Abstract: A polymer coating/ring is employed to aid in the sealing and connection of modular elements used in body flow lumens for the exclusion and bypass of diseased regions of the flow lumen, such as where aneurysm occurs adjacent to branching blood vessels.

Abstract: A polymer coating/ring is employed to aid in the sealing and connection of modular elements used in body flow lumens for the exclusion and bypass of diseased regions of the flow lumen, such as where aneurysm occurs adjacent to branching blood vessels.

Abstract: A polymer coating/ring is employed to aid in the sealing and connection of modular elements used in body flow lumens for the exclusion and bypass of diseased regions of the flow lumen, such as where aneurysm occurs adjacent to branching blood vessels.

Abstract: A stent graft includes at least one aperture extending through the main body thereof, into which an extension portion may be deployed for positioning within an adjacent branch flow lumen. The extension portions include self biasing features, wherein the extension is biased into engagement with the main body to seal the interface thereof. Additionally, the extension portion may be configured for tortuous or deviated anatomy, to enable sealing of the extension portion with the body while extending the extension portion in a substantially non-radial direction from the main body.

Abstract: Skeletal stabilization systems include a base, a longitudinal member, and a retaining member. The base includes an engagement surface with a surface area that is positionable in contact with a bone to atraumatically or traumatically engage the base to the bone. The retaining member engages the base to retain the longitudinal member relative to the base so that the longitudinal member can provide a desired stabilization effect to one or more adjacent bony portions.

Abstract: A method of securing vertebrae includes inserting a first pedicle screw into a first pedicle of a first vertebra. The first pedicle screw includes a first channel running perpendicular to a first central axis of the first pedicle screw. The first pedicle screw has a first engagement structure. The method further includes inserting a second pedicle screw into a second pedicle of a second vertebra. The second pedicle screw includes a second channel running perpendicular to a second central axis of the second pedicle screw. The second pedicle screw has a second engagement structure. The method also includes inserting a guidewire through the first and second channels, threading a tether attached to an end of the guidewire through the first and second channels, securing the tether to the first pedicle screw, applying tension to the tether, and securing the tether to the second pedicle screw.

Abstract: Skeletal stabilization systems include a base, a longitudinal member, and a retaining member. The base includes an engagement surface with a surface area that is positionable in contact with a bone to atraumatically or traumatically engage the base to the bone. The retaining member engages the base to retain the longitudinal member relative to the base so that the longitudinal member can provide a desired stabilization effect to one or more adjacent bony portions.

Abstract: Skeletal stabilization systems include a base, a longitudinal member, and a retaining member. The base includes an engagement surface with a surface area that is positionable in contact with a bone to atraumatically or traumatically engage the base to the bone. The retaining member engages the base to retain the longitudinal member relative to the base so that the longitudinal member can provide a desired stabilization effect to one or more adjacent bony portions.

Abstract: Modular branch vessel stent-graft assemblies for the treatment arterial or vascular disease at the branch of two or more arteries or blood flow passageways, including, for example, abdominal aortic aneurysms are assembled in a patient's trunk/parent artery, from at least two components; a first component and a second component. The first and second components each include a first and second window, or fenestration. The second component couples with the first component by fitting at least partially in the first component to form the modular branch vessel stent-graft assembly with two selectively locatable branch openings. As the first and second components are deployed, the second component is selectively position able relative to first component so that the first and second component first and second windows overlap to form two branch openings whose longitudinal and angular positions are selectable within a range.

Abstract: A method of securing vertebrae includes inserting a first pedicle screw into a first pedicle of a first vertebra. The first pedicle screw includes a first channel running perpendicular to a first central axis of the first pedicle screw. The first pedicle screw has a first engagement structure. The method further includes inserting a second pedicle screw into a second pedicle of a second vertebra. The second pedicle screw includes a second channel running perpendicular to a second central axis of the second pedicle screw. The second pedicle screw has a second engagement structure. The method also includes inserting a guidewire through the first and second channels, threading a tether attached to an end of the guidewire through the first and second channels, securing the tether to the first pedicle screw, applying tension to the tether, and securing the tether to the second pedicle screw.

Abstract: A stent graft includes at least one aperture extending through the main body thereof, into which an extension portion may be deployed for positioning within an adjacent branch flow lumen. The extension portions include self biasing features, wherein the extension is biased into engagement with the main body to seal the interface thereof. Additionally, the extension portion may be configured for tortuous or deviated anatomy, to enable sealing of the extension portion with the body while extending the extension portion in a substantially non-radial direction from the main body.

Abstract: Skeletal stabilization systems include a base, a longitudinal member, and a retaining member. The base includes an engagement surface with a surface area that is positionable in contact with a bone to atraumatically or traumatically engage the base to the bone. The retaining member engages the base to retain the longitudinal member relative to the base so that the longitudinal member can provide a desired stabilization effect to one or more adjacent bony portions.

Abstract: The present application is directed to screwdrivers and methods of use for applying a controlled amount of torque to a fastener. In one embodiment, the screwdriver includes a shaft constructed of a material that is deformable upon the application of an excessive amount of torque. The deformation may cause the screwdriver to disengage from the fastener. In one embodiment, the tip of the shaft that engages the fastener is constructed of a material that deforms when an excessive amount of torque is applied to the fastener. The deformation causes the tip to disengage from the fastener. The deformation prevents the screwdriver from applying an amount of torque above a predetermined limit.

Abstract: An electrode for a cardiac lead and method of making the same are provided. The electrode includes an electrode member and a coating applied to the electrode member. The coating is composed of an electrically insulating material and covers a first portion of the exterior of the electrode member while leaving a preselected second portion thereof exposed. The second or exposed portion enhances the impedance of the electrode, resulting in power savings and extended life spans for implantable stimulation and sensing devices. Exemplary materials for the coating includes diamond-like carbon and sapphire.

Abstract: An aqueous composition includes a normally biodegradable component and contains tertiary butyl hydroquinone to inhibit microbial growth. Oxidative rancidity is also controlled when the composition has a fat or oil content. A method is described which adds tertiary butyl hydroquinone to aqueous biodegradable materials in concentrations that inhibit microbial growth.

Abstract: A food processing method and apparatus removes surface and absorbed fluids from individual food items during the commercial processing of continuous supplies or batches thereof. The food items are continuously and simultaneously tumbled and contacted with stream of material having an affinity for either or both of aqueous liquids and oily liquids. A vibration device is associated with an inclined run of the stream of material and accomplishes a tumbling of the individual food items to permit substantially all of their surface area to contact the stream of material. An optional heating member may be positioned in the vicinity of the inclined run to supply heat to the fluid on or within the food pieces. A fluid removal mechanism may be positioned on the apparatus for removing and collecting the fluid from the stream of material.