Abstract: A microenvironment of a biological body is controlled, and more particularly, is measured, changed, and monitored with respect to temperature, pH level, moisture and other tissue parameters of a region of the body while, optionally, administering a therapeutic agent to that region.

Abstract: An emitter may be disposed in a patient. Output from the emitter may be detected by a detector connected with the guide rod and by a detector connected with the tracheal tube. Alternatively, a detector may detect the output from an emitter connected with the guide rod and by an emitter connected with the tracheal tube. Emitter units may be ultrasonic transducers and emit ultrasonic energy. The detector may respond to ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: Embodiments may include fixation devices and methods for securing first and second body tissue portions. Fixation devices may include a base component, an insert component, and a flexible member. The base component may include a passage. The insert component may be positionable within at least a portion of the passage. The elongate member may be configured to be positioned through the first and second body tissue portions. The elongate member may be tensioned and pinched between the base component and insert component to secure the first and second portions.

Abstract: An implant for repairing a joint between a first bone and a second bone includes a first section constructed of a substantially rigid material and a graft constructed of soft tissue having a first end and a second end. The first section has a first end surface configured for positioning against the first bone. The graft is configured for stabilizing the first section relative to the first bone. A first fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first section to anchor the graft to the first section. A second fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first bone to anchor the graft to the first bone.

Abstract: An implant for repairing a joint between a first bone and a second bone includes a first section constructed of a substantially rigid material and a graft constructed of soft tissue having a first end and a second end. The first section has a first end surface configured for positioning against the first bone. The graft is configured for stabilizing the first section relative to the first bone. A first fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first section to anchor the graft to the first section. A second fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first bone to anchor the graft to the first bone.

Abstract: An implant for repairing a joint between a first bone and a second bone includes a first section constructed of a substantially rigid material and a graft constructed of soft tissue having a first end and a second end. The first section has a first end surface configured for positioning against the first bone. The graft is configured for stabilizing the first section relative to the first bone. A first fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first section to anchor the graft to the first section. A second fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first bone to anchor the graft to the first bone.

Abstract: A suture and a suture retainer are positioned relative to body tissue. Ultrasonic vibratory energy is utilized to heat the suture retainer and effect a bonding of portions of the suture retainer to each other and/or to the suture. Portions of the body tissue may be pressed into linear apposition with each other and held in place by cooperation between the suture and the suture retainer. The suture retainer may include one or more portions between which the suture extends. The suture retainer may include sections which have surface areas which are bonded together. If desired, the suture may be wrapped around one of the sections of the suture retainer. The suture retainer may be formed with a recess in which the suture is received. If desired, the suture retainer may be omitted and the sections of the suture bonded to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method to non-invasively deliver a therapeutic amount of energy to a treatment site to fragment particulate material. More specifically, an external power source is provided for transmitting energy non-invasively through the skin and body of a patient to a medical implant. The medical implant, including an energy focusing device, is surgically positioned at the treatment site. The energy focusing device is configured to receive the transmitted energy and directing therapeutic energy to the treatment site to fragment particulate material.

Abstract: Embodiments may include an expandable access system having contracted and expanded configurations. The system and methods may include an expandable access device having a helix or wrapped shape. Embodiments may include a cannula, stent, needle, trocar, introducer, fastener, and/or any other devices disclosed herein. Embodiments may also include an expandable trocar positionable in at least a portion of the access device. A sleeve or band may be disposed over at least a portion of the access device and configured to resist radial expansion of the access device. Expansion of the trocar and/or receipt of an object may radially expand the access device between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A tissue fixation system is provided for dynamic and rigid fixation of tissue. A fastener connected with an elongate fastening member, such as a cable, wire, suture, rod, or tube, is moved through a passage between opposite sides of tissue. A medical device is used to secure the fastener to the elongate fastening member. The medical device includes a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the elongate fastening member. As crimping mechanism is used to secure the fastener to the elongated member, where a cutting mechanism cut the excess portion of the elongated member.

Abstract: An implant for repairing a joint between a first bone and a second bone includes a first section constructed of a substantially rigid material and a graft constructed of soft tissue having a first end and a second end. The first section has a first end surface configured for positioning against the first bone. The graft is configured for stabilizing the first section relative to the first bone. A first fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first section to anchor the graft to the first section. A second fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first bone to anchor the graft to the first bone.

