Abstract: An operation image positioning method is disclosed. A point-cloud camera captures a point-cloud image of first and second positioning marks respectively fixed on a treated portion and an X-ray imaging machine. The first and second positioning marks within the point-cloud image are recognized to compute a first conversion module between the point-cloud camera and the treated portion and a second conversion module between the point-cloud camera and the X-ray imaging machine, thereby computing a third conversion module between the treated portion and the X-ray imaging machine. An image positioning camera captures a positioning image of the first positioning mark. The first positioning mark within the positioning image is recognized to compute a fourth conversion module between the image positioning camera and the treated portion. A fifth conversion module between the image positioning camera and the X-ray imaging machine is computed according to the third and fourth conversion modules.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for performing optical signal analysis for tissue ablation using a catheter having viewports. A method includes transmitting illumination toward a target tissue via the viewport. The method also includes receiving, at a first viewport, a first scattered illumination from the target tissue and generating a first measurement signal based on the first scattered illumination. The method also includes receiving, at the first viewport, a second scattered illumination from the target tissue after the receiving of the first scattered illumination and generating a second measurement signal based on the second scattered illumination. The method also includes determining whether the viewport is in contact with the target tissue based on a first difference among the plurality of optical measurements meeting or crossing a first threshold value, wherein the first difference comprises a difference between the first and second measurement signals.

Abstract: A tracking system for quantifying retinal traction on a retina of a patient eye includes an indicator device, a stereo camera, and an electronic control unit (ECU). The stereo camera collects and outputs stereo image data. The ECU, which is in communication with the indicator device, executes a method by receiving the stereo image data from the stereo camera during an ophthalmic procedure and thereafter assigning tracking points as coinciding pixels within stereo image pairs. The ECU also automatically performs a digital image correlation (DIC) process using the stereo image pairs to ascertain relative motion of the tracking points, and associates relative motion of the tracking points with the retinal traction using a traction map. A numeric traction quotient is generated that is indicative of magnitude of retinal traction. The ECU executes a control action using the indicator device based on the numeric traction quotient.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coolant for cooling a device for use in dentistry, the coolant comprising a Newtonian fluid having a viscosity greater than water. The invention also relates to a method of cooling a device for use in dentistry utilising the coolant, the coolant for use in a method of cooling a device for use in dentistry and an apparatus and kit comprising the coolant.

Abstract: Dental handpieces, motors, couplers and other dental instruments and methods having multiple very small, high output, LEDs in a single lamp assembly to facilitate incorporation of a plurality of wavelengths emitted from these devices to allow dentists to select between the benefits of multiple wavelength light outputs to the working area in a single device.

Abstract: A dental apparatus is disclosed. The dental apparatus can comprise a pressure wave generator to be disposed at a treatment region of a tooth. The pressure wave generator can include an opening to deliver a flowable filling material to the treatment region. The apparatus can include a reservoir for supplying the filling material to the pressure wave generator. The pressure wave generator can be configured to generate pressure waves through the treatment region to cause the filling material to substantially fill the treatment region.

Abstract: A method for deforming a shape of a tooth model includes generating a plurality of deformation shape models by deforming a tooth template model based on tooth scan data and generating a blended shape model by performing mesh blending on the deformation shape models.

Abstract: A dental guidance assembly comprising: a rigid arcuate base sized and structuredconfigured to snugly fit over a dental arch of a specific human subject; a hinge fixedly mountable on relative to said rigid arcuate base; an arm having a proximal side and a distal side, said arm being pivotally connectable at its proximal side to said hinge, and connectable configured to support, at its distal side, to a dental rotary handpiece; and an exchangeable bur or file guide sized and structuredconfigured to snugly fit in said rigid arcuate base, said bur or file guide comprising a channel that is sized and structuredconfigured to guide a bur or a file mounted on the dental rotary handpiece along a preplanned treatment path in a treated tooth of the dental arch of the specific human subject.

