and proper dental hygiene. This device will greatly enhance patient comfort, procedural efficiency and consistency.

Abstract: A method includes to receive, via a computing device, data representing a plurality of teeth, identify data indicating which of the plurality of teeth are unerupted or erupting, predict at least one characteristic of a tooth of the unerupted or erupting teeth after they have fully erupted using one or more tooth eruption prediction factors, generate new data representing the unerupted or erupting teeth in multiple states of eruption based upon the predicted at least one characteristic of the fully erupted teeth, and generate a series of incremental tooth arrangements with the new data to define a proposed orthodontic treatment based on the new data representing the unerupted or erupting teeth in multiple states of eruption.

Abstract: A tooth moving device 1 according to the present invention comprises: a track part 6 extending from a mesial end 4 to a distal end 5 along a palate-side teeth alignment; a sliding part 7, slidably attached to the track part 6, and engaging with a holding member 51 attached to a maxillary posterior tooth; a lock part 8 fixed to the track part 6 close to the mesial end 4 relative to the sliding part 7; an elastic part 9 intervening between the lock part 8 and the sliding part 7 to bias the sliding part 7 toward the distal end; and anchoring part 2 and 3, anchored to an implanted member 53 implanted into a palate, and connected to the distal end 5.

Abstract: A cover device formed of a plastic or similar composition is structured for removable attachment over a bracket of an orthodontic appliance to conceal the bracket from view. The cover device includes a main plate with an outer front face, and top and bottom claws integrally formed with the main plate, curling behind the main plate, and each terminating at distal ends in spaced, opposing relation to each other behind the main plate. The front face includes an ornamental design or other indicia that is applied by polymer fusion technology to significantly reduce the risk of exposing the user to inks and pigment compositions, particularly if the cover device is accidentally swallowed. The application of the indicia by polymer fusion technology also increases the structural integrity of the cover device; mechanically strengthening the cover device at its point of greatest flexure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, computing device readable medium, devices, and systems having a dental attachment placement structure. One dental attachment placement apparatus includes a body having an attachment placement surface that is to be placed on an attachment affixing surface of a tooth and wherein the attachment placement surface includes a portion that is shaped to allow placement of an attachment at a particular position on the affixing surface of the tooth and a portion of the body having a contour that is shaped to correspond with a contour of an alignment surface of a tooth and when the contour of the body and the corresponding contour is aligned, the attachment is located at the particular position and can be secured to the affixing surface of the tooth.

Abstract: An apparatus and a related pair of elements and methods are for aligning or positioning teeth. The apparatus is configured to be worn in a mouth of a wearer and further configured to be supported on the teeth of the wearer, and has elements arranged to be distributed along a set of the teeth and at least one engager member for engaging the elements for moving one or more of the teeth. In such embodiments, at least one pair of the elements can be engaged such that when in use, at least one part of one of the elements in the pair bears against at least one part of the other of the elements in the pair.

Abstract: A dental attachment assembly is provided, including an abutment member and a male member. The abutment member may include an outer locating surface portion having at least two axially spaced retention portions having two generally rounded, annular projections. The male member for engagement over the outer locating surface of the abutment member may include an upper end and a continuous, unbroken skirt having a rounded, convex outer surface. The male member may be constructed from a rigid material and have at least two axially spaced, snap engaging formations on the inner surface of the skirt for snap engagement with the respective retention portions of the abutment member.

Abstract: A biological tissue rootage face (30) capable of closely bonding to a biological tissue (H, S) is composed of a biocompatible material and has numerous fingertip-shaped microvilli (41). The microvilli (41) have tip diameters in the order of nanometers. An implant (1) has the biological tissue rootage face (30) on a surface (11, 24) configured to root into a biological tissue (H, S). In a method for forming the biological tissue rootage face (30), a surface of a biocompatible material is subjected to laser nonthermal processing carried out by emitting a laser beam in air, to form numerous fingertip-shaped microvilli (41). The laser beam is a laser beam of an ultrashort pulse laser.

Abstract: A method of producing a dental prosthesis produced from a gum part, and prosthetic teeth arranged on the gum part and connected to the gum part. The surface of the dental prosthesis is surface-treated, the surface treatment of the dental prosthesis involving a solvent, and the solvent containing at least one chlorohydrocarbon and at least one methane nitroderivative.

Abstract: A disposable dental waste filter device has a body having a tube receiving end having an outlet and a cap receiving end, a cap portion having an inlet and an end for insertion into the cap receiving end, a valve insert assembly for insertion into the body and the cap portion, and a filter assembly positioned within the body.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is disclosed herein. The electric toothbrush may include an elongated body portion with opposed first and second ends and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween; a brush head section arrangeable toward the first end and including: a first bristle support member rotatable in a first direction, and a second bristle support member coupled to the first bristle support member and rotatable in a second direction about a centrally defined axis, the second direction being opposite the first direction; and a drive rod coupled to at least the first bristle support member and having an axis oriented so as to extend coincident with, or substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the electric toothbrush, the drive rod being arranged to linearly move along the axis so as to rotate the first bristle support member in the first direction and rotate the second bristle support member in the second direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to spray applicator devices and methods of use for vaccinating, or administering probiotics to, avian animals.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for ligation. The ligation apparatus or band provides topical active agent(s) that alleviate pain during various ligature procedures. This invention also relates to a method that includes applying a loop or band around a body part for elastomeric ligation, whereby the band material supplies a topical active agent (s) to the body part to reduce the pain of ligation.

