Abstract: Systems and methods for an incentive system are provided. One embodiment relates to a system including a processing circuit and a communications interface. The processing circuit includes an inventory module configured to track an inventory of medical devices, a usage module configured to generate usage data in response to use of one or more of the medical devices, an ordering module configured to generate a purchase order based on the usage data, the purchase order involving two or more parties, and a billing module configured to determine whether each party is eligible to use an incentive system, determine incentive options available to each eligible party, provide the associated incentive options to each eligible party, receive at least one incentive option selection, and generate transaction details for the purchase order based on the at least one selection.

Abstract: A method for the long-term delivery of fluids to a bone of a patient includes providing a cannulated bone screw and an insert configured to be coupled to the bone screw. The method further includes creating an aperture in the skin of a patient, inserting the bone screw into a bone of the patient through the aperture, and coupling the insert to the bone screw. The method further includes the steps of providing a fluid source, coupling the fluid source to the insert, and delivering a fluid from the fluid source to the insert.

Abstract: A guidewire having a first end and a second end, and comprising two or more guidewire modules. Each guidewire module has a first end and a second end. Each guidewire module is configured to be attachable to a second guidewire module by at least one of: attaching the first end of the guidewire module with the second end of the second guidewire module, and attaching the second end of the guidewire module with the first end of the second guidewire module.

Abstract: A vertebral prosthesis and spinal fixation system includes a vertebral prosthesis having a height adjustable shaft and an anchoring mechanism coupled to the shaft. The system further includes a spinal fixation device and a number of bone screws. The bone screws attach the fixation device to the vertebral prosthesis via the anchoring mechanism.

Abstract: A method for the long-term delivery of fluids to a bone of a patient includes providing a cannulated bone screw and an insert configured to be coupled to the bone screw. The method further includes creating an aperture in the skin of a patient, inserting the bone screw into a bone of the patient through the aperture, and coupling the insert to the bone screw. The method further includes the steps of providing a fluid source, coupling the fluid source to the insert, and delivering a fluid from the fluid source to the insert.

Abstract: A method for delivering a substance to bone includes placing a stabilizing wire in a bone, creating a hole in the bone around the stabilizing wire, and providing a multichannel cannula. The multichannel cannula includes a first channel having an open proximal end and distal end, the first channel being configured to receive the stabilizing wire, and a second channel having an inlet portal and an exit portal that are in fluid communication. The cannula further includes a cap having a delivery port in fluid communication with the inlet portal and a channel for receiving the cannula therein, and a distal tip. The method further includes inserting the multichannel cannula into the hole in the bone such that the first channel receives the stabilizing wire, and delivering the substance into the bone by introducing the substance into the second channel such that the substance exits through the exit portal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical device inventory tracking are described. One embodiment is a medical device inventory tracking system includes a shipping container configured to contain a medical device, a sensor coupled to the shipping container and configured to detect the presence of the medical device, and a processing circuit integrated into the shipping container. The processing circuit configured to receive a signal from the sensor and perform an action based upon the signal.

Abstract: A method for delivering a substance to bone includes placing a stabilizing wire in a bone, creating a hole in the bone around the stabilizing wire, and providing a multichannel cannula. The multichannel cannula includes a first channel having an open proximal end and distal end, the first channel being configured to receive the stabilizing wire, and a second channel having an inlet portal and an exit portal that are in fluid communication. The cannula further includes a cap having a delivery port in fluid communication with the inlet portal and a channel for receiving the cannula therein, and a distal tip. The method further includes inserting the multichannel cannula into the hole in the bone such that the first channel receives the stabilizing wire, and delivering the substance into the bone by introducing the substance into the second channel such that the substance exits through the exit portal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical device inventory tracking are described. One embodiment is a medical device inventory tracking system, including a shipping container configured to contain a medical device, a sensor coupled to the shipping container and configured to detect the presence of the medical device, and a processing circuit integrated into the shipping container and configured to receive a signal from the sensor and perform an action based upon the signal. Another embodiment is a system for monitoring a surgical procedure using a medical device in an operating room, including a camera and display mounted in the operating room and a telecommunications interface configured to permit a videoconference between personnel in the operating room and a product specialist associated with the medical device using the display and the camera.

Abstract: A method for delivering a substance to bone includes placing a stabilizing wire in a bone, creating a hole in the bone around the stabilizing wire, and providing a multichannel cannula, comprising. The multichannel cannula includes a first channel having an open proximal end and an open distal end, the first channel being configured to receive the stabilizing wire, and a second channel having an inlet portal and an exit portal that are in fluid communication. The method further includes inserting the multichannel cannula into the hole in the bone such that the first channel receives the stabilizing wire, and delivering the substance into the bone by introducing the substance into the inlet portal of the second channel such that the substance exits the second channel through the exit portal.

Abstract: A tool for insertion of an intervertebral insert into an intervertebral space is provided. The tool includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the shaft is configured to be coupled to the intervertebral insert. The tool includes a tapered section located at the distal end of the shaft, the tapered section tapering toward the longitudinal axis of the shaft and away from the proximal end of the shaft. The tool further includes a recess formed in the tapered section, the recess configured to receive the intervertebral insert such that at least a portion of the intervertebral insert is located within the recess when the intervertebral insert is coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a sidewall, a first door moveable between an opened position and a closed position, a second door moveable between an opened position and a closed position, a first track secured to the sidewall and a second track secured to the sidewall. A first roller is connected to the first door and is moveable along the first track as the first door moves between the opened position and the closed position. A second roller is connected to the second door and is movable along the second track to the first track and along the first track to the second track as the second door is moved between the opened position and the closed position.

Abstract: A method of using a multichannel cannula to perform kyphoplasty includes inserting a stabilizing wire into a vertebra damaged by a compression fracture and inserting, over the stabilizing wire, a cannula. The cannula includes a first channel having open proximal and distal ends, and is configured to receive the stabilizing wire, and a second channel having an inlet portal and an exit portal that are in fluid communication. The cannula further includes an expandable portion configured to expand away from the cannula from an outer wall of the second channel. The method also includes inflating the expandable portion to create a void in the bone and to restore the height of the vertebra, and then deflating the expandable portion. When the void has been created, bone cement is delivered through the second channel into the void via the exit portal to at least partially fill the void.

Abstract: A method of using a multichannel cannula to perform kyphoplasty includes inserting a stabilizing wire into a vertebra damaged by a compression fracture and inserting, over the stabilizing wire, a cannula. The cannula includes a first channel having open proximal and distal ends, and is configured to receive the stabilizing wire, and a second channel having an inlet portal and an exit portal that are in fluid communication. The cannula further includes an expandable portion configured to expand away from the cannula from an outer wall of the second channel. The method also includes inflating the expandable portion to create a void in the bone and to restore the height of the vertebra, and then deflating the expandable portion. When the void has been created, bone cement is delivered through the second channel into the void via the exit portal to at least partially fill the void.

Abstract: A bone screw includes a shaft, a cannulated portion formed in the shaft, and a fenestration in the shaft connecting the cannulated portion to an exterior of the bone screw. A wall between the cannulated portion and the exterior of the bone screw includes a first wall portion having a different thickness than a second wall portion.