Abstract: A vascular access port is described that is elongate in form. A distal end is coupled to a tube which leads into a body lumen. A proximal end has a head thereon with a septum which can be repeatedly penetrated by a needle and reseal, for repeated administration of medications or other compositions through the port and into the body of the patient. A wing is attached to the body that has two positions including a streamlined first position for implantation and a wider second position for stabilization of the port after implantation. A stay is preferably also provided to abut the wing when in the second position to keep the wing in the second position when fully deployed.

Abstract: A retainer is provided which can be affixed to a medical tube, such as a catheter, or formed with the tube. The retainer has a base portion which is fixed to the tube. An expandable width portion is coupled to the base portion. This expandable width portion can transition between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, with the expanded configuration wider than the base portion and the collapsed configuration narrower than the expanded configuration. This retainer is located on a portion of the tube which is subcutaneous but near the skin. After the tube is positioned where desired, the retainer is transitioned from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. The retainer then resists removal of the tube, due to the expanded width of the retainer and its location beneath the skin. The tube fitted with the retainer can be a PICC line or other form of medical tube.

Abstract: A vascular access port is disclosed for subcutaneous implantation. The port is particularly adapted to be affixed to a bone to securely hold the port in position, to assist medical personnel in finding the port and to decrease a visibility of the port. The port has a chamber therein which is accessed by a needle through a septum adjacent the chamber. The chamber is placed into fluid communication with the vascular structure of the patient, such as through catheter tubing. The chamber is surrounded by a body with an outer surface which is preferably fitted with threads to facilitate secure but removable attachment of the port within a hole in the bone where the port is to be implanted.

Abstract: Various implants are provided to at least partially replace a nucleus of a spinal disk. The implants are spring-like in nature. In one embodiment, a helical spring is provided with various different unique outlines to act as the implant. The helical spring is oriented with a center line substantially perpendicular to the spine and to a direction of compression loads experienced within the disk space. The helical spring or other implant is preferably delivered through a delivery cannula which has a size which is smaller than a cross-sectional size of the implant. The implant is preferably formed of nickel titanium or otherwise configured so that it can be compressed significantly within the delivery cannula and then become enlarged after being advanced out of the delivery cannula and into the intervertebral space. In other embodiments the implant is generally cylindrical and expandable in height after delivery.

Abstract: An implant assembly is provided for surgical implantation into an intervertebral space, such as for stabilization of vertebrae adjacent the intervertebral space during a spinal fusion procedure. The implant assembly includes a primary segment separate from a secondary segment. These segments are elongate and of sufficiently small cross-section that they can be implanted posteriorly in a minimally invasive manner. The primary segment preferably includes a tunnel and the secondary segment preferably includes a neck with the tunnel and neck sized complementaly so that the segments stabilize each other where they intersect with the neck within the tunnel. The entire implant assembly is thus provided which both widens and supports the intervertebral space and is sufficiently rigid to provide adequate support for the intervertebral space as the vertebrae are fusing together.

Abstract: An implant assembly 10 is provided for surgical implantation into an intervertebral space S, such as for stabilization of vertebrae V adjacent the intervertebral space S during a spinal fusion procedure. The implant assembly 10 includes a primary segment 20 separate from a secondary segment 60. These segments 20, 60 are elongate and of sufficiently small cross-section that they can be implanted posteriorly in a minimally invasive manner. The segments 20, 60 preferably have a rectangular cross-section so that they can be inserted on a side into the intervertebral space S and then rotated into a maximum height orientation to widen the intervertebral space S. The segments 20, 60 interlock together at an intersection there between. The primary segment 20 preferably includes a tunnel 30 and the secondary segment 60 preferably includes a neck 70 with the tunnel 30 and neck 70 sized complementally so that the segments 20, 60 stabilize each other where they intersect with the neck 70 within the tunnel 30.