Abstract: A transconnector is adapted to connect first and second spinal rods that are positioned longitudinally along a spine. The transconnector includes a first member and a second member that clamp onto first and second spinal rods.

Abstract: A spine screw assembly is adapted to be loaded from a bottom of a receiver member. The spine screw assembly includes a bone fastener with a head having a groove that removably accepts a clip. The clip acts to retain the head of the bone fastener in the receiver member.

Abstract: Intercalates and exfoliates formed from layered materials and dendritic polymers are disclosed, together with the uses of these materials, e.g. in producing composite materials. The dispersion of layered materials in a dendritic polymer matrix (hyperbranched polymers, star shaped polymers or star branched polymers) or has not been disclosed in the prior art. The high number of end-groups per molecule of dendritic polymer combined with their unique globular architectures leads to large intergallery spacings when intercalated in layered silicates and particularly facile exfoliation in spite of the high molar mass of the dendritic polymer. The excellent processability and potential high reactivity of dendritic polymers makes them extremely promising for thermoset applications, and coatings.

Abstract: A bone stabilizer assembly includes a fixation element, a coupling element, and a compression nut. The fixation element is adapted to engage a bone and having a head portion and shank portion. The coupling element has an internal bore sized to receive the shank portion of the fixation element and a pyramid-shaped seat for supporting the head portion of the fixation element. The coupling element is adapted to receive a stabilizer rod. The compression nut is engagable with the coupling element and is adapted to rotatingly move distally into the coupling element to translate a force to the head portion through the rod and the saddle such that the head portion is forced against the seat of the coupling element to prevent relative movement between the fixation element and the coupling element.

Abstract: A rod reducer is adapted for inserting a rod into position within an orthopedic device. The rod reducer is configured for use with one hand and does not obstruct the surgeon's view of the surgical field during use.

Abstract: Disclosed are bone stabilization assemblies for use in skeletal systems. A bone stabilizer assembly includes a fixation element, a coupling element, a saddle, a compression nut, and retention means for retaining the saddle in the coupling element in a floating configuration that permits a predetermined amount of movement between the saddle and the coupling element. The fixation element is adapted to engage a bone and has a head portion and shank portion. The coupling element has an internal bore sized to receive the shank portion of the fixation element and a seat adapted to support the head portion of the fixation element. The coupling element is also adapted to receive a stabilizer rod. The saddle is movably mounted in the coupling element below the stabilizer rod when the stabilizer rod is in the coupling element. The compression nut is engagable with the coupling element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite article comprising at least one metal reinforcement element embedded in a polymer material. An adhesion promoting layer is interposed between the metal reinforcement element and the polymer material. The adhesion promoting layer comprises an organofunctional silane and a hyperbranched polymer. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a composite article and to the use of a composite article as metal reinforced article.

Abstract: Disclosed are spinal fusion assemblies for use in skeletal systems. The assembly includes a coupling element that can be coupled to a fixation element, such as, for example, a screw with a head that removably mates with the coupling element. The coupling element and fixation element are configured to be coupled to an elongate stabilizer, such as a rod, that is positioned between a top and a bottom saddle. A compression member, such as a compression nut, is configured to mate with the coupling element and provides a compressive force to the top and bottom saddles to secure the elongate stabilizer therebetween. The top and bottom saddles are movably positioned within the coupling element such that they can gradually reposition and self-align into a secure engagement with the stabilizer as the compression member provides the compressive force.

Abstract: Intercalates and exfoliates formed from layered materials and dendritic polymers are disclosed, together with the uses of these materials, e.g. in producing composite materials. The dispersion of layered materials in a dendritic polymer matrix (hyperbranched polymers, star shaped polymers or star branched polymers) or has not been disclosed in the prior art. The high number of end-groups per molecule of dendritic polymer combined with their unique globular architectures leads to large intergallery spacings when intercalated in layered silicates and particularly facile exfoliation in spite of the high molar mass of the dendritic polymer. The excellent processability and potential high reactivity of dendritic polymers makes them extremely promising for thermoset applications, and coatings.

Abstract: Surgical instruments, guides, and methods for closure of fascia and other tissue sites are disclosed. A suture passer guide comprises an elongate body with first and second passages for guiding a suture passer. The long axes of the elongate body, the first passage, and the second passage, preferably lie in three separate parallel planes. A suture passer comprises a housing having a needle tip portion and a first suture grasping surface. An elongate body is located at least partially within the housing and is configured to slide within the housing. The elongate body has a second suture grasping surface at the distal end. The first and second suture grasping surfaces preferably are spaced from the needle tip portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, a snap-on guide and method capable of being used for closure of fascia and other laparoscopic procedures that use large operative ports or trocars and is intended to help prevent post-operative hernia defects and is also used to stop acute bleeding from the abdominal wall. The instrument shaft with the needle tip is attached to a hand piece allowing the operator to control the retractable grasping surface. The needle guide directly applies onto the shaft of a trocar and it slides down to the level of the subcutaneous tissue helping the operator to place the needle. Once the suture is passed through the abdominal wall, it is released then the needle is re-inserted through the opposite “guide port”. The suture creates an intra-abdominal loop of suture outside the abdomen. Suture ends will be tied, allowing closure of the fascial defect within the abdominal wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising polysiloxanes suitable for the preparation of accommodating intraocular lenses, having a specific gravity of greater than about 1.0, a refractive index suitable for restoring the refractive power of the natural crystalline lens and a viscosity suitable for injection through a standard cannula. The present invention includes intraocular lenses made from said polysiloxane compositions having a Young's modulus less than about 10 kPa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising polysiloxanes suitable for the preparation of accommodating intraocular lenses, having a specific gravity of greater than about 1.0, a refractive index suitable for restoring the refractive power of the natural crystalline lens and a viscosity suitable for injection through a standard cannula. The present invention includes intraocular lenses made from said polysiloxane compositions having a Young's modulus less than about 10 kPa.