Abstract: An intramedullary nail has a dynamization opening that accommodates and utilizes a dynamization window insert. The dynamization window insert is press-fit into the dynamization opening. The dynamization window insert is oval shaped and includes first and second protrusions that extend from respective surfaces of the dynamization window insert. The dynamization opening is sized to receive the dynamization window insert but compress the protrusions/window insert during insertion. The dynamization opening includes channels or grooves that are sized to accommodate the protrusions and allow the protrusions/window insert to return to an uncompressed state when situated therein. The dynamization opening and window insert cooperate to allow a press fit of the window insert into the dynamization opening with an elastic snap-fit and audible sound.

Abstract: A method of protecting the coating on a reconfigurable coated workpiece having a first end and a second end is provided in one embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment includes providing an encasing hollow deformable membrane, positioning the first end of the reconfigurable coated workpiece adjacent to an entrance orifice of the membrane, enlarging the entrance orifice and the inside cavity of the membrane, inserting the reconfigurable coated workpiece into the enlarged entrance orifice and into the inside cavity and decreasing the size of the inside cavity of the membrane until an inside surface of the cavity contacts the coating of the workpiece.

Abstract: A microkeratome blade for use for the removal of the epithelial layer and underlying Basement Membrane while leaving a smooth and undisturbed Bowman's Membrane in preparation for a laser refractive surgical procedure. The blade is capable of cutting through the epithelial layer and Basement Membrane, but not capable of cutting through Bowman's Membrane.

Abstract: A spinal cord removal tool for removing a spinal cord and spinal cord membrane from a carcass includes a spinning blade disk having multiple removal blades mounted around its perimeter, each removal blade having a forward facing cutting edge that can enter the spinal cord channel and side cutting edges that cooperate with side blades to chop the spinal cord membrane as it is brought into the tool. The side blades are adjustably mounted to move towards and away from the removal blades and compensate for changes in the width of the removal blades due to wear or sharpening. The side blade adjustment mechanism may include a self-adjusting floating mount for the side blades or a manually adjustable mount that can be set to any desired blade clearance for higher-speed and lower noise operation.

Abstract: A method and device used for treating an aneurysm of a patient. A framework for supporting one or more embolization elements is introduced into the patient's aneurysm. A stent, connected to the framework is introduced into a vessel leading into and communicating with the aneurysm, with the stent being compressed against the inner wall of the vessel for anchoring the framework. One or more embolization elements are introduced through the framework into the aneurysm, and in this manner the framework maintains the one or more embolization elements within the aneurysm. In the illustrative embodiment, the embolization element comprises an embolic coil, the stent comprises a helical coil, and the framework and helical coil are connected so as to be introduced into the patient simultaneously.

Abstract: A guide is disclosed for use in performing spinal surgery to prepare across a spinal disc and adjacent vertebrae an implantation space. The guide is associated with a computer controlled surgical navigation system employing an energy-detecting array to track positions of the guide in three dimensional space relative to a known reference point. The guide comprises a body for providing protected access to prepare across the spinal disc and into the adjacent vertebrae the implantation space. The body has a passage adapted to receive a bone removal device for forming the implantation space through the body. At least one electrically energizable energy emitter array is attached to the body for use in identifying the location of the guide relative to the adjacent vertebrae. A system and method for using the guide in spinal surgery are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a surgical applicator tip for delivering clips used for connecting tissues, the applicator tip includes a magazine chamber, which receives a magazine with clips having tissue engagement claws and an operating mechanism by which the clips can be removed from the magazine and supplied to the front end of the applicator such that the claws project forwardly therefrom the applicator tip for piercing and engaging tissue parts. Each clip includes a shoulder with an elbow lever structure which, with the tissue pierced by the claws, is pushed against the shoulder whereby the claws are tilted toward each other for firmly holding the tissue parts in contact with each other.

Abstract: A delivery system for placement of a stent within a body of a patient includes a stent, a retaining structure, and an elongated member. The stent includes a coil which defines a lumen and has an initial length when in an expanded rest state. Adjacent turns of the coil are positioned to substantially prevent tissue ingrowth through the turns and into the lumen when the stent is placed within the body. The retaining structure is sized for insertion into the body and includes one or more pins. The pins collapse and deform the stent while the stent maintains substantially its initial length. The elongated member is coupled to the retaining structure and enables insertion of the retaining structure with the stent into the body such that the stent can be deployed from the retaining structure and placed into the body while maintaining substantially its initial length.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail structure is formed with opposing dynamization windows, and spacers of a bioresorbable material are positioned within the dynamization windows. The dynamization windows are longer than they are wide. The spacers may be integrally formed as a single insert. The nail is used with a bone fastener such as a bone screw which is advanced transversely through the bone and into the spacer, preferably in a bicortical attachment with the bone. The bone fastener is smaller across than the dynamization windows, so each spacer spaces the bone fastener relative to its dynamization window. As the spacers resorb, stress (at least in one direction) is increasingly transmitted through the fracture site rather than through the intramedullary nail. The positioning of the bone fastener, the shape and size of the dynamization windows and spacers, and the material of the spacers all allow design control over the type and amount of dynamization seen at the fracture site.

Abstract: An anastomosis device is a one piece device for connecting a graft vessel to a target vessel without the use of conventional sutures. The anastomosis device includes an expandable tube configured to have a graft vessel secured to the tube. The device has an expandable linkage positioned at one end of the device and expansion of this linkage causes a first radially extending flange to fold outward. This first flange abuts an interior wall of a target vessel and a second flange is formed which abuts an exterior wall of the target vessel trapping the target vessel between the two flanges and secures the end of the graft vessel into an opening in the wall of the target vessel. The device greatly increases the speed with which anastomosis can be performed over known suturing methods and allows anastomosis to be performed in tight spaces.

