Abstract: This specification describes spinal stabilization devices that may be introduced into the spine via surgical procedures. In particular, this specification describes an inter-spinous process spacer having a core chosen, in one variation, to provide a kyphotic or lordotic angle to the device. The specification also describes systems including the described devices and methods of introducing the devices and systems into the spine to provide effective stabilization.

Abstract: An implantable device may comprise a barrel, the barrel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The barrel may be configured to transition from a collapsed form having a first height to an expanded form having a second height and wherein the second height is greater than the first height. The implantable device may further include an actuator assembly disposed in the barrel, the actuator assembly comprising a front ramped actuator in engagement with the barrel, a rear ramped actuator in engagement with the barrel, and a central screw that extends from the rear ramped actuator through the front ramped actuator. The implantable device may further comprise a first plate and a second plate.

Abstract: The present invention in general provides methods for reducing RF-induced heating in an external fixation device including at least two bars, at least two clamps and at least two pins; and external fixation devices with significantly lower RF heating at the pins' tips when compared to other external fixation devices.

Abstract: Devices and methods for placing an implant between two bone portions are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method comprises disposing a portion of a flexible member through a first bone portion, through an aperture in a trial implant, and through a second bone portion. The trial implant can be withdrawn to enable an implant to be coupled to the flexible member. The method includes applying tension to the flexible member to urge the implant into the space between two bone portions. In some embodiments, the two bone portions are facets.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant is provided. The intervertebral implant comprises a first component comprising an outer tissue engaging surface and an inner surface. A second component is connected to the first component, and is relatively moveable therefrom. The second component comprises an outer tissue engaging surface and an inner surface. The second component includes an actuator. A third component is disposed for engagement and is movable relative to the first and second components. The third component comprises at least a first ramp and a second ramp axially spaced apart from the first ramp. The actuator is engageable with the third component to effect axial translation of the wedge such that the ramps engage the inner surface of at least one of the first component and the second component to move the components between a first, collapsed configuration and a second, expanded configuration. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: An implant device is provided that is configured for implantation at multiple locations between adjacent vertebrae. The implant device comprises an implant body, a first portion of the implant body, and a second portion of the implant body adjustably interconnected with the first portion. The implant body has a compact orientation and an extended orientation to allow the implant body to be shifted from one orientation to the other orientation for being positioned in any one of areas between the spinous processes of the adjacent vertebrae, between laminar regions of the adjacent vertebrae, spanning an opening in the annulus between the adjacent vertebrae, and in the intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: Implants, instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including one or more of creating an operative corridor to the spine, delivering implants to the spine, fusing one or more segments of the spine, and fixing one or more segments of the spine.

Abstract: A medical image routing system that allows for a user to override the current routing of medical image data such that a user need only activate an interface to automatically interrupt the the first medical image data routing to a display(s) with the second medical image data automatically routed to the display(s). Upon activation of the interface a second time, the first medical image data routing is automatically reestablished and the second medical image data is automatically interrupted.

Abstract: A spinal implant for immobilizing the C1 vertebra with respect to the C2 vertebra of the spine provides controlled coupling between the C1 and C2 vertebrae, and includes a C1 component attachable to the C1 vertebra, two C2 components attachable to the C2 vertebra, and a transverse element. The C1 component has two wings each of which retains a rod holder that rotates and translate for capturing a C2 component rod. Each C2 component has a hook for connection with a side of the C2 vertebra lamina and a rod for attachment to one of the rod holders of the C1 component. Each C2 component receives and secures the transverse connector which holds position of the C2 components relative to one another. Each C2 component may include a plate configured for compression against the C2 vertebra spinous process, with each plate including spikes to aid in preventing construct migration.

Abstract: A medical image routing system that allows for a user to override the current routing of medical image data such that a user need only activate an input device and the first medical image data routing to a display(s) is automatically interrupted and second medical image data is automatically routed to the display(s). Upon activation of the input device a second time, the first medical image data routing is automatically reestablished and the second medical image data is automatically interrupted.

