Abstract: A device, and methods for using said device, for inserting a marker into a patient's body. The device may comprise a retention mechanism to hold the device in an first, undeployed, state. The device may be inserted into a patient's body in the first state, transitioned by the user into a second state wherein the retention mechanism is overcome, and then transition the device into a third state to deliver a marker to a precise location. The device may then be removed from the patient's body.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is a drill assistance device comprising: a drill guide device that serves as a guide when forming a plurality of holes from a curved surface of a hard palate having the curved surface; and a guide sleeve that is fitted in the drill guide device in an attachable and detachable manner. With this device, it is possible to easily and accurately perform the hole making with a drill and the implant of a screw in an oral cavity. The drill guide device comprises: a guide frame unit that is formed by connecting a plurality of tubular guide frames to each other; a fixing member to be capped on a tooth of a patient; a connecting portion that connects the guide frame unit and the fixing member and determines arrangement of the guide frame unit on the curved surface; and at least one protruding portion that holds the guide sleeve inserted in any of holes inside the guide frames.

Abstract: A dental restoration device includes a sleeve having an exterior surface and an interior pocket that is at least partially filled with a dental cement and a crown having an exterior surface and an interior pocket that is at least partially filled with a dental cement, the crown abutting the sleeve. The sleeve forms an outer surface of the dental restoration device on a gingival-facing part of thereof while the crown forms the outer surface of the dental restoration on the occlusal side thereof. The crown has an occlusal surface and a sidewall surface forming the interior pocket therein. The sleeve is substantially ring-shaped and the crown is substantially cup shaped.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a dental patient's progress during treatment. A camera coordinate system of a virtual camera is aligned to be coincident with a world coordinate system of a 3D) model representing a expected configuration of the patient's teeth at a particular time during treatment. One or more expected 2D images generated by mapping points from the 3D model to points on an image plane of the virtual camera. One or more 2D images of the patient's teeth taken at the particular time during treatment are compared to the expected 2D images to determine whether a configuration of the patient's teeth is within a threshold level of correspondence to the expected configuration of the patient's teeth. An indication about whether the dental treatment is proceeding as expected based on whether the configuration of the patient's teeth is within the threshold level can be provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving segmentation of a digital model of a patient's dentition into component teeth.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for manufacturing medical devices, such as implants, joint replacements, graft materials, augmentation materials, prosthetic materials, etc., from solid material reinforced curable resins. Methods of repositioning a patient's teeth using such medical devices are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are dental attachment placement devices generated from curable compositions by additive manufacturing. The curable compositions contain a high crosslinker content, and after curing, yield tough and color neutral materials suitable for dental attachment placement devices.

Abstract: Improved orthodontic appliances, along with related systems and methods, are provided. In one aspect, an orthodontic appliance is provided. The appliance includes a plurality of discrete shell segments, each including one or more cavities shaped to receive at least portions of teeth. The discrete shell segments are joined by an elastic material to form a single appliance shell.

Abstract: A series of a palatal expanders increasing width can be used to gradually expand a patient's palate. Each palatal expander may have a palatal region flanked by teeth regions. The palatal region can have a plurality of anchor-receiving features (e.g., anchor interfaces) that allow the palatal expander to be attached to temporary anchorage device anchors that have been implanted into the patient's maxilla.

Abstract: An orthodontic device for treating misalignment of teeth, the device including an anchor having an attachment base and a stem extending upwardly from the attachment base, where the attachment base is configured for mounting the anchor to a patient's tooth. The device further includes an arm with an elongate body having an attachment portion disposed along one end thereof and a bonding portion disposed along an opposite end thereof. The attachment portion includes a notch formed along an end face thereof and a seat in communication with the notch. The arm is removably mountable to the stem via the notch and the seat, the arm being rotatable about a rotational axis relative to the stem to a locked position where the arm is bonded in place to another tooth via the bonding portion for treatment.

Abstract: A jaw implant (1) having at least one approximately U-shaped hole strip (2), which carries fixing holes (3) spaced apart from one another. In the jaw implant (1), in the space between adjacent fixing holes (3) there are provided cross-sectional weaknesses (4) for cutting the at least one hole strip (2) to length. The at least one hole strip (2) has, in a partial region (8) situated at a distance from the free ends (6, 7) of this hole strip (2), in the region of every fixing hole (3) having an internal screw thread for fixing a dental prosthesis, a cross-sectional widening (9) which increases the longitudinal extension of this fixing hole (3).

