Abstract: A model production device generates one or more contact bodies of a patient-specific surgical instrument model based on a parameterized model of a patient's bone. The parameterized model includes a predetermined number of polygons each having a predetermined position relative to the patient's anatomy. The parameterized model may be generated based on a three-dimensional model that was generated based on multiple images of the patient's bone. The model production device adds parametric fixed geometry to the patient-specific surgical instrument model based on the parameterized model and subtracts the three-dimensional model of the patient's bone from the patient-specific surgical instrument model. Each contacting body may be positioned at a high-confidence part of the parametric model, and the parametric fixed geometry may be positioned at a low-confidence part. A patient-specific surgical instrument may be manufactured based on the patient-specific surgical instrument model.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a tracking system configured to intraoperatively track relative positions of bones of a joint, a user interface configured to obtain a user input indicating a post-operative value for the joint, and a computer programmed to generate, based on the relative positions of the bones and the post-operative value, a planned orientation for an implant to be implanted in the joint, and to generate a surgical plan based on the planned orientation for the implant.

Abstract: A method may be used to correct a condition present in a patient. The method may include obtaining a first bone model of a first bone of one or more bones of the patient's foot and using at least the first bone model to generate a cutting guide model. The cutting guide model may define a first bone engagement surface shaped to match a first contour on the first bone, and a first guide feature that, with the first bone engagement surface overlying the first contour, is positioned to guide resection of the one or more bones as part of a surgical osteotomy for correcting the condition. The surgical procedure may be selected from a first group consisting of a bunion correction osteotomy, an Evans calcaneal osteotomy, and a medializing calcaneal osteotomy. The first bone may be selected from a second group consisting of a metatarsus, a cuneiform, and a calcaneus.

Abstract: A medical system may include an elongated flexible body including a channel extending through the elongated flexible body. The elongated flexible body includes an articulable portion extending along at least a portion of a length of the elongated flexible body. The medical system may include an instrument configured to be received in the channel of the elongated flexible body, a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field within the channel, and a magnetic field sensor configured to detect the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator.

Abstract: A computer assisted medical procedure system includes at least one registering computing device, a medical device locator operatively coupled to a medical device placed within a medical procedure theater, wherein the at least one registering computing device determines the location of the medical device locator and medical device relative to a patient, and a patient position fiducial associated with anatomy of a patient being subjected to a medical procedure wherein the at least one registering computing device detects the position of the patient position fiducial relative to the medical device locator in order to determine a relative position of the medical device to the anatomy of the patient.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for a three-dimensional registering, tracking, and/or guiding an object of interest, such a body part, a surgical tool, or an implant, during a surgical procedure. Such devices, systems, and methods may offer minimally invasive, high precision registering, tracking, and/or guiding of the object of interest using a patterned light beam and data processing using artificial intelligence. The methods, devices, and systems disclosed herein may be compatible with a simple marker or markers placed by a minimally invasive method on the object of interest.

Abstract: A force sense display device includes a processor that obtains image information from an image-capturing device that captures an image of a patient, obtains position information on a surgical instrument from a surgical assist robot, obtains force sense information on a magnitude and a direction of a force acting on the surgical instrument, generates a force sense representation based on the force sense information, the force sense representation including a force amount representation representing the magnitude of the force and a direction representation representing the direction of the force, detects, based on the image and position information, a surgical instrument area in an image on a display, the surgical instrument area being an area of the image in which the surgical instrument is displayed, and generates display information including the surgical instrument area with the force sense representation superimposed thereon and outputs the display information for display on the display.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a sensor. The shaft assembly defines a longitudinal axis. The end effector is positioned at a distal end of the shaft assembly. A portion of the end effector is offset from the longitudinal axis. The sensor is configured to generate a signal in response to a magnetic field. The signal is configured to indicate a position of the end effector within three-dimensional space. The sensor is coaxially positioned about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for neuronavigation in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. Targeting systems and methods as described herein can generate personalized stimulation targets for the treatment of mental conditions. In many embodiments, direct stimulation of a personalized the stimulation target indirectly impacts a brain structure that is more difficult to reach via the stimulation modality. In various embodiments, the mental condition is major depressive disorder. In a number of embodiments, the mental condition is suicidal ideation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a verification symbol relating to the validity of a conversion of locations between a first image and a second image for surgery are provided. Providing the verification symbol involves receiving a selection of an image in the first image that corresponds to a physical element in a second image and that has a location in a first coordinate system, determining the location in a second coordinate system associated with the second image by employing a conversion of locations, and displaying a verification symbol superimposed with the second image based on the corresponding location in the second coordinate system.

