Abstract: A system for imaging and treating tissue comprises a probe having a deflectable distal tip for carrying an imaging array and a delivery needle for advancement within a field of view of the imaging array. Optionally, the needle will carry a plurality of tines which may be selectively radially deployed from the needle. The imaging array will preferably be provided in a separate, removable component.

Abstract: An ultrasound study in which the reflected echoes are analyzed to determine a physical characteristic of scatterers within the volume of interest, the acoustic attenuation within the volume of interest, and the echo amplitude. These data are used to diagnose the disease state and the progression of disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acoustic window (1) suitable for implantation at an opening in a patient's skull (4), said acoustic window (1) being intended to cooperate with an external ultrasound probe (2) for the emission of ultrasound waves through the acoustic window (1), remarkable in that the acoustic window comprises a plate (11) including a plurality of through-holes (12), the distance (P) of the through-holes (12) being less than twice the wavelength of the ultrasound waves emitted by the external ultrasound probe (2).

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a stabilization feature configured to be coupled to an ultrasound probe, or similar medical device and grasped by one or more fingers of a user. The user can then manipulate the stabilization feature and probe assembly without requiring any opposing pressure to be applied by the thumb. As such a user is free to use the thumb to operate controls disposed on the probe, or stabilize a skin surface, or the like. The stabilization feature can include a first portion configured to be grasped by one or more fingers, and a second portion configured to engage the probe. Further, the second portion can engage the probe through a sheath to maintain a sterile barrier therebetween. Alternatively, the first portion can be grasped by one or more fingers through a sheath to maintain a sterile barrier therebetween.

Abstract: Sparse arrays of transducer elements may be beneficial in providing ultrasound transducer probes with a wide total aperture while containing a manageable number of transducer elements. Sparse arrays made with bulk piezoelectric materials or with arrays of micro-elements can be effectively with ping-based multiple aperture ultrasound imaging techniques to perform real-time volumetric imaging.

Abstract: An image analyzer unit performs lesion site detection for each tomographic image. In response to a lesion site detection state, the image analyzer unit outputs a position data array and a size data array that represent temporal change in position and size of the lesion site. A rate of change calculator unit calculates a rate of change that represents a degree of temporal change in tomographic image content. A smoother unit smooths the position data array and the size data array in accordance with the rate of change. A mark is generated based on the smoothed position data array and the smoothed size data array.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes imaging systems configured to generate volumetric images of a target feature based on anatomical landmarks identified during an ultrasound scan and in accordance with a user-selected view. Systems can include an ultrasound transducer configured to acquire echo signals responsive to ultrasound pulses transmitted toward a target region. A processor coupled with the transducer may present illustrative volumetric images of the target feature, each image corresponding to a particular view, for a user to select. The processor can then identify anatomical landmarks corresponding to the target feature embodied within 2D image frames, and based on the identified landmarks and user-selected view, provide instructions for manipulating the transducer to a target local to generate a 2D image frame specific to the view. Echo signals are then acquired at the target locale and used to generate an actual volumetric image of the target feature corresponding to the user-selected view.

Abstract: Ultrasound-based estimation of disease activity, such as for NAS or other activity index for NAFLD for liver disease, is provided. Ultrasound measures acoustic scatter and shear wave propagation parameters, such as measuring acoustic backscatter coefficient, shear wave velocity, and shear wave damping ratio. A score for the disease activity is determined from these scatter and shear wave propagation parameters. The physician may be assisted by relatively inexpensive and rapid ultrasound as compared to biopsy or MRI based scoring in scoring activity of a disease, such as NAFLD. Ultrasound imaging is more readily available and less expensive and MRI, and is non-invasive.

Abstract: Provided is a method for displaying an ultrasonic image, the method comprising: acquiring data by transmitting ultrasound pulses to a subject and receiving echo signals reflected from the subject; detecting microcalcified tissues in the subject by analyzing the acquired data; and displaying an image representing the detected microcalcified tissues.

Abstract: A three-dimensional ultrasound imaging support apparatus includes: a processor configured to generate a three-dimensional ultrasound image based on a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images which are imaged by an ultrasound probe at different positions of a certain portion of a subject and an imaging position of the ultrasound probe for each imaging; estimate an imaging portion corresponding to the two-dimensional ultrasound image and to the three-dimensional ultrasound image; determine, by using a guideline in which a plurality of imaging targets to be imaged are defined in advance for each portion of the subject, for the estimated imaging portion, whether or not all of the plurality of imaging targets defined in advance in the guideline are imaged; and perform notification indicating that the imaging target which is not imaged is present in a case where it is determined that the imaging target which is not imaged is present.

