Abstract: Kits and systems are disclosed that include one or more segments of elastically deformable membrane in combination with one or more external fixation members and optionally in combination with one or more tension protector pads. Also disclosed are methods of use of the kits and systems in methods that involve stretching the elastically deformable membrane and applying the stretched membrane to the skin of a patient, and releasing the tension on the membrane, thus causing compression of the skin to which the membrane is applied. The method may further include the optional steps of inserting one or more external fixation members through the membrane/skin combination and into a bone segment, applying a distraction force to the one or more external fixation members, and adjusting one or more segments of membrane to affect skin tension at a rate that is similar to a rate at which the distraction force is applied.

Abstract: Kits and systems are disclosed that include one or more segments of elastically deformable membrane in combination with one or more external fixation members and optionally in combination with one or more tension protector pads. Also disclosed are methods of use of the kits and systems in methods that involve stretching the elastically deformable membrane and applying the stretched membrane to the skin of a patient, and releasing the tension on the membrane, thus causing compression of the skin to which the membrane is applied. The method may further include the optional steps of inserting one or more external fixation members through the membrane/skin combination and into a bone segment, applying a distraction force to the one or more external fixation members, and separating at least a portion of the membrane so as to release a portion of the tension in the skin at a rate that is similar to a rate at which the distraction force is applied.

Abstract: A tube rack apparatus including a bottom portion having a first length, a plurality of indents formed in the bottom portion and configured to receive tubes and keep tubes straight, the plurality of indents exposing a lower surface of the bottom portion, wherein inserted tubes do not pass through the lower surface of the bottom portion, a plurality of legs extending from the bottom portion, a top portion having a second length longer than the first length, a plurality of openings formed in the top portion, the plurality of openings aligned with the plurality of indents, and at least one handle member extending from a first end of the top portion.

Abstract: A system includes an implant and a packaging device assembled with the implant to hold an outer sleeve and a head element of the implant in a desired position relative to one another. The packaging device includes clip arms sized and shaped so that, when the arms are held toward a closed configuration, the implant is housed therebetween in the desired position and proximal ends of the arms form a space via which an insertion device is insertable to be coupled to the implant, and a housing defining a space within which the clip is housed. The housing includes a retaining feature for retaining the clip therein and a camming element which, when a proximal force is exerted on the implant via the insertion device coupled thereto, causes the arms to move away from one toward an open configuration to release the implant therefrom.

Abstract: Kits and systems are disclosed that include one or more segments of elastically deformable membrane in combination with one or more external fixation members and optionally in combination with one or more tension protector pads. Also disclosed are methods of use of the kits and systems in methods that involve stretching the elastically deformable membrane and applying the stretched membrane to the skin of a patient, and releasing the tension on the membrane, thus causing compression of the skin to which the membrane is applied. The method may further include the optional steps of inserting one or more external fixation members through the membrane/skin combination and into a bone segment, applying a distraction force to the one or more external fixation members, and separating at least a portion of the membrane so as to release a portion of the tension in the skin at a rate that is similar to a rate at which the distraction force is applied.

Abstract: A system includes an implant and a packaging device assembled with the implant to hold an outer sleeve and a head element of the implant in a desired position relative to one another. The packaging device includes clip arms sized and shaped so that, when the arms are held toward a closed configuration, the implant is housed therebetween in the desired position and proximal ends of the arms form a space via which an insertion device is insertable to be coupled to the implant, and a housing defining a space within which the clip is housed. The housing includes a retaining feature for retaining the clip therein and a camming element which, when a proximal force is exerted on the implant via the insertion device coupled thereto, causes the arms to move away from one toward an open configuration to release the implant therefrom.

Abstract: A dilation catheter system includes a body, a guidewire, and a dilation catheter having an elongate shaft. The dilation catheter system may include a locking mechanism to prevent the guidewire from moving relative to the elongate shaft or to lock the guidewire to the dilation catheter to form a fixed wire unit. The dilation catheter system may include a stabilizing tube extending from an actuator, to provide rigidity to the guidewire. The dilation catheter may include a grip element having a plurality of grip features disposed thereon. The dilation catheter may include a cap biased toward a first longitudinal position and movable to a second longitudinal position. A guide catheter secured to the cap is prevented from changing angular orientation in the first longitudinal position and is free to change angular orientation in the second longitudinal position.

Abstract: A tube rack apparatus including a bottom portion having a first length, a plurality of indents formed in the bottom portion and configured to receive tubes and keep tubes straight, the plurality of indents exposing a lower surface of the bottom portion, wherein inserted tubes do not pass through the lower surface of the bottom portion, a plurality of legs extending from the bottom portion, a top portion having a second length longer than the first length, a plurality of openings formed in the top portion, the plurality of openings aligned with the plurality of indents, and at least one handle member extending from a first end of the top portion.

Abstract: A system includes an implant and a packaging device assembled with the implant to hold an outer sleeve and a head element of the implant in a desired position relative to one another. The packaging device includes clip arms sized and shaped so that, when the arms are held toward a closed configuration, the implant is housed therebetween in the desired position and proximal ends of the arms form a space via which an insertion device is insertable to be coupled to the implant, and a housing defining a space within which the clip is housed. The housing includes a retaining feature for retaining the clip therein and a camming element which, when a proximal force is exerted on the implant via the insertion device coupled thereto, causes the arms to move away from one toward an open configuration to release the implant therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for delivery of fluid materials, particularly multi-part fluid materials, including modular apparatuses in which various components are maintained separately until ready for use. Each fluid component is maintained in a separate housing until mixing of the fluid components is desired. Maintaining components separately until use allows for proper filling, sterilization, packaging and storing until use.

Abstract: A dilation catheter system includes a body, a guidewire, and a dilation catheter having an elongate shaft. The dilation catheter system may include a locking mechanism to prevent the guidewire from moving relative to the elongate shaft or to lock the guidewire to the dilation catheter to form a fixed wire unit. The dilation catheter system may include a stabilizing tube extending from an actuator, to provide rigidity to the guidewire. The dilation catheter may include a grip element having a plurality of grip features disposed thereon. The dilation catheter may include a cap biased toward a first longitudinal position and movable to a second longitudinal position. A guide catheter secured to the cap is prevented from changing angular orientation in the first longitudinal position and is free to change angular orientation in the second longitudinal position.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for delivery of fluid materials, particularly multi-part fluid materials, including modular apparatuses in which various components are maintained separately until ready for use. Each fluid component is maintained in a separate housing until mixing of the fluid components is desired. Maintaining components separately until use allows for proper filling, sterilization, packaging and storing until use.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for delivery of fluid materials, particularly multi-part fluid materials, including modular apparatuses in which various components are maintained separately until ready for use. Each fluid component is maintained in a separate housing until mixing of the fluid components is desired. Maintaining components separately until use allows for proper filling, sterilization, packaging and storing until use.