Abstract: A video laryngoscope has a handle and a blade. A chemiluminescent light source is disposed inside the handle, along with one or more photovoltaic cells which are optically coupled to convert chemiluminescence emitted by the chemiluminescent light source into electrical power. An image sensor is disposed on the blade or in the handle and is configured to image the glottis of a patient when the distal end of the laryngoscope blade operatively engages the tongue of the patient. The image sensor is powered by the electrical power produced by the one or more photovoltaic cells. A system for recording tracheal intubation procedures performed by a plurality of video laryngoscopes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid spinal implant for performing an intervertebral fusion procedure can include a pair of spacers separated by an expandable container that are formed of a porous titanium scaffold material. A connecting rod can span longitudinally between the pair of spacers. The spacers can be formed of titanium or PEEK, with endplates that are formed of the porous titanium scaffold material. The endplates can be bioactive. Exposed surfaces of the porous titanium scaffold material can be coated in a snag-preventing substance. The expandable container can be formed of a mesh material.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and component parts of a system for the external fixation of bones. The component parts include fixation plates such as a C-shaped Plate, an N-shaped Plate, a J-shaped Plate, a K-shaped Plate, an I-shaped Plate, a Foor Plate, a Z-shaped Plate and a T-shaped Plate. Two or more fixation plates are configured along an axis, the two or more fixation plates; a plurality of telescoping adjustable struts that connect a first fixation plate along the axis with a second fixation plate of the plurality of fixation plates along the axis, wherein the first and second fixation plates are adjacent plates along the axis; and a plurality of posts, each post connecting two adjacent fixation plates of the plurality of fixation plates along the axis.

Abstract: A method for treating a spine includes the steps of: creating a surgical pathway in a body along a first surgical approach to a surgical site including vertebral tissue; creating a surgical pathway in the body along a second surgical approach to the surgical site including the vertebral tissue; disposing a fulcrum with an intervertebral disc space of the vertebral tissue via the first surgical approach; and manipulating the vertebral tissue via the second surgical approach. Spinal implants, surgical instruments and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A unique, universal Zero-Profile Expandable Intervertebral Spacer (ZP-EIS) device for fusion and distraction throughout the entire spine is provided which can be inserted via anterior, anterolateral, lateral, far lateral or posterior surgical approaches dependent on the need and preference. Multiple ZP-EIS embodiments each with unique mechanisms of calibrated expansion are provided. Two of these embodiments incorporate bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screws and five other embodiments do not incorporate BDFT screws. A tool for implantation into the intervertebral device and calibrated device expansion is also disclosed.

Abstract: Assemblies of one or more implant structures make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of the SI-joint and/or lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. The representative lumbar spine interventions, which can be performed on adults or children, include, but are not limited to, SI-joint fusion or fixation; lumbar interbody fusion; translaminar lumbar fusion; lumbar facet fusion; trans-iliac lumbar fusion; and the stabilization of a spondylolisthesis.

Abstract: Assemblies of one or more implant structures make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of the SI-joint and/or lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. The representative lumbar spine interventions, which can be performed on adults or children, include, but are not limited to, SI-joint fusion or fixation; lumbar interbody fusion; translaminar lumbar fusion; lumbar facet fusion; trans-iliac lumbar fusion; and the stabilization of a spondylolisthesis.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an apparatus for aligning vertebrae of a curved spine that may include a coupler having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end, wherein the proximal end comprises first threads, wherein the distal end comprises a mating surface for disposition around a rod attached to a spinal column, and wherein the coupler applies a compressive clamping force to the rod. The apparatus further may include a nut having second threads corresponding to the first threads, wherein the nut is attachable to the coupler proximal end. The apparatus further may include a driver disposable at least partially around the coupler, wherein the driver applies a clamping force to the coupler, and wherein the nut applies a linear force to the driver when tightened.

Abstract: A retraction system and method are provided for retracting tissues surrounding a surgical site. In one aspect, a method including engaging slide connections between a guide dilator and a plurality of tissue engaging members and sequentially enlarging an incision using the guide dilator and the plurality of tissue engaging members. In another aspect, a method of inserting a plurality of tissue engaging members into an incision including fixing tip portions of the plurality of tissue engaging members in an insertion configuration, advancing the tip portions into an incision, and restricting movement of the tip portions away from the insertion configuration. A guide dilator system comprising an elongate body, a plurality of tissue engaging members, and slide connections between the elongate body and the tissue engaging members is also provided.

Abstract: Mechanical modifications to a spinal rod that will enable the rod to accept various coating technologies in such a way that the spinal construct's biomechanical performance is not compromised. These modifications preserve construct biomechanics in the presence of a coating and increase the bactericidal payload of an anti-infective spinal rod coating.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for insertion into an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies or between two bone portions. The implant includes a spacer portion, a plate portion operatively coupled to the spacer portion and one or more blades for securing the implant to the adjacent vertebral bodies. The blades preferably include superior and inferior cylindrical pins for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant may be configured to be inserted via a direct lateral trans-psoas approach. Alternatively, the implant may be configured for insertion via an anterior approach.

