Abstract: The present invention relates generally to intervertebral disc repair devices and methods of manufacture. A method of manufacturing a dynamically responsive encapsulated intervertebral disc repair device that prevents the flow of disc material out of the disc, provides support to the anulus fibrosus, and shields the nerves of the anulus and spinal cord, is provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for extracting fluids from within a container sealed by a cork or septum without removal of the cork or septum or the contamination of the fluid 1.within the container by reactive gases or liquids. Embodiments of the device can include a needle connected to a valve which is in turn connected to a source of pressurized gas for displacing the fluid. Further embodiments of the device can comprise additional components that act to force the needle to be inserted through the cork or septum along a linear path, to aid in preventing buckling of the needle, to clamp the device to the container, to prevent expulsion of the cork or septum from the container, and to guide the needle through a specified region of the cork or septum. Various valves, pressure regulators, pressure ranges, needle geometries, gas selections are also presented. This device is particularly suited for the dispensing and preservation of wine.

Abstract: Devices for implantation into an intervertebral disc can include a membrane support member to augment a disc having a defect. A defect in the anulus of a disc can be repaired using a prosthesis such as a barrier. The barrier can include a sealant and an enlarger. The barrier can be implanted into the disc using a delivery cannula, an advancer and at least one control filament to control the positioning of the barrier. A stiffening element can be included within the barrier to impart stiffness to the barrier. The support member can also be connected to an anchor.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for deploying an aortic valve prosthesis. This valve prosthesis may include any of the known aortic valves including, but not limited to, stented and unstented bioprosthetic valves, stented mechanical valves, and expandable or self-expanding valves, whether biological or artificial. The method involves the steps of: making a first opening leading to the left atrium; passing a valve prosthesis through the opening and into a cardiac chamber of the left side of the heart using a first manipulation instrument; making a second opening in the arterial system and advancing one end of a second manipulation instrument through the arterial opening and into the aforementioned cardiac chamber; securing the second manipulation instrument to the valve prosthesis; and using the second manipulation instrument to retract at least some portion of the valve prosthesis out of the aforementioned cardiac chamber.

Abstract: Devices for implantation into an intervertebral disc can include a membrane support member to augment a disc having a defect. A defect in the anulus of a disc can be repaired using a prosthesis such as a barrier. The barrier can include a sealant and an enlarger. The barrier can be implanted into the disc using a delivery cannula, an advancer and at least one control filament to control the positioning of the barrier. A stiffening element can be included within the barrier to impart stiffness to the barrier. The support member can also be connected to an anchor.

Abstract: Devices for implantation into an intervertebral disc can include a membrane support member to augment a disc having a defect. A defect in the anulus of a disc can be repaired using a prosthesis such as a barrier. The barrier can include a sealant and an enlarger. The barrier can be implanted into the disc using a delivery cannula, an advancer and at least one control filament to control the positioning of the barrier. A stiffening element can be included within the barrier to impart stiffness to the barrier. The support member can also be connected to an anchor.

Abstract: Devices for implantation into an intervertebral disc can include a membrane support member to augment a disc having a defect. A defect in the anulus of a disc can be repaired using a prosthesis such as a barrier. The barrier can include a sealant and an enlarger. The barrier can be implanted into the disc using a delivery cannula, an advancer and at least one control filament to control the positioning of the barrier. A stiffening element can be included within the barrier to impart stiffness to the barrier. The support member can also be connected to an anchor.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing intravascular procedures without cardiac bypass include embodiments of temporary filter devices, temporary valves, and prosthetic valves. The temporary filter devices have a cannula which provides access for surgical tools for effecting repair of cardiac valves. The cannula may have filters which prevent embolitic material from entering the coronary arteries and aorta. The valve devices may also have a cannula for insertion of the valve into the aorta. The valve devices expand in the aorta to occupy the entire flow path of the vessel and operate to prevent blood flow and to permit flow through the valve. The prosthetic valves include valve fixation devices which secure the prosthetic valve to the wall of the vessel. The prosthetic valves are introduced into the vascular system in a compressed state, advanced to the site of implantation, and expanded and secured to the vessel wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for filtering and entrapping debris in the vascular system of a patient, the apparatus including a filter to allow blood to flow therethrough and to restrict passage of debris, wherein the filter captures debris carried in a first direction of blood flow. The apparatus further includes an entrapment mechanism which allows passage of debris and blood therethrough, in the first direction of blood flow and prevents debris passage in a second direction. The entrapment mechanism and filter allow blood and debris therethrough in the first direction of blood flow. The entrapment mechanism prevents debris flow in the second direction of blood flow. A method for filtering and entrapping debris in the vascular system includes inserting the apparatus into the vascular system, allowing blood and debris carried therein to flow through the entrapment mechanism, and removing the apparatus and accumulated debris from the vascular system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses devices and methods for performing intravascular procedures with out: cardiac bypass. The devices include various embodiments of temporary filter devices, temporary valves, and prosthetic valves. The temporary filter devices have one or more cannulae which provide access for surgical tools for effecting repair of the cardiac valves. A cannula may have filters of various configurations encircling the distal region of the cannula, which prevent embolitic material from entering the coronary arteries and aorta. The temporary valve devices may also have one or more cannulae which guide the insertion of the valve into the aorta. The valve devices expand in the aorta to occupy the entire flow path of the vessel. In one embodiment, the temporary valve is a disc of flexible, porous, material that acts to filter blood passing therethrough. A set of valve leaflets extend peripherally from the disc.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to intervertebral disc devices and methods and instrumentation for intervertebral disc procedures. Methods include performing procedures such as implant delivery, tissue manipulation, tissue diagnostics, and therapeutic and diagnostic agent delivery at selected locations within intervertebral discs.

