Abstract: The invention relates to ablation catheter electrodes that solve in part the problem of tissue charring during radiofrequency ablation. The electrode assemblies of the invention include passageways that lead from the inner lumen of the assemblies to the surface of the assemblies, wherein the passageways have a smooth conjunction with the outer surface. These smooth conjunctions comprise rounded edges or are chamfered. In the case of rounded edges, the rounded edges can have fixed radii of about 0.002? to about 0.008?.

Abstract: The disclosure notably relates to a system for phrenic nerve stimulation. The stimulation system comprises a catheter (200) including one or more intravascular electrodes each arranged on a distal portion (240) of the catheter. The catheter is configured to be introduced in the superior vena cava (VC) of a human patient. The stimulation system also comprises an extracorporeal electrode patch (260) configured to be affixed to the patient opposite to the distal portion relative to the phrenic nerve. The extracorporeal electrode patch is operable in a bipolar mode with the one or more intravascular electrodes. Such a system forms an improved solution for phrenic nerve stimulation, in particular during a cryoablation procedure.

Abstract: An esophageal ablation system including a positioner, an elongated, flexible shaft extending from the positioner, and a microwave emitter assembly disposed near the distal end of the shaft. The emitter assembly includes one or more microwave antennae and a balloon for spacing the antennae relative to target tissue. The device may have an inner balloon for deploying the antenna. The systems, devices and methods disclosed are useful for treating Barrett's Esophagus, Esophageal Adenocarcinoma, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Abstract: A vascular therapy device (10) includes a catheter (12) including at least one optical fiber (18) with a light output aperture (20). A containment sheath (14) has a sheath opening (13) disposed at an end thereof. The catheter is disposed inside the containment sheath and movable relative to the containment sheath to extend the light output aperture beyond the sheath opening such that the light output aperture is outside of the containment sheath. A safety sensor (22) is configured to detect whether the light output aperture is in a safe zone inside the containment sheath.

Abstract: A system and techniques are provided for suggesting a surgery plan and a surgical instrument selection. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to receive a set of inputs for a surgical procedure for a patient. Subsequently, the system may determine one or more potential plans for the surgical procedure based at least in part on the set of inputs and, in some implementations, a machine learning model. The system may then receive a selection of a plan from the one or more potential plans and determine a plurality of surgical instruments corresponding to the plan from the selection. Accordingly, the system may then be configured to provide an output that indicates the plurality of surgical instruments to load in a surgical tray. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to load the plurality of surgical instruments into the surgical tray.

Abstract: A data processing method according to the present disclosure comprises: determining whether a simulation model is to be generated, based on scan data of an object obtained by scanning the object, and at least one simulation condition for the scan data; when it has been determined that the simulation model is not generated, editing at least a part of the scan data; and generating the simulation model based on the edited scan data and the at least one simulation condition previously applied in the determining whether the simulation model is to be generated.

Abstract: A method for implementing a dynamic three-dimensional lung map view for navigating a probe inside a patient's lungs includes loading a navigation plan into a navigation system, the navigation plan including a planned pathway shown in a 3D model generated from a plurality of CT images, inserting the probe into a patient's airways, registering a sensed location of the probe with the planned pathway, selecting a target in the navigation plan, presenting a view of the 3D model showing the planned pathway and indicating the sensed location of the probe, navigating the probe through the airways of the patient's lungs toward the target, iteratively adjusting the presented view of the 3D model showing the planned pathway based on the sensed location of the probe, and updating the presented view by removing at least a part of an object forming part of the 3D model.

Abstract: A navigation system of a surgical robot includes an endoscope and a navigation device. The endoscope is configured to capture an internal image of a tissue. The navigation device is configured for: analyzing the internal image to obtain a depth information of the tissue; determining whether there are several passages in the tissue according to the depth information; and selecting the passage that conforms to a path planning setting when the passages appear in the tissue.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for locating at least one characteristic point in a region of a joint having a joint center (AC. HC. KC), the joint center (AC. HC. KC) being an end of a bone (T. F), a bone tracker (T_F. T_T) has been fixed to said bone and defines a reference system (Ref_T. Ref_F).

