Abstract: Various bone fixation device embodiments include both a fixation device (such as a screw) and a detachable driver device, with the fixation device having an elongate uncannulated fixation shaft, a sharp distal tip, and a proximal head having a first coupling structure and a proximal flat surface, and the detachable driver device having an elongate driver shaft and a distal head having a second coupling structure and a distal flat surface. Further implementations include a combination device comprising both a detachable driver device and a fixation device, along with related systems and methods. In addition, a stabilization device is provided that can be coupled to a detachable driver device and an attachment device to help maintain the coupling of the driver device and the attachment device and help to maintain the coupling thereof during a procedure.

Abstract: An endovascular near critical fluid based cryoablation catheter for creating an elongated lengthwise-continuous lesion in tissue can comprise an elongated shaft, a flexible distal tissue treatment section, and a distal tip. A plurality of flexible tubes can extend through the distal treatment section to transport a near critical fluid to and from the distal tip. The distal treatment section can also include a flexible fluid-sealed cover or barrier layer surrounding the delivery tubes. The cover and tubes can collectively define a space which is filled with a fluidic thermally conductive media. The thermally conductive media, fluid delivery tubes, and the cover can be arranged such that a flow of the near critical fluid through the tube bundle transfers heat between a target tissue and the distal treatment section of the catheter thereby creating the elongated lengthwise-continuous lesion in the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical method for reducing insulin resistance comprises cryolipolysis of mesenteric fat in a controlled manner to avoid tissue ablative temperatures. Cryolipolysis is carried out in stages based on evaluating reduction in volumes of mesenteric fat and fasting glucose levels.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a pair of jaws, an endoscope configured to capture image data of a surgical site including the electrosurgical instrument, and an energy generator coupled to the electrosurgical instrument. The energy generator is configured to generate an energy output to the electrosurgical instrument. The system also includes an endoscope controller which includes a processor and a memory. The memory includes instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the processor, cause the energy-based surgical system to access the captured image, determine a thickness of tissue grasped by the pair of jaws based on the image, and control the energy output of the energy generator based on the determined thickness.

Abstract: A system, includes (i) a processor, which is configured to receive, in a zone between first and second regions of an organ of a patient, one or more signals, at least a signal among the signals includes first and second components indicative of an electrophysiological (EP) property of the organ, and based on a relation between the first and second components, the processor is configured to estimate a location of at least a transition zone between the first and second regions, and (ii) a display, configured to display at least the estimated transition zone over a map of the organ.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes jaws having an electrode configuration utilized to electrically modify tissue in contact with one or more electrodes. The instrument is removably connectable to an electrosurgical unit via an electrosurgical connector extending from the instrument and a receptacle on the electrosurgical unit. The electrosurgical instrument is rotatable without disrupting electrical connection to the electrodes of the jaws. One or more of the electrodes is retractable. The electrosurgical unit and instrument optimally seals and/or cuts tissue based on identifying the tissue and monitoring the modification of the tissue by the application of radio frequency energy.

Abstract: A method of treating a soft palate in a patient may involve advancing a tissue treatment portion of a soft palate treatment device through the patient's mouth, contacting a treatment surface of the tissue treatment portion with mucosal tissue of the soft palate, and delivering energy from the tissue treatment portion through the mucosal tissue to a target tissue in the soft palate beneath to the mucosal tissue, to change at least one property of the target tissue. The method may further involve cooling the mucosal tissue with a cooling member on the treatment surface of the tissue treatment portion and removing the tissue treatment portion from the mouth.

Abstract: Described embodiments include apparatus that includes a catheter and a tip electrode, at a distal end of the catheter, shaped to define a plurality of microelectrode apertures. The apparatus further includes at least one printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within a lumen of the catheter, and a plurality of microelectrodes coupled to the PCB and at least partly situated within the microelectrode apertures, the PCB being configured to carry signals from the microelectrodes. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Systems, delivery devices, and methods to treat to ablate, damage, or otherwise affect tissue. The treatment systems are capable of delivering energy to nerve tissue in a target region such that at least a portion of the nerve tissue is replaced by scar tissue or otherwise altered to inhibit reinnervation in the target region.

