Abstract: The embodiments herein are directed to a portable liquid delivery system that incorporates an immersion driving pump mechanism(s), an administration reservoir, a user interface, and a wearable and/or portable accessory. The wearable accessory serves to house the components of the system and is to be worn on the user's body. In some cases, the system may be used to deliver nutritional formula for the treatment of patients on an enteral nutrition regimen. The apparatus described facilitates telehealth, training, and predictive processes to facilitate maximal therapeutic outcomes.

Abstract: Automated ablation control systems are described where the ablation system may generally comprise a surgical workstation having one or more robotic arm assemblies and configured to be in proximity to a surgical region of interest and a control station in communication with the surgical workstation and configured to control a positioning of each of the robotic arm assemblies. The system may also include an ultrasound instrument operably coupled to a first robotic arm assembly, an ablation instrument having a plurality of deployable stylets reconfigurable from a low-profile configuration to a deployed configuration, wherein the ablation instrument is operably coupled to a second robotic arm assembly, and an imaging instrument operably coupled to a third robotic arm assembly.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient using quick-connect sleeve assemblies. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly can be coupled to a bone fastener assembly in a fast and intuitive way. In one embodiment, a quick-connect sleeve assembly has a detachable member and a movable member. Both members engage a collar of the bone fastener assembly. In one embodiment, the engagement can be locked via one or more locking features to facilitate screwing a bone fastener of the bone fastener assembly onto a vertebral body in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly has a low profile and is particularly shaped for minimally invasive entry.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to embodiments of systems and methods of spinal stabilization. Embodiments include methods that use a dilator to displace tissue proximate to a sleeve. An embodiment of a surgical system can comprise a dilator that may define a working channel from a first opening to a second opening. The dilator can be positioned to displace tissue proximate to the sleeve. The dilator may be shaped to allow a first end of an elongated member to enter the working channel through the first opening and exit the dilator through the second opening to be percutaneously moved to another assembly.

Abstract: A pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly is designed to be used in combination with, but not limited to, a high flow rate catheter to prevent accidental ingestion of air or loss of blood if the closure cap comes off during non-use of the catheter. In addition, the potential for occlusion of the catheter due to blood clots in the catheter and catheter related infection is substantially reduced. The pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly includes a first end, a second end, a wall defining a dumbbell shaped channel, and a flexible, thin disk having a slit and positioned within the pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly to reside within the dumbbell shaped channel. The slit and the dumbbell shaped channel are sized to enable the slit to deform in response to a predetermined pressure differential across the slit to allow fluid to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A spinal implant provides support for desired parts of the spine. The spinal implant includes a pair of elongated members and a variable length cross-link. A variable length cross-link device may include a fixed portion having a receiver portion for attachment to a first elongated member, a transverse portion ,and an adjustable portion having a receiver portion for attachment to a second elongated member and a transverse portion engaging member. Inserting the transverse portion of the fixed portion into the engaging portion of the adjustable portion may form a cross-link for stabilizing motion between two elongated members. Engaging the adjustable portion at a selected point on the transverse portion establishes a length selected by the surgeon. The surgical procedure may use minimally invasive surgery or non-minimally invasive surgery, as desired. Components may be inserted through sleeves attached to various coupling devices, or may be inserted and guided along wires.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods of spinal stabilization. Embodiments include minimally invasive methods of delivering a rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile using a wire having an accommodating non-circular cross-sectional profile to inhibit movement of the rod relative to the wire. A rod or a segment of the rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile may be aligned with the wire and advanced and coupled to bone fastener assemblies which are anchored in vertebrae. The rod is then securely seated in collars of the bone fastener assemblies to stabilize the spine.

Abstract: A pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly is designed to be used in combination with, but not limited to, a high flow rate catheter to prevent accidental ingestion of air or loss of blood if the closure cap comes off during non-use of the catheter. In addition, the potential for occlusion of the catheter due to blood clots in the catheter and catheter related infection is substantially reduced. The pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly includes a first end, a second end, a wall defining a dumbbell shaped channel, and a flexible, thin disk having a slit and positioned within the pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly to reside within the dumbbell shaped channel. The slit and the dumbbell shaped channel are sized to enable the slit to deform in response to a predetermined pressure differential across the slit to allow fluid to pass therethrough.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods of spinal stabilization. Embodiments include minimally invasive methods of delivering a rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile using a wire having an accommodating non-circular cross-sectional profile to inhibit movement of the rod relative to the wire. A rod or a segment of the rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile may be aligned with the wire and advanced and coupled to bone fastener assemblies which are anchored in vertebrae. The rod is then securely seated in collars of the bone fastener assemblies to stabilize the spine.

Abstract: A system and associated method are provided for mechanically fixating a region of a skull to a portion of a spine. A plate is provided to contact a region of a skull and be secured thereto. A spinal rod is configured to extend from a location adjacent the plate to a location adjacent at least one vertebra. An adjustable housing is provided to secure the rod to the plate, and has a first position wherein the relative position of the rod to the plate can be adjusted and a second position wherein the relative position of the rod to the plate is secured.