Abstract: For clutter reduction in ultrasound elasticity imaging, the contribution of clutter to different frequency components (e.g., the transmit fundamental and the propagation generated second harmonic) is different. As a result, a difference in displacements determined at the different frequency bands is used to reduce clutter contribution to displacements used for elasticity imaging.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assessing tissue contact based on dielectric properties and/or impedance sensing are disclosed. In some embodiments, one or more probing frequencies are delivered via electrodes including an electrode in proximity to a tissue (for example, myocardial tissue). In some embodiments, dielectric parameter values, optionally together with other known and/or estimated tissue characteristics, are measured to determine a contact quality with the tissue. In some embodiments, dielectric contact quality is used, for example, in guiding the formation of a lesion (for example, RF ablation of heart tissue to alter electrical transmission characteristics).

Abstract: A surgical apparatus including a body having at least one port; and at least one item of surgical equipment; in which each item of surgical equipment includes an engagement member arranged to engage a port of the body, and in which the apparatus further includes a control circuit for determining for each port whether the engagement member of one of the items of surgical equipment is engaged to the port; and an indicator controlled by the control circuit and arranged to indicate whether each engagement member is engaged with the at least one port.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide devices, systems, and methods for illuminating inside an eye globe. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to ergonomic chandelier illumination systems for illumination of a surgical site during ophthalmic surgery, the chandelier illumination systems having improved flexibility, profile, and light coupling efficiency. In certain embodiments, a malleable chandelier illumination probe, which is bendable by a surgeon to any desired angle, is disclosed. In certain other embodiments, a preformed chandelier illumination probe, which is preset to a desired angle using a heating method, is disclosed. In certain other embodiments, a method for belling and binding two optical fibers to create a dual chandelier output with improved light coupling efficiency, which is capable of being used with a single connector, is disclosed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a pneumatic dual port connector (PDPC) configured to be coupled to an interface component of a surgical console. The PDPC comprises a shaft, having a first connector channel having a first distal end and a first proximal end, a second connector channel having a second distal end and a second proximal end, and one or more first features configured to couple the PDPC to the interface component.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing fatigue, preventing fatigue, or generally supporting a user's head and neck during extended periods of looking downward without restricting a user's range of motion by a user-wearable neck and head support device comprising an adaptable vest optionally configured with straps, back plates, support structures, a customizable bracing rod optionally configured with anchor plates and brackets, an adjustable headpiece with optionally configured accessories, and a wire slidably and detachably coupled to a rail on the headpiece that may be optionally configured with a wire tension controller and a quick release connector.

Abstract: A sealing abutment can include scannable features and can be coupled to a dental implant via a retention screw. The healing abutment can include features that can be scanned by an intra-oral scanning system or transferred to a physical impression to convey information regarding the position and orientation of the dental implant.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods for generating a 3D dental prosthesis model are disclosed herein. The methods comprise training a deep neural network to generate a first 3D dental prosthesis model using a training data set; receiving a patient scan data representing at least a portion of a patient's dentition; and generating, using the trained deep neural network, the first 3D dental prosthesis model based on the received patient scan data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a dental component, in particular a dental prosthesis or a partial dental prosthesis, by means of a dental furnace, comprising the following steps: (i) producing a model of the dental component; (ii) embedding the model in an investment material; (iii) removing the model from the investment material, in particular by heating or burning out, to obtain a negative mold of the model; (iv) inserting a raw material required for manufacturing the dental component into the negative mold; (v) producing the dental component in the negative mold; and (vi) deflasking the dental component in an at least partly automated manner, in particular by means of a stripping manufacturing process, on the basis of a virtual model of the dental component.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a toothbrush body. The toothbrush body includes a toothbrush head. The toothbrush head includes a handle part, a first platy body disposed below the handle part, and a first brushing sheet and a second brushing sheet disposed side by side and below the first platy body. The lower surface of the first platy body is provided with a first brush bristle, the rear side surface of the first brushing sheet is provided with a second brush bristle, and the front side surface of the second brushing sheet is provided with a third brush bristle.

