Abstract: Technologies are generally provided for a spinal fusion device to achieve interbody fusion and maintain intervertebral spacing. The spinal fusion device includes at least two wedge-shaped intervertebral implants (IVIs) configured to be inserted between adjacent vertebrae, such that a thin end of each IVI is positioned toward a midline of the vertebrae, and a thick end of each IVI is positioned substantially flush with outer surfaces of the vertebrae. A lower surface of a superior vertebral body and an upper surface of an adjacent inferior vertebral body are resected to accommodate the IVIs, and a portion of an intervertebral disc (IVD) is also removed to facilitate insertion of the IVIs. The IVIs are inserted in substantially opposite positions to each other between the vertebrae, and an interconnecting member is inserted to connect the IVIs. The interconnecting member passes through residual IVD to stabilize the IVIs in position between the vertebrae.

Abstract: Technologies are generally provided for a tissue removal device for removing tissue protrusions extending from a wall of intestines. The tissue removal device may be a bell shaped tube configured to slide over an inflamed diverticulum that has been inverted to extend into interior space of the colon. The tissue removal device run be slid over the inverted diverticulum with a portion of the tissue removal device having a widest diameter oriented near the colon wall and a portion having a narrowest diameter oriented near a tip of the diverticulum. A pressure gradient may be induced along the walls of the tissue removal device such that the point of highest pressure at the narrowest opening may cause the walls of the diverticulum to be pinched together to induce necrosis and removal of the diverticulum, while promoting healing of the colon walls over the region of decreasing pressure.

Abstract: Technologies are generally provided for a spinal fusion device to achieve interbody fusion and maintain intervertebral spacing. The spinal fusion device includes at least two wedge-shaped intervertebral implants (IVIs) configured to be inserted between adjacent vertebrae, such that a thin end of each IVI is positioned toward a midline of the vertebrae, and a thick end of each IVI is positioned substantially flush with outer surfaces of the vertebrae. A lower surface of a superior vertebral body and an upper surface of an adjacent inferior vertebral body are resected to accommodate the IVIs, and a portion of an intervertebral disc (IVD) is also removed to facilitate insertion of the IVIs. The IVIs are inserted in substantially opposite positions to each other between the vertebrae, and an interconnecting member is inserted to connect the IVIs. The interconnecting member passes through residual IVD to stabilize the IVIs in position between the vertebrae.

Abstract: Technologies are generally provided for a medical sponge configured to reduce a temperature at a surgical site. Endothermic reactants may be incorporated with the medical sponge to reduce a temperature at the surgical site in response to absorption of fluids. The sponge may be placed at a surgical site, and as the sponge absorbs fluids, the endothermic reactants may become hydrated. Hydration of the endothermic elements may induce an endothermic reaction, resulting in reduction of a temperature of the surrounding surgical site. The endothermic elements may be inserted within semi-permeable pouches that may be layered with the sponge. Additionally, endothermic elements may be inserted within hollow semi-permeable fibers and woven together to form the sponge. Hemostatic agents, antimicrobial agents, and analgesics may also be integrated with the medical sponge to prevent and treat other conditions experienced at the surgical site such as inflammation, pain, and infection.

Abstract: Technologies are generally provided for a tissue removal device for removing tissue protrusions extending from a wall of intestines. The tissue removal device may be a bell shaped tube configured to slide over an inflamed diverticulum that has been inverted to extend into interior space of the colon. The tissue removal device run be slid over the inverted diverticulum with a portion of the tissue removal device having a widest diameter oriented near the colon wall and a portion having a narrowest diameter oriented near a tip of the diverticulum. A pressure gradient may be induced along the walls of the tissue removal device such that the point of highest pressure at the narrowest opening may cause the walls of the diverticulum to be pinched together to induce necrosis and removal of the diverticulum, while promoting healing of the colon walls over the region of decreasing pressure.