Abstract: Surgical implants are configured for placement posteriorly to a spinal canal between vertebral bodies to distract the spine and enlarge the spinal canal. The device permits spinal flexion while limiting spinal extension thereby providing an effective treatment for treating spinal stenosis without the need for laminectomy. The device may be used in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. Numerous embodiments are disclosed, including elongated, length-adjustable components coupled to adjacent vertebral bodies using pedicle screws. The device is configured for placement between adjacent vertebral bodies and adapted to fuse the lamina, facet, spinous process or other posterior elements of a single vertebra. Preferably, the device forms a pseudo-joint in conjunction with the non-fused vertebra. Alternatively, the device could be fused to the caudal vertebra or both the cranial and caudal vertebrae.

Abstract: An artificial disc replacement (ADR) includes a pair of opposing endplate components, each attached to one of the upper and lower vertebrae, a cushioning component disposed between the endplate components; and a filler material contained within the cushioning component. The filler material may be a gas, liquid, foam, or gel, including a hydrogel. In a preferred embodiment, the ADR may further include one or more opposing, spaced-apart projections configured to impinge if the endplate components are subjected to an excessive force. Such projections may allow for unrestricted motion between the endplates until impingement, or may restrict translation between the endplates until a greater excessive force is reached. One or both of the endplate components may include a modified surface to increase adherence to the respective vertebral endplates.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are used to expand and/or connect disc replacement devices in situ, allowing such devices to be inserted through smaller openings including posterior as well as an anterior approaches to the spine. Other embodiments reside in nucleus replacements that do not expand within the disc space, providing improved longevity compared to existing NRs. Embodiments of the invention may be used in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. The invention may also be used in other joints such as, the knee, prosthetic knees, prosthetic hips, or other joints in the body.

Abstract: An artificial joint or disc replacement (ADR) broadly includes a pair of opposing endplate components, each attached to one of the upper and lower vertebrae, a cushioning component disposed between the endplate components, and a mechanism for coupling the cushioning component to one or both of the endplates. In the preferred embodiment, the cushioning component takes the form of a tire-like outer structure attached to an inner hub. A filler material is also preferably contained within the cushioning component. The filler material may be a gas, liquid, foam, or gel, including a hydrogel. One or both of the endplate components may include a modified surface to increase adherence to respective opposing bone surfaces.

Abstract: An artificial joint or disc replacement (ADR) broadly includes a pair of opposing endplate components, each attached to one of the upper and lower vertebrae, a cushioning component disposed between the endplate components, and a mechanism for coupling the cushioning component to one or both of the endplates. In the preferred embodiment, the cushioning component takes the form of a tire-like outer structure attached to an inner hub. A filler material is also preferably contained within the cushioning component. The filler material may be a gas, liquid, foam, or gel, including a hydrogel. One or both of the endplate components may include a modified surface to increase adherence to respective opposing bone surfaces.

Abstract: Surgical implants are configured for placement posteriorly to a spinal canal between vertebral bodies to distract the spine and enlarge the spinal canal. In the preferred embodiments the device permits spinal flexion while limiting spinal extension, thereby providing an effective treatment for treating spinal stenosis without the need for laminectomy. The invention may be used in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. Numerous embodiments are disclosed, including elongated, length-adjustable components coupled to adjacent vertebral bodies using pedicle screws. The preferred embodiments, however, teach a device configured for placement between adjacent vertebral bodies and adapted to fuse to the lamina, facet, spinous process or other posterior elements of a single vertebra. Various mechanisms, including shape, porosity, tethers, and bone-growth promoting substances may be used to enhance fusion. The tether may be a wire, cable, suture, or other single or multi-filament member.

Abstract: Artificial disc replacement (ADR) components cooperate to limit axial rotation and/or lateral bending to a greater degree when the spine is extended than when the spine is a neutral to flexed position, thereby decreasing loads placed upon the facet joints. In the preferred embodiment, truncated articulating surfaces with non-articulating side surfaces allow increasing amounts of axial rotation and lateral bending as the total disc replacement (TDR) moves from full extension to full flexion. Limiting axial rotation and lateral bending of the TDR protects the facet joints and the Annulus Fibrosus, since the facet joints carry more load when the spine is extended than when the spine is flexed. Thus the invention serves to protect the facet joints while allowing normal or near-normal spinal motion.

