Abstract: Provided herein are ablation systems having an ablation component with an ablation chamber and an insulation chamber, wherein the ablation chamber comprises a plurality of channels defined there. Other embodiments include ablation systems having a substrate source, a cooling component, and an ablation component. Certain systems are closed-loop systems that reuse the cooling substrate.

Abstract: Provided herein are ablation systems having an ablation component with an ablation chamber and an insulation chamber, wherein the ablation chamber comprises a plurality of channels defined there. Other embodiments include ablation systems having a substrate source, a cooling component, and an ablation component. Certain systems are closed-loop systems that reuse the cooling substrate.

Abstract: Provided herein are ablation systems having an ablation component with an ablation chamber and an insulation chamber, wherein the ablation chamber comprises a plurality of channels defined there. Other embodiments include ablation systems having a substrate source, a cooling component, and an ablation component. Certain systems are closed-loop systems that reuse the cooling substrate.

Abstract: Provided herein are ablation systems having an ablation component with an ablation chamber and an insulation chamber, wherein the ablation chamber comprises a plurality of channels defined there. Other embodiments include ablation systems having a substrate source, a cooling component, and an ablation component. Certain systems are closed-loop systems that reuse the cooling substrate.

Abstract: A device for treating a vertebral body may include a hollow device made from a permeable fabric and having at least one opening for introducing bone treatment material into the device. Introduction of the bone treatment material may cause the bone treatment material to permeate through the permeable fabric of the device.

Abstract: An implant for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae, the implant includes a stabilizing body expandable along a longitudinal axis from a first size state to a second size state. A cavity is defined in the stabilizing body for receiving a quantity of curable filler material sufficient to expand the stabilizing body from the first size state to the second size state. The implant further includes an attachment member for attaching the stabilizing body to the adjacent vertebrae. The stabilizing body is expandable along an arcuate axis to exert a restoring moment of movement on the attached vertebrae.

Abstract: A device for facilitating bone fusion of two vertebrae. The device is sized and shaped to at least extend between the two vertebrae to be fused, and includes an outer wall member disposed about an inner portion. A space between the outer wall member and the inner compartment is adapted to contain an osteogenic bone fusion material. The inner portion includes a compartment adapted to contain an inner fill material, such as a bone cement or an in situ curable polymer. The inner portion may operate as a structural member to maintain a desired amount of spacing between the vertebrae to be fused, and to support the spinal column prior to formation of the fused bone joint. The device is also configured to locate the osteogenic material away from the centers of the vertebrae to be fused, providing a fused joint with high bending and torsional rigidity.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns implants to at least partially replace the nucleus of a spinal disc. In one embodiment, a prosthetic structure is provided which includes a bag having a fixation component, the bag operable to contain at least one internal implant within the bag. In another embodiment, a bag structure is provided with a flange adaptable to anchor the structure to a vertebral body and a sinusoidal-shaped structure made of a flexible material is provided with various unique configurations. In one embodiment, for delivery, a bag structure with a flange may be attached to a vertebral body. In another embodiment, a sinusoidal-shaped implant structure is alternately woven from one end to the other with a second sinusoidal-shaped structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns implants to at least partially replace the nucleus of a spinal disc. In one embodiment, a prosthetic structure is provided which includes a bag having a fixation component, the bag operable to contain at least one internal implant within the bag. In another embodiment, a bag structure is provided with a flange adaptable to anchor the structure to a vertebral body and a sinusoidal-shaped structure made of a flexible material is provided with various unique configurations. In one embodiment, for delivery, a bag structure with a flange may be attached to a vertebral body. In another embodiment, a sinusoidal-shaped implant structure is alternately woven from one end to the other with a second sinusoidal-shaped structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides intervertebral disc nucleus inserts that may fully or partially replace the natural, or native, intervertebral nucleus. The present invention may include a hydrogel bag outer body that includes an interior cavity for introducing a spiral implant device. The hydrogel bag may be introduced through a cannula into the intervertebral space after a cavity of a desired shape and size has been cleared. The combination of the spiral implant resting configuration and the hydrogel bag substantially fills the cavity. The combination of the spiral implant and the hydrogel bag may improve upon 1) implant expulsion or extrusion; 2) implant sizing; 3) implant conformity; and 4) reduction or prevention of bone edema. In further embodiments the hydrogel bag may include an inner and outer layer or two complimentary bags joined into one structure to better distribute the load between the vertebral endplates.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for conducting surgical procedures in a minimally invasive manner. The invention includes a guide frame for the insertion of surgical instruments with a high degree of accuracy. For example, a guide needle may be inserted into the pedicle of the spine of a patient wherein the angle in a plane transverse to the spine and in a parasagittal plane may be accurately selected. The present invention also includes apparatuses and methods for accessing screws and anchors already implanted into the spine in a minimally invasive manner. Once the screws or anchors are accessed, the apparatus and method may be used to implant various therapeutic devices, including wires, cords, etc., between the screws and anchors.

