Abstract: A virtual conferencing system is described which tracks events during a virtual conference, provides a user interface for reviewing the events, and allows a moderator and/or other participant to provide feedback related to the events.

Abstract: A virtual conferencing system is described which evaluates and selects participants for active participation based on one or more criteria.

Abstract: A method for treating back pain by stabilizing the sacroiliac joint. The method includes fusing a sacrum bone to an ilium bone or otherwise mechanically immobilizing the sacroiliac joint by inserting at least two implants into voids formed within or between the articular surfaces of each sacroiliac joint of a patient without substantially distracting the joint. The voids are arranged within each joint at either a converging orientation or a diverging orientation. A kit containing the implants and tools required to insert the implants into the joint are also described.

Abstract: A virtual conferencing system is described for implementing breakout groups.

Abstract: A virtual conferencing system is described for implementing a speaker queue.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for portraying physical visual attention cues or visual cues normally present in a conventional physical world in a virtual conference or class. The visual cues can be emulated by electronic signals in a video environment through physical interactions with the computer input by the user or participant of the virtual conference or image recognition algorithms provided by the video conferencing system.

Abstract: An orthopedic system including an orthopedic prosthesis having an exterior surface, the prosthesis defining a proximal end and a distal end, a first opening located substantially near the proximal end, a second opening located substantially near the distal end, and a bore extending from the first opening to the second opening. The orthopedic prosthesis also includes a seepage port extending from the exterior surface of the prosthesis and providing a passage to the bore, as well as a guidewire, wherein at least a portion of the guidewire is positionable within the bore, and a resorbable insert positionable within the bore.

Abstract: An orthopedic system including an orthopedic prosthesis having an exterior surface, the prosthesis defining a proximal end and a distal end, a first opening located substantially near the proximal end, a second opening located substantially near the distal end, and a bore extending from the first opening to the second opening. The orthopedic prosthesis also includes a seepage port extending from the exterior surface of the prosthesis and providing a passage to the bore, as well as a guidewire, wherein at least a portion of the guidewire is positionable within the bore, and a resorbable insert positionable within the bore.

Abstract: A medical needle set for visualized tissue ablation within a subject's body includes a cannula and components configured for inclusion in the cannula, including a trocar for occlusion of the cannula lumen during needle placement, and a visualizing ablation probe used for simultaneous endoscopic viewing and ablation of tissue sites with a laser beam. The cannula can include a tissue-gripping surface for stabilization of the needle set on the target tissue. A surgical system for tissue ablation includes a visualizing ablation needle set operably connected to an endoscope and a laser. A surgical procedure using this system permits simultaneous visualization and ablation of tissues, including those of the facet joints of the spine.

Abstract: A medical needle set for visualized tissue ablation within a subject's body includes a cannula and components configured for inclusion in the cannula, including a trocar for occlusion of the cannula lumen during needle placement, and a visualizing ablation probe used for simultaneous endoscopic viewing and ablation of tissue sites with a laser beam. The cannula can include a tissue-gripping surface for stabilization of the needle set on the target tissue. A surgical system for tissue ablation includes a visualizing ablation needle set operably connected to an endoscope and a laser. A surgical procedure using this system permits simultaneous visualization and ablation of tissues, including those of the facet joints of the spine.