Abstract: A medical device is disposed that is able to prevent short-circuit of a contact portion between an electrode portion and a conductive wire with another contact portion that is electrically independent. A medical device includes an expansion body that is configured to expand and contract in a radial direction, an elongated shaft portion including a proximal end fixing portion to which a proximal end of the expansion body is fixed, a plurality of electrode assemblies including a plurality of electrode portions disposed along the expansion body, and a conductive wire portion disposed in the shaft portion and connected to the electrode assembly with a contact portion, in which at least two or more electrode assemblies are electrically independent, and two or more of the contact portions respectively connected to the two or more electrode assemblies are disposed at different positions in an axial direction in the shaft portion.

Abstract: An expansion body, an elongated shaft portion to which the proximal end of the expansion body is fixed, a plurality of energy transfer elements disposed along the expansion body, and a pulling shaft are included, the pulling shaft is configured to apply, to the expansion body via a force receiving portion, a compressive force that makes compression along an axial center of the shaft portion such that a plurality of energy transfer element arrangement portions and a plurality of facing portions approach each other by sliding in a direction of the proximal end with respect to the shaft portion, and the expansion body includes a buffer portion that is disposed in a first expansion portion and is configured to relax the compressive force by deforming in a direction different from the direction from the force receiving portion toward a distal-side top portion along a distal-side expansion portion.

Abstract: An ablation system (3300) includes a support (3310), a delivery device (3320) configured to deliver the support (3310) to a target tissue, and an ablation element (3330) including a first conductive portion (3331) and a second conductive portion (3332). The first conductive portion (3331) is provided on the support (3310). The second conductive portion (3332) is provided on the support (3310) or the delivery device (3320) or independently from the support (3310) and the delivery device (3320). Both the first conductive portion (3331) and the second conductive portion (3332) are electrically connected to an external pulse ablation source, and the first conductive portion (3331) and the second conductive portion (3332) are configured to transmit pulse ablation energy with different polarities to the target tissue.

Abstract: A device for removably coupling a laser fiber to a shaft of a surgical instrument is disclosed.

Abstract: An energy director (1055) for a catheter system (100) for treating a treatment site (106) within or adjacent to a vessel wall (108A) or heart valve within a body (107) of a patient (109). The catheter system (100) includes an energy source (124) that generates energy, a balloon (104) having a balloon distal region (1004DR) that has a varying diameter, and a balloon proximal region (1004PR) having a substantially constant diameter, and an energy guide (122A) including a guide distal end (122D), the energy guide (122A) being configured to receive the energy from the energy source (124). The energy director (1055) can include a guide sleeve (1057) that is secured to the energy guide (122), the guide sleeve at least partially (1057) encircling the guide distal end (122D) of the energy guide (122A). The guide sleeve (1057) extends distally from the guide distal end (122D) in a direction toward the balloon distal region (1004DR).

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for digital image analysis for device navigation in tissue are disclosed. The disclosed system uses real-time angiography and artificial intelligence to navigate an end effector of a surgical robot through a patient's vasculature to provide a surgical intervention. Digital imaging is performed that enables three-dimensional mapping of the patient's vasculature. Locations and movement of the end effector of the surgical robot are determined. The end effector is used to perform an intervention such as the removal of a blood clot or delivery of a drug for dissolving a blood clot.

Abstract: Provided is a method that encompasses the determination of a virtual trajectory within a virtual representation of a patient's anatomy, wherein the trajectory is defined by a user's visual axis relative to the three-dimensional virtual representation of the patient's anatomy. The method includes acquiring image data which describes the three-dimensional virtual representation of the patient's body part, acquiring position data which describes a spatial position of a user's visual axis within a virtual-world co-ordinate system, determining visualization data based on the image data and the position data, and determining virtual-world trajectory data based on the position data.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation. A three-dimensional computer model of the patient's heart produced from imaging data is used to fabricate a personalized or patient-specific customized ablation catheter. The personalized ablation catheter is shaped to fit the unique anatomy of the patient's left atrium and has ablation elements that correspond with each of the patient's pulmonary vein ostia. Ostial fitment elements engage the ostia to align the ablation elements and a base ring attached by spring members urges the ablation elements into apposition with the inner wall of the left atrium. A neuroprotective mesh is attached across the ring to capture and remove potential emboli. Ablation energy, such as radiofrequency energy, is applied through the ablation elements. Electrodes located on the personalized ablation catheter are used to verify electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins at the completion of the procedure.

