52nd week of 2017 patent applcation highlights part 6 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20170367751 | MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical device is described having a handle and an end effector coupled to the handle. The end effector has at least one electrode for providing electrical signals to a tissue or vessel to be treated. An RF drive circuit is provided for generating an RF drive signal that is applied to the end effector electrode. The RF drive circuit includes a resonant circuit and a frequency controller is used to vary the frequency of a signal passed through the resonant circuit in order to control the power supplied to the end effector electrode. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367752 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH LATCHING TRIGGER LOCKOUT - Instruments and methods for providing selective surgical instrument trigger lockout are provided herein. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument can include a distal end effector, a proximal actuator portion, a first trigger, a second trigger, and a lock arm. The lock arm can be configured to move between a first position, in which it interferes with actuation of the first trigger, and a second position, in which it permits actuation of the first trigger. Further, actuation of the second trigger can be effective to move the lock arm from the first position to the second position. Actuation of the first trigger can therefore be prevented if the second trigger is not already actuated. Selective trigger lockout can be useful in a variety of instruments, including, for example, surgical instruments that grasp, seal, and transect tissue. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367753 | A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A handheld electrosurgical instrument with jaws at a distal end of a shaft. For moving the jaws, the instrument includes a linkage structure with at least three pivots which are movable relative to the housing and with at least pivot which is fixed to the housing. By this arrangement, one of the movable pivots may move as a substitute for movement of the jaws, and the instrument may therefore always have the same limits for handle movement e.g. also if the jaws are prevented from moving. Additionally, a more uniform closure pressure may be ensured independently on the force applied to the handle. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367754 | MEDICAL TREATMENT DEVICE, METHOD FOR OPERATING MEDICAL TREATMENT DEVICE, AND TREATMENT METHOD - A medical treatment device includes: a pair of holding members configured to grasp a target part to be connected in a body tissue; an energy application portion provided on at least one holding member of the pair of holding members, the energy application portion being configured to contact the target part when the target part is grasped by the pair of holding members to apply energy to the target part; and a processor including hardware. The processor is configured to cause the energy application portion to: apply high-frequency energy to the target part for a first period; apply ultrasound energy to the target part for a second period subsequent to the first period; and apply heat energy to the target part for a third period subsequent to the second period. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367755 | Ablation Catheter with Integrated Cooling - Ablation catheters and systems include coaxial catheter shafts with an inner lumen for delivering an ablative agent and an outer lumen for circulation of a cooling element about the catheter. Induction heating is used to heat a chamber and vaporize a fluid within by wrapping a coil about a ferromagnetic chamber and providing an alternating current to the coil. A magnetic field is created in the area surrounding the chamber which induces electric current flow in the chamber, heating the chamber and vaporizing the fluid inside. Positioning elements help maintain the device in the proper position with respect to the target tissue and also prevent the passage of ablative agent to normal tissues. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367756 | CATHETER SYSTEM AND ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY FOR INTRAPROCEDURAL EVALUATION OF RENAL DENERVATION - The present disclosure provides catheter systems, electrode assemblies, and methods for electrically stimulating one or more points about the circumference of the renal artery to provide real time intraprocedural operational feedback to the operator of a renal denervation procedure to allow for more precise and thorough ablation of the renal artery and better patient outcomes. In many embodiments, an electrode assembly is provided that includes multiple splines that extend from an insulated proximal hub to an insulated distal hub and are interconnected to an electrical wire to allow the splines to independently function as electrical stimulation electrodes. The electrically active splines can then be energized at one or more desired points during a renal denervation procedure to provide operational feedback. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367757 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING TISSUE REGIONS OF THE BODY - Systems and methods deploy a therapeutic or diagnostic element into contact with a body tissue region. The systems and methods can sense position of the therapeutic or diagnostic element relative to a targeted tissue region without direct or indirect visualization, by sensing fluid pressure in a fluid path having an outlet located at or near the therapeutic or diagnostic element. The systems and methods can also inflate the therapeutic or diagnostic element during use, while taking steps to avoid over-inflation and/or while dynamically monitoring the pressure conditions within the expanded element. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367758 | IRRIGATED CATHETER WITH FLUID EVACUATION - A catheter for use with a suction source for removing excess fluid from a tissue treatment site has a catheter body, a distal section and a fluid evacuation path, where the distal section includes a multi-lumened member and at least one evacuation port, and the fluid evacuation path extends through a lumen in the multi-lumened member to provide suction communication between the suction source and the at least one evacuation port. The fluid evacuation path may also be configured for two-way flow, including distally and proximally along the catheter. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367759 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE STATUS OF A FLUID-COOLED MICROWAVE ABLATION SYSTEM - A method of determining the status of a fluid cooled microwave ablation system is provided including providing an electrical current to a pump to pump fluid through an ablation system along a fluid path to cool the ablation system, measuring an electrical current drawn by the pump, and determining a status of the ablation system based on the measured electrical current. In another aspect of the disclosure, an ablation system is provided including an ablation probe defining a fluid path for circulation of fluid therethrough, a generator configured to supply energy to the ablation probe for treating tissue, a pump configured to pump fluid through the fluid path of the ablation probe to cool the ablation probe, a sensor configured to measure an electrical current drawn by the pump, and a computing device configured to determine a status of the ablation system based on the measured electrical current. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367760 | ESOPHAGEAL ABLATION TECHNOLOGY - 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 tor 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. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367761 | SKIN TREATMENT DEVICE - The invention relates to a skin treatment device comprising a handle with an energy supply, an application head with at least one heat source comprising at least one semiconductor light source, and at least one heat sink comprising cooling fins. The heat sink is located remote from the heat source within the handle. Further, the heat source is thermally connected to the heat sink by means of a heat transfer system ( | 2017-12-28 |
