Abstract: An apparatus is provided herein for dilating bodily tissue and for monitoring neural activity in the distracted bodily tissue. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a first dilator having a tubular body with a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one electrode mounted about a circumference thereof; and, a second dilator having a tubular body of electrically-insulative material, the tubular body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending therebetween sized to permit the second dilator to subsequently telescopically slide over the first dilator and come into overlapping coaxial alignment with the first dilator. A discrete window is formed through the tubular body, at or near the distal end, in communication with the lumen.

Abstract: An adjustable light for a medical environment comprises a first housing adapted for engagement with a handle of an overhead light, a second housing including a lamp operatively connected to a power source for generating illuminating light, and a flexible shaft extending between and interconnecting the first housing at a proximal end of the shaft and the second housing at a distal end of the shaft. The first housing is adapted to be releasably coupled to the handle of the overhead light over a work area such that the flexible arm and the second housing are selectively movable relative to the first housing toward a target in the work area for illuminating the target.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided herein for dilating bodily tissue and for monitoring neural activity in the distracted bodily tissue. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a first dilator having a tubular body with a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one electrode mounted about a circumference thereof; and, a second dilator having a tubular body of electrically-insulative material, the tubular body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending therebetween sized to permit the second dilator to subsequently telescopically slide over the first dilator and come into overlapping coaxial alignment with the first dilator. A discrete window is formed through the tubular body, at or near the distal end, in communication with the lumen.

Abstract: A percutaneous system in which tubular retractors are utilized as a means of access, visualization, and a controlled orientation for preparation of posterior spinal elements and delivery of graft material for posterior spinal fusion. The tubular retractors are affixed to screw extensions to rotate and articulate relative to multi-axial screws percutaneously inserted into respective pedicles of vertebral bodies. The procedure is done bilaterally, although it could be performed unilaterally in cases where the anatomy or surgeon preference dictates. A number of different deployable graft concepts are disclosed, the primary features being to allow for creation of a graft space volume and a means for delivery of the graft material preferred by the surgeon.

Abstract: An adjustable light for a medical environment comprises a first housing adapted for engagement with a handle of an overhead light, a second housing including a lamp operatively connected to a power source for generating illuminating light, and a flexible shaft extending between and interconnecting the first housing at a proximal end of the shaft and the second housing at a distal end of the shaft. The first housing is adapted to be releasably coupled to the handle of the overhead light over a work area such that the flexible arm and the second housing are selectively movable relative to the first housing toward a target in the work area for illuminating the target.

Abstract: In one aspect, an instrument for placing a graft, implant and/or graft material at a target site for enhancing posterolateral fusion between two or more vertebrae is provided which includes a housing and an actuable trigger associated with the housing. A curved rigid access tube extends from the housing, the access tube terminating at a distal end. A sheath is disposed about, and moveable relative to the access tube, and a transmission is disposed in the housing. In an initial state, the sheath extends distally past the distal end of the access tube, a space being defined within the sheath distally of the distal end of the access tube to accommodate the graft, implant and/or graft material. The transmission is configured to cause an incremental displacement of the sheath relative to the distal end of the access tube upon an actuation of the trigger.

Abstract: A device is provided for use with a medical implant for delivering an agent to a designated site of action in a body of a patient. The agent-delivery device comprises a body member having an inner surface and a projection on the inner surface of the body member. An agent-delivery medium is associated with the body member. The agent-delivery medium includes a therapeutic agent for treating the body of the patient. The body member is adapted to be secured to the medical implant such that the projection operatively engages the medical implant for spacing the inner surface of the body member from the implant, and the agent-delivery medium is configured to release the therapeutic agent after implantation in the body of the patient. In alternative embodiments, the agent-delivery device comprises a first body member having an inner surface and a second body member having an inner surface.

Abstract: A device for use in sorting cells comprises a first body member having a pair of longitudinally spaced through passages opening to a inner surface. A second body member has an inner surface and a portion defining an opening. The first body member is configured to be mounted to the second body member such that a gasket is disposed between the inner surface of the first body member. The substrate is disposed between the gasket and the inner surface of the second body member for overlying the opening in the second body member. The openings in the first body member open onto an inner surface of the substrate at opposite ends of a channel defined by the inner surface of the first body member, an elongated longitudinal opening in the gasket and the substrate.

Abstract: In one aspect, an instrument for placing a graft, implant and/or graft material at a target site for enhancing posterolateral fusion between two or more vertebrae is provided which includes a housing and an actuable trigger associated with the housing. A curved rigid access tube extends from the housing, the access tube terminating at a distal end. A sheath is disposed about, and moveable relative to the access tube, and a transmission is disposed in the housing. In an initial state, the sheath extends distally past the distal end of the access tube, a space being defined within the sheath distally of the distal end of the access tube to accommodate the graft, implant and/or graft material. The transmission is configured to cause an incremental displacement of the sheath relative to the distal end of the access tube upon an actuation of the trigger.

