Abstract: A vertebral rod has an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis. The rod also includes a cavity extending the length of the body. Either the body or the cavity may have an asymmetrical shape about a centroid in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, both may have the symmetrical shape about the centroid. The body of the rod may be bounded by an exterior surface and the cavity. The body has a first bending axis that is perpendicular to longitudinal axis. The body also has a second bending axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to the first bending axis. The body of the rod may be distributed asymmetrically about the first and second bending axes. Also, the rod may have a different bending stiffness about the first and second bending axes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and instruments for placing a brace or connecting element into an animal subject for engagement with anchors secured in the animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position the conencting element in a position more proximate the anchors.

Abstract: A method of treating a synovial joint by injecting particles of collagen-based material into the joint. The particles may be dehydrated before implantation, and rehydrated after implantation, or they may be implanted in a “wet” state—such as a slurry or gel. Radiocontrast materials may be included to enhance imaging of the injected material. Other additives may include analgesics, antibiotics, proteoglycans, growth factors, and/or other cells effective to promote healing and/or proper joint function.

Abstract: A device for mixing, homogenization, resuspension, disintegration, disruption, or centrifugation of media placed in test tubes, including: a rotor having a replaceable closure; a driver having a substantially vertical shaft; a sleeve having a spiral groove and a bush moveable along the sleeve, moving the rotor up and down; and a stationary ring with extended teeth faced toward the rotor. When the rotor is in its lower position the tubes engage the teeth and receive strikes which induce vigorous motion and effective mixing of media inside the tube. When the rotor is in its upper position the tubes are disengaged with the teeth and rotation of the rotor provides centrifugation of the media.

Abstract: A painting tool for painting trimwork includes a housing forming a paint reservoir, a paint applicator for applying paint to a surface to be painted and a pumping mechanism fluidically connected to the paint reservoir. The pumping mechanism has a first or disabled condition and a second or activated condition, wherein the pumping mechanism seals the paint in the reservoir when in the disabled condition, and wherein the pumping mechanism dispenses paint to the paint applicator when in the activated condition such that that the release of paint to the paint applicator is selectively controlled by pushing the paint applicator against the surface to be painted to shift the pumping mechanism from the disabled condition to the activated condition.

Abstract: An inflatable corpectomy device comprises a balloon, which defines a cavity for receiving a hardenable media. The device can be inserted in an un-inflated form into a space formerly occupied by a diseased or damaged vertebrae bone. When inflated with a hardenable material, the device expands and fills the space. Various bone anchors or plates can be used in combination with the inflatable device to bridge the space and stabilize the spine while the device hardens.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention comprises a method comprising issuing perpetual preferred securities that provide non-cumulative dividends with a fixed liquidation preference; wherein valuation of the securities upon redemption or conversion is based on market value of a specified number of common shares, and wherein the securities are operable to receive treasury stock method accounting. In various embodiments: (1) the securities receive C or D Basket treatment from Moody's; (2) the securities receive treasury stock method accounting because, upon conversion or redemption, common shares are issued only with respect to the valuation of the securities in excess of the fixed liquidation preference; and (3) upon conversion or redemption the number of common shares is equal to (A×B?C)/B, where A=a conversion rate, B=price per share of the common shares, and C=the fixed liquidation preference.

Abstract: An instrument for tensioning a flexible elongate member in a surgical procedure includes a tensioning mechanism engageable to a portion of the flexible elongate member and operable to apply a tensioning force to the elongate member. The instrument includes a distal end portion at a distal end of the tensioning mechanism that is adapted to allow orientation of the elongate member in a first direction for implantation and to allow the instrument to extend transversely to the implantation orientation during application of a tensioning force. The distal end portion can also include a receptacle to receive a structure at the surgical site to facilitate positioning of the distal end portion at the desired location.

Abstract: A multi-piece vertebral attachment device with a first member, one or more second members, and optionally, a removable plug. The first member may have a fixed, threaded exterior surface to engage a vertebral member. The first member may further include a hollow, threaded interior. The hollow interior may be positioned inside the threaded exterior surface and at least partly positioned within the vertebral member when the first member is inserted in the vertebral member. The second member may have an outer diameter sized to fit within the hollow interior of the first member. A spinal implant device may be coupled to the second member. The second member may be installed during a separate surgical procedure from that of the first. The removable plug may be installed in the first member until the second member is installed. Revision may be performed by removing the second member and inserting a third member.