20170367762 | LASER NIL LIPOSUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A minimally invasive fat cell removal system and method is provided using a numbing component, a laser component, and a NIL component. A cannula and fiber of the laser component are insertable into a body of a patient at a biopsy punch to liquefy a fat cell via a tumescent fluid and/or a laser. A NIL cannula of the NIL component is insertable into the body to remove the fat cell via suction and/or nutation. An anesthetic device of the numbing component may reduce sensation of the body where the cannula is insertable. The fat cell may be harvested and implanted at another location of the body. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367763 | STEERABLE LASER PROBE - A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a plurality of actuation controls of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually curve the flexible housing tube. A gradual curving of the flexible housing tube may gradually curve the optic fiber. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually straighten the flexible housing tube. A gradual straightening of the flexible housing tube may gradually straighten the optic fiber. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367764 | COMPUTER ASSISTED IMPLANT PLACEMENT - A method for implantation of non-spherical, asymmetric implants is provided that includes devising a pre-surgical plan with pre-operative planning software operating on a computer to define at least one of shape, orientation, type, size, geometry, or placement of the non-spherical, asymmetric implant in an operative bone of a subject. A computer assisted surgical device is used to place the non-spherical, asymmetric implant. The implant is positioned within the bone by the computer assisted surgical device in accordance with pre-surgical plan. A non-spherical, asymmetric implant for insertion in a bone formed of separate stem, neck, and head portions and suitable for implantation by the method is also disclosed. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367765 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PERSONALIZING A VESSEL STENT - For personalizing a vessel stent, images associated with a subject generated by various imaging modalities are aggregated. The images are then processed for identifying Regions of Interest (ROIs) and various parameters associated with the ROIs. Further, a model and a composition of the vessel stent to be administered to the subject to alleviate the condition in the vessel are computed. Thereafter, the model is verified for compatibility using information derived from patient stratification parameters. Upon successful verification of the model, a format of the model is generated that can be used directly for fabricating the vessel stent using additive manufacturing processes known in the art. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367766 | Ultra-wideband positioning for wireless ultrasound tracking and communication - A method of designing an orthopedic implant comprising: (a) iteratively evaluating possible shapes of a dynamic orthopedic implant using actual anatomical shape considerations and kinematic shape considerations; and, (b) selecting a dynamic orthopedic implant shape from one of the possible shapes, where the dynamic orthopedic implant shape selected satisfies predetermined kinematic and anatomical constraints. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367767 | Flexible Electromagnetic Sensor - A medical system employs a sensing coil that includes a flexible core containing a magnetically permeable material and an electrical conductor wound around the flexible core. The electrical conductor may be wound in a manner that permits use of the sensing coil in a range of configurations from straight to bent with a minimum radius of curvature. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367768 | ESTIMATING THE ENDOLUMINAL PATH OF AN ENDOLUMINAL DEVICE ALONG A LUMEN - Apparatus and methods are described for use with an endoluminal device that includes one or more radiopaque portions and that moves through a lumen of a subject. A sequence of radiographic images of a portion of the subject's body, in which the lumen is disposed, is acquired, during movement of the endoluminal device through the lumen. Locations at which the one or more radiopaque portions of the endoluminal device were imaged during the movement of the endoluminal device through the lumen are identified, by analyzing the sequence of radiographic images. A set of locations at which the one or more radiopaque portions were disposed during the movement of the endoluminal device through the lumen is defined, and an endoluminal path of the device through the lumen is estimated based upon the set of locations. Other applications are also described. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367769 | UPDATING AN INDICATION OF A LUMEN LOCATION - Apparatus and methods are described including an endoluminal device configured to move along a portion of a lumen of a subject's body, an extraluminal imaging device, and at least one computer processor. While the endoluminal device moves along the portion of the lumen, a display displays an extraluminal image of the lumen in which a first indication of a location of the lumen is shown. The extraluminal imaging device acquires a sequence of extraluminal images of the endoluminal device moving along the portion of the lumen. The indication of the location of the lumen that is displayed is updated based upon the acquired sequence of extraluminal images, and the acquired sequence of images is displayed with the updated indication of the location of the lumen overlaid upon the images. Other applications are also described. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367770 | 3D SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GUIDING OBJECTS - A method for providing a guided relative movement of a first object and a second object includes obtaining the first object; obtaining the second object and a 3D model of the second object, and deriving from the 3D model a first preferred relative arrangement between the first and second objects; obtaining a pre-process plan describing a preferred path for the relative movement of the first and second objects towards the first preferred relative arrangement; performing a movement procedure that includes 3D scanning at least a region of said second object using the 3D scanner and determining a present relative arrangement of the first and second objects from a result of the 3D scanning; calculating information for correcting in real-time for deviation in the relative movement from the preferred path; and providing a relative movement of the first and second objects towards the first preferred relative arrangement. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367771 | Surgical Navigation Inside A Body - A virtual reality surgical navigation method includes the steps of preparing a multi dimension virtual model associated with an anatomy inside of patient; receiving data indicative of a surgeon's current head position, including direction of view and angle of view; rendering a first virtual three-dimensional image from the virtual model, the virtual three-dimensional image being representative of an anatomical view from a first perspective at a location inside the patient, wherein the perspective is determined by data indicative of the surgeon's current head position; communicating the first rendered virtual image to a virtual headset display; receiving data input indicative of the surgeon's head moving to a second position, wherein the head movement comprises at least one of a change in angle of view and a change in direction of view; and rendering a second virtual three-dimensional image from the virtual model, the second virtual three-dimensional image being representative of an anatomical view from a second perspective at a first location inside the patient. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367772 | User Interface for a System Used to Determine Tissue or Artifact Characteristics - A surgical system includes a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end including a grip, a sensor attached to the distal end of the shaft, at least one visual indicator disposed at the distal end of the shaft, and a controller coupled to the sensor and the at least one visual indicator, the controller actuating the at least one visual indicator according to a signal received from the sensor. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367773 | INTERLOCKING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR JOYSTICKS IN A CATHETER PROCEDURE SYSTEM - An interlocking system for a joystick in a catheter procedure system includes a joystick configured to generate a first voltage output signal based on a linear activation of the joystick and a second voltage output signal based on a rotational activation of the joystick. A joystick cover is disposed over the joystick and includes an upper portion having an electrode plating on an inner surface of the upper portion and a lower portion having an inner surface. A capacitive touch detection circuit is coupled to the electrode plating of the upper portion of the joystick cover and is mounted on the inner surface of the lower portion of the joystick cover. The capacitive touch detection circuit is configured to detect a proximal change in capacitance in the electrode plating of the upper portion of the joystick cover and to generate a touch output signal to indicate whether a change in capacitance has been detected. A signal enable circuit is coupled to the joystick and the capacitive touch detection circuit and is configured to generate a linear enable voltage output signal and a rotational enable voltage output signal based on whether a change in capacitance has been detected. