Abstract: A method of separating a fluid includes adding a fluid to a canister of a fluid separator. The canister includes first and second barriers disposed concentrically within the canister that define a first and second annulus within the canister, and a canister rotor having a first magnet associated therewith. The method includes rotating an induction base rotor disposed within an induction base. The induction base rotor includes a second magnet. The canister rotor and the induction base rotor are magnetically coupled and rotating the induction base rotor causes the canister rotor to rotate. The method further includes forming a vortex in the fluid via the rotation of the canister rotor, and the vortex causes the fluid to separate into a first component and a second component.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bone void filler comprising a scaffold or matrix. The scaffold or matrix may include a porous inorganic matrix component and/or a 3D-printed implantable device. The bone void filler may include a cellular component containing cells, some of which are capable of making extracellular matrix resembling native bone tissue. The bone void filler may include an organic matrix, such as, an organic biopolymer that aids in cell retention and renders the scaffold or matrix moldable. The bone void filler may include growth factors and/or cytokines. The bone void filler may include a clotting agent.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for the concentration of fluids comprising a donor receptacle containing a fluid to be concentrated, the donor receptacle comprising a plunger; a receiving receptacle to receive the concentrated fluid, the receiving receptacle comprising a plunger; a concentrator device that is connected to the donor receptacle and the receiving receptacle; and a housing that encloses the donor and receiving receptacles and the concentrator device that the plungers of the donor and receiving receptacles are enclosed within chambers that are gas tight.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided relating to artificial discs. An artificial disc is provided that facilitates simultaneous and independent articulation of flexion/extension, lateral bending, anterior/posterior translation, and axial rotation. The artificial disc provides these four simultaneous and independent articulations by independently addressing each type of articulation in the design of the artificial disc. In one example, an artificial disc is comprised of a bearing disposed between first and second end plates. The bearing is movable relative to each end plate, independent of the other end plate. The end plates are affixed to adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bone void filler comprising a scaffold or matrix. The scaffold or matrix may include a porous inorganic matrix component. The bone void filler may include a cellular component containing cells, some of which are capable of making extracellular matrix resembling native bone tissue. The bone void filler may include an organic matrix, such as, an organic biopolymer that aids in cell retention and renders the scaffold or matrix moldable. The bone void filler may include growth factors and/or cytokines. The bone void filler may include a clotting agent.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an interbody fusion device comprises a fusion bearing device and a retention device and further comprises two bone screws that pass through the retention device and into the vertebral bodies. When implanted, the construct is flush with the anterior face of the vertebras and provides support and temporary fixation for the ultimate fusion of the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a bone marrow aspiration device comprising a plurality of syringes, each of which operates in a series of sequential steps to obtain bone marrow of high quality and therapeutic value, i.e., having a high mesenchymal stem cell (“MSC”) MSC/ml number. In certain embodiments, a syringe may be used along with a collection vessel or with a second syringe. A further embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for using the bone marrow aspiration device as set forth herein.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an interbody fusion device comprises a load bearing component and a retention component and further comprises two bone screws that pass through the retention device and into the vertebral bodies. When implanted, the construct is flush with the anterior face of the vertebras and provides support and temporary fixation for the ultimate fusion of the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in spinal fusion procedures. An interbody fusion device has a first piece that is a load bearing device designed to bear the axial loading from the end plates of adjacent vertebrae. A second piece of the interbody fusion device is a retention device whose function is to prevent migration of the load bearing device. One or more fasteners secure the retention device to the vertebrae above and below the load bearing device. The fasteners cause the end plates of the vertebrae to compress the end plates to the load bearing device to facilitate proper fusion. The second piece can be configured to include lips that abut the apothyseal rings during, with the plate including bores angled such that fasteners penetrate the apothyseal rings.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and separating lipoaspirate particles. The system includes a generally cylindrical container having a lid and a bottom wherein the container includes at least one input port positioned to permit a lipoaspirate fluid to enter the container above the bottom; and a source of a vacuum coupled to the container to provide a partial vacuum during use of the system.

Abstract: The claimed invention is directed to a spinal fusion device comprising a load-bearing interbody component configured to fit between two adjacent vertebrae, wherein the interbody component comprises one or more openings to allow access to the vertebrae, a retention component that is configured to at least partially close the one or more openings of the interbody component and one or more fasteners that are coupled to the retention component to compress the two adjacent vertebrae to the interbody component, and methods of using a spinal fusion device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention is directed to methods of forming a bone-like material, by placing a matrix into a culture container, adding cells to the matrix, placing the tissue-cell construct into the culturing environment and incubating the construct under appropriate conditions for the time required to produce an amount of bone-like material of sufficient volume to be harvested for further processing. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to the use of the bone-like material formed by methods of the invention in implantation procedures.

Abstract: The invention comprises a combination of biological elements that will naturally remodel in vivo based on applied mechanical forces. The final composition will possess mechanical properties similar to cartilage or a disc, and significantly less stiff than bone or implants comprised of metals or plastics. The equilibrium stress conduction will minimize unnatural forces on neighboring healthy discs.

Abstract: A composite bone graft which comprises an allograft bone component; a synthetic bone substitute, wherein the synthetic bone substitute is in contact with the allograft bone component. The composite is arranged within a resorbable mesh casing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a work station for use in performing processing of patient samples, storing equipment and drugs in a hospital and the like, the cart having a lower housing having caster wheels mounted on the bottom thereof, the lower housing having angular-shaped side panels therearound which may be opened for entrance into all sides of the housing, and one or more of the side panels; an upper housing mounted on top of the lower housing, the upper housing having one or more side panels therearound; and one or more work areas mounted on top of the upper housing, the shelf adapted for receiving point-of-care equipment.

Abstract: The invention features an implant assembly for stabilization of a facet joint including an implant having a U-shaped body. The U-shaped body has a rounded front end, an open back end, first and second elongated components extending from the rounded front end, forming the U-shaped body and ending at the open back end and a helical structure extending within the U-shaped body that serves as a locking mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments of the claimed invention are directed to a screw and screw driver which provides for a screw that is held in position on the driver for use in a variety of applications including surgery, auto mechanics, carpentry or any field where a screw driver instrument could be used. After the screw is driven into place, the driver is easily released and removed from the screw.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided relating to artificial discs. An artificial disc is provided that facilitates simultaneous and independent articulation of flexion/extension, lateral bending, anterior/posterior translation, and axial rotation. The artificial disc provides these four simultaneous and independent articulations by independently addressing each type of articulation in the design of the artificial disc. In one example, an artificial disc is comprised of a bearing disposed between first and second end plates. The bearing is movable relative to each end plate, independent of the other end plate. The end plates are affixed to adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for isolating stromal cells to form a therapeutic composition; and administering said therapeutic composition to the subject. A further embodiment of the invention is directed to therapeutic compositions comprising isolated stromal cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in spinal fusion procedures. An exemplary interbody fusion device includes a synthetic non-metallic radiolucent interbody spacer having an opening formed between its top and bottom surfaces. A cancellous allograft plug is configured to be disposed within the opening formed in the spacer. The cancellous allograft plug can be reconstituted with a material that will help to facilitate fusion of the vertebrae.