Abstract: A surgical clip applier is provided including a channel assembly and overlying a clip carrier having a clip counter plate slidably supported in the channel assembly, wherein the clip counter plate is configured and adapted to display a change in status of the clip applier upon actuation of the handle.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue has a handle portion; a body extending distally from the handle portion; a plurality of surgical clips disposed within the body; and a jaw assembly mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the body. The jaw assembly includes first and second jaw portions movable between a spaced-apart and an approximated position. The apparatus also has a wedge plate longitudinally movable between the first and the second jaw portions, a clip pusher configured to individually distally advance a surgical clip to the jaw assembly while the jaw portions are in the spaced apart position; an actuator at least partially disposed within the body and longitudinally movable in response to actuation of the handle portion; and a jaw closure member positioned adjacent the first and second jaw portions to move the jaw portions to the approximated position.

Abstract: An anvil assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument includes an anvil plate and an anvil cover each being fabricated from a thermoplastic material. The anvil plate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface has a plurality of beads disposed along a periphery thereof. The anvil cover is configured to be coupled to a distal end of the surgical stapling instrument. The anvil cover includes a surface having at least one elongate surface feature disposed along a periphery thereof. The beads of the anvil plate and the elongate surface feature of the anvil cover are configured for abutting engagement upon assembly thereof.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system can include an end effector and a staple cartridge which is removably insertable into the end effector. The staple cartridge includes a sled movable from an unfired position to a fired position to eject staples removably stored in the staple cartridge. In various instances, the sled can be inadvertently advanced from its unfired position when the staple cartridge is positioned in the end effector, for example. The surgical instrument system further comprises one or more sensors configured to detect whether the sled is in its unfired position and/or whether the staple cartridge has been mis-inserted into the end effector. The one or more sensors can also determine whether the staple cartridge has been fully seated in the cartridge channel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle including a battery cavity and electrical contacts and, in addition, a battery removably positionable in the battery cavity. The battery is configured to engage and supply power to the electrical contacts when the battery is operably seated in the battery cavity. The handle further comprises diagnostic means for assessing whether the handle is in a suitable operating and a battery lockout configured to permit the battery from being operably seated in the battery cavity if the diagnostic means determines that the handle is not in a suitable operating condition. Additionally or alternatively, the handle can comprise a battery lock configured to prevent the battery from being disengaged from the electrical contacts when the handle is transmitting an operating motion to a shaft assembly attached to the handle, for example. Either one system or two systems can comprise the battery lockout and battery lock.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly can comprise a handle including an electric motor, a shaft assembly including a drive member, and a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises, one, a rotatable output shaft operably coupled with the electric motor and the drive member and, two, a wire coil wound around the output shaft which is positioned in the magnetic field. The wire coil is rotated within the magnetic field when the output shaft is rotated about a longitudinal axis which induces a current in the wire coil. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises a strain gauge mounted to the output shaft configured to detect strain created within the output shaft and, in addition, a circuit mounted to the output shaft, wherein the circuit and/or the strain gauge is powered by the current induced in the wire coil.

Abstract: A device including smart sensors with a local signal processor is disclosed. The device includes an end-effector including at least one sensor and a signal processing component corresponding to the at least one sensor; and a handle configured to receive processed information from the signal processing component. The processed information is generated by the signal processing component at the end-effector based on data received from the at least one sensor at the end-effector.

Abstract: Surgical instruments are disclosed that are couplable to or have an end effector or a disposable loading unit with an end effector, and at least one micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device operatively connected to the surgical instrument for at least one of sensing a condition, measuring a parameter and controlling the condition and/or parameter.

