Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing vertebroplasty are provided. In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a kit for performing vertebroplasty having two trays, each tray having the necessary components for performing vertebroplasty via each pedicle of the damaged vertebrae. Each tray is sterilized, so that if the vertebroplasty performed via one pedicle is sufficient, then the second tray can be saved for later use. In another embodiment, each tray within the kit has two cements, each cement having different imaging properties, such that each cement will appear different when viewed with an imaging device in the lateral plane and/or will be viewable when overlapping. A presently preferred embodiment involves two trays having methylmethacrylate powder but each tray has a different amount of opacifier, either as supplied or added by the vertebroplasty professional, such that when each cement is mixed and injected, each cement is visible when exposed to X-ray lateral fluoroscopy.

Abstract: A cement delivery needle apparatus (20) and a method of flowing a bone cement through a vertebroplasty needle apparatus are provided. The cement delivery needle apparatus (20) includes a sheath (24) and a handle (26). The sheath (24) has an inlet (44) to receive a bone cement and an outlet (40) for expressing the cement into a vertebral body. The handle (26) extends from the sheath (24) and includes a vibration assembly (70) for agitating the cement. The method includes providing a bone cement source to the needle. The method further includes providing a vibration assembly associated with a handle of the needle, agitating the cement with the vibration assembly and injecting the cement through the sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a needle such as a medical needle, during exposure to radiation, such as X-ray radiation. The apparatus includes a needle collar and a control bar. The needle collar attaches to the needle shaft and has a first attachment point while the control bar has a second attachment point, where the first and second attachment points cooperate to releasably engage the needle collar and the control bar. In use, when the needle collar and the control bar are engaged, the user grasps the control bar to control the needle while releasing the needle and maintaining the hands of the user outside of a field of the radiation, e.g., outside of a field of the X-ray radiation. The control bar is dimensioned such that its proximal end (i.e., the end to be grasped by the user) is outside the field of radiation.

Abstract: A cement delivery needle for use in performing vertebroplasty is provided. In one embodiment, there is provided a cement delivery needle with a sheath and an insert. The sheath has an inlet to receive a bone cement and a tapered outlet for expressing the cement into a vertebral body. The insert is receivably removable within the sheath. The insert also has a tip that is alignable with the outlet, when the insert is inserted into the sheath, to present a continuous edge. When the edge is inserted into a resistant material, an application of force to the needle creates an opening in the material to allow the needle to pass therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a needle such as a medical needle, during exposure to radiation, such as X-ray radiation. The apparatus includes a needle collar and a control bar. The needle collar attaches to the needle shaft and has a first attachment point while the control bar has a second attachment point, where the first and second attachment points cooperate to releasably engage the needle collar and the control bar. In use, when the needle collar and the control bar are engaged, the user grasps the control bar to control the needle while releasing the needle and maintaining the hands of the user outside of a field of the radiation, e.g., outside of a field of the X-ray radiation. The control bar is dimensioned such that its proximal end (i.e., the end to be grasped by the user) is outside the field of radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a needle, during exposure to radiation, such as X-ray radiation. The apparatus includes a needle collar and a control bar. The needle collar attaches to needle and has a first attachment point. The control bar has a second attachment point. The first attachment point and the second attachment point cooperate to releasably engage the needle collar and the control bar. In use, the needle collar and the control bar are engaged and the user grasps the control bar to control the needle while maintaining the hands of the user outside of a field of the radiation, e.g., outside of a field of the X-ray radiation. The control bar is dimensioned such that its proximal end (i.e., the end to be grasped by the user) is outside the field of radiation.

Abstract: A kit of parts for taking a biopsy sample from a hard tissue having a needle and a biopsy gun. The needle having an interior shaft and an exterior sleeve forming a tip for piercing hard tissue. The sleeve having a first attachment means and the shaft having a second attachment means complementary to the first attachment means. The biopsy gun having a sampling tip and a third attachment means that is complementary to the second attachment means. In operation, the biopsy gun is placed in the sleeve and secured by the third attachment means and when the gun is fired, a recoil is absorbed by the shaft.