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 After the rod is securely seated in the collars, the wire may be withdrawn from the body.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: 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: A device and system for stabilizing movement between two or more vertebral bodies and methods for implanting. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide medical professionals the ability to selectively position and orient anchors in bony tissue and then attach a plate to the pre-positioned anchors. The plate assembly, once positioned on the anchors, prevents the anchors from backing out of the bony tissue.

Abstract: A fixation or implant system (10) is provided for supporting a spinal column (12) and includes a pair of dynamic spinal rods (14, 16) that are fixed on laterally opposite sides of the spine (12). The rods (14,16) are configured to allow an initial range of spinal motion and to resist spinal motion beyond the initial range.

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: 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: A spinal implant that includes a plurality of components adapted for use as an implant in a disc. Each component is configured to be inserted into a void of a disc and each component complimentarily abuts at least one other component to form the implant. A method treating a spinal disc that includes creating a port from a posterior approach into the disc space of a spinal disc; and inserting components that form a spinal implant into the disc space through the port to form the spinal implant. A method of forming a modular spinal implant, comprising: preparing a plurality of components that are shaped for insertion into a disc, wherein each component abuts at least one other component in the disc.

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 valved catheter assembly is designed to be used to minimize patient discomfort and to prevent infection at an entry site. The valved catheter assembly includes a hub including a slit valve disposed therein and distal tubing extending in a distal direction from the hub when the valved catheter assembly is inserted into a body of a patient. The valved catheter assembly is free of proximal tubing extending in a proximal direction from the hub.