Abstract: A system and method for rejuvenating skin through ablation using a handheld device (200) having a removable treatment component (213) with an abrasive material on one surface of the component which surface is on a portion of the treatment component (213) configured to conform to a skin surface. The system further includes application of other elements to facilitate skin recovery and rejuvenation processes.

Abstract: The present invention is an intervertebral disc replacement for replacing a disc between a first vertebra and a second vertebra including an upper containment structure adapted to contact a lower surface of a first vertebra, a lower containment structure adapted to contact an upper surface of a second vertebra, where the upper and lower containment structures are adapted to centrally contain a deformable support body positioned between the upper and lower containment structures.

Abstract: A method and system for the creation or modification of the wear surface of orthopedic joints, involving the preparation and use of one or more partially or fully preformed and procured components, adapted for insertion and placement into the body and at the joint site. In a preferred embodiment, component(s) can be partially cured and generally formed ex vivo and further and further formed in vivo at the joint site to enhance conformance and improve long term performance. In another embodiment, a preformed balloon or composite material can be inserted into the joint site and filled with a flowable biomaterial in situ to conform to the joint site. In yet another embodiment, the preformed component(s) can be fully cured and formed ex vivo and optionally further fitted and secured at the joint site.

Abstract: The invention includes an interpositional arthrosplasty implant adapted to be retained in position in apposition to ajoint surface, at least in part, by surrounding healthy tissue. In some embodiments the implant comprises a knee implant. The implant can include one or more structural features adapted to be fixedly positioned within and/or in apposition to the natural meniscus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a damaged intervertebral disc nucleus in a minimally invasive manner utilizes a modular disc prosthesis. The modular disc prosthesis preferably comprises at least three modular segments. In one embodiment, each modular segment includes an inner core and an outer shell. The modular segments are selectively interlockable in situ with each other. The modular segments form an implanted unitary device that closely mimics the geometry of the disc nucleus cavity.

Abstract: An interpositional arthroplasty system for use in repairing ginglymus joints such as the joints of the ankle, including a tibiotalar implant (124) that provides a first major surface (130) adapted to be positioned against a tibia (120) and a second major surface (132) adapted to be positioned against a talus (108) and a polymeric ankle implant that provides a first major surface adapted to be positioned against a talus and a second major surface adapted to be positioned against a calcaneus. Such an implant can be useful for correcting various deformities of an ankle, as well as increasing articulation of a joint. Also described are biomaterials, including polymeric biomaterials having use in preparing such implants, as well as surgical kits that include implants and other tools adapted for their use.

Abstract: The invention can provide an implant for an upper extremity joint arthroplasty having a first polymeric portion adapted to be retained within a bone of the upper extremity and a second polymeric portion having an articulating surface adapted to articulate against an opposing bone. The invention can also provide methods of making and using such an implant.

Abstract: A catheter holder designed to deliver a curable biomaterial to an intervertebral disc space. By securing the catheter to the catheter holder, the depth of insertion of the catheter into the disc space can be accurately controlled. The catheter holder optionally helps with insertion of a optional mold through the annulotomy and into the disc space created by the nuclectomy. The catheter holder helps keep the mold from being drawn too far into the disc space or pushed too far out of the disc space during polymer injection.

Abstract: A system for the creation or modification of an orthopedic joint within a mammalian body is disclosed. The system includes an implant (122, 132, 232, 332, 432) that provides a major surface adapted to be positioned against a metatarsal bone and an end (136, 236, 336, 436) adapted to be retained within a phalange.

Abstract: A method and system for the creation or modification of the wear surface of orthopedic joints, involving the preparation and use of one or more partially or fully preformed components adapted for insertion and placement into the body and at the joint site. The system includes a method and related components and/or devices in the form of a kit that can be used to provide or perform some or all of the steps of: a) preparing a joint to receive an implant, b) determining an appropriate implant size for a particular joint, c) determining an appropriate implant thickness, d) inserting the implant into the joint, and/or e) securing the implant within the joint to a desired extent. One or more of the various components and devices, including optionally one or more implants themselves, can be provided or packaged separately or in varying desired combinations and subcombinations to provide a kit of this invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described that includes a catheter and a penetrating member at a distal end of the catheter for penetrating a tissue. The penetrating member can have a lumen in communication with the catheter, the lumen having an opening at a surface of the penetrating member to deliver a substance through the lumen. The device includes means for determining a location of the opening relative to the tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imparting rejuvenating energy to the skin uses a handheld ergonomic apparatus with selectable treatment components to achieve tuned energy application to a portion of the dermal layer of a user.

