Abstract: A mechanical cavity-creation surgical device and methods and kits for using such devices is described. In one variation, the mechanical cavity-creation surgical device contains a side window at the distal end of a shaft that allows the articulation of a blade, pick, or tip from a position that is inside the shaft to a position that protrudes at least partially from the side window.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for performing minimally invasive medical procedures are disclosed herein. In one example, an apparatus includes an outer elongate body including a lumen extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion of the outer elongate body. An inner elongate body is slidably received within the lumen of the outer elongate body. A distal portion of the inner elongate body is configured to be inserted into a tissue. The outer elongate body and the inner elongate body collectively define a channel to removably receive a tool when the outer elongate body and the inner elongate body are slidably extended from each other. At least one of the tool and the inner elongate body are configured to puncture the tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a projection having a sharpened end portion configured to be inserted through an annulus of an intervertebral disc to define a distracted volume in the annulus. An expandable member is coupled to the projection and defines a longitudinal axis. The expandable member is configured to be expanded from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis when at least a portion of the expandable member is disposed within the distracted volume of the annulus of the intervertebral disc. When the expandable member expands, it defines an expanded volume and defines a cross-sectional perimeter while in the expanded configuration. A cannula is configured to be at least partially inserted into the expanded volume. The cannula defines a cross-sectional outer perimeter having no portion extending outside of the cross-sectional perimeter of the expandable member while in its expanded configuration.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for performing minimally-invasive medical procedures are described. In one embodiment, for example, an apparatus includes an elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion are each configured to move from a first configuration to a second configuration and from the second configuration to the first configuration. At least a section of each of the proximal portion and the distal portion is collapsed in the first configuration and is expanded in the second configuration. A central portion is positioned between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The non-expanding central portion is configured to be disposed between adjacent spinous processes upon spinal extension. A material of the non-expanding central portion is different than a material of the proximal portion and the distal portion.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for performing minimally invasive medical procedures are disclosed herein. In one example, an apparatus includes a first body coupled to a second body. The first body and the second body collectively configured to be releasably coupled to an implant device configured to be disposed between adjacent spinous processes. A first engaging portion is coupled to the first body, and a second engaging portion is coupled to the second body. The first engaging portion and/or the second engaging portion is configured to be received within a first opening defined by the implant device. The first body configured to be moved relative to the second body such that a distance between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is moved between a first distance and a second distance and simultaneously a length of the implant device is moved between a first length and a second length.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for performing minimally-invasive medical procedures are described. In one embodiment, for example, an apparatus includes an elongate member having a proximal portion configured to move repeatedly between a first configuration and a second configuration. At least a section of the proximal portion is collapsed in the first configuration and is expanded in the second configuration. The elongate member has a distal portion configured to move repeatedly between a first configuration and a second configuration. At least a section of the proximal portion is collapsed in the first configuration and is expanded in the second configuration. A non-expanding central portion is positioned between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The non-expanding central portion is configured to engage adjacent spinous processes.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongate member having a portion configured to be deformed from a first configuration to a second configuration. In one variation, the apparatus includes an outer body, having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and an inner body. A portion of the outer body is configured to be disposed between adjacent spinous processes. The inner body is disposed within the interior region of the outer body. The inner body has an outer surface in slidable contact with an inner surface of the outer body.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongate member having a portion configured to be deformed from a first configuration to a second configuration. In one variation, the apparatus includes an outer body, defining an interior region, and an inner body. A portion of the outer body is configured to be disposed between adjacent spinous processes. The inner body is disposed within the interior region of the outer body. A distal end portion of the inner body is coupled to a distal end portion of the outer body. A proximal end portion of the inner body configured to removably receive a tool to move the outer body between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft, a rod, a portion of which is disposed within the shaft, a first knob and a second knob. The first knob is coupled to the shaft and configured to engage the rod such that the rod translates within the shaft when the first knob is rotated. The second knob is coupled to the rod such that the rod rotates within the shaft when the second knob is rotated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for directionally controlling expansion of an expandable device are described. One such device includes an expandable body comprising a first wall portion and a second wall portion. The first wall portion comprises a high elasticity material. The second wall portion comprises a material having an elasticity lower than the elasticity of the first wall portion. When the body is expanded, expansion of the second wall portion is constrained more than expansion of the first wall portion. Expansion of the body is directed outwardly from the high elasticity first wall portion. Such a device is useful for providing cavities in interior body regions.

