Abstract: An iris-type valve assembly comprises a base, a rotatable member, and an elongated elastomeric valve sheath. The distal end of the valve sheath is secured to the base, and the proximal end of the valve sheath is secured to the rotatable member. At least one of the valve sheath ends includes a flange that is secured to a valve-receiving surface of the base or the rotatable member. The base and the rotatable member are aligned to define a passageway therethrough for passage of an interventional device. The valve sheath is disposed along the passageway and has a longitudinal opening therethrough for passage of the interventional device. Upon rotation of the rotatable member relative to the base, the longitudinal opening of the valve sheath is selectively constrictable to comprise a seal around the interventional device.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance including a body side member having an adhesive wafer for securing the appliance to the user's skin, and a separate sealing member for sealing against the stoma, the separate sealing member being in the form of a disc having a centre hole for accommodating the stoma. The disc is made from a material that may be detached, rinsed and reapplied such that the disc has a service time at least as long as the body side member. The disc reduces the frequency of stressing the skin around the stoma due to exchange of the body side member by protecting the surface of the adhesive wafer from soiling by and attack from the aggressive visceral contents and facilitates the cleaning of the body side member.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article partially defined by a pair of longitudinally extending side edges and a pair of end edges extending between the side edges, includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The disposable absorbent article also has a pair of side wall structures each having a pair of oppositely positioned end portions. A first side wall structure extends generally longitudinally between the core and one of the side edges and the other side wall structure extends generally longitudinally between the core and the other side edge. Further, an end strip constructed from an elastic material is positioned substantially adjacent each one of the end edges, and extends laterally between the side edges.

Abstract: A disposable pull-on wearing article includes front and rear waist regions, a crotch region extending between the waist regions, a chassis and an absorbent panel. The article has first and second tuckable side zones folded along first and second imaginary tuckable guide lines and tucked the article.

Abstract: A disposable sanitary absorbent article such as an absorbent pad (e.g., male guard) is provided which is defined by opposed lateral sides and opposed longitudinal sides extending between said lateral side, comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween having opposed lateral sides and opposed longitudinal sides extending between said lateral sides of said absorbent core, an adhesive layer attached to said backsheet and a release paper strip covering the adhesive layer. The longitudinal sides or edges of the pad define side flaps outwardly relative to the longitudinal sides of the absorbent core, and at least two spaced apart elastic members are secured along each longitudinal side flap, with each elastic member having two active ends, at least one of which is located outwardly relative to the corresponding end of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: Absorbent product of pants-like shape, such as incontinence pants, including an elastic waist portion, an absorbent element, and a liquidtight outer layer which is intended to enclose the absorbent element on at least that side thereof which faces away from the wearer during use of the article. The elastic waist portion is made from an elastic first piece which is essentially rectangular and is intended to form the rear portion and side portions of the pants-like product. A second piece forms the front portion and crotch portion of the pants-like product. The second piece is elongate, and the width thereof is, at least in the crotch portion, smaller than the length of the first piece. The second piece is arranged with its longitudinal direction at right angles in relation to the longitudinal direction of the first piece and is connected by a first end portion to one longitudinal edge portion of the first piece.

Abstract: A method for treating cardiac failure such as congestive heart failure by application of hypothermia. Hypothermia may be applied by endovascular cooling using a heat exchange catheter circulating heat exchange fluid between an external heat exchanger controlled using temperature feedback from a temperature probe on or in the patient to cool the heart to a sufficiently low temperature for a sufficient length of time to increase cardiac output and improve the vascular condition of the patient. The patient may be maintained in the hypothermic condition for a period of time and is then re-warmed slowly and controllably. The endovascular temperature management may be controlled automatically in response to a temperature probe on the patient, and shivering while the patient is cool may be combated using surface warming and anti-shivering drugs.

Abstract: A tubular medical catheter having a least one region of selectively varied lamination is provided herein.

