Abstract: An instrument access device comprises first, second and third instrument seals for sealing around instruments extended through the device. The seals have respective connector sleeves. Each sleeve connects a base to one of the instrument seals. The device also comprises two insufflation/desufflation ports. Each of the ports comprises a connector extending from the base, a tube extending from the connector, a luer connector and a removable cap. The luer connector is used for connection to any suitable supply line for insufflation gas or for discharge if insufflation gas. In use, the insufflation/desufflation ports facilitate independent control of insufflation and desufflation as may be required during a surgical procedure. Access sleeve at the proximal end is cut-off, folded over the inner proximal ring and is held in place between the base and the inner proximal ring when the base is fitted.

Abstract: In one form, systems and methods for positioning a connecting member adjacent the spinal column include at least one anchor that is engageable to bony structure and has a receiver for receiving the connecting member. A pair of elongated members is engaged to the receiver and defines a pathway that extends proximally from the receiver. The connecting member is movable along the elongated members to the receiver of the bone anchor. The elongated members are removable from the receiver of the bone anchor after the connecting member is positioned in the receiver to provide a low profile anchor and connecting member assembly when finally implanted in the patient. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: A surgical method, system, kit, and various devices are provided for use in, among other things, vaginal entry during a natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgical procedure. A system and/or method provide for the rapid creation of a conduit and/or multiple ports in a natural orifice, such as a patient's vagina, while accommodating anatomical variation to reduce the need to excise additional tissue from the patient.

Abstract: An intervertebral stabilization system for at least three vertebrae comprising pedicle screws attachable to the vertebrae; at least one rod for the connection of at least two pedicle screws to form a rigid stiffening system; and at least one band which is capable of being pre-stressed in tension and which is surrounded in the implanted state of the stabilization system by at least one compressible pressure member arranged between two adjacent pedicle screws for the connection of the pedicle screws to form an elastic support system, wherein a common pedicle screw is associated both with the stiffening system and with the support system and the band is can be connected or is connected to the rod by means of a band attachment.

Abstract: A transparent surgical pelvic retractor includes a transparent, generally semicircular retractor body having a retractor interior; a concave inner surface facing the retractor interior; and a convex outer surface opposite the inner surface. A surgical retractor method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical retractor system includes a first retractor and a second retractor. The first retractor comprises a first working channel for receiving a tool therethrough. The second retractor is capable of being advanced through the first working channel, and its proximal end is positioned in the vicinity of the distal end of the first retractor. The second retractor includes a second working channel for receiving a tool therethrough. In another aspect, a method for accessing a surgical site comprises inserting a first retractor into a first tissue, advancing a second retractor through a first working channel in the first retractor, and inserting the second retractor into a second tissue to retract the second tissue, with the distal end of the first retractor remaining in the vicinity of the proximal end of the second retractor sufficiently to allow access to the target tissue by a surgical tool. A tool for operating a second retractor located distally in a first retractor is described.

Abstract: A posted anchor and connector-based system including a splined shank headless anchor, various width adjustable connectors for use in open or minimally invasive thoracolumbar spine surgery. The connectors have a high degree of coronal, vertical, as well as sagittal adaptability. In one example, each plane of motion is individually secured for maximum versatility.

Abstract: Intramedullary medical devices (e.g., intramedullary nails) and methods for their use and manufacture are described herein. The intramedullary medical devices described herein may provide sustained compressive forces across a bone fusion site despite bone resorption processes. Through various embodiments, the intramedullary medical devices described herein may provide non-linear force curves relative to displacement. Intramedullary medical devices are described with multiple elements made of different materials. Examples of intramedullary medical devices are described with shape memory alloys.

Abstract: A spinal connector assembly including a connector body defining first and second passages arranged transverse to one another and configured to receive respective portions of an implant and an elongate rod. A collet receives a portion of the implant therein and extends through the first passage with an upper portion extending axially beyond an upper side of the connector body and a lower portion extending axially beyond a lower side of the connector body. A washer is positioned annularly about the lower portion of the collet and beneath the connector body with a top side of the washer facing a lower side of the connector body and with one of the top and lower sides defining a convex surface and the other defining a concave surface.