Abstract: A prosthetic spinal disc includes a cushioning member encased in a flexible sac and positioned between a pair of opposing endplates. A pair of retainer members are also located inside the sac to secure the sac to the endplates. The cushioning member is expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration. The disc is insertable into the spinal column as a single piece with the cushioning member in the first configuration and thereafter expanded to the second configuration to support and space apart adjacent vertebrae. The cushioning member may be replaced or revised without disturbing the placement of the endplates.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for stabilizing the facet joints of the spine. One aspect of the present invention is the stabilization of the facet joint by insertion of a facet implant through two opposing facet surfaces. The facet joint is not fixedly frozen by insertion of the screw, but instead the facet surfaces are flexibly and movably anchored to preserve movement because the screw or anchor includes a flexible intermediate portion which is positioned between the facet surfaces. The facet implant may be in the form of a screw or other anchor with the intermediate portion in the form of a polyaxial head, a cord, a spring, etc. The facet implant may furthermore be used in conjunction with a facet spacer that is placed between the first and second facet.

Abstract: The present invention is related to spinal stabilization devices. More particularly, this invention relates to devices for addressing back pain originating in the facet joints and the spinous processes of the vertebrae. One embodiment of the present invention includes a substantially T-shaped facet implant for insertion between the facets of two successive vertebrae after a desired amount of the articulating surfaces have been resected. The long and flat portion of the T-shaped facet implant is inserted in between the facets and then the wings of the T-shape, also called fixation tabs, are secured to the spine to secure the facet implant into place. The T-shape implant may also be a part of a spinal stabilization system that includes a facet implant, a spinous process spacer, and a flexible connecting member securing the same.

Abstract: A system for repairing an intervertebral disc by delivering and curing a biomaterial in situ within the disc. The system includes both a device, having an insertable balloon and related lumen, controls and adapters, as well as an in situ curable biomaterial (and related biomaterial delivery means). The system can allow the doctor to determine a suitable endpoint for biomaterial delivery, by controlling distraction and/or biomaterial delivery pressure, and in turn, to deliver a desired quantity of biomaterial to the balloon in order to achieve improved polymer cure and implant characteristics. Also provided is a related method for repairing an intervertebral disc by using such a system to deliver and cure the biomaterial in situ. The system can be used to implant a prosthetic total disc, or a prosthetic disc nucleus in a manner that leaves the surrounding disc tissue substantially intact.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns implants to at least partially replace the nucleus of a spinal disc. In one embodiment, a prosthetic structure is provided which includes a bag operable to contain at least one internal implant within the bag. In another embodiment, a sinusoidal-shaped structure made of a flexible material is provided with various unique configurations to act as the internal implant and once released from a stretched or compressed configuration resumes nearly its original shape. In one embodiment, for delivery, a sinusoidal-shaped structure may be in a reduced amplitude state. In another embodiment, a sinusoidal-shaped structure is alternately woven from one end to the other with a second sinusoidal-shaped structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an injectable annular ring useful in treating a deteriorating spinal disc. When used, the annular ring may be collapsed or folded in order for it to be placed through a small opening in a prepared intervertebral space within the annulus using minimally invasive techniques. Deployment or unfolding the ring in the intervertebral space provides an interior cavity bordered by the ring that is in direct contact with the vertebral endplates. When an internal volume of the ring is inject or filled with a load-bearing, hardenable material, the filled ring maintains the intervertebral spacing and prevents the ring from being expelled from the interior cavity through the small annular opening.

Abstract: A method of treating a diseased or damaged intervertebral disc having a nucleus pulposus and an annulus. The method includes the steps of accessing and preparing the intervertebral disc for receipt of the biomaterial by removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create a nuclear cavity. A quantity of the curable biomaterial is delivered under pressure to the nuclear cavity. The delivered biomaterial is at least partially cured in such a manner to retain it in the nuclear cavity. The at least partially cured biomaterial is contoured to achieve a desired conformation approximating that of the nuclear cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides blend water-swellable materials and hydrogels suitable for use in biomedical or other applications. The blend water swellable materials and hydrogels have at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one other polymer or oligomer having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic recurring units where the blend phase separates and is opaque and immiscible in the presence of water. Methods of making these blend water-swellable materials and hydrogels are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluidly coupling a reservoir containing a flowable biomaterial to a mold. The flow of the flowable biomaterial into the mold is controlled in accordance with a first operating parameter. At least one injection condition is monitored. The flow of the flowable biomaterial is controlled in accordance with a second operating parameter in response to one or more of the injection conditions reaching a threshold level. The second operating parameter is maintained during at least a portion of the curing of the flowable biomaterial. In some embodiments, the second operating parameter may optionally include permitting a portion of the flowable biomaterial to be expelled from the mold.