Abstract: A control system configured to control manipulation of a surgical instrument in response to manipulation of a remote surgeon input device. The surgical instrument comprises opposable first and second end effector elements connected to a shaft by an articulated coupling. The articulated coupling comprises a first joint driveable by a first pair of driving elements so as to permit the first end effector element to rotate, and a second joint driveable by a second pair of driving elements so as to permit the second end effector element to rotate.

Abstract: A surgical robotic user input apparatus has a fiber optic cable with a handheld user input device attached at one end, and a connector attached at another end. Multiple intrinsic sensors, such as fiber Bragg grating sensors, are in the fiber optic cable. The intrinsic sensors are used to detect a pose of the handheld user input device. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to force sensors and force sensor substrates for use with surgical devices.

Abstract: Medical software tools platforms utilize a surgical display to provide access to specific medical software tools, such as medically-oriented applications or widgets, that can assist surgeons or surgical team in performing various procedures. In particular, an endoscopic camera may register the momentary rise in the optical signature reflected from a tissue surface and in turn transmit it to a medical image processing system which can also receive patient heart rate data and display relevant anomalies. Changes in various spectral components and the speed at which they change in relation to a source of stimulus (heartbeat, breathing, light source modulation, etc.) may indicate the arrival of blood, contrast agents or oxygen absorption. Combinations of these may indicate various states of differing disease or margins of tumors, and so forth. Also, changes in temperatures, physical dimensions, pressures, photoacoustic pressures and the rate of change may indicate tissue anomalies in comparison to historic values.

Abstract: A single marker for use in recording either of two different characters, an “R” or an “L,” on an x-ray image, corresponding to the “left” or “right” side exposure area of the anatomical part(s) of a patient. The marker consists of four embodiments, a base marker, a swivel marker, a hinge marker, or a slider marker, which selectively indicate either the “R” or “L” exposure area of the patient. In addition, the marker also glows in the dark to facilitate usage in poorly lit areas and includes a radiopaque frame within its base to help the x-ray technician confirm that the technician is not viewing image artifacts.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, devices, assemblies, and methods for localization of a tag in a tissue of a patient. For example, provided herein are systems, devices, and methods employing an implantable tag that emits sidebands at defined frequencies upon activation by a magnetic field generated by a remote activating device, and a plurality of witness stations configured to detect such sidebands. Also provided herein are herein are systems, devices, and methods employing a detection component that is attached to or integrated with a surgical device.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein relate to releasable attachment devices for use with surgical tools that include a fixed jaw fixedly coupled to a joint housing, a moveable jaw rotationally coupled to the joint housing, and an actuation mechanism operably coupled to the joint housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for assisting tool use includes one or more motors, a wrist support and a shaft coupled to the one or more motors. The shaft includes a coupling to couple to a tool to enable a user resting a hand with the wrist on the wrist support to hold and manipulate the tool with one or more fingers. The apparatus can include a controller configured to: receive position data indicative of a position of an active end of the tool; receive constraint data indicative of one or more regions of space in which the active end should not be positioned; and process the position and constraint data to control the one or more motors to bias the active end out of a region indicated by the constraint data when a position indicated by the position data is within the region indicated by the constraint data.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for determining the location of hospital assets. The system includes one or more communication devices each associated with a respective asset identification and a computing device configured to communicate with the communication devices via a network. The computing device receives, from a respective communication device, data comprising the respective asset identification of the respective communication device an identifier associated with a patient or a patient care device, obtains, from a database based on the identifier, additional information pertaining to the patient or the patient care device, and determines a location of the respective communication device based on the data received from the respective communication device and the obtained additional information.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a head bearing assembly for a dental or surgical handpiece, comprising an outer sleeve, in which at least four radial bearings are arranged, which enclose an axis of rotation and each have their own bearing outer ring or a common bearing outer rings, wherein the bearing outer rings are surrounded radially on the outside by the outer sleeve in the circumferential direction about the axis of rotation, and each radial bearing has at least one or exactly one rolling element row with rolling elements which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and rolling in the respective bearing outer ring. The head bearing assembly according to the disclosure is characterized in that the at least four radial bearings have a common, integral bearing inner ring on which the rolling elements are arranged in rolling contact.