Abstract: Embodiments of devices and methods for correcting a vertebral member and/or repositioning a vertebral device relative to the vertebral member. A vertebral device has been previously positioned relative to a vertebral member. Due to subsidence or other factors, the vertebral device has moved and is no longer in alignment. A positioning device is used for re-positioning the vertebral device. A delivery device is used for inserting a material to the vertebral member and/or vertebral device. The material is initially in a first state that is flowable to allow for insertion to the required location. The material changes to a second state that permanently fixes the position of the vertebral device relative to the vertebral member.

Abstract: Embodiments of an interspinous spacer that maintains spacing between a superior vertebra and inferior vertebra following a laminectomy. The interspinous spacer may include a superior arch engaging the spinous process of a superior vertebra and an inferior arch engaging the spinous process of an inferior vertebra. The superior arch and inferior arch may define a central opening in the interspinous spacer.

Abstract: A screw for use with vertebral members having one or more slots that extend along at least a section of the length. The slots are sized to contain bone growth material. A portion of the screw length may also include threads to assist in inserting and anchoring the screw into a vertebral member. In use, the bone growth material is loaded into one or more of the slots. Once loaded, the screw may be inserted into the vertebral member to a predetermined depth. At this depth, the slots deliver the bone growth material to a position to allow for bone growth to occur.

Abstract: A minimaly invasive spacer for positioning between vertebral members. The spacer is adjustable between a first orientation having a reduced size to facilitate insertion between the vertebral members. A second orientation has an enlarged size for contacting the vertebral members. The spacer includes linkages that are attached to a pair of plates. A pull arm is operatively connected to the linkages for adjusting the spacer from the first orientation to the second orientation. A indicator gauge indicates the height of the spacer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brace installation instrument placement that is mounted to anchors secured in an animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position a brace in a position more proximate the anchors. The brace can be indexed for insertion at a predetermined orientation with respect to the installation instrument. Methods and techniques for using the installation instrument are also provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for aggressively and continuously cutting and removing anatomical tissue. The device may comprise elongated outer and inner tubes having respective proximal and distal ends. The inner tube is moveably received in the elongated inner. A cutting assembly is rotatably received in the elongated inner tube. The device may also comprise a handle arm attached near the proximal end of the outer tube, and a trigger arm attached near the proximal end of the inner tube. A movable jaw is pivotally attached near the distal end of the outer or inner tube, the movable jaw being urged towards the cutting blade assembly as the trigger arm is actuated.

Abstract: The present invention provides screening methods for identifying a compound that induces loss of the lentiviral protein Vpr; screening methods for identifying compounds that inhibit the peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) activity of a protein that catalyzes cis-trans isomerization of cis-peptidylprolyl bonds in Vpr; and compounds identified by the screening methods. The compounds are useful for treating a lentiviral infection. The present invention further provides methods of inducing loss of the lentiviral protein Vpr; methods of inhibiting lentivirus viral replication; and methods of treating a lentivirus infection in an individual. The methods generally involve administering to an individual infected with the lentivirus an effective amount of a compound that induces Vpr loss and/or that inhibits PPIase activity of a protein that catalyzes cis-trans isomerization of cis-peptidylprolyl bonds in Vpr.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brace installation instrument placement that is mounted to anchors secured in an animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position a brace in a position more proximate the anchors. The brace can be indexed for insertion at a predetermined orientation with respect to the installation instrument. Methods and techniques for using the installation instrument are also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for spinal surgery include accessing at least one vertebral element of the spinal column. At least one loading member is engaged to the at least one vertebral element. The loading member is allowed to integrate with the bony structure of the vertebral element over time. The integrated loading member is accessed in a second surgical procedure, and can be loaded and/or attached to a construct.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating diseases and conditions that change the spacial relationship between the vertebral bodies and the intervertebral disks, or that cause instability of the vertebral column, or both, and a method and devices that allow the surgeon to access the intervertebral space to restore a more normal three-dimensional configuration of the space, with or without additionally fusing two adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for spinal stabilization with flexible elements and other elements engaged to the vertebrae. Also provided are instruments and methods for insertion of the flexible stabilization elements and other elements and for reduction of displacement between adjacent vertebrae in a minimally invasive surgical approach.