Abstract: A depth-indicating device for determining the depth of insertion of a surgical tool comprising a pair of spaced apart end caps, separated by a compressed spring, with the surgical tool passing through axial openings in both end caps, and firmly attached to one of the end caps, but free to slide through the opening in the other. A guide tube is attached to the second endcap, such that the surgical tool can be guided to its operating position on a body part. The second end cap and guide tube are attached to a location having a known position relative to the body part. A tracking marker is attached to the first end cap such that its longitudinal position can be tracked using a remote racking camera. Since the surgical tool is attached to the first end cap, the tool position is also tracked by the tracking system.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an ultrasound imaging system including a navigation operation device. The navigation operation device may include a supporting component, a navigation operation component, and a feedback assembly. The navigation operation component may be configured to perform a navigation operation on a display screen; and the feedback assembly may be configured to drive, based on the navigation operation, the navigation operation component to provide a feedback on the navigation operation.

Abstract: A method for assessing tissue remodeling risk is provided. The method comprises (a) obtaining a plurality of images of a target region of a subject's skin, wherein the plurality of images comprises (1) a set of visible light images and (2) a set of fluorescent images; (b) processing the plurality of images to determine an optimal image pair for the target region, wherein the optimal image pair comprises: (i) a first visible light image selected from (1), and (ii) a first fluorescent image selected from (2); (c) generating an assessment of the target region based at least on the optimal image pair; and (d) displaying on a graphical user interface the assessment, the optimal image pair, and a schematic showing a location of the target region on the subject's body, wherein the assessment is indicative of a probability of tissue remodeling at the target region.

Abstract: A system for controlling a catheter-based procedure system that includes a robotic drive configured to control rotational motion and axial motion of one or more elongated medical devices may include a body, a first control coupled to the body, and a second control coupled to the body. First control is configured to instruct the robotic drive to axially move one of the one or more elongated medical devices in response to manipulation of the first control by a user, and the second control is configured to instruct the robotic drive to rotate one of the one or more elongated medical devices in response to manipulation of the second control by the user, wherein the first control and the second control are positioned on the body so the first control and the second control can be simultaneously manipulated by a first digit and a second digit on a hand of the user.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical robot arm, and more particularly, to a minimally invasive surgical robot arm that is formed in a modular manner for use in a laparoscopic surgery or other various surgeries.

Abstract: Robotic surgical systems and methods for using both laparoscopic and trans-cervical tools and imaging devices to resect fibroids or other abnormal uterine tissue.

Abstract: Co-manipulation robotic systems are described herein that may be used for assisting with laparoscopic surgical procedures. The co-manipulation robotic systems allow a surgeon to use commercially-available surgical tools while providing benefits associated with surgical robotics. Advantageously, the surgical tools may be seamlessly coupled to the robot arms using a disposable coupler while the reusable portions of the robot arm remain in a sterile drape. Further, the co-manipulation robotic system may operate in multiple modes to enhance usability and safety, while allowing the surgeon to position the instrument directly with the instrument handle and further maintain the desired position of the instrument using the robot arm.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a robotic arm, a surgical instrument, a surgical portal, and a linear slide mechanism. The linear slide mechanism is coupled to the robotic arm and is configured to movably support the surgical portal relative to the surgical instrument. The linear mechanism can support a movable carriage and a movable rail positioned to translate relative to moveable carriage to enable a surgical instrument to move relative to movable carriage.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical system that supports a surgical operation using an observation device and a surgical robot. The surgical system includes: an observation device that observes an operative field; a surgical robot that supports a surgical tool; a fixing portion that fixes a relationship of relative position and posture between the observation device and the surgical robot; and a processing unit that performs processing for coordinate conversion between coordinates on a captured image of the observation device and coordinates of the surgical tool on the basis of the relationship of relative position and posture. The observation device includes a microscope and a pre-lens, and the fixing portion fixes a relationship of relative position and posture of the surgical robot with respect to the pre-lens.

Abstract: An end effector of surgical instrument includes a distal jaw with a stem extending proximally from the distal jaw. The stem is captured between a medial component and a lateral component. An axial post integrated with the medial component extends through a collar in the step into an opening in the lateral component.

Abstract: A method for attaching a surgical instrument to an instrument carriage includes engaging an instrument sterile adapter with an instrument carriage using a first latch mechanism of the instrument sterile adapter; and engaging a surgical instrument with the instrument sterile adapter using a second latch mechanism of the instrument sterile adapter. In an engaged state of the second latch mechanism with surgical instrument the first latch mechanism is not disengageable from the instrument carriage. The first latch mechanism and the second latch mechanism are coupled to a frame portion of the instrument sterile adapter via a connecting member.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of heart conditions, and other medical purposes, include cardiac pacing systems. For example, this document describes temporary transvenous endocardial pacemaker systems and devices for deploying such systems without the need for conventional imaging procedures.

