Abstract: A method is provided for manipulating a spinal body spacer for use in spinal surgery on a patient. The method includes attaching a placement tool to the spinal body spacer and manipulating the placement tool so as to locate the spinal body spacer in a desired location. The placement tool can by removed by unscrewing the placement tool from a threaded receiving aperture of the spinal body spacer. The method also includes passing a tip of an extraction tool through the threaded receiving aperture of the spinal body spacer, the tip of the extraction tool having at least one tab. The tip of the extraction tool is rotated such that the at least one tab of the tip of the extraction tool passes through keyways of the spacer and extends into the interior space of the spinal body spacer.

Abstract: A placement tool for positioning a multipart cannulated screw assembly to fixate first and second bone elements. The placement tool includes a stem and a head carried on the stem. The head has an outer shank engagement provision that engages the proximal end of an outer shank of a bone screw assembly and permits selective rotation of the outer shank. The head also has an inner shank engagement provision that engages the proximal end of an inner shank of the bone screw assembly and permits selective rotation of the inner shank. The inner shank and outer shank engagement provisions are connectable to one another such that the inner shank and outer shank engagement provisions rotate together.

Abstract: A compact cold plasma device for generating cold plasma having temperatures in the range 65 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The compact cold plasma device has a magnet-free configuration and an induction-grid-free configuration. An additional configuration uses an induction grid in place of the input electrode to generate the cold plasma. A high voltage power supply is provided that includes a controllable switch to release energy from a capacitor bank to a dual resonance RF transformer. A controller adjusts the energy input to the capacitor bank, as well as the trigger to the controllable switch.

Abstract: An assembly for the fixation of a spinal facet joint, including an outer shank, an inner shank and a tip, such that rotation of the inner shank with respect to the outer shank causes the tip to move into the outer shank. Movement of the tip causes deformation of the distal end of the outer shank such that the distal end of the outer shank is larger in diameter than the hole through which it was inserted, said deformation causing increased compression and reduced chance of device loosening.

Abstract: A cold plasma treatment device for delivery of a cold plasma to patient treatment area. Gas is fed to a gas compartment where it is energized by an electrode coupled to a pulse source to thereby generate a cold plasma. A dielectric barrier is sandwiched between the gas compartment and the electrode to form a dielectric barrier discharge device. The cold plasma exits the gas compartment via a bottom member having a plurality of holes. Gases that can be used include noble gases such as helium or combinations of noble gases.

Abstract: A compact cold plasma device for generating cold plasma having temperatures in the range 65 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The compact cold plasma device has a magnet-free configuration and an induction-grid-free configuration. An additional configuration uses an induction grid in place of the input electrode to generate the cold plasma. A high voltage power supply is provided that includes a controllable switch to release energy from a capacitor bank to a dual resonance RF transformer. A controller adjusts the energy input to the capacitor bank, as well as the trigger to the controllable switch.

Abstract: There is provided a modular polyaxial pedicle screw assembly that includes various components which may be configured in various manners so as to provide different functionalities to the pedicle screw assembly. This advantageously decreases surgery time, reduces repetitive and tedious surgical steps, and allows for streamlining inventory of expensive medical equipment. In one embodiment, a pedicle screw assembly includes a pedicle screw, a rod holding element, a polyaxial insert, a rod, and a set screw. The pedicle screw includes a threaded shaft and a cap. The rod holding element includes a screw hole, an insert bearing area, a chamber, chamber walls, a saddle area, and a threading area. The insert is disposed within the chamber, and the insert defines a bearing surface, an upper surface, side walls and a receiving area.

Abstract: A cold plasma treatment device for delivery of a cold plasma to patient treatment area. Gas is fed to a gas compartment where it is energized by an electrode coupled to a pulse source to thereby generate a cold plasma. A dielectric barrier is sandwiched between the gas compartment and the electrode to form a dielectric barrier discharge device. The cold plasma exits the gas compartment via a bottom member having a plurality of holes. Gases that can be used include noble gases such as helium or combinations of noble gases.

Abstract: A cold plasma device having a broad surface of plasma generation allowing for the efficient treatment of larger areas with the benefit of being durable, portable and able to treat almost any anatomical structure. The cold plasma device has a constant radius surface, which creates a tangential surface with an infinite number of distances between the surface edge of the substrate under treatment and the device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described that use an array of two or more cold plasma jet ports oriented to converge at a treatment area. The use of an array permits greater tissue penetration by cold plasma treatments. This approach enables treatment of deeper infections of soft and hard tissues without surgical intervention. For example, this approach can treat sub-integumental infections, such as those common to joint replacements, without surgically opening the issues overlying the deeper infection.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described that use an array of light sources that project converging light beams to control treatment distance. This approach controls treatment distance without contacting the patient or increasing the risk of pathogenic contamination. The approach can be used to control an optimal distance, and is compatible with various medical treatment devices including cold plasma treatment devices.