Abstract: Disclosed are products, systems, and methods for delivering a material to an internal body part such as bone. In one variation, the product comprises a segmented plunger having a plurality of segments, where the plurality of cylindrical segments are sized for urging a material through an access member to thereby deliver the material to predetermined location in a subject's body. The segmented plunger may be used with a catheter for delivering a bone filler or a bone cement to a bone requiring repair.

Abstract: A method includes heating a first portion of a tubular member to a first temperature greater than a temperature of a second portion of the tubular member. The first portion of the tubular member is different from the second portion of the tubular member. The tubular member is stretched after the heating such that a length of the first portion of the tubular member is associated with a width of an anulus of an intervertebral disc. After the heating and the stretching, the tubular member is disposed within a mold cavity at least until the first portion of the tubular member has a second temperature less than the first temperature and such that an outer diameter of the tubular member in a collapsed configuration is substantially constant along a longitudinal length of the tubular member.

Abstract: A surgical access device can include a plurality of retractor members that together define a lumen having a first cross-sectional dimension. Each of the plurality of retractor members can be moved radially outward to at least a second cross-sectional dimension to create a surgical access passage. The surgical access device, systems and kits comprising the surgical access device, and methods of using the surgical access device can include a mechanism for inserting an elongate member from exterior the body to the surgical site, a mechanism for moving the retractor members radially outward, a mechanism for guiding the radially outward movement of the retractor members, a mechanism for securing each of the retractor members in a range of positions, and a mechanism for illuminating the surgical site. Variations of the devices, systems, kits, and methods are useful for creating and maintaining a surgical access passage for performing minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first clamp having a first end and a second end. The second end of the first clamp is configured to engage a first spinous process. A second clamp has a first end and a second end. The second end of the second clamp is configured to engage a second spinous process spaced apart from the first spinous process. A connector is coupled to the first end of the first clamp and the first end of the second clamp.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongate member having a proximal portion configured to be deformed from a first configuration to a second configuration. The elongate member has a distal portion configured to be deformed from a first configuration to a second configuration. A non-expanding central portion is positioned between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The non-expanding central portion is configured to engage adjacent spinous processes.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a guide shaft, an expansion member coupled to the guide shaft, and an actuator. The expansion member is configured to impart a force from within an interior of an implant to deform the implant. The actuator is coupled to the expansion member, the actuator is configured to move the expansion member from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and methods of use thereof are provided for supporting a structure. The structure supported can include a bony structure. The device is comprised of a screw assembly including a base and a support configured for receiving one or more anchor assemblies. The support includes a top portion, a bottom portion and an interconnection means for coupling the base to the support. The interconnection means allows the support to be positionable in a first position that is substantially parallel to a long axis of the base and secondarily positionable substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the base. The base and the one or more anchor assemblies are configured for attachment to a structure in a patient.

Abstract: A medical device and methods of use thereof are provided for supporting a structure (e.g., bone). A screw assembly is provided that is comprised of a base, one or more arms, and an interconnection means for coupling the base to the one or more arms. The interconnection means allows the arm to be positionable in a first position that is parallel to a long axis of the base and positionable in a second position that is perpendicular to the long axis of the base. The base is configured for attachment to a structure and the one or more arms configured for attachment to one or more support structures. A support structure is provided that includes an aperture having locking means, which can be configured as an open-ended saddle for attachment to a medical device (e.g., a screw assembly) after installation in a patient.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and methods of use thereof are provided for supporting a structure. The structure supported can include a bony structure. The device is comprised of a support having a top portion, a bottom portion having a bottom surface and one or more apertures passing therethrough. The bottom surface of the support includes a receiver configured to receive a plurality of anchor assemblies of one or multiple types. Each of the anchor assemblies includes a means for locking the anchor assembly to the support element, and a base having a head and a means for locking the base to the anchor assembly. When assembled, the head of the base for one anchor assembly type may not pass through the support. In contrast, the head of the base for a second anchor assembly type is passable through the support.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and methods of use thereof are provided for supporting a structure. The structure supported can include a bony structure. The device is comprised of a support element having a top portion, a bottom portion having a bottom surface and one or more apertures passing therethrough. The bottom surface of the support element includes a receiver configured to receive a plurality of anchor assemblies. Each of the anchor assemblies includes a means for locking the anchor assembly to the support element, and a base having a head and a means for locking the base to the anchor assembly. When assembled, the head of the base for the anchor assembly may not pass through the support element.