Abstract: The artificial insemination device for animals comprises a cannula (1); an insertion tip (2) placed on one of the ends of the catheter (1), said insertion tip (2) having one or more holes (7); and a fixing element (3) placed on a cannula (1), wherein said fixing element (3) comprises a tubular portion (8), a first frustoconical portion (4) and a second frustoconical portion (5). The artificial insemination device for animals according to the present invention enables, by not disturbing or hyperstimulating the animal, the cannula to reach the uterus and be fixed in the correct position in order to suitably perform post-cervical insemination in young sows.

Abstract: This disclosure describes decellularized, biologically-engineered tubular grafts and methods of making and using such decellularized, biologically-engineered tubular grafts.

Abstract: An apparatus has a central lens body for providing vision correction for a patient. The lens body has a central aperture and is configured as one of: a diffractive lens or a refractive lens. The lens body has at least one haptic extending from the lens body, and the central aperture has a form of a circular hole extending fully through the lens body when the apparatus is implanted in the eye. The lens body is formed from a substantially transparent material and the central aperture includes a darkened perimeter. The darkened perimeter of the central aperture includes a darkened internal wall extending through the lens body from an anterior surface to a posterior surface of the lens body.

Abstract: An expandable stent for implantation in a right ventricular outflow tract includes a frame having a plurality of struts that define a repeating pattern of cells. The repeating pattern of cells comprises a column of exactly three generally diamond shaped cells positioned in end-to-end alignment, and a column of exactly two generally diamond shaped cells positioned in end-to-end alignment. The frame has a substantially hourglass shape with a narrow portion in between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, wherein the proximal end portion and the distal end portion are configured to expand radially outward to contact a right ventricular outflow tract.

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

Abstract: A heart valve anchor apparatus may include a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The body may include a first radially expandable portion at the proximal portion of the body, a second radially expandable portion at the distal portion of the body, and a root portion extending from the first radially expandable portion to the second radially expandable portion, the root portion having an outer extent. The first radially expandable portion may be configured to self-expand to an outer extent greater than the outer extent of the root portion when radially unconstrained. The second radially expandable portion may be configured to self-expand to an outer extent greater than the outer extent of the root portion when radially unconstrained. In an unstressed configuration, the body may define a longitudinal centerline that extends away from a plane tangent to the root portion.

Abstract: Methods for making surgical implants (or grafts) for the repair of bone defects, and more particularly, surgical implants that include demineralized bone fibers, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for increasing the wettability and ensuring uniform density of such implants. The surgical implants have a wettability time of less than 5 minutes and a residual moisture content of less than 6% by weight, and they remain cohesive and retain their shape upon complete rehydration.

Abstract: A bone cage may include first and second spaced apart frames defining a bone ingrowth cavity therebetween, a plurality of first protrusions each having a proximal end coupled to the first frame and a distal end extending into the cavity toward the second frame but not contacting the second frame, and a plurality of second protrusions each having a proximal end coupled to the second frame and a distal end extending into the cavity toward the first frame but not contacting the first frame. Furthermore, the distal ends of the first protrusions may be laterally offset from the distal ends of the second protrusions.

Abstract: A total knee prosthesis system that includes a guide having first and second wedges each having a thickness configured to be located between the tibial and femoral component. When the first and second wedges are located between the tibial and femoral component, the first and second wedges align the first axle opening of the tibial component with the second axle opening of the femoral component for receipt of an axle. The guide includes a guide recess extending between the first and second wedges and a post extending into the guide recess. The guide also includes a bridge connected to and extending between the first and second wedges such that the bridge at least partially defines the guide recess.

Abstract: A shoulder prosthesis includes a humeral portion and a scapular portion, each having an osseointegrable component and an articular component. The osseointegrable component in the humeral portion includes a humeral body produced as a semicircular asymmetrical cage having a proximal circular ring base facing the scapular portion and an eccentric distal cylindrical base in opposite position, which are connected by arms having one or more holes for favoring the growth of bone tissue and facilitating anchorage to the bone, the proximal circular ring base being configured to be interchangeably coupled with the articular component for an anatomical prosthesis or a concave insert for a reverse prosthesis. The osseointegrable component in the scapular portion includes a glenoid base-plate of asymmetric form for coupling to an articular component, such as a concave glenoid insert, for an anatomical prosthesis or a glenosphere for a reverse prosthesis.

Abstract: A low profile intervertebral implant for implantation in an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies of a quadruped. The intervertebral implant includes a plate and a spacer that extends from the plate. The intervertebral implant can define geometries that nest with complementary geometries of the vertebral bodies. Further, the plate can include fixation holes that extend along trajectories such that screws inserted through the fixation holes and driven into the respective vertebral bodies can purchase with dense cortical bone.