Abstract: A system for applying a manipulative force to a target region of a spinal column during a surgical procedure is provided with at least four pedicle screws, at least four elongated levers configured to temporarily engage with the pedicle screws, a linking member configured to link at least two of the elongated levers in a axial direction such that they move in unison, and a cross-linking member configured to link at least two of the elongated levers in a transverse direction such that they move in unison. When the system is assembled, it permits an operator to move the at least four elongated levers in unison to simultaneously rotate the at least four pedicle screws about a spinal column roll axis. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A receiver assembly for securing an elongate rod to a bone anchor includes a receiver having pair of upright arms that define an open channel configured to receive the elongate rod, a discontinuous helically wound receiver guide and advancement structure formed into the interior surfaces of the upright arms, and horizontally-elongated tool engaging grooves formed into upper portions of the outer surface of the upright arms. The receiver assembly further includes a closure configured for positioning within the open channel to secure the elongate rod to the receiver in a locked configuration, with the closure having an outer surface with a mating continuous helically wound closure guide and advancement structure configured to resist a tendency toward splaying between the upright arms upon a screwing in of the closure within the open channel by rotatable engagement with the receiver guide and advancement structure.

Abstract: An adaptive blade for a laryngoscope includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first chain arranged between the ends and composed of a plurality of chain links connected in pairs in an articulated manner, a second chain arranged between the ends and composed of a plurality of chain links connected in pairs in an articulated manner, and a spacer component, connected at a first end in an articulated manner to the first chain, and connected at a second end in an articulated manner to the second chain. One or more or all of the articulated connections between the chain links of the first chain, the chain links of the second chain and the spacer component are provided as a form-fit hinge.

Abstract: A surgical retractor and configured to minimize tearing of the gloves without compromising the ability to grip tissue. The surgical retractor has a handle, a blade, and a plurality of retraction elements. The retraction elements may be fixed to the blade but arranged in a specific configuration that minimizes tearing of the gloves without compromising the ability to grip tissue. The retraction elements may also be made deployable by having a deployed configuration in which the retraction elements are exposed, and a stowed configuration in which the retraction elements are hidden.

Abstract: Systems and methods of delivering and deploying a stent into a curvilinear cavity within a vertebral body or other bony or body structure. In some instances, the system can include an elongate shaft for delivering a self-expanding, cement-directing stent and devices that may be used to perform the steps to deliver and deploy the stent.

Abstract: A tracheal intubation system including a laryngoscope is disclosed. An endotracheal tube exchange system is also disclosed. In some examples, the system includes a laryngoscope, a stylet, and an endotracheal tube. In some examples the stylet is an articulating stylet. An endotracheal tube with one or more depth-assessment bands is also disclosed. An articulating stylet with one or more depth-assessment bands and an orientation mark is also disclosed. A method of positioning an endotracheal tube in a patient is also disclosed. A method of positioning a stylet for placement of an endotracheal tube is also disclosed. A method of performing an endotracheal tube exchange procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present subject disclosure provides a novel design for devices and methods for straightening a curved spine by using a reduction tool to move the spine with respect to an attached bone plate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing correction of one or more maladies or conditions of the spinal column of a living being. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an implantable device configured to be selectively adjustable in one or more portions thereof so as to permit correction of asymmetries or irregularities of the spinal column via insertion into one or more affected intervertebral disc spaces. In one variant, the implantable device includes upper and lower host elements which are hinged or can pivot relative to one another, and an insertable distraction mechanism which is adjustable to enable one side or the other of the implantable device to alter height. In another variant, both sides of the implantable device can be adjusted for height via the host elements and one or more pivots or hinges. In one implementation, the distraction mechanism is adjustable from multiple approaches into the disc space.

Abstract: A modular surgical retractor including a handle and a blade. The handle includes a base and a neck. The neck projects from an end of the base to a tail region. The blade includes a head section and a blade member. The head section includes opposing side walls and a floor combining to define a slot sized to receive the neck. The blade member projects from the head section. The blade is removably attached to the handle. In an attached state, an attachment face of each side wall contacts the end of the base, and the floor contacts the tail region. In some embodiments, a light source, such as an LED, is disposed within the neck and arranged to emit light along a face of the blade member. Two or more additional blades are provided, each additional blade including the head section and a differently configured blade member.

Abstract: A cannula assembly configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough includes an elongated body portion, a housing coupled to a proximal end portion of the elongated body portion, and an annular-shaped light member. The housing defines a longitudinally-extending channel therethrough dimensioned for passage of the surgical instrument. The light member is disposed within the housing and about the channel.

