Abstract: A method and device for treating human intervertebral disc herniations using an endoscopic procedure. An access port is opened into and through the annulus of a disc to remove nucleus pulposus. Subsequent treatment, a balloon device having a valve structure is positioned via an endoscopic procedure into the disc space. The balloon device is filled with a physiological fluid to occupy the disc interspace or to maintain some degree of distraction of the created disc space. Post surgery, after fibrocollagenous tissue has grown into the disc space, a second endoscopic procedure is performed to remove the balloon device. Fluid is removed to collapse the balloon structure and then removed via the guide tube. The ingrowth of fibrocollagenous tissue will continue to fill the void formerly occupied by the balloon device. The balloon device has a rigid valve body and a flexible balloon member. The valve body has an end plug, a valve chamber holding a valve member and a cooperating biasing structure.

Abstract: A cervical collar assembly to immobilize the neck and head of a user. The assembly includes an adjustable and conformable shell member having a pad member secured on its interior to engage the skin of the user. The shell member is comprised of a front member, a back member and means to adjustably join the front and back members. A chin support member is adjustably secured to the front member and an occipital support member is secured to the back member. The front and back members are provided with a plurality of elongated slits which permit the shell member to conform to the neck and head areas of the user. Further, the front member is provided with opposing upwardly extending tab members to engage the mandibula of a user's jaw to aid in the immobilization of the neck and head of the user. Cervical collar device size identifiers are further provided.

Abstract: Single-use, MRI compatible surgical and microsurgical instruments for neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery and other surgical uses. The surgical instruments are constructed of polymeric materials, graphite, titanium, nitonol compositions and combinations thereof. The instruments may have transparent polymeric portions, reference points on the handle and may have non-reflective surfaces. The instruments are constructed and arranged for use in interventional MRI suites.

Abstract: A cervical collar assembly to immobilize the neck and head of a user. The assembly includes an adjustable and conformable shell member having a pad member secured on its interior to engage the skin of the user. The shell member is comprised of a front member, a back member and means to adjustably join the front and back members. A chin support member is adjustably secured to the front member and an occipital support member is secured to the back member. The front and back members are provided with a plurality of elongated slits which permit the shell member to conform to the neck and head areas of the user. Further, the front member is provided with opposing upwardly extending tab members to engage the mandibula of a user's jaw to aid in the immobilization of the neck and head of the user. Cervical collar device size identifiers are further provided.

Abstract: A cervical collar assembly to immobilize the neck and head of a user. The assembly includes an adjustable and conformable shell member having a pad member secured on its interior to engage the skin of the user. The shell member is comprised of a front member, a back member and means to adjustable join the front and back members. A chin support member is adjustably secured to the front member and an occipital support member is secured to the back member. The front and back members are provided with a plurality of elongated slits which permit the shell member to conform to the neck and head areas of the user. Further, the front member is provided with opposing upwardly extending tab members to engage the mandibula of a user's jaw to aid in the immobilization of the neck and head of the user.

Abstract: A hybrid skull pin to adjust and hold a cervical fixation device to the skull of a patient. The hybrid skull pin is constructed of at least two different materials and arranged to permit cervical fixation devices to be used in MRI procedures. The hybrid skull pin has an elongated body with exterior threads and a tip portion for engaging the skull of the patient. A nonconductive coating extends over the tip portion of the skull pin body. The hybrid skull pin further includes an insert secured in the elongated body. The insert is constructed of a second material and secured in a cavity of the pin. The insert reduces the mass of the skull pin thereby reducing or eliminating the radio frequency energy conducted through the pin during MRI procedures. The insert also acts as a heat capacitor which absorbs the radio frequency energy and the magnetic field vibrations generated in the MRI environment.