Abstract: A spine stabilization rod assembly comprises a rod and a sleeve member. The rod has a substantially round cross-sectional profile, a one-piece construction, and a substantially straight longitudinal axis. The rod has a reduced diameter segment between two opposing end segments thereof such that a shoulder is defined between the reduced diameter segment and each one of the end segments. The sleeve member is positioned over the reduced diameter segment of the rod. The sleeve member and the rod are coupled to each other such that translation of the sleeve along the rod causes an end portion of the sleeve to engage a corresponding one of the shoulders for limiting such translation.

Abstract: A fixation assembly and methods for its use are provided. The fixation assembly includes two or more fixation elements, at least one connection means adapted to engage with the fixation elements to connect them to one another, and a locking means that is actuated after engagement of the fixation elements with the connection means to simultaneously lock the fixation elements in place relative to one another and to the connection means.

Abstract: Spinal surgery systems are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes threaded caps and screw assemblies. Each assembly includes a cannulated and threaded screw having upper and lower ends, a polyaxial head permanently fixed to the screw upper end in a ball-and-socket engagement, and an extension portion fixed to the head wherein extension portion movement causes the head to move in concert. Each head has a receiving area for engaging a rod and a threaded area for receiving one of the caps after the rod is engaged in the receiving area. Each extension portion has: (a) two arms spaced apart such that the arms are on opposite sides of the polyaxial head receiving area; and (b) at least one point of weakness such that forcing the arms away from one another causes the extension portion to divide at the point of weakness and separate the extension portion from the head.

Abstract: A clamping body for a pedicle screw assembly has an axial passage extending axially between first and second end portions thereof. The spine rod-receiving channel extends through the first end portion in a traverse direction with respect to the axial passage thereby forming upstanding leg portions of the clamping body and closed end portion of the spine rod-receiving channel. A material thickness reducing relief is provided in an outer surface of each one of the upstanding leg portions at a location between the closed end portion of the spine rod receiving channel and the first end portion of the clamping body whereby the a partial segment of the upstanding leg portions are frangibly detachable. A bridge member is frangibly connected between the upstanding leg portions at the first end portion of the clamping body. The bridge member spans across the spine rod-receiving channel.

Abstract: A lock screw assembly for use with a pedicle screw assembly comprises a lock screw and an upper saddle. The lock screw includes a fastening tool engaging structure at a first end portion thereof and an upper saddle receiving structure at a second end portion thereof. The upper saddle is engaged with the upper saddle receiving structure of the lock screw in a manner allowing the upper saddle to rotate about a centerline axis of the lock screw. A plurality of intersecting spine rod receiving channels extend through a spine rod engaging portion of the upper saddle in a manner such that an outwardly-extending spine rod engaging structure is provided between adjacent ones of the spine rod receiving channels. Upper and lower surfaces of each spine rod engaging structure are acutely angled with respect to each other and wherein a channel edge defined between the surfaces is sharply pointed.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for priming an ultrafiltration unit (10) connected to a blood source, without requiring a pump in the blood line. An ultrafiltration unit (10) is provided having an ultrafiltration membrane which separates a blood compartment from an ultrafiltrate compartment, a blood inlet port (12), a blood outlet port (14), a second inlet port (16) communicating with the ultrafiltrate compartment, and an ultrafiltrate outlet port (18). A feedback tube (38) connects the blood outlet port (14) to the second input port (16). Priming solution (36) is introduced to the blood inlet port (12) and a vacuum is applied to the ultrafiltrate outlet port (18). The priming solution (36) is drawn through the blood compartment, through the ultrafiltrate compartment, out the ultrafiltrate outlet port, and to drain.

Abstract: A bundle (12) of hollow fiber (34) is formed by winding a length of hollow fiber around a core (38) from an arm (20) that is in a plane at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core and is between opposite ends of the core. Relative rotation is provided between the longitudinal axis of the core and the position of the winding arm. During winding of the hollow fiber around the core, there is an increase in the ratio of (a) the angular velocity of the wind and (b) the relative rotational velocity between the longitudinal axis of the core and the position of the winding arm. In this manner, the void fraction of radially-outward annuli of the wound bundle is less than the void fraction would be if the ratio remained constant.