Abstract: Dental attachment placement apparatuses and methods for positioning and/or replacing dental attachments when bonding the dental attachments on a patient's teeth. The apparatuses may include a body configured for placement on the patient's dental arch. The body may include receptacles for receiving tooth registration anchors. Each tooth registration anchor may include a first end that is detachably connected to a corresponding dental attachment, and a second end that is shaped and sized to fit into a corresponding receptacle of the body to secure the tooth registration anchor to the body. The second end may be removable from the corresponding receptacle to detach the tooth registration anchor from the body.

Abstract: A wireless scanning system according to a disclosed embodiment of the present invention comprises a three-dimensional scanner that acquires at least one piece of image data by scanning an object, and is interconnected with an external electronic apparatus by forming pairing with a communication hub, wherein the three-dimensional scanner comprises: a scanner-side processor that performs at least one control; and a scanner-side communication unit including a scanner-side first communication module that performs pairing in a first frequency band, and a scanner-side second communication module that performs paring in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for scoring a post-treatment tooth position of a patient's teeth. A patient's dentition may be scanned and/or segmented. Raw dental features, principal component analysis (PCA) features, and/or other features may be extracted and compared to those of other teeth, such as those obtained through automated machine learning systems. A classifier can identify and/or output the post-treatment tooth position of the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A cutting machining device for a dental prosthesis cuts a block shaped workpiece with a machining tool by changing a relative positional relationship between the machining tool and the workpiece in three dimensions. The workpiece includes a plane (A1 plane) to which a base for attachment to the cutting machining device is fixed, and the cutting machining device includes a holding device as a positioning portion that positions the workpiece with respect to the machining tool so that the workpiece is cut from a vertical direction with respect to a facing plane (A2 plane) that faces the A1 plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a dental prosthesis, which can reduce the time required for processing work by performing processing preparation work in advance, and can improve convenience by minimizing the movement path of a user, includes an intraoral scanner configured to obtain oral shape data by scanning an oral cavity of a patient; a remote control unit comprising CAD/CAM software configured to generate processing data for a dental prosthesis from the obtained oral shape data; and a prosthesis processing unit configured to perform processing preparation work for a prosthesis and to process the dental prosthesis according to prosthesis processing data transmitted from the remote control unit, and having a user interface through which a processing preparation command for performing the processing preparation work is directly entered.

Abstract: The invention relates to additively manufactured dental devices comprised of a denture base and at least one removable bracing body joined at specific locations to the denture base. The invention also relates to methods of using these additively manufactured dental devices in the fabrication of dental prostheses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a dental prosthesis with: A) provision of a milling body and a prosthesis base preform with a holding structure (34); B) production of a connecting surface in the milling body by a subtractive CAM method; C) production of mating holding structure which fits with the holding structure in the surface of the milling body or said mating holding structure is present; D) attachment, spaced via the holding structure, of the prosthesis base preform to the mating holding structure, wherein an interspace is obtained; E) introduction or application of a fluid polymerizable plastic into the interspace; F) curing or partial curing of the plastic to yield a plastics material in the interspace which connects the prosthesis base preform to the milling body; and G) subtractive machining of the plastics material, the prosthesis base preform and the milling body by a CAM method in accordance with a model of the dental prosthesis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an oral care device including a hollow shaft (120, 920, 1320), a sleeve (110, 910, 1310), and a cleaning portion (115). The hollow shaft can include a first end having a first suction aperture (140, 940, 1340), and a second end having a second suction aperture (125, 925). The hollow shaft can be configured for insertion into a hand grip. The sleeve can surround the hollow shaft of the oral care device, and can be configured to slide along a longitudinal axis and conceal at least a portion of the first suction aperture or the second suction aperture. The sleeve can conceal the first suction aperture or the second suction aperture to easily adjust an amount of suction provided to an oral cavity of a patient. The cleaning portion can be coupled to a portion of the sleeve at the first end of the hollow shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tip for a vibrating scaler for use in dentistry, the tip comprising a proximal inlet for receiving coolant; a distal working portion for being vibrated to aid scaling; and an outlet for delivering coolant received via the inlet to cool the working portion, wherein the working portion defines a concave side and a convex side of the tip and the outlet is located on the convex side of the tip. The invention also relates to a vibrating scaler for use in dentistry that comprises the tip.