Abstract: Dental matrix band devices including a housing with a band, a tensioning device for the band with the control for the tensioning mechanism controllable by a control knob external to the housing, and at least one deflector pushbutton. The deflector pushbutton(s) applies pressure on an upper or lower portion of the band causing the geometry of the band to change. The resulting band geometry forms a conical loop better matching the configuration of a tooth. In one embodiment two deflector pushbuttons are provided and positioned to apply pressure on the upper or lower portion of the band depending on which deflector pushbutton is depressed in the housing. In another embodiment a single deflector pushbutton unit is provided with a pushbutton at each end.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (“GUI”) is generated on the display, the GUI has a graphical depiction that simulates a translucence level of an oral appliance. The graphical depiction of the translucence level is adjustable based on a user input. A value based on the user selected translucence level is sent to an external device for determination of manufacturing parameters for the oral appliance.

Abstract: A first appliance and a second appliance comprise engagement surfaces that provide mandibular relocation forces and forces to limit lateral movement of the jaw, such as opposing inclined surfaces on opposite sides of the mouth. In some embodiments, engagement surfaces between oral appliances comprise a curvature difference, which allows engagement at differing angles and positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental implant with a post element that can be inserted into a jawbone with a mounting element attached to the post element, and a dental element affixed to the mounting element, with the post element designed as a ceramic body of yttrium and/or aluminum oxide stabilized zirconium oxide. The dental implant should have an even additionally improved ingrowth or integration behavior during the osseous implant healing, compared with the prior art.

Abstract: A dental implant includes a body and a thread. The body has a central axis, a coronal end, and an apical end. The thread is coupled to the body. The thread has a coronal facing surface, an apical facing surface, and a crest surface positioned between the coronal facing surface and the apical facing surface. The coronal facing surface of the thread has a plurality of steps formed therein.

Abstract: A digital workflow process and associated devices and tools for providing dental restorations and, more particularly, to precise and efficient reconstruction and replacement of teeth using novel digital workflows and improved dental scan bodies, abutments and other dental devices and tools to efficiently achieve a more precise fit and optimal form and function.

Abstract: A method of making a physical object by additive manufacturing. The method has the steps of providing a light hardenable primary material (11), building up the object (100) by successively hardening portions of the light hardenable primary material (11) by irradiating the portions with light, coating at least a part of the object (100) with a light permeable coating or oxygen protective material; and irradiating the coated object (100) with light and thereby post-hardening any light hardenable material (11).

Abstract: Bone-secured dental arch veneers and methods for fabricating and utilizing the same. The dental arch veneers include a veneer assembly having one or more tooth veneers and a support structure configured to support the tooth veneer(s). The dental arch veneers also include a coupling structure configured to interconnect the veneer assembly to a bone mount that is anchored along a user's maxilla or mandible. The coupling structure also is configured to permit the veneer assembly to be selectively and repeatedly interconnected with and disconnected from the bone mount. The methods include determining a target region within the user's mouth, obtaining a representation of the target region, manipulating the representation to create a desired arrangement of the user's teeth within the target region, determining anchoring positions proximate the target region for anchoring the bone mount, and forming the dental arch veneer based on the anchoring positions and the desired arrangement.

Abstract: A method of additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects by sequentially dispensing and solidifying layers. The layers may include (i) stacks of model layers arranged in configured patterns corresponding to shapes of one or more objects and being made of one or more modeling materials; (ii) an intermediate layer surrounding said shapes of one or more objects and comprising at least a support material, and (iii) a flexible overlay surrounding said first intermediate layer, the intermediate layer and flexible overlay forming a flexible sacrificial structure. The model stack or stacks can be removed from the flexible sacrificial structure by application of pressure to the flexible sacrificial structure, separating the model stack from the flexible structure along the intermediate layer.

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

Abstract: A particulate collecting device for dental patients is disclosed. The device includes a pair of vertical flanges, with a first flange configured to be positioned and worn on a right side of a patient's chest and a second flange configured to be positioned and worn on a left side of the patient's chest. The vertical flanges have an inner contour that aerodynamically funnels air flow away from the patient's face. The device includes a protective sheet located between the vertical flanges. The device includes a particulate matter reservoir that is fluidly coupled to the vertical flanges and configured to receive funneled air, and particulates contained therein, from the vertical flanges. The device also includes a negative air pressure generator, which is fluidly coupled to the particulate matter reservoir and produces negative air pressure in a direction from a top area of the vertical flanges towards the particulate matter reservoir.

