Abstract: A method for coupling a prosthesis to a spinal segment in a patient includes the steps of selecting first and second reference points disposed along the spinal segment and pre-operatively measuring a target distance. The target distance extends between the first and second reference points while the patient is in a preferred posture such as the standing position. A prosthesis is coupled to the spinal segment and the prosthesis is then intra-operatively adjusted in order to set the distance between the first and second reference points based on the target distance.

Abstract: A system for restricting spinal flexion includes a compliance member having a body and an elongation limit. The body typically comprises a spring or other tension element which provides elastic constraint to the spinal segment when the compliance member is attached to the spinous processes. The elongation limit prevents overextension of the compliance member, thus reducing the likelihood that the patient will experience over flexion of the spinal segment and reducing the risk of placing excessive mechanical load on the compliance member.

Abstract: A spinal implant for limiting flexion of the spine includes a tether structure for encircling adjacent spinal processes. Usually, a pair of compliance members will be provided as part of the tether structure for elastically limiting flexion while permitting an extension. A cross-member is provided between the compliance member or other portions of the tether structure to stabilize the tether structure and prevent misalignment after implantation.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are used to decouple proximal movement of a catheter supply lead or tubing from the tissue-embedded catheter. A catheter decoupling device comprises a catheter hub, sled and track, wherein the hub comprises a proximal end configured to receive a catheter fluid supply device, and a distal end configured to receive a catheter, the sled receives and retains the hub, the track receives and retains the hub; and, the hub has a limited range of back-and-forth motion relative to the track.

Abstract: A spinal treatment system includes a constraint device having an upper tether portion, a lower tether portion and a compliance member coupled therebetween. The upper tether portion is coupled with a superior spinous process of a spinal segment in a patient and the lower tether portion is coupled with an inferior spinous process or sacrum of the spinal segment. The length or tension in the constraint device is adjustable so that the construct of the tether portions and the compliance member provides a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment. The system also includes a first prosthesis coupled with the spinal segment, wherein the constraint device modulates loads borne by the prosthesis or by tissue adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A spinal implant for limiting flexion of the spine includes a tether structure for encircling adjacent spinal processes. Usually, a pair of compliance members will be provided as part of the tether structure for elastically limiting flexion while permitting an extension. A cross-member is provided between the compliance member or other portions of the tether structure to stabilize the tether structure and prevent misalignment after implantation.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for measuring, and configured to measure, a blood analyte continuously or at intervals, the device comprising at least a first set of analyte sensing sensor electrodes configured for making electrochemical measurements of the analyte, and at least a second set of biofouling prevention electrodes in operable proximity to, and configured to prevent biofouling of, the first set of electrodes.

Abstract: A method for coupling a prosthesis to a spinal segment in a patient includes the steps of selecting first and second reference points disposed along the spinal segment and pre-operatively measuring a target distance. The target distance extends between the first and second reference points while the patient is in a preferred posture such as the standing position. A prosthesis is coupled to the spinal segment and the prosthesis is then intra-operatively adjusted in order to set the distance between the first and second reference points based on the target distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical devices and, particularly, catheter medical devices. In an aspect is a nerve block catheter system comprising a dual-sheath catheter comprising an inner sheath and an outer sheath, wherein distal ends of the sheaths are connected, the inner sheath defines a fluid delivery lumen, and the outer sheath comprises a tissue lock movable between a collapsed position and an extended position, wherein the tissue lock forms a reversible tissue anchor when in the extended position, and an actuator connected to the proximate end of the catheter and configured to activate the tissue lock by sliding the outer sheath length-wise relative to the inner sheath.

Abstract: Charge balanced display data writing methods use write and hold cycles of opposite polarity during selected frame update periods. The transitions between voltages of opposite polarity are sufficiently brief that the display elements do not change state. A release cycle may be provided to reduce the chance that a given display element will become stuck in an actuated state.

Abstract: A spinal treatment system includes a constraint device having an upper tether portion, a lower tether portion and a compliance member coupled therebetween. The upper tether portion is coupled with a superior spinous process of a spinal segment in a patient and the lower tether portion is coupled with an inferior spinous process or sacrum of the spinal segment. The length or tension in the constraint device is adjustable so that the construct of the tether portions and the compliance member provides a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment. The system also includes a first prosthesis coupled with the spinal segment, wherein the constraint device modulates loads borne by the prosthesis or by tissue adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A spinal implant for limiting flexion of the spine includes a tether structure for encircling adjacent spinal processes. Usually, a pair of compliance members will be provided as part of the tether structure for elastically limiting flexion while permitting an extension. A cross-member is provided between the compliance member or other portions of the tether structure to stabilize the tether structure and prevent misalignment after implantation.