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367774 | CHARACTERISING MOTION CONSTRAINTS - A robot comprising: a base; a flexible arm extending from the base and having a plurality of joints whereby the configuration of the arm can be altered, a plurality of drivers arranged to drive the joints to move, a plurality of sensors for sensing the position of each of the joints and an attachment structure for attaching a tool to the arm, the joints permitting the angular attitude of the attachment structure relative to the base to be varied; and a control unit configured to control the drivers and to receive inputs from the sensors, and operable in a calibration mode in which, whilst a tool is attached to the attachment structure and captive in a port, it: (i) controls the drivers so as to permit the arm to be reconfigured by the action of an external force applied to the arm; (ii) monitors the configuration of the arm under the presence of an external force applied to the arm and transmitted through the tool to the port so as to cause the attitude of the attachment structure to the base to alter; whereby the location of the port can be estimated. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367775 | Motor Interface For Parallel Drive Shafts Within an Independently Rotating Member - Mechanisms, assemblies, systems, tools, and methods include an offset drive shaft within an independently rotating member. An example method of transmitting torque through an offset drive shaft routed within a rotatable main shaft includes supporting a main shaft to rotate relative to a base so that the main shaft rotates about a main shaft rotational axis. A drive shaft is supported to rotate relative to the main shaft so that the drive shaft rotates about a drive shaft rotational axis that is offset from the main shaft rotational axis. The drive shaft is engaged with a drive feature having a drive feature rotational axis that is fixed relative to the base as the main shaft rotates. The main shaft is rotated relative to the base. The drive feature is rotated relative to the main shaft so as to rotate the drive shaft relative to the main shaft. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367776 | ROBOTIC CATHETER SYSTEM FOR MRI-GUIDED CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS - MRI-guided robotics offers possibility for physicians to perform interventions remotely on confined anatomy. While the pathological and physiological changes could be visualized by high-contrast volumetric MRI scan during the procedure, robots promise improved navigation with added dexterity and precision. In cardiac catheterization, however, maneuvering a long catheter (1-2 meters) to the desired location and performing the therapy are still challenging. To meet this challenge, this invention presents an MRI-conditional catheter robotic system that integrates intra-op MRI, MR-based tracking units and enhanced visual guidance with catheter manipulation. This system differs fundamentally from existing master/slave catheter manipulation systems, of which the robotic manipulation is still challenging due to the very limited image guidance. This system provides a means of integrating intra-operative MR imaging and tracking to improve the performance of tele-operated robotic catheterization. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367777 | ALIGNMENT DIFFERENCE SAFETY IN A MASTER-SLAVE ROBOTIC SYSTEM - A method, a non-transitory computer readable medium, and an apparatus for operating the robotic control system comprising a master apparatus ( | 2017-12-28 |
20170367778 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATED END-EFFECTOR - Disclosed is a surgical instrument with an articulated end-effector, such as a dissector, scissor or grasper, to enhance a surgeon's performance during various surgical procedures. The longitudinal axis of the instrument is defined by a shaft, which may be inserted into a surgical incision or trocar in a body of a patient. The articulated end-effector is mounted on the distal extremity of the instrument shaft and comprises a plurality of links interconnected by a plurality of joints, whose movements are remotely actuated by the surgeon's hands. This remote actuation is accomplished through mechanical transmission, mainly along flexible elements, which are able to deliver motion from a set of actuation elements, placed at a proximal extremity of the shaft, to the instrument's articulated end-effector. The articulated end-effector further comprises one or more movement-amplification elements that amplify the movement transmitted by the flexible elements so that the movement of the proximal actuation elements can be minimized while the fatigue resistance of the instrument is maintained or increased. In addition, this invention can provide short distances between the articulations of the end-effector and guaranteed simplified maintenance procedures if some moving links of the end-effector have to be removed. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367779 | BARRIER DISPENSER AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - Apparatus and methods for applying a barrier to a medical scope are provided. An apparatus may comprise a source of film and a housing. The housing may comprise a chamber configured to support therein the source of film, and an opening provided through a wall of the housing to permit a portion of the film to extend out of the chamber when the film is dispensed. The housing may comprise a recess located such that the extended portion of the film is permitted to hang freely in proximity to the recess. The recess may be sized to receive a distal portion of the medical scope. The recess may be adapted to allow the extended portion of the film to be applied to the distal portion of the medical scope when the distal portion is placed into the recess with the portion of the film located therebetween. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367780 | MEDICAL DEVICE PACKAGING - Packaging ( | 2017-12-28 |
20170367781 | HOLDING DEVICE - A holding device wherein: a holding tool including a curved and rigid surface formed in accordance with a shape of a body surface of a body part of a subject along with an adhesive layer having adhesiveness to a skin surface of the subject on the curved and rigid surface side; an elongated arm member having one end portion to which the holding tool is attached; and a fixing tool for fixing the arm member to a fixed object, attached to an end portion of the arm member on the side opposite to the end portion on the side to which the holding tool is attached. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367782 | INSTRUMENT DEVICE MANIPULATOR WITH BACK-MOUNTED TOOL ATTACHMENT MECHANISM - An instrument device manipulator (IDM) is attached to a surgical arm of a robotic system and comprises a surgical tool holder and an outer housing. The surgical tool holder includes an attachment interface that can secure a surgical tool in a front-mount configuration (where the attachment interface is on a face opposite of an elongated body of the surgical tool) or a back-mount configuration (where the attachment interface is on the same face as the elongated body of the surgical tool). The surgical tool holder may rotate continuously within the outer housing. In a back-mount configuration, the surgical tool holder may have a passage that receives the elongated body of the tool and allows free rotation of the elongated body about the rotational axis. A surgical drape separates the IDM and robotic arm from a tool, while allowing electrical and/or optical signals to pass therebetween. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367783 | ARTICLES AND METHODS FOR SAMPLE PREPARATION - Articles and methods for preparing a surface for obtaining a patient sample, such as blood, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the methods involve wiping a surface of skin of a patient in preparation for obtaining a sample (e.g., a blood sample) from the patient. In some embodiments, the methods involve wiping the surface of the skin with two or more wipes. For instance, the surface of the skin may be wiped with a first wipe comprising a surfactant and a second wipe comprising an antiseptic solution. Advantageously, the use of a first wipe including a surfactant followed by a second wipe may remove a higher amount of certain contaminants (e.g., proteins, bacteria, viruses) from the surface of the skin as compared to the use of a single wipe or by hand-washing alone. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367784 | DENTAL DRILL AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAME - A method produces a dental drill that has a shank and a work section. The shank contains a centrally arranged, continuous first channel. The work section contains one or more continuous, spiral-shaped further channels. The first channel and the further channels open into a common chamber connecting the shank and the work section. The shank is sintered with the work section in order to form a one-piece, sintered component that encloses the chamber connecting the shank and the work section. