Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable percutaneous sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration by a removable tubular restraint. In one application, the sheath is utilized to introduce a formed in place orthopedic fixation rod such as for use in spinal fixation procedures.

Abstract: A subcutaneously formed in place orthopedic fixation device is provided, such as for fixation of the spine or other bone or bones. The device comprises an inflatable member, such as a tubular balloon. The balloon is positioned at a treatment site in the body while in a flexible, low crossing profile configuration. The balloon is thereafter inflated with a hardenable epoxy media comprising one or more epoxy compounds and one or more amine curing compounds that cures rapidly in place with low to moderate exotherm. Methods and delivery structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the endoluminal repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms at the aortic and iliac bifurcation. In particular, a deployment system and graft are disclosed for deploying the bifurcated graft within both iliac branches, as well as the aortic trunk, from a single vascular access.

Abstract: Disclosed is a deployment catheter for deploying a tubular endoluminal vascular prosthesis, useful in treating, for example, an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The deployment catheter includes a proximal tubular section and a distal tubular section which are axially movable in opposite directions to deploy a prosthesis. A central core extends throughout the proximal tubular section and into the distal tubular section. A reinforcing structure is carried by the central core, spanning the junction between the proximal tubular section and distal tubular section, to improve flexibility characteristics of the catheter. In one embodiment, the proximal tubular section and/or distal tubular section are rotationally linked to the central core.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable fusion cage which facilitates the fusion of adjacent bony surfaces, preferably those in the spine. In a preferred embodiment, the fusion cage. The surfaces of the cage which are intended to contact the vertebral endplates have multiple portions cut out of the metal to form sharp barbs. As the cage is expanded to come into apposition with endplates above and below, the sharp barbs protrude into the subcortical bone of the vertebral body thus securing the cage in place. Multiple holes or fenestrations are present on the superior and inferior surfaces of the cage to permit contact of morselized autologous bone and/or an artificial bone matrix material with the prepared endplate surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-expandable prosthetic venous valve, such as for implantation in the deep veins of the leg. The valve is mounted in a support structure, such as a self-expandable tubular wire cage. Deployment catheters and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tubular endoluminal vascular prosthesis, useful in treating, for example, an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The prosthesis comprises a self expandable wire support structure surrounded by a flexible tubular membrane. A delivery catheter and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A deployment catheter for deploying a tubular endoluminal vascular prosthesis includes a proximal tubular section and a distal tubular section which are axially movable in opposite directions to deploy the prosthesis. A central core extends throughout the proximal tubular section and into the distal tubular section. In one embodiment, a reinforcing structure is carried by the central core, spanning the junction between the proximal tubular section and distal tubular section. In another embodiment, the proximal tubular section and/or distal tubular section are rotationally linked to the central-core.

Abstract: A subcutaneously formed in place orthopedic fixation device is provided, such as for fixation of the spine or other bone or bones. The device comprises an inflatable member, such as a tubular balloon. A heat source is provided in thermal communication with the interior of the balloon. The balloon is positioned at a treatment site while in a flexible, low crossing profile configuration. The balloon is thereafter inflated with a hardenable media, and heated to accelerate hardening of the media. Methods and delivery structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dual lumen access catheter, for facilitating placement of two procedure wires across a treatment site. In one application, the catheter is used to place a first wire extending between a contralateral iliac and an ipsilateral iliac across the terminal bifurcation of the aorta, and a second wire extending through a portion of the ipsilateral iliac and into the aorta. Methods of placing the wires, such as for subsequent deployment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm bifurcation graft, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable inflatable orthopedic device is provided. The device comprises a flexible wall, defining an interior cavity, a reinforcing element exposed to the cavity, an inflation pathway in communication with the cavity, and a valve, for closing the pathway. A delivery catheter is also provided for removably carrying the orthopedic device to the treatment site.

Abstract: A subcutaneously assembled in place orthopedic construct is provided, such as for fixation of the spine. The construct includes a first bar and a second bar for attachment to the spine. A crossbar connects the first and second bar, to provide additional structural support. Each of the first bar, the second bar, and the crossbar may be inserted in a minimally invasive procedure, and constructed in place to form the orthopedic device. Each of the first bar, second bar, and crossbar may comprise an inflatable container, adapted for inflation with a hardenable media and cured in place. Methods and delivery structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dual lumen access catheter, for facilitating placement of two procedure wires across a treatment site. In one application, the catheter is used to place a first wire extending between a contralateral iliac and an ipsilateral iliac across the terminal bifurcation of the aorta, and a second wire extending through a portion of the ipsilateral iliac and into the aorta. Methods of placing the wires, such as for subsequent deployment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm bifurcation graft, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tubular endoluminal vascular prosthesis, useful in treating, for example, an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The prosthesis comprises a self-expandable wire support structure having a tubular main body support and first and second branch supports. The support structure may include sliding links to permit flexibility while maintaining patency of the central lumen. The branch supports may articulate with the main body to permit the branches to pivot laterally from the axis of the main body throughout a substantial range of motion. Exoskeleton components or barbs may be provided to resist migration and endoleaks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dual lumen access catheter, for facilitating placement of two procedure wires across a treatment site. In one application, the catheter is used to place a first wire extending between a contralateral iliac and an ipsilateral iliac across the terminal bifurcation of the aorta, and a second wire extending through a portion of the ipsilateral iliac and into the aorta. Methods of placing the wires, such as for subsequent deployment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm bifurcation graft, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided for forming a channel through or into tissue utilizing both mechanical energy and laser energy. The device includes a needle for forming the first part of the channel. The needle has an open bore. Mounted within the bore is an optical fiber for emitting laser energy to form the balance of the channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-expandable prosthetic venous valve, such as for implantation in the deep veins of the leg. The valve is mounted in a support structure, such as a self-expandable tubular wire cage. Deployment catheters and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tubular endoluminal vascular prosthesis, useful in treating, for example, an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The prosthesis comprises a self-expandable wire support structure having a tubular main body support and first and second branch supports. The support structure may include sliding links to permit flexibility while maintaining patency of the central lumen. The branch supports may articulate with the main body to permit the branches to pivot laterally from the axis of the main body throughout a substantial range of motion.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided for forming a channel through or into tissue utilizing radio-frequency electrical energy. The device includes a cannula having an open bore. Mounted within the bore is an insulated mono-polar electrical lead, the distal end of which is not insulated, for forming the channel by mechanically advancing through the tissue and emitting radio-frequency energy. Alternatively, the device can have bipolar electrical leads.

Abstract: Disclosed is a deployment catheter for deploying a tubular endoluminal vascular prosthesis, useful in treating, for example, an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The deployment catheter includes a proximal tubular section and a distal tubular section which are axially movable in opposite directions to deploy a prosthesis. A central core extends throughout the proximal tubular section and into the distal tubular section. A reinforcing structure is carried by the central core, spanning the junction between the proximal tubular section and distal tubular section, to improve flexibility characteristics of the catheter. In one embodiment, the proximal tubular section and/or distal tubular section are rotationally linked to the central core.