Abstract: A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus is provided. The BDFT apparatus includes an intervertebral cage including a plurality of internal angled screw guides, a plurality of screw members, and a cage indentation adjacent to the screw guides that independently or supplemented by other screw locking mechanisms prevents the screw members from pulling out of the internal angled screw guides. The internal angled screw guides orient a first screw member superiorly and a second screw member inferiorly. The intervertebral cage is adapted for posterior lumbar intervertebral placement, anterior lumbar intervertebral placement, anterio-lateral thoracic intervertebral placement, or anterior cervical intervertebral placement.

Abstract: An electronically assisted artificial vertebral disc having an upper disc plate and a lower disc plate is disclosed. An actuator imparts movement to at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. A control device controls the actuator and the amount of movement between the disc plates. The actuator includes a plurality of either linear actuators or rotary actuators that are driven by electric motors in response to the control device. The control device includes at least a first sensor for detecting the position of the actuator and at least a second sensor for detecting the spatial orientation of at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. The control device also preferably includes a microprocessor that calculates the desired positions of the upper and lower disc plates and provides a control signal to the actuator to drive the upper and lower disc plates to their desired positions.

Abstract: A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus is provided. The BDFT apparatus includes an intervertebral cage including a plurality of internal angled screw guides, a plurality of screw members, and a cage indentation adjacent to the screw guides that independently or supplemented by other screw locking mechanisms prevents the screw members from pulling out of the internal angled screw guides. The internal angled screw guides orient a first screw member superiorly and a second screw member inferiorly. The intervertebral cage is adapted for posterior lumbar intervertebral placement, anterior lumbar intervertebral placement, anterio-lateral thoracic intervertebral placement, or anterior cervical intervertebral placement.

Abstract: A Spinous Process (SP) staple including a top claw, a bottom claw, a staple pin pivotally connecting the top claw and the bottom claw, a ratchet mechanism that limits an opening force of the top claw with respect to the bottom claw, a first hemi-spacer positioned on the top claw and a second hemi-spacer positioned on the bottom claw. Upon the stapling of two adjacent spinous processes, the SP staple claws approximate, and the first and second hemi-spacers interdigitate, interlock, and unite to become a single interspinous process spacer which can be wedged between two adjacent spinous processes. Adjacent spinous process separation and/or distraction leading to spinal canal decompression and alleviation of the symptoms of spinal stenosis are accomplished.

Abstract: A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus including an intervertebral cage for maintaining disc height, and a method of inserting the same is provided. The intervertebral cage includes a first internal screw guide and a second internal screw guide, a first screw member and a second screw member, and a central screw locking lever coupled to the intervertebral cage, wherein the central screw locking lever prevents the first screw member and the second screw from pulling-out of the first internal screw guide and the second internal screw guide. The central screw locking lever includes a rotatable handle and stem portion, or a screw locking horizontal bracket. A pliers device for inserting and removing the bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus, a posterior cervical and lumbar facet joint staple, and a staple gun for a posterior cervical and lumbar facet joint staple also are provided.

Abstract: A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus, a posterior lumbar facet staple and a staple gun for a posterior lumbar facet staple, a posterior cervical facet joint staple, and a staple gun for a posterior cervical facet joint staple are provided. The BDFT apparatus includes an intervertebral cage including a plurality of internal angled screw guides, a plurality of screw members, and a screw locking mechanism that prevents the screw members from pulling out of the internal angled screw guides. The internal angled screw guides orient a first screw member superiorly and a second screw member inferiorly. The intervertebral cage is adapted for posterior lumbar intervertebral placement, anterior lumbar intervertebral placement, anterio-lateral thoracic intervertebral placement, or anterior cervical intervertebral placement.