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367785 | AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL FOR ILLUMINATION OF A FEATURE OF INTEREST - Various examples related to automatic light control for illumination of a feature of interest are presented. A lighting system can automatically track a feature of interest, and/or a target positioned in relation to a feature of interest, and position one or more light sources to maintain illumination of the feature of interest. The location of the target, or the feature of interest, can be tracked using images captured by an image capture device and the orientation of one or more light sources can be adjusted to direct beams of light at the feature of interest. The beams of light can produce substantially shadow free illumination of the feature of interest. The controller can automatically calibrate a light source based on identifiable features within a captured image to ensure accurate movement of the light sources when tracking the target or feature of interest in or near real time. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367786 | Instruments and Method of Treatment for Pediatric Dental Hygiene Patients - The pediatric dental treatment technique with accompanying tools brings infant, toddler, and young child dental hygiene into a mainstream services menu. Carefully chosen and styled tools allow for maximum safety and thus enhance efficiency of the child, clinician, parent or other assistant. The treatment technique is refined to eliminate any extraneous movements or tools. Because the hazards posed by other instruments are removed with the use of these specialized instruments, the operator is able to focus on the patient and the treatment areas. Therefore, the treatment goes more quickly which is important for a small child or infant. The preferred tools comprise a single-ended handle with a miniature tip having a dual cutting surface and a single-ended, miniature, anterior sickle scaler. The entire cleaning is completed quickly to reduce accident risks. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367787 | DENTAL RESTORATION TOOL - A dental instrument having first portion and a second portion connected to the first end of the first portion by a connection. The connection is between a protrusion and an indentation, the first end of the first portion comprising one of a protrusion or an indentation, the first end of the second portion comprising one of a protrusion or an indentation corresponding to the first end of the first portion to allow the first portion and the second portion to connect. The connection between the first portion is rotationally adjustable relative to the second portion, each of the first portion and the second portion comprising at a second end one of a lobed portion having a lobed tool or a blade portion having a carving edge, the lobed tool having at least one lobe. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367788 | Pressure Regulating Oral Appliance - The Pressure Regulating Oral Appliance is an oral appliance which is designed to reduce reflux. The device prevents the buildup of negative pressure within the oral cavity that can create a vacuum promoting reflux of stomach content through the LES. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367789 | TOOTH CROWN INFORMATION ACQUISITION METHOD - A normal vector or a curvature at each of a plurality of vertexes that are included in data relating to an oral cavity shape including a tooth crown shape of at least one tooth and define the oral cavity shape is acquired. Then, a vertex group that defines the tooth crown shape of the at least one tooth is extracted from the plurality of vertexes based on the acquired normal vectors or curvatures. Further, the extracted vertex group is outputted as tooth crown shape information that specifies a tooth crown portion in the oral cavity shape. Consequently, automatic construction of a database for a tooth crown shape can be implemented. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367790 | DEVICE FOR SHEILDING TEETH TO BE TREATED - The invention relates to a device for shielding teeth to be treated in order to prevent an inflow of liquid, such as saliva or blood for example, and to a use of the device according to the invention. The invention relates to a partial dental dam ( | 2017-12-28 |
20170367791 | DENTAL APPLIANCE PROVIDING EXPOSED OCCLUSAL SURFACES - A removable dental appliance configured to reposition one or more teeth of a patient includes an appliance body forming an active band configured to surround two or more teeth of the patient. The appliance body includes a facial portion configured to register with facial sides of the surrounded teeth, a lingual portion configured to register with lingual sides of the surrounded teeth. The facial portion of the appliance body and the lingual portion of the appliance body form receptacles. Each receptacle is configured to accept at least one of the surrounded teeth. The receptacles separate the facial portion from the lingual portion at least along an anterior portion of the appliance body. The active band is configured such that occlusal surfaces of the surrounded teeth of the patient are exposed when the removable dental appliance is worn by the patient with the surrounded teeth positioned within the active band. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367792 | COMPUTER SYSTEM-AIDED DESIGN OF DENTAL APPLIANCES - A method includes receiving, with a computer system, a digital representation of a 3D tooth structure providing initial positions of one or more teeth of a patient, determining dimensions and shapes of a removable dental appliance, the dimensions and shapes being configured to reposition the one or more teeth from their initial positions to adjusted positions when the dental appliance is worn, and transmitting a representation of the dental appliance to a computer-aided manufacturing system. The dental appliance includes an appliance body configured to surround two or more teeth of the patient with a facial portion configured to register with facial sides of the surrounded teeth, and a lingual portion configured to register with lingual sides of the surrounded teeth. The appliance body is configured such that occlusal surfaces of the surrounded teeth of the patient are exposed when the removable dental appliance is worn by the patient. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367793 | ADJUSTABLE SLEEP APNEA ORAL APPLIANCE - An oral appliance having an upper tray, a lower tray, and axial inserts attached to either the upper tray or lower tray to adjust the relative position of a user's upper jaw and lower jaw in order to treat sleep apnea and/or snoring while at the same time allowing orthodontic treatment of the subject. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367794 | ELASTIC RING MOUNTING PISTOL AND MAGAZINE - In an elastic ring installation tool for connecting braces to brackets attached to the teeth of a patient, comprising a housing with a barrel, at the front end of which a magazine holder with a magazine in the form of a strip provided with elastic rings for placement onto brackets provided on the teeth is arranged for mounting the braces to the teeth by the elastic rings, a rod with wire fingers is movably supported in the barrel section for picking up the elastic rings and transferring them to the tooth brackets. In accordance with the invention, the magazine holder is supported so as to be movable away from the wire fingers in a direction normal to the axis of the rod for pulling an elastic ring engaged by the wire fingers in a sideward direction for removing the elastic ring from the magazine. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367795 | Analogs for Dental Restorations - Advantageous dental analogs for dental restorations and related methods of use are provided. The present disclosure provides improved analog members for use in fabricating dental implant-supported restorations, and related methods of use. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous systems/methods for the design and use of protection analog members configured to protect cuff portions of coping members during the fabrication of dental restorations. The improved analog members include an added vertical rim or collar to contact and/or protect the cuff portion of coping members when an end of the analog member is screwed/mounted into place into an end of the coping member. This way, the resin added during fabrication will not contact/adhere to the cuff portion allowing a proper seating of the finished fixed implant-supported prosthesis. Use of the improved analog member also can eliminate scratches/damage to the cuff portion (e.g., during trimming and polishing). | 2017-12-28 |
20170367796 | Enossal Single Tooth Implant - A single tooth implant for a fixed dental prosthesis includes a substantially cylindrical main part which can be inserted into a bore in a jaw bone; an abutment which can be inserted into an annular recess in the main part, the abutment having a bore for receiving a retaining screw and a securing head for the dental prosthesis; and a retaining screw which can be inserted into the blind hole of the main part and traverses the abutment; and at least one annular gap between the abutment and the main part, in which gap a damping element is arranged. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367797 | Retainerless Orthodontic Implant System - A retainerless orthodontic dental implant system for positioning the mandible forward relative to the maxilla and for facilitating optimal airflow during sleep and a method of using such a system. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367798 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING A DENTAL PROSTHESIS - The invention relates to a method for producing a dental prosthesis from a prosthesis base and a plurality of prosthesis teeth, characterized by the following chronological steps:
