Abstract: The present invention may provide various improvements over conventional cross connectors. For example, the present invention may provide various types of Real-X cross connectors, which may have an arch shape X-bridge that curves above the spinal bone segments of the patient. As such, the Real-X cross connectors may be more adaptive to the patient's spinal provide and provide better protect for the patient's the spinal bone segments. For another example, the present invention may provide various types of Real-O cross connectors, which may have a protection ring for protecting the patient's spinous process. Because of its protection ring, the implantation of one of the Real-O cross connectors may eliminate the need of spinous process removal. Furthermore, a Real-O cross connector may be combined with a Real-X cross connector to form a Real-XO cross connector, which may inherit the functional benefits of both the Real-X and Real-O cross connectors.

Abstract: The present invention may provide various improvements over conventional cross connectors. For example, the present invention may provide various types of Real-X cross connectors, which may have an arch shape X-bridge that curves above the spinal bone segments of the patient. As such, the Real-X cross connectors may be more adaptive to the patient's spinal provide and provide better protect for the patient's the spinal bone segments. Moreover, the Real-X cross connectors may incorporate a complementary pivot joint configuration for smoothening the stress distribution and reducing the stress concentration around the center of the arch shape X-bridge. Advantageously, the complementary pivot joint configuration may enhance the rigidity and stability of the Real-X cross connectors.

Abstract: The present invention may include a pedicle screw with a multifunctional adaptor, a strain reliever, and a dual-surface cap. The multifunctional adaptor may include a convex pivot ring for improving multi-axial movement and locking stability, an integrated locking mechanism for improving maneuverability, and an integrated compression member for improving the assembly process. The strain reliever may be formed along a neck of the pedicle screw for relieving mechanical stress asserted thereto, and thereby preventing a breakage thereof. The dual-surface cap may provide a slightly sloped surface for reducing the tension of the stabilizing rod. The present invention may also provide for a dynamic adaptor for flexibly connecting two stabilizing rods, which may be versatilely adapted to various pedicle screw configurations.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method and apparatus to treat obesity and controlling weight gain. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention relates to a covered cage device that is implanted within a human's stomach to occupy volume and cause a reduced desire for eating. The covered cage device is made from a wire-mesh, such a Nitinol, and can be adjustable and collapsible. In another embodiment, the covered cage device has edges that provide stimulation to the stomach to induce a feeling of fullness.

Abstract: The present invention includes an endoluminal sleeve having a stomach sleeve portion, an antral sleeve portion, and an intestine sleeve portion. The endoluminal sleeve includes a flexible core layer which is formed from a self-expanding material. The flexible core layer in the stomach sleeve portion can self expand to grip the stomach. The antral sleeve is located in the pyloric antrum and is connected to the stomach sleeve portion and the intestine sleeve portion. The intestine sleeve portion is connected to the antral sleeve through a junction. The junction contains non-self-expanding material allowing the pyloric sphincter to properly function. The intestine sleeve portion is located in the small intestines. The intestine sleeve portion can have fenestrations, roots, a nutrient delivery layer, a nutrient delivery cover, an outer shell with a plurality of holes, and/or a semi-porous skin for nutrient delivery to the small intestines.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method and apparatus to treat obesity and controlling weight gain. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention relates to a covered cage device that is implanted within a human's stomach to occupy volume and cause a reduced desire for eating. The covered cage device is made from a wire-mesh, such a Nitinol, and can be adjustable and collapsible. In another embodiment, the covered cage device has edges that provide stimulation to the stomach to induce a feeling of fullness.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to an intragastric space-occupying device configured to be positioned within a stomach of a mammal for treating excessive weight or obesity. The intragastric space-occupying device may include an inner rod and an outer rod surrounding the inner rod, the outer rod moveable along the inner rod, the outer rod being movable between an outer first position and an inner second position. The intragastric space-occupying device may also include a plurality of support structures, each support structure having a first end connected to the inner rod and a second end connected to the outer rod, the plurality of support structures being in a collapsed position when the outer rod is in the outer first position and being in an extended position when the outer rod is in the inner second position and a covering positioned on the plurality of support structures.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method and apparatus to treat obesity. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention relates to tucking a portion of the greater curvature of the stomach inwards, and covering the stomach around the greater curvature and lesser curvature with a silicone skirt to induce satiety and reduce the volume of the stomach body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gastric restraining device for treating excessive weight or obesity in mammals. The gastric restraining device includes an elastomeric sheet configured to be placed around a stomach of a mammal, an ablation device attached to the elastomeric sheet, the ablation device configured to emit energy toward an outer surface of the stomach when the elastomeric sheet is placed around the stomach, and an energy device coupled to the ablation device to generate the energy and to transfer the energy to the ablation device.