Abstract: Deflectable implants, systems and methods for implanting deflectable implants are disclosed. The deflectable implant includes at least one sequence of segments, the sequence includes at least two segments, the segments being interconnected at effective hinges, the sequence assuming a straightened or low curvature insertion state for insertion into the body, the sequence being deflectable to a fully deflected state defined by abutment of abutment features of adjacent of the segments.

Abstract: An inter-level locking mechanism of a multi- level medical device is disclosed. The locking mechanism includes (a) an elongated element (100) having a plurality of flexing regions, wherein the elongated element assumes a straightened configuration for introduction into the body, and wherein the elongated element assumes a closed helix configuration with a first portion of the elongated element coming in overlapping contact with a second portion of the elongated element in the closed helix configuration, and (b) at least one locking element deployable so as to interconnect the first and second portions of the elongated element so as to tighten together the overlapping portions of the elongated element, thereby stabilizing the closed helix configuration.

Abstract: An anchoring element, such as a bone screw, may comprise an at least partially threaded shaft having a core and a longitudinal channel. An elongated element movable with the channel may be a tensioning element, for example affixed to the distal portion, and/or a rigid element. The core may have one or more lateral cut-outs, which may be V-shaped, at the distal portion. Each cut-out may be backed by an effective hinge that may be displaced from the longitudinal axis, and may have a transverse slit between the hinge and an opposite surface of the core from the cut-out. Upon axial movement of the elongated element, e.g. toward a proximal end of the shaft, the distal portion may deflect to an angle from the shaft's longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the anchoring element may be pre-biased to deflect and maintained straight by a rigid element until axial movement of the rigid element.

Abstract: A medical device (10) includes an implant body (20) with a number of segments (30) hingedly interconnected so as to assume a straightened state for delivery and a flexed or roughly curved deployed state. Implant body may have engagement elements on at least two different segments, for example on a majority of segments. An elongated locking element anchored at the distal segment of the implant body may have projections for at least each engagement element. Tension applied to the locking element biases the implant body from the straightened state to the flexed deployed state. When the locking element is deflected to reach the curved deployed state, flexing segments of the implant body lock by matching engagement elements of the implant body with projections of the locking element. A very secure lock may be formed to prevent opening after deployment.

Abstract: A device for removing material from within the body, includes an elongated element formed from hollow segments sequentially interconnected at effective hinges. The device assumes an insertion configuration for insertion of the segments sequentially through an opening of a first dimension into the body. A portion of the elongated element inserted into the body progressively assumes a material removing configuration in which a relative position of each segment relative to an adjacent segment is delineated by the effective hinge together with additional abutment surfaces defining a fully deflected state of the effective hinge. The material removing configuration has at least two dimensions exceeding the first dimension. At least two of the segments are formed with at least one opening, typically provided with a cutting configuration, deployed so as to receive material into a hollow volume of the segment during progressive formation of the material removing configuration as the elongated element is advanced.

Abstract: A device for removing material from within the body, includes an elongated element formed from hollow segments sequentially interconnected at effective hinges. The device assumes an insertion configuration for insertion of the segments sequentially through an opening of a first dimension into the body. A portion of the elongated element inserted into the body progressively assumes a material removing configuration in which a relative position of each segment relative to an adjacent segment is delineated by the effective hinge together with additional abutment surfaces defining a fully deflected state of the effective hinge. The material removing configuration has at least two dimensions exceeding the first dimension. At least two of the segments are formed with at least one cutting configuration deployed so as to collect material into a hollow volume of the segment during progressive formation of the material removing configuration as the elongated element is advanced.

Abstract: A device for introduction into a body in a straight configuration and assuming within the body a predefined curved configuration, includes an elongated element formed from a number of segments interconnected so as to form effective hinges therebetween. When the elongated element is confined to a straight state, the effective hinges transfer compressive forces from each segment to the next so that the elongated element can be pushed to advance it through a conduit. When the elongated element is not confined to a straight state, the effective hinges allow deflection of each segment relative to adjacent segments until abutment surfaces of the segments come into abutment, thereby defining a fully flexed state of the elongated element with a predefined curved configuration. The device can be produced with a wide range of two-dimensional and three-dimensional curved forms, and has both medical and non-medical applications.