Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to methods and devices for passing suture bi-directionally using a hybrid approach. Embodiments of a method described herein include steps of advancing a suture at least partially through tissue; and retrieving the suture; wherein one of the steps of advancing and retrieving comprises manipulating the suture directly, and wherein the other step of advancing and retrieving comprises manipulating a suture trap to which the suture is coupled.

Abstract: A compression and distraction shaft assembly applies compression and distraction to bones including vertebrae. Shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly are attached together via a polyaxial fulcrum. The polyaxial fulcrum allows all rotational degrees of freedom between shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly. Such fulcrum, during compression and distraction, does not impart ancillary stresses or motion to vertebrae. An hourglass-shaped bore for engaging pliers is formed in approximately middle of both the shaft A assembly and the shaft B assembly. Distraction pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply distraction to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of distraction to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position. Compression pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply compression to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of compression to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position.

Abstract: An implantable fixation system for fusing a joint between a first bone and a second bone. The system may include an anchor, standoff, bolt, and cortical washer. The system may be implanted across the joint along a single trajectory, the length of the system adjustable to provide compressive force between the anchor and the cortical washer. The system may be implanted across a tibiotalar joint with the anchor positioned in the sinus tarsi. A spacing member may be inserted between the two bones and the fixation system implanted to extend through an opening in the spacing member. The spacing member may be anatomically shaped and/or provide deformity correction. An ankle arthroplasty system may include a tibial plate, a talar plate, and a bearing insert. The plates may be anchored to the tibia and talus along a single trajectory. The ankle arthroplasty system may be revisable to a fusion system.

Abstract: A compression and distraction shaft assembly applies compression and distraction to bones including vertebrae. Shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly are attached together via a polyaxial fulcrum. The polyaxial fulcrum allows all rotational degrees of freedom between shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly. Such fulcrum, during compression and distraction, does not impart ancillary stresses or motion to vertebrae. An hourglass-shaped bore for engaging pliers is formed in approximately middle of both the shaft A assembly and the shaft B assembly. Distraction pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply distraction to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of distraction to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position. Compression pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply compression to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of compression to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for approximating tissue using suture are described. The systems include at least one suture with a locking portion that is integral to the suture. The locking portion may be an expanded portion of the suture body. The locking portion may receive a plurality of snares that work to carry the at least one end of the suture through the locking portion. The systems may also include suture anchors and external locking mechanisms such as a tubular sheath. The systems may be used to approximate two soft tissue portions together, or a soft tissue and a bone portion together.

Abstract: A medical device is described, the medical device comprising a moveable member, moveable between a first position and a second position; an actuating member coupled to the moveable member, directly or indirectly, for manipulating the moveable member, that is for causing the movement of the moveable member; and an indicator coupled, directly or indirectly, to the actuating member, said indicator having a first state and a second state; the indicator and actuating member being cooperatively operable such that the indicator automatically transitions between the first state and the second state to indicate advancement of the member to the second position from the first position upon a predetermined actuation of the actuating member.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for facilitating tissue puncture of a portion of biological tissue using a device, the device comprising a tissue supporting member that is adapted to be placed in a proximal position relative to a portion of the biological tissue and a tissue puncturing member that is adapted to be placed in a distal position relative to the portion of the biological tissue, so that the portion of biological tissue is between the tissue supporting member and tissue puncturing member, the method comprising: supporting the portion of biological tissue using the tissue supporting member; and advancing the tissue puncturing member in a distal direction such that the tissue puncturing member passes through the portion of the biological tissue, thereby puncturing the portion of biological tissue.