Abstract: A detection system for detection of surgical implements within a body of a patient, includes a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field, a sensor configured to sense a distortion in the magnetic field in response to an approximation of the sensor to a surgical implement, a processor, and a memory. The memory includes instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the processor, cause the system to: generate a directional magnetic field within a surgical site by the magnetic field generator; sense a distortion in the magnetic field using the sensor; and determine a presence of the surgical implement in response to the sensed distortion in the directional magnetic field.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are planning, navigation and simulation systems and methods for minimally invasive image-guided percutaneous intervention in which the planning method and system use patient-specific pre-operative images and instrument-specific parameters to generate a planned insertion path. A system includes a needle guide device that interfaces with a computing device to guide a needle-like probe towards target location within an anatomy of a subject. The computing device includes a processor configured to receive volumetric image data of the anatomy of the subject, and data about parameters of the needle guide device. One or more algorithms executed by the processor provide direct visualization of a parametric contour map superposed on an image of the patient's skin surface. A user can choose an optimal insertion point for the planned insertion path based the parametric contour map.

Abstract: A device for computer aided surgery, including: a body; an optical element coupled to the body; a fiducial coupled to the body; and a calibration element. The calibration element be a pointer tip or a divot, either individually or in combination.

Abstract: A method for accurately positioning a navigation target point includes: selecting a navigation reference with a fixed position, acquiring positions of the navigation reference and the navigation target point in a navigation coordinate system respectively, and calculating a position of the navigation target point relative to the navigation reference, so as to further obtain a position of the navigation target point in a coordinate system of the navigation reference. As long as the navigation reference does not move, the coordinate system of the navigation reference will not change during the entire navigation process, and spatial position coordinates of the navigation target point in the coordinate system of the navigation reference will not be interfered by the navigation coordinate system.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the systems, apparatus, and methods disclosed herein relate to robotic surgical systems with built-in navigation capability for patient position tracking and surgical instrument guidance during a surgical procedure, without the need for a separate navigation system. Robotic based navigation of surgical instruments during surgical procedures allows for easy registration and operative volume identification and tracking. The systems, apparatus, and methods herein allow re-registration, model updates, and operative volumes to be performed intra-operatively with minimal disruption to the surgical workflow. In certain embodiments, navigational assistance can be provided to a surgeon by displaying a surgical instrument's position relative to a patient's anatomy.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide a neurosurgeon with real-time feedback on safety of prospective surgical trajectories, which can simultaneously reduce surgical intervention times and improve patient safety. Examples can determine a level of safety for a prospective surgical trajectory by determining a number of times that a prospective surgical trajectory representation (e.g., a 1D line representing a prospective surgical trajectory) intersects (a) a patient-specific 3D cortical surface representation (i.e., a 3D representation representing an exterior surface of the patient's brain cortex); and (b) one or more patient-specific 3D hazard brain region representations (e.g., 3D representations representing hazard brain regions of the patient to be avoided during surgery).

Abstract: A control module for a surgical handpiece assembly includes a body encapsulated in a sealed assembly extending from a first end portion to a second end portion and having a first side opposing a second side. A collar is formed by the first end portion and forms an opening extending from the first side to the second side and configured to pass an output shaft of an electric motor. A control circuit and a motor switching circuit are enclosed within the body. The body includes a plurality of positioning features disposed about the opening on the first side and the second side of the collar, wherein the positioning features engage complementary retention features on a stator assembly and a drive coupling assembly of the surgical handpiece aligning the collar with the output shaft.