Abstract: An external fixation system and method for realigning, compressing or distracting broken bones has a planar ring element with an adjustable device having a body releasably mounted on the ring element. The adjustable device includes a first member for movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the ring element. A second member is mounted on the first member for movement in a direction parallel to the first member and with respect to a circumference of the planar ring element. The method includes inserting a k-wire through a first piece of bone and affixing the k-wire to the ring element. Then inserting a second k-wire through a second piece of bone and affixing the k-wire to the adjustable device second member. The pieces of bone are realigned, compressed or distracted by adjusting at least one of a first and second adjustable members forming the device.

Abstract: An interspinous device for arthrodesis, comprising a main body of distraction, inserted between two adjacent spinous processes to provide a relative support; a first and a second pair of lateral stabilizers; support means of each of the pairs of stabilizers slidable with respect to the main body; and a threaded shaft of actuation of the lateral stabilizers, percutaneously operable to determine a rotation and a subsequent translation of the stabilizers with respect to said main body, wherein the overall arrangement is such that each stabilizer is rotatably movable relative to the main body between a first closed configuration and a second open configuration, in which the stabilizers are open wide, and between the second open configuration and a third retaining configuration, in which the open-wide stabilizers of the first pair are longitudinally juxtaposed to respective open-wide stabilizers of the second pair so as to abut a spinous process.

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: Screw and rod systems include polyaxial and hinge joints which provide independent first and second ranges of motion. The first and second ranges of motion are additive in a direction along the rod, so that the screw has greater angulation relative to the rod along the rod than transverse to the rod.

Abstract: A circular external fixator, comprising a plurality of rings mutually associated by means of spacer members, each of said rings comprising a plurality of axial bores adapted to engage a fastening means for wire retaining devices. The rings have coupling portions for the connection of the spacer members; each coupling portion has a radial slot adapted to receive a head of one of the spacer member with a snap-on connection.

Abstract: Spinal disk including a shell, first endplate, second endplate and core. The shell includes sidewalls, back wall, front wall, top wall, and bottom wall defining a compartment. The first endplate includes a first base, first top and first attachment. The first base is retained in the compartment. The first top is disposed about a first opening in the top wall to form a top contact surface. The first attachment extends from the first top portion. The second endplate includes a second base, second top and second attachment. The second base is retained in the compartment. The second top is disposed about a second opening in the bottom wall to form a bottom contact surface. The second attachment extends from the second top portion. The core includes a material injectable into a constrained space in the compartment between the first base and the second base.

Abstract: An intervertebral support insertion tool includes a tube having a distal open end for insertion in a patient proximate vertebra and a proximal open end. A shaft is received in the tube proximal open end and has a distal intervertebral support interface for engaging an intervertebral support loaded into the tube. A housing supports the tube and shaft with a first drive mechanism such a linear actuator advances the shaft in the tube. A second drive mechanism such as a rotational drive rotates the shaft. In this way the shaft advances and rotates the intervertebral support to position and deploy it between adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a spinal implant assembly having features to prevent or minimize fixation elements, such as screws, from being dislodged, or from backing out over time and with use. The spinal implant assembly may comprise an implantable body having first apertures for receiving fixation elements. A plate configured to nest against the posterior portion of the implantable body and comprising one or more second apertures can be provided. These second apertures permit access to the head portions of the fixation elements. One or more locking elements are then passed through the second apertures and engage the head portions of the fixation elements. In addition, the plate may comprise an adjustable arm to allow the plate to be used with implantable bodies of different size.

Abstract: An expandable implant for engagement between vertebrae includes an inner member, an outer member, and a gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The inner member includes a longitudinal groove configured to engage a pin extending through the outer member such that the pin prevents the inner member from translating completely through the outer member and aids in alignment and limits rotation of the second endplate. Portions of the implant may be provided with a series of markings such that when the markings are aligned, the implant is aligned in a specific configuration and for a specific implantation approach.

Abstract: A bowel retractor device comprising a bendable collar, a flexible planar film, and at least one preformed opening defined in the flexible planar film is disclosed. The at least one preformed opening is configured to retainingly support at least one section of bowel. The at least one preformed opening comprises an open center portion defining a hole in the flexible planar film and a plurality of radially-extending slots extending from an outer perimeter of the hole. Each radially-extending slot comprises a slot width that is different from a diametrical width of the hole to form a plurality of gripping portions extending inward toward the open center portion. The gripping portions are formed for gripping the at least one section of bowel to retainingly support the at least one section of bowel inserted through the open center portion.