Abstract: In a method for closing a space between a first tooth and a second tooth, a pair of dental matrices is used. The pair of dental matrices is selected using a matrix selection tool, such as a gauge having a distal end section with color coded sections.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automatic treatment planning, including recommendation systems, quality assurance, error prevention, text mining, text matching, and treatment planning optimization.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a subject's teeth during orthodontic treatment. An input 2D image of the subject's current teeth including a wide angle occlusal view of the subject's upper and/or lower jaw at a current treatment stage can be received. Virtual camera parameters corresponding to the input 2D image can be determined. A rendered 2D image of the subject's teeth can be generated from a 3D model of the subject's upper and/or lower jaw at a planned treatment stage with the virtual camera parameters. Differences between the subject's teeth from the input 2D image and the rendered 2D image using tooth centers can be determined. An indicator indicating the differences can be output.

Abstract: Orthodontic systems and related methods are disclosed for designing and providing improved or more effective tooth moving systems for eliciting a desired tooth movement and/or repositioning teeth into a desired arrangement. Methods and orthodontic systems include the generation of an overcorrection in the tooth-receiving cavities of an appliance worn in the dentition. The overcorrection may provide an improved and more accurately applied force or moment applied to a tooth. The overcorrected force or moment can move a tooth closer to a desired position than if not overcorrected as sufficient force can still applied to the tooth as it gets closer to the desired position. The overcorrected force or moment may also better target the root of the tooth where the biological response to tooth movement occurs. The overcorrection may be calculated in various ways as described herein.

Abstract: A method and a system for determining an orthodontic treatment plan including a tooth stripping step are provided. The method comprises: acquiring a 3D digital model of a first tooth and a second tooth of the subject, the second tooth being adjacent the first tooth; receiving a stripping request for stripping tooth material, from at least one of the first tooth along a first stripping plane and the second tooth along a second stripping plane; determining, along a surface of the first tooth, a first area of interest; determining, along the surface of the second tooth, a second area of interest; determining a distance between a first set of vertices associated with the first area of interest and a second set of vertices associated with the second area of interest; in response to the distance being greater than a predetermined distance threshold, denying, by the processor, the stripping request.

Abstract: Described herein is an oral appliance. The oral appliance includes upper and lower trays that each include at least one axial spring configured to contact a palatal/lingual surface of at least one tooth, where each axial spring is coupled to the respective upper or lower tray, and where each axial spring is configured to produce and transmit intermittent, cyclic forces to the palatal/lingual surface of the tooth to promote palatal and upper/lower jaw development. The upper and lower trays each include an expansion mechanism to enable adjustment of the size of the upper and lower trays to account for palatal expansion and upper and lower jaw development. The oral appliance includes first and second adjustable positioners positioned on the upper tray and fins formed integrally on the lower tray so that the oral appliance advances the mandible to provide temporary relief from sleep disordered breathing, sleep apnea and/or snoring.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides high strength, self-ligating appliances with orthodontically desirable dimensions. The appliances of the present disclosure incorporate a door slidably engaged to a channel in the body; one that can be opened or closed depending on the equilibrium position of an integral protrusion on the door. Cooperating grooves and rails on the body and the door can guide the door between the open and closed positions, and mitigate against unintentional detachment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an osseointegrative implant and related tools, components and fabrication techniques for surgical bone fixation and dental restoration purposes. In one embodiment an all-ceramic single-stage threaded or press-fit implant is provided having finely detailed surface features formed by ceramic injection molding and/or spark plasma sintering of a powder compact or green body comprising finely powdered zirconia. In another embodiment a two-stage threaded implant is provided having an exterior shell or body formed substantially entirely of ceramic and/or CNT-reinforced ceramic composite material. The implant may include one or more frictionally anisotropic bone-engaging surfaces.

Abstract: Described is a two-part, screw retained dental implant prosthesis. The dental implant prosthesis includes both a primary substructure (made of for example, titanium) and a secondary superstructure (made of for example, zirconia). The primary substructure includes a top side and a bottom side, with substructure holes passing through the primary substructure from the top side to the bottom side. The primary substructure is formed to align with and secure against a dental implant as affixed in a patient's jaw. Alternatively, the secondary superstructure is formed to be affixed with the primary substructure. Thus, the primary substructure can be affixed with the dental implant, with the secondary superstructure thereafter being affixed with the primary substructure.

