Abstract: Embodiments of an adjustable rib plate apparatus and method are disclosed for rib fracture fixation and repair. The apparatus has a center plate and first and second outer plates that are each attached to but movable relative to the center plate. A pair of bone screws with detachable guidance cables are installed on each of two bone fragments on separate sides of a fracture. The guidance cables are used to guide the first and second outer plates to respective destinations. Locking screws are also guided using the guidance cables and installed in the heads of the bone screws to secure the outer plates. Removable alignment cables with slip knot loops are used to align the center plate with the first and second plates as well as align the bone fragments associated with the fracture. Once aligned, additional bone screws are installed in the first and second outer plates to fully fixate the fracture.

Abstract: Embodiments of an adjustable rib plate apparatus for repairing a fractured sternum are disclosed. The apparatus has a bridge plate, a first sternal plate, and a second sternal plate. The first and second sternal plates each have screw holes. The first and second sternal plates are attached to the first and second sternal parts via screws installed in the screw holes. The bridge plate also has elongated unthreaded screw holes and is installed with screws over respective parts of the sternal plates. The bridge plate overlaps respective parts of the first and second sternal plates so that the elongated screw holes are in sufficient alignment with underlying screw holes associated with the sternal plates to enable the bridge plate to move during installation of the apparatus.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a minimally invasive implant-based ventral hernia repair system including a first and second elongated member in which the second elongated member extends through the internal channel of the first elongated member. A set of arm members are moveably coupled to the distal end of the first elongated member. A set of tension members extends lengthwise along the arm members and is rigidly coupled between the distal most segment of each arm member and the second elongated member. The degree of tension in the tension members corresponds to the configuration of the arm members with respect to the first elongated member. The proximal translation of the second elongated with respect to the first elongated member causes tension on the tension members, which thereby articulates the arm members into a radial extended configuration in which the arm members extend radially and substantially perpendicular to the first elongated member.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a minimally invasive implant-based ventral hernia repair system including a first and second elongated member in which the second elongated member extends through the internal channel of the first elongated member. A set of arm members are moveably coupled to the distal end of the first elongated member. A set of tension members extends lengthwise along the arm members and is rigidly coupled between the distal most segment of each arm member and the second elongated member. The degree of tension in the tension members corresponds to the configuration of the arm members with respect to the first elongated member. The proximal translation of the second elongated with respect to the first elongated member causes tension on the tension members, which thereby articulates the arm members into a radial extended configuration in which the arm members extend radially and substantially perpendicular to the first elongated member.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a trocar cleaning system including an elongated member and an irrigation device, a suction device, or a suction/irrigation device. The elongated member is designed to be inserted within a trocar. The elongated member includes a pliable wiper type member at the distal end to facilitate a radial plowing of debris within the trocar as the elongated member is inserted and removed. The elongated member also includes an internal channel coupled to a radial opening on the distal end and coupled to either an irrigation device or a suction device on the proximal end. The irrigation device may pressurize liquid through the internal channel and out a radial opening on the distal end of the elongated member so as wash the inside of the trocar. Likewise, the suction device may utilize the internal channel to create a suction force at the distal end of the elongated member.