Abstract: Methods of delivering bone cement to within a vertebral body. An access cannula is directed into the vertebral body with a stylet disposed within a tube and extending through a valve in an open position. The stylet is removed from the access cannula such that the valve moves from the open position to a closed position in which the valve prevents egress of fluid from the access cannula. The bone cement is delivered through the access cannula with the valve in the open position. A delivery cannula may be directed into the access cannula, and the bone cement may be delivered through the delivery cannula. The delivery cannula may be prefilled with the bone cement. A bone cement mixer may be coupled to the access cannula and operated to direct the bone cement through the access cannula. Pressure from the bone cement may move the valve to the open position.

Abstract: A mixing device and methods for making bone cement. A piston (156) of the mixing device is located in a first region (158) of a chamber (112) such that a mixing paddle (154) rotates to mix bone cement components at a first pressure to make a bone cement mixture. The piston (156) is moved passed an inlet opening (136) to be located within a second region (160) of the chamber (112) to compress the bone cement mixture to a second pressure greater than the first pressure to compress the bone cement mixture and make the bone cement. The bone cement may be transferred to a delivery device. The mixing device may include features that automatically initiate the compression and transferring phases after completion of the mixing phase, and further include features that automatically terminate the operational cycle. A three-step intuitive workflow utilizing the mixing device to improve efficiency in the surgical suite is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of delivering bone cement to within a vertebral body. An access cannula is directed into the vertebral body with a stylet disposed within a tube and extending through a valve in an open position. The stylet is removed from the access cannula such that the valve moves from the open position to a closed position in which the valve prevents egress of fluid from the access cannula. The bone cement is delivered through the access cannula with the valve in the open position. A delivery cannula may be directed into the access cannula, and the bone cement may be delivered through the delivery cannula. The delivery cannula may be prefilled with the bone cement. A bone cement mixer may be coupled to the access cannula and operated to direct the bone cement through the access cannula. Pressure from the bone cement may move the valve to the open position.

Abstract: An access cannula that defines a portal to the tissue to which the material is delivered. The access cannula includes a valve. 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 a delivery cannula out of the access cannula.

Abstract: An access cannula that defines a portal to the tissue to which the material is delivered. The access cannula includes a valve. 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 a delivery cannula out of the access cannula.

Abstract: An assembly that consist of a cannula; an electrode and a syringe. The cannula has a hub that defines a set of adjacent bores. A first proximal bore receives the head of the electrode. A second bore receives the head of the syringe. The cannula has a stop that limits the extent to which the electrode can be inserted in the proximal bore. When the syringe is inserted in the cannula hub, the syringe is inserted beyond the stop. The syringe presses against an adjacent surface that defines the second bore to form a seal between the cannula and the syringe.