Abstract: A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus is provided. The BDFT apparatus includes an intervertebral cage including a plurality of internal angled screw guides, a plurality of screw members, and a cage indentation adjacent to the screw guides that independently or supplemented by other screw locking mechanisms prevents the screw members from pulling out of the internal angled screw guides. The internal angled screw guides orient a first screw member superiorly and a second screw member inferiorly. The intervertebral cage is adapted for posterior lumbar intervertebral placement, anterior lumbar intervertebral placement, anterio-lateral thoracic intervertebral placement, or anterior cervical intervertebral placement.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes a universal, intervertebral bone fusion spacer for insertion into a disc space between a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body and fusion of the first vertebral body to the second vertebral body via biological bone fusion and screw fusion, and a tool for manipulating and inserting the universal, intervertebral bone fusion spacer into the disc space between the first vertebral body and the second vertebral body to provide fusion of the first vertebral body to the second vertebral body via biological bone fusion and screw fusion.

Abstract: An electronically assisted artificial vertebral disc having an upper disc plate and a lower disc plate is disclosed. An actuator imparts movement to at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. A control device controls the actuator and the amount of movement between the disc plates. The actuator includes a plurality of either linear actuators or rotary actuators that are driven by electric motors in response to the control device. The control device includes at least a first sensor for detecting the position of the actuator and at least a second sensor for detecting the spatial orientation of at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. The control device also preferably includes a microprocessor that calculates the desired positions of the upper and lower disc plates and provides a control signal to the actuator to drive the upper and lower disc plates to their desired positions.

Abstract: An artificial replacement disc includes a pair of substantially parallel plates formed to occupy a space defined by vertebral endplates, each of the plates including a plurality of spikes on a first surface and a concave trough formed on a second surface opposite of the first surface. A mobile core includes a core rim with opposing convex surfaces extending from opposite sides of the core rim, the mobile core being capable of being disposed between the pair of plates to permit the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another. The spikes on each of the plates extend substantially away from the mobile core and the convex surfaces are formed to integrally fit within the concave trough of at least one of the plates. The core rim limits lateral movement of the mobile core relative to the parallel plates. One or more insertion tools for inserting and implanting the replacement disc are also described.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes a universal, intervertebral bone fusion spacer for insertion into a disc space between a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body and fusion of the first vertebral body to the second vertebral body via biological bone fusion and screw fusion, and a tool for manipulating and inserting the universal, intervertebral bone fusion spacer into the disc space between the first vertebral body and the second vertebral body to provide fusion of the first vertebral body to the second vertebral body via biological bone fusion and screw fusion.

Abstract: An artificial replacement disc includes a pair of substantially parallel plates formed to occupy a space defined by vertebral endplates, each of the plates including a plurality of spikes on a first surface and a concave trough formed on a second surface opposite of the first surface. A mobile core includes a core rim with opposing convex surfaces extending from opposite sides of the core rim, the mobile core being capable of being disposed between the pair of plates to permit the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another. The spikes on each of the plates extend substantially away from the mobile core and the convex surfaces are formed to integrally fit within the concave trough of at least one of the plates. The core rim limits lateral movement of the mobile core relative to the parallel plates. One or more insertion tools for inserting and implanting the replacement disc are also described.

Abstract: An endoscope video imaging subsystem including an image sensor, a plurality of image forming optical elements, a video processor, a video processor display signal output interface, an illumination subsystem with one or more light sources, and at least one light transfer and projection element. The endoscope is in communication and sends images through an electronic interface to a head-mounted eyepiece configured to be worn by a user, wherein the eyepiece includes an optical assembly combined with displayed content, an integrated processor for handling content for display to the user, and an integrated image source for introducing the content from the camera to the optical assembly.

