Abstract: A working end of a catheter includes at least one therapeutic element, such as a resistive heating element, usable to deliver energy for ligating, or reducing the diameter of, a hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, the catheter includes a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. In certain embodiments, a balloon is inflated to place resistive element(s) into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure. Indexing devices and methods are also disclosed for successively treating portions of the hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, marks along the catheter shaft provide visual verification to the physician of the relative position of the therapeutic element of the catheter. Embodiments of indexing devices may include pairs of rings and/or hinged arms that move a catheter a desired indexed position between successive treatments.

Abstract: Provided is a method for managing radio frequency (RF) and ultrasonic signals output by a generator that includes a surgical instrument comprising an RF energy output and an ultrasonic energy output and a circuit configured to receive a combined RF and ultrasonic signal from the generator. The method includes receiving a combined radio frequency (RF) and ultrasonic signal from a generator, generating a RF filtered signal by filtering RF frequency content from the combined signal; filtering ultrasonic frequency content from the combined signal; generating an ultrasonic filtered signal; providing the RF filtered signal to the RF energy output; and providing the ultrasonic filtered signal to the ultrasonic energy output.

Abstract: A system is provided to treat sleep apnea, with a method of use. The system includes a handpiece which includes at least one penetrating electrode configured to penetrate tissue and one or more temperature sensors. A processor is coupled with the one or more temperature sensors and the at least one penetrating electrode, and a memory is configured to store instructions executable by the processor. The instructions, when executed, are operable to emit, by the at least one penetrating electrode, RF energy from the electrodes to heat a region of a base of a tongue until a target energy is delivered to the region. The instructions are also operable to measure, by the one or more temperature sensors, the temperature of the region.

Abstract: A medical device for treating esophageal atresia may include a handle, an elongate shaft extending distally from the handle, the elongate shaft configured to extend into an esophagus of a patient and into an upper esophageal pouch of the patient, the elongate shaft having a distal nub configured to engage a distal end of the upper esophageal pouch, a force absorbing member disposed within the handle, the force absorbing member permitting the elongate shaft to translate axially relative to the handle, and an inflatable balloon disposed within the handle. An internal pressure within the inflatable balloon increases as the force absorbing member is compressed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart failure, end-stage renal disease, digestive disease, urological disease, cancers, tumors, pains, asthma, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by delivering of an effective amount of formulations at desired temperature to target tissue. The formulations include gases, vapors, liquids, solutions, emulsions and suspensions of one or more ingredients. The temperature may enhance safety and efficacy of the formulations for the treatments. The amounts of the formulation and/or energy are effective to injury or damage the tissues to have a benefit of symptom relive.

Abstract: A balloon-type electrode catheter includes a catheter shaft, a balloon provided at a part including a distal end of the catheter shaft and being inflatable with a fluid, and an electrode. The balloon includes a through hole discharging a fluid in the balloon to an outside of the balloon, a distal end large diameter portion, a proximal end large diameter portion, a small diameter portion positioned between the two large diameter portions and being smaller in diameter than the two large diameter portions, a distal end inclined portion connecting the distal end large diameter portion and the small diameter portion, and a proximal end inclined portion connecting the proximal end large diameter portion and the small diameter portion. The electrode is exposed at at least the small diameter portion. The through hole is disposed in at least one of the distal end inclined portion or the proximal end inclined portion.

Abstract: A balloon-type electrode catheter includes a catheter shaft including an outer shaft and an inner shaft, a balloon provided at a part including a distal end of the catheter shaft, and an electrode. The balloon includes an outer joining portion an inner joining portion, a distal end large diameter portion, a proximal end large diameter portion, a small diameter portion positioned between the two large diameter portions and being smaller in diameter than the two large diameter portions, a distal end inclined portion connecting the distal end large diameter portion and the small diameter portion, and a proximal end inclined portion connecting the proximal end large diameter portion and the small diameter portion. The electrode is exposed at at least the small diameter portion.

