Abstract: In one form, an expandable cannula assembly for use in percutaneous surgical procedures includes an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The elongate body includes a pair of elongate members that cooperate to define a working channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end and being expandable from a first, unexpanded configuration to a second, expanded configuration. The elongate members are displaceable away from one another along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end of the working channel in order to expand the working channel from the first configuration to the second configuration. In one aspect, the elongate members engage with one another to lock the working channel in the second configuration and prevent movement of the elongate members toward one another. However, in other embodiments, different forms and applications are envisioned.

Abstract: Medical devices for the treatment of spinal conditions are described herein. The medical device of this invention includes a spacer that is disposed between adjacent spinous processes and has a layer of a soft or compliant material. The layer is preferably thicker along those portions of the spacer directly contacting the adjacent spinous processes and is preferably thinner or non-existent adjacent to the anterior portion of the support member. This preferred asymmetry of the compliant layer allows the spacer to be seated between spinous processes as anteriorly as possible.

Abstract: Vertebral implants sized to be inserted into a patient and positioned in an interspinous space. The implants may include a body and a pair of wings that extend outward beyond a first side of the body. The implants are sized and configured for the body to be positioned in the interspinous space with the wings on opposing lateral sides of one of the spinous processes. The wings may be adjusted to various spaced-apart distances to be positioned on the opposing sides of the spinous process. The implants may further be selectively adjustable between a collapsed orientation and a deployed orientation. The collapsed orientation includes one or both wings aligned with the main body to reduce an overall size of the implant to facilitate insertion into a patient. The extended orientation includes the wings extending outward from the first side of the body and along the lateral sides of the spinous process.

Abstract: Distraction tools for distracting an interspinous space formed between spinous processes. The distraction tool may include first and second handles connected together at a pivot between first and second ends. First and second prongs may extend outward from the handles. The handles may move about the pivot between a first orientation with the first and second prongs in proximity to each other and a second orientation with the first and second prongs separated in a first direction. A third member may be connected to the first and second handles and include a third outwardly-extending prong. The third member may be positioned together with the first and second prongs to form a unified prong when the first and second handles are in the first orientation. The unified prong is sized and shaped for insertion into the interspinous space. The third prong may separate from the first and second prongs in a second direction when the first and second handles are in the second orientation.