Abstract: A dental laser arrangement switchable between different modes of operation, the arrangement including a laser device operable as a laser oscillator and as a laser amplifier. The laser device includes a laser resonator having a pump unit and an active modelocker as well as an optic loss element that introduces selective losses in the resonator. The laser arrangement further includes a laser beam-out-coupling unit. The modelocker is connected to a control circuit for switching between a CW-mode of operation for coagulating soft tissue, in which the modelocker is switched off, and two short-pulse modes of operation in which high frequency signals of equal frequencies, but different powers are applied by the control circuit to the modelocker so as to generate laser pulses of a pre-determined duration.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to devices for causing cold-induced necrosis or apoptosis. The present invention includes a cryo therapy apparatus including a core member; a cryoplasty tube coupled to the core member, the cryoplasty tube having a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the distal end includes a coil disposed about at least a portion of the tubular sheath, the coil including at least one opening; an outer tube disposed over at least a portion of the cryoplasty tube; and a cooling member disposed over the coil and coupled to the outer tube. A method of causing cold-induced necrosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device includes a catheter with a window at its distal tip for admitting tissue into a catheter compartment. A cylindrical cartridge in the compartment has a cutting edge that supports an electrically conductive cutting element, e.g. a band or wire. The cutting element and adjacent tissue can be heated to a selected temperature by generating an electrical current through the cutting element. The catheter is maneuverable to position its distal end near the tissue to be cut. The catheter incorporates a dilatation balloon or other feature to urge the catheter against the tissue, so that at least part of the tissue may enter the compartment through the window. Then, the cartridge is manipulated from the catheter's proximal end to move the cutting edge across the window, cutting the tissue. According to alternative embodiments, the cartridge is either rotated or moved axially relative to the catheter and, in either event may be capable of closing the catheter window when the cut is complete.

Abstract: When a user steps on a footswitch, high-frequency output power is delivered. A control circuit included in a diathermic power supply calculates the impedance ZSn that is offered by a living tissue immediately after delivery of high-frequency output power is started during the n-th delivery period. The control circuit also calculates the impedance ZEn that is offered thereby immediately before delivery of high-frequency output power is discontinued with elapse of predetermined time. The control circuit then discontinues delivery of high-frequency output power for the predetermined time, and calculates a difference ?Zn between the impedances. When the difference meets a predetermined condition that implies coagulation or when the number of times of delivery reaches a predetermined value, the control circuit discontinues delivery of high-frequency output power.

Abstract: A device for selectively providing electrical energy from an electrosurgical generator for alternatively searing and coagulating tissue of a patient during surgery is provided. The electrocautery device has a blade electrically connected to an electrical cable. The electrocautery device comprises a hollow main body with a vacuum mechanism formed in the hollow main body. At least one intake port is formed in the hollow main body with a vacuum tubing extending into the hollow main body fluidly connecting the intake port. A first button having a first airway opening and a second airway opening selectively activates energy to sear tissue and activates the vacuum mechanism.

Abstract: This invention relates to orthopedic implants and to methods of treating bone defects. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention is directed to non-metallic implants and to methods for intra-operative assembly and fixation of orthopedic implants to facilitate medical treatment. The non-metallic implant assembly can be secured to underlying tissue by a fastener, such as a bone screw, that is capable of swelling on contact with fluid in the underlying tissue. Alternatively, the non-metallic implant assembly can be assembled intra-operatively using a fastener that is adhesively bonded to a bone plate or the bone plate can be deformed using heat, force, or solvents to inhibit withdrawal of the fastener. In preferred embodiments, both the fastener and the bone plate are formed of biodegradable material.

Abstract: A pedicle screw for at least partial insertion into a bone and/or cartilage. The pedicle screw includes a head and a lower portion connected to the head. The lower portion includes at least one interface that designed to at least partially discharge an electrical current, and/or a medical substance to or adjacent to the bone and/or cartilage.

Abstract: A bone fixation system includes a bone fixation element adapted for mounting on a bone of a patient. The bone fixation element has a body with a channel extending through a portion thereof. A line extends through the channel of the bone fixation element. A tubular collet is at least partially disposed within the channel of the bone fixation element and has the line extending therethrough. The tubular collet includes a threaded portion engaging with the bone fixation element and a nose portion having a least one slit formed thereon. The collet is configured such that when the collet is further advanced into the channel of the bone fixation element at least a portion of the nose portion radially inwardly constricts to securely engage the line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing total knee arthroplasty which is minimally invasive includes components with guide surfaces and slots for controlling the path of a cutting saw. The instrumentation permits resection of the proximal end of the tibia and distal end of the femur to be performed either medially or laterally with minimal cutting of soft tissue.

