Abstract: An intervertebral implant frame that is configured to engage a spacer can include a pair of arms that extend longitudinally from a support member such that the arms engage the spacer. The spacer can be made from bone graft, and include a first spacer body made of cortical bone, and a second spacer body made of cancellous bone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an endoscopic system. The system may include a single optical fiber. The system may further include a light source which transmits light into the single optical fiber. An image sensor may be provided within the endoscopic system and disposed at a distal end of the single optical fiber. The endoscopic system may be additionally fitted with a diffuser on the distal end of the single optical fiber which outputs a light cone that is broader than an output of the single optical fiber without the diffuser.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an endoscopic light source that includes a first emitter. The first emitter may emit light of a first wavelength at a dichroic mirror which reflects the light of the first wavelength to a plurality of optical fibers. The endoscopic light source further comprises a second emitter. The second emitter may emit light of a second wavelength at a second dichroic mirror which reflects the light of the second wavelength to the plurality of optical fibers. In one embodiment, the first dichroic mirror may be transparent to the light of the second wavelength, allowing the light of the second wavelength to pass through the first dichroic mirror.

Abstract: A syringe having an energy source disposed therein is disclosed. The syringe is capable of both the delivery and/or aspiration of materials as well as the delivery of an effective amount of various types of energy to a target to produce a desired result. A method utilizing the syringe to administer materials and to deliver energy to the material is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an endoscopic system that includes an image sensor, an emitter and an electromagnetic radiation driver. The image sensor includes a pixel array and is configured to generate and read out pixel data for an image based on electromagnetic radiation received by the pixel array. The pixel array includes a plurality of lines for reading out pixel data. The pixel array also has readout period that is the length of time for reading out all the plurality of lines of pixel data in the pixel array. The emitter is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation for illumination of a scene observed by the image sensor. The electromagnetic radiation driver is configured to drive emissions by the emitter. The electromagnetic radiation driver includes a jitter specification that is less than or equal to about 10% to about 25% percent of the readout period of the pixel array of the image sensor.

Abstract: A bone implant that is elongate along a longitudinal axis includes an implant body including first and second side wire segments that are spaced from each other so as to define at least one apertures extending through the implant body. The at least one aperture is configured to receive a bone fixation element so as to secure the bone implant to bone.

Abstract: A dilator retractor and the dilators that are used for minimally invasive spinal surgery or other surgery are configured to accommodate the anatomical structure of the patient as by configuring the cross sectional area in an elliptical shape, or by forming a funnel configuration with the wider end at the proximate end. In some embodiments the distal end is contoured to also accommodate the anatomical structure of the patient so that a cylindrically shaped, funnel shaped, ovoid shaped dilator retractor can be sloped or tunneled to accommodate the bone structure of the patient or provide access for implants. The dilator retractor is made with different lengths to accommodate the depth of the cavity formed by the dilators.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating treatment are disclosed that can include the use of imaging techniques in conjunction with one or more non-invasive techniques for modifying tissue, e.g., tissue in or around the spine. Depending on the type of treatment to be performed, various imaging modalities may be suitable for visualizing the tissue. Energy can be applied to tissue from outside of the body such that the tissue is modified in a non-invasive manner. For example, focused ultrasound can be used to dissect body tissues or can be applied to specific regions of tissue to change a characteristic of the tissue, e.g., increase its elasticity. The methods disclosed herein can be stand-alone treatments or can be performed prior to one or more surgical procedures. For example, non-invasive imaging and modification of body tissues can facilitate accessing the spine, preparing an interbody space, and/or surgically correcting the spine.

Abstract: A bone plate having a first, bone-facing surface and an opposing second surface has an elongate shaft portion and a head portion that is shorter and wider in comparison thereto, with at least one through hole extending through the bone plate from the first surface to the second surface in the shaft portion. The through hole comprises a variable-angle portion with a hole axis configured to receive a threaded head of a locking screw therein at a desired angle within a permitted range of angulation relative to the hole axis. The second surface has at least one depression which extends therein along a portion of the second surface between the side wall and the through hole, the depression extending about a periphery of the through hole.

