Abstract: A method of implanting an intervertebral prosthesis in an intervertebral space between a first and a second vertebra of a patient's spinal column may include making a first aperture at a first location to permit access to the intervertebral disc space. The first aperture may be sized to allow passage of at least a portion of the intervertebral prosthesis. A second aperture may be made at a second location to permit access to the intervertebral disc space. The second aperture may be sized to allow passage of a surgical instrument. An intervertebral prosthesis for implantation into an intervertebral space between a first and a second vertebra of a patient's spinal column is also disclosed, along with a surgical instrument for implanting the an intervertebral prosthesis.

Abstract: Spinal prosthetic devices having selectable and/or changeable centers of rotation are disclosed. In one aspect, a spinal prosthesis kit includes a first component, a second component, and a plurality of inserts. The first component has a first articulating surface that includes a first articulating structure. The second component has a second articulating surface with a recessed opening adapted to receive one of the plurality of inserts. Each of the plurality of inserts includes a second articulating structure adapted to moveably mate with the first articulating structure. The second articulating structure is positioned in a different location on each of the plurality of inserts. In some embodiments, the articulating structures are moveably mating projections and recesses. In another aspect, a revisable prosthetic device having a first component, a second component, and an insert is provided.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device for promoting fusion of first and second vertebrae comprises first and second endplate modules. Each endplate module includes an outer surface adapted to interface with vertebral bone and an opposite inner surface. The endplate modules further include an attachment feature. A central module is adapted to extend between the first and second endplate modules and is further adapted for connection with the attachment feature. A through passage extends through the outer and inner surfaces of the each of the first and second endplates and through the central module.

Abstract: A method for displaying a news feed in a social network environment is described. The method includes generating news items regarding activities associated with a user of a social network environment and attaching an informational link associated with at least one of the activities, to at least one of the news items, as well as limiting access to the news items to a predetermined set of viewers and assigning an order to the news items. The method further may further include displaying the news items in the assigned order to at least one viewing user of the predetermined set of viewers and dynamically limiting the number of news items displayed.

Abstract: Devices and methods to insert a prosthetic implant into an intervertebral disc space. The device may comprise pivotally connected channel members and a locking mechanism pivotally connected to the channel members. The locking mechanism may comprise a latch that engages a slot in the sidewalls of a channel member to at least partially cover an open side of the channel members and lock the channel members in place. A prosthetic implant may be loaded into the channel members in a relaxed configuration and then unfolded to an implantation configuration by pivoting the channel members.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer and a liquid chromatography system for a mass spectrometer is disclosed. In a peak parking mode of operation solvent from A and B solvent pumps 9, 10 is immediately diverted to waste reducing the backpressure on an analytical column 21. Analyte of interest is then allowed to be released from the column 21 at a slower rate by passing fluid from a separate pump 1 through the column 21.

Abstract: A system for removing an implant from between a pair of vertebral bodies comprises a removal shaft. The removal shaft includes a threaded shaft portion and is coupled to a spreader block. A connector body is threadedly coupled to the threaded shaft portion. The system further includes a first removal blade having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is attached to the connector body and the distal end is attachable to the implant. A first spreader brace is attached to the spreader block. Rotation of the threaded shaft removes at least a portion of the implant from between the pair of vertebral bodies.

Abstract: Tissue engineering holds enormous potential to replace or restore function to a wide range of tissues. However, the most successful applications have been limited to thin avascular tissues in which delivery of essential nutrients occurs primarily by diffusion. Pursuant to the present invention, a prevascularized, thick tissue construct is created having a network of capillaries with lumens capable of nutrient and origin delivery and forming anastamoses to host vasculature. A tissue transplantation strategy is comprised of (1) in vitro vascularization of a tisue construct, (2) transplantation of prevascularized tissue to wound bed of host where vessels of implantable tissue and host rapidly anastomose, and (3) host-directed remodeling and reorganization of the tissue and vascular network.