Abstract: Various self-cinching suture anchors, self-cinching suture anchor systems, and methods of use are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a suture anchor is provided that includes an outer member and an inner member configured to be received within the outer member. The inner and outer members can define a gap that allows a suture to be movably disposed within the outer member, e.g., within the gap, when the inner member is disposed within the outer member. The inner member can be configured to be secured within the outer member by a knot of the suture having a diameter greater than a width of the gap so as to fix the inner member within the outer member, while still allowing uni-directional tensioning of the suture.

Abstract: A detachment system for delivering an implantable medical device to a target location of a body vessel has a generally hollow distal tube. The distal tube includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a compressible portion of the tube itself, between the proximal and distal ends which is axially movable from a compressed to an elongated condition. A generally hollow proximal tube has a proximal end and a distal end. A coupling joins the proximal and distal tubes. An engagement system engages and deploys the implantable medical device engaged at the distal end of the distal tube. The engagement system moves the compressible portion to the compressed condition when engaging the implantable medical device, and deploys the implantable medical device and releases the compressible portion to the elongated condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-expanding braid for treating an aneurysm. The braid can include a lumen with a proximal end opposite a distal end. Translating the braid can cause a distal segment of the braid to expand and form an outer occlusive sack while a segment proximal the distal segment can invert into the outer occlusive sack like a tube sock. The braid can then be detached from its delivery system.

Abstract: An inserter instrument for inserting an intervertebral fusion cage having curved sidewalls, comprising: a) a threaded securement rod that mates with the cage via screw threads; b) a cannulated cage holder to receive the rod and hold the cage in position as the sheath is retracted; and c) a bulleted cannulated sheath, wherein the sheath is curved and comprises a superelastic shape memory material having a curved configuration and a straight configuration.

Abstract: A medical assembly, preferably a sterilized one, includes a medical article (5) and a package containing the article, the package including a hollow support element (2) inside which the article (5) is free, a first protective element (3), called a stopper, which can be coupled to the support element (2) of the article, such that the support element (2) has a grip part (20) that protrudes from the stopper (3), and a second hollow protective element (4), called a cover. The cover can be coupled to the stopper (3) in such a way as to delimit, in cooperation with the stopper (3), a chamber (8) inside which there extends the grip part (20) of the support element, and, in the state when the cover is coupled to the stopper, a part of the stopper (3) protrudes from the cover (4).

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The suture anchor can also include at least a proximal portion having dual threads to facilitate engagement with bone. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for improved surgical sutures, suture systems, and methods for suturing. In general, the sutures, suture systems, and methods can allow a suture to form a secure, closed loop without tying a knot. The suture can include a barbed portion configured to be threaded through a hollow portion. The barbed portion can have a plurality of barbs thereon, which can grasp onto an inner wall of the hollow portion when disposed therein to help secure the loop at a desired size. The barbs can all be oriented in one direction that corresponds to a direction of movement of the suture when the loop is being tightened. Thus, the barbs can be configured to allow for a size of the loop to be easily reduced to any desired size to approximate tissue, but can be configured to resist subsequent expansion of the loop to ensure that the tissue remains in place.

Abstract: A separate nub component between the plate and an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the nub is attached to the plate. The nub lessens the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. It is believed that when the nub fits snugly between the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, it acts as a stop against the undesired pivotal movement of the plate.

Abstract: A method for cutting a bone of a patient using a bone saw tool that includes determining a cutting region that corresponds to a region of the bone to be cut and determining the position of the bone saw tool in the coordinate system. The method includes activating a bone saw blade guard of the bone saw tool if the bone saw tool is outside the cutting region.

Abstract: A method of irradiating spinal tissue with red light, comprising: inserting a cannulated device defining a bore into the spinal column, wherein the bore contains an optically transparent substrate adapted to emit red light, and transmitting red light through the substrate to intermittently irradiate tissue within the spinal column.

Abstract: A method of pre-operatively forming a surgical splint configured to receive a patient's dentition can include combining a 3-D facial computer model and a 3-D dental computer model. The method includes the step of obtaining a 3-D facial computer model of at least the patient's maxilla, mandible, and dentition from a CT scanner and the step of obtaining a 3-D dental computer model of the patient's dentition with an optical scanner. The 3-D dental computer model is then combined with the 3-D facial computer model to form a composite virtual model. The composite virtual model can be manipulated into a planned post-operative shape, and a surgical splint can be custom constructed to match the planned post-operative shape. The surgical splint can be configured to receive the patient's dentition.