Abstract: A robot connector, including: a connector configured to connect to a mounting surface of a robot; a guiding insert that is compressible, wherein the guiding insert has an opening configured to receive a guide tube; a guide tube holder with an opening wherein the guide tube is attached to the connector and the opening is configured to receive the compressible guiding insert; and a locking mechanism configured to lock the guiding insert and the guide tube to the connector.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to robotic surgical systems for improving surgical procedures. In certain embodiments, the disclosed technology relates to robotic surgical systems for use in osteotomy procedures in which bone is cut to shorten, lengthen, or change alignment of a bone structure. The osteotome, an instrument for removing parts of the vertebra, is guided by the surgical instrument guide which is held by the robot. In certain embodiments, the robot moves only in the “locked” plane (one of the two which create the wedge—i.e., the portion of the bone resected during the osteotomy). In certain embodiments, the robot shall prevent the osteotome (or other surgical instrument) from getting too deep/beyond the tip of the wedge. In certain embodiments, the robotic surgical system is integrated with neuromonitoring to prevent damage to the nervous system.

Abstract: A surgical robotic system comprising: a surgical robotic arm having a plurality of robotic arm links and a plurality of joints operable to move according to multiple degrees of freedom; a proximity sensor coupled to the surgical robotic arm, the proximity sensor comprising a plurality of sensing pads operable to detect a movement of a nearby controlling object prior to contact with the surgical robotic arm; and a processor configured to determine a desired position of the surgical robotic arm based on the detected movement of the nearby controlling object and drive a movement of more than one of the plurality of robotic arm links or the plurality of joints to achieve the desired position of the surgical robotic arm.

Abstract: A method controls a robotic system for medical or surgical teleoperation. The robotic system includes a hand-held master device, mechanically unconstrained to the ground and moveable by an operator; and a slave device including a surgical instrument adapted to be controlled by the master device, so that movements of the slave device, or of the surgical instrument of the slave device, referred to one or more of a plurality of controllable degrees of freedom are controlled by respective movements of the master device, according to a master-slave control architecture. The method firstly includes the steps of defining a first enslaved state of the system and a second decoupled state of the system. A controller controls transitions between the first and second states. The controllable degrees of freedom include degrees of freedom of translation and of orientation. A master-slave robotic system for medical or surgical teleoperation performs the method.

Abstract: A surgical robot includes a manipulator arm having a tip end side to which a surgical instrument is attached, a controller configured or programmed to perform a control to operate the manipulator arm to which the surgical instrument is attached, and a teaching unit to teach a teaching point in a space in which the manipulator arm operates. The controller is configured or programmed to set a virtual contact prohibited space in a space around a contact prohibited object based on a plurality of the teaching points taught using the teaching unit.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a controller configured or programmed to perform an arm interference avoidance control to move a second manipulator arm relative to a first manipulator arm such that a reference line moves along an outer edge of an approach prohibited range of a first manipulator arm when a second manipulator arm approaches within the approach prohibited range.

Abstract: A system for performing a dental procedure includes a hand piece having a robot arm that extends along a first axis, and a medical tool coupled with a distal end of the robot arm. The system includes a first gimbal coupled with the robot arm for rotating the robot arm and the medical tool about the first axis, a second gimbal coupled with the robot arm for tilting the medical tool up and down relative to the first axis, and a third gimbal coupled with the robot arm for moving the medical tool up and down along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A method for operating a surgical robot includes providing a plurality of virtual haptic geometries associated with different steps of a surgical procedure, evaluating a plurality of criteria associated with a first virtual haptic geometry of the plurality of virtual haptic geometries, activating the first virtual haptic geometry of the plurality of virtual haptic geometries without activating a second virtual haptic geometry of the plurality of virtual haptic geometries in response to satisfaction of the plurality of criteria, and controlling the surgical robot to constrain movement of an end effector of the surgical robot to the first virtual haptic geometry in response to activating the first virtual haptic geometry.

