Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described by which the blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohormonal activity may be selectively and controllably reduced by activating baroreceptors. A baroreceptor activation device is positioned near a baroreceptor, preferably a baroreceptor located in the carotid sinus. A control system may be used to modulate the baroreceptor activation device. The control system may utilize an algorithm defining a stimulus regimen which promotes long term efficacy and reduces power requirements/consumption. The baroreceptor activation device may utilize electrodes to activate the baroreceptors. The electrodes may be adapted for connection to the carotid arteries at or near the carotid sinus, and may be designed to minimize extraneous tissue stimulation.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method is provided for creating and preparing a cavity in a bony intervertebral body. Asymmetrical cutting structures selectively open a cavity which has a relatively large surface area in the vertical direction. One method pertains to the treatment of a vertebral compression fracture.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method is provided for creating and preparing a cavity in a bony intervertebral body. Asymmetrical cutting structures selectively open a cavity which has a relatively large surface area in the vertical direction. One method pertains to the treatment of a vertebral compression fracture.

Abstract: An occlusion system is disclosed for use with a catheter having a catheter proximal end and a catheter distal end. The catheter further has a catheter wall with an outer catheter dimension at the catheter distal end and with the catheter wall defining a catheter lumen with a longitudinal axis extending from the catheter proximal end and through the catheter distal end. The occlusion system includes an occlusion member having an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines an occlusion member lumen extending throughout an axial length of the occlusion member. The outer wall is expandable between a contracted state with a first transverse dimension and an expanded state with a second transverse dimension. The second transverse dimension is greater than the outer catheter dimension.

Abstract: A kit is disclosed for use with a catheter having a catheter proximal end and a catheter distal end. The catheter further has a catheter wall with an outer catheter dimension at the catheter distal end and with the catheter wall defining a catheter lumen with a longitudinal axis extending from the catheter proximal end and through the catheter distal end. At the catheter proximal end, the catheter has a catheter coupling including an access port. The kit includes an occlusion system coupling having a proximal end and a distal end and having a lumen extending there between. The distal end of the occlusion system coupling is adapted to be secured to the catheter coupling access port with the lumen of the occlusion system coupling in communication with a lumen of the catheter coupling. The occlusion system coupling has a port in communication with the lumen of the occlusion system coupling. A deflated occlusion balloon is disposed within the port of the occlusion system coupling.

Abstract: A delivery system for use with a catheter having a catheter proximal end and a catheter distal end. The catheter further has a catheter wall with an outer catheter dimension at the catheter distal end and with the catheter wall defining a catheter lumen with a longitudinal axis extending from the catheter proximal end and through the catheter distal end. The occlusion system includes a shuttle member for snapping onto the catheter and slidable thereon toward the catheter distal end. An elongated delivery member has a distal end connected to the shuttle and movable therewith.

Abstract: An occlusion system is disclosed for use with a catheter having a catheter proximal end and a catheter distal end. The catheter has a catheter wall with an outer catheter dimension at the catheter distal end and with the catheter wall defining a catheter lumen with a longitudinal axis extending from the catheter proximal end and through the catheter distal end. The occlusion system includes an occlusion member having an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines an occlusion member lumen extending throughout an axial length of the occlusion member. The outer wall is expandable between a contracted state with a first transverse dimension and an expanded state with a second transverse dimension. The second transverse dimension is greater than the outer catheter dimension.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method is provided for creating and preparing a cavity in a bony intervertebral body. Asymmetical cutting structures selectively open a cavity which has a relatively large surface area in the vertical direction. One method pertains to the treatment of a vertebral compression fracture.

Abstract: A method for treating a compression fracture in a bone includes the step of forming a transverse cavity and then applying a force within the cavity generally normal to a surface of the bone to restore it substantially to its normal anatomic shape. In certain embodiments, the force is applied by an expandable device.

Abstract: A spinal disc annulus repair device for repair and reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, which may incorporate suture closure or other means of stent insertion and fixation, designed to reduce the failure rate of conventional surgical procedures on the spinal discs.

Abstract: A spinal disc annulus repair device for repair and reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, which may incorporate suture closure or other means of stent insertion and fixation, designed to reduce the failure rate of conventional surgical procedures on the spinal discs.

Abstract: The invention teaches the use of a surgical instrument for creating and preparing a cavity in a bony intervertebral body. Asymmetrical cutting structures selectively open a cavity which has a relatively large surface area in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A spinal disc annulus repair stent for repair and reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, which may incorporate suture closure or other means of stent insertion and fixation, designed to reduce the failure rate of conventional surgical procedures on the spinal discs. In an illustrative embodiment, the design of the spinal disc annulus stent advantageously allows ingrowth of normal cells of healing in an enhanced fashion strengthening the normal reparative process.

Abstract: A method for treating a compression fracture in a bone includes the step of forming a transverse cavity and then applying a force within the cavity generally normal to a surface of the bone to restore it substantially to its normal anatomic shape. In certain embodiments, the force is applied by an expandable device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for creating and preparing a cavity in a bony intervertebral body is provided with asymmetrical cutting structures. These asymmetrical cutting structures selectively open a cavity which has a relatively large surface area in the vertical direction. In one embodiment, the cutting structure includes a shearing element that sweeps out a cutting arc that is larger than the instrument delivery area.

Abstract: The invention teaches the use of a surgical instrument for creating and preparing a cavity in a bony intervertebral body. Asymmetrical cutting structures selectively open a cavity which has a relatively large surface area in the vertical direction.