Abstract: A method of positioning an external adjustment device relative to a patient includes placing a magnetic viewing sheet adjacent to a patient and identifying the location of an implanted magnetic assembly using the magnetic viewing sheet by visualizing a magnetic image of the implanted magnetic assembly in the magnetic viewing sheet. The external adjustment device is placed on the patient adjacent to the location where the magnetic image was located.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical alignment and distraction frame and associated methods of use that facilitates correction of a sagittal imbalance. The alignment and distraction frame works in conjunction with pedicle screw installation guide assemblies to impart the desired correction. The alignment frame can be utilized to ensure the pedicle screw housings are aligned (to facilitate rod coupling) in concert with the completion of a correction maneuver.

Abstract: Improved methods and devices for performing an endoscopic surgery are provided. Systems are taught for operatively treating gastrointestinal disorders endoscopically in a stable, yet dynamic operative environment, and in a minimally-invasive manner. Such systems include, for example, an endoscopic surgical suite. The surgical suite can have a reversibly-expandable retractor that expands to provide a stable, operative environment within a subject. The expansion can be asymmetric around a stabilizer subsystem to maximize space for a tool and an endoscope to each be maneuvered independently to visualize a target tissue and treat the target tissue from outside the patient in a minimally invasive manner.

Abstract: A control instrument 100 for a guidewire comprising a first component moveable from a first position, in which the guidewire can move axially relative to the first component, to a second position in which the guidewire is fixed relative to the first component and a second, rotatable, component, wherein rotation of the second component causes the first component to move axially, only when the first component is in its second position, thereby moving the guidewire move axially.

Abstract: A rod reducer assembly is provided. The rod reducer includes a pedicle screw housing defining a rod-receiving passage therethrough. A tab is removably coupled to the pedicle screw housing by a frangible member. An extension is secured to the tab. The extension and the tab are separable from the pedicle screw housing upon application of a threshold force to the frangible member.

Abstract: A bone fracture internal fixator for repairing a bone fracture of a femoral neck that allows load to be applied to the associated bone parts evenly, and increases the connecting strength between the femoral head and femoral shaft while minimizing the risk of the femoral head being torn apart by the inner connecting member by increasing the diameter of the inner fixing member. The central axial line of the femoral head is offset from the central axial line of the intramedullary nail placed in the medullary cavity of the femoral shaft. In order to bring the inner fixing member such as a lag screw configured to be inserted through the femoral neck close to the central axial line of the femoral neck, the central axial line of the through hole for receiving the inner fixing member is offset from the central axial line of the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: Neurophysiological instruments and techniques are improved through various enhancements. Stimulation of an instrument is possible while it is advancing into the spine or elsewhere, alerting the surgeon to the first sign the instrument or device (screw) may be too near a nerve. A directional probe helps surgeons determine the location of the hole in the pedicle. Electrically insulating sleeves prevent shunting into the soft tissues. According to a different improvement, the same probe to be used to stimulate different devices, such as screws and wires. Electrical impulses may be recorded from non-muscle regions of the body, including the spine and other portions of the central nervous system as opposed to just the extremities.

Abstract: An intramedullary rod for use with a fastener to repair a femur includes an elongate nail extending along a longitudinal axis and having a stem and a head. The head is provided with an aperture extending along an axis at an angle to the longitudinal axis for receiving the fastener. A mechanism is carried by the head for pivoting the axis of the aperture from a first angled position relative to the head to a second angled position relative to the head. A method for using the rod and fastener is provided.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly includes a frame system, and a surgical tool engageable with the frame system. The frame system is adapted for providing a surgical tool attachment and articulation locus that is maintained during the course of a surgical procedure to direct a fixed and repeatable delivery path for introduction and manipulation of one or more surgical instruments and implants at a surgical site in or on the patient's anatomy. The delivery path can be substantially curvilinear along an arc that is defined by a radius of curvature and length defined by the surgical tool, and a predetermined range of articulation of the tool at the articulation locus.

Abstract: A surgical rod scorer is provided. The surgical rod scorer includes a pair of elongated shaft members that are pivotably coupled to one another and movable from a spaced-apart configuration to an approximated configuration. Each of the shaft members includes a handle member that is configured for gripping by a user and jaw member that is configured to support respective first and second cutting assemblies thereon. The first and second cutting assemblies each include one or more cutting elements thereon configured and dimensioned to score surgical rod when the jaw members are in the approximated configuration and rotated about the surgical rod.