| 2017-12-28 |
20170367799 | Oral irrigation device - The oral irrigation/liquid delivery device provides flow controlled fluid to body areas specifically the mouth, or parts of body or other non-body areas via pump device or connection to water source through a wand handle with bulbous smooth head with multiple openings/orifices for the fluid to flow to ensure that no high-pressure jets result (unless within the design) and can be used in confined area; idea for irrigating or rinsing the mouth after jaw surgery or other situation where it is not possible or recommended to use a high-pressure “water pick” type of device; allows user who may have a problem sucking in water to rinse to have fluids safely delivered to mouth to clear and clean it; allows for the delivery of medicated and or other liquid delivery of water or any other liquid to rinse or even imbibe; said device could also deliver feeding fluids; optional connection via any pump or faucet diverter system to delivery fluids, including option to have a siphon mix of one solution along with another with the secondary solution being introduced to the flow as a result of the pump mechanism or a siphon mechanism based upon the flow of a fluid that is the primary solution. Optionally, a rubber or other suitable tube or hose may be connected between the wand and the tip/connecting point to the pump or fluid delivery device. The same device or its components could be incorporated into other devices such as water bottles or syringe ends. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367800 | AUTOMATIC FILLING MECHANISM AND METHOD FOR A HAND-HELD ORAL CLEANING DEVICE - An automatic filling mechanism for use in conjunction with a hand-held fluid droplet appliance ( | 2017-12-28 |
20170367801 | TEETH CLEANING TRAVEL KIT - A teeth cleaning travel kit includes toothbrushing mouthpiece that has two inverted channels dimensioned to receive upper and lower bites of dental arches of a user, the channels being integral with one another. Teeth-cleaning bristles inwardly project within the two inverted channels to bear inwardly against teeth and gums of the user, wherein the channels and teeth-cleaning bristles are configured such that mastication produces relative brushing movement of the teeth-cleaning bristles over the teeth and gums. An oral hygiene promoting product is attached to one of the two inverted channels and the teeth-cleaning bristles that is released by action of the user's mouth. The teeth cleaning travel kit also includes a vessel that contains a rinsing fluid and kit packaging that contains the toothbrushing mouthpiece and vessel. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367802 | PERSONAL CARE DEVICE ACTUATOR WITH RATTLE MITIGATION - An actuator ( | 2017-12-28 |
20170367803 | DENTAL MEASURING ABUTMENT AND ASSEMBLY - According to some embodiments of the invention there is provided a dental measuring assembly comprising: an elongated stem defining a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end of the stem; a measuring abutment configured to be received over the proximal end of said stem and to axially slide over the stem; wherein a distal segment of the stem comprises scale markings denoting a height of a distal end of the measuring abutment relative to the stem. In some embodiments, a plurality of measuring abutments are provided, each abutment defining a different angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the stem. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367804 | VERTICAL DIMENSION OF OCCLUSION JIGS USED IN ALL-ON-4 DENTAL PROCEDURES - A vertical dimension of occlusion jig includes a vertical support column, a lateral arm support base configured to slide along and rotate about a longitudinal axis of the vertical support column, a first lateral support arm pivotally coupled with the lateral arm support base, a first tooth gantry coupled with the first lateral support arm and adapted to slide along and rotate about a longitudinal axis of the first lateral support arm, a second lateral support arm pivotally coupled with the lateral arm support base, and a second tooth gantry coupled with the second lateral support arm and adapted to slide along and rotate about a longitudinal axis of the second lateral support arm. A temporary anchorage device (TAD) gantry is coupled with the vertical support column and is configured to slide along a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vertical support column. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367805 | INHALATION TOXICITY TESTING CHAMBER DEVICE FOR NANOPARTICLES HAVING MULTIPLE CONCENTRATIONS - The present invention relates to an inhalation toxicity testing chamber device for nanoparticles having a plurality of concentrations. The present invention provides an inhalation toxicity testing chamber device for nanoparticles having a plurality of concentrations, which: can supply nanoparticles having different concentrations to particle exposure modules by stacking a plurality of particle exposure modules inside a single chamber housing and by allowing each particle exposure module so as to form an independent space from each other; can perform inhalation toxicity testing of nanoparticles having a plurality of concentrations through a single chamber housing by being capable of exposing the test animals put into each particle exposure module to nanoparticles having different concentrations; can easily perform inhalation toxicity tests of nanoparticles in a small scale laboratory etc. by improving the overall space efficiency as well as reducing the test cost; and can easily perform more diverse and accurate inhalation toxicity tests on nanoparticles by selectively allowing a plurality of particle exposure modules to be in communication with each other or to be formed as an independent space, according to a user's needs, thereby variably applying the space of the particle exposure module without changing the arrangement of the particle exposure module. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367806 | TISSUE REPAIR IMPLANTS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tissue repair implant comprising a first layer of extracellular matrix and a second support layer of biocompatible material securely attached to the first layer at one or more fixation points. At least one of the fixation points comprises a first projection that is associated with the first layer and securely attached, via a fixation mechanism, to the second support layer. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367807 | SOFT TISSUE GRAFTS, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME - Soft tissue grafts, packaged soft tissue grafts, and methods of making and using soft tissue grafts are disclosed. One soft tissue graft includes processed tissue material having first and second opposed surfaces. The first and second opposed surfaces are bounded by first and second edges. The first edge has a concave shape that curves toward the second edge. The second edge has a convex shape that curves away from the first edge. The first surface comprises a plurality of apertures. At least one of the apertures is formed from a multi-directional separation in the first surface. One method of making a soft tissue graft includes positioning a cutting die on a surface of tissue material, pressing the cutting die into the tissue material to cut the tissue material, and processing the cut tissue material to create processed tissue material. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367808 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EMBOLIC PROTECTION - Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a removable embolic protection device for deployment at a body vessel, as well as systems and methods for implanting the device within a vessel of a patient. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367809 | HUMAN IMPLANTABLE TISSUE EXPANDERS - Human implantable tissue expanders are provided, such as breast tissue expanders, that comprise an inner foam filling enclosed within a liquid-filled compartment and further within a sealing shell comprising a substantially non-stretchable resilient expansion restricting layer. The substantially non-stretchable resilient expansion restricting layer is configured to retain a shape and/or volume of said foam filling upon changes of ambient pressure and/or temperature. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367810 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR LUNG VOLUME REDUCTION - Methods, devices, and systems for mechanically reducing the volume of the lung. Some embodiments include endobronchially positioning an anchoring device within a lung, the anchoring device comprising at least a distal anchor, expanding at least a portion of the distal anchor to anchor the distal anchor against lung lumen tissue, and tensioning at least a portion of the device to reduce the volume of the lung. