Abstract: Described herein are various implementations of systems and methods for accessing and modulating tissue (for example, systems and methods for accessing and ablating nerves or other tissue within or surrounding a vertebral body to treat chronic lower back pain). Assessment of vertebral endplate degeneration or defects (e.g., pre-Modic changes) to facilitate identification of treatment sites and protocols are also provided in several embodiments. Several embodiments comprise the use of biomarkers to confirm or otherwise assess ablation, pain relief, efficacy of treatment, etc. Some embodiments include robotic elements for, as an example, facilitating robotically controlled access, navigation, imaging, and/or treatment.

Abstract: Tumor tissue, including soft and/or bony tissue, are harvested from a subject and morcellated. The morcellated tissue is placed in a cartridge which is placed in a containment chamber of a tumor tissue processing device. Cancer cells in the morcellated tumor tissue are destroyed without destroying tumor antigens therein. These cells are destroyed cryogenically by exposing the cartridge to a cooling fluid such as liquid nitrogen, optionally with a warming cycle, and optionally with more than one freezing/thawing cycle. The treated tissue and/or cells are then extracted from the cartridge and reintroduced to the subject after they have reached a threshold condition. The treated tissue and/or cells can be reintroduced via a containment sleeve or a reimplantation bag.

Abstract: Described herein are various implementations of systems and methods for accessing and modulating tissue (for example, systems and methods for accessing and ablating nerves or other tissue within or surrounding a vertebral body to treat chronic lower back pain). Assessment of vertebral endplate degeneration or defects (e.g., pre-Modic changes) to facilitate identification of treatment sites and protocols are also provided in several embodiments. Several embodiments comprise the use of biomarkers to confirm or otherwise assess ablation, pain relief, efficacy of treatment, etc. Some embodiments include robotic elements for, as an example, facilitating robotically controlled access, navigation, imaging, and/or treatment.

Abstract: Methods of using hardware (e.g., bone screws, anchors or other devices) previously inserted within the body to facilitate energy delivery are disclosed. The energy delivery (e.g., thermal energy) may be used for neuromodulation (such as stimulation or denervation), tissue heating and ablation, curing, and other applications in the spine and non-spine orthopedic locations.

Abstract: Described herein are various implementations of systems and methods for accessing and modulating tissue (for example, systems and methods for accessing and ablating nerves or other tissue within or surrounding a vertebral body to treat chronic lower back pain). Assessment of vertebral endplate degeneration or defects (e.g., pre-Modic changes) to facilitate identification of treatment sites and protocols are also provided in several embodiments. Several embodiments comprise the use of biomarkers to confirm or otherwise assess ablation, pain relief, efficacy of treatment, etc. Some embodiments include robotic elements for, as an example, facilitating robotically controlled access, navigation, imaging, and/or treatment.

Abstract: Described herein are various implementations of systems and methods for accessing and modulating tissue (for example, systems and methods for accessing and ablating nerves or other tissue within or surrounding a vertebral body to treat chronic lower back pain). Assessment of vertebral endplate degeneration or defects (e.g., pre-Modic changes) to facilitate identification of treatment sites and protocols are also provided in several embodiments. Several embodiments comprise the use of biomarkers to confirm or otherwise assess ablation, pain relief, efficacy of treatment, etc. Some embodiments include robotic elements for, as an example, facilitating robotically controlled access, navigation, imaging, and/or treatment.

Abstract: Methods of using hardware (e.g., bone screws, anchors or other devices) previously inserted within the body to facilitate energy delivery are disclosed. The energy delivery (e.g., thermal energy) may be used for neuromodulation (such as stimulation or denervation), tissue heating and ablation, curing, and other applications in the spine and non-spine orthopedic locations.

Abstract: Methods of using hardware (e.g., bone screws, anchors or other devices) previously inserted within the body to facilitate energy delivery are disclosed. The energy delivery (e.g., thermal energy) may be used for neuromodulation (such as stimulation or denervation), tissue heating and ablation, curing, and other applications in the spine and non-spine orthopedic locations.

Abstract: Methods of using hardware (e.g., bone screws, anchors or other devices) previously inserted within the body to facilitate energy delivery are disclosed. The energy delivery (e.g., thermal energy) may be used for neuromodulation (such as stimulation or denervation), tissue heating and ablation, curing, and other applications in the spine and non-spine orthopedic locations.

Abstract: A single use medical device can include a single use medical device module configured for use in a medical procedure. The single use medical device can also include an electronic component having a one-time programmable (“OTP”) component that is configured to render the single use medical device module unusable after being used in the medical procedure in the subject. The single use medical device can also include a self-sacrificing module (SSM) that is configured to self-destruct and render the single use medical device unusable upon being cleaned or sterilized after being used in the medical procedure in the subject. The SSM can be operably coupled with a system controller module (SCM), which can read the state of the SSM and determine whether or not the medical device has undergone cleaning or sterilization.