Abstract: Dental implants include a threaded body portion having a textured surface, and an externally smooth neck portion having one or more depth gauge lines to guide insertion into a patient's jawbone, with the neck portion projecting above the jawbone, allowing the gingival tissue to be sutured over the implant, or with the neck portion projecting through the gingival tissue.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a customized ready-made abutment which comprises: a post positioned at the upper end thereof to be able to be coupled inside a crown; a lower part positioned at the lower end thereof such that a part or all of the lower part can be coupled to an implant; and a gingival part positioned between the post and the lower part to be in contact with gingiva without being coupled to the implant, wherein all teeth of the maxilla and the mandible are grouped into maxillary anterior teeth, mandibular anterior teeth, canine teeth, premolar teeth, and molar teeth, and multiple customized ready-made abutments are designed and manufactured such that a standard coverage of a patient-customized abutment for each group is 65% or more.

Abstract: Embodiments include receiving intraoral scan data comprising a plurality of intraoral images of a dental site generated during scanning of the dental site by an intraoral scanner, a plurality of ink markings each comprising a pattern of ink having been temporarily stamped or tattooed onto a gingival surface at the dental site prior to the scanning of the dental site, wherein at least two intraoral images of the plurality of intraoral images comprise representations of one or more ink markings of the plurality of ink markings. Embodiments further include performing registration between the plurality of intraoral images based at least in part on the one or more ink markings, generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of the dental site using the plurality of intraoral images that have undergone registration, and outputting the generated 3D model to a display.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a color estimation method for estimating color of a dental prosthetic and a dental prosthetic manufacturing method for coloring the dental prosthetic based on the estimated color. A dental prosthetic color estimation method of the present invention includes acquiring color information about teeth, the color information being obtained by using an imaging unit, and estimating color of a surface of a dental prosthetic based on color information about at least one of a target tooth for the dental prosthetic to be disposed, a tooth near the target tooth, and a tooth corresponding to the target tooth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of generating and modifying a virtual model of a set of teeth, where the method provides that a restoration can be inserted into a physical model of the set of teeth manufactured from the virtual model of the set of teeth. A method of and a system for generating a virtual model of a set of teeth for manufacturing a physical model of the set of teeth, and to a physical model of a set of teeth.

Abstract: A flossing device having a body configured to bias two strands of dental floss against two different teeth adjoining a gap therebetween is provided. A first leg holding a first floss strand is in a pivoting engagement with a second leg holding a second strand of floss. Upon compression of the first leg against the second leg the two floss strands align in parallel at slightly different elevations wherein the user can easily insert both into a gap between teeth. Release of compression by the user allows the two legs to bias each respective floss strand against a separate tooth on opposing sides of the gap therebetween.

Abstract: By using techniques to diverge an emitted beam, the same base device may be utilized as either a cutting laser or a curing light. The use of multiple frequency laser modules (312) and a selection of emitter heads (304) allow for systems (300) which may be used for a wide variety of medical and dental procedures. Each system (300) has a plurality of emitter heads (304) to select from either a curing light, a cutting laser, or any other therapeutic energy emission all while utilizing the same laser module (312). Various structures of emitter heads are disclosed, as well as laser modules and connection strategies.

Abstract: By using techniques to diverge an emitted beam, the same base device may be utilized as either a cutting laser or a curing light. The use of multiple frequency laser modules (312) and a selection of emitter heads (304) allow for systems (300) which may be used for a wide variety of medical and dental procedures. Each system (300) has a plurality of emitter heads (304) to select from either a curing light, a cutting laser, or any other therapeutic energy emission all while utilizing the same laser module (312). Various structures of emitter heads are disclosed, as well as laser modules and connection strategies.