Abstract: A surgical staple remover apparatus is disclosed. The surgical staple remover apparatus includes a handle located at a rear of the apparatus, a housing having an interior volume and a distal opening, and a removable front end located in the distal opening. The front end comprises an upward sloped jaw element comprising a pair of parallel jaws, a movable anvil arm for pressing against a crown of the staple slated for removal, and a movable dual hook arm including a dual hook element. The staple remover further includes a lever mechanically coupled to the anvil arm and the dual hook arm, wherein moving the lever closer to the handle results in the anvil arm and the dual hook arm moving towards the jaw element, thereby deforming the surgical staple and the dual hook arm retracting the deformed surgical staple under the strip element and held in place by same.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple containing cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasable affixed to the staple containing cartridge and the anvil. One of the jaws includes a pair of longitudinal projections at a first end of the jaw and configured to frictionally engage corresponding slots in a first end the buttress material. One of the jaws includes a post at a second end of the jaw. The buttress material includes a hole in a second end of the buttress material for receipt of the post.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure a surgical stapling apparatus is disclosed including a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes at least one cartridge having a first half and a second half, a first row of retention slots disposed in the first half, a second row of retention slots disposed in the second half, a third row of retention slots being alternately disposed in the first half and the second half of the at least one cartridge between the first and second rows of staple receiving slots, a plurality of fasteners disposed in the retention slots of the first, second and third rows, and a plurality of pushers disposed in each of the first and second halves of the cartridge.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a medical implant for occluding an opening in a body and a method of producing such a medical implant. Disclosed is an improved occluder, which provides improved occlusion, improved sealing and improved endothelialization. A method is disclosed comprising braiding, knitting or weaving together strands to form a body mesh of strands forming a plurality of adjacent cells delimited by the strands. The method further comprises applying a first coating to said strands, and applying a second coating to at least part of an external surface of said medical implant, wherein said first coating provides a binding force to said second coating such that said second coating adheres to said strands.

Abstract: A flow reducing implant for reducing blood flow in a blood vessel having a cross sectional dimension, the flow reducing implant comprising a hollow element adapted for placement in the blood vessel defining a flow passage therethrough, said flow passage comprising at least two sections, one with a larger diameter and one with a smaller diameter, wherein said smaller diameter is smaller than a cross section of the blood vessel. A plurality of tabs anchor, generally parallel to the blood vessel wall, are provided in some embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: Systems and method for treating aneurysms are provided which utilize formulations that form polymer foams in situ. The formulations generally have a buoyancy greater than or less than blood, and either float to the top of the aneurysm and foam from the top down or sink to the bottom and foam from the bottom up.

Abstract: A drill member assembly for making a blind hole in a bone under a soft tissue for installing an implant is disclosed. The drill member assembly includes a drill member and a second drill member. The drill member includes a stepped drill bit that includes a conical section, an intermediate section and a proximal section. The drill bit includes a conical width of a conical profile including an extrapolated outer surface of the conical section, an intermediate width of an intermediate profile comprising an extrapolated outer surface of the intermediate section and a proximal width of a proximal profile comprising an extrapolated outer surface of the proximal section. The conical width and/or intermediate width is smaller than the proximal width. The second drill member includes a drill head. The proximal profile comprising the proximal width is adapted to receive at least a part of first section of the drill head of the second drill member.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for use in connection with spinal surgery. The apparatus has a first portion having a tip for first following along an insertion axis, for entering into a spinal disc, and for penetrating an endplate of a vertebra adjacent the spinal disc. The apparatus also has a second portion, adjacent the first portion, for remaining along the insertion axis as the tip of the first portion extends to penetrate the endplate of the vertebra adjacent the disc.

Abstract: Improved instruments for modifying a shape of a proximal femur of a patient for installation of a stem of a femoral component of a prosthetic hip during hip replacement surgery, comprising a handle including an elongated shaft extending downward approximately in a z-direction, a first offset extending from a bottom of the elongated shaft approximately in a y-direction, a second offset extending from the second offset approximately in an x-direction, and a shaping member elongated downward from the second offset approximately in the z-direction. Provided is an improved femoral broach and an improved osteotome. Also provided is a method of improving a patient's positioning during hip replacement surgery by using a variable configuration mattress for positioning the patient.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member defining an axis and including a cutting surface. A second member includes a cutting surface that is rotatable relative to the first member. A third member includes an outer surface. The cutting surface of the second member is rotatable relative to the outer surface to transfer the cut tissue along the axis. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a medial rail having a plurality of openings through the medial rail for receiving pins, screws or wires. An arm is pivotally mounted to the medial rail. The arm has at least a first track on a first side. A post has a connector slidably mounted to the first track of the arm for movement along the first track. A guide is slidably mounted for movement along the post. The guide has at least one opening through it and at least one pin for engaging a bone of a patient.

