Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing contextual collaborations. User data corresponding to a plurality of users is stored. The plurality of users include at least a first and second user. A first computing device associated with the first user receives a first access-level designation for a first document included in a first contextual collaboration. The first access-level designation is stored in association with the first user and the first document. A request to access the first document included in the first contextual collaboration is received from a second computing device associated with a second user. Based on the stored first access-level designation, it is determined whether to provide access to the first document by the second computing device associated with the second user. A response is transmitted to the second computing device associated with the second user, the response granting or denying access to the first document.

Abstract: A textile-based plate implant (and related methods) that supports tissue ingrowth within the implanted implant structure and is suitable for use in a variety of surgical applications, including but not limited to anterior, posterior and lateral surgical approaches directed towards the lumbar, thoracic and cervical regions of the spine.

Abstract: A combination pre-filled and in situ filled implant for the replacement of an intervertebral disc of the spine, including a textile core and a flange with apertures dimensioned to receive screws or other affixation elements. The combination pre-filled and in situ filled implant may also have attached side pockets comprised of extra layers of embroidered fabric. The pockets on the implant may serve a dual purpose: to facilitate insertion and to expand the dimensions of the implant after insertion.

Abstract: A prosthesis for the replacement of an intervertebral disc of the spine comprises a block of an elastomeric material, which is held under compression by an encapsulating textile fabric. A preferred version of the invention has flanges that are continuations of the encapsulating fabric forming an interdigitation, with the continuation of the upper fabric passing through a hole in the lower fabric and being attached to the lower vertebral body and the continuation of the lower fabric crossing to its fixation site on the upper vertebral body. Optionally, the flanges are resorbable, over time leaving only the implant core and encapsulation fabric in the intervertebral space.

Abstract: Systems and methods for replacement of an intervertebral disc are provided. The spinal implant comprises an elastomeric material that has been treated with an additive to decrease the ability of emissions to pass through the elastomeric material and to increase at least one of wear resistance, stiffness, and Shore hardness of the elastomeric material. The additive may be a barium-containing compound, one or more metals, or one or more x-ray opaque materials. The additive may be included in certain localities of the implant. A series of implants may be provided with different sizes and different structural properties that mimic the stiffness and shock absorbing properties of the natural intervertebral disc to be replaced.

Abstract: An embroidery process allowing for a three-dimensional shape to be embroidered in two dimensions, allowing for the cost effective and repeatable manufacturing required for use in surgically implanted medical devices.

Abstract: Implants and methods aimed at safely repairing and/or reconstructing the facet joint so as to provide the required flexibility and elasticity to support continued motion after the implant has been implanted in a facet joint.

Abstract: A textile prosthesis comprising a unitary body of predetermined shape having structural integrity, the body including at least one anchorage body portion for attachment to an anatomical body part, the body being composed of a combination of binding yarns and tensile load bearing filaments, the binding yarns being located at least in the or in each of said anchorage body portions and being interconnected to one another by sewn stitches, the tensile load bearing filaments being located inbetween said stitches so as to be constrained to extend through said unitary body along predetermined pathways extending in one or more predetermined directions so as to render the body resistance to stretch when a tensile load is applied in said one or more predetermined directions.

Abstract: A treatment process by which medical implants may be pre-settled before surgical implantation. Although explained herein within the context of a spinal implant, it will be appreciated that the same techniques and features of the present invention may be applied to any medical implant, particularly those having a core or other structure subject to material creep over time after implantation. This pre-settling process of the present invention may be done at any stage in the manufacturing of the implantable device after the spinal implant has been formed but before the device is surgically implanted. The pre-settling of the invention may be used for any type of core material that may have creep characteristics including, but not limited to, elastomers and textiles.