Abstract: A kit to facilitate self-placement of an incontinence prevention device within the urethra includes a deployment base member, a deployment tube, a deployment pusher along with the incontinence prevention device in a sterile pack. The base member includes a rigid shaft of a predetermined length having a finger grip member at one end and a hook member at its opposite end. The shaft of the base member is adapted to fit through the lumen of the deployment tube with the hook projecting out from a proximal end of the deployment tube and with the hook engaging a retention loop on the incontinence prevention device when in its sterile package. Upon removal of the kit components, the deployment tube is slid off the deployment base member and, in doing so, the incontinence prevention device becomes loaded into the deployment tube. The pusher is then used to urge the incontinence prevention device from the deployment tube into the urethra.

Abstract: A method and system for preparing a bone surface, as by smoothing the surface, in preparation for contacting and/or receiving a prosthetic implant. The smoothing system and method are particularly well suited for use with articulating joints, in which a polymeric biomaterial such as polyurethane is implanted and retained upon one (supporting) bone surface, in order to provide a corresponding surface for opposing, articulating bone. Smoothing condylar bone, for instance, can significantly decrease the friction between a the condylar surface, and particularly one that is itself diseased or damaged, and to remove osteophytes and entheseophytes.

Abstract: A polymer intravascular stent that is resorable over a period of time containing a drug, which is delivered to the vascular wall during the absorption of the polymer material. A gradient of drug concentration may be established in the polymer.

Abstract: A method, and related composition and apparatus for repairing a tissue site. The method involves the use of a curable polyurethane biomaterial composition having a plurality of parts adapted to be mixed at the time of use in order to provide a flowable composition and to initiate cure. The flowable composition can be delivered using minimally invasive means to a tissue site and there fully cured provide a permanent and biocompatible prosthesis for repair of the tissue site. Further provided are a mold apparatus, e.g., in the form of a balloon or tubular cavity, for receiving a biomaterial composition, and a method for delivering and filling the mold apparatus with a curable composition in situ to provide a prosthesis for tissue repair.

Abstract: A method and system for the creation or modification of the wear surface of orthopedic joints, involving the preparation and use of one or more partially or fully preformed and procured components, adapted for insertion and placement into the body and at the joint site. In a preferred embodiment, component(s) can be partially cured and generally formed ex vivo and further and further formed in vivo at the joint site to enhance conformance and improve long term performance. In another embodiment, a preformed balloon or composite material can be inserted into the joint site and filled with a flowable biomaterial in situ to conform to the joint site. In yet another embodiment, the preformed component(s) can be fully cured and formed ex vivo and optionally further fitted and secured at the joint site.

Abstract: A system and method for rejuvenating skin through ablation using a handheld device (200) having a removable treatment component (213) with an abrasive material on one surface of the component which surface is on a portion of the treatment component (213) configured to conform to a skin surface. The system further includes application of other elements to facilitate skin recovery and rejuvenation processes.

Abstract: A kit to facilitate self-placement of an incontinence prevention device within the urethra includes a deployment base member, a deployment tube, a deployment pusher along with the incontinence prevention device in a sterile pack. The base member includes a rigid shaft of a predetermined length having a finger grip member at one end and a hook member at its opposite end. The shaft of the base member is adapted to fit through the lumen of the deployment tube with the hook projecting out from a proximal end of the deployment tube and with the hook engaging a retention loop on the incontinence prevention device when in its sterile package. Upon removal of the kit components, the deployment tube is slid off the deployment base member and, in doing so, the incontinence prevention device becomes loaded into the deployment tube. The pusher is then used to urge the incontinence prevention device from the deployment tube into the urethra.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter for insertion into a stomach to introduce air into the stomach through the catheter and a pressure measurement device associated with the catheter to sense a pressure in the stomach. The pressure measurement device is used to determine a gastric yield pressure of the stomach when enough air has been introduced to the stomach to overcome the esophageal-gastric junction.