Abstract: Beak opening apparatus and methods of using the same are described herein. The beak opening apparatus includes a beak splitter and beak opening actuator along with a control unit used to operate the beak opening actuator to move the beak splitter between a home position and an opening position to open the beak of a bird.

Abstract: The invention encompasses improved catheters comprised of multiple tubular bodies and methods of using them in artificial insemination.

Abstract: An incontinence clamp is provided. The incontinence clamp includes an upper clamp arm and a lower clamp arm. Each of the upper and lower clamp arms include a first end, a second end, an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surfaces face each other. A hinge pivotally connects the first ends of the upper and lower clamp arms together. An upper guide is coupled to the inner surface of the upper clamp arm and a lower guide is coupled to the inner surface of the lower clamp arm. A connector releasably connects the second ends of the upper clamp arm and the lower clamp arm together.

Abstract: A segmented skirted surgical mesh for use in reconstructing a soft tissue defect, the segmented skirted surgical mesh comprising: a base layer of surgical mesh, the base layer of surgical mesh comprising an outer edge; and a segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh comprising an outer edge and an inner edge which defines a central opening, the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh being secured to the base layer of surgical mesh at the outer edge of the continuous skirt of surgical mesh, and the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh comprising a plurality of slits formed in the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh, wherein the plurality of slits extend outwardly from the inner edge of the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh, whereby to form a plurality of flaps of surgical mesh in the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh, such that at least one of the flaps of surgical mesh can be lifted away from the base layer of surgical mesh and secured to soft tissue without causing d

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a therapeutic device includes providing a member that defines first pores having a first average size that (i) allows passage of a therapeutic agent through the first pores and (ii) prevents passage of immune cells through the first pores. The method further includes spinning the member about an axis of the member and applying a fibrous material to the member while the member spins to form a coating that surrounds the member. The coating defines second pores having a second average size that is larger than the first average size, and the second pores are sized to promote vascularization along the coating. The member and the coating together form a container of the therapeutic device, and the container defines an interior region for accommodating a plurality of cells capable of producing the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for transmitting signals through a device located in a blood vessel of an animal, for stimulating and/or sensing activity of media proximal to the device, wherein the media includes tissue and/or fluid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a pulmonary artery stent. The pulmonary artery stent includes: a metal stent capable of circumferential expansion; and an isolation membrane wrapping the metal stent to isolate the metal stent from an external environment, and the isolation membrane having a circumferential tensile strength less than an axial tensile strength. The embodiments of the present disclosure can not only expand the diameter of the stent according to a change in the diameter of a blood vessel to meet a support performance requirement after the blood vessel enlarges but also isolate the metal portion of the stent from a vascular environment, thus effectively solving a problem of in-stent restenosis.

Abstract: A branchable stent graft including a tubular body and stents attached to and supporting the tubular body. The tubular body extends along a longitudinal axis and includes proximal and distal ends. The stents include first and second stents. The stents circumferentially extend around the tubular body. The first and second stents are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the tubular body. The first stent includes alternating crests and troughs forming peaks and valleys therebetween. The tubular body includes access regions arranged circumferentially spaced around the tubular body. The access regions are confined within the peaks and/or valleys of the first stent. The access regions include peripheries defining openings covered with graft material regions.

Abstract: A delivery system for a stent graft may include a stent graft having a proximal end, a distal end, an internal lumen between the proximal end and the distal end, a graft material tube, a graft material sidewall and a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart self-expanding stents attached to the graft material sidewall; a guidewire catheter extending longitudinally through the lumen of the stent graft; and a wire extending longitudinally along only a first side of the graft material tube in an undulating pattern of successive curves in alternate directions, the wire repeatedly extending through the graft material sidewall from inside the graft material tube to outside the graft material tube such that a portion of the wire extends over the guidewire catheter along a longitudinal length of the guidewire catheter to secure the guidewire catheter at least partially to an internal wall of the stent graft.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of treating an injury in a subject using placental tissue streamers, engineered tissue placental tissue hybrids, suture placental tissue hybrids, placental tissue patch hybrids, and tissue hybrids, and the use of these compositions to repair, treat, or support an injury or degenerative process in a subject.

