Abstract: A spinal platform for delivering a therapeutic agent to a spinal cord target includes a brace member for attachment to a plurality of bony structures surrounding at least a portion of the spinal cord target, a carriage member operatively coupled to and movable along the brace member, and a universal joint for adjusting the coronal or sagittal angle of a surgical instrument. The brace member includes at least one longitudinal rail and a plurality of attachment members. The plurality of attachment members is operably connected to the at least one longitudinal rail. The at least one longitudinal rail includes a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a middle portion extending between the proximal and distal end portions. The universal joint is seated within a portion of the carriage member and is capable of delivering the therapeutic agent to the spinal cord target.

Abstract: An apparatus for vitrifying a biological specimen includes a cap member, a tubular plunger, and a specimen chamber. The cap member includes a stem portion integrally formed with a receiving portion. The receiving portion has a disc-like shape and includes an outer surface. The outer surface includes a first skirt member comprised of a heat-sealable material. The first skirt member is attached along a circumferential portion of the outer surface. The specimen chamber has an open first end portion, a closed second end portion, and a cavity extending between the first and second end portions. The cavity is defined by oppositely disposed inner and outer surfaces. The specimen chamber further includes a second skirt member comprised of heat-sealable material. The second skirt member is attached along a circumferential portion of the outer surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for vitrifying a biological specimen includes a cap member, a tubular plunger, and a specimen chamber. The cap member includes a stem portion integrally formed with a receiving portion. The receiving portion has a disc-like shape and includes an outer surface. The outer surface includes a first skirt member comprised of a heat-sealable material. The first skirt member is attached along a circumferential portion of the outer surface. The specimen chamber has an open first end portion, a closed second end portion, and a cavity extending between the first and second end portions. The cavity is defined by oppositely disposed inner and outer surfaces. The specimen chamber further includes a second skirt member comprised of heat-sealable material. The second skirt member is attached along a circumferential portion of the outer surface.

Abstract: A spinal platform for delivering a therapeutic agent to a spinal cord target includes a brace member for attachment to a plurality of bony structures surrounding at least a portion of the spinal cord target, a carriage member operatively coupled to and movable along the brace member, and a universal joint for adjusting the coronal or sagittal angle of a surgical instrument. The brace member includes at least one longitudinal rail and a plurality of attachment members. The plurality of attachment members is operably connected to the at least one longitudinal rail. The at least one longitudinal rail includes a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a middle portion extending between the proximal and distal end portions. The universal joint is seated within a portion of the carriage member and is capable of delivering the therapeutic agent to the spinal cord target.

Abstract: A surgical staple generally including first and second arm members and an actuating component acting on the arm members. Each arm member has a jaw portion defining an interior jaw surface, a lever extension opposite the jaw portion and a hinge portion disposed between the jaw portion and the lever extension. The first arm member is pivotably attached to the second arm member about the hinge portion whereby the interior jaw surfaces of the first and second arm members face each other. The actuating component is disposed between the lever extensions of the first and second arm members for imparting a compressive force between the interior jaw surfaces of the first and second arm members.

Abstract: Paired vascular clamps simplify laparoscopic vascular reconstruction surgery by providing an instrument for bringing vessel ends together to a reasonable working distance under a controlled fashion. A first clamp, with a pivoted connecting arm, and a second clamp with a lock/release device for attaching the second clamp to the connecting arm, can be inserted through an trocar or other port into a surgical field and then positioned on with the first clam and the second clamp in side-by-side and substantially parallel relationship, so that said first clamp and said second clamp can hold and position one or more vessels or elongated tissues. A laparoscopic approximator-everter has extendable blades for gripping blood vessel edges or other tissue to be anamosted, and an extendable sheath that can be advanced to surround the blades.

Abstract: A surgically implantable cable apparatus has a means for securing (32) a first bone segment (12) and a second bone segment (13). A flexible cable (17) is attached at one end relative to one bone segment (25). A flexible non-compressible sheath (15) has a bore (16) for slidably receiving the cable (17). The non-compressible sheath (15) is secured to the securing means (32) at point (40) and transmits a counter-compression force to the bone segment (25). An implantable actuator (36) is connected to the second end (19) of the flexible cable (17) and to the second end of the sheath (15). The implantable actuator (36) is fully implantable subcutaneously. The implantable actuator (36) is responsive to a transcutaneous energy signal and pulls the flexible cable (17) through the sheath (15) in an axial direction. The cable movement is applied to the bone segment (25), either directly or transmitted through an internal fixation device and the bone segment (25) moves a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A traction cable device is disclosed for bone lengthening and for bone segment transport. The apparatus features a flexible cable contained within a flexible sheath. Bone transport continues after osteotomy and until the bone segment contacts the proximal femur. The in vivo force exerted by the cable can be measured as well as translation of the cable relative to its sheath.