Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for accessing a tissue and expanding an apparatus within the tissue are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first expandable member and a second expandable member disposed within the first expandable member. The first expandable member is configured to disrupt a body when in an expanded configuration and rotated relative to the body. The second expandable member is configured to block at least a portion of disrupted portions of the body from being disposed within the first expandable member. In some embodiments, the first expandable member is coupled to a sheath. The first expandable member is configured to be inserted at least partially into the body while disposed within a lumen of the sheath. The sheath is configured to be moved proximally while at least partially inserted into the body such that the first expandable member is moved from its collapsed to its expanded configuration.

Abstract: A bone fusion device, system, kit, and/or method can include an elongated structure including at least two anchor portions and at least one deformable segment connected on each end to one of the at least two anchor portions. Each deformable segment can include a plurality of spaced apart deformable members deformable from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration. The bone fusion device may be implanted between two bone structures in the unexpanded configuration utilizing a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The deformable members can be compressed along a longitudinal axis of the device to deform the deformable members to the expanded configuration into contact with the two bone structures. A bone growth promoting material can be placed in the anchor portion lumen and in the interior of each deformable segment to promote bone in-growth between the bone structures.

Abstract: A bone fusion device can include elongated interlockable segments, each having an engaging surface interlockable with the engaging surface of another segment. The segments can be inserted in between bones one at a time. A device can include an outer expandable component having outer expandable members insertable to a location between bones in an unexpanded configuration and an inner expander including surface engaging portions interlockable with inner surface engaging portions in the outer expandable members. A device can include the inner expander having an outwardly flared proximal portion that can interlock with the proximal end of the outer expandable members. A device can include a locking bridge expandable with an expandable body, such as an inflatable balloon, and movable to a locked expanded configuration. A bone fusion system, a bone fusion device kit, and/or a method for fusing bone can include such a bone fusion device.

Abstract: A bone fusion device, system, kit, and/or method can include an elongated structure including at least two anchor portions and at least one deformable segment connected on each end to one of the at least two anchor portions. Each deformable segment can include a plurality of spaced apart deformable members deformable from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration. The bone fusion device may be implanted between two bone structures in the unexpanded configuration utilizing a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The deformable members can be compressed along a longitudinal axis of the device to deform the deformable members to the expanded configuration into contact with the two bone structures. A bone growth promoting material can be placed in the anchor portion lumen and in the interior of each deformable segment to promote bone in-growth between the bone structures.

Abstract: A bone fusion device can include elongated interlockable segments, each having an engaging surface interlockable with the engaging surface of another segment. The segments can be inserted in between bones one at a time. A device can include an outer expandable component having outer expandable members insertable to a location between bones in an unexpanded configuration and an inner expander including surface engaging portions interlockable with inner surface engaging portions in the outer expandable members. A device can include the inner expander having an outwardly flared proximal portion that can interlock with the proximal end of the outer expandable members. A device can include a locking bridge expandable with an expandable body, such as an inflatable balloon, and movable to a locked expanded configuration. A bone fusion system, a bone fusion device kit, and/or a method for fusing bone can include such a bone fusion device.

