Abstract: An implant delivery device may include an implant holding portion proximate the distal end, the implant holding portion being configured to retain a sheet-like implant during implantation of the implant. In addition, the implant holding portion may be configured to receive the implant with a fixed implant supporting flange member configured to support the implant on one side, and a movable implant supporting flange member. The movable implant supporting flange member may be configured to be slidable between a distal position and a proximal position, wherein, in the distal position, the movable implant supporting flange member and secures the implant against the fixed implant supporting flange member, and in the proximal position, the movable implant supporting flange member is withdrawn from the distal end of the implant delivery device, thus enabling release of the implant.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is disclosed comprising a thermoplastic composite body having anterior, first lateral, second lateral, posterior, superior, and inferior surfaces, and at least one dense portion and at least one porous portion which are integrally formed. The at least one dense portion is formed of a first thermoplastic polymer matrix that is essentially non-porous, and which is continuous through a thickness dimension from the superior surface to the inferior surface. The at least one porous portion is formed of a porous thermoplastic polymer scaffold having a second thermoplastic polymer matrix which is continuous through the thickness dimension. A method for forming the thermoplastic composite body is disclosed comprising disposing a first powder mixture in a first portion of a mold, disposing a second powder mixture in a second portion of the mold, simultaneously molding the first powder mixture and the second powder mixture, and leaching porogen.

Abstract: A process for making a polymeric product having a gradual variation in modulus through at least a portion of the product is disclosed together with an artificial spinal disc formed using the process.

Abstract: An instrument for preparing a surface of a vertebra, such as a vertebral endplate, for receipt of a spinal disc implant. The instrument includes a working tool with implements on one or more surfaces of the working tool that act on the vertebral surface. The instrument includes a rotary-to-linear translation system to cause the working tool to move; for example, from side-to-side, top-to-bottom, or along a path that includes side-to-side and top-to-bottom aspects. The rotary-to-linear translation system may include a drive shaft having a cam pin at a distal end, and a cam follower slot at an anterior end of the working tool.

Abstract: A process for making a polymeric product having a gradual variation in modulus through at least a portion of the product is disclosed together with an artificial spinal disc formed using the process.

Abstract: An instrument for preparation of vertebral endplates and a method of preparing a surface of a vertebral endplate are described. The instrument includes a body having a frame, an endplate preparation member supported by the body, and a pivot point. A tilt axis is perpendicular to and intersects a sweep axis at the pivot point. The endplate preparation member is coupled to the frame and controllably pivotable in an arc about the first tilt axis to change a tilt of the endplate preparation member. The endplate preparation member is also controllably pivotable in an arc about the sweep axis while maintaining the tilt of the endplate preparation member. By sweeping the endplate preparation member at incrementally larger tilt angles, recesses in a vertebral endplate surface are gradually formed, which may allow greater precision and control of a depth of the recesses and reduce stress on the vertebral endplate, as opposed to more aggressive techniques.

Abstract: An instrument for preparing a surface of a vertebra, such as a vertebral endplate, for receipt of a spinal disc implant. The instrument includes a working tool with implements on one or more surfaces of the working tool that act on the vertebral surface. The instrument includes a rotary-to-linear translation system to cause the working tool to move; for example, from side-to-side, top-to-bottom, or along a path that includes side-to-side and top-to-bottom aspects. The rotary-to-linear translation system may include a drive shaft having a cam pin at a distal end, and a cam follower slot at an anterior end of the working tool.

Abstract: An instrument for preparation of vertebral endplates and a method of preparing a surface of a vertebral endplate are described. The instrument includes a body having a frame, an endplate preparation member supported by the body, and a pivot point. A tilt axis is perpendicular to and intersects a sweep axis at the pivot point. The endplate preparation member is coupled to the frame and controllably pivotable in an arc about the first tilt axis to change a tilt of the endplate preparation member. The endplate preparation member is also controllably pivotable in an arc about the sweep axis while maintaining the tilt of the endplate preparation member. By sweeping the endplate preparation member at incrementally larger tilt angles, recesses in a vertebral endplate surface are gradually formed, which may allow greater precision and control of a depth of the recesses and reduce stress on the vertebral endplate, as opposed to more aggressive techniques.

Abstract: An artificial spinal disc implant is provided that may be implanted between adjacent vertebrae in the spine to replace, repair or augment a natural spinal disc. The spinal disc implant may be characterized by one or more biomechanical properties that approximate those of a natural spinal disc. The implant is also designed to be sufficiently secured to the vertebrae so that it may function in the body for long time periods.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device with a retention section for anchoring the medical device in the body of a living being, a drainage section for draining fluids from the body, e.g. urine, and a tip which facilitates insertion into the body. During the anchoring of the medical device, the tip is retracted toward a proximal end of the device, improving the users control over the position of the tip relative to other parts of the device and achieving the free flow of fluids through the device. An indicator may be provided to give a visual, audible, or tactile indication of at least a first position of the tip relative to the remaining part of the medical device.

Abstract: An artificial spinal disc that may be implanted between adjacent vertebrae in the spine to replace, repair or augment a natural spinal disc. The spinal disc implant is characterized by one or more biomechanical properties that approximate those of a natural spinal disc and is durable enough to function in the body for long time periods, amongst other advantages.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a balloon portion for a balloon catheter for radially expanding a vessel in the body of a mammal, which catheter comprises a tube portion with a passage therethrough and a hollow expandable balloon portion defined by a fluid impervious wall and secured to the tube portion, which balloon portion can be inflated and deflated by means of a fluid passed through the passage, such that: a. the wall of the balloon portion is formed from a flexible substantially fluid impervious material having reinforcing fibers formed integrally with the wall material; and b. the balloon portion is preformed to the desired radial diameter at its inflated state having smaller diameter end portions and a wider diameter portion intermediate the said ends and has a substantially uniform wall thickness.

Abstract: A process for making a polymeric product having a gradual variation in modulus through at least a portion of the product is disclosed together with an artificial spinal disc formed using the process.

Abstract: A process for making a polymeric product having a gradual variation in modulus through at least a portion of the product is disclosed together with an artificial spinal disc formed using the process.

Abstract: A process for making a polymeric product having a gradual variation in modulus through at least a portion of the product is disclosed together with an artificial spinal disc formed using the process.

Abstract: A process for making a polymeric product having a gradual variation in modulus through at least a portion of the product is disclosed together with an artificial spinal disc formed using the process.