Abstract: A catheter is disclosed for treating aneurysms. The catheter can include a liner having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface, and an internal lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end along a longitudinal axis A. A braid is disposed on the outer surface of the liner and extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the liner. The braid comprises a plurality of wires wherein a first portion of the wires are made from tungsten and a second portion of the wires are made from a different material. A first distal section of the braid has a pic rate of about 330 picks per inch (“ppi”). A jacket is disposed about the braid and extends from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: A revision connector that is configured to couple a new spine fixation rod to a previously implanted spine fixation rod that is secured to a plurality of vertebrae. The previously implanted spine fixation rod may be received in a first rod receiving channel of the revision connector. The revision connector may include a linkage that is received in a second rod receiving channel of another revision connector. For example, the another revision connector may couple to the new spine fixation rod such that the revision connector is coupled to the new fixation rod. A bone anchor may not directly connect either of the revision connector or the another revision connector to underlying vertebra. Also, the new spine fixation rod can be implanted and secured to vertebra that are caudal and/or cranial with respect to the previously secured vertebrae.

Abstract: A method of shaping a bone screw with an automated device having a CNC unit includes rotating a blank coupled to a spindle about an axis defined by a coordinate system of the CNC unit, advancing a cutting tool proximally through an exterior of the blank at a speed to form a helical thread along a shaft, and reducing the speed to provide a variable, proximally decreasing pitch along at least a portion of the shaft. A first cutting tool is automatically transitioned toward disengagement from the blank when 1) a relative axial position between the first cutting tool and the blank coincides with a first coordinate of a predetermined location, and 2) a relative rotational position between the first cutting tool and the blank coincides with a second coordinate of the predetermined location. The first coordinate is along the axis, the second coordinate is an angular position about the axis, and the first and second coordinates are defined by the coordinate system.

Abstract: A self-expanding element delivery apparatus includes a catheter having an inner lumen, a self-expanding element, and a delivery wire disposed within and extending through the inner lumen and the self-expanding element. The self-expanding element has a proximal, distal, and an intermediate portion. The element has anchor members, a compressed configuration fitting within the inner lumen, and an expanded configuration dimensioned larger than the catheter. The delivery wire also has proximal and distal portions, an intermediate portion, a dual function bump member disposed approximate to the intermediate portion, and a pusher bump member disposed approximate to the proximal portion of the delivery wire. A bump member distance between the dual function bump member and the pusher bump member is such that so that only one of the dual function bump member and the pusher bump member can contact one of the anchor members.

Abstract: A surgical tool is disclosed. The surgical tool includes a functional tool, a functional tip, at least one sensor, and a control unit. The functional tool has a shaft and a distal end. The functional tip is positioned at the distal end of the housing; at least one sensor is configured to generate a first signal indicative of at least one of an acoustic signal or a vibration signal generated by the functional tool. The control unit receives the first signal, analyzes the first signal to determine tissue type in contact with the functional tip and supplies a second signal to the functional tool to control at least one operation of the functional tool based upon the tissue type in contact with the functional tip.

Abstract: A reduction sleeve for facilitating insertion of a spinal rod into a rod-receiving channel formed in a bone fixation element. The reduction sleeve may include a through-bore sized and configured to receive the bone fixation element and a substantially transverse channel sized and configured to receive the spinal rod. The channel being substantially aligned with the rod-receiving channel formed in the bone fixation element so that, once the bone fixation element has been inserted into the reduction sleeve, the spinal rod can pass through the aligned channels. The reduction sleeve may also include at least one break-off point or region for facilitating breaking and removal of the reduction sleeve once the spinal rod has been clamped into the rod-receiving channel of the bone fixation element.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system includes an implant and an implant insertion device. The implant transitions between a natural shape and an insertion shape and includes a bridge and first and second anchoring members extending from the bridge. The first and second anchoring members each include a segment extending exterior to the bridge to provide an engagement point. The implant insertion device moves between loaded and unloaded positions. The implant insertion device in its loaded position by-passes the bridge and engages the segment of the first anchoring member at its engagement point and the segment of the second anchoring member at its engagement point such that the implant insertion device constrains the implant in its insertion shape. The implant insertion device in its unloaded position releases the implant.

