Abstract: Various implementations for therapy to facet joints connecting vertebrae are disclosed including: A) Facet joint stabilization that may be implemented using stabilization band that maintains tension between two anchors. The stabilization band may be retained in any one of a number of ways including the use of an anti-slip device such as a mechanically deformed crimp that abuts one of the anchors. B) Facet joint augmentation may be implemented by dilating the facet joint and inserting a facet joint spacer before adding a facet joint stabilization assembly. The facet joint augmentation may include connecting a tail section of the facet joint spacer to the first anchor used in the facet joint stabilization assembly. C) Facet joint immobilization may be implemented by inserting a fastener across the facet joint and into the vertebra so that the assembled fastener expands inside the vertebra.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing body tissue involving the use of a brush member having a plurality of bristle members defining a capacity for carrying body tissue. The brush member is capable of being manipulated within said body to thereby receive body tissue within said brush member such that said body tissue may be carried and thereafter removed from said body. Also provided are protective devices dimensioned to be positioned near an entrance into the target site, the protective devices for establishing a barrier between the brush member and at least a portion of the body tissue adjacent to the entrance. The protective devices may comprise one of a cannula assembly and a retractor assembly.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing body tissue involving the use of a brush member (12) having a plurality of bristle members defining a capacity for carrying body tissue. The brush member (12) is capable of being manipulated within said body to thereby receive body tissue within said brush member (12) such that said body tissue may be carried and thereafter removed from said body. Also provided are protective devices (90) dimensioned to be positioned near an entrance into the target site, the protective devices (90) for establishing a barrier between the brush member (12) and at least a portion of the body tissue adjacent to the entrance. The protective devices (16) may comprise one of a cannula assembly (14) and a retractor assembly.

Abstract: Various implementations for therapy to facet joints connecting vertebrae are disclosed including: A) Facet joint stabilization that may be implemented using stabilization band that maintains tension between two anchors. The stabilization band may be retained in any one of a number of ways including the use of an anti-slip device such as a mechanically deformed crimp that abuts one of the anchors. B) Facet joint augmentation may be implemented by dilating the facet joint and inserting a facet joint spacer before adding a facet joint stabilization assembly. The facet joint augmentation may include connecting a tail section of the facet joint spacer to the first anchor used in the facet joint stabilization assembly. C) Facet joint immobilization may be implemented by inserting a fastener across the facet joint and into the vertebra so that the assembled fastener expands inside the vertebra.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing body tissue involving the use of a brush member (12) having a plurality of bristle members defining a capacity for carrying body tissue. The brush member (12) is capable of being manipulated within said body to thereby receive body tissue within said brush member (12) such that said body tissue may be carried and thereafter removed from said body. Also provided are protective devices (90) dimensioned to be positioned near an entrance into the target site, the protective devices (90) for establishing a barrier between the brush member (12) and at least a portion of the body tissue adjacent to the entrance. The protective devices (16) may comprise one of a cannula assembly (14) and a retractor assembly.