Abstract: A system includes an ultrasonic instrument and a bone insertion element. The instrument includes an ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer such that the ultrasonic transducer drives the ultrasonic blade to vibrate ultrasonically to form an opening within bone. The bone insertion element is configured to be inserted within the opening formed by the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: A system includes an ultrasonic instrument and a bone insertion element. The instrument includes an ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer such that the ultrasonic transducer drives the ultrasonic blade to vibrate ultrasonically to form an opening within bone. The bone insertion element is configured to be inserted within the opening formed by the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises a superior endplate, an inferior endplate, and an intermediate core positioned between the endplates. The core comprises a central disc portion and a radial flange. The central disc portion of the core is defined by a superior bearing surface and inferior bearing surface. The radial flange of the core includes a first portion that extends radially outward from the central disc portion of the core. The radial flange also includes a second portion that extends axially from the first portion of the flange. The second portion of the flange extends a substantially greater distance toward the inferior endplate than toward the superior endplate. In one embodiment, the second portion of the flange extends completely to the inferior endplate and engages the inferior endplate when the inferior endplate is in a neutral position relative to the core.

Abstract: An intervertebral distraction instrument comprises a first vertebra engaging member and a second vertebra engaging member. The first vertebra engaging member includes a vertebra anchor member configured to prevent lateral movement of the distraction instrument while allowing anterior-posterior movement of the distraction instrument during engagement with the first vertebrae. A similar anchor member may also be provided on the second vertebra engaging member. The anchor member of the distraction instrument may be provided on the end portion of an elongated arm of the distraction instrument. In one embodiment, the anchor member of the distraction instrument comprises a keel that includes edge configured to cut into the vertebra. In another embodiment, the anchor member of the distraction instrument comprises a spike.

Abstract: A manipulation mechanism that can be attached to the heart and other organs of the body so that the organs can be positioned, lifted, turned and held in place during diagnosis, testing, treatment and surgical procedures on the organs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures, and more specifically to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices especially configured for use with each other for such surgical procedures wherein the retractor includes an external rail system which enables the surgeon to position a stabilization arm having first and second shaft segments on either of the arms or the rack segment of the retractor and also includes a connector which is spaced apart from the sled member and stabilization device to releasably control the movement and rotation of the stabilization device with respect to the stabilization arm and the rotation of the stabilization arm with respect to the retractor actuation of a single knob or actuator.

Abstract: A manipulation mechanism that can be attached to the heart and other organs of the body so that the organs can be positioned, lifted, turned and held in place during diagnosis, testing, treatment and surgical procedures on the organs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures, and more specifically to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices especially configured for use with each other for such surgical procedures wherein the retractor includes an external rail system which enables the surgeon to position a curved stabilization arm on either of the arms or the rack segment of the retractor and also includes a connector which releasably controls the rotation of the connector with respect to the retractor and the rotation of the stabilization arm with respect to the retractor as well as the rotational and sliding movement of a curved stabilization arm with respect to the connector upon actuation of a single knob or actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to suture organizing device for use with surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to a suture organizing device that is attachable to surgical retractors used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures and heart valve procedures, and more specifically to a suture organizing device having a plurality of suture slots thereon for the releasable attachment of sutures thereto during a surgical procedure to enable the surgeon to retract tissue from the surgical field and wherein the suture organizing device is oriented to extend laterally of the outer surface of the arms of the surgical retractor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to suture organizing and retaining device for use with surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to a suture organizing device that is attachable to surgical retractors or is usable separately in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures and heart valve procedures, and more specifically to a suture organizing device having a plurality of suture slots thereon for the releasable attachment of sutures thereto during a surgical procedure to enable the surgeon to retract tissue from the surgical field and wherein the suture organizing device is oriented to extend laterally of the outer surface of the arms of the surgical retractor or in combination with a base member that may be independently positioned adjacent to the surgical site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures, and more specifically to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices especially configured for use with each other for such surgical procedures wherein the retractor includes an external rail system which enables the surgeon to position a stabilization arm having first and second shaft segments on either of the arms or the rack segment of the retractor and also includes a connector which is spaced apart from the sled member and stabilization device to releasably control the movement and rotation of the stabilization device with respect to the stabilization arm and the rotation of the stabilization arm with respect to the retractor actuation of a single knob or actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to suture organizing device for use with surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to a suture organizing device that is attachable to surgical retractors used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures and heart valve procedures, and more specifically to a suture organizing device having a plurality of suture slots thereon for the releasable attachment of sutures thereto during a surgical procedure to enable the surgeon to retract tissue from the surgical field and wherein the suture organizing device is oriented to extend laterally of the outer surface of the arms of the surgical retractor.