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367811 | AORTIC GRAFT DEVICE - An aortic arch device that is a unitary tube of graft material having a crimped unstented portion and a stented portion, a collar at the junction of the crimped unstented portion and the stented portion, at least one fenestration or lateral opening in the graft material to accommodate arteries in the aortic arch. Branches may extend from the fenestrations. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367812 | IMPLANT PLACEMENT SYSTEMS AND ONE-HANDED METHODS FOR TISSUE FIXATION USING SAME - Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply a precise amount of tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone, preferably while maintaining the requisite pre-determined suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture. Particularly preferred embodiments allow for the one-handed operation. To that end, embodiments in which relative axial movement between the inner tensioning device and outer driver device is optionally physically constrained, for example by means of cooperating and/or compressive elements disposed in the respective hub and handle portions, are described herein. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367813 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROSTHETIC REHABILITATION OF THE RETINA - A device for prosthetic vision rehabilitation, which includes a scleral explant with a shape that is suitable for being in contact with at least one portion of the sclera of an eye, and at least one inducer arranged on the scleral explant. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367814 | CORNEAL IMPLANT AND METHOD OF DELIVERING A CORNEAL IMPLANT - A method of inserting and securing a corneal implant in engaging and fluid-flow limiting relation to the posterior cornea, such as to treat edema. The method includes securing a corneal implant in fluid flow limiting relation to the posterior cornea through an incision in the eye and securing it in place by a variety of steps such as corneal insertion or laser bonding, and preferably by inserting a removable corneal implant including a central region and a plurality of retention member(s) disposed on the periphery thereof into the eye so as to releaseably and removably engage a portion of the eye and thereby retain the corneal implant in abutting and engaging relation with the posterior cornea. The retention members of the corneal implant may also comprise haptic leg(s) extending from the central region. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367815 | INTRAOCULAR DEVICE WITH WIRELESSLY COUPLED AUXILIARY ELECTRONICS - Techniques and mechanisms for the wireless transmission of power and sensor information between two components of an implantable ophthalmic device are disclosed herein. An example device includes an accommodating intraocular lens (aIOL) and separate auxiliary electronics, both enclosed in biocompatible materials. The aIOL includes a dynamic optic, control logic, a battery and an antenna. The auxiliary electronics include an antenna, an energy storage cell, and a sensor. The auxiliary electronics may be wirelessly coupled to the aIOL for the wireless transmission of power and sensor information. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367816 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTRAOCULAR LENS DEPLOYMENT - An intraocular lens (IOL) insertion apparatus may include a handpiece body having a distal tip and a deployment chamber located at a distal end of the handpiece body. The deployment chamber is sized and shaped to hold a folded IOL. The IOL insertion apparatus further includes a deployment system disposed within the handpiece body. The deployment system may include a deployment carriage movable between a first position and a second position within the handpiece body. The deployment carriage may include a biasing element that biases the deployment carriage in a distal direction toward the distal tip. The deployment system may further include a deployment trigger that prevents distal movement of the deployment carriage unless pressed and a deployment plunger having a proximal end secured to the deployment carriage and a distal end to engage the folded IOL. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367817 | INTRAOCULAR LENS DELIVERY DEVICE WITH TELESCOPING PLUNGER - An intraocular lens (IOL) insertion apparatus may include a hand piece body having a distal tip, an IOL folding chamber, and IOL a dwell position, and a telescoping plunger having a first plunger portion and a second plunger portion. The first plunger portion and second plunger portion may be arranged to simultaneously advance through a first portion of a displacement of the telescoping plunger, and one of the first and second plunger portions may be arranged to advance through a second portion of the displacement of the telescoping plunger. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367818 | IOL DELIVERY SYSTEMS - An intraocular lens (IOL) insertion apparatus includes a handpiece body having a distal tip and a proximal section. The IOL insertion apparatus also includes a folding chamber located within the handpiece body, the folding chamber shaped to fold an IOL advancing through the folding chamber. The IOL insertion apparatus also includes an advancement system. The advancement system includes an advancement carriage movable between a first position and a second position within the handpiece body. The advancement carriage includes a spring system biasing the advancement carriage in a distal direction toward the second position and a dampening system to dampen motion of the advancement carriage. The advancement system further includes an elongated advancement plunger that includes a distal end to advance the IOL through the folding chamber and a proximal end connected to the advancement carriage. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367819 | METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SINUSITIS - This disclosure describes, inter alia, materials, devices, kits and methods that may be used to treat chronic sinusitis. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367820 | PULMONARY-SYSTEMIC SHUNT DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS - A method for treating a patient may include establishing an anastomosis between a pulmonary artery and an aorta; and pumping blood from the pulmonary artery to the aorta when the pulmonary artery has a pressure lower than or equal to a pressure of the aorta. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367821 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CRIMPING A PROSTHETIC VALVE - Embodiments of a crimping device for crimping a radially expandable and compressible prosthetic valve are disclosed. A crimping device can comprise a housing configured to receive a prosthetic valve in a radially expanded state. The housing member can include a funnel segment and an outlet in communication with the funnel segment. The crimping device can further comprise an actuator rotatably coupled to the housing, wherein rotation of the actuator relative to the housing causes the prosthetic valve to move axially through the funnel segment such that at least a portion of the prosthetic valve compresses radially by engagement with the funnel segment and exits the crimping device via the outlet. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367822 | HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS - A device for artificial cardiac valve support, the device including an upstream portion designed to expand to have at least one dimension wider than a native heart valve annulus, a downstream portion attached to the upstream portion, the downstream portion also designed to expand to have at least a portion with at least one dimension wider than a native heart valve annulus, and a plurality of artificial valve commissure posts. A method for producing a device for artificial cardiac valve support, the method including producing an upstream portion, producing a downstream portion, and attaching the upstream portion to the downstream portion, producing a frame for artificial cardiac valve support. Related apparatus and methods are also described. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367823 | Prosthetic Heart Valve with Compressible Frames - A tubular portion of a valve frame circumscribes a longitudinal axis, and defines a lumen along the axis and a plurality of valve-frame coupling elements disposed circumferentially around the axis. An outer frame: (a) comprises a ring defined by a pattern of alternating peaks and troughs, the pattern having an amplitude, (b) comprises a plurality of legs, coupled to the ring at respective troughs, and (c) is shaped to define a plurality of outer-frame coupling elements, each coupled to the ring, and fixed with respect to a respective valve-frame coupling element. Compression of the tubular portion from an expanded state toward a compressed state reduces a circumferential distance between each of the outer-frame coupling elements and its adjacent outer-frame coupling elements, and increases the amplitude of the pattern of the ring. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367824 | INSERTION TOOLS FOR MEDICAL DEVICES AND METHODS FOR USING - The disclosure provides insertion tools and articles that facilitate entry of a medical device, such as a balloon catheter, into the body. In embodiments the insertion tools have an elongate hollow body ( | 2017-12-28 |