Abstract: A surgical access device, such as a trocar, is described. The trocar includes a first housing member selectively coupled to a second housing member, such as with a latching assembly, and a seal which can be compressed when the housing members are coupled together, the seal for preventing or reducing transverse escape of insufflation gas or other fluid from between the coupled together first and second members.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum apparatus includes a portable illumination assembly that is releasably attached to one of the upper blade and lower blade of a disposable vaginal speculum. The portable illumination assembly is defined by a housing that retains at least one LED and a portable power supply. The portable illumination assembly can be energized by an externally accessible member after the illuminator has been attached to the speculum.

Abstract: A method and assembly is provided for linking an additional vertebral construct to an existing spinal construct having at least two bone screws engaged to corresponding vertebrae and connected by a connecting member. The assembly includes a fastener configured to engage a bone screw of the existing construct and to engage a connecting member connected to the bone screw. The assembly further includes a linking member having an elongated portion configured to connect to a bone screw of the additional construct and a mounting structure configured for mounting on the bone screw of the existing construct. A locking member fixes the orientation of the linking member relative to the bone screw and a clamping member locks the linking member and existing connecting member to the bone screw of the existing construct.

Abstract: A surgical access system for providing access to a surgical site in a patient includes a surgical access device defining a working channel for accessing a surgical site and an integrated light emitter for illuminating the surgical site. The light emitter is integrated in proximity to a distal end of the surgical access device. In some embodiments, the light emitter is offset from the distal end. In certain embodiments, the integrated light emitter includes a light transmission medium for transmitting light from a proximal end of the access device to the distal end.

Abstract: A spinal fixation assembly has a bone screw with head having a continuously curved spherical outer surface. The curved surface nests in a split annular bushing having a plurality of segments curving around the screw head. The bushing has an outward extending flange that fits into a recess in a socket in a fixation plate. The plate has at least three legs which extend from ends of a cross-member to form one of an H shaped, X shaped or A shaped configuration. Each socket is curved to rotatably receive rotation of the bushing. The socket recess is larger than the bushing flange to allow the bushing to tilt a predetermined amount depending on a thickness of the outward extending flange.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, devices and methods for the correction of spinal deformities with the use one or more implantable rods configured to apply a corrective force to the spine. Methods of minimally invasive implantation of a corrective system are provided, such as where the corrective system is attached only to the spinous process of one or more vertebral bodies. Various corrective systems as well as components thereof are also provided, such as those that allow limited movement with respect to the spinal column.

Abstract: A surgical portal assembly includes a portal member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passageway for passage of a surgical object, and being dimensioned to pass through tissue to provide access via the longitudinal passageway to an underlying operative site and a plurality of object seals in mechanical cooperation with the portal member and positioned to intersect the longitudinal passageway. Each object seal has inner surfaces defining a seal passage to permit passage of the surgical object. The inner seal surfaces of each object seal include a primary finger segment and secondary finger segments on opposed sides of, and in spaced relation to, the primary finger segments.

Abstract: A system for restricting spinal flexion includes superior and inferior tether structures joined by a pair of compliance members. Compliance members comprise tension members which apply a relatively low elastic tension on the tether structures. By placing the tether structures on or over adjacent spinous processes, flexion of a spinal segment can be controlled in order to reduce pain.

Abstract: A system for restricting spinal flexion includes superior and inferior tether structures joined by a pair of compliance members. Compliance members comprise tension members which apply a relatively low elastic tension on the tether structures. By placing the tether structures on or over adjacent spinous processes, flexion of a spinal segment can be controlled in order to reduce pain.

Abstract: A hip fracture device providing distance limited dynamization, load controlled dynamization and combinations of both dynamization methods by varying components. The hip fracture device includes a plate having a head portion and a shaft portion. A barrel projects from the head portion of the plate and a screw is inserted in the barrel. A friction pin is slidably connected with the screw, and an end cap is fixed to the head portion of the plate. The friction pin is fixedly connected with the end cap. The screw slides over the friction pin and toward the end cap when a load is applied on the fracture device. The load required for further sliding of the screw over the friction pin increases incrementally as the screw slides towards the end cap.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device includes a coupling, a pedicle screw, and a collet. The coupling has an opening extending therethrough. The pedicle screw has a head mounted to a shank that is positionable within a first vertebral body. The collet is receivable in the opening of the coupling and engagable with the head of the pedicle screw. The collet is selectively positionable between a first position and a second position where the collet engages a spinal rod and prevents one or both of axial and rotational movement of the spinal rod. The collet is adapted to facilitate the connection of the spinal rod to a second vertebral body. The collet defines a saddle having one or more locking features for engaging the spinal rod.