Abstract:
Paranasal sinus apparatus is provided, including a hole-forming member configured to form a hole through a bone wall of a paranasal sinus of a subject. An implant is provided, having a proximal end and a distal end, and which is shaped to define a lumen. The implant is couplable to the hole-forming member, and is securable to the wall and extendable through the hole, such that the proximal end is disposed external to the paranasal sinus and the distal end is disposed within the paranasal sinus. The implant includes a biodegradable material. Other applications are also described.
Abstract:
A sterile artificial bone product is provided. The sterile artificial bone product comprises a sintered porous ceramic foam material having a density of 0.3 to 1.5 g/cc, and a porosity of 40 to 95%, pores of the material having a pore diameter distribution of 10-500 microns. Additionally, a bioactive compound is coupled to the ceramic foam material. Other embodiments are also described.
Abstract:
Apparatus is provided that includes a dental implant having a lateral external surface. The implant is shaped so as to define a lumen therethrough having a lateral opening through the lateral external surface. The apparatus further includes a retaining element, and a delivery tube having a distal tube end. The retaining element is configured to assume (a) a first position in which the retaining element removably couples the distal tube end to the implant such that the delivery tube is in fluid communication with the lumen via the lateral opening, and (b) a second position in which the retaining element does not couple the distal tube end to the implant. Other embodiments are also described.
Abstract:
Fastening apparatus includes a fastener (30, 64, 120), including a threaded shaft (34, 126) having a thread diameter and a fastening element (36, 68, 124) having a head diameter, greater than the thread diameter. An annular washer (38, 40, 66, 70, 90, 100, 110, 122), including a shape memory material, is configured to fit over and surround the shaft and has an outer diameter no greater than the head diameter.
Abstract:
Apparatus is provided that includes a dental implant having a proximal implant end and a lateral external surface. The implant is shaped so as to define a lumen therethrough having a lateral opening through the lateral external surface. The apparatus further includes an applicator, which is removably coupled to the proximal implant end. The applicator includes a delivery tube having a distal tube end that is removably coupled to the implant such that the delivery tube is in fluid communication with the lumen via the lateral opening. Other embodiments are also described.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are described, including at least one tool configured to be placed inside a subject's mouth. A first optically-visible marker is coupled to the tool. A second optically-visible marker is coupled to a structure inside the subject's mouth. A plurality of optical cameras are coupled to the tool, and are placed inside the subject's mouth by the tool being placed inside the subject's mouth. The cameras acquire respective images of the inside of the subject's mouth, in which the second optically-visible marker is identifiable. A plurality of optical cameras that are disposed outside the subject's mouth acquire respective images of the tool, while the tool is inside the subject's mouth, in which images the first optically-visible marker is identifiable. Other embodiments are also described.
Abstract:
A dental implant is provided that has a proximal-most part, a lateral external surface, and a distal implant portion that extends from a distal implant end along up to 50% of a longitudinal length of the implant. The implant is shaped so as to define a lumen therethrough (a) having at least one distal opening through a distal external surface of the distal implant portion, (b) having a lateral opening through the lateral external surface, and (c) not open to a proximal external surface of the implant within 2 mm of the proximal-most part of the implant. Other embodiments are also described.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are described, including at least one tool configured to be placed inside a subject's mouth. A first optically-visible marker is coupled to the tool. A second optically-visible marker is coupled to a structure inside the subject's mouth. A plurality of optical cameras are coupled to the tool, and are placed inside the subject's mouth by the tool being placed inside the subject's mouth. The cameras acquire respective images of the inside of the subject's mouth, in which the second optically-visible marker is identifiable. A plurality of optical cameras that are disposed outside the subject's mouth acquire respective images of the tool, while the tool is inside the subject's mouth, in which images the first optically-visible marker is identifiable. Other embodiments are also described.