Abstract: An oral care implement for dispensing an oral care agent includes a housing, reservoir therein containing an oral care fluid, and an electrical circuit comprising first and second electrodes connected to an onboard power source. Each electrode is in contact with the oral care fluid in the housing. An actuator, operably coupled to the power source, is configured to both selectively energize the circuit and activate dispensing of the oral care fluid. An electrical charge is applied to the oral care fluid by activating the actuator when dispensing the oral care fluid. When the fluid comprises a peroxide based tooth whitening agent, the dispensed fluid pH is increased by the electrical charge which improves the efficacy of the whitener. In one embodiment, the implement is a modular system including a powered base unit and one or more interchangeable cartridges each having a reservoir containing an oral care fluid.

Abstract: A surgical towel clamp apparatus includes a first elongated element having a curved tip and a right finger ring, a second elongated element having a curved tip and a left finger ring, wherein the first and second elongated elements are coupled at a first pivot point, a third elongated element having a straight tip and coupled to the right finger ring, a fourth elongated element having a straight tip and coupled to the left finger ring, wherein the third and fourth elongated elements are coupled at a second pivot point, wherein in an open orientation, the rings are apart, the curved tips are apart, and the straight tips are apart, and wherein in a closed orientation, the left and right finger rings are adjacent, the curved tips are in contact and the straight tips are in contact.

Abstract: A device for artificial insemination, gynaecological examination of the vagina and the cervix, intra-uterine treatments and uterine sample collection in livestock. The device includes: a guiding sleeve having a proximal end for being positioned in the reproductive system of the animal and a distal end for being handled by the user; a gynaecological instrument, such as an insemination gun, an insemination or treatment catheter, or a sample-collection swab, slidingly housed in the guiding sleeve, the instrument being capable of being operated by the user at the rear end thereof, located on the side of the distal end of the guiding sleeve, in order for the front end thereof to lead through an opening located at the proximal end of the guiding sleeve so as to allow the insemination, treatment or sample collection. The guiding sleeve has a blocking element for blocking the sliding of the instrument inside the guiding sleeve.

Abstract: Assemblies for storing, handling, transporting, viewing, evaluating, and/or shipping corneal tissue are provided. The assembly includes a corneal tissue carrier within a vial, the transport vial removably coupled to a stabilization base, wherein the ease of access to the graft carrier allows administering the corneal tissue sample to a patient in rapid succession so that more surgeries can be performed by a single surgeon in a single day.

Abstract: An embolic filter device has a tubular structure having a front end, a first section, a first section rear end, a left collection pocket formed in the first section rear end, a right collection pocket formed in the first section rear end, a first narrow passage, a second section, a second section front end, a second section rear end, a left second section collection pocket, a right second section collection pocket, a second narrow passage, and a rear end.

Abstract: An esophageal stent may include an expandable framework having a first end, a second end, and a central longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, the expandable framework being configured to expand from a radially collapsed configuration to a radially expanded configuration, and a polymeric outer sleeve disposed radially outward of and spaced apart from a body region of the expandable framework. The expandable framework may include a plurality of anti-migration supports extending radially outward from the body region of the expandable framework toward the polymeric outer sleeve.

Abstract: An endoluminal device can comprise a flexible tubular wall and a frame member. The frame member can be comprised of a shape-memory material having sides with protrusions which are partially or substantially flattened when formed together with the flexible tubular wall to thereby create a bias in the side wall of the endoluminal device that resists deformation from a desired device profile during crush loading and is thereby resistant to invaginations when deployed.

Abstract: A method of generating a patient-specific prosthetic includes receiving anatomic imaging data representative of a portion of a patient's anatomy. A first digital representation of the anatomic imaging data is defined. The first digital representation of the anatomic imaging data is modified. A second digital representation of the portion of the patient's anatomy is defined based on the modifying of the first digital representation of the anatomic imaging data. A patient-specific prosthetic template of the portion of the patient's anatomy is generated based at least in part on the second digital representation of the anatomic imaging data.

Abstract: A graft fixation device comprising: a graft separator comprising a distal end, a proximal end, a cavity disposed between the distal end and the proximal end, and at least one guide rib disposed radially outboard of the cavity and extending between the distal end and the proximal end; and an interference screw rotatably mountable within the cavity, the interference screw comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a screw thread disposed intermediate thereof, the screw thread disposed radially outboard of at least a portion of the graft separator and radially inboard of the at least one rib.

