Abstract: In one form, a system for use in percutaneous surgical procedures includes a cannula having an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end and including a working channel dynamically expandable from a first, unexpanded configuration. The system also includes a device that is positionable in and engageable with the working channel to expand the working channel from the first configuration as the device is moved through the working channel. In response to disengagement of the device with the working channel, the working channel returns to the first, unexpanded configuration. In one aspect of this form, the device includes an interbody spinal implant that is deliverable to a surgical site through the working channel of the cannula. In another form, a method for performing a percutaneous surgical procedure is provided. However, different forms and applications are envisioned.

Abstract: In one form, a system for use in percutaneous surgical procedures includes a cannula having an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end and including a working channel dynamically expandable from a first, unexpanded configuration. The system also includes a device that is positionable in and engageable with the working channel to expand the working channel from the first configuration as the device is moved through the working channel. In response to disengagement of the device with the working channel, the working channel returns to the first, unexpanded configuration. In one aspect of this form, the device includes an interbody spinal implant that is deliverable to a surgical site through the working channel of the cannula. In another form, a method for performing a percutaneous surgical procedure is provided. However, different forms and applications are envisioned.

Abstract: In one form, a system for use in percutaneous surgical procedures includes a cannula having an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end and including a working channel dynamically expandable from a first, unexpanded configuration. The system also includes a device that is positionable in and engageable with the working channel to expand the working channel from the first configuration as the device is moved through the working channel. In response to disengagement of the device with the working channel, the working channel returns to the first, unexpanded configuration. In one aspect of this form, the device includes an interbody spinal implant that is deliverable to a surgical site through the working channel of the cannula. In another form, a method for performing a percutaneous surgical procedure is provided. However, different forms and applications are envisioned.

Abstract: A cannula assembly and related methods of use. The cannula assembly includes a cannula and a stylet. The cannula has an outer surface that is non-circular. Rotation of the cannula about its longitudinal axis changes the orientation of the cannula's larger outer dimension so that the cannula may be used as a distraction tool. Rotation is effected by rotating a stylet handle, which rotates the associated stylet shaft, which in turn rotates the cannula. Related methods include rotating a handle of the stylet, while the shaft of the stylet is disposed in the bore of the cannula, about the first longitudinal axis so as to rotate the cannula about the longitudinal axis to distract vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A self-expanding basket for use in conjunction with an embolic filtering device has a proximal set of struts which are connected to a distal set of struts by a bending region which provides enhanced bending characteristics to the basket. The bending region can be formed by intermediate links which are extremely flexible and bendable to allow the basket to be delivered through tortuous anatomy. The intermediate links are extremely flexible and create a mechanical hinge-like connection between the proximal and distal strut assemblies. The basket thus is capable of substantial bending when being delivered through the patient's vasculature and will bend and conform to the patient's anatomy once positioned for filtering purposes. The intermediate links can also lengthen, when needed, when positioned in a curved vessel in the patient's vasculature, when needed.

Abstract: An expandable surgical access device can include an elongate member comprising an expansion lumen between a proximal end and a distal end, and an expandable body operably attached to the distal end of the elongate member. The expandable body can be inserted to an internal location in a body in a collapsed configuration. When in a desired position, the expandable body can be expanded outward to an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, the expandable body can be adapted to protect adjacent anatomical structures and can have an internal diameter defining an operating lumen sufficient to allow passage of a cannula through the operating lumen. The expandable body may be further expanded inward to a constricting configuration whereby the expandable body can be adapted to constrict about and anchor the cannula in the operating lumen.

Abstract: In one form, a system for use in percutaneous surgical procedures includes a cannula having an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end and including a working channel dynamically expandable from a first, unexpanded configuration. The system also includes a device that is positionable in and engageable with the working channel to expand the working channel from the first configuration as the device is moved through the working channel. In response to disengagement of the device with the working channel, the working channel returns to the first, unexpanded configuration. In one aspect of this form, the device includes an interbody spinal implant that is deliverable to a surgical site through the working channel of the cannula. In another form, a method for performing a percutaneous surgical procedure is provided. However, different forms and applications are envisioned.