Abstract: Methods of using hardware (e.g., bone screws, anchors or other devices) previously inserted within the body to facilitate energy delivery are disclosed. The energy delivery (e.g., thermal energy) may be used for neuromodulation (such as stimulation or denervation), tissue heating and ablation, curing, and other applications in the spine and non-spine orthopedic locations.

Abstract: Methods of using hardware (e.g., bone screws, anchors or other devices) previously inserted within the body to facilitate energy delivery are disclosed. The energy delivery (e.g., thermal energy) may be used for neuromodulation (such as stimulation or denervation), tissue heating and ablation, curing, and other applications in the spine and non-spine orthopedic locations.

Abstract: A single use medical device can include a single use medical device module configured for use in a medical procedure. The single use medical device can also include an electronic component having a one-time programmable (“OTP”) component that is configured to render the single use medical device module unusable after being used in the medical procedure in the subject. The single use medical device can also include a self-sacrificing module (SSM) that is configured to self-destruct and render the single use medical device unusable upon being cleaned or sterilized after being used in the medical procedure in the subject. The SSM can be operably coupled with a system controller module (SCM), which can read the state of the SSM and determine whether or not the medical device has undergone cleaning or sterilization.

Abstract: A single use medical device can include a single use medical device module configured for use within a body of a subject receiving a medical procedure. It can also include an electronic component having a one-time programmable (“OTP”) component that is configured to render the single use medical device module unusable after being used in the medical procedure in the subject.

Abstract: An electromagnetic locking mechanism can include a base unit having a base interface with a base locking member, and an imaging unit having an imaging interface with an imaging locking member that is configured to mate with the base locking member. One of the base unit or imaging unit has a locking circuit with a switch. When the switch is on, the circuit is complete and one of the base locking member and imaging locking member is an electromagnetic member and the other is a magnetically responsive member. Alternatively when the switch is off, the circuit is incomplete and neither the base locking member nor imaging locking member is the electromagnetic member. One of the base interface or imaging interface has a magnetic member or magnetically responsive member that switches the switch on when the base interface is sufficiently close to the imaging interface.

Abstract: Methods of using hardware (e.g., bone screws, anchors or other devices) previously inserted within the body to facilitate energy delivery are disclosed. The energy delivery (e.g., thermal energy) may be used for neuromodulation (such as stimulation or denervation), tissue heating and ablation, curing, and other applications in the spine and non-spine orthopedic locations.

Abstract: An imaging system can include a base unit and one or more imaging units. The base unit can include a main interface that has a plurality of main electrical connectors and one or more main mechanical connectors. A mechanical system is located in the base unit. Each imaging unit can include an elongate support member having a proximal end, a proximal section, a bendable section, and a distal end. Also, an imaging interface that couples with the main interface can be included on the proximal end of the elongate support member. The imaging interface includes a plurality of imaging electrical connectors that correspond and connect with the main electrical connectors of the main interface and includes one or more imaging mechanical connectors that correspond and connect with main mechanical connectors of the main interface. Mechanical actuators can bend the bendable section under control from the base unit.

Abstract: An imaging device can include: an imaging module; a lens associated with the imaging module; and an optically transmissive inflatable member surrounding the lens. The inflation tube can be fluidly coupled with the inflatable member. An inflation port can be fluidly coupling the inflation tube and inflatable member. A fastener that fastens the inflatable member can be coupled to a housing of the imaging module. A flushing tube can be fluidly coupled to a flushing port that is directed outward from a housing of the imaging module. The inflation tube and/or flushing tube are coupled to a pneumatic system that can pump fluid therethrough. The inflatable member can be an inflatable membrane, balloon, bladder, or bag.

Abstract: An imaging system can include a base unit and one or more imaging units. The base unit can include a main interface that has a plurality of main electrical connectors and one or more main mechanical connectors. A mechanical system is located in the base unit. Each imaging unit can include an elongate support member having a proximal end, a proximal section, a bendable section, and a distal end. Also, an imaging interface that couples with the main interface can be included on the proximal end of the elongate support member. The imaging interface includes a plurality of imaging electrical connectors that correspond and connect with the main electrical connectors of the main interface and includes one or more imaging mechanical connectors that correspond and connect with main mechanical connectors of the main interface. Mechanical actuators can bend the bendable section under control from the base unit.

Abstract: A method includes moving a spinal implant such that a central portion of the spinal implant is disposed between adjacent spinous processes, radially extending a proximal portion of the spinal implant on a first side of the adjacent spinous processes such that movement of the proximal portion between the adjacent spinous processes is inhibited, and radially extending a distal portion of the spinal implant on a second side of the adjacent spinous processes opposite the first side such that movement of the distal portion between the adjacent spinous processes is inhibited.