Abstract: A provisional component for use with differently sized first and second prosthetic orthopedic components. The provisional component has a configuration which is substantially similar to the first prosthetic component and has a predefined correspondence to the second prosthetic component. The provisional component is mounted on a bone to assess the fit of the first prosthetic component. The provisional component includes a referencing element for defining a reference point on the bone if the fit of the provisional component indicates that the second prosthetic component should be used. An instrument guide is aligned with the reference point and used to properly position a surgical instrument to prepare the bone to receive the second prosthetic component. The provisional and prosthetic components may all be femoral components which have an articulating surface defining a single condylar-shaped projection.

Abstract: An impacting device includes a hollow body and a movable member. The hollow body includes an inner chamber having an interior surface, the interior surface including at least one interference member extending radially inward therefrom. The hollow body also includes an impact surface at one end thereof. The movable member has a proximal impacting surface and is at least partly disposed within the hollow body.

Abstract: A tibial sizer, or set of sizers, used to estimate the appropriate size tibial base plate implanted during knee arthroplasty. The preferred embodiment provides a measurement of the amount of exposed bone between a posterior proximal portion of the tibia and a posterior edge of the tibial sizer (which edge will correspond to the posterior edge of the tibial base plate). Preferably, the sizer includes a head and a handle extending outwardly from the head, as well as a channel with a slider configured and arranged to be slidably positioned within the channel. The slider includes markings for indicating the amount of exposed bone between a posterior proximal portion of a tibia and a posterior edge of the head of the sizer. Additional markings are also provided for indicating a suggested size of tibial base plate with respect to the anterior/posterior direction.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing a bone screw 20 to a clamping element 30 of an osteosynthesis holding system 5 is provided. The bone screw 20 has a circumferential groove 25 located on a top portion of the screw 20 below a screw head 22. Snap catches 35 protrude from a bone-contacting surface 38 of the clamping element 30 and interlock with the groove 25 in the screw 20 when the screw 20 is inserted into the clamping element 30 (e.g., when the screw is screwed into a bone segment through a hole in the clamping element). A removal device 90 is provided for removing the screw 20, as a greater axial force is required to overcome the locking mechanism than is needed to engage the locking mechanism. A method for revision (removal) of the screw 20 from the locking mechanism is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus having a surgical tip, comprising: cooling means for freeze-sealing mammalian tissue, and control means, which control and induce coolant flow from coolant supply means, through a coolant outflow tube into an expansion chamber at the surgical tip. The temperature at the tip is thus lowered to a temperature at which mammalian tissue contacting the expansion chamber would adhere to the apparatus. The apparatus additionally comprises electrically powered heating means acting to raise and regulate the temperature of the apparatus; control means for activating the heating means, and power supply means. The apparatus is especially useful for surgery of tissue within a capsule, such as cataract surgery. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus additionally comprises: a drill member coupled with a motor, an irrigation tube and an aspiration tube.

Abstract: A device for inserting a penile implant prosthesis through an incision into a corpus cavernosum is provided. The device includes an elongated, rigid body having a tip portion and tail portion, the tip portion including two prongs extending in a tip direction and a center portion between the two prongs, the prongs and center portion defining a notch adapted to engage and exert a force along the tip direction on a corner where a cylinder portion and a pump tubing of the prosthesis join each other, the prongs and center portion further defining a recess on one side of the center portion, the recess adapted to at least partially receive the cylinder portion or the pump tubing. The elongated body of the device defines a channel disposed along a substantial portion of the elongated body. The tail portion of the elongated body can be formed as a paddle adapted to be inserted between the cylinder and tissues near or at the incision to prevent puncturing of the cylinder when the incision is being sutured closed.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for occluding blood vessels include a deployable constrictor having opposed pressure-applying portions, a delivery shaft configured to intravaginally advance the constrictor to the patient's cervix, a location sensor configured to detect a blood vessel, a deployment member for deploying the constrictor about the patient's cervix, and optionally a guide. The constrictor has a first configuration to receive a cervix and a second configuration to apply pressure to the cervical area to occlude a uterine artery by compression from the pressure-applying members. The pressure-applying members may be released from the cervix after a limited therapeutically effective time. The constrictor is for treating uterine disorders and conditions which may be treated by occlusion of the uterine arteries, such as uterine fibroids, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, post-partum hemorrhage, and bleeding associated with caesarian sections.

