Abstract: Described herein are a method and apparatus for introducing instrumentation into the lymphatic system that can be used for physiological monitoring and/or delivery of therapy. Such instrumentation, for example, may include one or more sensors for measuring physiological variables and/or one or more instruments for delivering therapy that is adapted to be disposed within a lymphatic vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for positioning, orientation and insertion of a medical device. The apparatus comprising a first pentagonal mechanism which offers two degrees of freedom, and a second pentagonal mechanism which offers three degrees of freedom of motion. The two are aligned along a first axis so as to permit them to hold an instrument driving means. The instrument driving means is adapted to hold a medical instrument and adapted to permit said instrument to move along and rotate on its own axis. The instrument driving means offers another two degrees of freedom of motion. The apparatus provides a total of six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Optical ear infection treatment device and methods are described where an LED and optical light pipe are used to deliver the light from the LED to the middle ear of a patient to reduce bacterial growth and/or eliminate bacteria. Typically, the device is placed in the ear and then activated by the user by pressing an activation button. Once activated the control electronics will turn on the LED and perform a treatment. The most basic treatment mode comprises turning on the LED at maximum power for a predetermined period, e.g. 30 minutes, 60 minutes. When the preset duration is completed, the device will notify the user by an audible beep or vibration that the treatment is complete. Once completed, the user can remove the device, the treatment could be repeated once a day or for extreme cases multiple times during the day.

Abstract: An endoprobe for ophthalmic microsurgery for intraocular treatment of the eye and that affords a surgeon good visibility regardless of the distance from the treatment site in the eye. The endoprobe includes a stainless steel cannula enclosing one or more optical fibers and a laser fiber. A distal end of the optical fibers can be closed by a transparent lens-shaped structure such that an illuminating light transmitted through the optical fibers is radiated and transmitted laser light can exit from the laser fiber, or such that the laser fiber is embedded in a transparent shaped element. The laser fiber may have a covering for transporting light. The laser light may be injected directly into the laser fiber and the illuminating light is injected via at least one optical element into the covering of the laser fiber or into the transparent shaped element.

Abstract: Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye.

Abstract: Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye.

Abstract: Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye.

Abstract: A system and method for providing light treatments to a patients skin, which could include both dermal and epidermal regions. The system and method utilize multiple hand pieces where each hand piece can deliver light from a different light source. The system and method provide for control over the different light source corresponding to the different hand pieces based on whether the hand pieces are held in storage positions in a hand piece management unit. A control unit of the system provides operates to cause a user interface display to communicate information to a user based on the positions of the different hand pieces. Further, the system and method can provide a user with access to different aspects of the systems operation based on the positions of the hand pieces.

Abstract: An eye surgical instrument, comprising at least one optical fiber for lighting of the interior of the eye, which at least one optical fiber, at a free end thereof, is provided with a light exit and with a stop situated at a distance from the free ends which stop defines an insertion part situated between the end and the stop, and at an other end is connectable to a light source, while the stop forms a separate element which is arranged so as to be slidable along the at least one fiber.

Abstract: The present invention includes a medical device providing for the measurement and/or monitoring of the thermal conditions and/or environment existing across a substantial portion of a thermal element disposed on the medical device and the corresponding tissue region being treated by the device. The medical device of the present invention may generally include an elongate body having a thermal element coupled thereto for providing thermal energy to a desired tissue region, as well as a thermocouple array providing a plurality of temperature measurement positions about the thermal element. The thermocouple array may include one or more thermocouple elements arranged as a mesh or wire structure disposed about a substantial portion of the surface area of the thermal element.

Abstract: Systems and methods deploy an electrode structure in contact with the tissue region. The electrode structure carries a sensor at a known location on the electrode structure to monitor an operating condition. The systems and methods provide an interface, which generate an idealized image of the electrode structure and an indicator image to represent the monitored operating condition in a spatial position on the idealized image corresponding to the location of the sensor on the electrode structure. The interface displays a view image comprising the idealized image and indicator image. The systems and methods cause the electrode structure to apply energy to heat the tissue region while the view image is displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an epilating apparatus (10) comprising means (12) for extracting hairs from skin and means (16, 20) for reducing pain. In accordance with the present invention the means (16, 20) for reducing pain apply at least two of the following stimuli: heat, cold, vibration.

Abstract: An energy delivery device for treating tissue regions in a body conduit, such as a lung airway, may utilize one or more markers, rings, bands, or other visual indicators along an outer surface of the device body. The one or more visual indicators facilitate guidance of the device to effectively and efficiently treat the tissue according to a predetermined axial treatment as well as measure extension of a distal portion of the device, tissue length, and/or treatment length. The predetermined axial treatment may be contiguous, overlapping, or intermittently spaced apart as determined by the marker spacing distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electrosurgery, and more particularly to a system that produces a focused plasma for tissue ablation. The system includes a probe and a remote source of a conductive liquid media for providing a flow through the probe that functions as an electrode. A pressurized flow of the liquid media passes through a first larger diameter flow channel in the probe to then increases in velocity as it passes through a smaller diameter flow restriction channel in a working end surface. The flow restriction of the liquid electrode through the flow restriction channel when coupled with high frequency voltage causes instantaneous ignition of a plasma within media flow media within the flow restriction channel. The working end surface thus carries a plasma that when proximate to tissue will cause a controlled, focused ablation.

