Abstract: An implantable system includes an implantable medical device (IMD) and a non-transvenous lead that is configured to be implanted outside of a heart. The IMD includes an output configured to be connected at least to the lead, a current generator (CG) circuit configured to generate pacing pulses, a switching circuit coupled between the CG circuit and the output, one or more capacitors coupled in parallel with the CG circuit and the switching circuit, and a control circuit coupled to the CG circuit. The control circuit is configured to manage the CG circuit to generate the pacing pulses with a constant current at the output.

Abstract: Medical device locking mechanisms and related methods and systems. In some embodiments, the medical device may comprise an outer surface defining one or more fastener openings configured for receiving one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners may comprise an upper surface configured to be engaged by a component of the locking system to prevent fastener backout. A plurality of petal structures may be configured to be selectively expanded or contracted to engage the head portion and retain the at least one fastener within the fastener opening to prevent the fastener from backing out of the fastener opening. A biasing member may selectively engage the plurality of petal structures to either expand or contract the plurality of petal structures to facilitate locking the fastener(s) in place within the device.

Abstract: Medical device locking mechanisms and related methods and systems. In some embodiments, the medical device may comprise an outer surface defining one or more fastener openings configured for receiving one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners may comprise an upper surface configured to be engaged by a component of the locking system to prevent fastener backout. A plurality of petal structures may be configured to be selectively expanded or contracted to engage the head portion and retain the at least one fastener within the fastener opening to prevent the fastener from backing out of the fastener opening. A biasing member may selectively engage the plurality of petal structures to either expand or contract the plurality of petal structures to facilitate locking the fastener(s) in place within the device.

Abstract: Medical device locking mechanisms and related methods and systems. In some embodiments, the medical device may comprise an outer surface defining one or more fastener openings configured for receiving one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners may comprise an upper surface configured to be engaged by a component of the locking system to prevent fastener backout. A plurality of petal structures may be configured to be selectively expanded or contracted to engage the head portion and retain the at least one fastener within the fastener opening to prevent the fastener from backing out of the fastener opening. A biasing member may selectively engage the plurality of petal structures to either expand or contract the plurality of petal structures to facilitate locking the fastener(s) in place within the device.

Abstract: A vertebral stabilization device operable for stabilizing and/or decompressing a portion of the spine, including: a first frame member; a second frame member; a first connector member engaged to the first frame member for securing the first frame member to a first structure of the spine; and a second connector member engaged to the second frame member for securing the second frame member to a second structure of the spine; wherein the first frame member and the second frame member are in a telescoping relationship with each other. The first and second structures of the spine may include spinous processes, laminae, sacral structures, or any other suitable structures. Preferably, the first connector member and the second connector member are substantially arcuate in shape, and may face towards each other, away from each other, or in the same direction.

Abstract: Medical device locking mechanisms and related methods and systems. In some embodiments, the medical device may comprise an outer surface defining one or more fastener openings configured for receiving one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners may comprise an upper surface configured to be engaged by a component of the locking system to prevent fastener backout. A plurality of petal structures may be configured to be selectively expanded or contracted to engage the head portion and retain the at least one fastener within the fastener opening to prevent the fastener from backing out of the fastener opening. A biasing member may selectively engage the plurality of petal structures to either expand or contract the plurality of petal structures to facilitate locking the fastener(s) in place within the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for placing spinal implants within an intervertebral region. In some embodiments, a surgical positioning tool may be provided that allows for access to an implantation site to be gained along a first axis, and then allows a spinal implant to be repositioned from the first axis to a second axis at an angle with respect to the first axis. The spinal implant may, in some embodiments, comprise a recess comprising two adjacent bars configured to engage elements of the surgical positioning tool to allow for the aforementioned repositioning.

Abstract: The cervical plate locking mechanism of the present invention is elegant in its design and effective in its performance, and utilizes a plate with holes that each incorporate a locking lip structure and locking screws that each incorporate a head portion having petal structures that are outwardly biased prior to insertion via an internally-disposed c-ring or the like. Advantageously, the lead-in torque of each of the locking screws is less than the lead-out torque of each of the locking screws. Thus, reverse threading or backing out is prevented. Alternatively, the cervical plate locking mechanism of the present invention utilizes a locking plate having petal structures that are inwardly biased prior to insertion of the head portion of the locking screws via an externally-disposed c-ring or the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for placing spinal implants within an intervertebral region. In some embodiments, a surgical positioning tool may be provided that allows for access to an implantation site to be gained along a first axis, and then allows a spinal implant to be repositioned from the first axis to a second axis at an angle with respect to the first axis. The spinal implant may, in some embodiments, comprise a recess comprising two adjacent bars configured to engage elements of the surgical positioning tool to allow for the aforementioned repositioning.

