Abstract: A device, system, and method for performing a spinal procedure. The device includes first and second shape-memory outer platforms, the outer platforms expanding at a temperature greater than the transformative temperature, a core member having first and second expansion bodies and first and second wedge members, the first expansion body being coupled to the first outer platform and the second expansion body being coupled to the second outer platform, and a screw rotatably disposed within the core member, the screw passing through at least a portion of each of the first and second wedge members. Rotation of the screw causes the first and second wedge members to move toward each other and the first and second expansion bodies to move away from each other. Thus, reaching a transformation temperature and rotating the screw expands the device to come in contact with and anchored against both of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for performing a spinal procedure. The device includes first and second shape-memory outer platforms, the outer platforms expanding at a temperature greater than the transformative temperature, a core member having first and second expansion bodies and first and second wedge members, the first expansion body being coupled to the first outer platform and the second expansion body being coupled to the second outer platform, and a screw rotatably disposed within the core member, the screw passing through at least a portion of each of the first and second wedge members. Rotation of the screw causes the first and second wedge members to move toward each other and the first and second expansion bodies to move away from each other. Thus, reaching a transformation temperature and rotating the screw expands the device to come in contact with and anchored against both of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for performing a spinal procedure. The device includes first and second shape-memory outer platforms, the outer platforms expanding at a temperature greater than the transformative temperature, a core member having first and second expansion bodies and first and second wedge members, the first expansion body being coupled to the first outer platform and the second expansion body being coupled to the second outer platform, and a screw rotatably disposed within the core member, the screw passing through at least a portion of each of the first and second wedge members. Rotation of the screw causes the first and second wedge members to move toward each other and the first and second expansion bodies to move away from each other. Thus, reaching a transformation temperature and rotating the screw expands the device to come in contact with and anchored against both of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for performing a spinal procedure. The device includes first and second shape-memory outer platforms, the outer platforms expanding at a temperature greater than the transformative temperature, a core member having first and second expansion bodies and first and second wedge members, the first expansion body being coupled to the first outer platform and the second expansion body being coupled to the second outer platform, and a screw rotatably disposed within the core member, the screw passing through at least a portion of each of the first and second wedge members. Rotation of the screw causes the first and second wedge members to move toward each other and the first and second expansion bodies to move away from each other. Thus, reaching a transformation temperature and rotating the screw expands the device to come in contact with and anchored against both of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A device and method for performing interspinous fixation or spinal fusion is provided. The device may generally include a first plate and a second plate, each having an adjustable length, and a mechanical actuator for increasing or reducing the length of the plates and, correspondingly, the device. Operation of the mechanical actuator causes first and second inner expansion portions of each plate to simultaneously slide on an outer fixed portion of the plate, to increase or decrease (depending on the direction of operation of the mechanical actuator) the separation between the first and second inner expansion portions, and thus, lengthen or shorten the plates and device.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for performing a spinal procedure. The device includes first and second shape-memory outer platforms, the outer platforms expanding at a temperature greater than the transformative temperature, a core member having first and second expansion bodies and first and second wedge members, the first expansion body being coupled to the first outer platform and the second expansion body being coupled to the second outer platform, and a screw rotatably disposed within the core member, the screw passing through at least a portion of each of the first and second wedge members. Rotation of the screw causes the first and second wedge members to move toward each other and the first and second expansion bodies to move away from each other. Thus, reaching a transformation temperature and rotating the screw expands the device to come in contact with and anchored against both of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A medical compound delivery device, including an elongated compound delivery conduit; a housing attached to the delivery conduit; a dispensing element movably positioned within the housing; an actuation element coupled to the housing, the actuation element operable to selectively move the dispensing element from the housing into the delivery conduit in discrete length increments; and a pressure limiting element configured to limit movement of the dispensing element when a pressure in the delivery conduit exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure.

Abstract: A portable game device having a game ball passage, which may include a labyrinth and/or maze. A mechanical actuator may have a ball cavity to retain a ball when in a rest position and to release the ball into the game ball passage when in a first position. The device may include a prize compartment, a movable cover to enclose a first opening to the prize compartment, and a lock mechanism to releasably retain the cover in a closed position. The actuator may be controllable to unlock the cover with the ball. The device may include one or more ramped, angled, concave, and/or channeled surfaces to guide the ball as the actuator moves the ball. A second, uncovered opening to the prize compartment may be provided to insert a prize without unlocking the cover. The second opening may include feature(s) to inhibit removal of the prize through the uncovered opening.

Abstract: A blade assembly has a blade body and a blade body surround. A retractor attachment structure is attached to the blade body at the first end portion thereof extending from an exterior surface thereof. The retractor attachment structure is configured for having one of the blade body mounting structures of the retractor engaged therewith in a manner whereby the blade body is independently pivotable about and translatable along the blade body mounting structure. An alignment member protrudes from an interior surface of the blade body adjacent its first end portion. A slot extends through the blade body at its first end portion. The blade body surround and the blade body jointly form a generally cylindrical-shaped structure when the blade body is in a seated position within the slot. The cylindrical structure defines a central passage extending between the first and second end portions of blade body surround.

Abstract: A device and method for performing interspinous fixation or spinal fusion is provided. The device may generally include a first plate and a second plate, each having an adjustable length, and a mechanical actuator for increasing or reducing the length of the plates and, correspondingly, the device. Operation of the mechanical actuator causes first and second inner expansion portions of each plate to simultaneously slide on an outer fixed portion of the plate, to increase or decrease (depending on the direction of operation of the mechanical actuator) the separation between the first and second inner expansion portions, and thus, lengthen or shorten the plates and device.