Abstract: A bone fusion device, system, kit, and/or method can include an elongated structure including at least two anchor portions and at least one deformable segment connected on each end to one of the at least two anchor portions. Each deformable segment can include a plurality of spaced apart deformable members deformable from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration. The bone fusion device may be implanted between two bone structures in the unexpanded configuration utilizing a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The deformable members can be compressed along a longitudinal axis of the device to deform the deformable members to the expanded configuration into contact with the two bone structures. A bone growth promoting material can be placed in the anchor portion lumen and in the interior of each deformable segment to promote bone in-growth between the bone structures.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a procedure within a sacrum are disclosed herein. In one variation, a method includes imaging a spine with a fluoroscopy device to provide a view of the sacrum. An anatomical landmark is identified based on the imaging, and a breach zone is defined based on the imaging. The anatomical landmark is used to identify an entry point and guide a medical device in a medial-to-lateral approach into a sacral ala region of the sacrum to perform a medical procedure within the sacral ala. In some embodiments, the anatomical landmark can be, for example, a pedicle, and in some embodiments, the anatomical landmark can be, for example, a V notch. In some embodiments, an entry point is identified using two anatomical landmarks. For example, the anatomical landmarks can be an S1 foramen of the side being accessed and a sacroiliac joint.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for accessing a tissue and expanding an apparatus within the tissue are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first expandable member and a second expandable member disposed within the first expandable member. The first expandable member is configured to disrupt a body when in an expanded configuration and rotated relative to the body. The second expandable member is configured to block at least a portion of disrupted portions of the body from being disposed within the first expandable member. In some embodiments, the first expandable member is coupled to a sheath. The first expandable member is configured to be inserted at least partially into the body while disposed within a lumen of the sheath. The sheath is configured to be moved proximally while at least partially inserted into the body such that the first expandable member is moved from its collapsed to its expanded configuration.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for accessing a tissue and expanding an apparatus within the tissue are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first elongate body having a distal end portion that includes a plurality of cutting portions, a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The plurality of cutting portions is configured to disrupt at least a portion of tissue within a biological body when the distal end portion is in the expanded configuration. A second elongate body is coupled to the first elongate body. An actuator is operatively coupled to a proximal end portion of the second elongate body and configured to bias the second elongate body such that the distal end portion of the first elongate body is in the expanded configuration. The actuator is configured to move the second elongate body such that first elongate body is in the collapsed configuration when the actuator is actuated.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for accessing a tissue and expanding an apparatus within the tissue are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes rotating a distal end portion of an expandable medical device within a biological body such that at least a portion of tissue within the biological body is disrupted. The distal end portion of the medical device defines a plurality of openings in communication with an interior region. After rotating the distal end portion of the medical device, a distal end portion of an elongate member is moved distally within a lumen of the medical device and into the interior region of the distal end portion of the medical device. The elongate member is configured to displace tissue fragments from the interior region. In some embodiments, after the rotating, a fluid is introduced into the interior region of the medical device via the elongate member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongate body having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The elongate body has a cutting portion at a distal portion of the elongate body, and the cutting portion defines an opening in the elongate body. The distal portion of the elongate body is configured to be inserted into a nucleus of an intervertebral disc when the elongate body is in the collapsed configuration. The cutting portion of the elongate body is configured to disrupt at least a portion of tissue within the nucleus of the intervertebral disc when the elongate body is in the expanded configuration. The elongate body is configured to capture the portion of tissue within the opening of the elongate body when the elongate body is moved from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration while disposed within the nucleus of the intervertebral disc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating or enlarging a cavity in a patient's body are provided. One implementation of the apparatus includes a head, a pushrod and a handle. The head is rotatable about a first axis and is configured to effectuate a medical procedure. The pushrod is attached at a distal end to the head and attached at a proximal end to a handle. The pushrod is configured to translate along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, where translation of the pushrod along the second axis rotates the head about the first axis. The handle includes a lever coupled at one first end to the pushrod and pivoting the lever about the third axis translates the pushrod along the second axis.

Abstract: An apparatus is described including an elongate member having at least one finger positioned at a distal region of the elongate member. The finger, which can be detachable, is arranged and configured for cutting or scraping. In implementations including two or more fingers, distal ends of two or more fingers can be interconnected either directly or by both being connected to a distal tip of the elongate member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a cavity in an interior body region are described. In one described method, a frame comprising a plurality of frame members disposed adjacent an expansible body is inserted into a treatment area along a path established by a hollow member. The expansible body is expanded in the treatment area, and the expansible body is constrained from expanding by the frame.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a radially expansive device for providing access into a patient's body, kits that contain the radially expansive device, as well as methods for providing minimally invasive access into a patient's body. The radially expansive device may be used in conjunction with a balloon, bladder, or other expansive device, which can be used to expand the radially expansive device and allow access to the surgical site.