Abstract: Disclosed herein are minimally invasive systems and method for stabilizing the spine, while preserving a degree of spinal flexion and extension of the spine at the level of the stabilized vertebrae postoperatively. The systems and methods can include an expandable anchor and rod that span an intervertebral disc. The anchor can have interstices, and ends in two adjacent vertebral bodies. The system can also include a volume of bone cement media.

Abstract: A single port entry surgical instrument has an elongated structure with lumens through which surgical tools and an image capturing device may be inserted and controllably extended out of its distal end for performing a medical procedure, a tubular-shaped balloon disposed around the elongated structure, and an expandable retractor disposed around the balloon so that when the balloon is inflated, the retractor expands and locks in an expanded configuration to retract extraneous tissue. The port entry may be secured using the expandable retractor or sealed using another inflatable balloon disposed around the proximal end of the elongated structure and centered in the port entry.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing surgical procedures using tissue retractors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to use a retractor to capture a large or small amount of tissue in a fabric and to move the fabric to relocate the tissue to one or more convenient locations during the procedure. The flexible nature of the fabric can allow the fabric to be moveable between an open position, in which the fabric can support tissue, and a closed position, in which the fabric can be folded, rolled, or otherwise compressed in size and fit through a port, such as a trocar or an incision in a tissue wall. Furthermore, the position of the fabric and thus the tissue held in the fabric can be adjusted and readjusted by pushing or pulling one or more grasping elements coupled to the fabric.

Abstract: Self-anchoring slings and deployment mechanisms for use therewith in selectively positioning a sling into position within the body. According to a preferred embodiment, the sling comprises an elongate sling portion having opposed ends. Formed upon each respective opposed end is an anchor member operative to be advanced through soft tissue at a selected target site in a first direction but resist movement in an opposed direction. Such anchor members are operative to extend in opposed directions to thus enable a sling to be securely affixed into position and resist sag or otherwise lose its ability to support a given structure. The deployment system is operative to selectively anchor the respective anchor members into position within a tissue mass. Although suitable for a wide variety of applications, it is believed that the system and sling of the present invention are particularly well suited for the deployment of suburethral slings via a trans-obturator route.

Abstract: Embodiments of a device and method for connecting a bone fastener, for example a spinal screw, to an elongated member are disclosed. In one embodiment, a body having channels to receive the fastener and elongated member is tapered and has an aperture for a locking member. A tapered washer slides over the body. The tapered washer has an inner diameter that is smaller than part of the tapered portion of the body allowing it to engage the body. The fastener passes through the body and engages the washer. An offsetting member slides over the body. The body slides over the elongated member and the offsetting member offsets the elongated member from the spinal fastener and contacts each in two differing locations. A locking member is inserted into a threaded aperture in the body to apply a compressive force that compresses all of the members preventing relative motion of the components.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical drill guide. The drill guide may include a first drill guide body having a distal end for placement substantially adjacent a bone, a second drill guide body slidable with respect to the first drill guide body and having a proximal end for contacting a portion of a drill bit, a handle associated with at least one of the first drill guide body and the second drill guide body, and a detent mechanism for releasably retaining the position of the first drill guide body with respect to the second drill guide body in predefined increments. Additionally or alternatively, the drill guide may include a locking member movable between a first position where it substantially prevents sliding of the second drill guide body with respect to the first drill guide body, and a second position where it permits sliding of the second drill guide body with respect to the first drill guide body. The locking member may be resiliently biased to the first position.

Abstract: An improved acetabular impactor, especially suitable for use in minimally invasive hip surgeries, is disclosed. The impactor is simple in design and operation and spatially optimized. In particular, the impactor is designed to remotely detach the acetabular shell from the impactor via different potential mechanical connections.