Abstract: An adjustable fixation device includes a cleat portion and a suture portion, where the suture portion has a loop portion and a suture tail. Pulling on the suture tail places in tension a graft coupled to the loop portion. The suture is arranged to convey a mechanical advantage so that substantial force can be readily and controllably applied to the graft.

Abstract: System and techniques for connective tissue augmentation and fixation device are described herein. The connective tissue augmentation and fixation device can include a central body, a first side tail, and a second side tail. The central body can be configured to at least partially surround a graft. The central body can extend longitudinally between a first end and a second end. The first side tail can extend from the first end of the central body. The first side tail can be configured to attach to a first bone of a patient. The second side tail can extend from the second end of the central body. The second side tail can be configured to attach to a second bone of the patient.

Abstract: Various aspects of an implant for plantar plate repair and a surgical method of plantar plate repair using the implant are described. In one example, the implant includes a female component and a male component. The female component includes an open barrel having an outer surface and an inner surface, a flange cap at one end of the open barrel, and a recessed tiedown bar that extends between openings through the flange cap. The openings through the flange cap extending into the open barrel of the female component. The male impant includes an open barrel portion, a pair of fingers extending from one end of the open barrel portion, and a flange cap at another end of the open barrel portion. The male implant also includes an opening through the flange cap, extending into the open barrel portion of the male implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insertion tool for inserting an implant, said implant having an implant lower side and an implant upper side, said implant upper side comprising cells, said insertion tool comprising: an implant carrier configured to hold said implant; and a body having at least two configurations, a first body configuration with said implant carrier at least partially contained within said body and said implant held by said implant carrier and a second body configuration with said implant carrier outside said body; said implant carrier is configured to maintain a position of the implant and a shape of the implant and functionality of said cells during such time as the implant carrier is contained by said body, and during an implantation procedure.

Abstract: A modular optical implant, which may comprise a base ring and an optic with features that enable assembly, alignment, and stabilization of adjunct optics. The optic may have features that interface with other optics and improve optical outcomes through rigid alignment of adjunct optics, mitigation of anterior capsule opacification, in vivo identification of optical features while implanting the lens, and reduction of refractive error. More generally, some embodiments may be an optical implant, which may comprise a posterior optic surface, an anterior optic surface, an optic edge between the posterior optic surface and the anterior optic surface, a locking tab coupled to the posterior optic surface, and an optic stabilizer coupled to the anterior optic surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for attaching a radiopaque marker to a prosthetic heart valve to indicate a location of a commissure of the prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. As one example, a prosthetic heart valve can include a frame, a plurality of leaflets arranged within the frame, and at least one commissure comprising an attachment member comprising a central portion and a flap extending outward from the central portion, the flap folded over a radially outward facing side of the central portion, and the attachment member arranged across a selected cell of the frame. The commissure further comprises commissure tabs of two adjacent leaflets coupled to a radially inward facing side of the central portion, and a radiopaque marker arranged on the flap of the attachment member, between the flap and the radially outward facing side of the central portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a native tricuspid valve of a heart of a mammalian subject. A valve frame (22) includes a valve-frame body (32) that is configured to support prosthetic valve leaflets (20) within the native tricuspid valve. Chord-recruiting arms (30) are configured to extend from the valve-frame body at circumferential regions corresponding to the anterior leaflet and the posterior leaflet of the native tricuspid valve. An anchoring arm (28) is configured to extend from the valve-frame body at a circumferential region corresponding to the septal leaflet of the native tricuspid valve, the anchoring arm (28) being longer than each of the chord-recruiting arms (30). Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve comprises a radially expandable frame comprising an outflow end and an inflow end, and a plurality of valve leaflets disposed within and coupled to the frame. Each leaflet comprises a main body having an outflow edge portion and an inflow edge portion, wherein the leaflets are configured to move between an open state and a closed state in which the outflow edge portions coapt with each other and block the flow of blood through the frame from the outlet end to the inlet end, wherein the inflow edge portion of each leaflet includes a movable portion that can move radially inwardly when the leaflets move to the closed state to assist with the coaptation of the outflow edge portions of the leaflets and radially outwardly when the leaflets move to the open state.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis includes a stent (10) and a skirt assembly. The stent (10) has an inflow end (11) and an outflow end (12) opposite to the inflow end along an axial direction of the stent. The skirt assembly includes at least two skirts (20) surrounding the stent (20) in the shape of rings and each having an inner edge (21) and an outer edge (22). The inner edge (21) is an edge of the skirt (20) closer to an axis of the stent (10), and the outer edge (22) is an edge of the skirt (20) farther away from the axis of the stent (10). The inner edge (21) is attached to the stent (10), and the outer edge (22) forms a free end. The at least two skirts (20) are arranged with a spacing along the axial direction of the stent (10) and have different radial outer dimensions, and at least one of the skirts (20) is configured to be brought into contact at its outer edge (22) with native tissue (50).

