Abstract: A method of performing percutaneous interbody spinal fusion on adjacent vertebrae in a patient including the steps of: creating a percutaneous access opening on the patient, using indirect visualization to establish a surgical path through the access opening, creating a cavity in a disc space between the adjacent vertebra, without retraction, inserting an expandable implant into the cavity, the implant configured to fit through the access opening into the cavity, and expanding the implant within the cavity.

Abstract: A surgical screwdriver system can include a ratchet handle assembly, a carrier assembly (either left handed or right handed), and a guide pin assembly. A screwdriver forward end can be joined to the handle assembly. A screw can be engaged with the distal end of the screwdriver over a guide pin of the guide pin assembly. A stop knob of the carrier assembly can be adjusted to set the desired depth penetration for the guide pin into the patient's bone or tissue when an impact force, such as from a mallet, is applied to the strike knob of the carrier assembly.

Abstract: A method for performing percutaneous spinal interbody fusion on a spine of a patient can include inserting without direct visualization a neuro-monitoring dilating probe into the patient, performing neuro-monitoring via the neuro-monitoring dilating probe, advancing the neuro-monitoring dilating probe into a disc space, passing a second dilator over the neuro-monitoring dilating probe, and advancing the second dilator into the disc space. A kit for performing percutaneous spinal interbody fusion can include a neuro-monitoring dilating probe, a second dilator, a tissue removal tool, an access portal comprising an adjustable depth stop, and a discectomy verification device.

Abstract: A method for performing an efficient and thorough percutaneous discectomy includes making into the patient a percutaneous incision, which is a small stab wound, no more than approximately 10 mm in length. A stimulated combination neuro-monitoring dilating probe is passed through an approximately 10 mm or less skin incision and into a patient's disc space to establish a safe path and trajectory through Kambin's Triangle. Once a neuro-monitoring dilating probe is in the disc space, a second dilator is placed over the neuro-monitoring dilating probe and impacted into the disc space. Neuro-monitoring dilating probe may then be removed. An access portal optionally combined with a force dissipation device may then be placed over the second dilator and into the disc space. The second dilator is removed and then discectomy instruments may be placed through the access portal to perform the discectomy.

Abstract: Provided is a variable lordotic expanding implant with a centralized graft deployment delivery channel (tube) with (or without) an expanding footprint mesh component which is deployed by graft material injection.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated non-human placenta derived stem cell, wherein the stem cell expresses CD90 or wherein the stem cell expresses CD29. The present invention also provides a composition comprising an isolated non-human placenta derived stem cell of the invention or a population of isolated non-human placenta derived stem cells of the invention, and a carrier. The present invention also provides a composition of the invention for use in the manufacture of a medicament to reduce the incidence of rejection in a patient receiving a xenotransplant form a non-human donor. The present invention provides a method of treating a subject receiving a xenotransplant or xenotransfusion comprising the step of administering to the patient an effective amount of a non-human placenta derived stem cells.

Abstract: A method for performing an efficient and thorough percutaneous discectomy includes making into the patient a percutaneous incision, which is a small stab wound, no more than approximately 10 mm in length. A stimulated combination neuro-monitoring dilating probe is passed through an approximately 10 mm or less skin incision and into a patient's disc space to establish a safe path and trajectory through Kambin's Triangle. Once a neuro-monitoring dilating probe is in the disc space, a second dilator is placed over the neuro-monitoring dilating probe and impacted into the disc space. Neuro-monitoring dilating probe may then be removed. An access portal optionally combined with a force dissipation device may then be placed over the second dilator and into the disc space. The second dilator is removed and then discectomy instruments may be placed through the access portal to perform the discectomy.

Abstract: A shaper for reaming tissue having a single articulating cutting head can be operably connected to a main shaft. The cutting head can be inverted by rotating the main shaft 180 degrees so that the remaining half-circle of tissue can be removed for a complete discectomy or other surgical procedure. The main shaft can be rotationally locked so that rotation does not occur until the user actuates a release mechanism.

Abstract: A method of performing percutaneous interbody spinal fusion on adjacent vertebrae in a patient including the steps of: creating a percutaneous access opening on the patient, using indirect visualization to establish a surgical path through the access opening, creating a cavity in a disc space between the adjacent vertebra, without retraction, inserting an expandable implant into the cavity, the implant configured to fit through the access opening into the cavity, and expanding the implant within the cavity.