Abstract: A system includes a proximal sheath, a distal sheath, and a scope shaft. The proximal sheath has a distal end with a first connection member and is configured to be positioned extracorporeally relative to a patient. The distal sheath has a proximal end with a second connection member configured to releasably connect with the first connection member. A distal sheath portion of the distal sheath is configured to be passed through a body wall and into a body cavity of the patient. The scope shaft is slidable through the proximal and distal sheaths to access the body cavity and includes a distal tip section having a lens configured to visualize the body cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catheterization robot including: several tracks for longitudinal horizontal rectilinear translational movement of several flexible elongate medical elements, the tracks being parallel to each other; a drive component for driving a flexible elongate medical device in rectilinear translation, the drive component being common to the tracks, transversely horizontally movable, and surrounded by a sealing ring which is deformable and integrally secured to the drive component; a sealing belt which is transversely horizontally movable, is integrally secured to the periphery of the sealing ring, and of which two portions extend the sealing ring transversely horizontally, respectively on the two sides, sufficiently to ensure that all of the tracks remain continuously covered.

Abstract: A vascular intervention robot having a line-contact roller mechanism is provided. The vascular intervention robot having a line-contact roller mechanism comprises: a roller module for translating a medical wire; and a rotation module for axially rotating the medical wire by rotating the roller module. The roller module can comprise: a translational motor providing a translational driving force for translating the medical wire; at least one drive roller receiving a translational driving force from the translational motor, arrayed in the length direction of the medical wire, and rolling-contacted with the lower part of the medical wire; and a guide roller provided in a number corresponding to the drive roller, arrayed above the drive roller and in the length direction of the medical wire, shifted to one side in the length direction of the medical wire with respect to the drive roller, and rolling-contacted with the upper part of the medical wire.

Abstract: The present application relates to the field of instruments, and provides a guidable and growable instrument and a surgical robot system. The guidable and growable instrument includes: a growable tube comprising an inner layer, an outer layer, and a fluid cavity between the inner layer and the outer layer, the fluid cavity being configured to accommodate a fluid. The growable tube includes a turnable region at a distal end, the inner layer and the outer layer are connected and turnable in the turnable region, a guide is arranged in a channel surrounded by the inner layer of the growable tube, and the distal end of the guide is bendable to drive the growable tube to turn. The guidable and growable instrument can better adapt to a gradually narrowed bent and complex orifice so as to reduce or avoid touch and friction with the orifice.

Abstract: Sterile connectors for robotic or robot-assisted surgery and related systems and methods can be used to establish a sterile barrier between a non-sterile robot arm and a surgical site. More particularly, a sterile connector can include a first component connector to couple to a distal end of a robot arm, a second component connector to couple to an end effector, and a sterile drape extending from the sterile connector. The sterile drape can drape the robot arm and can maintain a sterile barrier around the robot arm throughout the course of a surgical procedure. In this manner, an end effector can be swapped out during the procedure without the need to re-drape or re-establish the sterile surgical field. In some embodiments, the sterile connector can facilitate the passage of electrical signals and/or light between the sterile connector and at least one of the robot arm and end effector.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system according to this disclosure includes a controller configured to control at least one of the first driver and the second driver to maintain a distance between the first operation unit and the second operation unit when a third operation to move the endoscope by the first operation unit and the second operation unit is received

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems, devices, and techniques for clot manipulation and removal. At least some of the devices for clot manipulation and removal can be robotically controlled. These devices can include one or more elongate members that can be robotically driven through a patient's vasculature. One such device can include a first elongate member that can serve as an access sheath, a second elongate member that can serve as a clot removal catheter, a third elongate member that can serve as a clot disruptor, and a fourth elongate member that can serve as a guidewire.