Abstract: A communications-equipped cabinet comprising a plurality of chambers, each chamber holding one or more emergency response items, is described. Each chamber has a door restricting access to the emergency response items contained therein. At least one door has a door monitor apparatus attached that sends a signal to a controller indicating that the respective door is no longer closed. The controller sends a signal that activates a monitor attached to the cabinet when the respective door is no longer closed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for providing optimal photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor placement instructions to a subject. As described, the systems and methods of the present disclosure minimizes the risk of low signal quality by ensuring proper device placement, supports patient autonomy by providing guided assistance, and reduces the number of wasted sensors due to improper placement.

Abstract: A method of detecting a potential collision between an end-effector and bystander anatomy is provided. A cut-file or a representation of an implant is registered to a position of a first bone, the registered cut-file defining at least one orientation for an end-effector axis to assume while physically modifying the first bone. Imaging data of bystander anatomy is registered to a position of the bystander anatomy. The at least one orientation of the end-effector axis as defined in the registered cut-file is calculated in a computer if it has a spatial overlap with the registered imaging data to detect the potential collision. A portion of the registered representation can also projected along an axis with the projection used to determine possible collisions and if so provide the user with options.

Abstract: A biopsy site marker configured to expand upon deployment into a biopsy cavity, and visible under several different imaging modalities, comprises a superabsorbent hydrogel component and a radiopaque element. The hydrogel is in a compressed, dehydrated state prior to deployment to facilitate placement of the marker within the biopsy site, and thereafter expands upon deployment in the biopsy site. Such expansion limits migration of the site marker.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system of devices and a method for preparing a tooth to receive a restoration. The system includes a dental instrument for removal of portions of a tooth in the mouth of a patent and an overlay for guiding the dental instrument during the step of tooth removal. The overlay is designed for temporary installation into the mouth of the patient to guide the dental instrument to remove tooth material. The overlay has one or more sets of guide walls, with a predetermined configuration capable of contacting one or more guide projections of the dental instrument, and a receptacle capable of receiving and attaching to the dental instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental implant surgical drill guide device. The dental implant surgical drill guide device comprises: a body portion extending in a longitudinal direction in a cylindrical shape having a first diameter; a neck portion having a second diameter and extending in the longitudinal direction from an end of one side of the body portion; and an extension portion having a third diameter, extending in the longitudinal direction from an end of the other side of the body portion, and having a stepped structure with the body portion. The body portion, the neck portion, and the extension portion are formed integrally. The size of the third diameter is formed to be smaller than the size of the first diameter and larger than the size of the second diameter.

Abstract: A data processing method according to the present invention comprises: an occlusion data acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of occlusion data, which includes at least a portion of the shape of the upper jaw and the shape of the lower jaw of an object; an occlusion model generation step of aligning each of the plurality of occlusion data with upper jaw data expressing the upper jaw and lower jaw data expressing the lower jaw, so as to generate a plurality of occlusion models; and an occlusion model display step of continuously displaying at least some of the plurality of occlusion models.

Abstract: A method for determining orthodontic brackets in order to use standard brackets or a combination of standard and custom brackets. The method determines which teeth in a digital 3D model of teeth have surfaces that will virtually fit to a base of a standard bracket within a tolerance. For those teeth that will virtually fit to one of the standard brackets, each of the teeth are associated with the corresponding standard bracket for later placement of the brackets on the surfaces of the patient's teeth. The method also identifies the teeth in the digital 3D model of teeth that will not virtually fit to a standard bracket, and brackets with custom bases can be designed and made for those teeth.

Abstract: Dental attachment positioning apparatuses and methods of use. A dental attachment apparatus may include an orthodontic attachment having a surface shaped to conform to a contour of a buccal surface of a tooth, and one or more registration surfaces that are shaped to conform to one or more occlusal surfaces of the patient's teeth. The one or more registration surfaces may be configured to aid in proper positioning or orientation of the orthodontic attachment. When the attachment positioning apparatus is placed on the patient's dentition, the orthodontic attachment is positioned at a specified location with respect to the buccal surface of the tooth.

Abstract: A removable orthodontic appliance for facilitating orthodontic treatments includes a dental brace. Further, the dental brace is configured to be removably attached to teeth of one of an upper jaw and a lower jaw of a user. Further, the dental brace corresponds to a dental arch of the teeth of one of the upper jaw and the lower jaw. Further, the dental brace includes two dental crowns and dental attachments. Further, the two dental crowns are configured to be removably inserted on two molar teeth of one of the upper jaw and the lower jaw for holding the dental brace to one of the upper jaw and the lower jaw. Further, the dental attachments are configured to be removably secured to the teeth based on the removably inserting of the two dental crowns. Further, the dental attachments are interconnected and connected to the two dental crowns.