20170367825 | ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY DEVICES AND ADJUSTMENT MECHANISMS THEREFOR - Apparatus is provided for adjusting at least one dimension of an implant. The apparatus includes a rotatable structure having a channel extending between first and second openings of the rotatable structure. The channel is configured for passage therethrough of an elongate tool. The rotatable structure has a lower surface that is shaped to define a first coupling. The apparatus includes a mechanical element having a surface coupled to the lower surface of the rotatable structure. The mechanical element is shaped to provide a second coupling configured to engage the first coupling during a resting state of the mechanical element, in a manner that restricts rotation of the rotatable structure. The mechanical element has a depressible portion that is disposed in communication with the second opening, and is configured to disengage the first and second couplings in response to a force applied thereto by the elongate tool. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367826 | COMPOSITE BONE CONSTRUCTS AND METHODS - Embodiments of the present technology include a graft for administration at a treatment site of a patient. The graft may include a human cadaveric bone material bonded together with a polymeric binder. The human cadaveric bone material may include demineralized bone particles. The demineralized bone particles may have an average diameter less than 1.1 mm, less than 750 μm, less than 500 μm, or less than 250 μm. The human cadaveric bone material may include non-demineralized bone, cancellous bone, and/or cortical bone in embodiments. In some embodiments, bone from animals other than humans may be used, and the patient may be an animal other than a human. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367827 | MEDICAL IMPLANTS WITH 100% SUBSURFACE BORON CARBIDE DIFFUSION LAYER - An orthopedic medical implant, implant part or surgical instrument includes a metallic body having a metal or a metal alloy. The metallic body includes a sub-surface that is a thermal diffused boron carbide layer, and the metallic body is void of an additive layer onto a surface of the metallic body. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367828 | Interpositional Joint Implant - A method of preparing an interpositional implant suitable for a knee. The method includes determining a three-dimensional shape of a tibial surface of the knee. An implant is produced having a superior surface and an inferior surface, with the superior surface adapted to be positioned against a femoral condyle of the knee, and the inferior surface adapted to be positioned upon the tibial surface of the knee. The inferior surface conforms to the three-dimensional shape of the tibial surface. The implant may be inserted into the knee without making surgical cuts on the tibial surface. The tibial surface may include cartilage, or cartilage and bone. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367829 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING JOINT PROSTHESIS - A method and apparatus are provided for making a temporary hip joint prosthesis. The method includes horizontally positioning each half of a two-part mold having a respective impression of a front side and a backside of a hip joint prosthesis. The method includes level filling the selected impressions with a bone cement mixture. The method includes rotating one half of the two-part mold to align the front side and back side of the hip joint prosthesis. The method includes maintaining the two halves of the two-part mold in contact as portions of the bone cement mixture in each half adhere together and cures. The method includes removing a hip joint prosthesis from the two-part mold. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367830 | VETERINARY HIP RESURFACING PROSTHETIC SYSTEM - A veterinary hip resurfacing prosthetic system includes a femoral cap and an acetabular cup. The cup shell has a thickness of less than 2 mm and a liner in the shell has a thickness of less than 2.5 mm in order to accommodate a larger femoral cap. Further included are features for preventing rotation of the liner relative to the shell, for releasably locking the liner in the shell, and for accessing the liner to remove it from the shell. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367831 | ELBOW PROSTHESIS - An elbow prosthesis includes a stem structure and an articulating component. The stem structure is operable to be positioned in a bone of a joint and includes a stem portion and a C-shaped body portion. The stem portion is operable to be positioned in the bone. The C-shaped body portion includes a first articulating surface bound by a medial wall and a lateral wall. The medial and lateral walls are separated by a first distance. The articulating component includes a second articulating surface positioned between a medial side surface and a lateral side surface. The medial and lateral side surfaces are separated by a second distance that is less than the first distance. The second articulating surface is configured to slidably communicate in a medial/lateral direction along the first articulating surface of the C-shaped body portion. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367832 | ELBOW PROSTHESIS - An elbow prosthesis according to the present teachings can include a stem structure and an articulating component. The stem structure can be operable to be positioned in a bone of a joint. The stem structure can include a stem portion that is operable to be positioned in the bone and a C-shaped body portion having a first retaining mechanism formed thereon. The articulating component can have a second retaining mechanism formed thereon. One of the first and second retaining mechanisms can comprise an extension portion and a first anti-rotation portion. The other retaining mechanism can comprise a receiving portion and a second anti-rotation portion. The articulating component can be advanced from an insertion position to an assembled position, such that the first and second mechanisms cooperatively interlock to inhibit translation and rotation of the articulating component relative to the C-shaped body portion of the stem structure. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367833 | CRUCIATE RETAINING KNEE IMPLANTS AND METHODS FOR IMPLANTING CRUCIATE RETAINING KNEE IMPLANTS - The present invention relates to cruciate ligament retaining knee implants, and instruments and methods for implanting cruciate ligament retaining knee implants. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367834 | Implants for Altering Wear Patterns of Articular Surfaces - Methods and devices for correcting wear pattern defects in joints. The methods and devices described herein allow for the restoration of correcting abnormal biomechanical loading conditions in a joint brought on by wear pattern defects, and also can, in embodiments, permit correction of proper kinematic movement. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367835 | PROSTHESIS FOR A SHOULDER ARTICULATION - Prosthesis for a shoulder joint including a humeral component equipped with a stem, a head component and connection or articulation means of the humeral component with the head component, wherein the prosthesis according to the invention can be used both as a conventional prosthesis and as a reverse-type prosthesis. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367836 | SET FOR A GLENOID IMPLANT - This set comprising:
| 2017-12-28 |
20170367837 | FIXATION MECHANISM FOR AN IMPLANT - An ankle prosthesis has a tibial component configured for attachment to a tibia of a person, and a talar component. The talar component has a first surface configured for facing the tibial component and a second surface configured for facing a talus of the person. The second surface has first and second arms attached to it, for pivoting or flexing outwardly in medial and lateral directions, respectively, to engage side surfaces of a previously formed slot in the talus. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367838 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR METATARSOPHALANGEAL ARTHROPLASTY PROCEDURES - The present technology relates generally to devices and methods for arthroplasty procedures. In some embodiments, for example, a device is disclosed for use during an arthroplasty procedure of a joint of a patient, the joint extending between a first joint end of a first bone and an abutting second joint end of a second bone of the patient. The device includes an end plate configured and arranged for disposing over the first joint end of the first bone, a longitudinal plate extending from the end plate and configured and arranged for disposing along a medial, longitudinal surface of the first bone, and a stem extending from the end plate and suitable for extending along an intra-medullary canal of the first bone. When installed, at least one fastener extends at least partially through the first bone and couples the longitudinal plate to the first bone. