Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for removing a matter from a body cavity of a patient. Exemplary systems of the present invention generally comprise a delivery catheter device, a central matter retrieval device and a device retriever. The central matter retrieval device has an elongated body and shape memory foam attached thereon. In use, the central matter retrieval device is housed within a parking segment of the delivery catheter and delivered to a desired body cavity in a patient. The retriever device is separately deployed to securely remove the matter and the central matter retrieval device from the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for aligning and implanting orthopedic fixation or stabilization implants within the body. In one embodiment, the system includes at least two bone anchors, at least one of which is provided with a transverse portal and a locking member. In one aspect, the system also includes at least one linkage rod, for linking two or more bone anchors through their respective locking members. The linking rod may include at least one angularly adjustable joint, which may be fixed by actuating the locking member. The bone anchors and the linkage rod may be locked into place to form a spinal fusion or fixation prosthesis.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating diseases and conditions that change the spacial relationship between the vertebral bodies and the intervertebral disks, or that cause instability of the vertebral column, or both, and a method and devices that allow the surgeon to access the intervertebral space to restore a more normal three-dimensional configuration of the space, with or without additionally fusing two adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable percutaneous sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration by a removable tubular restraint. In one application, the sheath is utilized to introduce a formed in place orthopedic fixation rod such as for use in spinal fixation procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable percutaneous sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is maintained in the first, low cross sectional configuration by a removable tubular restraint. In one application, the sheath is utilized to introduce a formed in place orthopedic fixation rod such as for use in spinal fixation procedures.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating diseases and conditions that change the spacial relationship between the vertebral bodies and the intervertebral disks, or that cause instability of the vertebral column, or both, and a method and devices that allow the surgeon to access the intervertebral space to restore a more normal three-dimensional configuration of the space, with or without additionally fusing two adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A subcutaneously formed in place orthopedic fixation device is provided, such as for fixation of the spine or other bone or bones. The device comprises an inflatable member, such as a tubular balloon. A heat source is provided in thermal communication with the interior of the balloon. The balloon is positioned at a treatment site while in a flexible, low crossing profile configuration. The balloon is thereafter inflated with a hardenable media, and heated to accelerate hardening of the media. Methods and delivery structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A subcutaneously formed in place orthopedic fixation device is provided, such as for fixation of the spine or other bone or bones. The device comprises an inflatable member, such as a tubular balloon. A heat source is provided in thermal communication with the interior of the balloon. The balloon is positioned at a treatment site while in a flexible, low crossing profile configuration. The balloon is thereafter inflated with a hardenable media, and heated to accelerate hardening of the media. Methods and delivery structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for removing a matter from a body cavity of a patient. One of such devices has an elongated carrier having a distal portion adapted to move through or within the cavity and a proximate portion. A radially expandable polymer is circumferentially attached to the distal portion of the carrier and adapted to enter the matter while in a compressed configuration and capable of transitioning to an expanded configuration while inside the matter to penetrate and engage it from within. Methods of removing a matter from a body cavity and methods of localized delivery of a therapeutic agents also are disclosed.

Abstract: A construction system of a plurality of interlocking construction elements is disclosed. At least one of the interlocking elements is a cured-in-place element having a pliable exterior shell defining a cavity and a strength-imparting core placed inside the cavity. The system also includes a hardenable media for filling the cavity. The exterior shell of the cured-in-place element is adapted to expand as its cavity is filled with the hardenable media or as the hardenable media cures, whereby the interlocking construction elements bond into an integral structure by a an interference or a friction fit. Methods of construction of new structures and reinforcement of preexisting ones are also disclosed.

Abstract: A subcutaneously formed in place orthopedic fixation device is provided, such as for fixation of the spine or other bone or bones. The device comprises an inflatable member, such as a tubular balloon. The balloon is positioned at a treatment site in the body while in a flexible, low crossing profile configuration. The balloon is thereafter inflated with a hardenable epoxy media comprising one or more epoxy compounds and one or more amine curing compounds that cures rapidly in place with low to moderate exotherm. Methods and delivery structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for delivery of a structural element to a destination is disclosed. The device comprises a channel and a plunger slidably positioned inside the channel. The channel has a proximal end, a distal end, and a barrier formed across the channel at the distal end. The plunger is adapted to move the structural element axially through the channel from the proximal end to the distal end and to push it radially into the destination. Methods of percutaneous fixation of a spinal compression fracture and kits for use with the methods of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for aligning and implanting orthopedic fixation or stabilization implants within the body. In one embodiment, the system includes at least two bone anchors, at least one of which is provided with a transverse portal and a locking member. In one aspect, the system also includes at least one linkage rod, for linking two or more bone anchors through their respective locking members. The linking rod may include at least one angularly adjustable joint, which may be fixed by actuating the locking member. The bone anchors and the linkage rod may be locked into place to form a spinal fusion or fixation prosthesis.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is directed to methods and devices for treating diseases and conditions that change the special relationship between vertebral bodies and intervertebral disks. A method for performing a transpedicular discectomy procedure may include creating a transpedicular channel to a first vertebral body through a first pedicle of a first vertebra; inserting a flexible drill through the transpedicular channel causing the flexible drill to make an approximately 90 degree angle, the flexible drill creating a channel through the first vertebral body into an intervertebral disk; and removing a portion of the intervertebral disk with a laser device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable fusion cage which facilitates the fusion of adjacent bony surfaces, preferably those in the spine. In a preferred embodiment, the fusion cage. The surfaces of the cage which are intended to contact the vertebral endplates have multiple portions cut out of the metal to form sharp barbs. As the cage is expanded to come into apposition with endplates above and below, the sharp barbs protrude into the subcortical bone of the vertebral body thus securing the cage in place. Multiple holes or fenestrations are present on the superior and inferior surfaces of the cage to permit contact of morselized autologous bone and/or an artificial bone matrix material with the prepared endplate surface.