Abstract: A process for inserting a pivotable interbody spacer including an insertion instrument configured to manipulate a pivotable interbody spacer during insertion, wherein the insertion instrument includes means for coupling the interbody spacer and a means for fixing the angular position of the interbody spacer. According to one method for inserting an interbody spacer in a spinal disk space, the interbody spacer is grasped by the insertion instrument and fixed at a first angular position. The interbody spacer is next inserted into a surgical site. Next, the interbody spacer is released from a first angular position. Then, the insertion instrument is pivoted about a coupling of the interbody spacer such that the interbody spacer is in a second angular position. The angular position of the interbody spacer is then fixed in the second angular position. This insertion process continues until the interbody spacer is positioned in the desired location.

Abstract: Adjustable base piece (1) that can be incorporated into a prosthesis replacing the corpus vertebrae and comprising—a plate (11) positioned in contact with an internal face of the adjacent corpus vertebrae; —a curved panel (12) that can be adjusted in multiple directions by virtue of a ball stem (120) housed in a head (111) of the plate (11) which allows it to adopt the optimal angle with respect to this fixed plate (11), so that the said curved panel (12), thanks to its possibilities of multi-axis adjustment, can press espousing the external shape of the corpus vertebrae adjacent to the prosthesis, —a clamping plug (13) which, once tightened, fixes the panel (12) to the plate (11) in the desired position, thus allowing this adjustable base piece (1) to be simultaneously in contact with an internal surface of the adjacent corpus vertebrae, thus giving this base piece, once attached to the corpus vertebrae, great bearing stability, with good adaptation to suit all shapes of vertebra encountered in real life.

Abstract: A medical system generally comprises a camera head, a beam, and a guide sheath. The camera head is connected to the beam which is bendable in a first direction and resists bending in a second direction opposite the first direction. The guide sheath slidably receives the beam, the beam extending through a distal end of the guide sheath such that the camera head projects from the distal end of the guide sheath. The guide sheath includes first and second sheath portions, and in an operative configuration the first sheath portion is angled relative to the second sheath portion to define a first bend. The beam is oriented relative to the guide sheath such that, as the beam is slid relative to guide sheath, the beam bends in the first direction through the first bend, and a projecting portion of the beam resists bending in the second direction.

Abstract: A surgical retractor that comprises an integrated light source for creating a working space for the access of dissecting instruments employed during an open surgical procedure is described. The retractor is of the type that comprises two elongated arms mechanically connected by a pivot that allows the retractor to move between a closed and an open configuration. The described retractors further comprise adjustable paddle assemblies located at the distal end of the elongated arms and a unique locking mechanism that allows for the relative separation of the paddle assemblies to be set at any position between the closed and open configuration of the retractor. The design of the retractor provides them with increased functionality while allowing them to be cost effectively produced so that they can simply be disposed of after use.

Abstract: A laryngoscope comprising a handle, a blade holding element, a detachable blade, means for viewing the laryngeal inlet of a patient and means for adjusting the viewing field. The means for adjusting the viewing field may comprise a light refracting means. Alternatively, in embodiments in which the viewing means comprises at least two fixed cameras elements directed to at least two different viewing fields, the means for adjusting the viewing field may comprise means for switching from one camera to the other or, in embodiments in which the viewing means comprises a movable camera element, the means for adjusting the viewing field may comprise mechanical or electronic means for controlling the movement of the camera. A method for viewing the laryngeal inlet of a patient using a laryngoscope comprising the step of adjusting the viewing field is also covered.

Abstract: A bone anchoring element comprising a shaft (2) for anchoring in a bone, with a plurality of barb elements (7) arranged in at least one helical line around the shaft axis (M) is described, wherein said barb elements are elastically movable relative to the shaft. The bone anchoring element (1) is easy to press into a core hole bore in a bone. The barb elements (7) act in a similar manner as do the threads on a conventional bone screw and thus provide for depth positioning. Moreover, the barb elements at the same time secure the bone anchoring element and prevent it from sliding-out.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems for occluding an aneurysm having an aneurysmal neck and an aneurysmal inner wall. Generally, a device in accordance with the present invention includes a mesh-like structure that is integrally composed of a shape-memory alloy such as NiTi. The device is deployed within the aneurysm through the aneurysmal neck. The device is configured to be in a deployed state and an undeployed state, and is configured to transition from the undeployed state to the deployed state by exposure to a higher temperature and/or by being unconstrained. The device may function to retain finer vaso-occlusive devices such as vaso-occlusive coils and/or embolic liquids. Furthermore, the device itself may function as a vaso-occlusive device.

Abstract: An artificial spinal disc prosthesis that can be implanted to replace a damaged natural spinal disc. A nucleus of compressible elastomeric material is surrounded by a winding of a slender strand of flexible tension-bearing material oriented at a pitch angle relative to a central axis. The orientation of the winding provides the prosthesis a limited amount of freedom of movement and flexibility. A pair of end caps of the prosthetic implant include angulated grooves that allow for insertion of the device between vertebral bodies from any of several directions. Special fasteners provide protruding points useful in anchoring the prosthesis.

Abstract: An anchoring element for a stabilization device for bones or vertebrae, with which a bone or vertebra can be connected to a rod-shaped element is described. By providing for at least one degree of rotational freedom between the rod and an anchoring element that is firmly connected to the bone or vertebra, the transfer of torque (M) onto the anchoring element and can be prevented as well as loosening or even separation of the bone anchoring element from the bone or vertebra. Moreover, the invention provides a stabilization device, in which such bone anchoring elements are used.