Abstract: An ablation catheter including an elongate shaft, an inflatable balloon positioned at a distal region of the elongate shaft, a first ablation electrode disposed outside of and carried by an outer surface of the inflatable balloon, a first ultrasound transducer disposed outside of the inflatable balloon, and a flexible circuit. The flexible circuit includes a first conductor and a second conductor and is disposed outside of and carried by the outer surface of the inflatable balloon. The first conductor is in electrical communication with the first ablation electrode, and the second conductor in electrical communication with the first ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices allow percutaneous mapping, orientation and/or ablation in bodily cavities or lumens. Such may include a structure that is percutaneously positionable in a cavity, such as an intra-cardiac cavity of a heart. Transducers carried by the structure are responsive to blood flow. For example, the transducers may sense temperature, temperature being related to convective cooling caused by blood flow. A controller discerns positional information or location, based on signals from the transducers. For example, blood flow may be greater and/or faster proximate a port in cardiac tissue than proximate tissue spaced from the port. Position information may allow precise ablation of selected tissue, for example tissue surround a port in the intra-cardiac cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a treatment apparatus for an endoscope, comprising: a first electrode, the first electrode including an electrical treatment part and an operating wire; a sheath, a surface of the sheath being provided with a bendable flexible conductive part, the flexible conductive part being in the form of a tube, the flexible conductive part having a gap formed in the flexible conductive part to facilitate a bend of the flexible conductive part, the surface of the sheath being communicated with an external air of the flexible conductive part through the gap; wherein the operating wire is threaded within the sheath and the electrical treatment part extends out from a front end of the sheath.

Abstract: Provided are a heat treatment device and a method and apparatus for detecting an abnormality in the heat treatment. The heat treatment device includes a radio wave signal generator configured to generate target radio wave signals for heat treatment, a radio wave signal transmitter which includes an antenna configured to transmit the target radio wave signals to a body, a radio wave signal detector configured to detect the target radio wave signals from the antenna, a ratio information determiner configured to determine ratio information about a signal phase and a signal strength by comparing a reference target radio wave signal included in the detected target radio wave signals and each of the other target radio wave signals, and an abnormality occurrence determiner configured to determine whether an abnormality occurs in the heat treatment device based on the determined ratio information and predefined reference ratio information.

Abstract: A system for spectroscopic signal detection can comprise a spectrometer, a light source emitter configurable to emit a first signal toward a target, and an aiming light source emitter configurable to emit a second signal having a visible spectrum toward the target. The system can include a first optical component such as a filter for attenuating or removing noise associated with the second signal from a third signal from the target back to the spectrometer.

Abstract: A device and method of using the device to detect the presence and composition of clots and other target objects in a circulatory vessel of a living subject is described. In particular, devices and methods of detecting the presence and composition of clots and other target objects in a circulatory vessel of a living subject using in vivo photoacoustic flow cytometry techniques is described.

Abstract: Described is a method and device for dilating a tubular anatomical structure. The device and method can be useful for extracting a blood clot in an artery of a mammal by concentrically irradiating an inner wall of the occluded artery using an ultraviolet (UV) laser beam delivered by an optical fiber. Dilation results from photophysical production and release of nitric oxide from the cells lining the arterial wall when UV laser light is projected as a ring beam onto the inner arterial wall.

Abstract: A method for designing a bone plate to be used in an orthopedic surgery and to be placed on a bone structure includes: constructing a three-dimensional (3D) model of the bone structure; controlling a display screen to display an image that corresponds with the 3D model; in response to a plurality of designated points inputted on the image, calculating a plurality of sets of 3D coordinates respectively for the plurality of designated points, and generating an extension route based on the plurality of sets of 3D coordinates; and generating a 3D model of the bone plate based on the extension route and at least one pre-stored bone plate template.

Abstract: A mechanism for generating a rendering of a left atrial appendage of a patient. The potential position of one or more interventional devices within the left atrial appendage is determined from model data that contains an anatomical model of the left atrial appendage. A rendering of the left atrial appendage is generated, from image data, and subsequently displayed. Visual parameters of the displayed rendering of the left atrial appendage are responsive to the determined potential position(s) for the one or more interventional devices.