Abstract: Provided herein is an instrument and method useful to incise in to the skin to a precise depth and at a specific angle with respect to the surface of the skin of a patient, for the extraction of individual follicular groups or individual follicular units. An instrument according to the invention precisely limits the depth of incision, and creates a circular incision around a hair, follicular unit, or follicular cluster in a manner such that no damage occurs to any of the hair shafts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for a prosthesis of the type having a tubular element and distal and proximal flange fingers which are arranged distributed around the periphery of the tubular element and can be brought into a straightened position under spring tension for fitting the prosthesis. The applicator comprises a carrier tube with, at the distal end thereof, a supporting ring that fits in the tubular element; a movable release rod that is housed in the carrier tube and has a distal release ring at the distal end. The distal release ring is provided with an undercut that opens in the proximal direction, extends around the periphery and has an internal peripheral surface facing inwards. This internal peripheral surface lies within or on the outer contour of the external peripheral surface of the supporting ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in affixing material to a location under repair includes a material retention member and an anchor. The anchor is configured to be inserted into a cavity in bone tissue, the anchor having a first end and a second end. The anchor also includes one or more raised ribs. The material retention member extends radially from the first end of the anchor in a plurality of directions, the material retention member including at least one contact surface adapted to exert a retention force on material that is interposed between the material retention device and the bone tissue.

Abstract: A device for generating an artificial constriction in a gastrointestinal tract includes a band, which can be placed annularly about a particular portion of the gastrointestinal tract, having a fillable hollow volume, and a closure device for connecting end regions of the band placed annularly about the portion of the gastrointestinal tract. The closure device is a safety closure, which, at a tear-off tension exceeding a limit value, opens free of destruction, and which can be closed again. This limit value of the tear-off tension is in the range between 20 and 60 N, and preferably between 30 and 50 N.

Abstract: An anastomosis device is a one piece device for connecting a graft vessel to a target vessel without the use of conventional sutures. The anastomosis device includes an expandable tube configured to have a graft vessel secured to the tube. The device has an expandable linkage positioned at one end of the device and expansion of this linkage causes a first radially extending flange to fold outward. This first flange abuts an interior wall of a target vessel and a second flange is formed which abuts an exterior wall of the target vessel trapping the target vessel between the two flanges and secures the end of the graft vessel into an opening in the wall of the target vessel. The device greatly increases the speed with which anastomosis can be performed over known suturing methods and allows anastomosis to be performed in tight spaces.

Abstract: A device for incising a stenosis in the vasculature of a patient includes a plurality of blades mounted on a resilient base member. The blades are arranged in a pattern to allow for relative movement between adjacent blades. Specifically, at least one end portion of each blade is juxtaposed with an end portion of the next closest blade. The base member includes a first end affixed to a catheter at a location proximal to an inflatable balloon and a second end affixed to the catheter at a location distal to the inflatable balloon. When the balloon is inserted into the vasculature of a patient, positioned across a stenosis and subsequently inflated, the individually moveable blades form an effective cutting edge that conforms to the surface of the stenosis to effectively allow the stenosis to be incised to a substantially uniform depth.

Abstract: An elongate tubular body extends between a rotatable cutter and a control. The cutter is connected to the control with a rotatable element. A vacuum is applied through an annular passage defined between the tubular body and the rotatable element. The cutter has at least one radial projection which cooperates with at least one stationary element on the tubular body to cut material drawn into the tubular body. Material that has been processed by the cutter is aspirated through the tubular body for disposal.

Abstract: A surgical scalpel assembly includes a handle having at least one attachment element and at least one guide element. The assembly also has a guard including at least one guide member configured to engage the at least one guide element of the handle such that the guard is movably connectable with the handle. The guard includes a first biased arm having a first boss and a second cantilevered arm having a second boss. The assembly also includes a blade having an attachment groove configured to engage the attachment element of the handle. The blade includes a first hole configured to receive the first boss when the blade is connected to the guard and a second hole configured to receive the second boss when the blade is connected to the guard.

Abstract: A trocar has a projection portion which is a part of a tube projecting from a distal end portion of an outer tube in the state in which the tube is inserted in the outer tube, an amount of projection of the projection portion from the distal end portion of the outer tube varying in accordance with relative movement of the tube and the outer tube.

Abstract: An intragastric device inserted by endoscopic path into a patient's stomach. The device includes a balloon or envelope having a specific nominal volume. The balloon is sealingly connected to connecting elements consisting of a disc forming a support base for the balloon against an inner wall of the stomach. The device also includes a flexible tube or catheter for connecting the balloon to a filling device and catching element integral with the tube or catheter. The connection elements enable a doctor to set and/or remove the balloon and to fix, either inside the patient's body, or subcutaneously the filling device and to be able to bring the balloon or envelope to its predetermined nominal volume.