Abstract: A spinal construct includes a body defining a transverse axis. The body includes a wall disposed between a first implant cavity and a second implant cavity. The body further defines a first opening communicating with the first implant cavity and a second opening communicating with the second implant cavity. The first opening defines a first axis and the second opening defines a second axis. At least one of the first axis and the second axis are disposed in a substantially non-perpendicular orientation relative to the transverse axis. Systems, surgical instruments, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member defining an axis and a second member having at least one capture element. The at least one capture element being axially translatable relative to the first member such that the at least one capture element is outwardly radially movable relative to the axis and inwardly radially movable relative to the axis to capture a spinal plate. Systems, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for treating a spine comprising the steps of: connecting at least one first fastener that defines an implant cavity with at least one vertebral level of a first portion of vertebrae; connecting at least one second fastener with at least one vertebral level of a second portion of the vertebrae; manipulating the vertebrae; manipulating a spinal rod to a selected configuration; connecting the spinal rod with the at least one first fastener such that the spinal rod is disposed at a selected position with the implant cavity; connecting a tether to a second fastener and the spinal rod; and reducing the spinal rod to a selected position relative to the second fastener with the tether. Systems, spinal constructs and surgical instruments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of performing a bunion surgery to correct an alignment between a first metatarsal and a first cuneiform may involve aligning a bone cutting guide with a joint between the first metatarsal and the first cuneiform. The bone cutting guide can have a joint plate offset from a guide feature, with the joint plate extending downwardly relative to the guide feature. The process of aligning the bone cutting guide with the joint may involve inserting the joint plate into the joint. The method may involve using the guide feature of the bone cutting guide to guide a cutting tool to cut a leading edge of the first metatarsal and adjusting an alignment of the first metatarsal relative to the first cuneiform using a bone positioning device. The method may also involve fixing a position of the first metatarsal relative to the first cuneiform with a bone connector.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchoring device is provided comprising a bone anchoring element having a shank to be anchored in a bone and a head; a receiving part coupled to the shank and configured to pivotably receive the head, and having a channel for receiving a rod and a longitudinal axis; a pressure member configured to be positioned in the receiving part; a locking member insertable into the channel; wherein the pressure member has a deformable portion; and wherein, when the locking member is advanced into the channel in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the locking member in moveable from a position where it contacts the pressure member resulting in a load applied to the pressure member that clamps the head, to a position where the locking member contacts the pressure member such that the deformable portion is deformed and the locking member contacts the rod and clamps the rod.

Abstract: A receiving part for receiving a rod for coupling the rod to a bone anchoring element includes a receiving part body including a first end and a second end, and having a substantially U-shaped recess at the first end forming a channel for receiving the rod, and an accommodation space for accommodating a head of the bone anchoring element, the accommodation space having an opening at the second end for introducing the head; and a pressure element arranged at least partially in the accommodation space, the pressure element including a first section having a second recess for receiving the rod, and a second section having a flexible portion to clamp the head, the first section and the second section being fixed relative to each other, wherein said pressure element is insertable from the opening.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device includes a structural ceramic body. The structural ceramic body has a bottom surface, a top surface, a peripheral surface connected between the bottom surface and the top surface, and at least one pore channel penetrating the bottom surface and the top surface. The inner surface of the pore channel is either a convex curved surface or a funnel-shaped surface. For the pore channel having the convex curved surface, the pore diameter of the pore channel gradually expands from the center of the pore channel to the top surface and the bottom surface. The pore diameter can also gradually expand from the bottom surface to the top surface. The peripheral surface of the structural ceramic body is wavy or zigzag.

Abstract: A method for synchronously driving more than two or more rotational tissue screws and a method for simultaneously affixing a medical device to tissue employing the synchronous drive system. The method employs a synchronous drive system is particularly configured to affix an apical cuff to cardiac muscle tissue by simultaneously driving a plurality of rotational tissue screws through the apical cuff and into cardiac muscle tissue thereby affixing the apical cuff to the cardiac muscle tissue.

Abstract: Implant systems and methods treatment of a joint include a distal portion, a middle portion, and a proximal portion. The distal portion may include a thread having a first thread minor, a first thread major, and a first pitch. The distal portion also may have a reverse cut, helical fenestration formed through the thread. The middle portion may be devoid of threads and may include a porous outer surface structure to promote bony integration, the porous outer surface structure having a leading end and a trailing end, with the leading end having a diameter larger than the first thread minor. The proximal portion may include a proximal thread having a second thread minor, a second thread major, and a second pitch. The second thread minor may be substantially the same width as the trailing end of the middle portion.