Abstract: An acetabular hip implant and method includes an acetabular shell component having a first feature and a first insert having a second feature that cooperates with the first feature of the acetabular shell component and further includes a third feature. The implant further includes a second insert having a fourth feature that cooperates with the third feature of the first insert and further includes a fifth feature. A femoral head component includes a sixth feature that cooperates with the fifth feature. Interaction between the first and second features, between the third and fourth features, and between the fifth and sixth features mechanically constrains the acetabular hip implant to prevent dislocation of the femoral head during rotation.

Abstract: A plate for treating a bone includes a plate body extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end and being sized, shaped and contoured to be positioned along a desired surface of a bone. The plate also includes a slotted opening extending through the plate body and defined by a first portion sized and shaped to permit a head portion of a bone fixation element fixed to the bone to be passed therethrough and a second elongated portion extending along the longitudinal axis from the first portion in communication with the first portion, the second portion sized to prevent the head portion of the bone fixation element from being passed therethrough so that, when the head portion of the bone fixation element is received through the first portion, the plate is slidable relative thereto such that the second portion engages the head portion of the bone fixation element.

Abstract: A method for manipulating a vertebra includes connecting a first bone anchor to a first vertebra, connecting a second bone anchor to a second bone anchor, positioning a spinal rod in a receiving member of the first bone anchor and in a receiving member of the second bone anchor, connecting a first instrument to the receiving member of the first bone anchor, and manipulating the first instrument to rotate first bone anchor and the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for producing an image in light deficient environments and associated structures, methods and features. The features of the systems and methods described herein may include providing improved resolution and color reproduction.

Abstract: The use of red or near infrared light upon neurons of the lumbar plexus that are in distress due to retraction-induced ischemia. The surgeon may protect nerves made ischemic in the surgery by: a) making an incision in a patient, b) inserting an access device into the patient through the incision to at least partially create a path to a spine of the patient, and c) irradiating nervous tissue adjacent the path with an amount of NIR or red light effective to provide neuroprotection.

Abstract: A bone fixation system includes at least one bone fixation member and a bone fixation instrument. The bone fixation member includes a strap and a locking mechanism. The strap can be pulled through the locking mechanism so as to form a loop about a target bone so as to secure first and second bone segments in an approximated, compressed configuration. The bone fixation instrument is configured to apply tension to the loop about the target bone. The fixation instrument includes a tension assembly that is configured to secure a free end of the bone fixation member to the fixation instrument. The tension assembly is further configured to pull the free end so as to increase tension in the loop while the tension in the loop is less than a select tension. The tension assembly is unable to further increase tension in the bone fixation member once the tension in the bone fixation member has reached the select tension.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, devices, and systems for removing speckle from a coherent light source, such as laser light. The methods, devices, and systems help eliminate or reduce speckle introduced from a coherent light source, such as laser light, by utilizing the teachings and principles of the disclosure.

Abstract: An inflatable and implantable balloon for treatment of degenerative disc disease, bones, lesions, spinal deformities and spinal motion segment instabilities. The balloon is comprised of adjustable and expandable volumes. Further disclosed are methods of forming, inserting, expanding, and implanting the multi-volume balloon for proper placement and stabilization of the spinal lesion or disease. Still further disclosed are kits for aligning and stabilizing elements of the spine.

Abstract: An endovascular surgical tool may include a flexible, electrically-conductive delivery tube, a return conductor, a resistive heating element attached to the distal end of the delivery tube, and a therapeutic payload attached to a loop of the resistive heating element by a coil connecting member. The delivery tube may include at least one segment at its distal end which includes a plurality of transverse slots. Each slot of the plurality of slots includes an origin on the perimeter of the delivery tube, a terminus closer to a central axis of the delivery tube than the origin, and a depth between the origin and terminus. The origins of at least two slots of the plurality of slots may be located at different angular positions relative to the central axis. The return conductor may be electrically insulated from and positioned within the delivery tube.