Abstract: A remotely-activated injection device for use in vertebroplasty is provided to inject a flourescent probe material into a patient. The injection device includes a pump defining an injection chamber having an exit opening; an actuator; and a cable having a first end coupled to the actuator, and a second end remotely engaging the pump. The actuator remotely controls the pump by responsive movement of the cable to thereby cause injection of a flourescent probe material from the injection chamber of the pump through the exit opening to the patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for incrementally advancing functional probes through tissue.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device for securing suture or cable within a bone hole of a bone includes an anchor member and a cable. The anchor member includes engagement ribs and an axial cutout. The axial cutout further includes a cutout surface and at least one pin that extends radially outward from the cutout surface. The cable is secured to the anchor member by penetrating the cable with the pins that extend radially from the axial cutout surface, such that the cable distal end aligns with the anchor distal end and that the cable proximal end extends beyond the anchor proximal end. This results in a bone anchoring device in which failure due to low pullout strength of the cable is greatly minimized or eliminated.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrosurgical device having a hollow shaft, an electrically conductive distal tip that is also adapted for penetrating bone, and an intermediate electrically insulating spacer.

Abstract: A tissue expander system for expanding tissue, skin and muscle along a pathway to a surgical site through a minimally invasive incision includes a tissue expander having a plurality of arms adapted to bear against tissue, the plurality of arms coupled at a first end to an actuating member and at a second end to a shaft, movement of the actuating member relative to the shaft adjusts the arms between a first position having a first diameter and a second position having second diameter greater than the first diameter and an outer sleeve having a lumen sized and shaped to receive the tissue expander in the second position.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrosurgical device having a hollow shaft, an electrically conductive distal tip that is also adapted for penetrating bone, and an intermediate electrically insulating spacer.

Abstract: An intervertebral connection system wherein the bone anchor has a helical configuration.

Abstract: An expandable port for minimally invasive surgery includes a first section, a second section, and at least one intermediate section. The port is expandable from a closed configuration in which the first section is proximate the second section along at least a portion of a length of the first section to an expanded configuration in which the first section is spaced apart from the second section. The intermediate portion spans a gap between the first section and the second section when the port is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: Bone marrow aspiration devices and methods are disclosed for use in preparing a substrate. In general, the device includes an elongate penetrating element, a chamber adapted to retain a substrate, and a fluid extraction mechanism that is effective to pull fluid through the elongate penetrating element, into the chamber, and through the substrate. The device is particularly advantageous in that it will allow for the removal of fluids from a patient's body and the preparation of a substrate in a single process, thereby providing a more efficient method and device for preparing a substrate.

Abstract: A prosthetic endplate having articulation surfaces whose relative positions can be post-operatively adjusted.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of straddling an intraosseous nerve with an energy transmitting device to improve the therapeutic treatment of the nerve.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of straddling an intraosseous nerve with an energy transmitting device to improve the therapeutic treatment of the nerve.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrosurgical device having a hollow shaft, an electrically conductive distal tip that is also adapted for penetrating bone, and an intermediate electrically insulating spacer.

Abstract: A remotely-activated injection device for use in vertebroplasty is provided to inject a flourescent probe material into a patient. The injection device includes a pump defining an injection chamber having an exit opening; an actuator; and a cable having a first end coupled to the actuator, and a second end remotely engaging the pump. The actuator remotely controls the pump by responsive movement of the cable to thereby cause injection of a flourescent probe material from the injection chamber of the pump through the exit opening to the patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of straddling an intraosseous nerve with an energy transmitting device to improve the therapeutic treatment of the nerve.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for incrementally advancing functional probes through tissue.

Abstract: A plate support device for use during road repairs for creating a smooth transition from the road to the plate member. The plate support device for use during road repairs includes a support member having a bottom wall and a plurality of tapered side walls with each side wall having an outer top surface, an outer lower surface, and an outer intermediate surface which is slanted at an angle relative to the top surface and lower surface thus forming a ramp portion. The bottom wall has a plurality of holes therein, which include a first set of holes and a second set of holes which is larger than the first set of holes for fastening the support member and plate member to the road.