Abstract: The disclosure describes systems and methods for altering bone sections in a patient. In one embodiment, a system may include an intramedullary implant including: a housing configured to be secured to a first section of bone, where the housing may include one or more shaft engaging grooves axially extending along an inner surface thereof; a distraction shaft configured to be secured to a second section of bone, where the distraction shaft may include one or more grooves axially extending along an inner surface thereof. The system may further include an actuator disposed within the housing and operably coupled to the distraction shaft, and in response to rotation of the actuator, the one or more grooves of the distraction shaft may engage with the one or more shaft engaging grooves of the housing, causing axial displacement of the distraction shaft relative to the housing.

Abstract: A distraction system includes a distraction rod having one end configured for affixation to at a first location on patient. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for placement in the patient at a second location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly comprising a magnet, the magnetic assembly secured to a threaded element that interfaces with an opposing end of the distraction rod. The system includes a magnetically permeable member in proximity to the magnetic assembly and covering an arc of less than 360° of the adjustable portion.

Abstract: A delivery adapter which may be used as an interface between a syringe and a catheter hub is described.

Abstract: An external adjustment device includes at least one permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis with a first handle extending linearly at a first end of the device and a second handle at a second end of the device, the second handle extending in a direction substantially off axis to the first handle. The external adjustment device further includes a motor mounted inside the first handle and a first button located in the proximity to one of the first handle or the second handle, the first button configured to be operated by the thumb of a hand that grips the one of the find handle or second handle. The first button is configured to actuate the motor causing the at least one permanent magnet to rotate about the axis in a first direction.

Abstract: A distraction system includes a distraction rod having one end configured for affixation to at a first location on patient. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for placement in the patient at a second location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly comprising a magnet, the magnetic assembly secured to a threaded element that interfaces with an opposing end of the distraction rod. The system includes a magnetically permeable member in proximity to the magnetic assembly and covering an arc of less than 360° of the adjustable portion.

Abstract: Thermal interface system, and method thereof, are configured to constrain or limit an amount of compression applied to a thermal interface during insertion of an electronic device into a cage, rack, chassis, or other mounting assembly. The thermal interface system and method provide a thermal interface that is embedded within a pocket or cavity formed either on a surface of the device, a surface of the mounting assembly, or both. The thermal interface may be made of any suitable thermally conductive interface material that is resilient or has elastic properties. The pocket or cavity provides a seating for the thermal interface and operates to limit the compression or clamping force directed through the thermal interface. Such an arrangement helps prevent the full compression or clamping force used to secure the electronic device from being applied to the thermal interface.

Abstract: A system for non-invasively adjusting the curvature of a spine includes a housing having a first end and a second end, a first rod having a first end telescopically disposed within a cavity of the housing along a first longitudinal axis at the first end of the housing and having a first threaded portion extending thereon, and a second end configured to be coupled to a first portion of a spinal system of a subject, a second rod having a first end telescopically disposed within the cavity along a second longitudinal axis at the second end of the housing and having a second threaded portion extending thereon, and a second end configured to be coupled to a second portion of the spinal system of the subject, a driving member rotatably disposed within the cavity and configured to be activated from a location external to the body of the subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat a heart valve using a magnetically adjustable annuloplasty ring attached to or near a cardiac valve annulus. A changing magnetic field may be used to selectively increase or decrease a circumference of, or otherwise modify the shape of, the implanted annuloplasty ring. The adjustable annuloplasty ring includes a tubular body member, one or more adjustable members, and an internal magnet within the tubular body member. The tubular body member and the one or more adjustable members form a ring shape. The internal magnet is configured to rotate in response to a rotating external magnetic field. The internal magnet is coupled to the one or more adjustable members to change a dimension of the ring shape as the internal magnet rotates. A system for treating a heart valve may include an external adjustment device having one or more external magnets to generate the rotating external magnetic field.

Abstract: A delivery adapter which may be used as an interface between a syringe and a catheter hub is described.

Abstract: A system for non-invasively adjusting the curvature of a spine includes a housing having a first end and a second end, a first rod having a first end telescopically disposed within a cavity of the housing along a first longitudinal axis at the first end of the housing and having a first threaded portion extending thereon, and a second end configured to be coupled to a first portion of a spinal system of a subject, a second rod having a first end telescopically disposed within the cavity along a second longitudinal axis at the second end of the housing and having a second threaded portion extending thereon, and a second end configured to be coupled to a second portion of the spinal system of the subject, a driving member rotatably disposed within the cavity and configured to be activated from a location external to the body of the subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat a heart valve using a magnetically adjustable annuloplasty ring attached to or near a cardiac valve annulus. A changing magnetic field may be used to selectively increase or decrease a circumference of, or otherwise modify the shape of, the implanted annuloplasty ring. The adjustable annuloplasty ring includes a tubular body member, one or more adjustable members, and an internal magnet within the tubular body member. The tubular body member and the one or more adjustable members form a ring shape. The internal magnet is configured to rotate in response to a rotating external magnetic field. The internal magnet is coupled to the one or more adjustable members to change a dimension of the ring shape as the internal magnet rotates. A system for treating a heart valve may include an external adjustment device having one or more external magnets to generate the rotating external magnetic field.