Abstract: A medical device sterile barrier system that is easier for surgical personnel to use by allowing easier opening and removal of the medical device from the sterile packaging, includes a sterile bag within which a medical device is held secure via a removable holster, the holster being fashioned with a hinge feature such that the holster has a clamshell arrangement and folds in half along the hinge feature to clamp the medical device parts in place between the two halves of the clamshell. To remove the medical device the holster is simply unfolded about the hinge feature to reveal the parts of the device, which can then be lifted out of the holster and assembled in the usual way. There are thus no polymer tab features forming part of the holster and interacting with the device to secure it in place that need removal before the device can be used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument for treating a body, wherein the medical instrument has a carrier unit having an outside to an environment and at least one first interior space within the carrier unit, and an overpressure can be applied to the interior space, wherein the medical instrument has a pressure relief device having at least one elastic sealing element, wherein the at least one elastic sealing element is arranged in a first recess in and/or on the outside of the carrier unit and the at least one interior space is connected to the first recess by means of at least one pressure relief channel, such that, when the overpressure is applied to the at least one interior space, the overpressure can be discharged into the environment by means of the first recess being freed by the at least one elastic sealing element.

Abstract: An ear canal clamp for small animals includes a base and a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes two clamping arms movably mounted on the base, a biasing member mounted on the base and constrained between the clamping arms, and two ear canal positioning members mounted respectively to the clamping arms and facing each other. The clamping arms are configured to move toward each other and compress the biasing member to increase the distance between the ear canal positioning members. A biasing force generated by the biasing member when compressed is used to push the clamping arms to move oppositely with respect to each other.

Abstract: The various inventions relate to robotic surgical devices, consoles for operating such surgical devices, operating theaters in which the various devices can be used, insertion systems for inserting and using the surgical devices, and related methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for a computerized framework that provides novel mechanisms for arthroscopic applications using real-time blood flow information. The disclosed framework operates by determining a real-time (or near real-time or substantially simultaneous) visualization of blood vessels or perfusion within anatomical structures during intraoperative procedures, and leveraging this determined information for the performance of an arthroscopic procedure. The disclosed framework can enable an arthroscopic camera to see blood flow and perfusion in tissues in real-time, which allows for differentiation of various parts of the anatomy that may otherwise be undetectable.

Abstract: An ultrasonic echogenic device (100) includes a base layer (1), an echogenic layer (2) covering the base layer (1) and adhered to the base layer (1) at least by a separate lower adhesive (4), an outer layer (3) covering the echogenic layer (2) and adhered to the echogenic layer (2) at least by a separate upper adhesive (5), wherein the ultrasonic echogenic device (100) is configured such that a rough interface is provided at a position where the echogenic material of the echogenic layer (2) contacts at least the upper surface of the upper adhesive (4), and the outer surface of the outer layer (3) at least partially follows an undulation of the rough interface. An ultrasonic echogenic device (100) with a simple structure and easily formed is obtained.

Abstract: Surgeon support systems may be composed of a variety of components and used in a variety of manners to provide support for a surgeon's torso and/or arms. In particular implementations, a surgeon support system may include a base, a vertical support system, and a surgeon support mechanism. The base may be configured to allow a surgeon to move laterally, and the vertical support system may be coupled to the base and have a vertical member that may raise and lower relative to the base. The surgeon support mechanism may be coupled to the vertical support system member near the second end and extending laterally therefrom in a direction perpendicular to the vertical member. In some implementations, a horizontal support system may be coupled to the vertical member near a first end and extend laterally across the base to a second end, where it couples with the surgeon support mechanism.

Abstract: A formation of a biofilm is suppressed in piping having a relatively small liquid flow rate. A liquid processing nozzle connected to a liquid piping between a handpiece and a water supply source piping includes a nozzle body in which a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and a liquid flow path communicating the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are formed, and a plurality of protrusions protruding from an inner surface of the liquid flow path into the liquid flow path. The protrusions are arranged so that protrusion amounts from the inner surface of the liquid flow path into the liquid flow path gradually increase as they go from an upstream side to a downstream side of the liquid flow path in a liquid flow direction from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet.

Abstract: Methods of treating exposed tooth pulp are provided herein, including, e.g., methods of pulp capping comprising administering a combination of growth factor substance and pulp capping material to exposed pulp thereby inducing dentin formation and/or pulp revitalization.

