Abstract: A catheter is disclosed that improves control over the shape and extent of agent distribution within biological tissue. The catheter includes a multi-lumen body with a sealed stylet lumen and an agent-delivery lumen terminating in an exposed distal tip portion having a plurality of micropores. Unlike end-port catheters, the micropores provide distributed outflow paths whose hydraulic resistance dominates over heterogeneous tissue resistance, reducing reflux and mitigating leakage into low-pressure structures. The distal tip portion may include multiple axial regions with differing pore densities, pore sizes, or no-pore gaps to tailor infusion geometry, and may be extendable or retractable to selectively expose regions. Additional embodiments may include zonal infusion with independent pressurization, dual-layer pore alignment to vary effective pore size, sensor-based closed-loop control, and microrobot-assisted navigation along straight or curved paths.

Abstract: A medical catheter includes a multi-lumen tube comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a first lumen, and a second lumen, the first lumen being sealed at the distal end. A retractable stylet of the catheter is carried in the first lumen of the multi-lumen tube. The stylet is adapted to stiffen the multi-lumen tube during a placement process and is movable relative to the multi-lumen tube. The first lumen being sealed at the distal end prevents the retractable stylet from protruding from the distal end of the multi-lumen tube. A capillary tube of the catheter is associated with the second lumen of the multi-lumen tube. The capillary tube has a distal tip for releasing an agent at the distal tip to a biological tissue. The distal tip of the capillary tube is an exposed portion of the capillary tube that protrudes beyond the distal end of the multi-lumen tube.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member at least partially inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. At least one of the first and second elongated members may be formed of a flexible core member with a plurality of rigid veneer members spaced along the length of the core member. At least one of the elongated members may include a shaping member that automatically moves from a generally linear configuration to a generally less linear configuration. A deployment catheter may include a deformable distal end to allow augmentation of the tissue distraction device during implantation. An injection aid may be provided for introducing a filler material into an interior defined by a deployed tissue distraction device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member at least partially inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. At least one of the first and second elongated members may be formed of a flexible core member with a plurality of rigid veneer members spaced along the length of the core member. At least one of the elongated members may include a shaping member that automatically moves from a generally linear configuration to a generally less linear configuration. A deployment catheter may include a deformable distal end to allow augmentation of the tissue distraction device during implantation. An injection aid may be provided for introducing a filler material into an interior defined by a deployed tissue distraction device.

Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.

Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.

Abstract: A retractor for use in surgical operations can include a first blade assembly comprising a first blade, a first actuator configured to translate the first blade along a first translation direction, a first lock handle configured to limit translation along a direction opposite the first translation direction. The retractor can include a second blade assembly comprising a second blade. The method can include providing a retractor comprising a first blade assembly comprising a first blade, a first actuator, a first lock handle, and second blade assembly comprising a second blade. The method can include translating the first blade along a first translation direction with the first actuator. The first lock handle can limit translation along a direction opposite the first translation direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member at least partially inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. At least one of the first and second elongated members may be formed of a flexible core member with a plurality of rigid veneer members spaced along the length of the core member. At least one of the elongated members may include a shaping member that automatically moves from a generally linear configuration to a generally less linear configuration. A deployment catheter may include a deformable distal end to allow augmentation of the tissue distraction device during implantation. An injection aid may be provided for introducing a filler material into an interior defined by a deployed tissue distraction device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member at least partially inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. At least one of the first and second elongated members may be formed of a flexible core member with a plurality of rigid veneer members spaced along the length of the core member. At least one of the elongated members may include a shaping member that automatically moves from a generally linear configuration to a generally less linear configuration. A deployment catheter may include a deformable distal end to allow augmentation of the tissue distraction device during implantation. An injection aid may be provided for introducing a filler material into an interior defined by a deployed tissue distraction device.

Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.

Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member at least partially inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. At least one of the first and second elongated members may be formed of a flexible core member with a plurality of rigid veneer members spaced along the length of the core member. At least one of the elongated members may include a shaping member that automatically moves from a generally linear configuration to a generally less linear configuration. A deployment catheter may include a deformable distal end to allow augmentation of the tissue distraction device during implantation. An injection aid may be provided for introducing a filler material into an interior defined by a deployed tissue distraction device.

Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.

Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.

Abstract: A spinal fusion system may include an interbody fusion cage, a fixation plate, and an implanter. The interbody fusion cage may include a proximal region, a distal region opposite the proximal region, a superior region, an inferior region opposite the superior region, and an open volume between the proximal and distal regions. The superior and inferior regions are located between the proximal and distal regions and are configured such that, when the interbody fusion cage is implanted in the disc space, the superior region contacts the inferior end plate and the inferior region contacts the superior end plate. The fixation plate is receivable in the open volume of the interbody fusion cage and includes a superior blade and an inferior blade. At least one of the blades includes a first opening defined therein. The fixation plate is displaceable between a non-deployed state and a deployed state.

Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.

Abstract: A spinal fusion system may include an interbody fusion cage, a fixation plate, and an implanter. The interbody fusion cage may include a proximal region, a distal region opposite the proximal region, a superior region, an inferior region opposite the superior region, and an open volume between the proximal and distal regions. The superior and inferior regions are located between the proximal and distal regions and are configured such that, when the interbody fusion cage is implanted in the disc space, the superior region contacts the inferior end plate and the inferior region contacts the superior end plate. The fixation plate is receivable in the open volume of the interbody fusion cage and includes a superior blade and an inferior blade. At least one of the blades includes a first opening defined therein. The fixation plate is displaceable between a non-deployed state and a deployed state.

Abstract: An anterior cervical retractor comprises a first medial-lateral retractor body having a base arm and a moving arm and a pair of retractor blades. The retractor blades may be side loading or top loading. The cervical retractor comprises a second cranial-caudal retractor body having a pair of moving arms and a pair of retractor blades. The retractor blades may have an adjustable angulation. The retractor blades may also be fixed to the spine and provide distraction upon operation of the second retractor body. The blades of the first retractor body and/or the second retractor body may be coupled to light elements that illuminate the operative corridor between the blades.

Abstract: A method of therapeutic treatment of CNS disorders using local convection enhanced delivery.

Abstract: A method of therapeutic treatment of CNS disorders using local convection enhanced delivery.