Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed that includes an elongated probe section having a length (L) between a proximal and a distal probe section end. The probe section includes a plurality of carbon fibers that is arrayed along the axis and embedded in a medical grade, biocompatible epoxy resin. The probe section is constructed to be rigid by controlling the density of carbon fibers such that the maximum predetermined off-axis deflection (dmax) is less than about 30% of the probe section length (dmax<0.3 L). A handle is affixed, and positioned to be coaxial with, the proximal end of the probe section. For the instrument, the probe section is constructed of materials that are impervious to an imaging modality (e.g. magnetic fields). For example, with this construction, the probe section can be immersed in a homogenous magnetic field that is established by an MRI system without distorting the resulting MRI image.

Abstract: A device for early stabilizing of distracted tissue that includes a first implant, a second implant, a sliding expansion mechanism and a stabilizer. The first implant is capable of being attached to a first tissue region. The second implant is capable of being attached to a second tissue region. The sliding expansion mechanism engages the first implant and the second implant for distracting the first implant away from the second implant to create a distraction space for formation of the distracted tissue. The stabilizer rigidly fixes the first implant and the second implant after disengagement of the sliding expansion mechanism to rigidly stabilize the distracted tissue. The stabilizer includes in whole or in part a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a connective tissue distraction device comprising: a first transmitting structure for transmitting force to a first tissue region and a second transmitting structure for transmitting force to a second tissue region by contact with bone, and an expansion device for exerting force distracting the first transmitting structure from the second transmitting structure. At least one of the first transmitting device, the second transmitting device and the expansion structure comprises in whole or in part a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a connective tissue distraction device comprising: a first transmitting structure for transmitting force to a first tissue region and a second transmitting structure for transmitting force to a second tissue region by contact with bone, and an expansion device for exerting force distracting the first transmitting structure from the second transmitting structure. At least one of the first transmitting device, the second transmitting device and the expansion structure comprises in whole or in part a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a connective tissue distraction device comprising: a first transmitting structure for transmitting force to a first tissue region and a second transmitting structure for transmitting force to a second tissue region by contact with bone, and an expansion device for exerting force distracting the first transmitting structure from the second transmitting structure. At least one of the first transmitting device, the second transmitting device and the expansion structure comprises in whole or in part a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that existing distraction devices have certain disadvantages, including the requirement to remove materials in the distraction device from the subjects body after distraction is completed. Depending on the location of distraction, this procedure can be of varying degrees of undesireability. One aspect of the present invention is a connective tissue distraction device comprising: a first transmitting means for transmitting force to a first tissue region and a second transmitting means for transmitting force to a second tissue region by contact with bone, expansion means for exerting force distracting said first transmitting means from said second transmitting means, wherein at least one of said first transmitting means, said second transmitting means and said expansion means comprises in whole or in part a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that existing distraction devices have certain disadvantages, including the requirement to remove materials in the distraction device from the subjects body after distraction is completed. Depending on the location of distraction, this procedure can be of varying degrees of undesireability. One aspect of the present invention is a connective tissue distraction device comprising: a first transmitting means for transmitting force to a first tissue region and a second transmitting means for transmitting force to a second tissue region by contact with bone, expansion means for exerting force distracting said first transmitting means from said second transmitting means, wherein at least one of said first transmitting means, said second transmitting means and said expansion means comprises in whole or in part a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.