Abstract: An intraoral scanner includes an image capturing device and a processor. A method of operating the intraoral scanner includes the image capturing device sequentially capturing M images of a buccal bite, the processor generating M sets of buccal bite point clouds according to the M images, the processor matching the M sets of buccal bite point clouds to generate a bite model, when the number of data points of the bite model exceeds a first threshold, the processor computing P sets of bite feature descriptors of the bite model, when a predetermined quantity of bite feature descriptors in a set of bite feature descriptors of the P sets of bite feature descriptors exceeds a second threshold, the processor performing a registration on an upper arch model and a lower arch model to the buccal bite mode to generate a full mouth model.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame and a mattress supported by the frame and arranged to support a patient thereon. A sensor is included to detect moisture on the patient and/or the patient support apparatus. The sensor produces signals indicative of the presence of moisture on the patient support apparatus. One or more alerts are output in response to the signals provided by the sensor to notify a caregiver of the presence of moisture on the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a functional diaper, which can be worn by a baby or a patient and comprises a body having, therein, an excrement storage part, which is a space for gathering excrement, wherein the upper part of the excrement storage part has an excrement entrance that allows excrement to enter therein and exit therefrom. The present invention allows urine or excrement to be immediately and separably stored in a separate space of the diaper immediately after coming out of the anus such that there is little odor and excrement does not come in contact with the skin, and thus the present invention prevents bedsores and the like and is remarkably clean and sanitary.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment having fastening means comprising a landing area and a pair of fasteners, wherein the landing area and the fasteners include multiple indicia for providing alignment at least in two, bi-directional orientations for horizontal and vertical alignment thereof.

Abstract: A first aid medical treatment apparatus, wherein the apparatus' case and duct tape allow for efficient and easy use and creation of different bandages without necessitating every type of bandage being part of the first aid kit.

Abstract: In a method of creating a modified tissue graft, at least one exterior surface of a graft is modified by compressing, cutting and/or removing one or more portions thereof, such as to create designed surface features which cause the tissue graft to have characteristics for a specific anatomical area. The modified tissue graft may comprise a medicated graft, such as by associating medicants with the surface features, or by associating a second graft or layer with a modified base tissue graft layer, where medicants are associated with the second graft or layer. The tissue graft may be modified by pressing a specially configured template or die, such as having blades thereon, into the tissue graft, such as to create a pattern of partial depth cuts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel filter and delivery means. The device described within will not interfere with standard practice and tools used during standard surgical procedures and tools such as cannulas, clamps or dissection instruments including valve replacement sizing gages or other surgical procedures where the patient must be put on a heart-lung machine cross-clamping the aorta.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate methods and synthetic scaffolds for regenerating gastrointestinal tissue (e.g., esophageal tissue).

Abstract: A flexible intestinal anastomosis stent which sucks secretions on an inner wall of an intestinal tract and at a suture site into a horn-shaped channel through a through-hole. The secretion is discharged to an inside of the stent body through a liquid-inlet hole after being squeezed by intestinal tract contents, thereby reducing a risk of infection at the suture site. A lower edge of the outlet end of the stent body has a concave polygonal structure, each reflex angle at a lower edge of the concave polygonal structure being formed with one inwardly folded wrinkle structure on a side wall of the stent body, and the wrinkle structure also able to accommodate the secretions. The lower edge is stressed and deformed by the intestinal tract contents to reduce a reflex angle, so that secretions in the wrinkle structure are discharged downwardly, such that risk of complications is reduced.

Abstract: A stent graft prosthesis includes a fabric sleeve supported by a series of ring stents, including ring stents having a saddle shape with peaks and valleys, the axial alignment of equivalently shaped ring stents in the series of ring stents being such that with respect to at least one shaped ring stent other shaped ring stents are angularly offset. Multiple series of ring stents may be interposed such that at least one ring stent in a first series of ring stents S1-Sn is located between two ring stents in at least one other series of ring stents So1-Son, the angular offset of ring stents in the first series S1-Sn being different from the angular offset of ring stents in at least one other series of ring stents (So1-Son). The offset changes the amount of fabric surface between peripheral contact points of successive shaped ring stents.

Abstract: Vascular prosthesis includes a luminal graft component defining a graft fenestration, at least one support disk fenestration, and a moveable disk defining a moveable disk opening, wherein the graft fenestration, the support disk fenestration and the moveable disk opening are all aligned, and the moveable disk is sandwiched between the support disk and the luminal graft component or between two of the support disks. The moveable disk is moveable between the support disk and the luminal graft component. The support disk is fixed to the luminal graft component. The vascular prosthesis is implanted by a method that includes directing the vascular prosthesis to an aneurysm site of a patient, and then implanting a branch prosthesis through the graft fenestration and into an arterial branch, whereby the moveable disk opening moves within the support disk fenestration to properly align the branch prosthesis with the arterial branch.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve has an annular frame including a plurality of strut members that is radially collapsible to a collapsed configuration and radially expandable to an expanded configuration. A leaflet structure is situated at least partially within the frame. The leaflet structure includes a plurality of leaflets, each leaflet having opposing commissure tab portions on opposite sides of the leaflet. Each commissure tab portion is paired with an adjacent commissure tab portion of an adjacent leaflet to form a commissure. The commissure tab portions of each leaflet are folded to form a plurality of layers positioned on the inside of the frame. A reinforcement member is positioned between the layers of each commissure tab portion.