Abstract: A method of trajectory planning for a medical robot system is disclosed herein, wherein a pose of a first component of the robot system may be changed independently of a pose of a second component of the robot system. The method includes determining an initial status, wherein, for each degree of freedom, an initial value is measured. Based on the initial status, items of position information of at least two discrete reference points of the first component in respect of one another are determined as well as further items of position information of at least two discrete further reference points of the second component in respect of one another. Depending on the initial status, the items of position information and the further items of position information, a trajectory for the robot system is planned, which transfers the robot system from the initial status into a target status.

Abstract: Mobile virtual reality system for simulation, training or demonstration of a surgical robotic system can include a virtual reality processor. The processor can generate a virtual surgical robot and render the virtual surgical robot on a display. The virtual surgical robot can include a virtual surgical tool. A handheld user input device (UID) can sense a hand input from a hand. A foot input device can sense a foot input from a foot. The virtual reality processor can be configured to control a movement or action of the virtual surgical robot based on the hand input, and change which of the virtual surgical instruments is controlled by the one or more handheld UIDs based on the foot input. Other embodiments and aspects are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a processor; and a memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive, from an inertial sensor disposed proximate an anatomical element, a reading indicative of a first movement of the anatomical element; determine a second movement of a fiducial marker being positioned with a known physical relationship to the inertial sensor; and determine, based on the first movement and the second movement, a change in pose of the anatomical element.

Abstract: A robotic system and method involve a fiducial marker engaged with a maxillofacial anatomy, and an end effector at a distal end of an articulating arm member. The end effector receives a dental element comprising a prosthetic device, a surgical guide, or an orthognathic element, in a predetermined spatial relationship therewith. A controller device directly communicates with the fiducial marker, the articulating arm member, and the end effector, to determine an end effector disposition relative to the fiducial marker during end effector movement according to a virtual procedure plan for placing the dental element in aligned relation to the maxillofacial anatomy, and directs the articulating arm member to physically control allowable movement of the end effector, directly relative to the disposition of the end effector with respect to the fiducial marker and according to the virtual procedure plan, to place the dental element for securement to the maxillofacial anatomy.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for registration of location sensors. In one aspect, a system includes an instrument and a processor configured to provide a first set of commands to drive the instrument along a first branch of the luminal network, the first branch being outside a path to a target within a model. The processor is also configured to track a set of one or more registration parameters during the driving of the instrument along the first branch and determine that the set of registration parameters satisfy a registration criterion. The processor is further configured to determine a registration between a location sensor coordinate system and a model coordinate system based on location data received from a set of location sensors during the driving of the instrument along the first branch and a second branch.

Abstract: A system for alerting a medical provider of a possible displacement of a beacon includes the beacon, a control device, and a transceiver. The beacon includes sensors (for example, but not limited to, an IMU and a frequency shifter) and at least one antenna that exchanges signals with the transceiver. The IMU and the frequency shifter are used in a coordinated way to alert the medical provider if the beacon has been displaced in a way that might impact the medical procedure. As the beacon moves, when an anomalous correlation between the change over time of the IMU position data (of the beacon) and the frequency shifter position data (of the beacon) is detected, and the beacon has undergone a gravity/inertial moment (according to the IMU data) that exceeds a pre-selected threshold, the medical provider is alerted that the beacon's position might have shifted enough to impact the medical procedure.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes a robotic arm carrying a fluoroscopic imager for generating fluoroscopic image data of anatomy along a beam axis. The arm can adjust a relative position between the fluoroscopic imager and the anatomy. A video imager generates video image data of the anatomy along a sightline axis. A marker is positionable relative to the anatomy and defines a feature for capture in the fluoroscopic and video image data. A processor is configured to execute instructions upon the fluoroscopic and video image data and: (a) register a reference position of the feature relative to the anatomy in the fluoroscopic and video image data; and (b) generate an augmented image stream showing the fluoroscopic or video image data overlaid onto the other such that the reference positions are co-registered. The system includes a display configured to present the augmented image stream of the anatomy substantially in real time.