Abstract: A method for engaging and disengaging a surgical instrument of a surgical robotic system comprising: receiving a plurality of interlock inputs from one or more interlock detection components of the surgical robotic system; determining, by one or more processors communicatively coupled to the interlock detection components, whether the plurality of interlock inputs indicate each of the following interlock requirements are satisfied: (1) a user is looking toward a display, (2) at least one or more user interface devices of the surgical robotic system are configured in a usable manner, and (3) a surgical workspace of the surgical robotic system is configured in a usable manner; in response to determining each of the interlock requirements are satisfied, transition the surgical robotic system into a teleoperation mode; and in response to determining less than all of the interlock requirements are satisfied, transition the surgical robotic system out of a teleoperation mode.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes an instrument base, the instrument base including a first robotic drive input and a linear actuator coupled to the first robotic drive input, the first robotic drive input configured to couple to a corresponding robotic drive output of a robotic instrument driver, and an elongate shaft extending from a proximal portion of the instrument base, wherein the linear actuator couples to a portion of the elongate shaft at a point distal to the proximal portion of the instrument base.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, system and method for providing robotically assisted surgery that involves the removal of bone or non-fibrous type tissues during a surgical procedure, in particular with assistance from real-time ultrasound images from an ultrasound probe. The system utilizes a multi-axis robot having a reciprocating tool that is constructed and arranged to remove hard or non-fibrous tissues while leaving soft tissues unharmed. The multi-axis robot may be controlled via computer or telemanipulator, which allows the surgeon to complete a surgery from an area adjacent to the patient to thousands of miles away.

Abstract: A system includes a controller, a robotic arm in communication with the controller and having a head, and a surgical scope coupled with the head and having a scope shaft sized and configured to be inserted through an opening in a body wall and into a body cavity of a patient. The controller is programmed to control the robotic arm to manipulate the surgical scope relative to the patient while inhibiting the head from entering a predefined zone of a robotic arm workspace that overlies the body wall.

Abstract: A robotic surgical tool includes a drive housing having opposing first and second ends, a carriage arranged within the drive housing, a shaft extending from the carriage, a firing rod extending within the shaft and defining external threads, an end effector arranged at an end of the shaft and including a knife coupled to the firing rod such that movement of the firing rod moves the knife, and an activating mechanism coupled to the carriage. The activating mechanism including a motor mounted to the carriage and operable to rotate a drive gear, and a driven gear engageable with the drive gear such that rotation of the drive gear rotates the driven gear and actuates the activating mechanism. The driven gear defines internal threads and is rotatably mounted to the firing rod at the external threads such that rotation of the driven gear longitudinally moves the firing rod and the knife.

Abstract: Robotic surgical systems and methods for guiding a tool along a path using hybrid automated/manual control. A manipulator supports a surgical tool and a sensor measures forces/torques applied to the tool. A control system commands the manipulator to perform an automated advancement of the tool along a predetermined tool path in a first path direction and according to a predetermined feed rate. During the automated advancement, an input is received from the sensor in response to user applied forces/torques to the tool. The control system evaluates an effect of the sensor input on the automated advancement of the tool to determine an effective feed rate and an effective path direction for the tool with respect to the tool path. The control system determines a commanded action for the manipulator and the tool with respect to the tool path based on the effective feed rate and effective path direction.

Abstract: A catheter organizer for organizing one or more catheters during a surgical procedure includes a drape and a plurality of clips tethered to the drape in an arrayed pattern. The clips are arranged to receive the one or more catheters such that the catheters move longitudinally and rotate within said each clip. Each clips has movable members for reversibly changing the clip from an open configuration to a closed configuration by manipulation of the movable members.

Abstract: A medical procedure kit and related methods are provided. The medical procedure kit includes a tray defining a plurality of compartments, a medical waste basin removably supported within a first compartment of the plurality of compartments, and a plurality of medical procedure tools located within other compartments of the plurality of compartments. Additionally, the first compartment defines an access opening to manually engage the medical waste basin.