Abstract: A tool comprises a first body shaped to detachably receive a bone implant having a first portion with a first flat surface adapted to be attached to a bone and a second portion with a second flat surface oriented at a pre-determined angle relative to the first flat surface, the bone implant having at least one fastener hole penetrating each of the first and second portions. A second body has a surface or member. The second body is adjustably connected to the first body to selectably position the surface or member relative to the bone implant.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) femur orthopedic drill guide device (FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) is disclosed. The device guides a drill to make a hole in femoral bone. A tissue repair device is used to replace injured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The tissue replace device is assembled in the femur bone hole.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for making femoral resections for seating a femoral implant on a distal femur, the instrument configured for orientation relative to an intramedullary rod. The instrument includes a medial distal cut guide having a cut guide portion, the cut guide portion having a cut slot therein for use in resecting a medial distal condyle of the femur. A medial distal cut paddle supports the medial distal cut guide. The medial distal cut paddle is configured to mount on the intramedullary rod to orient the medial distal cut slot substantially along an anterior-medial slope of the medial distal condyle when the medial distal cut paddle is mounted on the intramedullary rod to thereby define an anterior-medial approach for making a medial distal resection of the medial distal condyle.

Abstract: A medical device for capturing one or more stone fragments includes a sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, a handle at the proximal end of the sheath, and a basket operable with the handle. The basket includes a plurality of wires that capture the stone fragments and has a collapsed configuration when the basket is positioned within the sheath and an expanded configuration when the basket is positioned beyond the distal end of the sheath. The medical device further includes an indicator that communicates to an operator of the medical device that the size of the stone fragments exceeds a predetermined limit and a release mechanism that releases the stone fragments from the plurality of wires when the size of the stone fragments exceeds the predetermined limit. The plurality of wires are able to reset into an operable position after releasing the stone fragments.

Abstract: A rapid exchange (RX) catheter may provide a proximal seal against a guide catheter inner lumen so that aspiration may be applied through a guide catheter. The catheter may include an exit port that defines a transfer port for aspiration and may enable minimal frictional engagement with the guide catheter proximal of the exit port. Aspiration can be applied to the lumen of the guide catheter and may be directed to and effective at the tip of the RX aspiration catheter. A tip of the RX catheter may facilitate aspiration and retrieval of the clot by expanding under load and can also partially or fully occlude the vessel.

Abstract: A morcellator includes an elongated tube, a shaft, and a blade. The elongated tube has proximal and distal ends and defines a channel therethrough. The shaft is positioned within the channel and has a distal end portion and has a longitudinal axis defined therealong. The blade is positioned on the distal end portion of the shaft and is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft and to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument with an elongated element and an end effector (200) arrangeable at one end of the elongated element. The end effector (200) is operable by means of a hydraulic actuating mechanism (100), and the hydraulic actuating mechanism (100) has a cylinder body (110) with at least one, preferably two, three, four or five, overflow channels (112a, 112b, 112c) for a hydraulic fluid, the overflow channels being connected via at least one bore to the interior of the cylinder body (110). A piston (140) movable along the longitudinal axis (A) of the cylinder body (110) is provided in the cylinder body (110). The piston (140) subdivides the interior of the cylinder body (110) into a first cylinder chamber and a second cylinder chamber and is connected via a piston rod (141) to the end effector (200).

Abstract: A surgical end effector includes a clevis and two jaws rotatably coupled to the clevis. Each jaw includes a face that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the jaw. A rocking pin is pivotally supported by the clevis. The opposite ends of the rocking pin engage the faces of the jaws to constrain the jaws to have opposite motions around the axes of rotation of the jaws. The clevis may be coupled to an elongate shaft with wires extending through the shaft to provide an endoscopic instrument. The jaws may be opened and closed by pushing and pulling on the wires. A wire guide may support the wires in the shaft such that they are able to transmit a compressive force without buckling. The wires may carry electricity to the jaws for electrocautery.

