Abstract: A spinal implant provides support for desired parts of the spine. The implant can provide support in fusion situations. The spinal implant includes a pair of longitudinal rods and a transverse rod. A pair of variable cross-link devices couple the transverse rod, respectively, to the first and second longitudinal rods. Each variable cross-link device includes a body, having a curved member, a plug, and a rod engaging member. Fastening the plug into the body of the respective variable cross-link device causes application of force that couples the plug and the rod engaging member to the respective longitudinal rod. Fastening the plug also causes application of force that couples the rod engaging member to the transverse rod. Furthermore, fastening the plug causes application of force that couples the respective longitudinal rod to couple to the variable cross-link device. The surgical procedure may use minimally invasive surgery or non-minimally invasive surgery, as desired.

Abstract: Medical devices having one or more cutting elements are disclosed. In some embodiments, a medical device includes an elongated catheter configured to be inserted into a body, and a cutting element carried by the catheter. The cutting element has an alloy including from about 12% to about 16% by weight of chromium, from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of molybdenum, and iron. The alloy has a martensitic phase.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as catheters, including shape memory materials, are provided, as well as related methods of making and using such medical devices.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for shaping an article may comprise a plurality of movable dies arranged to form a chamber whose size may be varied by moving the dies. Each of the dies may have a contacting surface for contacting the article to be shaped. The chamber may have a first portion having a first cross-section and a second portion having a second cross-section. Either portion may include a taper. The first portion may have a differently shaped cross-section than the second portion. The first portion may have a cross-section of greater area than the second portion. The longitudinal axis of the first portion may be offset from the longitudinal axis of the second portion.