Abstract: A device for the non-invasive sensing of the length of an implantable medical device includes an implantable medical device having first and second portions moveable relative to one another and a layer of resistive material disposed on one of the first and second portions. A contact is disposed on the other of the first and second portions, the contact being in sliding contact with the layer of resistive material upon relative movement between the first and second portions. A circuit is configured to measure the electrical resistance along a path including a variable length region of the layer of resistive material and the contact. The electrical resistance can then be converted into a length.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for evaluating spinal stiffness of a patient. One method may include providing a database model based on existing patient data with normalized spine stiffness data. Segmental stiffness may be measured intraoperatively, for example, using a force-sensing instrument, and compared to the database model. A surgical task, such as osteotomy or ligament release, may be performed based on guidance from the database model to adjust the spinal stiffness of the patient. Segmental stiffness may be measured after each surgical task, thereby updating the database model with each reading on segmental stiffness in real time. Each level may be addressed until targeted stiffness values, such as segmental stiffness and global stiffness, are reached based on the database model.

Abstract: A spinal distraction system includes a distraction rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for affixation to a subject's spine at a first location, the distraction rod having a second end containing a recess having a threaded portion disposed therein. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for affixation relative to the subject's spine at a second location remote from the first location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly, the magnetic assembly affixed at one end thereof to a lead screw, the lead screw operatively coupled to the threaded portion. A locking pin may secure the lead screw to the magnetic assembly. An O-ring gland disposed on the end of the housing may form a dynamic seal with the distraction rod.

Abstract: An intramedullary lengthening device includes a housing and a distraction shaft. The intramedullary lengthening device is placed within a cavity of two bone sections (either already separated or purposely separated for insertion of the device). The distraction shaft of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the one of the bone sections using, for example, one or more attachment screws. The housing of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the second bone section using, for instance, one or more attachment screws. Over the treatment period, the bone is continually distracted, creating a new separation into which osteogenesis can occur. In one embodiment, the intramedullary lengthening device includes an actuator and an extension rod, which can be attached to one other.

Abstract: A system for surgical planning and assessment of spinal deformity correction is provided that has a spinal imaging system and a control unit. The spinal imaging system is configured to collect at least one digitized position of one or more vertebral bodies of a subject. The control unit is configured to receive the at least one digitized position, and calculate, based on the at least one digitized position, an optimized posture for the subject. The control unit is configured to receive one or more simulated spinal correction inputs, and based on the inputs and optimized posture, predict an optimal simulated postoperative surgical correction.

Abstract: A system includes a first pedicle screw, a second pedicle screw, and an adjustable rod having an outer housing coupled to one of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, the outer housing having a threaded shaft secured to one end thereof extending along an interior portion thereof. The system farther includes a hollow magnetic assembly disposed within the outer housing and having a magnetic element disposed therein, the hollow magnetic assembly having an internal threaded surface engaged with the threaded shaft, the magnetic assembly being coupled to the other of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, wherein the hollow magnetic assembly rotates in response to an externally applied magnetic field to thereby lengthen or shorten the distance between the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw.

Abstract: A delivery adapter which may be used as an interface between a syringe and a catheter hub is described.

Abstract: A device for the non-invasive sensing of the length of an implantable medical device includes animplantable medical device having first and second portions moveable relative to one another and a layer of resistive material disposed on one of the first and second portions. A contact is disposed on the other of the first and second portions, the contact being in sliding contact with the layer of resistive material upon relative movement between the first and second portions. A circuit is configured to measure the electrical resistance along a path including a variable length region of the layer of resistive material and the contact. The electrical resistance can then be converted into a length.

Abstract: A method of positioning an external adjustment device relative to a patient includes placing a magnetic viewing sheet adjacent to a patient and identifying the location of an implanted magnetic assembly using the magnetic viewing sheet by visualizing a magnetic image of the implanted magnetic assembly in the magnetic viewing sheet. The external adjustment device is placed on the patient adjacent to the location where the magnetic image was located.