Abstract: The present invention provides for a screw and rod fixation assembly for fixing a screw and, optionally, a rod. The screw and rod fixation assembly includes a screw, fixing mechanism, a substantially annular ring, rod seating mechanism, and locking mechanism. The present invention also provides for a fixing mechanism for fixing a screw, wherein the fixing mechanism further includes an inner surface wall having a gripping portion and a non-gripping portion. Further, the present invention provides for a substantially annular ring for guiding and providing mechanical and frictional force to a screw head. Additionally, the present invention provides for a rod seating mechanism operatively engaged to the screw head and including at least one flexible portion capable of being compressed against a portion of a rod therein. Finally, the present invention provides for a locking mechanism for engaging the rod and the rod seating mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a bone plate assembly utilizing at least one bone screw for fixation of adjacent bones of a spine including a base plate having at least one aperture extending therethrough and screw retaining mechanism mounted and movable on the plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to the aperture for preventing the bone screw from backing out from the base plate. The present invention also provides for a device for placement into an aperture of a base plate including a screw retaining mechanism mountable and movable on a plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to an aperture for preventing a bone screw from backing out from the base plate. Additionally, the present invention provides for a snap ring for placement into an aperture of a base plate including a screw retaining mechanism mountable and movable on the plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to the aperture for preventing a screw from backing out.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a bone plate assembly utilizing at least one bone screw for fixation of adjacent bones of a spine including a base plate having at least one aperture extending therethrough and screw retaining mechanism mounted and movable on the plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to the aperture for preventing the bone screw from backing out from the base plate. The present invention also provides for a device for placement into an aperture of a base plate including a screw retaining mechanism mountable and movable on a plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to an aperture for preventing a bone screw from backing out from the base plate. Additionally, the present invention provides for a snap ring for placement into an aperture of a base plate including a screw retaining mechanism mountable and movable on the plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to the aperture for preventing a screw from backing out.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a transverse connector having a seat rod for seating a rod therein engagement mechanism including a rod engagement seat forming a portion of the rod seat, the engagement mechanism being movable into and out of engagement with the rod seated in the rod seat.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a transverse connector having a seat rod for seating a rod therein engagement mechanism including a rod engagement seat forming a portion of the rod seat, the engagement mechanism being movable into and out of engagement with the rod seated in the rod seat.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a transverse connector having a seat rod for seating a rod therein engagement mechanism including a rod engagement seat forming a portion of the rod seat, the engagement mechanism being movable into and out of engagement with the rod seated in the rod seat.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a transverse connector having a seat rod for seating a rod therein engagement mechanism including a rod engagement seat forming a portion of the rod seat, the engagement mechanism being movable into and out of engagement with the rod seated in the rod seat.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a transverse connector having a seat rod for seating a rod therein engagement mechanism including a rod engagement seat forming a portion of the rod seat, the engagement mechanism being movable into and out of engagement with the rod seated in the rod seat.

Abstract: A transverse connector includes a pair of transverse connector bodies and connector inserts for connecting a rod to each of the transverse connector bodies. A locking and fixing mechanism draws the transverse connector inserts into seat portions of the transverse connector bodies while simultaneously locking the transverse connector inserts in the insert seat portions and compressing a rod seat surface of the inserts to lock a rod within the rod seats. An interconnecting mechanism interconnects the pair of transverse connector bodies along an axis defined by the length of the transverse connector bodies.

Abstract: A transverse connector includes a pair of transverse connector bodies and connector inserts for connecting a rod to each of the transverse connector bodies. A locking and fixing mechanism draws the transverse connector inserts into seat portions of the transverse connector bodies while simultaneously locking the transverse connector inserts in the insert seat portions and compressing a rod seat surface of the inserts to lock a rod within the rod seats. An interconnecting mechanism interconnects the pair of transverse connector bodies along an axis defined by the length of the transverse connector bodies.

Abstract: A bone fixation plate assembly (10, 210, 210′) for fixation of the spine includes a mechanism (26) for allowing movement between adjacent vertebrae (18) while maintaining engagement of the bone fixation plate (12, 212, 212′) with the vertebrae (18).