Abstract: A method of operating a surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes an electronic system comprising an electric motor coupled to the end effector; a motor controller coupled to the motor; a parameter threshold detection module configured to monitor multiple parameter thresholds; a sensing module configured to sense tissue compression; a processor coupled to the parameter threshold detection module and the motor controller; and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to monitor multiple levels of action thresholds and monitor speed of the motor and increment a drive unit of the motor, sense tissue compression, and provide rate and control feedback to the user of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Thresholds can be assigned for one or more parameters in connection with the operation of a surgical device. An ultimate threshold can trigger a desired action, including cessation of operations or modification of operations, if the ultimate threshold is reached, or predicted to be reached. In addition, a marginal threshold can trigger a desired action, including improving operations such as slowing operations where the value of a parameter is measured to be between the values defined by a marginal threshold and an ultimate threshold. Multiple thresholds, based on multiple parameters, can be defined, further enabling calibrated usage, such as slowing operations based on exceeding both a marginal threshold based on number of sterilization cycles and exceeding a marginal threshold based on extent to which current draw exceeds a certain value.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector having first and second jaws that cooperate to capture tissue therebetween, a movable firing member to cut the tissue, an actuator actuatable between various settings that define various output values of a characteristic of motion of the firing member, and a real-time feedback system. The real-time feedback system includes a sensor to assess a parameter of the end effector, a zone indicator adjustable between various positions inside and outside a desired zone, and a circuit to receive the sensor input from the sensor, the sensor input defining a measurement of a parameter of the end effector, and select one of various positions based upon the measurement of the parameter of the end effector, the selected position representing a status of a current output value of the characteristic of motion of the firing member, and adjust the zone indicator to the selected position.

Abstract: A powered surgical cutting and stapling instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes at least one sensor to measure at least one parameter associated with the instrument, at least one processor, and a memory operatively associated with the processor. The memory includes machine executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to monitor the at least one sensor over a predetermined time period and determine a rate of change of the measured parameter.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector supported on a distal end of an elongated shaft, a clamping rod, and a measurement mechanism. The clamping rod extends through the elongated shaft and is operatively associated with the end effector to transition the first and second jaw members between open and clamped positions. The measurement mechanism includes a cylinder, a biasing member, and a locking member. The biasing member is disposed within the cylinder and is disposed over a proximal end of the clamping member distal to a piston disposed at a proximal end of the clamping rod. The cylinder is operatively associated with a moveable handle such that as the moveable handle is moved towards an actuated position, the cylinder is moved proximally such that the biasing member urges the clamping rod proximally to move the first and second jaw members towards the clamped position.

Abstract: A microdebrider comprising: (a) a handpiece; (b) an interchangeable tip connected to the handpiece; (c) an outer tune rotatably connected to the interchangeable tip. the outer tube including an outer tube window; (d) an inner tube extending at least partially through the outer tube, the inner tube including an inner tube window; (e) a lock selector connected to the inner tube; and (f) a bias device; wherein the bias device is movable, and upon movement of the bias device into contact with the lock selector the inner tube is immobilized so that the inner tube window is aligned with the outer tube window, aligned with a wall of the outer tube, or in a condition therebetween.

Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes an impedance detecting section detecting an ultrasonic impedance value with time, and a gradual decrease detecting section detecting a gradual decrease start point to start gradual decrease of the ultrasonic impedance value. The ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes a tentative peak value holding section holding the ultrasonic impedance value at the detected gradual decrease start point as a tentative peak value, and a peak judging section judging whether the held tentative peak value is a target peak by comparing, relative to the held tentative peak value, changes with time of the ultrasonic impedance value after the gradual decrease start point.

