Abstract: An apparatus and method for retrieval of fractured cannulated screws used for bone fixation. The retractor comprises a retraction shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a tool shaft connected to the proximal end, a body having a reverse helix connected to the distal end, and a feeler shaft having a point connected to the body.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a spinal fixation assembly includes an elongated member, such as a spinal rod, configured for placement adjacent the spine and a bone engaging fastener, such as a bone screw having a lower portion configured for engaging a vertebra and a head that is at least partially spherical. The assembly further includes a receiver member defining a bore therethrough from a top end to a bottom end, a recess for receiving the head of the bone screwing fastener therein, and a lower opening at said bottom end of the receiver member through which the bone screw extends. The recess is configured to at permit pivoting of the bone screw within the receiver member until the head is fixed within the recess. The receiver member also includes a channel communicating with the bore and having an upper opening at the top end of the receiver member for insertion of the spinal rod into the channel.

Abstract: A cranial spring clip for attaching a bone flap to a skull is disclosed. The clip includes a substantially flat flap clipping portion, a substantially flat skull clipping portion, an extension disposed between, connecting, and substantially perpendicular to the flap clipping and the skull clipping portions, at least one burr attached to the extension, and a fastening element. When the clip is implanted, the topography of the flap clipping and skull clipping portions, the only parts of the clip above the outer table of the skull, provides the clip with a low profile. At least a portion of the extension is resilient in nature so that, the resilient portion flexes inward upon insertion in the saw gap and then flexes back to fix the clip in place. The burr penetrates the skull to also fix the clip in place. As the extension has a length that is shorter than the thickness of the skull and the bone flap, there is minimal possibility of accidental injury to the brain.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting intraocular lenses (IOLs) into eyes comprises a tube, a rod having a distal end portion, and a tip carried by the distal end portion. The tip is softer than the distal end portion of the rod. Methods for inserting an IOL into an eye using such apparatus are within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for internal fixation of vertebra of the spine to facilitate graft fusion includes steps for excising the nucleus of an affected disc, preparing a bone graft, instrumenting the vertebrae for fixation, and introducing the bone graft into the resected nuclear space. Disc resection is conducted through two portals through the annulus, with one portal supporting resection instruments and the other supporting a viewing device. The fixation hardware is inserted through small incisions aligned with each pedicle to be instrumented. The hardware includes bone screws, fixation plates, engagement nuts, and linking members. In an important aspect of the method, the fixation plates, engagement nuts and linking members are supported suprafascially but subcutaneously so that the fascia and muscle tissue are not damaged. The bone screw is configured to support the fixation hardware above the fascia.

Abstract: Disclosed is a removable cardiovascular stent, an apparatus for the retrieval of the stent and a method for removal of the stent. The removable stent includes radially inwardly extending engagement members for contacting an extraction catheter. The extraction catheter includes a tubular body and an axially moveable guidewire, each adapted to grasp the engagement members of the tubular stent. The stent is elongated in an axial direction thereby reducing the cross-sectional area of the stent. The stent can be removed directly, or can fit within the tubular body of the extraction catheter for atraumatic removal from the treatment location.