Abstract: A surgical instrument system for distraction and endplate preparation of two adjacent vertebrae during a spinal stabilization procedure includes a distraction device with two arms each having two spaced-apart vertebra engaging portions at a distal end and capable of bilaterally engaging the vertebra. The system further includes a template having a guide portion and one or more spacer portions for inserting into the disc space between the two vertebrae and maintaining a predetermined distance between the vertebrae. The system further includes an endplate preparation device adapted to modify the adjacent endplates of the first and second vertebrae for receiving a spinal stabilization implant, the endplate preparation device having a range of motion that may be limited by the guide in at least one dimension.

Abstract: A scope seal and method for sealing a working channel of a hysterscope is disclosed. The scope seal includes a proximal end through which a catheter can be received, a distal end that communicates with a fitting on the hysteroscope, and a substantially hollow body longitudinally extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The scope seal also includes a catheter sealing mechanism positionable within the body, a shaft seal, a chamber configured to receive the fitting of the hysteroscope and a pressure relief chamber. The catheter sealing mechanism can be any one of a duckbill valve, a conic valve, and/or a membrane. The chamber for receiving the fitting on the hysteroscope communicates with the fitting positioned on a proximal end of the hysteroscope, where the working channel of the hysteroscope accommodates a catheter therethrough in order to perform in vivo procedures.

Abstract: A system for ligating a uterine artery in a patient generally includes a suture transfer tool, suture transfer darts, and one or more sutures. The suture transfer tool includes an upper jaw that is pivotally joined to a lower jaw. The lower jaw of the tool includes a number of suture capturing pins. The suture transfer darts are configured to be tissue piercing and are positionable within the suture capturing pins. Each end of the suture is connected to a suture transfer dart. When operating the tool, the suture transfer darts pierce through the tissue to either side of a patient's cardinal ligament, which contains the uterine artery, and simultaneously present an end of the suture to either side of the cardinal ligament. As such, the suture is in an open loop configuration about the cardinal ligament and can be tied tight to the ligament to occlude the uterine artery.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus for guiding medical instruments, including a handle with a handle shaft, an alignment stand configured to interface with a receptacle of a cervical plate, an instrument guide tube coupled to the alignment stand and having a lumen therethrough, such that when the alignment stand is in communication with the receptacle, the instrument guide tube is positioned over a bone screw receiving hole in the cervical plate and an axial centerline of the instrument guide tube passes through the bone screw receiving hole. Instrument guide tube may swivel about the alignment stand via a rotational coupling, or may be one of two fixed instrument guide tubes. Alignment stand may include an angle-limiting post to interface with the receptacle to permit ranges of tilting, or a stem and optional bone pin for holding the alignment stand at a substantially constant angle in the receptacle.

Abstract: A self-drilling bone screw includes a screw body centered on a longitudinal axis and having an external thread winding. The bone screw has a head portion at one end of the screw body and a drill point at the other end. The drill point has two blades, each having a cutting lip and a primary relief surface trailing from the cutting lip. The two blades defining a flute between them. The flute has an opening to the side of the screw body, which opening spans an obtuse angle, such as about 120°, about the longitudinal axis. The primary relief surfaces have a lip relief angle of about 30°. The drill point has a point angle of about 100°.

Abstract: Bone fixation systems for stabilizing bones such as vertebral bodies are disclosed. The fixation systems include fixation connectors that preferably are equipped with bone anchors (e.g., screws, hooks, pins or like structures) for securing the fixation connectors to bones desired to be stabilized. The fixation systems also include linking elements (e.g., rods, plates or other members) for linking the fixation connectors together to form a stabilizing construct capable of maintaining a desired spacial relationship between bones desired to be stabilized.

Abstract: A bone fixation device is provided that includes one or more plates and one or more screws having an acruate outer surface. One or more fastener-receiving apertures with a frustoconical inner surface extend through the plate. The bone fixation device may also include one or more locking arrangements that are configured to secure one or more screws in one or more fastener-receiving apertures.