Abstract: An apparatus and method provide for the delivery of an ablation treatment by supplying a control signal to supply electrode of an ablation device disposed at the distal end portion of an elongated shaft. A lumen extends along a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The supply electrode forms an electrode face laterally directed from the longitudinal axis and through which an aperture extends in connection with the lumen. The electrode face forms an ovular shape having a first major axis that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis. An insulator separates the supply electrode from a return electrode, and a transition passage of the lumen extends though the insulator along an arc-shaped path.

Abstract: An ablation device having an electrode control system configured to adjust an output of an active electrode and a variable aspiration control system configured to control aspiration in an aspiration system based upon the output of the active electrode is disclosed. In particular, the variable aspiration control system may adjust the aspiration within the aspiration system between at least a zero aspiration setting corresponding to a low ablation power setting and a high aspiration setting corresponding to a high ablation power setting, whereby a plasma field developed at the active electrode at the high ablation power setting is greater than a plasma field developed at the active electrode at the low ablation power setting. By reducing, if not, ceasing the aspiration provided by the aspiration system for the low ablation power setting, the variable aspiration control system is able to reduce the likelihood that the plasma field will be disturbed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for the treatment of tissue via an electrode assembly is disclosed having at least one active electrode and an aspiration system for configured to collect aspirated materials and to remove those aspirated materials from a surgical site while preventing the materials from melting and thereby clogging the aspiration system. In at least one embodiment, the aspiration system may include an internal aspiration collection chamber positioned at a distal end of the instrument to collect aspirated material and insulate the aspirated material to prevent the aspirated material from melting within the aspiration system and thereby clogging the aspiration system. The internal aspiration collection chamber may also be subjected to reduced heating from the active electrode by limiting the exposure of the internal aspiration collection chamber to a minimally sized support arm extending from active electrode to the channel of the aspiration system in the electrosurgical instrument shaft.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for the treatment of tissue via an electrode assembly is disclosed having at least one active electrode and an aspiration system for configured to collect aspirated materials and to remove those aspirated materials from a surgical site while preventing the materials from melting and thereby clogging the aspiration system. In at least one embodiment, the aspiration system may include an internal aspiration collection chamber positioned at a distal end of the instrument to collect aspirated material and insulate the aspirated material to prevent the aspirated material from melting within the aspiration system and thereby clogging the aspiration system. The internal aspiration collection chamber may also be subjected to reduced heating from the active electrode by limiting the exposure of the internal aspiration collection chamber to a minimally sized support arm extending from active electrode to the channel of the aspiration system in the electrosurgical instrument shaft.

Abstract: An ablation device having an electrode control system configured to adjust an output of an active electrode and a variable aspiration control system configured to control aspiration in an aspiration system based upon the output of the active electrode is disclosed. In particular, the variable aspiration control system may adjust the aspiration within the aspiration system between at least a zero aspiration setting corresponding to a low ablation power setting and a high aspiration setting corresponding to a high ablation power setting, whereby a plasma field developed at the active electrode at the high ablation power setting is greater than a plasma field developed at the active electrode at the low ablation power setting. By reducing, if not, ceasing the aspiration provided by the aspiration system for the low ablation power setting, the variable aspiration control system is able to reduce the likelihood that the plasma field will be disturbed.

Abstract: A method of preparing a target hard body tissue, such as osseous or dental tissue, to receive an implant component including; positioning an active electrode in proximity to a target tissue and proximate an electrically conductive fluid, followed by applying a high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode, the high frequency voltage sufficient to form a plasma. This plasma modifies at least a portion of the target tissue. An implant component may then be placed adjacent at least a portion of the modified target tissue.

Abstract: A method of preparing a target hard body tissue, such as osseous or dental tissue, to receive an implant component including; positioning an active electrode in proximity to a target tissue and proximate an electrically conductive fluid, followed by applying a high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode, the high frequency voltage sufficient to form a plasma. This plasma modifies at least a portion of the target tissue. An implant component may then be placed adjacent at least a portion of the modified target tissue.

Abstract: A method of preparing a target hard body tissue, such as osseous or dental tissue, to receive an implant component including; positioning an active electrode in proximity to a target tissue and proximate an electrically conductive fluid, followed by applying a high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode, the high frequency voltage sufficient to form a plasma. This plasma modifies at least a portion of the target tissue. An implant component may then be placed adjacent at least a portion of the modified target tissue.