Abstract: Dental appliances having ornamental designs and associated methods are provided. In some embodiments, a method of providing a design on a dental appliance having a geometry configured to receive teeth includes providing the appliance, and altering an appearance of at least a portion of the appliance to provide the design on the appliance.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush for pets includes: a head part including at least one electrode that receives a driving signal and generates an electric field corresponding to the driving signal, and a toothbrush head on which the at least one electrode is disposed; bristles coupled to the toothbrush head and including at least one opening that exposes a portion of the at least one electrode; a handle part connected to the head part and formed in a shape that may be held by a user; and a signal supply module provided in the handle part and configured to generate the driving signal by mixing an AC signal and a DC signal to supply the driving signal to the at least one electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an external brace, an orthosis, for treating disorders of joints in dogs and cats. The most relevant veterinary indication is a hock joint brace to treat cranial cruciate disease in dogs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for creating a modified tissue graft, wherein an anatomical site at which the modified tissue graft is to be placed is identified, desired characteristics for the modified tissue graft are identified based at least upon the anatomical site, one or more types of graft modifications and regions of the tissue graft to be modified are identified to achieve the desired characteristics; and at least a first area and a second area of the exterior surface of the tissue graft are modified by compressing, cutting and/or removing one or more portions thereof to create first designed surface features which cause the tissue graft to have first characteristics in the first area and second designed surface features which cause the tissue graft to have second characteristics in the second area.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for filtering embolic particles that may be generated from a medical procedure including protection of the major branching vessels from the aorta, and catches and filters emboli that may be generated during the TAVR procedure. The filter devices disclosed herein form an improved seal against the vessel wall that is activated by flowing blood. Devices described herein also allow for the closing of the ends of the filter device after capture of emboli, providing further security against accidental loss of emboli post capture.

Abstract: A catheter having opposed tissue contacting surfaces for creating an anastomosis between two blood vessels is utilized to facilitate a method for percutaneously placing a biologic graft at a procedural site. The method may comprise steps of advancing a biologic graft over a guidewire into a blood vessel at a biologic graft attachment site, advancing a catheter over the guidewire, and creating an anastomosis between the biologic graft and the blood vessel by activating the catheter to apply energy to a vessel wall of the blood vessel and to a wall of the biologic graft.

Abstract: Connective tissue-to-bone interface scaffolds (e.g., ligament-to-bone interface scaffolds, tendon-to-bone interface scaffolds, etc.). These scaffolds may be a single integrated implant or may be a modular (e.g., two-part) implant system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable device, in particular an implantable breast device, comprising a main shell and a chamber for treating at least one soft tissue, the device being further configured to receive at least one vascular pedicle, the main shell comprising a set of through-openings and being bioresorbable. Advantageously, the main shell comprises at least one bioresorbable (co)polymer having an elongation at break greater than or equal to 200%.

Abstract: A system or apparatus for using a cartridge for eye surgery. An implant may be mechanically advanced to a sealed position in a first phase, and then the implant may be advanced into the eye via hydraulic pressure or fluid flow in a second phase. An actuator may comprise a hollow plunger and a chamber configured to receive the cartridge. The actuator may be configured to fluidly couple the cartridge to an implant bay. In a first delivery phase, the actuator may move the plunger to advance the implant into a nozzle. In a second delivery phase, the actuator may move a working fluid from the cartridge through the plunger to advance the implant through the nozzle.

Abstract: An artificial heart valve prosthesis includes a stent comprising at least two commissures spaced circumferentially around the stent, the commissure provided with a first window and a second window, which are arranged along an axial direction of the stent, the first window located closer to an outflow end of the stent; and at least two leaflets arranged circumferentially around the stent, each of the leaflets including a main segment and flaps arranged on opposite circumferential sides of the main segment, the main segment disposed on an inner side of the stent, the flap passed through the second window and covering at least a part of an outer surface of the commissure, the flap sutured at the first window and the second window.

Abstract: A method of treating a deficient native mitral valve of a heart of a patient includes advancing a steerable, first catheter through the patient's vasculature, advancing the distal end portion of the first catheter into the heart to position the distal end portion of the first catheter adjacent the native mitral valve, adjusting the curvature of the distal end portion of the first catheter to form a first curve, advancing a distal end portion of a second catheter from a distal end of the first catheter, wherein the distal end portion of the second catheter is pre-shaped to form a second curve when advanced from the first catheter, and deploying a wire from the second catheter such that the wire extends around native leaflets of the native mitral 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: Catheter systems and methods including a hydraulic shock arrestor. A system may include an inflatable balloon for insertion within a patient's body. The inflatable balloon may be configured to be inflated with a fluid within the patient's body. The system may further include an elongate shaft. The elongate shaft may be configured to extend within the patient's body. The system may further include a fluid conduit. The system may further include a hydraulic shock arrestor configured to mitigate pressure surge within the fluid conduit.