Abstract: An inner support structure for an embolic filtering device includes a tubular member having a first support region for supporting the proximal portion of a filter assembly and a second support region for supporting the distal portion of the filter assembly. The inner support structure facilitates rotation and restricts longitudinal movement of the embolic filtering device relative to a guide wire. Alternatively, the inner support structure includes a bushing coupled to the guide wire and a sleeve with a head on its proximal end positioned within a cavity in the bushing, thereby facilitating rotation and restricting longitudinal movement of the sleeve. The proximal portion of the filter assembly is supported on the sleeve. A sleeve for retaining the struts of an expandable cage of the embolic filtering device includes a central lumen for positioning the sleeve onto a guide wire and peripheral lumens for positioning and retaining the struts.

Abstract: A tissue approximation device and processes for using the device, particularly in the mid-face region, are provided. The device is an implantable, biodegradable construct that has attachment points emanating from at least one supportive backing. The device also has a connecting member or leash which extends between the backing and an anchor which is attached to bone or soft tissue. Attachment to soft tissue is accomplished by a second backing having attachment points emanating from the backing and attachment to bone is accomplished by a post. The connecting member allows for repeated adjustments in length between the anchor and the backing in vivo or ex vivo until the desired amount of tissue approximation is achieved. The device improves the mechanical phase of wound healing and evenly distributes tension over the contact area between the device and tissue.

Abstract: A method of performing cardiac surgery on a patient's heart, including covering a patient with an inflatable blanket for a forced air convection system, the inflatable blanket having at least one separable seal line within the blanket. The separable seal line may be separated to form a slit. A patient's femoral artery is accessed through the slit, and an elongate medical instrument is passed through the slit, and through the femoral artery toward the patient's heart. Cardiac surgery is performed with the elongate medical instrument, and the elongate medical instrument is withdrawn from the femoral artery through the slit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for delivering a medical prosthesis into a body lumen. A preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a catheter having a stent mounted at the distal end that is released into the body lumen by movement of an outer sheath covering the stent in the proximal direction. The stent expands to conform to the inner wall of the lumen and the catheter is withdrawn.

Abstract: A catheter and stent combination for insertion into the lumen of a human or animal body. The catheter has an elongate body with proximal and distal ends, the body comprising a hollow tubular member. At least one section of the walls of the tubular member in the distal region is corrugated and the stent is positioned thereover.

Abstract: Embodiments of a stent system include a catheter is made with only one lumen leading to a balloon. An arrangement is provided to easily lock a short wire in place at the distal end of the balloon. Multiple wires of different properties can be included in a package containing the stent and the delivery catheter, such that the physician will be able to choose the right wire tip according to the lesion and vessel treated and attach it at the distal tip of the balloon before beginning the stenting procedure.

Abstract: A catheter (1) for transvascular deployment of a radially compressible medical device (16) has a tubular outer body (2) within which is slidably mounted an inner tubular sheath (3) which in turn houses a guide wire (4) which is axially movable through the sheath (3). The medical device (6) is mounted on the guide wire (4) and can be collapsed within the sheath (3) and body (2) for deployment. An outer distal end of the sheath (3) is provided with circumferentially spaced-apart axial slits (7) extending proximally from the distal end of the sheath (3) which sub-divide the distal end of the tubular side wall of the sheath (3) into a number of complementary tube sections (8) which are movable apart when the sheath (3) is pushed out of the distal end of the body (2) to engage or deploy the medical device (6).

Abstract: A method is described for performing protected angioplasty and stenting of a patient's carotid bifurcation. A self-expanding stent is deployed across a stenosis in the patient's carotid artery. A catheter system that includes a rapid exchange balloon angioplasty catheter with an occlusion balloon catheter positioned through the guidewire lumen is advanced through the guiding catheter and into the distal end of the stent. The occlusion balloon is inflated within the lumen of the stent to occlude the carotid artery and to prevent any embolic debris from traveling downstream from the treatment site. The angioplasty balloon is inflated to dilate the stenosis and to complete the expansion of the self-expanding stent. The angioplasty catheter is withdrawn and any potential embolic debris is aspirated out through the lumen of the guiding catheter. The occlusion balloon is deflated and the catheter system is withdrawn.