Abstract: An implant for repairing a joint between a first bone and a second bone includes a first section constructed of a substantially rigid material and a graft constructed of soft tissue having a first end and a second end. The first section has a first end surface configured for positioning against the first bone. The graft is configured for stabilizing the first section relative to the first bone. A first fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first section to anchor the graft to the first section. A second fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first bone to anchor the graft to the first bone.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for transmitting focused acoustic energy from a tissue surface of a face of a user to at least one sinus. The device includes a power supply; a signal source configured to provide a waveform of at least 20 kHz that is configured to increase a flow of fluid from the at least one sinus; and a transducer connected to the power supply and the signal source, the transducer configured to contact a medium applied to the tissue surface of the face and transmit the waveform through the medium and the tissue surface of the face to the at least one sinus.

Abstract: Embodiments may include an attachable fastener, which may include a bondable material that may be secured to the end of an end effector. Vibration may be tuned to occur at a distal end of the fastener. Accordingly, the fastener may be used to generate heat at a distal point of contact. If the contact surface contains bondable material, that material may be softened. If the fastener includes bondable material at the point of contact, that material may also be softened by heat produced by vibration at the contact area. A hard implant or another polymeric material may function as the anvil.

Abstract: A microenvironment of a biological body is controlled, and more particularly, is measured, changed, and monitored with respect to temperature, pH level, moisture and other tissue parameters of a region of the body while, optionally, administering a therapeutic agent to that region.

Abstract: An implant for repairing a joint between a first bone and a second bone includes a first section constructed of a substantially rigid material and a graft constructed of soft tissue having a first end and a second end. The first section has a first end surface configured for positioning against the first bone. The graft is configured for stabilizing the first section relative to the first bone. A first fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first section to anchor the graft to the first section. A second fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first bone to anchor the graft to the first bone.

Abstract: A tissue fixation system is provided for dynamic and rigid fixation of tissue. A fastener connected with an elongate fastening member, such as a cable, wire, suture, rod, or tube, is moved through a passage between opposite sides of tissue. A medical device is used to secure the fastener to the elongate fastening member. The medical device includes a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the elongate fastening member. As crimping mechanism is used to secure the fastener to the elongated member, where a cutting mechanism cut the excess portion of the elongated member.

Abstract: A suture and a suture retainer are positioned relative to body tissue. Ultrasonic vibratory energy is utilized to heat the suture retainer and effect a bonding of portions of the suture retainer to each other and/or to the suture. Portions of the body tissue may be pressed into linear apposition with each other and held in place by cooperation between the suture and the suture retainer. The suture retainer may include one or more portions between which the suture extends. The suture retainer may include sections which have surface areas which are bonded together. If desired, the suture may be wrapped around one of the sections of the suture retainer. The suture retainer may be formed with a recess in which the suture is received. If desired, the suture retainer may be omitted and the sections of the suture bonded to each other.

Abstract: The robotic mechanism may include a programmable computer which is connected with a drive member by a motor. In addition to the motor, a force measurement assembly may be connected with the drive member and computer. The force measurement assembly has an output to the computer indicating the magnitude of resistance encountered. The force measurement device may be a piezoelectric cell or a spring assembly which controls energization of the electric motor. A position sensor is connected with drive member and the computer. The position sensor has an output which is indicative of the position. The output from the position sensor may indicate the depth or distance. Ultrasonic vibratory energy may be transmitted to the force transmitting member from a source or generator of ultrasonic vibratory energy. The force transmitting member may function as a horn and apply the ultrasonic vibratory energy.

Abstract: A tissue retractor assembly may be moved through an opening formed in vertebrae in a patient's spinal column. The robotic mechanism may be utilized to form the opening in the vertebrae and to move the contracted tissue retractor assembly into the vertebra. The tissue retractor assembly may include a cannula or scope which is utilized to position the balloon or bladder relative to the vertebra and to conduct the fluid (gas or liquid) into the balloon or bladder to effect expansion of the balloon or bladder. The balloon or bladder may be formed of a biodegradable material. The robotic mechanism may be utilized to position the cannula through which the flow of synthetic bone material or cement is conducted into the space created in the vertebra by expansion of the balloon or bladder.