Abstract: Methods and devices for augmenting bone, such as in performing vertebroplasty are disclosed. A bone cement injection needle is provided, having a laterally deflectable distal end. The distal end may be provided with a cavity creation element, such as an inflatable balloon. Systems are also disclosed, including the steerable injection needle, introducer and stylet. The system may additionally include a cement delivery gun, one-time use disposable cement cartridges and a cement mixing chamber. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for augmenting bone, such as in performing vertebroplasty are disclosed. A bone cement injection needle is provided, having a laterally deflectable distal end. The distal end may be provided with a cavity creation element, such as an inflatable balloon. Systems are also disclosed, including the steerable injection needle, introducer and stylet. The system may additionally include a cement delivery gun, one-time use disposable cement cartridges and a cement mixing chamber. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a steerable, curvable catheter with one, two, or more ablation elements that can be used for various applications including vertebroplasty. The catheter can include an elongate, tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen extending therethrough; a deflectable zone on the distal end of the tubular body, deflectable through an angular range; a handle on the proximal end of the tubular body; and a deflection control on the handle; an energy delivery control on the handle; and one or more energy delivery elements on the distal end of the device for ablating tissue within bone. The energy delivery elements could be RF heating electrodes in a monopole or dipole arrangement although other energy delivery modalities are also contemplated. For example, the energy delivery elements include cryoprobes. Systems and methods involving the ablation catheter are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for augmenting bone, such as in performing vertebroplasty are disclosed. A bone cement injection needle is provided, having a laterally deflectable distal end. Systems are also disclosed, including the steerable injection needle, introducer and stylet. The system may additionally include a cement delivery gun, one-time use disposable cement cartridges and a cement mixing chamber. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for augmenting bone, such as in performing vertebroplasty are disclosed. A bone cement injection needle is provided, having a laterally deflectable distal end. Systems are also disclosed, including the steerable injection needle, introducer and stylet. The system may additionally include a cement delivery gun, one-time use disposable cement cartridges and a cement mixing chamber. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a differential composite in which bone cement everywhere or substantially everywhere contains at least some non-zero volume fraction of particles, and in which the local volume fraction of particles may vary from place to place in the composite in a controlled manner. The variation may be by identifiable region or may be in the form of a gradient of the local volume fraction of particles. In at least some places, the local volume fraction of particles may be such that the particles act as crack arrestors. Close to the interface with natural bone, the local volume fraction of particles may be greater. In at least some places adjoining natural bone, the local volume fraction of particles may be such as to allow bone ingrowth into appropriate region(s) of the composite, resulting in improved interfacial shear strength.

Abstract: Methods and devices for augmenting bone, such as in performing vertebroplasty are disclosed. A bone cement injection needle is provided, having a laterally deflectable distal end. The distal end may be provided with one or two or more cavity creation elements, such as inflatable balloons. A cavity creation element may include one or more filament layers. Systems are also disclosed, including the steerable injection needle, introducer and stylet. The system may additionally include a cement delivery gun, one-time use disposable cement cartridges and a cement mixing chamber. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for augmenting bone, such as in performing vertebroplasty are disclosed. A bone implant with enhanced interfacial shear strength can include a container, such as a mesh bag, with a sidewall and an interior chamber portion. The sidewall can include an open-celled matrix and can be filled with a first media to promote bone ingrowth and enhanced interfacial shear strength. The interior chamber can be filled with a second media to prevent crack propagation. Delivery catheters with releasable coupling features to the implant are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for augmenting bone, such as in performing vertebroplasty are disclosed. A bone cement injection needle is provided, having a laterally deflectable distal end. Systems are also disclosed, including the steerable injection needle, introducer and stylet. The system may additionally include a cement delivery gun, one-time use disposable cement cartridges and a cement mixing chamber. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for augmenting bone, such as in performing vertebroplasty are disclosed. A bone cement injection needle is provided, having a laterally deflectable distal end. The distal end may be provided with a cavity creation element, such as an inflatable balloon. Systems are also disclosed, including the steerable injection needle, introducer and stylet. The system may additionally include a cement delivery gun, one-time use disposable cement cartridges and a cement mixing chamber. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for augmenting bone, such as in performing vertebroplasty are disclosed. A bone cement injection needle is provided, having a laterally deflectable distal end. Systems are also disclosed, including the steerable injection needle, introducer and stylet. The system may additionally include a cement delivery gun, one-time use disposable cement cartridges and a cement mixing chamber. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for augmenting bone, such as in performing vertebroplasty are disclosed. A bone cement injection needle is provided, having a laterally deflectable distal end. Systems are also disclosed, including the steerable injection needle, introducer and stylet. The system may additionally include a cement delivery gun, one-time use disposable cement cartridges and a cement mixing chamber. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for augmenting bone, such as in performing vertebroplasty are disclosed. A bone cement injection needle is provided, having a laterally deflectable distal end. Systems are also disclosed, including the steerable injection needle, introducer and stylet. The system may additionally include a cement delivery gun, one-time use disposable cement cartridges and a cement mixing chamber. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a differential composite in which bone cement everywhere or substantially everywhere contains at least some non-zero volume fraction of particles, and in which the local volume fraction of particles may vary from place to place in the composite in a controlled manner. The variation may be by identifiable region or may be in the form of a gradient of the local volume fraction of particles. In at least some places, the local volume fraction of particles may be such that the particles act as crack arrestors. Close to the interface with natural bone, the local volume fraction of particles may be greater. In at least some places adjoining natural bone, the local volume fraction of particles may be such as to allow bone ingrowth into appropriate region(s) of the composite, resulting in improved interfacial shear strength.