Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for treating fractured and/or diseased bone. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices and methods for repairing, reinforcing and/or treating fractured and/or diseased bone using various devices, including cavity-forming devices.

Abstract: A filler instrument comprises a first chamber section having a first cross sectional area and a second chamber section having a second cross sectional area less than the first cross sectional area. The second chamber section communicates with the first chamber section. The first chamber section includes an inlet for receiving a material into the filler instrument, and the second chamber section includes an outlet for discharging the material from the filler instrument. A first plunger is sized to pass through the first chamber section and not the second chamber section. A second plunger is sized to pass through an interior bore of the first plunger and into the second chamber section. In use, the first plunger displaces material residing in the first chamber section through the second chamber section toward the outlet, and the second plunger displaces material residing in the second chamber section through the outlet.

Abstract: An expandable structure made from an elastomer material is preformed to a desired geometry by exposure to heat and pressure. The structure undergoes controlled expansion and further distention in cancellous bone, with controlled deformation and without failure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for improved brachytherapy treatment of prostate disease. The apparatus provides for angular reorientation of a needle template with respect to an ultrasound probe during brachytherapy administration. Angular reorientation is expected to beneficially overcome anatomical constraints, such as skeletal structures, that may limit a medical practitioner's ability to deliver radioactive brachytherapy seeds into a prostate in proper alignment.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat at least two vertebral bodies in a spinal column. The systems and methods make use of first and second tool assemblies operable to treat an interior region of, respectively, a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body in the spinal column. The systems and methods provide directions for operating the first and second tool assemblies to treat the first and second vertebral bodies, at least for a portion of time, concurrently.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for improved administration of brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate disease. More particularly, a prostate visualization device is provided comprising a catheter coupled to at least one deployable member at the distal end of the catheter. The deployable member is preferably manufactured from a shape memory alloy having a petal-shaped configuration suitable for engaging and defining the proximal region of a patient's bladder. The deployable member may comprise tubing filled with air or other radiopaque agents to facilitate ultrasonic imaging of the deployable members near the bladder/prostate junction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating bone employ an expandable body sized to be inserted into bone over a guide wire, without need of an access cannula, and undergo expansion in cancellous bone to compact cancellous bone. The systems and methods further include one or more other instruments sized to pass over the guide wire. The other instruments can comprise, e.g., a cannula, or a device for injecting material into bone. The systems and methods can make use of a special guide wire assembly that includes a guide wire having an enlarged component or tip element on its distal end that can be used to engage the distal end of a bone treatment tool in response to a pulling motion on the guide wire. The pulling motion on the guide wire serves to withdraw the bone treatment tool. The enlarged component or tip element on the distal end of the guide wire can enable the withdrawal of an inner centering body from an outer cannula body after deployment. After withdrawal of the inner body, the outer body can be used, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for treating fractured and/or diseased bone. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices and methods for repairing, reinforcing and/or treating fractured and/or diseased bone using various devices, including cavity-forming devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for removing emboli generated during a surgical procedure comprising a catheter having proximal and distal ends, a lumen extending therethrough, an occlusive member affixed to the distal end, and at least one blood intake port disposed in a lateral surface of the catheter. The occlusive member preferably is disposed in a treatment vessel, and the blood intake port, when uncovered, permits a portion of the antegrade flow from a host vessel to be diverted into the lumen of the catheter. A pressure differential caused by the blood intake from the host vessel establishes a venturi-effect suitable for manipulating flow in the treatment vessel. The flow characteristics may be manipulated via the intake port to direct emboli into the lumen of the catheter for subsequent removal.

Abstract: A filler instrument comprises a first chamber section having a first cross sectional area and a second chamber section having a second cross sectional area less than the first cross sectional area. The second chamber section communicates with the first chamber section. The first chamber section includes an inlet for receiving a material into the filler instrument, and the second chamber section includes an outlet for discharging the material from the filler instrument. A first plunger is sized to pass through the first chamber section and not the second chamber section. A second plunger is sized to pass through an interior bore of the first plunger and into the second chamber section. In use, the first plunger displaces material residing in the first chamber section through the second chamber section toward the outlet, and the second plunger displaces material residing in the second chamber section through the outlet.