Abstract: Spinal tissue distraction devices that include a member which has a pre-deployed configuration for insertion between tissue layers and a deployed configuration in which the member, by change of configuration, forms a support structure for separating and supporting layers of spinal tissue.

Abstract: Spinal tissue distraction devices that include at least one guide member for guiding a distraction device to a location between layers of spinal tissue. The guide member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is adapted for insertion between the tissue layers and defines a shape of a desired support structure. The distraction device is slidably mounted on the guide member for advancing the distraction device distally along the guide member for insertion of the distraction device between the tissue layers. The distraction device substantially conforms to the shape defined by the distal end portion of the guide member to form a support structure that separates, supports or both separates and supports the tissue layers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue and particularly spinal tissue. The device and method may include insertion of at least one elongated member and an augmenting member to form a structure between the tissues to be distraction, such that a dimensional aspect of the structure is augmented upon movement of the augmenting structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of separating, supporting or both separating and supporting layers of tissue in the human spine. Such methods generally comprise inserting at least one member between layers of tissue in the human spine and changing the configuration of the member to define a support structure between the tissue layers.

Abstract: An implant and method are provided for treating a fractured bone. The implant includes a generally elongated member having a first configuration for introduction between body tissue layers and a second configuration in-situ having a curved portion. The generally elongated member includes a plurality of alternating projections and slots and a plurality of occlusions wherein each of the occlusions is positioned between adjacent projections. The occlusions at least partially occlude an upper and/or lower side of the associated slot. Additionally, the projections may be configured to overlap each other when the implant is deployed in the second configuration. The occlusions and/or overlapping projections promote improved fluid flow and dispersion through the deployed implant and into the fractured bone. Also provided are methods for using the implant to treat a bone fracture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for creating channels within bone. One method for treating bone generally includes traversing an elongated member through cancellous bone of a vertebral body along a first generally non-linear path and then retracting the elongated member, thereby leaving a generally non-linear channel. The elongated member then is traversed through the cancellous bone along a second generally non-linear path, which second path does not completely coincide with the first path and then retracted along the second generally nonlinear path, thereby leaving a second generally non-linear channel. Optionally, bone filler material is deployed into the channels.

Abstract: A bone tamp for creating channels within bone tissue. The bone tamp includes an elongated member that is deformable from a first generally non-linear configuration to a second generally linear configuration for insertion into bone tissue. As the elongated member is deployed into bone tissue, it transitions from the linear configuration into the non-linear configuration within the bone tissue. The elongated member is capable of being deformed back into the generally linear configuration for withdrawal from the bone tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for creating channels within bone. One method for treating bone generally includes traversing an elongated member through cancellous bone of a vertebral body along a first generally non-linear path and then retracting the elongated member, thereby leaving a generally non-linear channel. The elongated member then is traversed through the cancellous bone along a second generally non-linear path, which second path does not completely coincide with the first path and then retracted along the second generally nonlinear path, thereby leaving a second generally non-linear channel. Optionally, bone filler material is deployed into the channels.

Abstract: Spinal tissue distraction devices that include a member which has a pre-deployed configuration for insertion between tissue layers and a deployed configuration in which the member, by change of configuration, forms a support structure for separating and supporting layers of spinal tissue.

Abstract: Methods of separating and/or supporting layers of tissue in the human spine. Such methods generally comprise inserting at least a distal end portion of a guide member between layers of tissue in the human spine wherein the distal end portion defines a predetermined shape. A distraction device is advanced over at least the distal end portion of the guide member so that the distraction device substantially assumes the predetermined shape of the distal end portion of the guide member to form a support structure between the tissue layers that separates and/or supports the tissue layers.

Abstract: Various features of spinal implants and systems and methods for implanting the same with or between tissue layers in the human body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of separating, supporting or both separating and supporting layers of tissue in the human spine. Such methods generally comprise inserting at least one member between layers of tissue in the human spine and changing the configuration of the member to define a support structure between the tissue layers.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering an intravertebral implant into a vertebral body of a vertebra. The apparatus includes a cannula operatively connected to a housing wherein the cannula is adapted for insertion into the vertebral body. The housing includes a drive system for advancing a guide member through the cannula, out of a distal end opening of the cannula and into the vertebral body. Further, the drive system also selectively or simultaneously advances a pushing element that is adapted to push an intravertebral implant along the guide member so that the guide member guides the implant through the cannula, out of the distal end opening of the cannula and into the vertebral body for implantation.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating bones wherein the devices include a generally elongated implant that has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and an intermediate portion therebetween. The implant also includes a lumen extending therethrough. The intermediate portion includes a configuration for engaging bone structure to substantially immobilize the implant within the bone structure. The intermediate portion also includes openings therein that are in communication with the lumen.

Abstract: Various features of spinal implants and systems and methods for implanting the same with or between tissue layers in the human body.

Abstract: An implant and method are provided for treating a fractured bone. The implant includes a generally elongated member having a first configuration for introduction between body tissue layers and a second configuration in-situ having a curved portion. The generally elongated member includes a plurality of alternating projections and slots and a plurality of occlusions wherein each of the occlusions is positioned between adjacent projections. The occlusions at least partially occlude an upper and/or lower side of the associated slot. Additionally, the projections may be configured to overlap each other when the implant is deployed in the second configuration. The occlusions and/or overlapping projections promote improved fluid flow and dispersion through the deployed implant and into the fractured bone. Also provided are methods for using the implant to treat a bone fracture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of separating, supporting or both separating and supporting layers of tissue in the human spine. Such methods generally comprise inserting at least one member between layers of tissue in the human spine and changing the configuration of the member to define a support structure between the tissue layers.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering an intravertebral implant into a vertebral body of a vertebra. The apparatus includes a cannula operatively connected to a housing wherein the cannula is adapted for insertion into the vertebral body. The housing includes a drive system for advancing a guide member through the cannula, out of a distal end opening of the cannula and into the vertebral body. Further, the drive system also selectively or simultaneously advances a pushing element that is adapted to push an intravertebral implant along the guide member so that the guide member guides the implant through the cannula, out of the distal end opening of the cannula and into the vertebral body for implantation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue and particularly spinal tissue. The device and method may include insertion of at least one elongated member and an augmenting member to form a structure between the tissues to be distraction, such that a dimensional aspect of the structure is augmented upon movement of the augmenting structure.

Abstract: Devices are provided for injecting fluid into the body. One such device includes an elongated, hollow cannula having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, a shaft portion between the proximal and distal end portions, and a fluid flow lumen extending through the shaft portion between the proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion is flexible and pre-disposed to assume a curved configuration having a radially inner side and a radially outer side. The radially inner side includes at least one aperture to direct fluid flowing from the lumen in a radially inward direction. The device may include an introducer member and/or a guide member for introducing the cannula to a treatment site. Methods of injecting fluid into the body are also provided.