Abstract: A bone support structure is formed with opposing dynamization windows, and spacers of a bioresorbable material are positioned within the dynamization windows. The dynamization windows are longer than they are wide. The spacers may be integrally formed as a single insert. The bone support assembly is used with a bone fastener such as a bone screw which is advanced transversely through both the insert and the bone. The bone fastener is smaller across than the dynamization windows, so each spacer spaces the bone fastener relative to its dynamization window. As the spacers resorb, stress (at least in one direction) is increasingly transmitted through the fracture site rather than through the bone support structure. The positioning of the bone fastener, the shape and size of the dynamization windows and spacers, and the material of the spacers all allow design control over the type and amount of dynamization seen at the fracture site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for maneuvering a catheter into the interior of a body, comprising a support stiletto (5) which may be inserted into the catheter tube (1) and which sustains the shape of said catheter tube (1) as it penetrates into the interior of the body, wherein a position-indicating magnetic tracking portion (7, 8, 9, 10) is arranged on said support stiletto (5) which may be detected by means of a magnetic tracking-based navigation portion (11, 12).

Abstract: A transverse connector clip for connecting cylindrical rods to each other in a spinal fixation system, comprising a clip body having a two sides. The first side of the clip body has a longitudinal axis and a pair of mirror image hemi-cylindrical shells. These hemi-cylindrical shells have an inner diameter that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of a cylindrical rod.

Abstract: A polyaxial locking cervical screw and plate assembly for immobilization of cervical bones, via fixation to surfaces thereof, including a plate, having a pair of elongated tapered holes in the top and bottom thereof, into which holes elongated coupling elements and screws may be inserted. Each coupling element has an equivalent taper which matches the taper of the holes in the plate, and an interior semi-spherical curvate surface in which the curvate head of the screw may be polyaxially mounted. The coupling elements are initially disposed in the holes in the plate such that they may slide axially therein. The bone screws are inserted through the respective coupling elements until the heads thereof enter the curvate volumes thereof. Once the head is fully seated in the coupling element, advancement of the screw causes the coupling element to crush lock to the plate and to the head of the screw.

Abstract: An osteogenic material packing device is used to pack osteogenic material onto a spinal fusion device. The packing device has a cavity defined therein, which is adapted to receive the spinal fusion device. The packing device further includes an access port, which intersects the cavity to receive the osteogenic material. A cannula is coupled to the packing device and an inserter is coupled to the fusion device in order to insert the fusion device into the packing device. Osteogenic material is packed through the access port around the fusion device. The fusion device then is slid through the cannula and inserted in the intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for cutting bone and other tissue. The surgical instrument includes a motor assembly, a collet, a locking nut, and an attachment. The motor assembly includes a cavity having a groove on an inner surface that corresponds to a groove on an outer surface of the collet. The corresponding grooves form an aperture when the collet is inserted into the cavity. The insertion of a pin into the aperture prevents rotation of the collet relative to the cavity. The locking nut is placed over the collet and fastened to the motor assembly to secure the collet to the motor assembly. The attachment is fastened to the collet by placing protuberances on the attachment into corresponding apertures on the collet. The consistent alignment provided by the locking and indexing system enables the motor assembly and attachment to receive alignment markings before the surgical instrument is assembled.

Abstract: An aorta graft device comprising a primary graft part having a proximal end and a first connecting portion at a distal opening, wherein the primary graft part has an anchoring area positioned between an ascending portion extending to said proximal end and a descending portion extending to said distal opening. Furthermore, the ascending portion is corrugated, and the descending portion is at least partially non-corrugated.

Abstract: An improved method of performing surgery on a joint in a patient's body, such as a knee, includes making an incision in a knee portion of one leg while a lower portion of the one leg is extending downward from an upper portion of the one leg and while a foot connected with the lower portion of the one leg is below a support surface on which the patient is disposed. The incision is relatively short, for example, between seven and thirteen centimeters. A patella may be offset from its normal position with an inner side of the patella facing inward during cutting of a bone with a cutting tool. During cutting of the bone, one or more guide members having opposite ends which are spaced apart by a distance less than the width of an implant may be utilized to guide movement of a cutting tool.

Abstract: An intraluminal prosthesis is provided with a plurality of annular elements. Each annular element includes a plurality of struts and apices connected to form an annular configuration. Each annular element has a compressed state and an expanded state, and has a longitudinal dimension which is smaller in the expanded state than in the compressed state. A plurality of connecting members connect the apices of adjacent annular elements. The connecting members have a plurality of alternating segments that function to compensate for the smaller longitudinal dimension of each annular element in the expanded state. The stent may be provided with varying flexibility along its length and/or circumference, and may include segments that have different diameters.

Abstract: A cranial flap fixation device utilizing a piece design comprising an inner member and an outer member. The inner member includes a head and a shaft and the outer member comprises a nut for securing onto the shaft. A driving tool may be engaged with the inner member for secure engagement with the outer member. The present invention is also a cranial flap fixation system comprising three pieces, a nut, a bolt and a lock washer. The bolt having a threaded portion head for receipt into the nut and lock washer assembly, and the bolt also having an extra wide head portion for secure engagement inside the patient's cranium. The bolt is designed for use with a variety of bone structures since it is designed having an adjustable length so that the surgeon can cut the bolt after tightening onto the nut and lock washer assembly. A driving tool may be utilized to secure the cranial flap fixation system.