Abstract: A vertebral disc prosthesis, a method of implanting a prosthesis and a deployment device is provided. The prosthesis may be implanted into the interior region of the vertebral disc so as to displace existing vertebral tissue, such as NP. The size or amount of the prosthesis inserted into the interior region of the vertebral disc may be a characteristic of the disc or the prosthesis. For example, the amount or size of prosthesis inserted into the disc may be dependent upon restoring the functionality of the disc (e.g., the ability of the disc to transfer nutrients or otherwise survive, the ability of the disc to carry the required loads and absorb stress or the reduction of pain). Restoring disc function may be determined by the resulting disc height desired, the resulting disc pressure desired or the resulting disc volume desired. The prosthesis may be sized or positioned within the interior of the vertebral disc such that it is spaced from at least one of the end plates of the vertebral disc.

Abstract: A vertebral disc prosthesis, a method of implanting a prosthesis and a deployment device is provided. The prosthesis may be implanted into the interior region of the vertebral disc so as to displace existing vertebral tissue, such as NP. The size or amount of the prosthesis inserted into the interior region of the vertebral disc may be a characteristic of the disc or the prosthesis. For example, the amount or size of prosthesis inserted into the disc may be dependent upon restoring the functionality of the disc (e.g., the ability of the disc to transfer nutrients or otherwise survive, the ability of the disc to carry the required loads and absorb stress or the reduction of pain). Restoring disc function may be determined by the resulting disc height desired, the resulting disc pressure desired or the resulting disc volume desired. The prosthesis may be sized or positioned within the interior of the vertebral disc such that it is spaced from at least one of the end plates of the vertebral disc.

Abstract: A vertebral disc prosthesis, a method of implanting a prosthesis and a deployment device is provided. The prosthesis may be implanted into the interior region of the vertebral disc so as to displace existing vertebral tissue, such as NP. The size or amount of the prosthesis inserted into the interior region of the vertebral disc may be a characteristic of the disc or the prosthesis. For example, the amount or size of prosthesis inserted into the disc may be dependent upon restoring the functionality of the disc (e.g., the ability of the disc to transfer nutrients or otherwise survive, the ability of the disc to carry the required loads and absorb stress or the reduction of pain). Restoring disc function may be determined by the resulting disc height desired, the resulting disc pressure desired or the resulting disc volume desired. The prosthesis may be sized or positioned within the interior of the vertebral disc such that it is spaced from at least one of the end plates of the vertebral disc.

Abstract: A vertebral disc prosthesis, a method of implanting a prosthesis and a deployment device is provided. The prosthesis may be implanted into the interior region of the vertebral disc so as to displace existing vertebral tissue, such as NP. The size or amount of the prosthesis inserted into the interior region of the vertebral disc may be a characteristic of the disc or the prosthesis. For example, the amount or size of prosthesis inserted into the disc may be dependent upon restoring the functionality of the disc (e.g., the ability of the disc to transfer nutrients or otherwise survive, the ability of the disc to carry the required loads and absorb stress or the reduction of pain). Restoring disc function may be determined by the resulting disc height desired, the resulting disc pressure desired or the resulting disc volume desired. The prosthesis may be sized or positioned within the interior of the vertebral disc such that it is spaced from at least one of the end plates of the vertebral disc.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to intervertebral disc repair devices and methods of manufacture. A method of manufacturing a dynamically responsive encapsulated intervertebral disc repair device that prevents the flow of disc material out of the disc, provides support to the anulus fibrosus, and shields the nerves of the anulus and spinal cord, is provided.

Abstract: A medical insertion device that reduces the drag force exerted on an elongated member such as a catheter that is inserted through the device, increases maneuverability of the elongated member throughout the procedure in which the device is used and provides hemostasis. The device comprises a sheath housing and shuttle housing; the shuttle housing moves relative to the sheath housing. An elastomeric valve that contains an openable radial slit is provided in the sheath housing and provides hemostasis until the shuttle housing is biased towards the sheath housing. When the shuttle housing is biased forward, a generally tubular shuttle tube in the shuttle housing opens the slit in the elastomeric valve. The device is constructed so that, within the shuttle housing, hemostasis is provided after the shuttle tube has biased the elastomeric valve open.