Abstract: A modular drinking container configured to receive one or more components. The modular drinking container, or mug, is configured to have at least one interchangeable component, wherein the at least one interchangeable component is configured to receive and hold one or more external accessory components. The modular drinking mug comprises a removable outer member and an inner member. The inner member is configured to receive and store a liquid therein. The outer member is configured to be positioned over the inner member and secured thereto. The outer member contains one or more locking members to provide a mechanism to secure one or more external accessories to the modular drinking container.

Abstract: Safety-blade dispensers for safely storing surgical blades prior to surgery and optionally for retrieving used surgical blades after surgery. In either case, the safety-blade dispenser is configured to store one or more surgical blades in an orientation that allows a user to simply and safely attach a surgical tool handle to the surgical blades (and optionally remove the handle from the surgical blades) without requiring the user to physically touch or manipulate the surgical blades by hand. The safety-blade dispensers disclosed herein may be used alone or in conjunction with a system and method of preventing wrong-site surgery.

Abstract: A retractor having an elongated body that provides access to a surgical location within a patient. The elongate body includes a plurality of segments that are connected to one another through a plurality of ratcheting mechanisms. The ratcheting mechanisms permit relative movement of the segments with respect to one another when expander dilators are inserted within the retractor. The segments are surrounded and retained by a resilient elastomeric sleeve or bands. The distal end surfaces of the segments include thin edges that are configured to mobilize, dissect, split and retract the terminal tissues in the surgical area. The retractor may be used in conjunction with a shim.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system, devices and methods for percutaneous pedicle screw revision procedures. The present invention utilizes a tulip rod stub/connector adapted to be used to extend pedicle screw/rod constructs with minimal disruption to surrounding soft tissue and without having to remove existing hardware.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system, devices and methods for percutaneous pedicle screw revision procedures. The present invention utilizes a tulip rod stub/connector adapted to be used to extend pedicle screw/rod constructs with minimal disruption to surrounding soft tissue and without having to remove existing hardware.

Abstract: A retractor having an elongate body that provides access to a surgical location within a patient. The elongate body includes a plurality of segments that are connected to one another through a plurality of ratcheting mechanisms. The ratcheting mechanisms permit relative movement of the segments with respect to one another when expander dilators are inserted within the retractor. The segments are surrounded and retained by a resilient elastomeric sleeve or bands. The distal end surfaces of the segments include thin edges that are configured to mobilize, dissect, split and retract the terminal tissues in the surgical area. The retractor is used in conjunction with a resilient elastomeric pad that is affixed to the patient and firmly engages the outer surface of the elongate body to thereby anchor the retractor to the patient. A separate anchoring device can be used to connect the retractor to the pad.

Abstract: A modular dynamic pedicle screw system including anchoring device having a threaded shank for anchoring within a vertebra, an intermediate element and a head portion configured to receive and secure a rigid or non-rigid stabilization rod. The threaded shank, the intermediate element and the head portion of the anchoring device are cannulated to permit percutaneous implantation of the device. The intermediate portion is designed to be removable from the threaded shank portion subsequent to implantation of the anchoring device to enable substitution of another intermediate element having different dynamic characteristics. The dynamic stabilization system includes an adjustable torque limiting device that is interchangeable between a tap device and a screw driver. The torque device provides information relative to the patient's bone quality inter-operatively in order to determine the appropriate modulus of elasticity for the dynamic pedicle screw.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a laterally inserted spinous process plating device and a method for installing the device using a minimally invasive procedure. The device includes a partially threaded bolt as well as a contralateral and ipsilateral fixation plates, a deployment nut, a lag nut and a locking nut. Each fixation plate includes a pair of wing portions that are pivotally connected to one another to facilitate installation. The each of the fixation plates includes anchoring elements.

Abstract: A modular dynamic pedicle screw system including anchoring device having a threaded shank for anchoring within a vertebra, an intermediate element and a head portion configured to receive and secure a rigid or non-rigid stabilization rod. The threaded shank, the intermediate element and the head portion of the anchoring device are cannulated to permit percutaneous implantation of the device. The intermediate portion is designed to be removable from the threaded shank portion subsequent to implantation of the anchoring device to enable substitution of another intermediate element having different dynamic characteristics. The dynamic stabilization system includes an adjustable torque limiting device that is interchangeable between a tap device and a screw driver. The torque device provides information relative to the patient's bone quality inter-operatively in order to determine the appropriate modulus of elasticity for the dynamic pedicle screw.

Abstract: A retractor having an elongate body that provides access to a surgical location within a patient. The elongate body includes a plurality of segments that are connected to one another through a plurality of ratcheting mechanisms. The ratcheting mechanisms permit relative movement of the segments with respect to one another when expander dilators are inserted within the retractor. The segments are surrounded and retained by a resilient elastomeric sleeve or bands. The distal end surfaces of the segments include thin edges that are configured to mobilize, dissect, split and retract the terminal tissues in the surgical area. The retractor is used in conjunction with a resilient elastomeric pad that is affixed to the patient and firmly engages the outer surface of the elongate body to thereby anchor the retractor to the patient. A separate anchoring device can be used to connect the retractor to the pad.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system, devices and methods for percutaneous pedicle screw revision procedures. The present invention utilizes a tulip rod stub/connector adapted to be used to extend pedicle screw/rod constructs with minimal disruption to surrounding soft tissue and without having to remove existing hardware.

