Abstract: Devices and methods for surgical retraction are described herein, e.g., for retracting nerve tissue, blood vessels, or other obstacles to create an unobstructed, safe surgical area. In some embodiments, a surgical access device can include an outer tube that defines a working channel through which a surgical procedure can be performed. A shield, blade, arm, or other structure can be manipulated with respect to the outer tube to retract an obstacle. For example, an inner blade can protrude from a distal end of the outer tube to retract obstacles disposed distal to the outer tube. The inner blade can be movable between a radially-inward position and a radially-outward position. The radially-inward position can allow insertion of the blade to the depth of the obstacle to position the obstacle adjacent to and radially-outward from the blade. Subsequent movement of the blade to the radially-outward position can retract the obstacle in a radially-outward direction. The blade can be manipulated remotely, e.g.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a neural monitoring device and related methods are disclosed herein. An exemplary neural monitoring device can be used during various surgical procedures to assess neural activity, status, health, etc. in order to anticipate and prevent nerve damage due to neural ischemia and other neural conditions. In some embodiments, a neural monitoring device can be configured to monitor neural activity, status, health, etc. of nerves encountered during a spinal surgical procedure. Embodiments of the neural monitoring device can also be used in non-spinal surgical procedures that can risk neural damage.

Abstract: Devices and methods for surgical retraction are described herein, e.g., for retracting nerve tissue, blood vessels, or other obstacles to create an unobstructed, safe surgical area. In some embodiments, a surgical access device can include an outer tube that defines a working channel through which a surgical procedure can be performed. A shield, blade, arm, or other structure can be manipulated with respect to the outer tube to retract an obstacle. For example, an inner blade can protrude from a distal end of the outer tube to retract obstacles disposed distal to the outer tube. The inner blade can be movable between a radially-inward position and a radially-outward position. The radially-inward position can allow insertion of the blade to the depth of the obstacle to position the obstacle adjacent to and radially-outward from the blade. Subsequent movement of the blade to the radially-outward position can retract the obstacle in a radially-outward direction. The blade can be manipulated remotely, e.g.

Abstract: A method of correcting spinal deformity, which includes locating pharmaceutical-loaded implants adjacent to targeted spinal growth plates, and then eluting the pharmaceutical onto the growth plates. Preferably, the method involves correcting spinal deformity by simply inserting a pharmaceutical-eluting pedicle screw onto the concave side of a scoliotic curve. In some embodiments, the screw has a cannulated internal reservoir that contains a growth-inhibiting pharmaceutical (such as a tetracycline) and at least one fenestration that allows the pharmaceutical to elute onto the vertebral body growth plate.

Abstract: This invention relates to an implantable device that delivers an effective amounts of red light to the substantia nigra as a treatment for Parkinson's Disease (PD).

Abstract: An intracranial, light-emitting implant for providing therapy to a patient having Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: A method of treating disease in which intranasal red light devices are used to shine red light upon the brain structures in the basal prefrontal cortex.

Abstract: A device for iontophoretically delivering a charged curcuminoid across the skin of an Alzheimer's Disease patient.

Abstract: Increasing intranasal lymphatic circulation as a means of decreasing intracranial pressure in traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: A device for iontophoretically delivering a charged curcuminoid across the skin of an Alzheimer's Disease patient.

Abstract: A method of delivering a curcuminoid to a patient, which includes iontophoretically delivering a charged curcuminoid across the skin of an Alzheimer's Disease patient.

Abstract: A method of administering a methylene blue-curcumin hybrid useful in treating or preventing Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: Co-administration of an effective amount of autoantigen and UV light to mucosal associated lymphatic tissue (MALT) in a patient.

Abstract: A method of correcting spinal deformity, which includes locating pharmaceutical-loaded implants adjacent to targeted spinal growth plates, and then eluting the pharmaceutical onto the growth plates. Preferably, the method involves correcting spinal deformity by simply inserting a pharmaceutical-eluting pedicle screw onto the concave side of a scoliotic curve. In some embodiments, the screw has a cannulated internal reservoir that contains a growth-inhibiting pharmaceutical (such as a tetracycline) and at least one fenestration that allows the pharmaceutical to elute onto the vertebral body growth plate.

Abstract: A method of treating disease in which intranasal red light devices are used to shine red light upon the brain structures in the basal prefrontal cortex.

Abstract: A method for reducing or preventing a human brain disorder relating to the presence of a pathogenic substance in cerebrospinal fluid by selecting a human for treatment as a patient and placing a proximal end of a first catheter, having at least a first lumen, in a first sub-dural location within the brain of the patient to establish open communication between the first lumen and cerebrospinal fluid of the patient. For an extended period of time, a curcumin agent selected from at least one of curcumin, a curcumin hybrid and a curcumin analog is delivered to the cerebrospinal fluid to interact with the pathogenic substance to attenuate its effect on the brain.

Abstract: Placement of a silicone tube in the cerebral aqueduct and the transmission of red light through it, resulting in the irradiation and consequent biostimulation of the adjacent periaqueductal gray, thereby causing the release of endorphins therefrom and pain relief.

Abstract: A method of delivering a curcuminoid to a patient, which includes iontophoretically delivering a charged curcuminoid across the skin of an Alzheimer's Disease patient.

Abstract: A method of treating Alzheimer's Disease in which intranasal red light devices are used to shine red light upon the brain structures.

Abstract: An intracranial, light-emitting implant for providing therapy to a patient having Alzheimer's Disease.