Abstract: The present application relates to stacked piezoelectric energy harvesters that include compliant layers between piezoelectric layers. The energy harvesters are useful in various structures and devices, including tissue-stimulating implants, such as spinal fusion implants. The present application also relates to methods of increasing the power output of a piezoelectric energy harvester through the inclusion of compliant layers.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally described as a lordotic pre-sacral rod implant, or implant construct, for use in association with spinal fusion procedures. In an embodiment, the lordotic pre-sacral rod implant incorporates a washer configured to press against the endplate of the L5 vertebral body and thereby force the vertebral bodies of the lumbosacral junction into a lordotic orientation.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally described as a lordotic pre-sacral rod implant, or implant construct, for use in association with spinal fusion procedures. In an embodiment, the lordotic pre-sacral rod implant incorporates a washer configured to press against the endplate of the L5 vertebral body and thereby force the vertebral bodies of the lumbosacral junction into a lordotic orientation.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally described as a lordotic pre-sacral rod implant, or implant construct, for use in association with spinal fusion procedures. In an embodiment, the lordotic pre-sacral rod implant incorporates a washer configured to press against the endplate of the L5 vertebral body and thereby force the vertebral bodies of the lumbosacral junction into a lordotic orientation.

Abstract: An expanding surgical dilator for access to the spine and associated method of use is presented. The method has several steps associated with utilizing the expanding surgical dilator to facilitate the placement of objects, optionally implants and/or instrumentation, through the expanding surgical dilator that exceed the expanding surgical dilator's diameter in its compressed form. The expanding surgical dilator comprises an elastic sheath that can stretch and accommodate and link blades forming the rigid bodies of the sheath.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally described as a lordotic pre-sacral rod implant, or implant construct, for use in association with spinal fusion procedures. In an embodiment, the lordotic pre-sacral rod implant incorporates a washer configured to press against the endplate of the L5 vertebral body and thereby force the vertebral bodies of the lumbosacral junction into a lordotic orientation.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention is described as an expandable spinal implant. Generally, the inventor intends for the expandable spinal implant to function as an implant that translates compressive force into anterior-posterior and vertical force to enable the implant to both distract and expand between two endplates of adjacent vertebral bodies, optionally into a lordotic profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant, and more precisely in the preferred embodiment, a fenestrated non-distracting rod for use in association with spinal surgery. The implant is to be placed via the pre-sacral approach in an embodiment of the invention. The fenestrations incorporated within the preferred embodiment are configured to collect bone during transit through the sacrum, and then optionally configured to contact and/or deposit bone collected into the L5-S1 disc space area.

Abstract: The invention now summarized here is directed toward a surgical device that enables utilization of the lateral approach to the spine with the ability to retract tissue in an anterior-to-posterior direction. The invention also incorporates a surgical method for utilization of the above-mentioned surgical device, embodiments of which incorporate steps for approaching the anterior portion of the disc space, retracting soft tissue in a generally posterior direction, removing disc material, placing a bone graft and removing the associated instrumentation.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus and operation for the placement of pedicle screws without the use of guide wires. The preferred embodiment of the present invention improves upon previous systems for the placement of pedicle screws by reducing the risks associated with the use of guide wires. The preferred embodiment of the present invention also enables the reduction of steps associated with the surgical procedure to place one or more pedicle screws.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a system and method for facilitating the fusion of two vertebral bodies utilizing an oblique lateral surgical trajectory. Certain embodiments disclose a method for a surgical approach into one or more interbody spaces between two vertebral bodies on a trajectory through Kambin's Triangle. Certain embodiments of the invention include a method to open a pathway into a target area between two vertebral bodies of the spine using a series of one or more dilators. Certain embodiments of the invention comprise a system for placing an expandable interbody cage between two vertebral bodies. Certain embodiments of the invention incorporate a series of instruments to deliver an expandable interbody cage.

Abstract: Minimally invasive surgical techniques including techniques and implants for provision of therapy to a spine from a lateral approach. Implants that may be used with other approaches to the spine are disclosed. Minimally invasive surgical techniques using one or more extended retractors to create an extended access route such as the non-limiting example of lateral access to the spine. Minimally invasive surgical techniques using internal retractors that may be reversibly expanded with a removable retractor inserter to create an extended access route. A linkage jack to expand a set of two or more extended retractors to create an extended access route.

Abstract: Assemblies for implantation across one or more adjacent bones to allow for control of the distance between bone anchors. Control of distance between bone anchors may be provided by one inter-anchor element pushing the pair of bone anchors apart and a second inter-anchor element pulling the pair of bone anchors together. Control of distance between bone anchors may be provided through use of dissimilar thread pitch. Compression of the space between bone anchors through controlled movement of a pair of anchored bone anchors towards one another.

Abstract: Minimally invasive surgical techniques including techniques and implants for provision of therapy to a spine from a lateral approach. Implants that may be used with other approaches to the spine are disclosed. Minimally invasive surgical techniques using one or more extended retractors to create an extended access route such as the non-limiting example of lateral access to the spine. Minimally invasive surgical techniques using internal retractors that may be reversibly expanded with a removable retractor inserter to create an extended access route. A linkage jack to expand a set of two or more extended retractors to create an extended access route.