Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method to control the transformation of the microstructure of shape memory material. The rate of implant shape change as well as the force exerted on the surrounding tissue can be controlled by the surgeon and the extent of movement is controlled in circumstances where the bone element is free to move.

Abstract: The present invention relates to instrumentation and uses thereof for collection of cuttings from cutting tools. Cuttings may be from precious metals, toxic or hazardous substances, or from living tissue such as bone. In a particular embodiment of collecting bone cuttings, the present invention includes instrumentation used with a drill bit so that bone cuttings (195) are aseptically collected in a collection chamber (110) for subsequent transplantation purposes. When in use, marrow and bone cuttings (195) are drawn into the flutes (170) of a drill bit (150), carried up the bore of the instrument tip (100) and collect in the collection chamber (110). The flutes of the drill bit (150) can be cleared of residual tissue through the use of a rotating flute wiper (160) that rotates with the drill bit (150) when drilling or when the drill bit (150) is withdrawn from the instrument.

Abstract: Fasteners having coordinated self-seeking conforming members for implanting into a cavity such as a hole, tube, or hard tissue defect are provided. An actuator mechanism translates applied force to conform members of a plurality of members to the cavity. The fasteners may be used for implanting a prosthetic device into hard tissue of humans or animals, for anchoring a device while the device is being worked on, or for centering a device in a hole or tube, such as in well technology. The mechanism operates expanding members so that they independently or dependently conform and apply a controlled and known pressure to surrounding materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to instrumentation and uses thereof for collection of cuttings from cutting tools. Cuttings may be from precious metals, toxic or hazardous substances, or from living tissue such as bone. In a particular embodiment of collecting bone cuttings, the present invention includes instrumentation used with a drill bit so that bone cuttings (195) are aseptically collected in a collection chamber (110) for subsequent transplantation purposes. When in use, marrow and bone cuttings (195) are drawn into the flutes (170) of a drill bit (150), carried up the bore of the instrument tip (100) and collect in the collection chamber (110). The flutes of the drill bit (150) can be cleared of residual tissue through the use of a rotating flute wiper (160) that rotates with the drill bit (150) when drilling or when the drill bit (150) is withdrawn from the instrument.

Abstract: An implant port for repeated access to the medullary portion of bone is provided. The implant port includes an access port fittable into a surgically constructed bone orifice and an insert means that seals and fills the port volume. A penetrable insert means allows repeated access within bone using sharp surgical instruments; while an adapter means allows guided placement of a surgical instrument, such as a catheter, optical device, or rotating cutter. Skeletal surgery from the inside of bone is contemplated using the implant port provided.

Abstract: A method and implant for surgical manipulation of bone consist of methods and devices to sample bone (21 and 23) and marrow, (22) and perform skeletal surgery from the inside of the bone. The method uses a hollow cylinder (13 or 15) inserted permanently or temporarily into a drill hole in a bone which acts as a port. To this port, adapters (27) can be used to guide fiber optics (31); surgical devices, such as rotating cutters (32); and aspiration or infusion catheters (33). The ability of the insert (13 or 15) to seal in bone allows the collection of tissue under sterile conditions for transplantation to other sites in the patient. The aspiration and collection capability of this method and device allows the aspirate to be processed aseptically, to be concentrated to its vital components, and combined with donor or synthetic bone material for the treatment of bone at a distant skeletal site.

Abstract: Fasteners having coordinated self-seeking conforming members or implanting into a cavity such as a hole, tube, or hard tissue defect are provided. An actuator mechanism translates applied force to conform members of a plurality of members to the cavity. The fasteners may be used for implanting a prosthetic device into hard tissue of humans or animals, for anchoring a device while the device is being worked on, for centering a device in a hole or tube, such as in well technology. The mechanism operates expanding members so that they independently or dependently conform and apply controlled and known pressure to surrounding materials.