Abstract: A slotted shield for a surgical tack, including a body adapted to engage a tack head. The shield has at least one slot having a width, defined by the body. Optionally, the shield is mounted on a tack head on which said shield is mounted.

Abstract: A bone cement comprising an acrylic polymer mixture. The cement is characterized in that it achieves a viscosity of at least 500 Pascal-second within 180 seconds following initiation of mixing of a monomer component and a polymer component and characterized by sufficient biocompatibility to permit in-vivo use.

Abstract: A bone cement comprising a first component and a second component, wherein contacting the first component and the second component produces a mixture which attains a high viscosity an initial period and the viscosity of the mixture remains relatively stable for a working time of at least 5 minutes after the initial setting period, and the mixture is suitable for in-vivo use.

Abstract: A medical grade deformer, comprising: an axial member; and a pliable tube mounted on said axial member and adapted to be deformed from a first, narrower diameter, configuration to a second, greater diameter, configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the deformation of an implant during deployment thereof, comprising: a force application mechanism for applying deformation force to the implant, by motion of a force applicator against the implant; and a restraint element positioning mechanism that positions a restraining element such that the deformation of the implant is controlled by restraint of the restraining element on allowable deformation; and a synchronizer that synchronizes the motion of the restraining element and the force applicator, to achieve a desired deformation of the implanted.

Abstract: A method for injecting a therapeutic agent into a target tissue, the method comprising: (a) providing an expandable member; (b) positioning said expandable member in proximity to the target tissue; (c) Introducing the therapeutic agent into the expandable member until a desired pressure is achieved; and (d) creating a plurality of small apertures in the expandable member.

Abstract: A tool-carrying catheter, comprising: an elongate body adapted for insertion into a blood vessel; a tool section attached to a distal side of said body; and a guide-channel adapted to carry at least a guide-wire, wherein said catheter includes an entry port into said guide-channel for said guide wire and wherein said tool includes a distal exit for said guide wire from said guide-channel, defined in a side of said tool.

Abstract: A method of treating a vertebra, comprising: (a) accessing an interior of a vertebra; and (b) introducing a sufficient amount of artificial biocompatible material which does not set to a hardened condition in storage, into said bone, with sufficient force to move apart fractured portions of said bone.

Abstract: A deformable medical implant, comprising: a body defining at least two anchor points, which body is adapted to be deformed so that the two anchor points are moved relative to each other; at least two elongate extensions, each extension fixed to one anchor point; a bridge coupling at least two of said extensions to each other; and at least two hinges defined on at least one of said extensions, two of said at least two hinges having different preferred bending directions and being defined on one extension.

Abstract: An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface, a proximal end and a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said surface and define a geometry of an expanded spacer. Preferably the spacer is adapted to be inserted between two spinal vertebrae of a human.

Abstract: Intramedullary nail apparatus comprising: an intramedullary nail having an axis, a proximal end, a distal end, a first hole going through the nail at an angle to the axis, and a second hole going through said nail at the same or a different angle to the axis, with the second hole closer to the proximal end than the first hole; a first screw which goes through the first hole; a second screw which goes through the second hole; and a locking mechanism, accessible from the proximal end of the nail, operative to selectively lock in place the first screw.

Abstract: A bone boring device and method, the device comprising a hinge, a handle coupled to the hinge, and at least one curved needle with a tip. The needle is rotatably mounted on the hinge such that when the tip is placed against bone and the needle is rotated on the hinge, the needle is urged and advanced into the bone. Preferably, the at least one needle is a first and a second needle. Alternatively, the needles may rotate about the same hinge or different hinges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for treatment of male incontinence and a method for female cystocele repair in which a sling material is positioned between the descending rami of the pubic bone. In such an operation a “hammock-like” sling material is positioned below the urethra in males, or below the posterior bladder wall in the case of cystocele in females.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for treatment of male incontinence and a method for female cystocele repair in which a sling material is positioned between the descending rami of the pubic bone. In such an operation a “hammock-like” sling material is positioned below the urethra in males, or below the posterior bladder wall in the case of cystocele in females.

Abstract: A surgical tack, comprising: a single shaft formed of a bio-compatible material and having a tip adapted for entering and engaging bone; and a head mounted on said shaft, said head adapted for engaging a substrate between said head and said bone. Preferably, said shaft is a separate element from said head. Alternatively or additional, said head is rotatable relative to said shaft.

Abstract: A kit, comprising:

Abstract: A method of preparing a sling combination is described. The method comprises the steps of providing a sling formed of a biocompatible material and having a body comprising two ends; mounting the sling on a first tack at a first end of the body of the sling; and mounting the first stack on a tacking device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for treatment of male incontinence and a method for female cystocele repair in which a sling material is positioned between the descending rami of the pubic bone. In such an operation a “hammock-like” sling material is positioned below the urethra in males, or below the posterior bladder wall in the case of cystocele in females.

Abstract: An expandable stent and stent graft having a small initial diameter, flexibility along its longitudinal axis prior to expansion and a large expanded and rigid Local stain on the stent material is minimized, as and after the balloon is expanded. More particularly, the stent has rotation joints having minimal strain during stent expansion. The stent is substantially the same length before and after expansion and being flexible longitudinally when constrained, it is easy to locate. A method of manufacturing stents is described comprising rotation of a tube beneath a moving film, with light passing through the film onto the tube, at selected locations. A laser scanning system for stent manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A slotted shield for a surgical tack, including a body adapted to engage a tack head. The shield has at least one slot having a width, defined by the body. Optionally, the shield is mounted on a tack head on which said shield is mounted.