Abstract: Provided is a variable lordotic expanding implant with a centralized graft deployment delivery channel (tube) with (or without) an expanding footprint mesh component which is deployed by graft material injection.

Abstract: A neuro-monitoring dilating probe can include a combined guide pin, dilator and neuro-monitoring probe all in one instrument. A distal end of the probe may include a conductive exposed tip and a tapered portion. The tapered portion can roll tissue out of the insertion path and allow for penetration into a disc annulus without an annulotomy. The tapered portion can be configured to reside fully in the annulus, ensuring no gap is formed between the probe and a subsequent dilator. Thus a nerve root will not become impinged in a gap. The proximal end of the probe may include a notch or other engagement feature to allow a tool to engage the probe to facilitate removal of the probe from the surgical site.

Abstract: A method of performing percutaneous interbody spinal fusion on adjacent vertebrae in a patient including the steps of: creating a percutaneous access opening on the patient, using indirect visualization to establish a surgical path through the access opening, creating a cavity in a disc space between the adjacent vertebra, without retraction, inserting an expandable implant into the cavity, the implant configured to fit through the access opening into the cavity, and expanding the implant within the cavity.

Abstract: A method of performing percutaneous interbody spinal fusion on adjacent vertebrae in a patient including the steps of: creating a percutaneous access opening on the patient, using indirect visualization to establish a surgical path through the access opening, creating a cavity in a disc space between the adjacent vertebra, without retraction, inserting an expandable implant into the cavity, the implant configured to fit through the access opening into the cavity, and expanding the implant within the cavity.

Abstract: A method of performing percutaneous interbody spinal fusion on adjacent vertebrae in a patient including the steps of: creating a percutaneous access opening on the patient, using indirect visualization to establish a surgical path through the access opening, creating a cavity in a disc space between the adjacent vertebra, without retraction, inserting an expandable implant into the cavity, the implant configured to fit through the access opening into the cavity, and expanding the implant within the cavity.

Abstract: A method of performing percutaneous interbody spinal fusion on adjacent vertebrae in a patient including the steps of: creating a percutaneous access opening on the patient, using indirect visualization to establish a surgical path through the access opening, creating a cavity in a disc space between the adjacent vertebra, without retraction, inserting an expandable implant into the cavity, the implant configured to fit through the access opening into the cavity, and expanding the implant within the cavity.

Abstract: A method of performing percutaneous interbody spinal fusion on adjacent vertebrae in a patient including the steps of: creating a percutaneous access opening on the patient, using indirect visualization to establish a surgical path through the access opening via neural monitoring, creating a cavity in a disc space between the adjacent vertebra, without retraction, evaluating the created cavity, inserting a container sized and configured to fit through the access opening into the cavity and filling the container with fill material.

Abstract: A cross-connector for spinal rods includes an adjustable rod clamping mechanism that adjusts to a variety of rod diameters to be clamped on each side of the cross-connector. The adjustable rod clamping mechanism includes a fixed hook portion and a cross-slide cam driven by a tapered set screw that is oriented 90 degrees to the travel of the cam.

Abstract: A laser target sphere is used in conjunction with a laser scanner. The target sphere has an ideal lambertian reflectance appropriate for laser scanning systems facilitating the laser scanner finding the center of the target sphere. The target sphere includes an internal kinematic mount configured to concentrically mount the target sphere to a Spherical Mounted Retroreflector (SMR) providing a same center location of the two spheres. By adapting the target sphere to mount concentrically on the SMR, the laser scanner and target sphere system can use the same points defined for the SMR.

Abstract: A laser target sphere is used in conjunction with a laser scanner. The target sphere has an ideal lambertian reflectance appropriate for laser scanning systems facilitating the laser scanner finding the center of the target sphere. The target sphere includes an internal kinematic mount configured to concentrically mount the target sphere to a Spherical Mounted Retroreflector (SMR) providing a same center location of the two spheres. By adapting the target sphere to mount concentrically on the SMR, the laser scanner and target sphere system can use the same points defined for the SMR.

Abstract: A method of performing percutaneous interbody spinal fusion on adjacent vertebrae in a patient including the steps of: creating a percutaneous access opening on the patient, using indirect visualization to establish a surgical path through the access opening via neural monitoring, creating a cavity in a disc space between the adjacent vertebra, without retraction, evaluating the created cavity, inserting a container sized and configured to fit through the access opening into the cavity and filling the container with fill material.