Abstract: An adjustable seal includes a first ring extending about an axis and including a plurality of first teeth. The adjustable seal also includes a second ring extending about the axis and including a plurality of second teeth. The first ring and the second ring cooperatively defining a passage extending along the axis. The adjustable seal has a locked configuration in which the second teeth engage the first teeth and prevent movement of the first ring relative to the second ring, and an unlocked configuration in which the first ring is able to rotate relative to the second ring. The adjustable seal also includes a flexible member attached to the first ring and the second ring. Rotation of the first ring relative to the second ring in the unlocked configuration of the adjustable seal causes the flexible member to extend across at least a portion of the passage defined by the first ring and the second ring.

Abstract: A machine-learned model is used in the detection of anomalies in operation of the instrument drive chain of a surgical robotic system. For example, normal operation (e.g., cable force) based on operation information (e.g., position and/or load) is predicted by the machine-learned model, which prediction is then compared to actual operation. The comparison results in early detection of anomalies based on machine-learned prediction and the corresponding incorporation of historical operation.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a 3D phantom with epoxy utilizing conductive particles is herein disclosed. The phantom, comprising: a container for housing a fluid, the container having at least one exterior wall comprising an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a cavity, the exterior wall constructed of a non-conductive matrix material mixed with conductive particles to provide the exterior wall with an electrical impedance, resistance, resistivity, or conductivity to model electrical impedance, resistance, resistivity, or conductivity of a first biological component; and a conductive solution within the cavity, the conductive solution being at least one of a fluid solution, a suspension, and a gel and configured to model electrical impedance, resistance, resistivity, or conductivity of a second biological component.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer-program products are provided for aiding in positioning between a surgical object and a machine vision camera in a surgical environment. The machine vision camera senses a position and orientation of a surgical object in its field of view. Controller(s) virtually define a zone within the field of view that indicates a range of acceptable positions for the surgical object relative to a position of the machine vision camera. The controller(s) obtain an acceptable orientation range for the surgical object relative to an orientation of the machine vision camera. The controller(s) execute a GUI to simultaneously present, on the display device, representations of: the field of view; the zone within the field of view; the position of the surgical object relative to the zone; and a current angle difference between the surgical object and the machine vision camera.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive, non-radioactive, and low cost technology for diagnosis and identification of implantable medical devices in real time. Developing new ultrasound activated coatings is important to broaden the utility of in vivo marking by ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound responsive macro-phase segregated micro-composite thin films were developed to be coated on medical devices composed of multiple materials and with multiple shapes and varying surface area. The macro-phase segregated films having silica micro-shells in polycyanoacrylate produces strong color Doppler signals with the use of a standard clinical ultrasound transducer. Electron microscopy showed a macro-phase separation during slow curing of the cyanoacrylate adhesive, as air-filled silica micro-shells were driven to the surface of the film. The air sealed in the hollow space of the silica shells acted as an ultrasound contrast agent and echo decorrelation of air exposed to ultrasound waves produces color Doppler signals.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a proximal structure configured to be positioned extracorporeally relative to a patient and defining a primary axis, and a distal structure extending distally from the proximal structure and configured to be passed through a body wall and into a body cavity of the patient. The distal structure cooperates with the proximal structure to define a working channel sized and configured to receive and guide a surgical instrument distally therethrough. The distal structure includes a proximal portion and an angled distal portion. The angled distal portion defines a secondary axis that is angled relative to the primary axis. At least the angled distal portion of the distal structure is rotatable relative to proximal structure about the primary axis.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a tool extender used to retain and move a tool relative to a flexible elongate device. The tool extender includes a slider that allows a user to move the tool relative to a flexible elongate device with one hand using a portion of the slider that is configured to be engaged and manipulated by the user's hand or fingers.

Abstract: A washing appliance for efficient and through cleaning of medical devices and methods of using the appliance are disclosed. The appliance can clean exteriors of medical devices, and lumens of devices comprising a lumen such as cathlab devices.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a surgical application part having an electric motor with motor windings and an electrical supply cable having a plurality of lines. The electrical supply cable can be connected to the surgical application part at a first end and to a control unit for controlling the electric motor at a second end. The surgical device includes at least one readout antenna which is integrated/provided in the surgical application part or the electrical supply cable. The at least one readout antenna can be supplied with voltage and, as an additional element separate from the motor windings, can activate and read out an RFID chip that is/can be arranged near to the at least one readout antenna, in order to transmit data bidirectionally between the RFID chip and the control unit via the electrical supply cable.