Abstract: A method and device to apply a cold plasma to a substance at a treatment surface of a patient to cause electroporation of the substance into cells of the patient. The substance can be previously applied to the treatment surface. Alternatively, the substance can be placed in a foam-like material within a tip that passes the cold plasma from the cold plasma device to the treatment area. The tip can be a cannula device with an aperture at the distal end. The cannula device can also have apertures along a portion of the length of the cannula device.

Abstract: A cold plasma device for bromhidrosis treatment is described. A dielectric barrier discharge device is formed by an electrode disposed adjacent to a dielectric barrier, with the dielectric barrier being configured to apply a cold plasma to a bromhidrosis treatment surface. The electrode is coupled to a pulsed high voltage cold plasma power supply, which may be external or internal to the body containing the DBD device. The cold plasma bromhidrosis treatment device can be powered by batteries or by an AC/DC adaptor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of treating diseases and disorders comprising applying a therapeutically effective dose of cold plasma. In particular examples, the diseases and disorders include, but are not limited to, diseases and disorders of the skin, musculoskeletal, and immune systems.

Abstract: A cold plasma device for killing or reducing a microbiological pathogen, or denaturing a protein in food, in a food processing system using a cold plasma device. The cold plasma device directs a cold plasma at food or a food surface over an effective area for an effective amount of time. The cold plasma device can be a DBD electrode device, or an army of DBD electrode devices. A grounding rod assembly is also described.

Abstract: A method is provided for manipulating a spinal body spacer for use in spinal surgery on a patient. The method includes attaching a placement tool to the spinal body spacer and manipulating the placement tool so as to locate the spinal body spacer in a desired location. The placement tool can by removed by unscrewing the placement tool from a threaded receiving aperture of the spinal body spacer. The method also includes passing a tip of an extraction tool through the threaded receiving aperture of the spinal body spacer, the tip of the extraction tool having at least one tab. The tip of the extraction tool is rotated such that the at least one tab of the tip of the extraction tool passes through keyways of the spacer and extends into the interior space of the spinal body spacer.

Abstract: There is described an instrument set for use in spinal surgery that includes as elements a spinal body spacer, a placement tool, and an extraction tool. The spinal body spacer has a threaded opening and keyways connected to the threaded opening. The spacer may have an outer face positioned around the opening and the placement tool may have a contact face that comes into contact with the outer face when the placement tool is fully connected with the spacer. The extraction tool has a tip configured to pass through the opening of the spacer.

Abstract: A cold plasma sterilization device for sterilization of objects such as medical instruments. Gas is fed to a plasma chamber where it is energized by one or more electrodes coupled to a pulse source to thereby generate a cold plasma inside the plasma chamber. A dielectric barrier is sandwiched between the gas compartment and the electrodes to form a dielectric barrier discharge device. Inside the plasma chamber, one or more conductive stands that are coupled to ground hold the object to-be-sterilized. The cold plasma exits the plasma chamber, where it is recirculated for further use as a plasma source in subsequent cycles. Gases that can be used include noble gases such as helium, or combinations of noble gases.

Abstract: A gas cartridge is described that is configured to provide sufficient gas to support cold plasma generation for a specific medical process. The gas cartridge has a seal that is pierced upon connection of the gas cartridge to the cold plasma delivery system. Different embodiments are described that use different connection locations between the gas cartridge and the cold plasma delivery system. A shroud is also described that shields the user if the cold plasma delivery system is dropped and the gas cartridge ruptures. Use of an ID system assists in ensuring that the correct gas mixture, correct gas cartridge and correct power supply settings are used for the particular medical treatment process.

Abstract: A cold plasma mask application device for delivery of a cold plasma to the face of a patient. An appropriate gas is introduced into a gas containment area that is energized by one or more electrodes that receive energy from a pulsed source. The plasma can be prevented from contact with the patient's face, or can be allowed to make contact with the patient's face at the appropriate treatment area. A three-layer approach to the manufacture of the cold plasma mask application device is also described. Such a device and method can be used to treat acne as well as complex facial wounds such as those resulting from trauma, melanoma, and other cancers of the face, rosacea, and psoriasis.