Abstract: Thoracic/lumbar and cervical spinous process staples which staple/fuse adjacent spinous processes are disclosed. Thoracic/lumbar transverse process staples which staple/fuse adjacent transverse processes are also disclosed. Each embodiment has upper and lower claws connected by a ratchet spring mechanism, along with a multiplicity of bone fastener prongs attached to the upper and lower claws. Two sets of prongs on each staple claw are spaced by a distance approximately equal to the distance separating adjacent spinous or transverse processes so as to facilitate stapling/fusion of two adjacent processes. Also disclosed are staple prongs with multiple perforations which enable incorporation of bone fusion material thereby facilitating stapling/fusion of spinal elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a worm drive screw, a spur gear and superior and inferior screws which turn simultaneously in a bi-directional manner. A rotating mechanism drives the first and second screw members in opposite directions and causes the screw members to embed themselves in the members to be joined. The screw apparatus can be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, vertebral bodies, wood, building materials, metals, masonry, or plastics. A device employing two screws (two-in-one) can be combined with a capping horizontal mini-plate. A device employing three screws can be combined in enclosures (three-in-one). The stapling apparatus includes grip handles, transmission linkages, a drive rod a fulcrum and a cylinder.

Abstract: A self-drilling bone fusion screw apparatus is disclosed which includes at least first and second sliding boxes. A first screw member having a tapered end and a threaded body is disposed within the first sliding box, and a second screw member having a tapered end and a threaded body disposed within the second sliding box. An adjuster adjusts the height of the sliding boxes. The screw members are screwed into vertebral bodies in order to fuse the vertebral bodies together. A plurality of the self-drilling bone fusion screw apparatuses may be attached together and/or integrated via a plate or cage. Also disclosed is a cervical facet staple that includes a curved staple base and at least two prongs attached to the bottom surface of the curved staple base.

Abstract: A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus including an intervertebral cage for maintaining disc height, and a method of inserting the same is provided. The intervertebral cage includes a first internal screw guide and a second internal screw guide, a first screw member and a second screw member, and a central screw locking lever coupled to the intervertebral cage, wherein the central screw locking lever prevents the first screw member and the second screw from pulling-out of the first internal screw guide and the second internal screw guide. The central screw locking lever includes a rotatable handle and stem portion, or a screw locking horizontal bracket. A pliers device for inserting and removing the bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus, a posterior cervical and lumbar facet joint staple, and a staple gun for a posterior cervical and lumbar facet joint staple also are provided.

Abstract: A unique, universal Zero-Profile Expandable Intervertebral Spacer (ZP-EIS) device for fusion and distraction throughout the entire spine is provided which can be inserted via anterior, anterolateral, lateral, far lateral or posterior surgical approaches dependent on the need and preference. Multiple ZP-EIS embodiments each with unique mechanisms of calibrated expansion are provided. Two of these embodiments incorporate bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screws and five other embodiments do not incorporate BDFT screws. A tool for implantation into the intervertebral device and calibrated device expansion is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, device or tool for performing endoscopic (that is, minimally invasive) surgery. An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a video endoscope whilst in another embodiment of the invention includes an endoscopic surgical tool which, when equipped with one of a suite of endoscopic surgical instruments, can be used by a surgeon to perform surgical procedures inside a body. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a suite of endoscopic surgical instruments designed to work co-operatively with the endoscopic surgical tool. In another embodiment of the present invention, a video-assisted endoscopic surgical tool system is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes the video-assisted endoscopic surgical tool and a suite of at least one endoscopic surgical instrument.

Abstract: Thoracic/lumbar and cervical spinous process staples which staple/fuse adjacent spinous processes are disclosed. Thoracic/lumbar transverse process staples which staple/fuse adjacent transverse processes are also disclosed. Each embodiment has upper and lower claws connected by a ratchet spring mechanism, along with a multiplicity of bone fastener prongs attached to the upper and lower claws. Two sets of prongs on each staple claw are spaced by a distance approximately equal to the distance separating adjacent spinous or transverse processes so as to facilitate stapling/fusion of two adjacent processes. Also disclosed are staple prongs with multiple perforations which enable incorporation of bone fusion material thereby facilitating stapling/fusion of spinal elements.