Abstract: Some aspects relate systems and methods for dental treatment and remote oversight. An exemplary system may include a laser configured to generate a laser beam as a function of a laser parameter, a beam delivery system configured to deliver the laser beam from the laser, a hand piece configured to accept the laser beam from the beam delivery system and direct the laser beam to dental tissue, a sensor configured to detect a dental parameter as a function of a dental phenomenon, a computing device configured to receive the dental parameter from the sensor and communicate the dental parameter to a remote device configured to interface with a remote user.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a dental suction system. The valve assembly includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet. The valve assembly also includes a valve plug positioned at least partially within the valve body and including a through-passage. The valve plug is rotatable relative to the valve body to selectively alter a flow of fluid along the fluid flow path. The fluid flow path exhibits a varied cross-sectional area along a length of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A dental implant surgical guide assembly includes a first arcuate guide defining sockets and a second arcuate guide having protrusions. The protrusions are mated to the sockets and the protrusions are longitudinally aligned with the sockets. The surgical guide assembly has a secure, close-to friction-fit with mating connectors having a particular geometry, simplifying the overall guide design.

Abstract: A dental apparatus and method, for example an endodontic apparatus and method, is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a supply of fluid; a pump for delivering fluid from the supply under pressure and a handpiece in fluid communication with the pump. The handpiece includes a needle 30, extending from a rearward end proximal to the handpiece to a forward tip distal from the handpiece, a lumen of the needle extending to an opening at the tip to deliver fluid received from the pump to a tooth. The dimensions of the needle and the delivery pressure of the fluid are selected such that the flow of fluid through the needle causes a cloud of inertial cavitation to be formed forward of the needle tip.

Abstract: A method for digital treatment planning may include defining a set of contact points on a tooth of a patient's dentition and a plurality of connections between pairs of the plurality of contact points. The plurality of connections may include Hookian stiffness parameters of a dental appliance between the plurality of contact points. The method may also include generating a relaxed model of a dental appliance using the plurality of contact points and the plurality of connections. The method may also include generating a deformed model of the dental appliance using the plurality of contact points and plurality of connections. The method may also include transforming the relaxed model to the deformed model to direct the patient dentition towards a target tooth arrangement.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatuses to obtain an image, or a set of images, of a patient's teeth from one or more predetermined viewing angles. These methods and apparatuses may include the use an overlay comprising an outline of teeth for each predetermined viewing angle. The overlay may be used for automatically capturing, focusing and/or illuminating the teeth. Also described herein are methods and apparatuses for using a series of images of the patient's teeth including a set of predetermined views to determine if a patient is a candidate for an orthopedic procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods including: receiving, from a digital imaging device, one or more 2D images of a patient's face including a mouth region, where the one or more 2D images include a depiction of the patient's teeth in an initial arrangement; generating, using a neural network, a 2D rendering depicting a post-treatment arrangement of the patient's teeth based on the one or more received 2D images; generating a realistic composite 2D image depicting the patient's face with the 2D rendering depicting the post-treatment arrangement of the patient's teeth, where the generating includes positioning the 2D rendering within a mouth opening of the patient's face in the realistic composite 2D image; and sending the realistic composite 2D image to an output device for display on a user interface of the output device.

Abstract: An orthodontic aligner includes a shell that defines a tooth cavity. The tooth cavity is configured to receive a patient's tooth and has an edge that defines an opening. An integral hook extends outwardly from wall portions of the shell adjacent the tooth cavity and is spaced occlusally apart from the edge. The integral hook has a side wall that defines an interior space and includes a window. The interior space opens to the tooth cavity. The window extends through the side wall so that the interior space is accessible. The window can be sized to interfere with insertion of an elastic band. A system for orthodontic treatment includes an attachment. The integral hook is configured to receive the attachment. The attachment is accessible through the window. The attachment may not fill the interior space. A method of manufacturing the orthodontic aligner includes preparing a mold including a hook mold.