Abstract: A soft anchor assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a sheath and a flexible strand at least partially surrounded by the sheath.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an encoded cinching mechanism for use with an implant delivery sleeve. The delivery sleeve includes: an enclosure having a first portion, an orifice, and a throat disposed between the first portion and the orifice; and a cinching mechanism disposed about the throat, in which the cinching mechanism comprises a plurality of demarcations each of which are indicative of a sized opening of the throat.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) assembly into an eye may be provided. In an exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a haptic optic management system. The haptic optic management system may include a housing. The haptic optic management system may further include a plate, wherein the plate is disposed within the housing. The haptic optic management system may further include a clip that engages the plate in the housing, wherein the clip comprises a clip body and a plurality of legs that extend from the clip body.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) configured to support a first optic for functioning as a single lens IOL and configured to support a second optic for functioning as a dual optic IOL. The base includes a first optic for providing a base power. A recess in an anterior rim of the base is configured for positioning a radial extension of a second optic. The geometry of the recess is configured to securely couple to the radial extension to prevent rotation of the second optic relative to the base and prevent tilting of the second optic relative to an optic axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injector assembly comprising a folding chamber which is designed to receive an intraocular lens having a lens body and two haptics, and comprising a holder, a folding wedge which is attached to the holder and is designed to be introduced into the folding chamber in an insertion direction via a folding chamber opening and to thereby fold the intraocular lens, and two sliders which are each designed to shift one of the two haptics onto the lens body via a shifting of the respective slider out of an initial position and into an end position, wherein at least one of the two sliders has a stop which is designed to abut a component attached to the holder in the initial position of the at least one slider, whereby a movement of the component is blocked and the folding wedge is thereby not permitted to fold the intraocular lens, and said stop is designed to permit the movement of the component in the end position of the at least one slider and the folding wedge is thereby permitted to fold

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for a medical device implant can include an outer catheter and a flexible delivery catheter. The outer catheter can have an axially extending shaft and a first lumen extending co-axially through the axially extending shaft. The flexible delivery catheter can have an elongate shaft having a flexible section extending along a distal portion of the elongate shaft, and the flexible section of the elongate shaft can be positioned or adjusted between a first, delivery configuration and a second, activated configuration. The delivery catheter can have a pull wire extending co-axially through a second lumen axially extending through the elongate shaft. A distal end of the pull wire can be fixedly secured or attached to the distal end of the elongate shaft.

Abstract: A prosthetic tissue valve and a method of treating the prosthetic tissue valve are provided. The method includes: decreasing a temperature of a chamber carrying the prosthetic tissue valve from a first preset temperature to a second preset temperature in a first cooling rate; decreasing the temperature of the chamber carrying the prosthetic tissue valve from the second preset temperature to a third preset temperature in a second cooling rate; and performing a drying process to the prosthetic tissue valve. The second preset temperature is a critical crystallization temperature and is greater than a crystallization temperature of the prosthetic tissue valve. The third preset temperature is lower than the crystallization temperature of the prosthetic tissue valve, and the second cooling rate is greater than the first cooling rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for a transcatheter heart valve replacement (A61F2/2412), and in particular a device and method for percutaneously anchoring a transcatheter heart valve.

Abstract: A stented valve including a generally tubular stent structure that has a longitudinal axis, first and second opposite ends, a plurality of commissure support structures spaced from the first and second ends and extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, at least one structural wire positioned between each two adjacent commissure support structures, and at least one wing portion extending from two adjacent commissure support structures and toward one of the first and second ends of the stent structure. The stented valve further includes a valve structure attached within the generally tubular stent structure to the commissure support structures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to prostheses including a support structure having a proximal end and a distal end, and a motion limiting member attached to the distal end of the support structure, wherein the motion limiting member is configured to restrict radial expansion of the distal end of the support structure. Methods for delivering the prosthesis are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention are a stent apparatus having a self-pleated skirt, a processing method therefor, a skirt pleating method, and a cardiac valve. The stent apparatus comprises a stent, and is further provided with a flexible skirt. The skirt comprises: an unfolded state, where the skirt extends axially and surrounds the periphery of the stent before release; and a stacked state, where the skirt is driven by deformation during release of the stent, and gathers and is stacked along an axial direction of the released stent to form an annular perivalvular leakage blocking part. The stent apparatus is further provided with a pull-wire which is merely threaded on the skirt, and the pull-wire may react to the radial deformation during the release of the stent to drive the skirt to enter the stacked state.

