Abstract: A spinal surgery tool system including an elongated conduit and an implant is disclosed. The implant assumes a straight configuration within the elongated conduit and is deployable from the elongated conduit into a closed or nearly-closed loop configuration for deployment interposed between two tissue surfaces to define an enclosed volume. The conduit and the implant are configured such that, when the implant is deployed in the loop configuration, an opening formed in a proximal portion of the implant forms a contiguous channel with a passageway along the conduit so as to provide a continuous access channel along the elongated conduit into the enclosed volume.

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 forming structurally stable curved structures includes an elongated element (10) with a number of segments (12) interconnected at effective hinges (14) to allow deflection of each segment relative to adjacent segments between a reduced-curvature state and a flexed state. Neighboring segments have interlocking features (16) forming an inter-segment locking configuration such that, when the segments are deflected from the reduced-curvature state to the flexed state, the interlocking features interlock adjacent of the segments so as to retain the segments in the flexed state corresponding to a predefined curved configuration of the elongated element. Additionally, or alternatively, a leading portion (44) and a rear portion (40) of the elongated element have features forming at least part of a loop-lock configuration effective to lock together the leading portion and the rear portion so as to form a closed loop structure.

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.

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: An implant for maintaining a given minimum inter-spinous-process spacing includes an implant body with a number of segments hingedly interconnected so as to assume a straightened state for delivery along a conduit and a curved deployed state. An elongated tightening element is anchored at the distal segment of the implant body and passes along a channel extending along the implant body. Tension applied to the tightening element biases the implant body from the straightened state to the curved deployed state. Preferably, when the tightening element is deflected to reach the curved deployed state, a locking arrangement locks the tightening element relative to the implant body, thereby retaining the implant in the curved deployed state. A distal portion of the implant body is preferably formed with a set of lateral projections to inhibit withdrawal of the distal portion between adjacent spinous processes after deployment.

Abstract: A spinal implant and corresponding method for deploying a spinal implant in which both the structural support and the bone interface surfaces are formed from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Examples disclosed include intervertebral disc replacements and interspinous process spacers.