Abstract: A system and methods for providing and reclaiming a single use imaging device for sterile environments is disclosed and described. The system may include a single use high definition camera used for general purpose surgical procedures including, but not limited to: arthroscopic, laparoscopic, gynecologic, and urologic procedures, may comprise an imaging device that is a sterile and designed to ensure single use. The imaging device may have a single imaging sensor, either CCD or CMOS, encased in a housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a saw, comprising a drive, a first blade configured to oscillate about an axis perpendicular to a plane defined by a surface of the first blade, a second blade configured to oscillate about an axis perpendicular to the plane in a direction opposite to that of the first blade, and wherein gearing is provided between the drive and the first and second blades to reduce the speed transmitted from the drive to the blades. A saw blade, a connection mechanism for connecting a blade to a saw and associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: A central inflatable distractor and a perimeter balloon are inserted into the disc space in uninflated configurations. The central inflatable distractor is then expanded, thereby distracting the vertebral endplates to the controlled height of the central inflatable distractor. The perimeter balloon is then inflated with a curable substance. The perimeter balloon expands as it is filled with the curable substance and conforms to the void remaining in the disc space around the central inflatable distractor, thereby creating a horseshoe shape. Once the flowable material in the perimeter balloon has cured, the central inflated distractor can be deflated and removed. The remaining void (or inner space) is then packed with graft for fusion.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an oil-infused bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) material including a porous body comprising a three-dimensional network of bacterial nanocellulose fibers defining a plurality of interconnected pores; and, an oil infused within the plurality of pores. The present disclosure additionally describes a method of preparing an oil-infused BNC material that includes fermenting bacteria to form a porous body of bacterial nanocellulose fibers having a three-dimensional network defining a plurality of interconnected pores; mechanically pressing the porous body; dehydrating the porous body; and infusing the porous body with an oil infusion fluid including an oil so as to entrap the oil in the pores of the porous body forming an oil-infused BNC material.

Abstract: A modular bone fixation linkage includes a plurality of interconnected links that can angulate with respect to an adjacent one of the links in-plane or out-of-plane. The links can further include fixation holes that are configured to receive fixation members that secure the links to an underlying anatomical structure.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a motor-driven orthopedic impacting tool for orthopedic impacting in the hips, knees, shoulders and the like may be capable of holding a surgical implement such as a broach, chisel, or other end effector, which when gently tapped in a cavity with controlled percussive impacts, can expand the size or volume of an opening of the cavity or facilitate removal of the surgical implement from the opening. A stored-energy drive mechanism may store potential energy and then release it to launch a launched mass or striker to communicate a striking force to an adapter in either a forward or reverse direction. The tool may further include a combination anvil and adapter and an energy adjustment mechanism to adjust the striking force the launched mass delivers to the adapter.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant is provided for insertion into an intervertebral space defined by adjacent vertebrae. The expandable intervertebral implant includes a pair of outer sleeve portions and an inner core disposed between the outer sleeve portions. Movement of the inner core relative to the outer sleeve portions causes the outers sleeve portions to deflect away from each other, thereby engaging the expandable intervertebral implant with the vertebrae and adjusting the height of the intervertebral space.

Abstract: Provided are biocompatible and implantable scaffolds for treating a tissue defect, such as a bone gap. The scaffolds can have a modular design comprising a tissue scaffold rack designed to accommodate one or more modules. Also provided are methods for fabrication and use of such scaffolds.

Abstract: An orthopedic impacting tool comprises a motor, a linear motion converter, an air chamber, a compression piston, an impacting element, an anvil element, and a broach adapter. The compression piston may cause the impacting element to apply controlled force on a broach adapter to create a precise opening for subsequently disposing a prosthesis in a patient. The tool allows forward or backward impacting for expanding the size or volume of the opening or for facilitating removal of the broach and tool from the opening. A force adjustment control of the tool allows a user to increase or decrease the impact force. A light source and hand grips improve ease of operation of the tool.

Abstract: A retractor includes a first arm, a second arm, and a translating member. The first arm comprises a proximal portion configured to retain a first retractor member and a distal portion configured to rotate relative to the proximal portion about a first axis. The second arm is configured to retain a second retractor member, such that rotation of the distal portion about the first axis causes the first retractor member to pivot toward or away from the second retractor member when the first retractor member and the second retractor member are coupled to the first arm and the second arm, respectively. The translating member is coupled between the proximal portion and the distal portion, and is configured to receive a drive force that causes the translating member to bias the distal portion to pivot relative to the proximal portion about the first axis.

Abstract: An example method is provided for maintaining stability to an injury defined by a separation of two bones (e.g., the tibia and fibula), the separation being an injured distance greater than a pre-injury distance between the two bones in a first human patient. The method may include delivering a first apparatus for approximation of the two bones in the first human patient comprising the injury, the first apparatus including a flexible segment disposed between a first anchor and a second anchor. The method may further include maintaining, by the first apparatus, a restored distance between the two bones in the first human patient after a repetitive dynamic loading, the restored distance approximately equal to the pre-injury distance.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for repairing a tear in a meniscus. A pair of fixation member each entailing a preformed knot configuration coupled together by a suture length. The fixation members are placed on the meniscal tissue with the suture length spanning the tear, the knot configurations are expanded to form anchoring knots and the suture length is shortened to close the tear.