Abstract: Pedicle screw assemblies and related bone screws. In some embodiments, the bone screw may comprise a head portion and an axial shaft. The axial shaft may comprise a threaded portion comprising a triple lead thread disposed about the axial shaft. The axial shaft may further comprise a tapering portion and a non-tapering portion. The tapering portion may comprise multiple tapering portions tapering at differing rates, and may be positioned adjacent to a tip of the axial shaft. Each of the three leads may extend coextensively along at least a majority of the length of the axial shaft, the threaded portion, the tapering portion, and/or the non-tapering portion.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system having two rings or other base/frame elements separated by a plurality of struts. The struts are attached to the rings by a combination of a attachment mechanism having at least two degrees of movement each, and at least one connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanisms may be moveably or non-moveably connected to one or more tracks located on either or both rings of base elements. A combination of these elements provides a fixation device that allows for six degrees of freedom of movement between the rings or other base elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical positioning assembly that is used to place a spinal implant device or the like within an intervertebral space or the like of a patient and associated surgical methods. Advantageously, the surgical positioning assembly allows access to the implantation site to be gained along a first axis, with the implant device subsequently being placed along a second axis that is disposed at an angle or substantially perpendicular to the first axis via the actuation of the surgical positioning assembly. Thus, for example, a surgeon may use an anterior or posterior approach to place an implant device laterally, or vice versa.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system having two rings or other base/frame elements separated by a plurality of struts. The struts are attached to the rings by a combination of a attachment mechanism having at least two degrees of movement each, and at least one connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanisms may be moveably or non-moveably connected to one or more tracks located on either or both rings of base elements. A combination of these elements provides a fixation device that allows for six degrees of freedom of movement between the rings or other base elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides an articulating TLIF inserter device operable for placing, positioning, and inserting a spinal implant into an intervertebral space with minimum tissue disruption and maximum inline impaction forces, including: an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axis; an ergonomic handle disposed at the proximal end of the elongate shaft; an articulating joint mechanism disposed at the distal end of the elongate shaft; and an inserter piece coupled to the articulating joint mechanism, wherein the inserter piece is operable for selectively retaining the spinal implant, and wherein the articulating joint mechanism is operable for selectively actuating the inserter piece between one or more substantially off-axis configurations and a substantially on-axis configuration with respect to the elongate shaft.

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly, including: a bone screw having a head portion and a thread portion, wherein the thread portion includes an axial shaft and a triple lead thread disposed about the axial shaft; and a rod retention member selectively coupled to the head portion of the bone screw. Optionally, the triple lead thread includes leads that originate at different points along the axial shaft. Optionally, the triple lead thread includes leads that terminate at different points along the axial shaft. Optionally, the axial shaft includes a first tapering portion proximate a tip of the axial shaft. Optionally, the axial shaft includes a second tapering portion proximate the tip of the axial shaft. Preferably, the second tapering portion tapers more steeply than the first tapering portion. Optionally, the axial shaft includes a reduced diameter portion proximate the head portion. Optionally, the axial shaft includes one or more tapering portions proximate the head portion.

Abstract: An intramedullary fixation device and related method for treatment of a Jones fracture. An exemplary device may comprise a rod having a distal section and a threaded proximal section, and means for securing the distal section within a first bone portion on a distal side of a fracture site. The device may also comprise a compression collar threadably received over the proximal section for providing compression to the fracture site, the compression collar comprising a threaded portion on its exterior surface configured to engage an interior of a second bone portion on a proximal side of the fracture site. In addition, the device includes an anti-rotational system engaging the compression collar to prevent rotation of the compression collar from its position providing the compression to the fracture site.

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly, including: a bone screw having a head portion and a thread portion, wherein the thread portion includes an axial shaft and a triple lead thread disposed about the axial shaft; and a rod retention member selectively coupled to the head portion of the bone screw. Optionally, the triple lead thread includes leads that originate at different points along the axial shaft. Optionally, the triple lead thread includes leads that terminate at different points along the axial shaft. Optionally, the axial shaft includes a first tapering portion proximate a tip of the axial shaft. Optionally, the axial shaft includes a second tapering portion proximate the tip of the axial shaft. Preferably, the second tapering portion tapers more steeply than the first tapering portion. Optionally, the axial shaft includes a reduced diameter portion proximate the head portion. Optionally, the axial shaft includes one or more tapering portions proximate the head portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to dynamic/wet testing of a milking machine (i.e. during extraction of milk from at least one animal). A proposed testing arrangement includes a number of sensors(111, 112, 113, 114, 121, 122, 123, 124, 2, 21, 22, 23, 24, 3, 31, 32, 33, 34, 4, 41, 42, 43, 44, 5, 6), which are adapted to register a vacuum pressure at a respective test point in at least one fluid conduit of the milking machine. An analysis unit (A) of the testing arrangement determines at least one pressure difference between the vacuum pressures registered in at least two of the test points being positioned on a respective side of at least one component in the milking machine with respect to a fluid flow through the at least one component to establish a vacuum drop over this component. The unit (A) compares the vacuum drop with a threshold value to conclude whether or not a test condition is fulfilled. A notification is generated with respect to any component for which the condition not is fulfilled.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system having two rings or other base/frame elements separated by a plurality of struts. The struts are attached to the rings by a combination of a attachment mechanism having at least two degrees of movement each, and at least one connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanisms may be moveably or non-moveably connected to one or more tracks located on either or both rings of base elements. A combination of these elements provides a fixation device that allows for six degrees of freedom of movement between the rings or other base elements.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides surgical systems and method for joint fixation device with a self-locking mechanism to provide stabilization and immobilization of a joint, such as a facet joint or the like. The present invention includes an elongated fixation mechanism that is placed through an opening in a joint and inserted into a retention mechanism. The retention mechanism is operable to provide a self-locking mechanism to the elongated fixation mechanism to provide fixation of the joint. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention can be utilized by a surgeon through a minimally-invasive surgical procedure to provide facet joint fixation.