Abstract: A mixing apparatus comprises a cylindrical body extending between proximal and distal ends. The cylindrical body has a hollow interior and an outlet at the distal end. The mixing apparatus also includes a plunger having an elongated shaft with a distal end, a first mixing plate with a first plurality of holes extending therethrough, and a second mixing plate with a second plurality of holes extending therethrough. The first and second mixing plates have a first relative position, adapted for mixing, in which the first and second plurality of holes are aligned. The mixing plates have a second relative position, adapted for material dispensing, in which the first plurality of holes are blocked by the second mixing plate.

Abstract: An inflatable bone tamp for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes an outer shaft defining an internal lumen, an inflatable structure coupled to the outer shaft, and an inner shaft movably disposed within the internal lumen and coupled to a distal end region of the inflatable structure. The internal lumen is sized to receive the inflatable structure, such that by moving the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft, the inflatable structure can be retracted into the internal lumen (and likewise can be extended from within the internal lumen for deployment in bone). This retraction capability can beneficially protect the inflatable structure during positioning/removal, and can also enhance recovery from radial tears of the inflatable structure.

Abstract: An inflatable bone tamp for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes a shaft having a primary region and a reduced diameter region, and an inflatable structure surrounding at least a portion of the reduced diameter region. The reduced diameter region of the shaft allows the deflated size of the inflatable structure to be minimized, while at the same time eliminating the need for the conventional dual lumen balloon catheter construction.

Abstract: Medical devices for the treatment of spinal conditions are described herein. The medical device includes a sleeve, and optionally a bumper, that is disposed between adjacent spinous processes and has a first retention member and a second retention member, which may be locked together.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and/or method of using a surgical instrument during spinal surgery. The surgical instrument may find particular applicability to spinal implants for the intervertebral disc space that require relative rotation between parts in order to change the height of the implant. The instrument includes a knob that rotatable and selectively longitudinally moveable relative to a handle section. In a forward position, turning the knob turns a drive shaft that is coupled to the rotatable actuator of the implant, and causes the implant to expand or retract depending on the direction of rotation. In the rearward position, the drive shaft is retracted, and turning the knob turns a coupling shaft, distinct from the drive shaft, for decoupling the implant from the instrument.

Abstract: In one form, an expandable cannula assembly for use in percutaneous surgical procedures includes an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The elongate body includes a pair of elongate members that cooperate to define a working channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end and being expandable from a first, unexpanded configuration to a second, expanded configuration. The elongate members are displaceable away from one another along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end of the working channel in order to expand the working channel from the first configuration to the second configuration. In one aspect, the elongate members engage with one another to lock the working channel in the second configuration and prevent movement of the elongate members toward one another. However, in other embodiments, different forms and applications are envisioned.

Abstract: An injectable, flexible interspinous process device and a delivery system. The interspinous process device is flexible and can be fillable in situ with a desired amount of biocompatible material. The interspinous process device has a container portion. A support element, such as a self-expanding mesh, is used in conjunction with the container to provide added structural support. The mesh also facilitates deployment of the device when it is properly positioned. A conduit may be coupled to the interspinous process to fill the device. A delivery system is also provided for delivering the flexible interspinous process device to the desired location. The delivery system includes an outer catheter that is disposed over the interspinous process device to maintain it in the undeployed state and thus facilitate delivery of the device to the desired location. An inner removable sleeve and a guidewire may also be used with the delivery system.

Abstract: Devices for cutting an intervertebral disc that may include an elongated shape with a distal end and a proximal end and being sized for insertion into an intervertebral space. The devices may include a number of articulating segments that are movably connected together to be shaped in a variety of angular orientations to conform to the shape of the intervertebral disc. The segments may include one or more exposed cutting surfaces that cut the disc as the device is moved through the intervertebral space.

Abstract: The rolled media cutter includes an elongated tray and a cutting mechanism. The elongated tray includes first and second substantially parallel channels. The first channel is formed in the tray and is configured to receive the rolled media therein. The cutting mechanism is configured to be slidingly coupled to the second channel. The cutting mechanism includes a cutting surface and a slider coupled to the cutting surface. The slider is configured to be retained within the channel so as to prevent the cutting mechanism from being removed from a portion of the second channel.

Abstract: The rolled media cutter includes an elongated tray and a cutting mechanism. The elongated tray includes first and second substantially parallel channels. The first channel is formed in the tray and is configured to receive the rolled media therein. The cutting mechanism is configured to be slidingly coupled to the second channel. The cutting mechanism includes a cutting surface and a slider coupled to the cutting surface. The slider is configured to be retained within the channel so as to prevent said cutting mechanism from being removed from at least a portion along the second channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for keeping in place rolled media, while pulling the leading edge of the media, then holding the unrolled or flat media, (herein referred to as “media”) in place. The media could be made from, but is not limited to, materials such as paper, plastic, metal, or fabric. This is done while measuring a desired length from the leading edge and cutting the measured portion of the media. The invention provides a portable, safe, easy, and convenient device for handling, uncurling, sizing and cutting a desired portion of the media.