Abstract: A compression and distraction shaft assembly applies compression and distraction to bones including vertebrae. Shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly are attached together via a polyaxial fulcrum. The polyaxial fulcrum allows all rotational degrees of freedom between shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly. Such fulcrum, during compression and distraction, does not impart ancillary stresses or motion to vertebrae. An hourglass-shaped bore for engaging pliers is formed in approximately middle of both the shaft A assembly and the shaft B assembly. Distraction pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply distraction to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of distraction to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position. Compression pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply compression to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of compression to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compression and distraction shaft assembly used to apply compression and distraction to bones including vertebrae. Shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly are attached together via a polyaxial fulcrum. The polyaxial fulcrum allows all rotational degrees of freedom between shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly. Such fulcrum, during compression and distraction, does not impart ancillary stresses or motion to vertebrae. A hour glass shaped bore for engaging pliers is formed in approximately middle of both the shaft A assembly and the shaft B assembly. A distraction pliers having cylindrical tips is used to apply distraction to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart appropriate amount of distraction to the vertebrae they are locked in this position. A compression pliers having cylindrical tips is used to apply compression to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart appropriate amount of compression to the vertebrae they are locked in this position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for filling bone voids which may be present at the time of surgery. The systems disclosed herein generally include a baseplate component, a spacer component, and void filler component. The spacer component is generally assembled to the baseplate component with a taper or press-fit, for example, in one of a plurality of selected axial positions. The void filler component is then generally assembled to the spacer component in one of a plurality of selected axial positions. The void filler component preferably has an outer surface with portions having varying diameters such that the outer surface thereof can be received within a canal of a bone and contact the bone forming the canal at different locations in order to aid in stabilizing the assembled components in the canal.

Abstract: Pedicle screws are designed to provide polyaxial coupling to pedicles of a vertebra. Intermediate pieces are attached to the pedicles screws and receive extender shafts. Extenders are inserted in the intermediate piece. The extenders project the anatomic points located in the cage outside the patient's body to facilitate proper contouring of a rod. An alignment linkage is used to ensure that the extenders are parallel to each other. The alignment linkage includes a linkage frame, an articulating linkage and a locking member. The articulating linkage has all rotational degrees of freedom and thereby adapts to any varying trajectories of the extenders and distance between the extenders. The alignment linkage includes a locking member with a pop-up indicator. The pop-up indicator notifies the users when the locking member is tightened with two of the extenders in non-parallel configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compression and distraction shaft assembly used to apply compression and distraction to bones including vertebrae. Shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly are attached together via a polyaxial fulcrum. The polyaxial fulcrum allows all rotational degrees of freedom between shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly. Such fulcrum, during compression and distraction, does not impart ancillary stresses or motion to vertebrae. A hour glass shaped bore for engaging pliers is formed in approximately middle of both the shaft A assembly and the shaft B assembly. A distraction pliers having cylindrical tips is used to apply distraction to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart appropriate amount of distraction to the vertebrae they are locked in this position. A compression pliers having cylindrical tips is used to apply compression to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart appropriate amount of compression to the vertebrae they are locked in this position.

Abstract: A medical/surgical irrigator comprising a handpiece and a tip assembly that is removably attached to the handpiece. Internal to the handpiece is a variable speed pulse pump from which irrigation fluid is discharged through the tip assembly. A single, variable speed motor regulates the pumping rate of the pump. The tip assembly includes a suction wand through which the discharged fluid is drawn away from the site to which the fluid is applied.

Abstract: A battery powered flashlight is described that has a rotatable head that bears the light source assembly. The flashlight can have side-by-side batteries, and can be configured to also include a glass breaker, and a seat belt cutter.

Abstract: A battery powered flashlight is described that has a rotatable head that bears the light source assembly. The flashlight can have side-by-side batteries, and can be configured to also include a glass breaker, and a seat belt cutter.

Abstract: A plant anchor for securing a plant that includes a base member, having a top and bottom, and at least one support portion located within the base member and each support portion includes at least one opening for frictionally securing a plant. Preferably, there is more than one leg that is attached to the bottom of the base member. The base member as well as the legs can be in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. There can be more than one support portion located on each base member. The optimal opening is two transverse, v-shaped slits.