Abstract: A micro-magnetic integrated orthodontic bracket, a flexible magnetic patch and a preparation method thereof are provided. The micro-magnetic integrated orthodontic bracket includes a base body and an arch wire groove disposed on the base body. The arch wire groove is used for threading an arch wire. Under normal orthodontic treatment, the micro-magnetic integrated orthodontic bracket is normally disposed on a buccal side of a tooth, and its front side is normally arranged with the arch wire for force exertion to carry out the orthodontic treatment. And the micro-magnetic integrated orthodontic bracket serves as a carrier to bear the orthodontic treatment force generated by the arch wire.

Abstract: An orthodontic indirect bonding tray that may transfer orthodontic brackets, bite turbo, and/or orthodontic auxiliaries is disclosed. The indirect bonding tray may be digitally designed and 3D printed or fabricated based on a bonding model. The indirect bonding tray may transfer the orthodontic brackets, bite turbos, and orthodontic auxiliaries to any tooth surface. The indirect bonding tray may be designed to transfer bite turbos that vary in size, shape, and the amount of bite opening or functional correction.

Abstract: A dental implant includes an internal passage/shaft extending down from the top of the implant with a connection structure that includes, at/near the opening into the internal passage, a lead-in bevel configured for insertion of a post, abutment, or other insert, into the passage, below the lead-in bevel, inside the passage, an internal wrench-engaging surface; and, below the internal wrench-engaging surface, inside the passage, another beveled portion, inside the implant, configured to mate with the insert/abutment/post, to form an interference fit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data processing method performed by a data processing device, the data processing method including obtaining a first scan model and a second scan model, determining whether to initially align the first scan model and the second scan model, and in response to determining not to initially align the first scan model and the second scan model, precisely aligning the first scan model and the second scan model.

Abstract: A method of producing a dental restoration, including the steps of determining (S101) a first spatial region of the dental restoration that is subject to a higher load than a second spatial region of the dental restoration; and producing (S102) the dental restoration in the first spatial region with a different production material than in the second spatial region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a plastics body with patterned layers for producing dental prostheses having the steps: method for production, wherein the method is characterized by the following steps: A) providing a first and a second PMMA-based compound which are uncured and have different colorations; B) heating of a first patterned pressing surface to between 90° C. and 150° C.; C) pressing of the first PMMA-based compound with the heated first pressing surface, such that a patterned surface of the first PMMA-based compound is obtained; D) detachment of the first pressing surface; E) heating of the first or of a second patterned pressing surface to between 90° C. and 150° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental piece being processed (1) or blank for producing a dental restoration, in particular an abutment, crown, bridge or snap-on connection, having a processing area (B), which may be processed by a dental processing device (2) and which has a cylindrical base body having a longitudinal axis (X), a top surface (5), a base surface (6) and a lateral surface (7), and a fastening area (F) for fastening the piece being processed (1) to a holder (3) of the processing device (2), wherein the fastening area (F) is arranged radially around the cylindrical base body of the processing area (B), wherein the piece being processed (1) may be mounted in the holder (3) with the aid of the fastening area (F) in such a way that it may be processed in parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) in the mounted state.

Abstract: A ridged dental floss that includes a flexible dental floss string of a polymeric material that includes multiple sections of ridges, wherein a first section includes a tightly spaced series of spherical ridges each of an elastic polymeric material and directly coupled to opposing sides of the dental floss string to define a diameter and a second section adjacent to the first section includes a tightly spaced series of spherical ridges each of an elastic polymeric material and directly coupled to opposing sides of the dental floss string to define a diameter, wherein the diameters of each of the tightly spaced series of spherical ridges in the second section are greater than the diameters of each of the tightly spaced series of spherical ridges in the first section.

Abstract: A nozzle and an oral irrigator device are provided. The oral irrigator device includes an irrigator body and the nozzle. The oral irrigator device defines a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction that are perpendicular to each other. The nozzle includes a main body portion extending along the first direction away from the irrigator body and an extension portion connected to one end of the main body portion. The extension portion obliquely extends along the second direction away from the main body portion. The extension portion includes a free end. The outlet is defined on an end surface of the free end of the extension portion; at least one section of an outer contour of the end surface of the free end of the extension portion is straight.