Abstract: Pedicle screw apparatuses each including a pedicle screw assembly and an attached pedicle screw extender are placed in a true percutaneous manner, thereby overcoming issues resulting from placing pedicle screw assemblies through a retractor. Thus, a retractor can advantageously be built off of the pedicle screw apparatuses, thereby allowing visualization of the spine anatomy directly. Furthermore, such a method for performing surgery ensures ideal placement of the retractor for additional procedures that are often required such as, for example, decompression, interbody device placement, etc.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for performing a spinal procedure. The device includes first and second shape-memory outer platforms, the outer platforms expanding at a temperature greater than the transformative temperature, a core member having first and second expansion bodies and first and second wedge members, the first expansion body being coupled to the first outer platform and the second expansion body being coupled to the second outer platform, and a screw rotatably disposed within the core member, the screw passing through at least a portion of each of the first and second wedge members. Rotation of the screw causes the first and second wedge members to move toward each other and the first and second expansion bodies to move away from each other. Thus, reaching a transformation temperature and rotating the screw expands the device to come in contact with and anchored against both of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A blade assembly has a blade body and a blade body surround. A retractor attachment structure is attached to the blade body at the first end portion thereof extending from an exterior surface thereof. The retractor attachment structure is configured for having one of the blade body mounting structures of the retractor engaged therewith in a manner whereby the blade body is independently pivotable about and translatable along the blade body mounting structure. An alignment member protrudes from an interior surface of the blade body adjacent its first end portion. A slot extends through the blade body at its first end portion. The blade body surround and the blade body jointly form a generally cylindrical-shaped structure when the blade body is in a seated position within the slot. The cylindrical structure defines a central passage extending between the first and second end portions of blade body surround.

Abstract: A blade assembly has a blade body and a blade body surround. A retractor attachment structure is attached to the blade body at the first end portion thereof extending from an exterior surface thereof. The retractor attachment structure is configured for having one of the blade body mounting structures of the retractor engaged therewith in a manner whereby the blade body is independently pivotable about and translatable along the blade body mounting structure. An alignment member protrudes from an interior surface of the blade body adjacent its first end portion. A slot extends through the blade body at its first end portion. The blade body surround and the blade body jointly form a generally cylindrical-shaped structure when the blade body is in a seated position within the slot. The cylindrical structure defines a central passage extending between the first and second end portions of blade body surround.

Abstract: A medical compound delivery device, including an elongated compound delivery conduit; a housing attached to the delivery conduit; a dispensing element movably positioned within the housing; an actuation element coupled to the housing, the actuation element operable to selectively move the dispensing element from the housing into the delivery conduit in discrete length increments; and a pressure limiting element configured to limit movement of the dispensing element when a pressure in the delivery conduit exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system, including a tissue anchor including a first instrument engagement feature and a second instrument engagement feature; a first tool engageable with the first instrument engagement feature, and a second tool engageable with the second instrument engagement feature, where the first and second tools are engageable simultaneously with the tissue anchor.

Abstract: A blade system configured for use with a surgical retractor comprising a blade body and a blade body surround. The blade body includes a retractor attachment structure engagable with a blade body mounting structure of the surgical retractor. The retractor attachment structure is configured for allowing the blade body to be independently pivotable about and translatable along the blade body mounting structure. The blade body surround includes a slot within a sidewall thereof. The blade body surround and the blade body are jointly configured to form a generally cylindrical-shaped structure when the blade body is in a seated position within the slot.

Abstract: Pedicle screw apparatuses each including a pedicle screw assembly and an attached pedicle screw extender are placed in a true percutaneous manner, thereby overcoming issues resulting from placing pedicle screw assemblies through a retractor. Thus, a retractor can advantageously be built off of the pedicle screw apparatuses, thereby allowing visualization of the spine anatomy directly. Furthermore, such a method for performing surgery ensures ideal placement of the retractor for additional procedures that are often required such as, for example, decompression, interbody device placement, etc.

Abstract: A blade assembly has a blade body and a blade body surround. A retractor attachment structure is attached to the blade body at the first end portion thereof extending from an exterior surface thereof. The retractor attachment structure is configured for having one of the blade body mounting structures of the retractor engaged therewith in a manner whereby the blade body is independently pivotable about and translatable along the blade body mounting structure. An alignment member protrudes from an interior surface of the blade body adjacent its first end portion. A slot extends through the blade body at its first end portion. The blade body surround and the blade body jointly form a generally cylindrical-shaped structure when the blade body is in a seated position within the slot. The cylindrical structure defines a central passage extending between the first and second end portions of blade body surround.

Abstract: A blade assembly has a blade body and a blade body surround. A retractor attachment structure is attached to the blade body at the first end portion thereof extending from an exterior surface thereof. The retractor attachment structure is configured for having one of the blade body mounting structures of the retractor engaged therewith in a manner whereby the blade body is independently pivotable about and translatable along the blade body mounting structure. An alignment member protrudes from an interior surface of the blade body adjacent its first end portion. A slot extends through the blade body at its first end portion. The blade body surround and the blade body jointly form a generally cylindrical-shaped structure when the blade body is in a seated position within the slot. The cylindrical structure defines a central passage extending between the first and second end portions of blade body surround.