Abstract: A method for coupling a prosthesis to a spinal segment in a patient includes the steps of selecting first and second reference points disposed along the spinal segment and pre-operatively measuring a target distance. The target distance extends between the first and second reference points while the patient is in a preferred posture such as the standing position. A prosthesis is coupled to the spinal segment and the prosthesis is then intra-operatively adjusted in order to set the distance between the first and second reference points based on the target distance.

Abstract: A spinal implant for limiting flexion of the spine includes a tether structure for encircling adjacent spinal processes. Usually, a pair of compliance members will be provided as part of the tether structure for elastically limiting flexion while permitting an extension. A cross-member is provided between the compliance member or other portions of the tether structure to stabilize the tether structure and prevent misalignment after implantation.

Abstract: A spinal treatment system includes a constraint device having an upper tether portion, a lower tether portion and a compliance member coupled therebetween. The upper tether portion is coupled with a superior spinous process of a spinal segment in a patient and the lower tether portion is coupled with an inferior spinous process or sacrum of the spinal segment. The length or tension in the constraint device is adjustable so that the construct of the tether portions and the compliance member provides a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment. The system also includes a first prosthesis coupled with the spinal segment, wherein the constraint device modulates loads borne by the prosthesis or by tissue adjacent thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical devices and, particularly, catheter medical devices. In an aspect is a nerve block catheter system comprising a dual-sheath catheter comprising an inner sheath and an outer sheath, wherein distal ends of the sheaths are connected, the inner sheath defines a fluid delivery lumen, and the outer sheath comprises a tissue lock movable between a collapsed position and an extended position, wherein the tissue lock forms a reversible tissue anchor when in the extended position, and an actuator connected to the proximate end of the catheter and configured to activate the tissue lock by sliding the outer sheath length-wise relative to the inner sheath.

Abstract: A spinal treatment system includes a constraint device having an upper tether portion, a lower tether portion and a compliance member coupled therebetween. The upper tether portion is coupled with a superior spinous process of a spinal segment in a patient and the lower tether portion is coupled with an inferior spinous process or sacrum of the spinal segment. The length or tension in the constraint device is adjustable so that the construct of the tether portions and the compliance member provides a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment. The system also includes a first prosthesis coupled with the spinal segment, wherein the constraint device modulates loads borne by the prosthesis or by tissue adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A system and method for an optical component that masks non-active portions of a display and provides an electrical path for one or more display circuits. In one embodiment an optical device includes a substrate, a plurality of optical elements on the substrate, each optical element having an optical characteristic which changes in response to a voltage applied to the optical element, and a light-absorbing, electrically-conductive optical mask disposed on the substrate and offset from the plurality of optical elements, the optical mask electrically coupled to one or more of the optical elements to provide electrical paths for applying voltages to the optical elements. In another embodiment, a method of providing an electrical signal to optical elements of a display comprises electrically coupling an electrically-conductive light-absorbing mask to one or more optical elements, and applying a voltage to the mask to activate the one or more optical elements.

Abstract: In various embodiments described herein, a display device comprising a light collection film and a photovoltaic device disposed on an edge of the collection film. The collection film has a plurality of light-turning features for redirecting light between the front and back surface of the collection film and the photovoltaic device. In some embodiments, a light source is also disposed on an edge of the collection film and emits light which is turned by the light-turning features toward the display.

Abstract: In order to provide a temporary lighting solution in extreme weather or lighting conditions, this application has been conceived. A set of blowers will continuously operate to inflate a long cylindrical tube in which a light has been placed to illuminate a designated area. Because the unit may be used outdoors a stabilizing rod has been placed in the event of a sudden loss of power to prevent the tube from deflating rapidly and descending rapidly to the ground level and causing possible injury to persons on the ground or the light itself. Because this device may be used in extremely windy conditions, a plurality of outriggers will attach to the frame and extend outward to stabilize the device, when needed. Because the blowers will operate continuously and thereby produce noise a plurality of noise abatement containers are placed around the blowers to help lessen the noise level.