Abstract: A multipurpose dental cleaning device, including a main body to facilitate gripping thereof, a plurality of bristles disposed on at least a portion of a first end of the main body to brush at least one tooth, and a floss compartment disposed within at least a portion of a second end of the main body, the floss compartment including a compartment body to store a line of floss therein, a roll of floss movably disposed within at least a portion of the compartment body to coil the line of floss, a floss dispensing aperture disposed on at least a portion of the compartment body to facilitate extraction of the line of floss from within the compartment body, and a plurality of floss holders movably disposed on at least a portion of the compartment body to hold the line of floss on at least a portion thereof, and a motor disposed within at least a portion of the main body to perform at least one of vibrate the plurality of bristles and oscillate the roll of floss.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to oral health products, such as electric toothbrushes. In one example, the electric toothbrush includes a housing, an output shaft positioned within and extending out of the housing, a magnetic assembly positioned within the housing and configured to impart an oscillation motion to the output shaft, and a spring positioned within the housing. The spring includes a first end non-rotatably coupled to the housing and a second end non-rotatably coupled to the output shaft, such that the spring twists as the magnetic assembly oscillates the output shaft to amplify the oscillation motion of the output shaft generated by the magnetic assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an autologous bio-filler to a patient is provided. The method includes harvesting dermal columns from a harvesting site and mincing the dermal columns into microsegments, where the microsegments form the autologous bio-filler. The method also includes injecting the autologous bio-filler into a recipient site of the patient.

Abstract: An introducer assembly is disclosed for minimally invasive deployment of a medical device in a vessel including a handle, comprising a locking mechanism for locking a guidewire relative said handle. The medical device is for example an embolic protection device such as a deflection filter. A position of said guidewire relative said handle can thus be provided to control a position of the deflection filter in the vessel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing artificial blood vessels. In certain embodiments, the method for producing blood vessels includes printing an elastic outer layer and removing polyvinyl alcohol component from the elastic outer layer. The process then involves forming a first inner layer of smooth muscle cells, wherein the smooth muscle cells are mixed with 5 fibrinogen solution and extruded with thrombin to form a smooth muscle cell gel, and forming a second inner layer of endothelial cells, wherein the endothelial cells are mixed with fibrinogen solution and extruded with thrombin to form an endothelial cell gel.

Abstract: An endovascular grommet includes a central member including a central portion and first and second portions extending from the central portion. The endovascular grommet further includes an inner ring connected to the central member, a first outer ring connected to the central member, a second outer ring connected to the central member, a first coil secured to the first portion of the central member, and a second coil secured to the second portion of the central member. The grommet is configured for deployment within an in-situ fenestration.

Abstract: An endovascular apparatus is provided for treating the effects of vascular disease including aneurysms and arterial blockages using a percutaneous, minimally invasive technique. In one embodiment the endovascular apparatus includes a tubular sleeve having a cranial end, a first caudal branch, and a second caudal branch such that the tubular sleeve is shaped like an upside down “Y.” The apparatus further includes at least one expandable attachment device attached to the tubular sleeve for securing the endovascular apparatus to an interior wall of a vessel. The at least one expandable attachment device includes a plurality of telescoping segments similar to the telescoping segments of a presentation pointer. Accordingly, during percutaneous insertion of the endovascular apparatus into a patient the attachment device can be collapsed into a small profile.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves may be delivered to a targeted native heart valve site via one or more delivery catheters. In some embodiments, the prosthetic heart valve includes structural features that securely anchor the prosthetic heart valve to the anatomy at the site of the native heart valve. Such structural features can provide robust migration resistance. In addition, the prosthetic heart valves can include structural features that improve sealing between the prosthetic valve and native valve anatomy to mitigate paravalvular leakage. In particular implementations, the prosthetic heart valves occupy a small delivery profile, thereby facilitating a smaller delivery catheter system for advancement to the heart. Some delivery catheter systems can include a curved inner catheter to facilitate deployment of the prosthetic heart valve to a native tricuspid valve site via a superior vena cava or inferior vena cava.

Abstract: Certain examples of the disclosure concern a method for assembling a cover assembly for a docking device configured to receive a prosthetic valve. The method includes braiding a first layer over a mandrel, braiding a second layer over the first layer to form a multi-layer structure, shape-setting the multi-layer structure so that the multi-layer structure conforms to a shape of the mandrel, and laser cutting the multi-layer structure to form a proximal end and a distal end. The laser cutting can fuse the second layer to the first layer at the proximal end and the distal end.

Abstract: A prosthetic spacer assembly includes a spacer body, a first anchor, and a second anchor. The first anchor and the second anchor each extend from the spacer body. The spacer body is radially compressible and self-expandable. The spacer body is configured for placement between the anterior and posterior native valve leaflets.