Abstract: Methods and devices for treating obesity are provided. The consumption of calorie dense, lipid rich, or fatty foods is discouraged through the modulation of a subjects gallbladder function or output. Disclosed are devices and methods for delivering devices within the gallbladder and associated ducts and vasculature; other methods involve implanting devices on or around the gallbladder and associated ducts and vasculature. Further treatments involve the use of energy, surgery, or chemicals to alter the function of the gallbladder and biliary system.

Abstract: Systems for minimally invasive disc augmentation include an anulus augmentation component and a nucleus augmentation component. Both are suited for minimally invasive deployment. The nucleus augmentation component restores disc height and/or replaces missing nucleus pulposus. The anulus augmentation component shields weakened regions of the anulus fibrosis and/or resists escape of natural nucleus pulposus and/or the nucleus augmentation component. Methods and deployment devices are also disclosed. Methods of repairing a herniated disc by displacing at least a portion of the herniated segment to within the pre-herniated borders of the disc and anchoring at least a portion of the displaced herniated segment to a site within the disc are also provided.

Abstract: Systems for minimally invasive disc augmentation include an anulus augmentation component and a nucleus augmentation component. Both are suited for minimally invasive deployment. The nucleus augmentation component restores disc height and/or replaces missing nucleus pulposus. The anulus augmentation component shields weakened regions of the anulus fibrosis and/or resists escape of natural nucleus pulposus and/or the nucleus augmentation component. Methods and deployment devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of securing an implant within an intervertebral disc are provided. In some embodiments, systems for minimally invasive disc augmentation include an anulus augmentation component and a nucleus augmentation component. Both are suited for minimally invasive deployment. The nucleus augmentation component restores disc height and/or replaces missing nucleus pulposus. The anulus augmentation component shields weakened regions of the anulus fibrosis and/or resists escape of natural nucleus pulposus and/or the nucleus augmentation component. Methods and deployment devices are also disclosed. Methods of closing a defect in an anulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc using a barrier are also provided.

Abstract: A hand instrument and method for use by a surgeon to target the appropriate entry point and trajectory on bony tissue through which an instrument, such as a nail, pin, screw, rod, wire, drill bit, or other implant is passed. Imbedded within the instrument is at least one relatively radio-opaque target which allows the user to predict with the use of an x-ray or fluoroscopic imaging device the placement of said instrument or implant before drilling it into place with the use of an x-ray or fluoroscopic imaging device. By manipulating the device around the axis of the guide piece, the surgeon can predict the placement of the instrument or implant without iterative insertion and removal of the instrument or implant itself.

Abstract: A hand instrument and method for use by a surgeon to target the appropriate entry point and trajectory on bony tissue through which an instrument, such as a nail, pin, screw, rod, wire, drill bit, or other implant is passed. Imbedded within the instrument is at least one relatively radio-opaque target which allows the user to predict with the use of an x-ray or fluoroscopic imaging device the placement of said instrument or implant before drilling it into place with the use of an x-ray or fluoroscopic imaging device. By manipulating the device around the axis of the guide piece, the surgeon can predict the placement of the instrument or implant without iterative insertion and removal of the instrument or implant itself.

Abstract: A hand instrument and method for use by a surgeon to target the appropriate entry point and trajectory on bony tissue through which an instrument, such as a nail, pin, screw, rod, wire, drill bit, or other implant is passed. Imbedded within the instrument is at least one relatively radio-opaque target which allows the user to predict with the use of an x-ray or fluoroscopic imaging device the placement of said instrument or implant before drilling it into place with the use of an x-ray or fluoroscopic imaging device. By manipulating the device around the axis of the guide piece, the surgeon can predict the placement of the instrument or implant without iterative insertion and removal of the instrument or implant itself.

Abstract: A hand instrument and method for use by a surgeon to target the appropriate entry point and trajectory on bony tissue through which an instrument, such as a nail, pin, screw, rod, wire, drill bit, or other implant is passed. Imbedded within the instrument is at least one relatively radio-opaque target which allows the user to predict with the use of an x-ray or fluoroscopic imaging device the placement of said instrument or implant before drilling it into place with the use of an x-ray or fluoroscopic imaging device. By manipulating the device around the axis of the guide piece, the surgeon can predict the placement of the instrument or implant without iterative insertion and removal of the instrument or implant itself.