Abstract: A retractor having an elongate body that provides access to a surgical location within a patient. The elongate body includes a plurality of segments that are connected to one another through a plurality of ratcheting mechanisms. The ratcheting mechanisms permit relative movement of the segments with respect to one another when expander dilators are inserted within the retractor. The segments are surrounded and retained by a resilient elastomeric sleeve or bands. The distal end surfaces of the segments include thin edges that are configured to mobilize, dissect, split and retract the terminal tissues in the surgical area. The retractor is used in conjunction with a resilient elastomeric pad that is affixed to the patient and firmly engages the outer surface of the elongate body to thereby anchor the retractor to the patient. A separate anchoring device can be used to connect the retractor to the pad.

Abstract: A modular dynamic pedicle screw system including anchoring device having a threaded shank for anchoring within a vertebra, an intermediate element and a head portion configured to receive and secure a rigid or non-rigid stabilization rod. The threaded shank, the intermediate element and the head portion of the anchoring device are cannulated to permit percutaneous implantation of the device. The intermediate portion is designed to be removable from the threaded shank portion subsequent to implantation of the anchoring device to enable substitution of another intermediate element having different dynamic characteristics. The dynamic stabilization system includes an adjustable torque limiting device that is interchangeable between a tap device and a screw driver. The torque device provides information relative to the patient's bone quality inter-operatively in order to determine the appropriate modulus of elasticity for the dynamic pedicle screw.

Abstract: A modular anchoring device including a threaded shank for anchoring within a vertebra, an intermediate element and a head portion configured to receive and secure a rigid or non-rigid stabilization rod. The threaded shank, the intermediate element and the head portion of the anchoring device are cannulated to permit percutaneous implantation of the device. The intermediate portion is designed to be removable from the threaded shank portion subsequent to implantation of the anchoring device to enable substitution of another intermediate element having different dynamic characteristics.

Abstract: A retractor having an elongate body that provides access to a surgical location within a patient. The elongate body includes a plurality of segments that are connected to one another through a plurality of ratcheting mechanisms. The ratcheting mechanisms permit relative movement of the segments with respect to one another when expander dilators are inserted within the retractor. The segments are surrounded and retained by a resilient elastomeric sleeve or bands. The distal end surfaces of the segments include thin edges that are configured to mobilize, dissect, split and retract the terminal tissues in the surgical area. The retractor is used in conjunction with a resilient elastomeric pad that is affixed to the patient and firmly engages the outer surface of the elongate body to thereby anchor the retractor to the patient. A separate anchoring device can be used to connect the retractor to the pad.

Abstract: A retractor having an elongate body that provides access to a surgical location within a patient. The elongate body is generally ovoid in cross section and includes a plurality of segments that are connected to one another through a plurality of ratcheting mechanisms. The ratcheting mechanisms permit relative movement of the segments with respect to one another when expander dilators are inserted within the retractor. The segments are surrounded and retained by a resilient elastomeric sleeve or bands. The distal end surfaces of the segments include thin edges that are configured to mobilize, dissect, split and retract the terminal tissues in the surgical area. The retractor is used in conjunction with a resilient elastomeric pad that is affixed to the patient and firmly engages the outer surface of the elongate body to thereby anchor the retractor to the patient. A separate anchoring device can be used to connect the retractor to the pad.

Abstract: A device and method for inactivating infectious biological or chemical agents using microwave-activated diazoluminomelanin (DALM). The agents are typically vacuumed into a load cavity, which is at least partially filled with DALM. The load is irradiated with microwaves via a cylindrical waveguide disposed under the load cavity, thereby inactivating or destroying the agents. The system is preferably temperature controlled and operation is preferably automated.

Abstract: A device and method for inactivating infectious biological or chemical agents using microwave-activated diazoluminomelanin (DALM). The agents are typically vacuumed into a load cavity, which is at least partially filled with DALM. The load is irradiated with microwaves via a cylindrical waveguide disposed under the load cavity, thereby inactivating or destroying the agents. The system is preferably temperature controlled and operation is preferably automated.

Abstract: A modular anchoring device including a threaded shank for anchoring within a vertebra, an intermediate element and a head portion configured to receive and secure a rigid or non-rigid stabilization rod. The threaded shank, the intermediate element and the head portion of the anchoring device are cannulated to permit percutaneous implantation of the device. The intermediate portion is designed to be removable from the threaded shank portion subsequent to implantation of the anchoring device to enable substitution of another intermediate element having different dynamic characteristics.