Abstract: A percutaneous system in which tubular retractors are utilized as a means of access, visualization, and a controlled orientation for preparation of posterior spinal elements and delivery of graft material for posterior spinal fusion. The tubular retractors are affixed to screw extensions to rotate and articulate relative to multi-axial screws percutaneously inserted into respective pedicles of vertebral bodies. The procedure is done bilaterally, although it could be performed unilaterally in cases where the anatomy or surgeon preference dictates. A number of different deployable graft concepts are disclosed, the primary features being to allow for creation of a graft space volume and a means for delivery of the graft material preferred by the surgeon.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided herein for dilating bodily tissue and for monitoring neural activity in the distracted bodily tissue. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a first dilator having a tubular body with a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one electrode mounted about a circumference thereof; and, a second dilator having a tubular body of electrically-insulative material, the tubular body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending therebetween sized to permit the second dilator to subsequently telescopically slide over the first dilator and come into overlapping coaxial alignment with the first dilator. A discrete window is formed through the tubular body, at or near the distal end, in communication with the lumen.

Abstract: An adjustable light for a medical environment comprises a first housing adapted for engagement with a handle of an overhead light, a second housing including a lamp operatively connected to a power source for generating illuminating light, and a flexible shaft extending between and interconnecting the first housing at a proximal end of the shaft and the second housing at a distal end of the shaft. The first housing is adapted to be releasably coupled to the handle of the overhead light over a work area such that the flexible arm and the second housing are selectively movable relative to the first housing toward a target in the work area for illuminating the target.

Abstract: A plate of biocompatible material is provided having curvature in two planes such that it conforms to the curvature of the L5 vertebral body and to the patient's lordotic curve. Holes are provided receiving screws for anchorage in the vertebral body and sacrum. A flange or foot portion on the plate provides a wider base end area for support in the L5-S1 interspace. The foot portion is also arranged for appropriate entry angle of screws into the sacrum such as to improve anchorage in the sacrum. Anti-backout and low profile features are incorporated. The anterior lumbar plate is situated to maintain the anterior interbody bone graft in compression by resisting tensile forces during extension.

Abstract: Spinal spacers for fusion of a motion segment. A spinal spacer includes a body, which may be formed of a bone composition. The body includes a first end, an opposite second end, a superior face defining a superior vertebral engaging surface and an inferior face defining an inferior vertebral engaging surface. At least one of the vertebral engaging surfaces defines a set of migration resistance grooves. Each of the grooves includes a first face defining an angle of no more than about 90 degrees relative to the engaging surface and a second opposing sloped face.

Abstract: A method for the pre-treatment of an intervertebral disc prior to the introduction of a disc prosthesis or implant includes removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc to expose at least a portion of the endplate of an adjacent vertebra to the disc. A fluent treatment material is then injected into the disc space to come into contact with the portion of the endplate. The fluent treatment material is operable to prepare the portion of the endplate to accommodate a disc prosthesis, implant or graft subsequently introduced into the disc space. Different fluent treatment materials are provided that depend upon the condition of the vertebral endplates.

Abstract: Spinal spacers for fusion of a motion segment. A spinal spacer includes a body, which may be formed of a bone composition. The body includes a first end, an opposite second end, a superior face defining a superior vertebral engaging surface and an inferior face defining an inferior vertebral engaging surface. At least one of the vertebral engaging surfaces defines a set of migration resistance grooves. Each of the grooves includes a first face defining an angle of no more than about 90 degrees relative to the engaging surface and a second opposing sloped face.

Abstract: Spinal spacers 20 are provided for fusion of a motion segment. The spacers include a load bearing member 21 having a wall 22 sized for engagement within a space between adjacent vertebrae to maintain the space and an effective amount of an osteogenic composition to stimulate osteoinduction. The osteogenic composition includes a substantially pure osteogenic factor in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In one embodiment the load bearing member includes a hone graft impregnated in an osteogenic composition. In another embodiment, the osteogenic composition 30 is packed within a chamber 25 defined in the graft. Any suitable configuration of a bone graft is contemplated, including bone dowels, D-shaped spacers and cortical rings.

Abstract: Spinal spacers for fusion of a motion segment. A spinal spacer includes a body, which may be formed of a bone composition. The body includes a first end, an opposite second end, a superior face defining a superior vertebral engaging surface and an inferior face defining an inferior vertebral engaging surface. At least one of the vertebral engaging surfaces defines a set of migration resistance grooves. Each of the grooves includes a first face defining an angle of no more than about 90 degrees relative to the engaging surface and a second opposing sloped face.

Abstract: A plate of biocompatible material is provided having curvature in two planes such that it conforms to the curvature of the L5 vertebral body and to the patient's lordotic curve. Holes are provided receiving screws for anchorage in the vertebral body and sacrum. A flange or foot portion on the plate provides a wider base end area for support in the L5-S1 interspace. The foot portion is also arranged for appropriate entry angle of screws into the sacrum such as to improve anchorage in the sacrum. Anti-backout and low profile features are incorporated. The anterior lumbar plate is situated to maintain the anterior interbody bone graft in compression by resisting tensile forces during extension.