Abstract: Navigation systems, methods and software for assisting in determining whether a tool is properly installed on a surgical device. A protective packaging retains the tool and has a trackable feature. The trackable feature has a predetermined state defined relative to the tool and the trackable feature is detectable by a localizer. One or more controllers acquire the actual state of the tool based on the detected trackable feature and compare the actual state of the tool with an expected state of the tool, which is based on an expected condition in which the tool is properly mounted to the surgical device. Based on the comparison, the one or more controllers can determine whether the tool is properly mounted to the surgical device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a localizer system. The localizer system may be incorporated into a navigation system for tracking a tracking device. Generally, the localizer may include a transmitting coil array and a field shaping assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a system include a manipulator configured to support an instrument moveable within an instrument workspace, the instrument having an instrument frame of reference; an input device configured to receive a movement command from an operator; and a control system. The control system is configured to determine a difference between an orientation of the instrument and an orientation of a field of view of the instrument workspace; adjust, based on the difference, a mapping to apply to the movement command to generate an implementable movement command for the instrument; further adjust the mapping based on an ergonomic offset to provide for a difference between an orientation of the input device and the orientation of the instrument; map, based on the adjusted mapping, the movement command to a motion of the instrument in the instrument frame of reference; and cause the instrument to move according to the motion.

Abstract: A registration method involves receiving image information corresponding to an anatomical element of a patient; receiving sensor information about a simultaneous pose of each of a patient reference frame, a first robot, and a second robot; determining, based on the image information and the sensor information, a correlation among a patient coordinate system, a first coordinate system of the first robot, and a second coordinate system of the second robot; and controlling movement of the first robot and the second robot within a common work volume based on the correlation.

Abstract: An articulating electrosurgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom and a wrist assembly operably supported to a distal end of the elongated shaft and configured to support an end effector assembly at distal end thereof. The wrist assembly includes a proximal link operably coupled to the distal end of the elongated shaft, a distal link operably coupled to the end effector assembly, and a central link operably coupled between the proximal link and the distal link. A transition lumen is configured to be received within the distal link, central link and proximal link. The transition lumen includes a helical passageway defined therein configured to guide a blade rod therethrough for operable engagement with a blade disposed within the end effector assembly.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system may include a table and at least one adjustable arm support that supports one or more robotic arms. The adjustable arm support may be capable of swinging horizontally in a direction of the table. A plate extension may extend outward from the adjustable arm support. An extender bar may be coupled to one or more of the robotic arms and a cannula. A height differential may be provided between a first robotic arm and a second robotic arm that is supported on the adjustable arm support.

Abstract: A control method for a surgical robotic arm, a computer device and a surgical robotic arm are provided. The control method includes calculating a telecentric fixed point on an executing rod according to a target point and controlling a preoperative positioning assembly to advance a first movable platform of a telecentric manipulating assembly along a first coordinate axis of a movable coordinate system; calculating a first origin coordinate of an origin of the first movable platform in a stationary coordinate system according to the coordinate of the telecentric fixed point and the trajectory coordinate of an end point; calculating the length of a first telescopic element of the telecentric manipulating assembly according to the coordinates of a hinge point of the telecentric manipulating assembly in the stationary coordinate system; and controlling the first movable platform to move to a designated pose.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a controller configured or programmed to limit a speed command value within a range of a speed limit value, and limit an acceleration command value within a range of an acceleration limit value.

Abstract: A surgical stringer includes a pair of bases, each of the pair of bases having a flat bottom surface, the pair of bases being rotatable with respect to one another, and a pair of poles, each of the pair of poles being coupled to a one of the pair of bases and extending orthogonally thereto, the distance between the pair of poles being variable.

Abstract: Tissue expanders and methods of their manufacture and use are disclosed herein. A tissue expander shell according to the present disclosure may include a shape and topography that facilitates uniform or substantially uniform expansion and contraction of the tissue expander. In at least one example, the shell may include a series of topographical features, such as ridges, grooves, channels, valleys, canals, protrusions, pleats, creases, or folds. In some embodiments, these features may have a curved or wavy cross sectional profile. For example, the shell may include a series of concentric curved ridges.