Abstract: A surgical cannula for providing access to a surgical site in a patient's body. A cannula body of the surgical cannula has a flange attached to a proximal end. The cannula body is defined by two complementary portions, pivotally connected together proximate the flange. The cannula body has a bore extending from the flange to the surgical site. The cannula is inserted into the patient's body above the surgical site, until a lower surface of the flange contacts the patient's superficial fascia, which acts as a stop to prevent over-insertion. A thread provided on the cannula body holds the cannula in position in the patient's body. Apertures in the flange communicate with channels within the cannula body that extend to the surgical site to provide the surgeon with additional means to provide light, irrigation, and/or suction to and from the surgical site. The two complimentary portions can be pivoted apart from one another within the patient's body to provide an increased amount of access to the surgical site.

Abstract: An obturator provides access to a joint through a capsule surrounding the joint. A distal end of the obturator has a first distal location with a first width dimension and a second distal location with a second width dimension, wherein the second distal location is proximal to the first distal location and the second width dimension greater than the first width dimension. A retractable blade can extend from the obturator to be exposed between the first distal location and the second distal location.

Abstract: A cannula assembly includes a cannula adapted for insertion within tissue and having a longitudinal passage extending along a longitudinal axis of the cannula for passage of a surgical instrument. An expandable member is mounted to the cannula and longitudinally spaced from a distal end of the cannula. The expandable member is adapted to expand, upon introduction of fluids therein, in a radially outward direction relative to the longitudinal axis whereby the expandable member engages the tissue to facilitate anchoring of the cannula relative to the tissue, and also to expand in a radially inward direction relative to the longitudinal axis and within the longitudinal passage to engage the surgical instrument positioned within the longitudinal passage to facilitate formation of a seal about the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A device includes a plurality of rings. Each ring has a first face, a second face, and at least one slot defined by first and second interior edges of the ring on opposing sides of the slot. The at least one slot penetrates from the first face to the second face. The first face of each ring has a first recess adjacent the slot on the first edge and a second recess adjacent the slot on the second edge. A plurality of posts join each one of the plurality of rings to an adjacent one of the plurality of rings.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes a connecting rod, a rod bending device, and a plurality of bone screws. The connecting rod includes an elongate round portion, an elongate head portion and a neck portion connecting the elongate round portion with the elongate head portion. The rod bending device includes an elongate body defining an aperture configured and dimensioned to receive the connecting rod therethrough in a single orientation. The bone screws include a housing portion and a screw shaft distally extending from the housing portion. The housing portion includes an inner housing and an outer housing slidably surrounding at least a portion of the inner housing. The inner housing defines a slot configured and dimensioned to releasably secure the elongate round portion of the connecting rod therein. The outer housing is movable relative to the inner housing between an unlocked state and a locked state.

Abstract: Provided is a modular pedicle screw assembly which includes various components that may be configured in various manners so as to provide different functionalities to the pedicle screw assembly. This advantageously decreases surgery time, reduces repetitive and tedious surgical steps, and allows for streamlining inventory of expensive medical equipment. In one embodiment, a pedicle screw assembly includes a pedicle screw, a rod holding element, an insert, a rod, and a set screw. The insert may have a uniplanar configuration which allows movement of the insert, prior to final attachment, in a plane of motion. The insert may optionally have a monoaxial configuration which prevents movement of the insert. A method is also provided for securing a rod to a pedicle screw assembly. Also provided is an assembly tool for use in assembling a pedicle screw assembly.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation medical implant includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having an elongate coil-like outer member and an inner cylindrical core attached to the outer member at only one end thereof. Some assemblies include a second longitudinal connecting member in the form of a rod that is fixed to the inner core and extends outwardly from the assembly. Certain assemblies include a threaded core or threaded inserts that cooperate with a helical slit of the coil-like outer member. Two or more cooperating bone screw assemblies attach to the connecting member assembly. The bone screw assemblies may include upper and lower compression members for affixing to and cradling the coil-like outer member only, allowing relative movement between the outer member and the inner cylindrical core. Press fit or snap-on features attach one end of the coil-like outer member to one end of the inner cylindrical core.

Abstract: Described herein is a pedicle screw for use in the thoracolumbar spine where the height can be adjusted intra-operatively before or after installation member of the longitudinal member. The pedicle screws with adjustable height may be made with a monoaxial or polyaxial configuration. The height of the pedicle screw can be lengthened or shortened.