Abstract: An implant assembly is provided for surgical implantation into an intervertebral space, such as for stabilization of vertebrae adjacent the intervertebral space during a spinal fusion procedure. The implant assembly includes a primary segment separate from a secondary segment. These segments are elongate and of sufficiently small cross-section that they can be implanted posteriorly in a minimally invasive manner. The primary segment preferably includes a tunnel and the secondary segment preferably includes a neck with the tunnel and neck sized complementally so that the segments stabilize each other where they intersect with the neck within the tunnel. The entire implant assembly is thus provided which both widens and supports the intervertebral space and is sufficiently rigid to provide adequate support for the intervertebral space as the vertebrae are fusing together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spinal implant to be inserted between two vertebra to support and stabilize adjacent vertebra and allow for physiological motion. One embodiment of the implant includes an upper assembly and a lower assembly, where the assemblies are adapted to articulate relative to one another. This implant also includes elongate elements that are deployable between a closed position and an open position. Portions of the implant can interlock to form various shapes. The invention includes an implantable device to support the vertebrae, and a minimally invasive method for inserting and deploying the device within the intervertebral space.

Abstract: A system for performing a medical procedure includes an introducer and a guide pin that include features that coordinate to indicate the distance the guide pin is extended beyond the tip of the introducer when both are deployed at a target location. By incorporating measurement features into the guide pin/introducer combination, accurate measurement capabilities are provided without requiring dedicated measurement tools.

Abstract: An implant assembly is provided for surgical implantation into an intervertebral space, such as for stabilization of vertebrae adjacent the intervertebral space during a spinal fusion procedure. The implant assembly includes a primary segment separate from a secondary segment. These segments are elongate and of sufficiently small cross-section that they can be implanted posteriorly in a minimally invasive manner. The primary segment preferably includes a tunnel and the secondary segment preferably includes a neck with the tunnel and neck sized complementally so that the segments stabilize each other where they intersect with the neck within the tunnel. The entire implant assembly is thus provided which both widens and supports the intervertebral space and is sufficiently rigid to provide adequate support for the intervertebral space as the vertebrae are fusing together.

Abstract: An implant assembly is provided for surgical implantation into an intervertebral space, such as for stabilization of vertebrae adjacent the intervertebral space during a spinal fusion procedure. The implant assembly includes a primary segment separate from a secondary segment. These segments are elongate and of sufficiently small cross-section that they can be implanted posteriorly in a minimally invasive manner. The primary segment preferably includes a tunnel and the secondary segment preferably includes a neck with the tunnel and neck sized complementally so that the segments stabilize each other where they intersect with the neck within the tunnel. The entire implant assembly is thus provided which both widens and supports the intervertebral space and is sufficiently rigid to provide adequate support for the intervertebral space as the vertebrae are fusing together.

Abstract: An expandable surgical access device can include an elongate member comprising an expansion lumen between a proximal end and a distal end, and an expandable body operably attached to the distal end of the elongate member. The expandable body can be inserted to an internal location in a body in a collapsed configuration. When in a desired position, the expandable body can be expanded outward to an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, the expandable body can be adapted to protect adjacent anatomical structures and can have an internal diameter defining an operating lumen sufficient to allow passage of a cannula through the operating lumen. The expandable body may be further expanded inward to a constricting configuration whereby the expandable body can be adapted to constrict about and anchor the cannula in the operating lumen.