Abstract: Fixation system for fixation of leaflets of a heart valve including an implantable fixation device having a first arm and a second arm, a first proximal element moveable relative to the first arm between a first position and a second position, and a second proximal element moveable relative to the second arm between a first position and a second position. The fixation system includes a delivery device having a catheter, a first proximal element line and a second proximal element line, and a handle having a first and second proximal element line handles coupled to the first proximal element line and the second proximal element line, respectively. The handle can include an interlock moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position.

Abstract: A valve repair delivery handle includes a housing, an actuation control mechanism, and a clasp control mechanism. The actuation control mechanism includes a knob and an actuation tube. The knob is rotatably coupled to the housing. The actuation tube is coupled to the knob such that rotation of the knob in a first direction moves the actuation tube distally relative to the housing and rotation of the knob in a second direction moves the actuation tube proximally relative to the housing. The clasp control mechanism is coupled to the housing.

Abstract: The disclosure includes methods and systems for making orthopedic connections where there is unique adjustability to the connection. Illustratively, one embodiment provides a connecting assembly for connecting a plurality of orthopedic components. Such connecting assemblies can include a first orthopedic component that provides a female bore. Additionally, the assembly can include a second orthopedic component that can be or include a male-type connecting member that is positionable in the bore of the first orthopedic component. In one preferred form, the male-type connecting member will be a quasi-spherical member. The quasi-spherical member can include a textured outer surface, e.g., for contacting one or more walls or surfaces in the bore in a fashion that removably locks or helps to removably lock or fix the quasi-spherical member in the bore.

Abstract: Anatomically shaped augments that are configured for implantation in a bone and which have one or more reliefs. A distal end of an outer portion of the augment can have a shape that is configured to generally conform to the shape of a metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction of an intramedullary canal of a bone. A proximal end of the outer portion can have a shape that is configured to generally conform to a shape of the metaphyseal region of the intramedullary canal. The reliefs can be configured to reduce a size of the augment and enhance the degree of freedom in the implant positioning and/or sizing of the augment. Further, such reliefs may contour the augment so as to prevent cortical bone contact and/or prevent contact with the implant device that may be associated with misalignment between an intramedullary canal and metaphyseal or diaphyseal regions of the bone.

Abstract: A method of coating a bone material in a container is provided. The method comprising adding the bone material to an opening of the container and sealing the opening of the container so that the bone material is disposed within an interior of the container; adding a liquid coating material to the interior of the container through an inlet of the container so as to coat at least a portion of the bone material with the liquid coating material; removing any excess coating material from the container from the interior through an outlet of the container; and removing the coated bone material from the container. A system of coating bone material under a sterilized environment is also provided.

Abstract: A method for implantation of a locking member in a hip joint of a patient is disclosed. The method comprises; performing an operation in a hip joint surgically or arthroscopically, placing an artificial hollow caput femur surface mounted onto caput femur, placing a locking member for assisting in the fixation of the artificial caput femur surface with at least one extending portion adapted to clasp a portion of the caput and/or collum femur. The locking member comprises an element locking the artificial caput femur surface such that the caput femur remains clasped and restrained in said artificial caput femur surface.

Abstract: An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component which exhibits enhanced articular features, minimizes removal of healthy bone stock from the distal femur, and minimizes the impact of the prosthesis on adjacent soft tissues of the knee.

Abstract: A pad prosthesis includes a body, a protrusion portion and a snap. The body has a first surface, and the first surface includes a front edge, a curved edge, a rear edge and a straight edge connected sequentially. The protrusion portion is arranged on the first surface of the body. The snap is arranged on the first surface of the body, and the snap extends along a second direction, an angle between the second direction and the first direction is an acute angle. The pad prosthesis according to the present application may be applied in an artificial knee prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an expandable interbody implant. Specifically, the present invention is an expandable interbody implant having an anterior and posterior wedge and opposing endplates. In some embodiments, a slot parallel to the wedge face may be located on each endplate, with a pin holding the endplates to the respective wedges. Additionally, in some implementations, lateral rails may extend from the anterior wedge to the posterior wedge. Furthermore, the expandable implant may include a locking mechanism configured to prevent unwanted collapse.