Abstract: An oral expansion device comprises a first body, main body and a second body wherein the first body and second body are attached to a body and a first tube and a second tube wherein the first tube and second tube having one end attached to the body and having a second end attached to an inflation device. The first tube can be attached internally to the first cavity to the inflate or deflate it and the second tube can be attached internally to the second cavity to inflate or deflate it. The body is manufactured from a flexible material. The first cavity and the second cavity can be manufactured from an inflatable material. The first cavity is an oval and the second cavity is a rectangular shape. The body has a 35-degree bend wherein the second cavity is centered on the 35-degree bend and the body can have two depressions on its sides.

Abstract: A miniature single-photon fluorescence microscope implantation device and implantation method are disclosed. The implantation device includes: a clamp base defining a clamp slot; a clamp block; and a groove defined in a bottom surface of the clamp slot. An end of the clamp block includes a first protrusion, and a bottom surface of the groove vertically defines a through receiving hole.

Abstract: A light carrier for engaging a surgical tube includes unitarily and communicably interconnected inlet, intermediate and channel sections composed of a light conducting material. The channel section is laterally concave and has a light projecting surface portion. The channel section is introduced into the surgical tube and light introduced through the inlet section is transmitted through the light carrier and projected into the tube to illuminate a medical or surgical procedure being performed through the tube.

Abstract: A lighting device for attachment to a handheld electrosurgical instrument is disclosed, which includes an elongated housing having opposed proximal and distal end portions and defining an interior chamber containing a battery powered light assembly for illuminating a surgical site, the housing having at least one smoke evacuation passage that extends from an inlet located adjacent to or near the distal end portion of the housing to an outlet located adjacent to or near the proximal end portion of the housing for removing smoke generated at the surgical site.

Abstract: Surgical lighting must balance various needs of a user: the light must be bright, but not too thermally hot; directed at a target, but not shining elsewhere; be robust, yet compact. Often much of these myriad needs must be accomplished by ever small illumination elements placed into devices requiring ever lower profiles. However, current surgical illumination options require the use of bulky lighting elements if the desire target is to be illuminated or, conversely, use weaker lighting elements for sleeker designs.

Abstract: Removable marker implants having fiducial markers disposed on multiple elongate members extend and splay laterally outward when deployed thereby providing improved 3D localization and tracking of a portion of the patient's body for stereotactic radiosurgery. Such an approach is particularly useful for tracking of the uterus during radiosurgery treatment of uterine fibroids. Such implants can include an outer sheath that contains the multiple elongate members during delivery into the portion of the body. The elongate members can be slidably disposed within the shaft and advanced into an expanded deployed position by advancement of an applicator shaft or rod within the sheath. Marker implant can also be integrally formed implants with flexible arms having fiducial markers thereon that can be constrained in a sheath for delivery and resiliently splay laterally outward when released from the shaft. Methods of delivery and deployment are also provided.

Abstract: A marker for identifying a portion of a surgical margin includes a first element to attach the marker to the surgical margin of a surgical cavity located in a body of a patient, and a second element attached to the first element. The second element includes an indicator to uniquely identify the portion of the surgical margin through a radiological scan.

Abstract: A device and method for testing for the presence of liquid in a cannula of a medical instrument is described. The device includes a flexible guide member having a first end, a second end and a length extending from the first end to the second end, an elongated member arranged within the flexible guide member, and an absorbent material attached to one of the elongated member. The flexible guide member is inserted into the cannula, the flexible guide member is manipulated to cause the absorbent material to move through the cannula. The absorbent material is analyzed for the presence of liquid.

Abstract: A transparent braces design method and an apparatus therefor are disclosed. A transparent braces design method and an apparatus therefor, according to one embodiment, predict the influence of adjacent teeth, which can occur when teeth move, when predicting, before treatment, the result of orthodontic treatment using transparent braces, and apply the prediction to a treatment plan, and thus can improve treatment efficiency.