Abstract: Apparatuses (e.g., distalizers) and methods for distalizing a subject's teeth while preventing or reducing undesirable tipping and/or rotation of the teeth. The distalizer apparatuses may include tooth engagement regions shaped to accommodate molars, canines and/or premolar teeth, may include a transpalatal region extending between engagement regions having an anterior edge that is posterior to a premolar region of the first tooth engagement region, and may include an attachment site for an elastic band on the outer buccal surface.

Abstract: An implant device configured to be at least partially in contact with bone on implantation has an improved osteoinductive feature to enhance new bone formation. The implant device has one or more bone growth surfaces extending from a structurally solid feature of the implant device. The one or more bone growth surfaces are configured to mimic adult trabecular bone by having trenches, grooves or surface recesses or prominences exhibiting numerous structural elements or walls not perpendicular to the surface that are non-coplanar or arched extending 20 to 500 microns in depth having an increasing inclination from the surface extending inwardly and not parallel to opposing or adjacent walls forming a random or non-random network. The one or more bone growth surfaces configured to mimic trabecular bone have discernable nano features on the structural elements or walls exhibiting nano scale features of less than 200 nano meters within the network.

Abstract: A dental implant that facilitate insertion and can be used in all bone types. The implant includes a body having a coronal end, and an apical end opposite the coronal end. A tapered region may be adjacent the apical end. On the apical part one or more taps are provided so the tap is cutting when rotating, clockwise and counter-clockwise. The implant can have at least one variable profile helical thread that extends along the tapered region. The implant can have also micro-threads below the main threads, a gradual compressing tapered core, a self drilling apical end and a narrow coronal region.

Abstract: A dental implant with an implant extension which are formed along a longitudinal axis: the dental implant has an apical end, a coronal end and a section for receiving; securing an abutment; the implant extension is formed in one piece with the implant; extends away from an end face of the apical end along the longitudinal axis, the implant extension having a first section along the longitudinal axis with an annular constriction which is directly connected to the end face of the apical end of the implant; the implant breaks off from the implant extension at the constriction, along the longitudinal axis following the first section, wherein the second section, splined shaft section being further away from the implant than the first section, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, an outer annular groove being designed to hold the implant extension by clamping the groove in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Dental implant, comprising an external thread arranged on an outside of the dental implant for fastening the dental implant to a jawbone. Further, the implant comprises an opening extending along a longitudinal axis of the dental implant, in which opening an internal thread for fastening a superstructure to the dental implant is arranged. Still further, the implant comprises an interface for fastening the superstructure to the dental implant, which interface is arranged at a front end of the dental implant. The interface is suitable for direct attachment of a superstructure to the dental implant without the use of an abutment.

Abstract: In a dental implant (1) comprising a post part (2) which can be placed in a jaw bone and comprising a structural part (4) associated with said post part, to which structural part a denture piece can be attached, the structural part comprising an integrally moulded contact pin (8) which can be placed in an associated shaped recess (10) in the post part (2) with a positive fit, it is to be possible on the one hand to suitably index the implant in a simple and reliable manner, on the other hand a particularly high level of mechanical stability against rotation being ensured, even with an overall height which is kept low.

Abstract: A system includes an optical probe with a sensing face. The optical probe to emit optical signals and receive reflected optical signals. The system includes a computing device, coupled to the optical probe, to receive intraoral scan data of a tooth. The intraoral scan data includes first optical scan data and second optical scan data. The computing device to process the received intraoral scan data to adjust the first optical scan data associated with a sub-gingival surface of the tooth based on the second optical scan data associated with a material covering the sub-gingival surface of the tooth. The computing device to generate a three-dimensional model that includes the sub-gingival surface of the tooth using the adjusted first optical scan data that is associated with the sub-gingival surface of the tooth.

Abstract: A method of producing a dental restoration, including the steps of producing (S101) the dental restoration in an initial geometry having an excess volume compared to the final geometry to be produced; infiltrating (S102) the initial geometry with an investment material; and removing (S103) the excess volume with the investment material to produce the final geometry.