Abstract: A surgical access system for managing the minimally invasive access of treatment electrodes to an intervertebral disc, when treating spine abnormalities such as disc herniations. The system includes an access port and a cannula assembly. The access port provides atraumatic access to the target area for the cannula system and a subsequent treatment electrode. The access port also manages the insertion travel and penetration depth of the cannula assembly, so as to minimize unintended damage to local tissue during use. The cannula system includes an adjustable and removable stop to mate with the access port that limits the extension of the cannula beyond the distal tip of the access port and into the target tissue.

Abstract: A measuring guide for use in various surgical procedures. The measuring guide is a noninvasive tool that may be repeatedly applied to a desired bone member to make appropriate measurements. The measuring guide allows for easy adjustment of the distance between a stop plate designed to engage an end of a given bone member and a marking guide used to facilitate marking of the bone. Additionally, the stop plate may be pivotably mounted to facilitate ease and accuracy of measurement.

Abstract: A sizing guide for facilitating the sizing of prosthetic devices that are implanted. The sizing guide is designed for consistent mounting at a fixed anatomical reference point to facilitate accurate and repeatable sizing estimations for a variety of bone types and sizes.

Abstract: A prosthetic component includes an adaptor having a first end and a second end. The first end includes an elongated male tapered body. The second end includes a flange extending radially outwardly from the male tapered body and having an anti-rotational/anatomically orientation component formed therewith. The second end also includes a female tapered aperture formed therein which has an anti-rotational/anatomical orientation component formed therewith. The flange may include an elongated portion having a porous annular surface thereon.

Abstract: A technique for preparing a bone to receive an implantable orthopedic component. The technique utilizes a modular bone impaction preform. The preform holds the shape of the implantable component during impaction of bone replacement material to fill defects formed in the bone via disease, congenital defect, or trauma. Typically, the bone impaction preform is used with an instrument that may comprise a trial stem, a trial stem adapter, and a handle. The bone impaction preform and trial stem, as well as the other components, can be made in modular form to facilitate interchangeability.

Abstract: A prosthetic component includes an adaptor having a first end and a second end. The first end includes an elongated male tapered body. The second end includes a flange extending radially outwardly from the male tapered body and having an anti-rotational/anatomically orientation component formed therewith. The second end also includes a female tapered aperture formed therein which has an anti-rotational/anatomical orientation component formed therewith. The flange may include an elongated portion having a porous annular surface thereon.

Abstract: A prosthetic component includes an adaptor having a first end and a second end. The first end includes an elongated male tapered body. The second end includes a flange extending radially outwardly from the male tapered body and having an anti-rotational/anatomically orientation component formed therewith. The second end also includes a female tapered aperture formed therein which has an anti-rotational/anatomical orientation component formed therewith. The flange may include an elongated portion having a porous annular surface thereon.

Abstract: A sizing guide for facilitating the sizing of prosthetic devices that are implanted. The sizing guide is designed for consistent mounting at a fixed anatomical reference point to facilitate accurate and repeatable sizing estimations for a variety of bone types and sizes.

Abstract: A measuring guide for use in various surgical procedures. The measuring guide is a noninvasive tool that may be repeatedly applied to a desired bone member to make appropriate measurements. The measuring guide allows for easy adjustment of the distance between a stop plate designed to engage an end of a given bone member and a marking guide used to facilitate marking of the bone. Additionally, the stop plate may be pivotably mounted to facilitate ease and accuracy of measurement.

Abstract: A technique for preparing a bone to receive an implantable orthopedic component. The technique utilizes a modular bone impaction preform. The preform holds the shape of the implantable component during impaction of bone replacement material to fill defects formed in the bone via disease, congenital defect, or trauma. Typically, the bone impaction preform is used with an instrument that may comprise a trial stem, a trial stem adapter, and a handle. The bone impaction preform and trial stem, as well as the other components, can be made in modular form to facilitate interchangeability.

Abstract: A modular knee system includes a hinged femoral component and a distal femoral component. A plurality of first stem components are selectively compatible with the hinged femoral component. A plurality of first adaptors are selectively compatible with the first stem components and the distal femoral component. A hinge component is connected to a tibial insert. The hinge component and the tibial insert are selectively compatible with the hinged femoral component and the distal femoral component. A hinged tibial component and a proximal tibial component are selectively compatible with the tibial insert. A plurality of second stem components are selectively compatible with the hinged tibial component. Alternately, a plug component is compatible with the hinged tibial component. A plurality of second adaptors are selectively compatible with the second stem components and the proximal tibial component.