Abstract: A system includes an adjustable implant configured for implantation internally within a subject, the adjustable implant comprising a first permanent magnet configured for rotation about a first axis, the first permanent magnet operatively coupled to a drive transmission configured to alter a dimension of the adjustable implant. The system further includes an external adjustment device configured for placement on or adjacent to the skin of the subject, the external adjustment device comprising a second permanent magnet configured for rotation about a second axis and a third permanent magnet configured for rotation about a third axis different from the second axis; and wherein cooperative rotation of the second permanent magnet about the second axis and rotation of the third permanent magnet about the third axis result in rotation of the first permanent magnet about the first axis.

Abstract: A bone transport system includes a nail having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end configured for securing to a first portion of bone, the distal end configured for securing to a second portion of bone. The system includes a housing having a wall with a longitudinal opening extending a length along a portion thereof. The system further includes a transport sled having a length that is shorter than the length of the longitudinal opening, the transport sled configured for securing to a third portion of bone, the transport sled further configured to be moveable along the longitudinal opening. The system further includes a magnetic assembly disposed within the nail and configured to be non-invasively actuated by a moving magnetic field, wherein actuation of the magnetic assembly moves the transport sled along the longitudinal opening. The system further includes a ribbon extending on opposing sides of the transport sled and substantially covering the longitudinal opening.

Abstract: A distraction system includes a first distraction device having a first adjustable portion and a first distraction rod configured to telescope within the first adjustable portion, the first adjustable portion having contained therein a first rotatable magnetic assembly mechanically coupled to a first screw configured to axially telescope the first distraction rod. A second distraction device is provided and includes a second adjustable portion and a second distraction rod configured to telescope within the second adjustable portion, the second adjustable portion having contained therein a second rotatable magnetic assembly mechanically coupled to a second screw configured to axially telescope the second distraction rod. An adjustable joint connects one end of the first adjustable portion to one end of the second adjustable portion.

Abstract: A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.

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: 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 method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.

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: 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.

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: A system for securing an implantable apparatus to a mammal includes a mount including a base portion having a plurality of holes dimensioned to receive rotationally-driven fasteners, each fastener comprising a helical portion having a tip configured for tissue penetration, the mount configured to secure the implantable apparatus relative to tissue of the mammal upon driving the fasteners into the tissue. The system further includes a fastening tool configured to rotationally drive the helical portion of the fasteners into the tissue. The mount may be secured to the fascia covering the sternum via a subcutaneous securement method, or it may be attached to the intra-abdominal wall, behind the sternum, or it may be attached to the sternum directly via bone screws or the like.

Abstract: A rotational correction system includes an implant having first and second sections, the implant having a rotatable permanent magnet disposed in a housing of the first section, the rotatable permanent magnet mechanically connected to a nut operatively coupled to the second section. A keyed portion is interposed between the nut and one or more non-linear grooves disposed on an inner surface of the housing. An external adjustment device having at least one rotatable magnet configured to rotate the rotatable permanent magnet of the implant is part of the system. Rotation of the rotatable permanent magnet of the implant in a first direction effectuates a clockwise change in the rotational orientation of the first section relative to the second section and rotation of the rotatable permanent magnet of the implant in a second direction effectuates a counter-clockwise change in the rotational orientation of the first section relative to the second section.

Abstract: A method for treating a fracture with a variable length nail is provided. The nail is configured for at least 5 mm of axial length change in each direction. An incision is made in proximity to a fractured bone and canal is cleared through the center of the bone. The variable length nail is inserted into the canal and a distraction shaft and a housing are secured to separate portions of the fractured bone. The incision is allowed or caused to close. An external adjustment device with at least one rotatable magnet is placed in proximity to the patient's skin. The external adjustment device is operated so that a magnetic field of the at least one rotatable magnet of the external adjustment device causes the rotatable permanent magnet of the variable length nail to rotate, causing either extension or retraction of the distraction shaft relative to the housing.

Abstract: A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.

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: A magnetic implant system includes an implantable device having a rotatable magnet therein; and a magnetic maintenance device comprising a base and a permanent magnet disposed on the base, the magnetic maintenance device configured to be placed on an external surface of a subject containing the implantable device. The magnetic maintenance device maintains the circumferential orientation of the implanted rotatable magnet despite bending and twisting forces being applied during physiological movement.

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: 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 first 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 method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.

Abstract: A system includes an adjustable implant configured for implantation internally within a subject, the adjustable implant comprising a first permanent magnet configured for rotation about a first axis, the first permanent magnet operatively coupled to a drive transmission configured to alter a dimension of the adjustable implant. The system further includes an external adjustment device configured for placement on or adjacent to the skin of the subject, the external adjustment device comprising a second permanent magnet configured for rotation about a second axis and a third permanent magnet configured for rotation about a third axis different from the second axis; and wherein cooperative rotation of the second permanent magnet about the second axis and rotation of the third permanent magnet about the third axis result in rotation of the first permanent magnet about the first axis.