Abstract: A three element spinal fixation system for implantation from a posterior lateral incision. The first element in the form of a translaminar cannula is adapted to be implanted along a longitudinal axis of a lamina of a vertebra. A bracket is provided as a second element with a first end removably secured to the translaminar cannula and the second end secured to vertebra inferior to an adjacent vertebra in which the translaminar cannula is implanted. The translaminar cannula has a hollow central bore which receives a third element in the form of a translaminar facet screw. The translaminar facet screw is sufficiently long to be able to pass through the central bore and out of the translaminar cannula, passing through the facet joint to fix the two vertebra at the facet joint. Both contralateral and ipsilateral fixation are thus provided with all three elements implanted from a single ipsilateral incision.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spinal implant to be inserted between two vertebra to support and stabilize adjacent vertebra and allow for physiological motion. One embodiment of the implant includes an upper assembly and a lower assembly, where the assemblies are adapted to articulate relative to one another. This implant also includes elongate elements that are deployable between a closed position and an open position. Portions of the implant can interlock to form various shapes. The invention includes an implantable device to support the vertebrae, and a minimally invasive method for inserting and deploying the device within the intervertebral space.

Abstract: Various implants are provided to at least partially replace a nucleus of a spinal disk. The implants are spring-like in nature. In one embodiment, a helical spring is provided with various different unique outlines to act as the implant. The helical spring is oriented with a center line substantially perpendicular to the spine and to a direction of compression loads experienced within the disk space. The helical spring or other implant is preferably delivered through a delivery cannula which has a size which is smaller than a cross-sectional size of the implant. The implant is preferably formed of nickel titanium or otherwise configured so that it can be compressed significantly within the delivery cannula and then become enlarged after being advanced out of the delivery cannula and into the intervertebral space. In other embodiments the implant is generally cylindrical and expandable in height after delivery.

Abstract: An implant assembly is provided for surgical implantation into an intervertebral space, such as for stabilization of vertebrae adjacent the intervertebral space during a spinal fusion procedure. The implant assembly includes a primary segment separate from a secondary segment. These segments are elongate and of sufficiently small cross-section that they can be implanted posteriorly in a minimally invasive manner. The primary segment preferably includes a tunnel and the secondary segment preferably includes a neck with the tunnel and neck sized complementaly so that the segments stabilize each other where they intersect with the neck within the tunnel. The entire implant assembly is thus provided which both widens and supports the intervertebral space and is sufficiently rigid to provide adequate support for the intervertebral space as the vertebrae are fusing together.

Abstract: A dilatation catheter assembly which has a dilatation catheter with a sheath mounted on the catheter shaft having an inner lumen extending in the distal portion of the sheath which is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the dilatation balloon on the distal end of the catheter. The position of the sheath is fixed with respect to the catheter, e.g. a friction fit or bonded in some manner, before the assembly is inserted into the patient's vasculature with the distal portion of the sheath covering a portion of the balloon but leaving a portion of the balloon uncovered with a length equal to the stenotic region to be dilated so that the entire stenosis can be dilated at the same time. The distal portion of the sheath is preferably formed of a flexible polymeric tube with inelastic reinforcement to prevent substantial expansion thereof when the balloon is inflated.

Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus, methods and systems including a sheath for use with intracorporeal optical imaging instruments such as imaging guidewires, catheters, or endoscopes. The invention provides a sheath suitable for guiding an enclosed instrument, that is effective to guide the placement within a patient's body and replacement to a distal position after retraction of the imaging instrument, as during an imaging scan. The sheaths may include at least a portion that is translucent to a desired wavelength of radiation. The translucent portion may have an index of refraction similar to the index of refraction of a bodily fluid such as blood plasma, or an artificial fluid suitable for introduction into a body lumen.

Abstract: A self-expanding basket for use in conjunction with an embolic filtering device has a proximal set of struts which are connected to a distal set of struts by a bending region which provides enhanced bending characteristics to the basket. The bending region can be formed by intermediate links which are extremely flexible and bendable to allow the basket to be delivered through tortuous anatomy. The intermediate links are extremely flexible and create a mechanical hinge-like connection between the proximal and distal strut assemblies. The basket thus is capable of substantial bending when being delivered through the patient's vasculature and will bend and conform to the patient's anatomy once positioned for filtering purposes. The intermediate links can also lengthen, when needed, when positioned in a curved vessel in the patient's vasculature, when needed.