Abstract: A corpectomy cage is provided with upper and lower telescoping members which move axially between extended and retracted positions. A fixed length sleeve fits over the telescoping members. The sleeve is load bearing to support axial loads on the cage from vertebral bodies. The sleeve also prevents the telescoping members from retracting and encloses an internal cavity within the cage for packing bone fusion material.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods related to spinal stabilization are provided. A system can comprise a plurality of cross-links. Each of the cross-links can include a central rod holder that extends substantially along a mid-line of the spine and a pair of extension members extending from the central rod holder. The extension members can be secured to a vertebral body via a fixation device, such as a spinal screw or a hook member having serrations and/or side-cuts. One or more rod members can be extended across the central rod holders of the cross-links, thereby forming a stable spinal stabilization system providing bilateral stress distribution across different levels of the spine.

Abstract: A quick-release handle is used in positioning a retractor blade in a surgical site and securing the retractor blade to a retractor frame. The retractor blade has a generally cylindrical post for removably engaging a retractor frame, an alignment groove on its top surface, and an annular recess extending around the post. The quick-release handle has a head with a U-shaped flange for sliding engagement with the annular recess and the upper portion of the post. The handle also contains a sliding rod actuated by a thumb-slide mechanism to engage the alignment groove on the retractor blade post. In particular, a locking tongue extending from the distal end of the rod engages the alignment groove, while a protrusion extending from the rod engages the annular recess, thereby maintaining proper rotational alignment between the handle and retractor blade.

Abstract: A locking pedicle screw assembly has been designed which avoids misalignment and locks into place once the cap is fully threaded into the tulip, avoiding over tightening or stripping of the threads. The locking cap includes a retaining or locking ring, positioned either at the bottom of the cap so that it locks into a groove at the bottom of the threads in the tulip or at the top of the threads in the cap, locking into a groove at the top of the tulip when the cap is fully seated. In one embodiment, an audible signal is generated when the cap locks. In another embodiment, the cap is secured to a swiveling saddle that locks the rod into place as the screw cap is tightening, but does not interfere with the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device for securement to a bone. The device includes an anchor, a receiver, a retainer and an insert. The receiver includes a seating surface defining a cavity communicating with the exterior of the receiver through a first opening configured to receive the connection head of the anchor therethrough. The retainer includes at least two discrete retaining members configured to engage with the receiver seating surface when they are captured between the connection head and the seating surface. The insert is disposed within the receiver and configured to frictionally engage the connection head. The insert includes a main body and at least one pin protruding from the main body, for circumferential insertion between two adjacent retaining members of the retainer.

Abstract: A tunnel notcher and guidewire delivery device is provided for creating a notch and positioning a guidewire within a bone tunnel. In general, the device includes an elongate member having proximal and distal ends with an inner lumen extending therebetween that is adapted to receive a guidewire. The device also includes a cutting element disposed on a distal portion of the elongate member that is adapted to remove bone within an opening of a bone tunnel. In use, the device 10 can be at least partially positioned within a bone tunnel containing a bone plug, and it can be manipulated to form a notch within or adjacent to an opening of the bone tunnel using the cutting element 18. The device 10 is also effective to deliver a guidewire 16 to the bone tunnel at a location adjacent to the notch.

Abstract: A tissue retraction system includes a dilator and a first retractor member and a retraction assembly. The dilator is configured to be inserted into a tissue body and also includes at least one engagement member. The first retractor member includes a body and at least one engagement member that is configured to attach to the at least one engagement member of the dilator so as to removably attach the retractor member to the dilator body. The retraction assembly includes a retractor body and at least a second retractor member that is movably supported by the retractor body. The retractor body is configured to be attached to the first retractor member. The tissue protection system may also include a neuromonitoring member configured to determine a characteristics of the tissue.

Abstract: An illumination system configured to light an anatomical location of a patient is provided. The illumination system includes an interior illumination device positionable and movable within a body cavity of a patient. The interior illumination device is configured to provide a light having a wavelength that is visible to a clinician. The illumination system includes an exterior illumination device operatively coupled to the interior illumination device and positionable and movable about an exterior of a patient. The exterior illumination device is configured to provide a light having a wavelength that is visible to a clinician.

Abstract: The present invention generally is directed toward a spinal fixation system whereby a coupling element allows the physician to selectively lock or unlock either the connection between the coupling element and a fastener, such as to allow for repositioning of the coupling element, or the connection between the coupling element and an elongate rod. The locking or unlocking of these connections may be made independently and as desired by the physician.

Abstract: A surgical system includes one or more arms defining a passageway therethrough. The arm includes a proximal portion configured for positioning externally of a patient's body and a distal portion configured for positioning within an internal body cavity. The distal portion includes first and second articulatable segments spaced apart from one another and capable of independent articulation between a substantially straight configuration and an articulated configuration. A first articulation assembly is coupled to the proximal portion of the one arm and is transitionable between a first state and a second state for articulating the first articulatable segment between the substantially straight configuration and the articulated configuration. A second articulation assembly is coupled to the proximal portion of the arm and is configured to move between a plurality of positions for articulating the second articulatable segment between the substantially straight configuration and the articulated configuration.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system having a pedicle screw which includes (i) a shaft with external threads and a head segment on one end of the shaft; (ii) a first drive socket positioned in the head segment; (iii) a second drive socket on a shaft end opposite the first drive socket; and (iv) wherein the shaft end opposite the first drive socket has a lesser diameter than the shaft end at the head segment. The system further includes an intervertebral stabilization structure having an elongated body with rotating ring segments attached to each end of the elongated body.