Abstract: Disc spacers (DS) are assembled within a disc space, allowing them to be inserted through smaller openings in the Annulus Fibrosus (AF). The large size of the assembled DS decreases the pressure on the vertebral endplates. Embodiments of the invention may be used in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. The DS may be inserted through an anterior, lateral, or posterior approach to the spine using annulus preserving techniques. The devices are preferably made of biocompatible materials such as titanium, chrome cobalt, and ceramic. Alternative materials, including materials with shape memory properties, such as Nitinol, may be used to form one or more components of the device.

Abstract: Improved techniques are disclosed for preparing a disc space to accept an intradiscal device. Methods and apparatus are described to quickly remove disc tissue and improve the surface contact between intradiscal devices and the vertebral end plates (VEP)s. The invention also anticipates the use of navigational devices and CNC controlled machines or robotic arms in conjunction with the disclosed methods and apparatus. The various instruments may be used to remove disc material and/or shape the VEPs. Kits may be supplied with various sizes and shapes of the devices to accommodate discs of different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: Spacerless artificial disc replacements (ADR) are disclosed. One preferred embodiment includes two saddle-shaped components to facilitate more normal spinal flexion, extension, and lateral bending while limit axial rotation, thereby protecting the facet joints and the annulus fibrosus (AF). Either or both of the superior and inferior components are made of a hard material such as chrome cobalt, titanium, or a ceramic including alumina, zirconia, or calcium phosphate. The articulating surfaces of the ADR are also preferably highly polished to reduce friction between the components. Metals, alloys or other materials with shape-memory characteristics may also prove beneficial.

Abstract: This invention improves upon prior aft total disc replacements (TDRs) by more closely replicating the kinematics of a natural disc. The preferred embodiments feature two or more fixed centers of rotation (CORs) and an optional variable COR (VCOR) as the artificial disk replacement (ADR) translates from a fixed posterior COR that lies posterior to the COR of the TDR to facilitate normal disc motion. The use of two or more CORs allows more flexion and more extension than permitted by the facet joints and the artificial facet (AF). AF joint-like components may also be incorporated into the design to restrict excessive translation, rotation, and/or lateral bending.

Abstract: System and method for facilitating distributed server administration of network server systems that are scalable and version independent. The system and method include and involve a server and a client administrator. The server is configured to store and to serve a software package that corresponds to a server software system of the server. The server is further configured to be accessed by client administrator via an electronic data network, such as the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW). The client administrator is configured to access the server, to receive the software package, and to process the software package to conform to the specifications of the server. Execution of the software package allows the server to be administered by the client administrator without requiring the client administrator to be pre-configured with knowledge of the server.

Abstract: An artificial joint or disc replacement (ADR) broadly includes a pair of opposing endplate components, each attached to one of the upper and lower vertebrae, a cushioning component disposed between the endplate components, and a mechanism for coupling the cushioning component to one or both of the endplates. In the preferred embodiment, the cushioning component takes the form of a tire-like outer structure attached to an inner hub. A filler material is also preferably contained within the cushioning component. The filler material may be a gas, liquid, foam, or gel, including a hydrogel. One or both of the endplate components may include a modified surface to increase adherence to respective opposing bone surfaces.

Abstract: Devices and associated methods help surgeons assess spinal and artificial disc replacement (ADR) position, orientation and motion. The device moves the spine through flexion, extension, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation while measuring the amount of movement in these directions. The device may also measures the force required to move the spine in one or more of the above-mentioned directions. The various disclosed embodiments maximize motion through careful alignment, size, location in the disc space, configuration of the articulating surfaces of the ADR, and adequate soft tissue release. The invention may utilizes pre-operative images to determine the preferred alignment of the ADR; intra-operative images to align the instruments, trial ADRs and the ADR; devices that assess the ROM of the vertebrae after soft tissue release; devices that determine the proper size of the ADR; devices that test the motion after machining the vertebrae; or ADR embodiments with different degrees of axial rotation.

