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: Discectomy or disc preparation system that includes a guide member that is changeable from a deployment configuration for insertion into an intervertebral disc space to a deployed configuration upon being deployed into the intervertebral disc. The system also includes at least one tissue manipulator, such as cutting, scraping and extraction elements, that can be moved or tracked longitudinally along the guide member into and through the intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: Methods for limiting the movement of flowable material introduced into or between tissue layers of the human spine. The method can include inserting a member between tissue layers of the human spine. The member has a first configuration for insertion of the elongated member between tissue layers. The shape of the member is changed into a second configuration that defines a barrier that limits or directs the movement of flowable material. Flowable material is introduced to a selected location between the tissue layers and the barrier acts to limit or direct the movement of the flowable material.

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: 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: Devices for limiting the movement of flowable material introduced into or between tissue layers of the human spine. The devices can include at least one generally elongated member having a pre-deployed configuration for insertion into or between tissue layers of the human spine and a deployed configuration in which the elongated member forms a barrier that limits the movement of flowable material introduced into or between the tissue layers.

Abstract: Devices and methods utilizing a catheter to remodel soft tissue of a patient and, in a preferred embodiment, to reduce the volume of the left ventricle of a heart. In some embodiments, one or more sutures are passed through a wall of the ventricle. The ends of the one suture and, more preferably, the multiples sutures are drawn together to draw tissue portions towards one another. In some embodiments, a tissue remodeling clip is implanted into a wall of the ventricle. Ends of the clip are resiliently biased to move relative to one another to draw tissue portions towards one another. In some embodiments, a tissue remodeling anchor includes a base and a plurality of legs attached to the base. The legs of the tissue anchor are implanted into a wall of the ventricle and moved toward one another to draw tissue portions toward one another.

Abstract: Devices and methods utilizing a catheter to remodel soft tissue of a patient and, in a preferred embodiment, to reduce the volume of the left ventricle of a heart. In one embodiment, one or more sutures are passed through a wall of the ventricle. The ends of the one suture and, more preferably, the multiples sutures are drawn together to draw tissue portions towards one another. In another embodiment, tissue remodeling clip is implanted into a wall of the ventricle. Ends of the clip are resiliently biased to move relative to one another to draw tissue portions towards one another. In yet another embodiment, a tissue remodeling anchor includes a base and a plurality of legs attached to the base. The legs of the tissue anchor are implanted into a wall of the ventricle and moved toward one another to draw tissue portions toward one another. A retaining member is positioned on the tissue anchor to prevent the legs from moving apart.

Abstract: Devices and methods utilizing a catheter to remodel soft tissue of a patient and, in a preferred embodiment, to reduce the volume of the left ventricle of a heart. In one embodiment, one or more sutures are passed through a wall of the ventricle. The ends of the one suture and, more preferably, the multiples sutures are drawn together to draw tissue portions towards one another. In another embodiment, tissue remodeling clip is implanted into a wall of the ventricle. Ends of the clip are resiliently biased to move relative to one another to draw tissue portions towards one another. In yet another embodiment, a tissue remodeling anchor includes a base and a plurality of legs attached to the base. The legs of the tissue anchor are implanted into a wall of the ventricle and moved toward one another to draw tissue portions toward one another. A retaining member is positioned on the tissue anchor to prevent the legs from moving apart.