Abstract: Numerous delivery devices for delivery of a stented prosthesis, such as a stented prosthetic heart valve. Various delivery devices include a capsule that is advanced proximally to retain the stented prosthesis, which is secured over an inner shaft assembly of the delivery device. The delivery device further includes a bumper or bumper assembly to provide a smooth transition of the capsule over the stented prosthesis. In some alternate disclosed embodiments, the bumper further serves to connect various elements of the inner shaft assembly. Additional embodiments include a bumper assembly arranged and configured to longitudinally expand and contract to substantially fill any open space as the capsule is retracted from the stented prosthesis, which prevents kinking in the capsule. Additional embodiments include proximal and/or distal bumpers for temporarily covering and smoothing the ends of the stented prosthesis as part of a delivery device that does not include a capsule.

Abstract: An annuloplasty device is disclosed comprising first and second support rings having a coiled configuration in which the first and second support rings are arranged as a coil around a central axis, wherein the first and second support rings are configured to be arranged on opposite sides of native heart valve leaflets of a heart valve, a stent arranged around at least a portion of the first and/or second support ring, and wherein the stent comprises retention units. A related method of repairing a defective heart valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: Catheter assembly with a coaptation aid for repair of leaflets of a heart valve includes an elongate catheter shaft adapted to be positioned transvascularly proximate a heart valve and a lever coupled to the catheter shaft. The lever has a hinge to transition the lever between an elongate delivery configuration generally aligned longitudinally with the catheter shaft and a deployed configuration extending transversely from the catheter shaft. The lever also includes an atraumatic tip at a distal end thereof and adapted to contact a distal side of a native leaflet of the heart valve when the catheter shaft is positioned proximate the heart valve and the lever is in the deployed configuration, and an actuation assembly coupled to the lever to remotely transition the lever between the delivery configuration and the deployed configuration. Method for fixation of native leaflets of a heart valve using the catheter assembly also disclosed.

Abstract: Valve devices, methods of making valve devices, and methods of treating various venous-related conditions, disorders and/or diseases are described. In one embodiment, a valve device includes an expandable support frame and a bioprosthetic valve attached to the support frame. The bioprosthetic valve comprises a leaflet and a contiguous wall portion harvested from a multi-leaflet xenogeneic valve. The contiguous wall portion includes the attachment region where the leaflets attaches to the vessel wall and, in some embodiments, includes the natural margins of attachment between the leaflet and vessel wall.

Abstract: Implants and methods for treating diseased heart valves. The implants may include a support member configured for placement near the diseased valve and an anchoring system coupled to the support member. The support member may be used to treat regurgitation and/or support a valve replacement therein. The support member may have an annular shape with an opening configured to generally align with an opening of the diseased valve. In some examples, the support member includes a coaptation structure configured to seal with the native leaflets. The anchoring system may include one or more tethers anchored to tissue of a ventricle, such as a ventricle wall and/or a papillary muscle. In some examples, sufficient tension is applied on the tethers to stabilize or reduce ventricle dilation.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral fusion implant, including a plurality of segments pivotably connected, each segment of the plurality of segments including an inferior component, and a superior component engaged with the inferior component and forming a chamber therebetween, and a first expandable bladder arranged in the chamber operatively arranged to displace the superior component with respect to the inferior component.

Abstract: A reference-point providing (RPP) device for conversion of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) to total knee arthroplasty (TKA), has a wedge having a joint surface, a bottom flat surface, and a second surface, the second surface extending from the bottom flat surface to the joint surface at a thick end of the wedge and a mounting flange; the wedge fitting in a space remaining after removal of a UKA implant with the joint surface providing a reference point for determining alignment of a TKA implant. Converting a UKA to TKA with the RPP requires removing UKA implant from a femur of a patient, inserting the RPP and attaching it to the femur; using a posterior reference guide having a first paddle on a condyle of the femur and a second paddle on the RPP, to determine necessary alignment and rotation of the TKA implant; and removing the RPP.