Abstract: An endodontic tool for activating a disinfectant liquid sprayed in a cavity of a tooth, includes: a body, elongated along an axis and including a handgrip, for allowing an operator to hold the tool; a tip, connected to the body, configured to be immersed in the liquid; an actuator associated with the body and configured to transmit a vibration to the tip; a heater, associated with the body and configured to heat the disinfectant liquid in the tooth. The heater is designed to heat the tip and the tip is designed to heat the disinfectant liquid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the automatic determination of the quality of a digital three-dimensional (3D) models of a patient's dentition. These methods and apparatuses may determine the if a digital 3D model is of sufficient quality for use in treatment planning and may use a machine learning agent (e.g., neural network) that is trained using a set of defects that are recognized as impacting the quality and/or utility of the digital 3D model for treatment planning of a particular treatment.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating a treatment plan for arch expansion where a polymeric shell appliance is utilized to generate one or more activation forces that facilitate tooth movement. The polymeric shell appliances may comprise one or more tooth receiving cavities, in which each of the plurality of tooth receiving cavities is shaped and arranged to provide a counter moment of each of the plurality of teeth.

Abstract: A mechanical dental bonding scrubbing apparatus with timer that can be used in bonding protocol of dental adhesives or composite fillings, characterized by being formed by a main body configured to receive a microbrush and equipped with a timer that has a time counting element that can be programmed for lagged timing with different notification sounds. The apparatus can be used with regular micro brushes available currently for use.

Abstract: A transmucosal base for receiving a dental prosthesis on a dental implant extends in a longitudinal direction (I-I) between a proximal end and a distal end. The transmucosal base includes a proximal portion shaped so as to be received in or on a dental implant, a distal portion shaped so as to support a dental prosthesis, a longitudinal through-passage successively including an upstream cylindrical portion, a seat for a screw, and a downstream cylindrical portion bounded by a side wall. The transmucosal base includes, in the longitudinal through-passage, a radial inner housing arranged in the peripheral wall of the seat and in the side wall of the downstream cylindrical portion.

Abstract: Improvements in a dental/prosthetic implant are disclosed. The implant includes interior and exterior threaded surfaces. The use of both interior and exterior expanding threaded surfaces for integrations of the insert and a prosthetic with the same implant. The implant is immediately usable under load and promotes rapid integration with bone growth. The expanded insert essentially contacts the tapped bone surfaces where loads can be immediately applied so a person can utilize the prosthetic implant. The implant can further include security devices GPS, ID with medical records making removal of the implant difficult to extract. A cushioning member may be further integrated. The implant/abutment can include a surface with a plurality of contacts with sufficient gold contact points to attach residual nerve endings, during implanting surgery to provide nerve identification, send, receive, target to exploit proprioceptive memory or retraining.

Abstract: A fastening system for a dental implant, the fastening system comprising: a locking element comprising a central throughgoing aperture, the aperture having a first distal portion, and a second proximal portion, the second proximal portion having a reduced inner diameter with respect to the first distal portion; a dental superstructure provided with a cavity for receiving the locking element, the cavity having a distal portion and a proximal portion separated by a shoulder, and a fastening element receivable within the cavity and the aperture, the fastening element being substantially restricted from distal displacement by the shoulder of the cavity.

Abstract: A system for dental implant restoration is provided. It includes universal aligning adaptors and prosthetic components having co-operable indices, which together form a translational, integrating system which aligns, synchronizes, and references the prosthetic components about an implant's central axis of rotation. Rotation of an adaptor about a prosthetic component, with its reference point becoming aligned to a predetermined reference point on the prosthetic component, followed by the rotation of the adaptor/prosthetic component assembly about the implant, situates the prosthetic component in a predetermined position such that all other prosthetic components become synchronized to the adaptor's reference point. The prosthetic component is mechanical for clinical or lab bench use, or is virtual for restoration design in a software program, prior to milling prosthetic abutments or devices.

Abstract: A guide rod and method for application are provided for facilitating abutment placement on dental implants. The guide rod is configured to fit through a mounting screw channel of an abutment, and has a mounting end. The mounting end is configured to fit a mounting socket of a dental implant onto which the abutment is to be mounted. The guide rod typically has a length that extends above the top of the abutment when the guide rod is mounted and the abutment is positioned on the dental implant. Once the abutment is positioned, the guide rod is replaced with a mounting screw.