Abstract: A pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly is designed to be used in combination with, but not limited to, a high flow rate catheter to prevent accidental ingestion of air or loss of blood if the closure cap comes off during non-use of the catheter. In addition, the potential for occlusion of the catheter due to blood clots in the catheter and catheter related infection is substantially reduced. The pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly includes a first end, a second end, a wall defining a dumbbell shaped channel, and a flexible, thin disk having a slit and positioned within the pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly to reside within the dumbbell shaped channel. The slit and the dumbbell shaped channel are sized to enable the slit to deform in response to a predetermined pressure differential across the slit to allow fluid to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A spinal implant provides support for desired parts of the spine. The spinal implant includes a pair of elongated members and a variable length cross-link. A variable length cross-link device may include a fixed portion having a receiver portion for attachment to a first elongated member a transverse portion, and an adjustable portion having a receiver portion for attachment to a second elongated member and a transverse portion engaging member. Inserting the transverse portion of the fixed portion into the engaging portion of the adjustable portion may form a cross-link for stabilizing motion between two elongated members. Engaging the adjustable portion at a selected point on the transverse portion establishes a length selected by the surgeon. The surgical procedure may use minimally invasive surgery or non-minimally invasive surgery, as desired. Components may be inserted through sleeves attached to various coupling devices, or may be inserted and guided along wires.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to embodiments of systems and methods of spinal stabilization. Embodiments include methods that use a dilator to displace tissue proximate to a sleeve. An embodiment of a surgical system can comprise a dilator that may define a working channel from a first opening to a second opening. The dilator can be positioned to displace tissue proximate to the sleeve. The dilator may be shaped to allow a first end of an elongated member to enter the working channel through the first opening and exit the dilator through the second opening to be percutaneously moved to another assembly.

Abstract: A pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly is designed to be used in combination with, but not limited to, a high flow rate catheter to prevent accidental ingestion of air or loss of blood if the closure cap comes off during non-use of the catheter. In addition, the potential for occlusion of the catheter due to blood clots in the catheter and catheter related infection is substantially reduced. The pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly includes a first end, a second end, a wall defining a dumbbell shaped channel, and a flexible, thin disk having a slit and positioned within the pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly to reside within the dumbbell shaped channel. The slit and the dumbbell shaped channel are sized to enable the slit to deform in response to a predetermined pressure differential across the slit to allow fluid to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A spinal implant provides support for desired parts of the spine. The implant can provide support in fusion situations. The spinal implant includes a pair of elongated members and a variable length cross-link. A variable length cross-link apparatus may couple to the first and second elongated members. Each variable length cross-link device may include a fixed portion having a receiver portion for attachment to a first elongated member. Each variable length cross-link may include a transverse portion. Each variable length cross-link may include an adjustable portion having a receiver portion for attachment to a second elongated member and a transverse portion engaging member. Inserting the transverse portion of the fixed portion into the engaging portion of the adjustable portion may form a cross-link for stabilizing motion between two elongated members. Engaging the adjustable portion at a selected point on the transverse portion establishes a length selected by the surgeon.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to embodiments of systems and methods of spinal stabilization. Embodiments include methods that use a dilator to displace tissue proximate to a sleeve. An embodiment of a surgical system can comprise a dilator that may define a working channel from a first opening to a second opening. The dilator can be positioned to displace tissue proximate to the sleeve. The dilator may be shaped to allow a first end of an elongated member to enter the working channel through the first opening and exit the dilator through the second opening to be percutaneously moved to another assembly.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods of spinal stabilization. Embodiments include minimally invasive methods of delivering a rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile using a wire having an accommodating non-circular cross-sectional profile to inhibit movement of the rod relative to the wire. A rod or a segment of the rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile may be aligned with the wire and advanced and coupled to bone fastener assemblies which are anchored in vertebrae. The rod is then securely seated in collars of the bone fastener assemblies to stabilize the spine.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods of spinal stabilization. Embodiments include methods of delivering a rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile using a wire having an accommodating non-circular cross-sectional profile to inhibit movement of a rod relative to the wire. A surgical system can comprise a first sleeve advanced via a first incision to a vertebra, a second sleeve advanced via a second incision to another vertebra, a wire having a non-circular cross-sectional profile advanced via a third incision to the vertebrae and passed through the collars of bone fastener assemblies to extend from a fourth incision. A rod or a segment of a rod having a corresponding non-circular cross-sectional profile may be aligned with the wire and advanced and coupled with the vertebrae to stabilize the spine. After the rod is securely seated in the collars, the wire may be withdrawn from the body.

Abstract: An implant (10) is provided for replacement of an intervertebral disc (14). The implant 10 includes a core portion (20) extending into the disc space (16) and the ligament portion 20 extending longitudinal against the anterior side of the spine (12). The core portion (20) is configured to at least partially replicate the function of an intervertebral disc (14) and the ligament portion (22) is configured to at least partially replicate the function of an anterior longitudinal ligament (28). To this end, the core and ligament portions (20, 22) preferably have different mechanical properties from each other that are customized to provide the particular function desired for each portion (20, 22).

Abstract: One embodiment provides a system which can include a pair of plates pivotably coupled to each other by a hinge. The plates can attach to posterior surfaces of vertebrae. The posterior surfaces can be on vertebral facets or can be exposed by removal of the facets. The hinge can be coupled to the plates in such a manner that the hinge is positioned adjacent to a center of rotation about which the vertebrae rotate relative to each other when the spine extends or flexes. The hinge can include a ball and socket, pin and pin hole, screw, etc and a sealing jacket. The system can include a piston for allowing the system to stretch and compress with the spine. Travel stops can be included in the hinge and piston. Multiple levels of the spine can be stabilized by systems with pairs of plates keyed to align with each other.