Abstract: A receiving part for receiving a rod for coupling the rod to a bone anchoring element, the receiving part including: a receiving part body having a channel for receiving a rod and defining an accommodation space for accommodating a head of a bone anchoring element, the accommodation space having an opening for inserting the head; and a pressure element at least partially in the accommodation space, the pressure element including a first portion having a recess to receive the rod, and a second portion having a flexible portion to clamp the head, wherein the pressure element is moveable along a longitudinal axis of the receiving part body from an inserting position to insert the head, to a pre-locking position to clamp the head in the receiving part by a pre-stress exerted by the pressure element, to a locking position to lock the head in the receiving part.

Abstract: Interspinous process implants are disclosed. Also disclosed are systems and kits including such implants, methods of inserting such implants, and methods of alleviating pain or discomfort associated with the spinal column.

Abstract: Spinal implants for limiting flexion of the spine are implanted between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process or sacrum. The implants include upper straps which are placed over the upper spinous process, while the lower portions of the implant are attached to the adjacent vertebra or sacrum. The attachments may be fixed, for example using screws or other anchors, or may be non-fixed, for example by placing a loop strap through a hole in the spinous process or sacrum.

Abstract: A bone support fixating device with a longitudinally slotted hip screw which permits operative compression of the fracture and holds this compression yet allows sliding as further compression of the fracture occurs under forces of weight bearing; comprising a hollow cylindrical shaft with a screw portion at its upper proximal end and four equally spaced longitudinal grooves at its lower distal end, having three equally distant angled holes between the ends, through which three wires can be inserted, the three ‘elastic’ proximally curved wires, welded, glued or crimped distally, can be inserted into the hip screw collectively called the ‘tri-wire’; The proximal end has the wires curved outward, with all three wires equally spaced; upon pushing the tri-wire into the hip screw, the wires goes through the angle holes in the hip screw and provides three projections equally spaced; which improves the rotational stability of the proximal fracture fragment.

Abstract: In one form, a bone compression device is provided having a shape-retentive bone plate with an initial, unflexed configuration and a flexed configuration. The bone plate may be shifted to the flexed configuration and secured to bones using bone screws of the bone compression device. Once the bone plate has been secured to the bones, the bone plate returns toward its unflexed configuration which compresses the bones.

Abstract: An article comprises a unitary plate configured to conform to a foot of a patient. The plate has a dorsal portion shaped to conform to a dorsal surface of a medial column of the foot and a plantar-medial portion shaped to conform to a medial surface of a first metatarsal of the foot and extend to a plantar surface of the first metatarsal. The plantar-medial portion is integrally attached to the dorsal portion. The plate has a plurality of apertures for receiving screws. The apertures include: a plurality of first apertures through the dorsal portion, adapted to receive a respective one or more first screws to be inserted into a dorsal surface of a talus of the foot, and at least one second aperture adapted to receive a second screw inserted through a plantar end of the plantar-medial portion into a first metatarsal of the foot.

Abstract: A stifle stabilization system is provided herein. The system comprising a femoral component having a leg portion and bottom portion, the bottom portion including an interconnected coupling member protruding therefrom, an articular sliding insert component having a channel corresponding in size and shape to at least part of the coupling member, an enlarged opening in a bottom surface of the insert component in communication with the channel, and a slot through the bottom surface of the insert component in communication with the enlarged opening and the channel, the channel receiving the at least part of the coupling member through the enlarged opening, and a tibial component having a first proximal planar portion defining a slot, the slot being of corresponding and complementary shape to the articular sliding insert component to receive the articular sliding insert component therein.

Abstract: A surgical implant device may include a first substantially planar portion having a first surface area, a second substantially planar portion having a second surface area, and a coupling device for connecting the first substantially planar portion to the second substantially planar portion. The coupling device facilitates expanding and contracting the first and the second substantially planar portion in order to provide an implant surface area corresponding to the first surface area during insertion of the surgical implant within an incision, and having a third surface area corresponding to both the first surface area and at least a portion of the second surface area following insertion of the surgical implant within the incision.