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367839 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SPINAL FACET FUSION - A spinal facet fusion implant comprising: an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the elongated body being characterized by a superior body surface and an inferior body surface; a superior stabilizer extending outwardly from the superior body surface, the superior stabilizer being characterized by a superior stabilizer surface; and an inferior stabilizer extending outwardly from the inferior body surface, the inferior stabilizer being characterized by an inferior stabilizer surface; wherein (i) the superior body surface and the inferior body surface are tapered relative to one another, and/or (ii) the superior stabilizer surface and the inferior stabilizer surface are tapered relative to one another. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367840 | INTERVERTEBRAL SPACER WITH CHAMFERED EDGES - Intervertebral implants, assemblies, and methods thereof. An intervertebral implant includes opposing chamfered edges to reduce a diagonal distance between the edges. The reduced diagonal distance minimizes distraction of an intervertebral disc space during insertion of the implant. A tool for insertion and rotation of the implant is also provided. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367841 | Spinal Cages and Instruments for Inserting Same - A spinal implant comprising an upper and a lower end plate connected by inner and outer lateral walls, said outer lateral walls forming an anterior wall, a posterior wall and two longitudinal walls, said inner lateral walls encompassing a receiving space, and engagement elements being arranged on and projecting from said upper and lower end plates. According to the invention, in order to avoid wear and abrasion when implanted and to improve ingrowth of the spinal implant into the tissue, said spinal implant consists of a ceramic material and carries a porous ceramic foam in at least some sub-sections. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367842 | EXPANDABLE IMPLANT ASSEMBLY - An expandable implant includes a base member including a top surface, a first end, and a second end, and defining a central cavity positioned between the first end and the second end; an adjustable member including a top surface and at least one control channel, wherein the adjustable member is adjustably coupled to the base member and movable between a first, collapsed position, and a second, expanded position; a control shaft rotatable received by the base member, wherein rotation of the control shaft cause relative movement of the adjustable member relative to the base member; and at least one control member received on the control shaft and by the control channel, wherein rotation of the control shaft causes the control member to translate along the control shaft and along the control channel. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367843 | EXPANDABLE, ANGULARLY ADJUSTABLE INTERVERTEBRAL CAGES - The embodiments provide various interbody fusion spacers, or cages, for insertion between adjacent vertebrae. These intervertebral cages can restore and maintain intervertebral height of the spinal segment to be treated, and stabilize the spine by restoring sagittal balance and alignment. The cages may have a first, insertion configuration characterized by a reduced size at each of their insertion ends to facilitate insertion through a narrow access passage and into the intervertebral space. The cages may be expanded to a second, expanded size once implanted. In their second configuration, the cages are able to maintain the proper disc height and stabilize the spine by restoring sagittal balance and alignment. The intervertebral cages are configured to be able to adjust the angle of lordosis, and can accommodate larger lodortic angles in their second, expanded configuration. Further, these cages may promote fusion to further enhance spine stability by immobilizing the adjacent vertebral bodies. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367844 | EXPANDABLE AND ANGULARLY ADJUSTABLE INTERVERTEBRAL CAGES WITH ARTICULATING JOINT - The embodiments provide various interbody fusion spacers, or cages, for insertion between adjacent vertebrae. The cages may contain an articulating joint to allow expansion and angular adjustment, and enable upper and lower plate components to move relative to one another. The cages may have a first, insertion configuration characterized by a reduced size at each of their insertion ends to facilitate insertion through a narrow access passage and into the intervertebral space. In their second, expanded configuration, the cages are able to maintain the proper disc height and stabilize the spine by restoring sagittal balance and alignment. The intervertebral cages are able to adjust the angle of lordosis, and can accommodate larger lodortic angles in their second, expanded configuration. Further, these cages may promote fusion to further enhance spine stability by immobilizing the adjacent vertebral bodies. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367845 | EXPANDABLE AND ANGULARLY ADJUSTABLE ARTICULATING INTERVERTEBRAL CAGES - The embodiments provide various interbody fusion spacers, or cages, for insertion between adjacent vertebrae. The cages may contain an articulating mechanism to allow expansion and angular adjustment, and enable upper and lower plate components to glide smoothly relative to one another. The cages may have a first, insertion configuration characterized by a reduced size at each of their insertion ends to facilitate insertion through a narrow access passage and into the intervertebral space. In their second, expanded configuration, the cages are able to maintain the proper disc height and stabilize the spine by restoring sagittal balance and alignment. The intervertebral cages are able to adjust the angle of lordosis, and can accommodate larger lodortic angles in their second, expanded configuration. Further, these cages may promote fusion to further enhance spine stability by immobilizing the adjacent vertebral bodies. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367846 | BONE GRAFT DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING SAME - A bone graft delivery system can include an elongate tube and a handle having a trigger and a ratcheting mechanism. The trigger is actuated to deliver bone graft material through the tube. The bone graft delivery system can further include a distal tip at a distal end of the tube. The tip has one or more openings to deliver the bone graft material to a desired location and includes a surface suitable to act as a rasp for decorticating bone. A method for delivering bone graft material to a desired surgical location includes providing a bone graft delivery device, positioning the device adjacent the surgical location, decorticating bone, and delivering bone graft material to the surgical location. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367847 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING BY-IMPACTION ASSEMBLY BETWEEN A PROSTHETIC COMPONENT AND A SUPPORT MEMBER, AND SURGICAL KITS INCLUDING SUCH A SYSTEM - This system comprises:
| 2017-12-28 |
20170367848 | SENSING FORCE DURING PARTIAL OR TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY - Systems, devices, and methods are provided for measuring forces in the space of a knee during surgery. Such forces can be caused by tension in the ligaments of the knee. A femoral member is engaged with a distal femur. While the knee is flexed, partially extended, or fully extended, a force sensor and a gauge shim can be placed in the gap between the femoral member and the tibial plateau to measure the forces therebetween. The force sensor provides an accurate and quantifiable measurement of force, making knee replacement surgery and ligament tension balancing more accurate, standardized and repeatable. The force sensor comprises an elongate housing which comprises a thin force sensing distal portion and a proximal handle portion. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367849 | INSTRUMENTATION AND METHODS FOR KNEE ARTHROPLASTY - Instrumentation and methods are provided for knee arthroplasty which permit rotation of a distal femoral component in the sagittal plane. A guide provides for determination of both a femoral component size and rotation angle at which to install the implant in any specific patient. | 2017-12-28 |
20170367850 | Breast Prostheses with Phase Change Material - In a method of making a breast prosthesis for use by a wearer having a body temperature, a plurality of dissolvable beads is placed into an open back of a breast-shaped mold. The open back of the mold is sealed. A suspension of an uncured silicone rubber liquid and a plurality of phase change material pellets is injected into the mold around the beads. The uncured silicone rubber is allowed to cure, thereby forming a breast shape. The phase change material has a latent heat of fusion at a melting point so as to remove heat from the wearer when the body temperature is at least at the melting point. The breast shape is removed from the mold and the dissolvable beads are dissolved from the breast shape. | 2017-12-28 |