Abstract: A textile-based surgical implant that can be inserted through any number of suitable surgical approaches, including but not limited to lateral, anterior, anterior-lateral, posterolateral, and/or posterior approaches. When applied to spine surgery and inserted into an intervertebral disc space, the implant restores the normal height of the intervertebral disc space, while advantageously preserving the natural motion of the spine. The textile construction of the implant is beneficial because it is generally compliant and thereby restores and/or improves spinal motion. The compliant nature of the textile-based implant provides the required flexibility and elasticity to advantageously support physiological movements, as opposed to fusion surgery which forms a boney bridge between adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A textile prosthesis comprising a unitary body of predetermined shape having structural integrity, the body including at least one anchorage body portion for attachment to an anatomical body part, the body being composed of a combination of binding yarns and tensile load bearing filaments, the binding yarns being located at least in the or in each of said anchorage body portions and being interconnected to one another by sewn stitches, the tensile load bearing filaments being located in between said stitches so as to be constrained to extend through said unitary body along predetermined pathways extending in one or more predetermined directions so as to render the body resistance to stretch when a tensile load is applied in said one or more predetermined directions.

Abstract: A method for applying microwave techniques to embroidered surgical implants including using microwave technology in the process of acetate removal and using microwave technology in the process of drying implants.

Abstract: A textile-based plate implant (and related methods) that supports tissue ingrowth within the implanted implant structure and is suitable for use in a variety of surgical applications, including but not limited to anterior, posterior and lateral surgical approaches directed towards the lumbar, thoracic and cervical regions of the spine.

Abstract: Disc prostheses, particularly for use in the lumbar region of the spine are provided. The disc prosthesis includes a core comprising one or more filling elements provided within an inner component of fabric. The inner component is provided within an outer component of fabric. By providing a smooth inner contact surface between the inner component and the core filling, movement between the inner and outer components is facilitated in preference to movement between the inner component and core. Core abrasion is thus avoided. The use of an inner component and an outer component also means that the characteristics of each can be optimised to meet different aims.

Abstract: A prosthesis for the replacement of an intervertebral disc of the spine comprises a block of an elastomeric material, which is held under compression by an encapsulating textile fabric. A preferred version of the invention has flanges that are continuations of the encapsulating fabric forming an interdigitation, with the continuation of the upper fabric passing through a hole in the lower fabric and being attached to the lower vertebral body and the continuation of the lower fabric crossing to its fixation site on the upper vertebral body. Optionally, the flanges are resorbable, over time leaving only the implant core and encapsulation fabric in the intervertebral space.

Abstract: A series of disc prostheses are provided, the series including at least a first prosthesis and a second prosthesis, the first prosthesis differing in size and differing in one or more materials from which it is formed compared with the second prosthesis, the first and second prosthesis being of the same type. In this way a surgeon can select from the series the appropriate size so as to mimic the size of natural disc being replaced in a particular patient. As well as mimicking size, however, the invention also provides that the elastomer used in each different size has a different Shore hardness. This allows the intended stiffness and/or shock absorbing properties to be provided in each disc size and so provides for full mimicking of the natural disc in each size.

Abstract: A textile prosthesis comprising a unitary body of predetermined shape having structural integrity, the body including at least one anchorage body portion for attachment to an anatomical body part, the body being composed of a combination of binding yarns and tensile load bearing filaments, the binding yarns being located at least in the or in each of said anchorage body portions and being interconnected to one another by sewn stitches, the tensile load bearing filaments being located inbetween said stitches so as to be constrained to extend through said unitary body along predetermined pathways extending in one or more predetermined directions so as to render the body resistance to stretch when a tensile load is applied in said one or more predetermined directions.

Abstract: An embroidery process allowing for a three-dimensional shape to be embroidered in two dimensions, allowing for the cost effective and repeatable manufacturing required for use in surgically implanted medical devices.

Abstract: A textile prosthesis comprising a unitary body of predetermined shape having structural integrity, the body including at least one anchorage body portion for attachment to an anatomical body part, the body being composed of a combination of binding yarns and tensile load bearing filaments, the binding yarns being located at least in the or in each of said anchorage body portions and being interconnected to one another by sewn stitches, the tensile load bearing filaments being located inbetween said stitches so as to be constrained to extend through said unitary body along predetermined pathways extending in one or more predetermined directions so as to render the body resistance to stretch when a tensile load is applied in said one or more predetermined directions.