Abstract: A spinal fixation element is provided having a feature formed thereon that facilitates placement of the spinal fixation element through an access device, thus allowing the spinal fixation element to be positioned in relation to a spinal anchor that is coupled to the access device and that is implanted in a vertebra in a patient's spine. The feature also optionally facilitates placement of the spinal fixation element in relation to spinal anchors implanted in adjacent vertebrae. In particular, the spinal fixation element is adapted for use with an access device that has at least one slot or opening formed therein and having a width that is less than a width of the feature, thus preventing the feature from passing therethrough. The spinal fixation element can therefore be inserted through the access device, and a portion of the fixation element can be passed through the slot or opening in the access device while the feature is retained in the access device.

Abstract: A fixation system includes a plate intended to be positioned against a bone, a plurality of bone screws for securing the plate along a non-fractured portion of the bone, and a plurality of bone pegs which extend from the plate and into bone fragments of the fracture to provide a supporting framework. The pegs can be oriented at various angles relative to an axis normal to be lower surface of the plate. For each peg, once the peg has been appropriately positioned within the peg hole, a set screw is threaded into the peg hole and tightened, thereby securing the peg in the selected orientation.

Abstract: A vertebral plate system and associated method minimizes the number of required multiple configurations and sizes of hardware on hand during surgery for repair, stabilization or fusion of bone segments. A novel aspect of the invention is a resilient split ring that cooperates with angled contact surfaces in a plate for allowing convenient and fast dynamic locking between the plate and a bone screw. In another aspect of the present invention, a screw or similarly elongated fastener having a generally spherical or part-spherical head with a section of helical threads is configured in a generally horizontal band and positioned around a maximum-diameter section of the head. The screw is loosely retained to a first structure by a snap-ring formed from a ring of elastic material having a slot cut so that the ring is a “C” ring. The ring is seated on an annular shoulder formed in a through-hole in the first structure.

Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: An embolization device for occluding a body cavity includes one or more elongated, expansible, hydrophilic embolizing elements non-releasably carried along the length of an elongated filamentous carrier that is preferably made of a very thin, highly flexible filament or microcoil of nickel/titanium alloy. At least one expansile embolizing element is non-releasably attached to the carrier. A first embodiment includes a plurality of embolizing elements fixed to the carrier at spaced-apart intervals along its length. In second, third and fourth embodiments, an elongate, continuous, coaxial embolizing element is non-releasably fixed to the exterior surface of the carrier, extending along a substantial portion of the length of the carrier proximally from a distal tip, and optionally includes a lumenal reservoir for delivery of therapeutic agents. Exemplary methods for making these devices include skewering and molding the embolizing elements.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant fixation using a surgically created bone cavity as a mold for forming an anchor from an in-situ hardenable material. An in-situ formed anchor of the present invention is especially useful for attaching an implant to osteoporotic cancellous bone. The injectable nature of the in-situ formed anchor allows implants to be adapted to minimally invasive surgical techniques. The present invention can be adapted to numerous implants or implant system components to include fasteners, pins, nails, intramedullary nails, and suture anchors. Applications include bone fracture fixation, bone fracture prevention, and soft-tissue repair.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular femoral sizing guide which facilitates the selection and rotational orientation of a femoral prosthetic for a resected femur. The femoral sizing guide has a base which is coupled to the resected femur. An extension portion which is configured to have a pair of feet which are coupled to the posterior surface of the resected femur is rotatably coupled to the base portion. A superstructure having a pair of drilling guides and a stylus is slidably coupled to the base.

Abstract: An assembly and method for providing a less invasive resection of various bone portions. Generally, the assembly includes a positioning rod and a reamer that may be moved relative to the positioning rod with a guiding portion. The method allows for use of the assembly through a substantially small incision to reduce trauma to the patient during the resection procedure and decrease recovery time.

Abstract: A vertebral anchoring device including a polyaxial anchoring screw having a spherical head; a connecting rod; a connection element for receiving portions of the connecting rod; a clip having a pressure screw positionable to engage the connecting rod; and a connector installable on the spherical head for receiving the connecting rod. The connector includes a socket and a ring which co-act with one other about the spherical head of the screw in an installed orientation. The socket includes two portions bridged together at an upper level of the socket so that the two portions are positionable in a spaced apart orientation to enable the socket to be installed on the spherical head. Pressure of the pressure screw against the connecting rod bears the connecting rod against the ring which bears the ring against the spherical head of the screw.

Abstract: An improved distraction bone screw and a method for its use are described. The distraction screw is comprised of an implantable distal segment and a detachably secured proximal segment. The distal segment includes a head portion and a threaded shank portion. The proximal segment is represented as an elongated body having an internal bore that extends through its length. A deployable member is disposed within the bore, which is extendible outside the internal bore to securely couple to the distal segment. As an assembly, the distraction screw is used to affix and realign bone during surgical reconstruction. Upon completion of the surgical work, the proximal segment is removed and the distal segment is left attached to the reconstructed bone. Securely affixed, the distal segment provides an additional point of fixation for the skeletal plates that are used to preserve the bony alignment while bone healing occurs.

Abstract: A method for introducing a spinal fixation element between two bone anchors includes engaging a spinal fixation element to a shaft of an instrument, positioning the shaft of the instrument through a sidewall opening of a first percutaneous access device connected to a first bone anchor and through a side wall opening of a second percutaneous access device connected to a second bone anchor, the spinal fixation element extending in an orientation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of at least one of the first percutaneous access device and the second percutaneous access device, and pivoting the instrument to change the orientation of the spinal fixation element and position the spinal fixation element in proximity to the first bone anchor and in proximity to the second bone anchor.

Abstract: A system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery permits coronary surgery on a beating heart while maintaining cardiac output unabated and uninterrupted. Circumflex coronary artery surgery can be performed using the system. A component of the system engages the heart with a head of a heart positioning device, repositions the heart into a displaced position and maintains it in the displaced position while the heart continues to beat with substantially unabated and uninterrupted cardiac output. A select portion of the heart in the vicinity of a target area is immobilized to facilitate a surgical procedure to be performed at the target area. One form of the system can be used in minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: Bending pliers are described for perforated bone plates with two jaws movable relative to one another. A receiving jaw has two spaced receptacles for insertion into holes of a bone plate to be received. A pressure-exerting jaw comprises a pressure-exerting element which, when the bending pliers are actuated, cooperates with a received bone plate in a region between the two receptacles. The receptacles have an outside diameter which is variable along their axial extent in order to cooperate, preferably in a form-fitting manner, with different hole types.

Abstract: A surgical kit is used for performing an anterior cervical disectomy, the surgical kit having a sheath that is inserted into a mammal by using a bullet coupled to the sheath and impacting on the bullet. Various cutters, including a cervical cutter having a drill tip end, a serrated cutter having an enclave for receiving cutting spoils therein, and a deburrment cutter having a burr end, are insertable through the sheath for cutting bone and disc matter. An impactor can be used to move the sheath within the mammal during use of the serrated cutter and deburrment cutter without the need to remove either tool. A pituitaries is used to remove loose bone and disc material.