Abstract: An augment device for a joint endoprosthesis, the device including a sleeve surrounding a channel extending through the sleeve. The sleeve is formed of porous material for ingrowth of bony material, the sleeve comprising an inner face and an outer face. The sleeve further comprises a wall surrounding the channel, the wall being made of solid material and forming a sandwich structure with the porous material, wherein the wall forms a bulkhead between the inner face and the outer face. Thereby, the bulkhead wall will stop inflow of any cement across the sleeve from its inner to its outer face. The porous material on the outer face will be kept free from cement and its capability to promote bone ingrowth is reliably preserved. The augment devices are preferably provided as a set having different sizes and straight or stepped bottoms for improved versatility and maximum preservation of natural bone matter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical implant (100) extending along a plane (P) perpendicular to a first axis (A1), wherein the medical implant (100) comprises a felt material (F) comprising a plurality of fibers (101), wherein a density of said fibers (101) varies along said plane (P), and/or a percentage of said fibers (101) aligned in a circumferential direction (C) in respect of said first axis (A1) differs along said plane (P), a method for manufacturing the medical implant (100) by felting and a method for customizing the medical implant (100). Furthermore, the invention relates to s medical product (300) comprising the medical implant (100) and a transparent packaging (310) comprising printed markings (320), and to a felting instrument (200) comprising a felting needle (210) comprising at least one barb (211).

Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method for manufacturing an orthopedic implant involves segmenting features in an image of anatomy. Anatomic elements can be isolated. Spatial relationships between the isolated anatomic elements can be manipulated. Negative space between anatomic elements is mapped before and/or after manipulating the spatial relationships. At least a portion of the negative space can be filled with a virtual implant. The virtual implant can be used to design and manufacture a physical implant.

Abstract: A jig is for a post-processing of a customized orthopedic implant to securely fix a customized metal implant for artificial hip joint surgery without any surface damage for post-processing of the customized metal implant after manufacturing the customized metal implant by a 3D printer, and a method for manufacturing the jig. The jig may include inner jigs 3D printed into a shape for compressing and fixing the customized metal implant by using a polymer resin material, and outer jigs made of metal for pressing and supporting the inner jigs in directions of compressing the customized metal implant, and the customized metal implant manufactured by the 3D printer according to the shape and damage degree of a patient's hip joint is securely fixed to the jig without any surface damage so that the post-processing of the metal implant can be easily performed.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a controller that determines the height at which to fix a cup of an artificial hip joint in a patient in accordance with the femoral head center on the contralateral side opposite from the affected hip joint of the patient, a teardrop lower edge of a hip joint of the patient, and the CE angle of the affected hip joint of the patient.

Abstract: A femoral element for a spacer device for a knee joint.

Abstract: A kit for use in knee replacement surgery includes a trial patella component and a patella implant component. The trial patella component includes a backing plate having a backing surface for positioning against a patient's patella, and at least one sensor which can generate a signal corresponding to the compressive load applied to the trial patella component, and a first bearing plate which can be fitted to the backing plate and which, when fitted to the backing plate, provides a bearing surface for articulation against a bearing surface on the patient's femur. The patella implant component has a backing surface for fixation to a patient's patella instead of the backing surface of the trial patella component, and a bearing surface for articulation against a femoral bearing surface.

Abstract: A tibial implant for knee arthroplasty includes a tibial plate, a tibial keel, and at least one anchoring projection. The tibial plate is sized and shaped for placement on a proximal end of a tibia of a patient. The tibial plate includes opposite proximal and distal surfaces with the distal surface configured to engage the end of the tibia. The tibial keel extends distally from the distal surface of the tibial plate and is configured to be inserted into the proximal end of the tibia. The anchoring projection extends distally from the distal surface of the tibial plate and is configured to be inserted into the proximal end of the tibia.

Abstract: A four-component artificial intervertebral disc may provide six degrees of movement: flexion, extension, lateral bending, axial rotation, axial deflection, and anterior/posterior translation. The disc may include a superior endplate, a superior core, an inferior core, and an inferior endplate. The superior endplate may include a concave mating surface, and the inferior endplate may include a spherical mating surface. The superior endplate may roll across the superior core to provide flexion, extension, and lateral bending. The superior endplate may twist or rotate atop the superior core to provide axial rotation, and the superior endplate may slide over the superior core to provide anterior/posterior translation. The superior core may be connected to the inferior core, and the inferior core may be connected to the inferior endplate. The inferior core may be made from a flexible material that may enable the artificial disc to expand or compress vertically.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices, methods and surgical procedures for altering and/or correcting the alignment of adjacent bones, including bones of the spine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for intervertebral body fusion that provide more robust support within the disc space. Intervertebral body fusion devices can have a unitary monolithic body including a plurality of body segments interconnected with each other by flexure members. Devices be configured to be inserted through an opening in a compressed configuration and then expanded within the disc space to an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, devices can have a greater mediolateral or transverse to the disc space footprint. This wider footprint provides greater support for the vertebrae relative to the size of the opening through which the device is inserted.