Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable percutaneous sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration by a removable tubular restraint. In one application, the sheath is utilized to introduce a formed in place orthopedic fixation rod such as for use in spinal fixation procedures.

Abstract: A subcutaneously formed in place orthopedic fixation device is provided, such as for fixation of the spine or other bone or bones. The device comprises an inflatable member, such as a tubular balloon. A heat source is provided in thermal communication with the interior of the balloon. The balloon is positioned at a treatment site while in a flexible, low crossing profile configuration. The balloon is thereafter inflated with a hardenable media, and heated to accelerate hardening of the media. Methods and delivery structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable inflatable orthopedic device is provided. The device comprises a flexible wall, defining an interior cavity, a reinforcing element exposed to the cavity, an inflation pathway in communication with the cavity, and a valve, for closing the pathway. A delivery catheter is also provided for removably carrying the orthopedic device to the treatment site.

Abstract: A method of repositioning or fixing a first vertebrae or portion of a first vertebrae comprising fixing a bone screw in the first vertebrae and a bone screw in a second vertebrae, where each bone screw has a portal, and inflating an inflatable balloon between the portals, thereby creating a rigid structure between the bone screws.

Abstract: A subcutaneously assembled in place orthopedic construct is provided, such as for fixation of the spine. The construct includes a first bar and a second bar for attachment to the spine. A crossbar connects the first and second bar, to provide additional structural support. Each of the first bar, the second bar, and the crossbar may be inserted in a minimally invasive procedure, and constructed in place to form the orthopedic device. Each of the first bar, second bar, and crossbar may comprise an inflatable container, adapted for inflation with a hardenable media and cured in place. Methods and delivery structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter for the administration of fluid or pharmaceutical agents, or for hemodialysis comprising a proximal control end comprising a housing with a proximal end and a distal end, a distal delivery end, an elongated intermediate portion between the proximal control end and a distal delivery end, one or more than one delivery lumen within the intermediate portion extending from the proximal control end to the distal delivery end; one or more than one inflation balloon in each delivery lumen, and one or more than one inflation lumen in the intermediate portion extending from the proximal control end to the one or more than one inflation balloon in the one or more than one delivery lumen, and connected to the one or more than one inflation balloon through one or more than one fenestration, where the proximal control end further comprises a mechanism for aspiration and injection of fluids through the distal delivery end, and where the proximal control end further comprises a mechanism for controlling inflation

Abstract: A surgical device combines an occlusion balloon to block antegrade flow of blood in the internal carotid artery during an angioplasty procedure with an exchange guidewire to facilitate the insertion of devices for performing the angioplasty procedure. The occlusion balloon/guidewire device comprises a microcatheter with a soft platinum guidewire extending therein. A silicone occlusion balloon is attached to the distal end of the microcatheter. A self-sealing valve at the distal end of the balloon permits the guidewire to extend distally therefrom. A Tuohy-Borst adapter is attached to the proximal end of the microcatheter to permit inflation of the occlusion balloon. A guidewire extension is inserted through the Tuohy-Borst adapter to seal the microcatheter once the balloon has been inflated. The Tuohy-Borst adapter is then removed over the guidewire extension member allowing the microcatheter to be utilized as an exchange guidewire.

Abstract: A cardiac valve implanted within the heart is given where a expansible valve maintained in a collapsed form by cold temperature is percutaneously inserted along a releasable guide wire in a cooled sheath and when positioned is expanded by withdrawing the cold temperature.