Abstract: Fluids and/or elastomeric materials are used to dampen forces across rigid endplates in an artificial disc replacement (ADR) or other artificial joints within the body (animal or human) including, for example, the tibial component of a knee replacement. Preferred embodiments use a fluid/elastomer combination to dampen forces in the ADR. Much like the normal human disc, fluid within the center of the ADR transfers compressive loads to a component surrounding the fluid. The surrounding component, preferably an elastomer, expands to dampen the forces transmitted by the fluid. According to the invention, a flat elastomeric ring is positioned adjacent to a flat inner surface of the ADR endplates.

Abstract: An artificial disc replacement (ADR) includes a pair of opposing endplate components, each attached to one of the upper and lower vertebrae, a cushioning component disposed between the endplate components; and a filler material contained within the cushioning component. The filler material may be a gas, liquid, foam, or gel, including a hydrogel. In a preferred embodiment, the ADR may further include one or more opposing, spaced-apart projections configured to impinge if the endplate components are subjected to an excessive force. Such projections may allow for unrestricted motion between the endplates until impingement, or may restrict translation between the endplates until a greater excessive force is reached. One or both of the endplate components may include a modified surface to increase adherence to the respective vertebral endplates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tissue cutting device and a method for accurately cutting tissue into tissue leaflets for autologous tissue heart valves in a minimal amount of time. The device includes a flexible backing pad located between a rotatable rotary table and a puck which houses several sharpened blades. The tissue to be cut is located on the flexible backing pad adjacent to the blades. The rotary table includes a hemispherically shaped raised cutting bar on the upper surface. When the rotary table is rotated, the cutting bar pushes the tissue against the blades in the puck, cutting the tissue into the desired shape.

Abstract: A self-leveling eating utensil having a handle and a food carrier rotatably coupled to the handle. The food carrier may be coupled to a shank which is, in turn, rotatably coupled to the handle. The food carrier is positioned offset from the handle and the shank to weight itself into a self-leveling position with the food-carrying surface thereof positioned to carry food without spillage. A weight is preferably provided on the shank to further weight the food carrier into the self-leveling position. The weight may be formed at the free end of the shank opposite the food carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the weight is formed as a bend in the free end of the shank in a direction toward the food carrier. Preferably, the handle is formed to permit decoupling to clean the interior thereof and recoupling to use the eating utensil once again after cleaning. Such handle is formed from first and second handle halves which are readily coupled, decoupled, and recoupled.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for constructing a heart valve prepared from autologous tissue is disclosed. Three tissue leaflets are held in place with tissue anchors on a tissue mounting frame having an annular base and a plurality of commissure posts extending from the base. An elastomeric sheath rests gently on the tissue leaflets to prevent the leaflets from coming off of the anchor hooks and encloses the leaflets to form valve cusps. The leaflets touch each other on a coaptation line with an angle of approximately 65° C. relative to the commissure post. The heart valves can be constructed intraoperatively in a short time, typically ten minutes. The low coaptation angle and the fact that the leaflets are held in place without being clamped between two unyielding members minimize stress on the tissue.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing the strength of autologous tissue for use in tissue leaflets for constructing artificial heart valves. A strip of tissue is cut adjacent to the edge of the tissue leaflet which is subject to the greatest stress when the tissue leaflet is mounted in the artificial heart valve. The strip of tissue is subjected to a known load produced by a spring to give a go/no go test of tissue strength. The spring is mounted in a generally X-shaped device made up of a generally linear piece having a handle at one end and two generally V-shaped pieces. The centers of all three pieces are joined to one another by a pivot. A spring is attached to the ends of the two generally V-shaped pieces which are closest to each other. The strip of tissue is mounted on the end of the generally linear shaped piece which does not have a handle and the end of the generally V-shaped pieces which is closest to the end of the generally linear piece which is attached to the strip of tissue.