Abstract: A medical device including an insertable body which is insertable into a body lumen or cavity. The insertable body of the medical device includes a magnetically activatable body portion to magnetically induce a dimension change to effect treatment.

Abstract: A stent (30) formed from cannula and having flexible segments (31) and high hoop strength segments (32) alternating therealong. Longitudinal struts or tie bars (41) interconnect the segments. Minimal length reduction of the strut occurs upon expansion. In the high hoop strength segment (32), struts (37) in a zig-zag configuration (Gianturco Z-stent) are initially parallel in the unexpanded strut condition. In the flexible segment (31), struts (58) extend from a respective C-shaped bend (59) to converge at the opposite ends thereof when unexpanded. In one embodiment, certain adjacent struts (39–41) of the hoop segment are spaced apart by elongated openings or gaps (46, 48) interposed therebetween and interconnected at their respective ends (42, 44) to form a T-shaped strut interconnection (45). The selected width (50, 51) of the first and third struts (54, 57) increases toward the ends (47, 48) of the elongated openings (46, 48) adjacent the strut interconnection (45).

Abstract: A medical device that inhibits distortion of medical resonance images taken of the device. In particular, various structures are utilized to allow visibility proximate, and inside of, a tubular member, such as a stent. In one embodiment, the stent does not contain electrically conductive loops. In an alternative embodiment, rings in the stent are arranged such that current in one ring portion is opposed by current in another ring portion.

Abstract: Suturing rings and methods of use thereof facilitating initial implantation of new and replacement of dysfunctional tissue or mechanical heart valve mechanisms supported by the suturing ring are disclosed. The suturing ring annulus is adjustable to receive and engage the valve frame of the heart valve mechanism within the annulus. An interlocking mechanism applies restraint to fix the adjusted suturing ring annulus engaged against the valve frame to support the heart valve mechanism during chronic implantation. Sutures affixing the suturing ring to the valvar rim can be routed and entrapped between the suturing ring annulus and the valve frame when the suturing ring is restraint is applied. The restraint is released to replace a dysfunctional heart valve mechanism and reapplied when a new heart valve mechanism is fitted into the annulus.

Abstract: The equal tension applying device is used to apply equal tension to a group of tendons. The device comprises a 3 to 9 inch elongate flexible member and a hook at each end of the flexible member. Typically a torn ACL is replaced with two loops of tendons defining 4 tendon strands. The ends of each strand have sutures therein. The tendon loops are fixed in a femoral tunnel with a fixation pin and extend into and through a tibial tunnel. The method includes the steps of: tying the ends of the sutures together to form a loop, placing a hook of the elongate tensioning device over the suture loop, applying tension on the device, followed by anchoring the ends of the tendon strands to the tibia.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stabilized interbody fusion system for vertebrae, of the type comprising an interbody implant (4) designed to be inserted in the intervertebral space defined between two neighboring vertebrae to be mutually secured, so as to restore the height and the angle of the lordosis of the vertebral segment defined by the two neighboring vertebrae and a stabilizing plate (17) provided, at each of its ends, with at least a passage hole (18) for an anchoring screw, the plate (17) and the implant (4) being provided with mutual assembly means, such that after assembly, the stabilizing plate (17) extends on each side of the implant to enable the stabilizing plate to be anchored on the neighboring vertebrae through the screws, characterized in that it comprises spacing means (30), interposed between the stabilizing plate (17) and the implant (4), to enable the stabilizing plate to be positioned at a specific distance relative to the implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel spinal disc prosthesis comprising two solid compressible cylinders and methods. A method of the invention for placing the solid compressible cylinders between adjacent spinal vertebrae comprises the steps of forming an enlarged partially circular space from the back and to one side of the space between adjacent spinal vertebrae previously occupied by a degenerated disc, forming additional spaces within the interiors of the adjacent vertebrae, placing a solid compressible cylinder in the spaces within the interiors of the adjacent vertebrae and repeating the above procedure on the other side of the space between the vertebrae.

Abstract: Described are osteogenic paste compositions with enhanced osteoinductive properties for use in bone repair. Compositions comprising a quickly resorbable paste carrier, a more slowly resorbed mineral matrix, and Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) or other osteogenic factor are described which enable increased osteoinductive activity while retaining a reliable scaffold for the formation of new bone at the implant site. Methods for making and methods for therapeutic use of the compositions are also disclosed.