Abstract: Improvement is required in many aspects in order to enhance a treatment effect by reliably applying necessary orthodontic force for moving teeth. The present invention provides a mouthpiece type removable orthodontic appliance including a base portion (10), and a fitting portion (20) provided on the base portion. The base portion (10) is a thin plate formed of an inelastic material and extending along the shape of an occlusal surface of a dental arch of a jaw on which the orthodontic appliance is fitted. The fitting portion (20) includes a movement member (30, 40) to be fitted on a tooth intended to be moved, and a gripping member (50, 60) to be fitted on a tooth unintended to be moved.

Abstract: A system and method of producing dental appliances is provided. The system includes a 3D printer system and one or more additional additive manufacturing systems. The additional additive manufacturing systems are designed to add one or more layers of materials to dental appliances printed using the 3D printer system. By adding the layers of materials to the 3D printed appliance, the physical and mechanical properties of the 3D printed appliance are modified as required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of manufacturing a dental milling block with a homogeneous color and/or translucency gradient.

Abstract: A removable partial denture comprises a frame sized and shaped to conform to a mouth inner surface, the frame including a projecting mounting structure; and a segment having a slot for slidably receiving the projecting mounting structure when the segment is assembled to the frame. A method of fabricating a removable partial denture comprises: acquiring 3D digital image data of a patient's mouth and dentition; creating a 3D digital model of a removable partial denture; fabricating a frame shaped to conform to an inner surface of the mouth from the 3D digital model, the frame including a mounting structure; fabricating a segment from the 3D digital model, the segment having a slot for slidably receiving the mounting structure; and inserting the mounting structure of the frame into the slot of the segment to assemble the segment to the frame. The segment can be a tooth segment or a base segment.

Abstract: A dental flosser includes a handle, a floss support coupled to the handle, a floss dispensing spool coupled to the handle, a floss collecting spool coupled to the handle, a thumbwheel coupled to the handle, and a spool brake coupled to the handle. The spool brake is configured to move between a first position where the spool brake prevents rotation of the floss dispensing spool and/or the floss collecting spool and a second position where the spool brake allows rotation of the floss dispensing spool and/or the floss collecting spool. The spool brake includes a release arm accessible from an exterior of the dental flosser and configured to move the spool brake between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: Provided is an instrument holder that allows an instrument to be smoothly, safely, and hygienically handled by holding the instrument in a standing posture when in use and by holding the instrument in a posture not allowing the instrument to easily contact a practitioner when not in use. A holder portion 15 of an instrument holder 12 has a pair of supporting body portions 16, a rotational body portion 23 that is supported by the supporting body portions 16 and that is rotatable, and a holder body portion 31 that is attached to the rotational body portion 23. The holder portion 15 alternately changes between a rearwardly tilting holding state and a forwardly tilting waiting state due to rotation of the rotational body portion 23.

Abstract: An oral appliance and a method of making the oral appliance for delivering a medicament to an oral cavity are provided. The method comprises providing an oral appliance having an exterior and an interior, the interior of the oral appliance configured to contour at least a portion of teeth and/or soft tissue areas of the oral cavity. A robotic dispensing device is provided, the robotic device having an outlet configured to dispense medicament at discrete regions of the interior, the exterior or both the interior and the exterior of the oral appliance; and dispensing the medicament from the outlet of the robotic dispensing device to discrete regions of the interior, the exterior or both the interior and the exterior of the oral appliance for delivering the medicament to the oral cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable kit for pregnancy detection in livestock using urine sample and its method of use. More specifically, the present invention provides a quick, simple and onsite testing kit for pregnancy estimation in livestock comprising a combination of two solutions acidifying agent and colour developing agent in a vehicle, wherein kit helps to develop a red colour in presence of Abscisic acid (about 10 ?g/ml and above) as indication of pregnancy and Yellowish orange colour at lower concentration of Abscisic acid as indication of non-pregnancy. Therefore, a kit provides colour based pregnancy detection in livestock using animal urine which provides ease of testing and immediate results. The portable kit would be particularly useful in field or rural settings where laboratory equipment, chemicals, and refrigerated storage are unavailable.