Abstract: Devices and methods for aligning the components of polyaxial screws are described herein. In one embodiment, an alignment instrument includes an elongate frame having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of connection caps slidably disposed along the elongate frame. Each connection cap can removably couple to a polyaxial screw extension tube and selectively lock relative to the elongate frame such that a distance between the plurality of connection caps and an angular orientation of each connection cap relative to the elongate frame is maintained. The instrument can also include a transverse angle indicator to indicate an angular orientation of the elongate frame in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate frame. The device can, for example, capture the orientation of a plurality of polyaxial screws during spinal surgery such that the screws can be returned to the same orientation after manipulation to correct a spinal deformity, etc.

Abstract: A bone fixation clamp includes a first arcuate clamp member conforming to a shape of a bone and extending between a first connection end and a first free end, a second arcuate clamp member conforming to a shape of the bone, a second connection end of the second clamp member being pivotally attached to the first clamp member, the second clamp member extending between the second connection end and a second free end and a driving member received in the first clamp member passing out of the first clamp member to abut an abutment portion of the second member so that, as the driving member is extended further out of the first member, the driving member pivots the second clamp member relative to the first clamp member to draw the first and second free ends toward one another to apply a radially compressive force to the bone.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a surgical implant. A metal layer is deposited onto a polyaryletherketone (PAEK) substrate by generating a series of pulses using a high power impulse magnetron sputtering process. Each pulse is applied in a series of micro pulse steps comprising (i) micro pulse on steps ranging from 10 ?s to 100 ?s and (ii) micro pulse off steps ranging from 5 ?s as to 400 ?s; at a repetition frequency ranging from 50-2000 Hz with 2 micropulses to 20 micropulses per repetition, a total pulse on time ranging from 25 ?s to 800 ?s for 5 minutes to 300 minutes at averaged power ranging from 200 W to 3000 W. The series of pulses are performed in a unipolar mode or a bipolar mode.

Abstract: An orthopedic surgical instrument system for use in preparing a patient's bone is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a cutting guide block configured to be secured to a surgically-prepared surface of the patient's bone, and a cutting tool to be used in conjunction with the cutting guide block to resect a section of the patient's bone. A method of performing an orthopedic surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bone fixation system comprises an elongated implant shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a central longitudinal axis and including a first channel extending from the proximal end to a side opening formed in a side wall of the implant shaft along a first channel axis. The bone fixation system further comprises a bone plate having a first plate portion and a second plate portion, the first plate portion having a first opening extending therethrough along a first opening axis and the second plate portion having a second opening extending therethrough along a second opening axis, the second opening being configured to receive the implant shaft therethrough to permit insertion thereof into a head of a bone.

Abstract: An embolic device deployment system having a lumen with proximal and distal ends. An embolic device having a proximal retaining ring and an expandable member having a contracted and expanded state, with two apertures. The expandable member is disposed in the lumen in the expanded state. An engagement member has a distal loop extending through the retaining ring and a proximal loop extending into the lumen. The detachment member slides within the lumen and another of the apertures and is disposed through the loops. It comprises a bump on the detachment member between the loops. When the detachment member is in the distal loop and the distal loop is disposed within the retaining ring, the embolic device is in an engaged position. Pulling the detachment member withdraws it from the distal loop. The bump contacts the proximal loop to assist in the disengagement of the distal loop from the retaining ring to release the embolic device.

Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. An access cannula may be introduced over the first dilator tube. A drill may be inserted through the access cannula and used to perform a foraminoplasty. Surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which changes in the position and/or orientation of an anatomical structure or of a surgical tool can be measured quantitatively during surgery. In some embodiments, a surgical electronic module can be configured to attach to a surgical device, to continually detect changes in a position and/or orientation of the surgical device during surgery, and to communicate the changes to a user. In this way, where the surgical device is attached to a portion of a patient's anatomy and/or is used to manipulate the patient's anatomy, the surgical electronic module can detect changes in the position and/or orientation of said anatomy. In embodiments where more than one module is used during surgery, the modules can continually detect changes in their positions and/or orientations relative to one another, which correspond to changes in relative positions and/or orientations of the surgical devices to which the modules are attached.

Abstract: A mechanism can include a step feature guidewire having a guidewire with a proximal end, a distal end, and a diameter. A self-expanding element can be disposed approximate to the distal end of the guidewire and can have at least two states which include a contracted diameter and an expanded diameter. The self-expanding element can be expandable under its inherent properties, based at least on its original shape and the nature of the materials that make up the element. Further, the expanded diameter can be approximately 70% to 280% of the guidewire diameter. While the guidewire is designed for passing through a body lumen while treating a patient, the expanded diameter is less than any body lumen diameter the guidewire is determined to pass through.

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.