Abstract: A system for reducing the risk of an incorrect selection or dispensing of a drug dose for use with a cartridge and a cartridge holder so as to prevent unwanted reservoir cross use. The coding system for use with the drug delivery device includes a first partial code feature and a second partial code feature. The first partial code feature and the second partial code feature cooperate to supply a combined visual indicator when the cartridge is assembled to the holder for indicating that a correct cartridge has been assembled to the holder.

Abstract: A system for turning a person from a supine position to a prone position and vice versa includes opposing patient support platens each coupled to a corresponding end of a first and a second COG assembly, the first and second COG assemblies each coupled to a corresponding one of a pair of spindles, each one of the spindles disposed on a corresponding lift column. Embodiments described herein provide for an axis of rotation that is adjustable with respect to the plane of either an upper or lower support platen. Embodiments provide for adjusting the separation distance between the axis of rotation and the center of gravity defined by the combination of the person and the supporting platens.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid or saline-rich tissue to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for contracting a portion of the nucleus pulposus of a vertebral disc by applying a high frequency voltage between an active electrode and a return electrode within the portion of the nucleus pulposus, where contraction of the portion of nucleus pulposus inhibits migration of the portion nucleus pulposus through the fissure.

Abstract: Various apparatuses for supporting a patient in a prone position are described. In embodiment, an apparatus rotates a person from a supine position to a prone position and vice versa and includes opposing patient support platens each coupled to a corresponding end of a first and a second COG assembly, the first and second COG assemblies each coupled to a corresponding one of a pair of spindles, each one of the spindles disposed on a corresponding lift column. Embodiments described herein provide for an axis of rotation that is adjustable with respect to the plane of either an upper or lower support platen. Embodiments provide for adjusting the separation distance between the axis of rotation and the center of gravity defined by the combination of the person and the supporting platens.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid or saline-rich tissue to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for contracting a portion of the nucleus pulposus of a vertebral disc by applying a high frequency voltage between an active electrode and a return electrode within the portion of the nucleus pulposus, where contraction of the portion of nucleus pulposus inhibits migration of the portion nucleus pulposus through the fissure.

Abstract: A system for turning a person from a supine position to a prone position and vice versa includes opposing patient support platens each coupled to a corresponding end of a first and a second COG assembly, the first and second COG assemblies each coupled to a corresponding one of a pair of spindles, each one of the spindles disposed on a corresponding lift column. Embodiments described herein provide for an axis of rotation that is adjustable with respect to the plane of either an upper or lower support platen. Embodiments provide for adjusting the separation distance between the axis of rotation and the center of gravity defined by the combination of the person and the supporting platens.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid or saline-rich tissue to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for contracting a portion of the nucleus pulposus of a vertebral disc by applying a high frequency voltage between an active electrode and a return electrode within the portion of the nucleus pulposus, where contraction of the portion of nucleus pulposus inhibits migration of the portion nucleus pulposus through the fissure.

Abstract: An apparatus that transforms the surface of a commonly used operating table into a dedicated platform configured to support a patient in a prone position for back surgery or other medical procedures. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame configured to rest on top of the surface of an operating table and support members attached to the frame, configured to support the patient in a prone position. Thus, the apparatus converts commonly used operating tables into a dedicated back surgery. The apparatus eliminates the use of various improvised support structures stuffed underneath the patient to provide support while on the operating table in a prone position.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid or saline-rich tissue to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for contracting a portion of the nucleus pulposus of a vertebral disc by applying a high frequency voltage between an active electrode and a return electrode within the portion of the nucleus pulposus, where contraction of the portion of nucleus pulposus inhibits migration of the portion nucleus pulposus through the fissure.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid or saline-rich tissue to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for contracting a portion of the nucleus pulposus of a vertebral disc by applying a high frequency voltage between an active electrode and a return electrode within the portion of the nucleus pulposus, where contraction of the portion of nucleus pulposus inhibits migration of the portion nucleus pulposus through the fissure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating an intervertebral disc by ablation of disc tissue. A method of the invention includes positioning at least one active electrode within the intervertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s), wherein the volume of the nucleus pulposus is decreased, pressure exerted by the nucleus pulposus on the annulus fibrosus is reduced, and discogenic pain of a patient is alleviated. In other embodiments, a curved or steerable probe is guided to a specific target site within a disc to be treated, and the disc tissue at the target site is ablated by application of at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s). A method of making an electrosurgical probe is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating an intervertebral disc by ablation of disc tissue. A method of the invention includes positioning at least one active electrode within the intervertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s), wherein the volume of the nucleus pulposus is decreased, pressure exerted by the nucleus pulposus on the annulus fibrosus is reduced, and discogenic pain of a patient is alleviated. In other embodiments, a curved or steerable probe is guided to a specific target site within a disc to be treated, and the disc tissue at the target site is ablated by application of at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s). A method of making an electrosurgical probe is also disclosed.