Abstract: Systems for delivering prosthetic heart valve devices can include, for example, an elongated catheter body, a deliver capsule carried by the catheter body, and an expandable atraumatic member. The delivery capsule includes a platform and a housing having an outer wall and a proximal rim, and the platform is configured to be releasably coupled to a prosthetic heart valve device. The housing is configured to slide along the platform from a containment configuration to a deployment configuration. The expandable atraumatic member has an atraumatic surface and a peripheral portion. The atraumatic member has a compacted configuration and an expanded configuration in which the peripheral portion extends laterally outward over the proximal rim of the housing to protect tissue of the heart and the vasculature from potentially being damaged by the proximal rim of the housing as the delivery system is withdrawn in a proximal direction through the patient.

Abstract: A modular valve prosthesis includes an inflow stent, a valve component including a valve stent and a prosthetic valve, and an outflow stent. In a radially compressed delivery configuration, an inflow end of the valve stent is separated from an outflow end of the inflow stent and an outflow end of the valve stent is separated from an inflow end of the outflow stent. In a radially expanded deployed configuration, the inflow end of the valve stent is in contact with the outflow end of the inflow stent and the outflow end of the valve stent is in contact with the inflow end of the outflow stent. A delivery system includes a capsule including first, second and third sections and flexible first and second bands between respective sections. The modules of the modular valve prosthesis are aligned with the sections and gaps between the modules are aligned with the bands.

Abstract: Apparatus (40) for compressing a transcatheter cardiac stent-valve (10) comprises: a first compressor stage (100) including a hollow channel (42) with a tapered interior surface configured for compressing a stent-valve in response to longitudinal advancement of the stent-valve within the channel; and a second compressor stage (102) comprising a crimper for compressing a portion of the stent-valve without longitudinal advancement.

Abstract: A delivery device includes a central elongate structure including an annular member at the distal end, a sheath, a plurality of tethers extending through the central elongate structure, a handle, and a control on the handle. The handle is connected to the elongate structure, the sheath, and the plurality of tethers. The control is configured to move the sheath proximally and distally over the central elongate structure. The annular member includes a plurality of pockets extending radially therearound. Each tether includes a feature on a distal end thereof configured to fit within a pocket of the plurality of pockets to hold the tethers in place.

Abstract: A testing apparatus is disclosed herein for testing properties of a prosthetic device. The testing apparatus may comprise a dual-drive pulsatile flow tester with the ability to determine coaptation of valve leaflets of a prosthetic device. The testing apparatus may be able to test prosthetic heart valves and reproduce physiological conditions of a prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: This document describes methods and devices for securing epicardial devices. For example, this document describes methods and devices for securing epicardial devices by passing a sheath into a pericardial space of a patient through a first percutaneous access site, passing a guidewire through the sheath into the pericardial space of the patient, passing the guidewire through a transverse sinus of the patient, passing a snare device into the pericardial space through a second percutaneous access site, and capturing a free end portion of the guidewire using the snare device.

Abstract: Particulate biomaterial containing particles having geodesic shapes for filling or replacement of bone tissue, and a method of making the particulate biomaterial containing particles having geodesic shapes for filling or replacement of bone tissue, made by rapid prototyping technique (RP), wherein said particles have non-prismatic, semi-spherical geodesic forms.

Abstract: A method of implanting an intervertebral spacer may include positioning the intervertebral spacer within an intervertebral space defined by adjacent vertebral bodies. The intervertebral spacer may include a plurality of bores, and each of the plurality of bores may be configured to receive either a linear fastening element or a curvilinear fastening element. The method also may include selecting a first fastening element from a group including linear fastening elements and curvilinear fastening elements, and inserting the first fastening element into a first bore of the plurality of bores such that the first fastening element is inserted into one of the adjacent vertebral bodies to secure the intervertebral spacer within the intervertebral space.

Abstract: An acetabular cup extractor is provided that is designed for extracting medical device implants. The acetabular cup extractor includes a fastener for securing to an implant and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly further includes a blade spaced and movably connected to the fastener and a handle operatively connected to the blade.