Abstract: A delivery system for a balloon-expandable transcatheter valve implantation is disclosed. The delivery system includes an anti-inflation lock mechanism to prevent improper inflation of a balloon. A sheath includes a flared portion positioned at a tip to partially sheathe a transcatheter valve during blood vessel navigation. The sheath houses the balloon during an implantation procedure. A reinforced balloon catheter shaft prevents the balloon from kinking within a blood vessel. A self-centering system is configured to center the balloon within the aortic annulus before the implantation procedure.

Abstract: A transcatheter device for treating the tricuspid valve regurgitation. The transcatheter device comprises a main shaft, a proximal portion, a distal tail, and a spacer body mounted on the main shaft and located between the proximal portion and the distal tail. This transcatheter device could be used for treating tricuspid valve regurgitation in a patient's heart. All or part of the transcatheter device is supported by the main shaft. The spacer body is mounted on the shaft, which travels through the spacer body. Also disclosed are a coaptation assembly that comprises the transcatheter device, and a method of treating tricuspid valve regurgitation using the transcatheter device.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a mitral valve clip is introduced using a delivery system. The clip includes two arms at an angle relative to one another and a lock that prevents widening of the angle when the angle is below a locking threshold value, wherein the lock is in a passively disengaged state when the angle is above the locking threshold value. The lock is manually disengaged and the angle is expanded to a leaflet capture starting angle. The lock is returned to the passively disengaged state after the angle is expanded to the leaflet capture starting angle. The leaflets of a mitral valve are captured while the lock remains in the passively disengaged state. The clip is closed to a final closure angle by narrowing the angle while the leaflets are trapped. The lock transitions to an engaged state when the angle falls below the locking threshold value.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for treating neurovascular venous outflow obstructions, with or without implantation of a prosthetic valve. The valve may be carried by a support, such as a stent, which may be self-expandable or balloon expandable. Both transvascular and direct surgical access is contemplated.

Abstract: Present invention relates to an orthopedic implant having a bone anchoring part comprising a polymer composition comprising a biostable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and 15-70 mass % of inorganic particles comprising zirconia. It was found that this relatively rigid anchoring part allows inserting an implant into a pre-drilled bone hole to form a firm and durable connection to bone, which may be visualized with for example X-ray or MRI methods. The thermoplastic polyurethane composition shows favorable properties, and offers freedom in design and dimensioning of the implant, and in making the implant with common techniques like injection molding. Especially if the implant comprises a cartilage replacing part made from a resilient thermoplastic material compatible with the polyurethane-zirconia composition, like a more flexible TPU composition, the implant may be made with a 2-component injection molding technique.

Abstract: A fixture for masking a femoral component during a surface coating process includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel includes a first interface surface that defines a first perimeter of the first panel and has substantially the same shape as a first perimeter of a first planar surface of the femoral component. The second panel is connected to the first panel and has a second interface surface that defines a second perimeter of the second panel and has substantially the same shape as a second perimeter of a second planar surface of the femoral component. When the fixture is mounted to a bone facing side of the femoral component, the first interface surface engages the first planar surface of the femoral component and covers an entirety thereof, and the second interface surface engages the second planar surface of the femoral component and covers an entirety thereof.