Abstract: A transverse connector includes a pair of transverse connector bodies and connector inserts for connecting a rod to each of the transverse connector bodies. A locking and fixing mechanism draws the transverse connector inserts into seat portions of the transverse connector bodies while simultaneously locking the transverse connector inserts in the insert seat portions and compressing a rod seat surface of the inserts to lock a rod within the rod seats. An interconnecting mechanism interconnects the pair of transverse connector bodies along an axis defined by the length of the transverse connector bodies.

Abstract: A spinal implant fixation assembly includes a bone fixation member, such as a screw or hook for fixation to a bone. A rod receiving seat is operatively connected to the bone fixation element for seating a portion of a rod therein. A locking mechanism, in the form of a nut and locking ring engage the rod receiving seat for forcing an inner wall of the rod receiving seat to contour around and engage the rod seated therein and for locking and fixing the rod relative to the inner housing. In one embodiment, the locking ring secures a head portion of the bone fixation element within the assembly. A method is also provided for locking the rod to a bone by fixing a rod seating member to a bone and seating a portion of a rod within a substantially U-shaped seat of the seating member. The rod is then locked within the U-shaped seating member while engaging and contouring at least a portion of the U-shaped seat about the rod.

Abstract: A bone fixation plate assembly (10, 210, 210') for fixation of the spine includes a mechanism (26) for allowing movement between adjacent vertebrae (18) while maintaining engagement of the bone fixation plate (12, 212, 212') with the vertebrae (18).

Abstract: A fusion implant for insertion between opposing vertebrae includes a body having an inner surface defining a hollow inner chamber for containing a graft material therein. The body includes a stress transfer mechanism for transferring stress from the vertebrae surrounding the implant to the graft material contained within the implant. A method is provided for implanting the fusion implant between opposing vertebrae by the steps of inserting an implant into a collapsed disc space between adjacent vertebrae, the implant including a collapsed body, and expanding the body to spread the adjacent vertebrae apart.

Abstract: A spinal implant fixation assembly includes a bone fixation member, such as a screw or hook for fixation to a bone. A rod receiving seat is operatively connected to the bone fixation element for seating a portion of a rod therein. A locking mechanism, in the form of a nut and locking ring engage the rod receiving seat for forcing an inner wall of the rod receiving seat to contour around and engage the rod seated therein and for locking and fixing the rod relative to the inner housing. In one embodiment, the locking ring secures a head portion of the bone fixation element within the assembly. A method is also provided for locking the rod to a bone by fixing a rod seating member to a bone and seating a portion of a rod within a substantially U-shaped seat of the seating member. The rod is then locked within the U-shaped seating member while engaging and contouring at least a portion of the U-shaped seat about the rod.

Abstract: A spinal implant fixation assembly includes a bone fixation member, such as a screw or hook for fixation to a bone. A rod receiving seat is operatively connected to the bone fixation element for seating a portion of a rod therein. A locking mechanism, in the form of a nut and locking ring engage the rod receiving seat for forcing an inner wall of the rod receiving seat to contour around and engage the rod seated therein and for locking and fixing the rod relative to the inner housing. In one embodiment, the locking ring secures a head portion of the bone fixation element within the assembly. A method is also provided for locking the rod to a bone by fixing a rod seating member to a bone and seating a portion of a rod within a substantially U-shaped seat of the seating member. The rod is then locked within the U-shaped seating member while engaging and contouring at least a portion of the U-shaped seat about the rod.

Abstract: A fusion implant for insertion between opposing vertabrae includes a body having an inner surface defining a hollow inner chamber for containing a graft material therein. The body includes a stress transfer mechanism for transferring stress from the vertabrae surrounding the implant to the graft material contained within the implant. A method is provided for implanting the fusion implant between opposing vertabraes by the steps of inserting an implant into a collapsed disc space between adjacent vertabrae, the implant including a collapsed body, and expanding the body to spread the adjacent vertabrae apart.

Abstract: An improved artificial heart (10) for pumping blood. The artificial heart (10) comprises first and second pump units (12 and 14), each including a pump body (16) defining a collapsible bellows (18) and a fluid passageway (20) therethrough. Further, each pump body (16) has a first end portion (22) defining an outlet opening (30) and a second end portion (26) defining an inlet opening (32). Each of the first and second pump units (12 and 14) further comprises first and second valve units (24 and 28). The first valve unit (24) is secured to the first end portion (22) of the pump body (16) in fluid communication with the outlet opening (32), and includes a first one-way valve (38) for allowing blood to flow out of the pump body (16) and restricting the flow of blood into the pump body (16).