Abstract: An assembly for performing an electrosurgical procedure. A cannula includes a cannula hub defining a middle bore having a smaller diameter than a proximal bore. An electrode includes an electrode head having an outer diameter smaller than the proximal bore and greater than the middle bore. A syringe includes a syringe head having a length sufficient to extend past the proximal bore, and an outer diameter sized to engage the middle bore to form an annular seal at an interface between the syringe and the cannula. A step may define a transition surface between the proximal bore and the middle bore, and at least one notch may be within the step to maintain fluid communication between the middle bore and the proximal bore when the electrode head is engaging the step. The cannula head may include first and second locking features configured to engage the syringe and electrode, respectively.

Abstract: An assembly for performing an electrosurgical procedure. A cannula includes a cannula hub defining a middle bore having a smaller diameter than a proximal bore. An electrode includes an electrode head having an outer diameter smaller than the proximal bore and greater than the middle bore. A syringe includes a syringe head having a length sufficient to extend past the proximal bore, and an outer diameter sized to engage the middle bore to form an annular seal at an interface between the syringe and the cannula. A step may define a transition surface between the proximal bore and the middle bore, and at least one notch may be within the step to maintain fluid communication between the middle bore and the proximal bore when the electrode head is engaging the step. The cannula head may include first and second locking features configured to engage the syringe and electrode, respectively.

Abstract: A manifold for loading plural cannulae with a substance is described. The manifold includes a housing with a plurality of channels that route the flow of the mixed substance from a single central channel to multiple sub-channels for the simultaneous filling of attached cannulae. Each sub-channel extends to a fitting to which a cannula may be attached. The fittings are rotatably mounted to the housing. A lock assembly holds the cannulae to the individual fittings are so that when a cannula is removed from a fitting, the fitting rotates so as to close the fluid path from the sub-channel. In order to attach a second cannula to the same fitting the lock system requires the fitting to be rotates into a position in which the fluid communications path from the associated sub-channel is reopened.

Abstract: A delivery assembly (20, 140) for delivering material such as bone cement into living tissue. The assembly includes an access cannula (22) that defines a portal to the tissue to which the material is delivered. The material is delivered from a delivery cannula (82) that is seated in the access cannula. The access cannula includes a valve (48, 146). The valve prevents the flow of material out of the access cannula. The valve also prevents the pressure head at the site at which the access cannula is inserted from forcing the delivery cannula out of the access cannula.

Abstract: A manifold for loading plural cannulae with a substance The manifold includes a housing with a plurality of channels that route the flow of the mixed substance from a single central channel to multiple sub-channels for the simultaneous filling of attached cannulae. Each sub-channel extends to a fitting to which a cannula may be attached. The fittings are rotatably mounted to the housing. A lock assembly holds the cannulae to the individual fittings are so that when a cannula is removed from a fitting, the fitting rotates so as to close the fluid path from the sub-channel. In order to attach a second cannula to the same fitting the lock system requires the fitting to be rotates into a position in which the fluid communications path from the associated sub-channel is reopened.

Abstract: A system for loading plural cannulae with a substance that is to be injected into living tissue. This invention provides an efficient means of providing plural substance-filled cannulae for surgical procedures, such as vertebral augmentations. The system includes a mixing and delivery system, including a manifold. The manifold includes a housing with a plurality of channels that route the flow of the mixed substance from a single central channel to multiple sub-channels for the simultaneous filling of attached cannulae. The manifold also includes valves that regulate the flow of the substance out of the manifold. The open/closed states of these valves are inherently set as a function of the presence/absence of cannulae. A cartridge/plate releasably holds the multiple cannulae to the manifold. The release of the cartridge/plate results in the simultaneous release of the substance-filled cannulae from the manifold.

Abstract: A delivery assembly (20, 140) for delivering material such as bone cement into living tissue. The assembly includes an access cannula (22) that defines a portal to the tissue to which the material is delivered. The material is delivered from a delivery cannula (82) that is seated in the access cannula. The access cannula includes a valve (48, 146). The valve prevents the flow of material out of the access cannula. The valve also prevents the pressure head at the site at which the access cannula is inserted from forcing the delivery cannula out of the access cannula.

Abstract: A system for loading plural cannulae with a substance that is to be injected into living tissue. This invention provides an efficient means of providing plural substance-filled cannulae for surgical procedures, such as vertebral augmentations. The system includes a mixing and delivery system, including a manifold. The manifold includes a housing with a plurality of channels that route the flow of the mixed substance from a single central channel to multiple sub-channels for the simultaneous filling of attached cannulae. The manifold also includes valves that regulate the flow of the substance out of the manifold. The open/closed states of these valves are inherently set as a function of the presence/absence of cannulae. A cartridge/plate releasably holds the multiple cannulae to the manifold. The release of the cartridge/plate results in the simultaneous release of the substance-filled cannulae from the manifold.