Abstract: A partition design and molding method for an acetabular cup prosthesis with a porous surface includes the following: modeling of a spherical shell of an acetabular cup; cutting of the spherical shell of the acetabular cup into equal parts; integrated design on a porous layer of a surface of the partitioned acetabular cup prosthesis; reorganization of the partitioned acetabular cup prosthesis; construction of a hemispherical acetabular cup prosthesis; and 3D printing and manufacturing of the acetabular cup prosthesis. Through the disclosure, the formed porous layer is perpendicular to the surface of the acetabular cup, so favorable mechanical properties are provided. A fully interconnected branch-rod structure is provided, and there is no isolated rod, so that inflammation or even re-revision led by the detachment of isolated rods during long-term postoperative activities is prevented.

Abstract: A prosthesis system may include a femoral component, a tibial bearing component configured to articulate with the femoral component, a baseplate, a plurality of bushings, one or more hinge posts and a capture element. The capture element can be configured to couple with the baseplate and can have a thru hole configured to allow at least a portion of the one or more hinge posts to pass therethrough. When coupled to the baseplate, the capture element is configured to be engaged by at least one of the plurality of bushings or one of the one or more hinge posts to limit distraction of the femoral component from the tibial bearing component and baseplate.

Abstract: A prosthesis assembly can include a tibial tray, a tibial bearing component, a hinge post, a femoral component, a shackle, walls, a hinge axle, and a bump stop. The hinge post can extend through the tibial bearing component and be at least partially received in a recess of the tibial tray. The femoral component can contact an articular surface of the tibial bearing component. The shackle can be coupled to the hinge post and configured to be inserted between a medial and a lateral condyle of the femoral component. The walls can be positioned between the femoral component and the shackle. The hinge axle can be configured to secure the femoral component to the shackle. The bump stop can be removably attached to the femoral component and configured to contact the shackle at a set limit of rotation of the femoral component relative to the tibial bearing component.

Abstract: A system including a prosthesis assembly for a constrained knee including a tibial baseplate, a mobile bearing, and a fixed bearing. The tibial baseplate can include a distal surface and a proximal surface that can be configured to receive a hinge post. The mobile bearing can be configured to couple with the tibial baseplate and to rotate about at least a first axis approximated by a centerline of the hinge post. The rotation about at least the first axis can be limited by at least the first engagement feature. The fixed bearing can be configured to be coupled to the tibial baseplate. The fixed bearing can be restrained from rotating about the first axis by at least the first engagement feature of the tibial baseplate. The tibial baseplate can be configured to be assembled with either the mobile bearing or the fixed bearing.

Abstract: A prosthesis assembly may include a femoral component, a tibial bearing component engaged by the femoral component and a tibial baseplate. The prosthesis assembly may include a hinge post coupled to the femoral component and at least partially received in a recess in the tibial baseplate. The prosthesis assembly may include a bushing received in a recess in the tibial baseplate. The hinge post is at least partially received by the bushing and the bushing includes one or more engagement features configured to couple the bushing to the hinge post.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a prosthetic component include injection molding a prosthetic component with a polymeric material. The prosthetic component includes a final surface positioned on one side and multiple coring features positioned on an opposite side. The coring features may include multiple ribs and slots. The method further includes machining the prosthetic component to remove the coring features and form a final surface on the opposite side. The prosthetic component may be a femoral component for a prosthetic knee joint.

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

Abstract: The techniques described herein relate to prosthesis assembly including a baseplate with a medial/lateral midline extending between a medial compartment and a lateral compartment and a keel extending distally from the distal surface to define a longitudinal keel axis. The longitudinal keel axis is medially biased toward the medial compartment so as to be spaced a first distance medial of the medial/lateral midline. The prosthesis assembly includes a hinge post having an longitudinal axis, the hinge post received in a recess in the baseplate including in the keel.