Abstract: An ablation catheter system for capturing and removing necrotic tissue and thrombi generated during an ablative procedure is disclosed. The catheter typically includes an elongate member, a filtration assembly disposed within the distal region, and an ablation instrument at the distal end. Alternatively, the ablation instrument is carried on the distal end of an ablation catheter, which is disposed within a lumen of the catheter system. The catheter may further include an aspiration port and lumen. Methods of using the devices in preventing distal embolization during ablative procedures are disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for treatment of tissue in a body lumen with an electrode deployment device. Embodiments typically include a device with a plurality of electrodes having a pre-selected electrode density arranged on the surface of a support. The support may comprise a non-distensible electrode backing that is spirally furled about an axis and coupled to an expansion member such as an inflatable elastic balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon is inflated to selectively expose a portion of the electrode surface while maintaining the electrode density.

Abstract: Method and system for adjusting the amount of energy delivered to a handpiece of a surgical system based on feedback. A table is generated that correlates differences between voltages and rates of change of a voltage of the output of a charging element of the surgical system. Charge values of the table, such as minimum and maximum charge rates, can be generated using profile pulses and the time that is required for a pulse to reach a predetermined voltage. Intermediate charge rates can be determined using interpolation or other suitable methods. The output of the charging element is monitored at a voltage source, such as a capacitor, to determine first and second voltages at different times. These voltages are reduced if necessary for compatibility with electronic components and converted into digital values. A difference between two digital values is determined, and the determined difference is used to determine a corresponding rate at which the charging element charges the voltage source.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which comprises a catheter tube having a distal end and a lumen, and configured to assist in applying tamponage to a bleeding source in a gastrointestinal tract when flexed. A catheter tip having a catheter tip outer surface is assembled with the tube adjacent the distal end of the tube. The catheter tip comprises a probe body comprising an electrically insulative material, at least one electrode pair located on the probe body which comprises a first electrode spaced from a second electrode, and a fluid distribution manifold to direct a fluid from inside the probe body towards the tip outer surface. The manifold comprises a central passage within the probe body and a plurality of lateral passages which extend from the central passage towards the tip outer surface. An extendable injection needle is housed within the central passage to provide treatment to tissue.

Abstract: A device and method to provide a surgically inserted internal tether between the femur and tibia is provided which will prevent distraction of the healing anterior cruciate ligament in all degrees of flexion and extension, at all times. The anterior cruciate ligament tether preserves the four-bar cruciate linkage, critical for normal knee mechanics. In addition, placement of the tether provides bleeding into the knee in the region of the anterior cruciate ligament attachment sites and the consequent inflow of pluripotential cells and healing mediators.

Abstract: The invention regards spinal stabilization. It may include a spinal support system having spinal anchors and a bridge coupled to the anchors wherein the bridge has a length with a more flexible section and a less-flexible section. The less flexible section may be at an end of the bridge and the more flexible section may be off centered between the two spinal anchors. It may also include a kit having some or all of these components as well as spacers.

Abstract: A bone fixation device comprises a beam including plurality of stacked flexible members. At least one locking member is provided in engagement with the plurality of stacked flexible members. The at least one locking member is configured to retain the plurality of stacked flexible members together in either a locked relationship or an unlocked relationship. In the locked relationship, the at least one locking member compress the plurality of stacked flexible members together. The plurality of stacked flexible members are configured to bend when a threshold force is applied to the beam, provided the plurality of stacked flexible members are in an unlocked relationship. When the plurality of stacked flexible members are in an unlocked relationship, the threshold force is insufficient to bend the plurality of stacked flexible members.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for correcting a spinal deformity. A spacer is positioned between processes that extend outward from a pair of vertebral members. A force applicator is operatively connected to apply a force to the vertebral members. The spacer then acts as a fulcrum with the force causing the vertebral members to pivot about the spacer and become aligned in a more desired orientation to eliminate or reduce the deformity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dynamic stabilization system (DSS) having at least one rod having a ring formed therein (“the spring”) and a pair of pedicle screws adapted for fixation to separate vertebrae.

Abstract: Instruments and methods are provided for re-positioning and extracting spinal implants in a space between vertebrae. The instruments can include rotater instruments, hook instruments, and extractor instruments engageable to the implant.

Abstract: Fusion of cervical spinal vertebrae with one or more fixation devices can be accomplished with the described tools and methods. For example, a guidewire introducer can include a tubular introducer cannula and a handle. The handle can be angularly offset from the introducer cannula such that positioning of the introducer on the cervical spine does not interfere with a patient's head. A sheath assembly can include inner and outer sheath bodies and a handle. The handle is angularly offset from the sheath bodies such that the sheath assembly can be applied to the cervical spine without interference to the patient's head. The sheath body can be curved or straight. Various tools such as drills, tapping devices, compression tools, and pin release tools can be applied to the cervical spine through the sheath body to apply the fixation device. The tools can include elongate flexible shafts.

Abstract: Devices and surgical methods treat various types of adult spinal pathologies, such as degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and kypho-scoliosis. Various types of spinal joint replacement prostheses, surgical procedures for performing spinal joint replacements, and surgical instruments are used to perform the surgical procedures.

Abstract: Devices and surgical methods treat various types of adult spinal pathologies, such as degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and kypho-scoliosis. Various types of spinal joint replacement prostheses, surgical procedures for performing spinal joint replacements, and surgical instruments are used to perform the surgical procedures.

Abstract: Devices and surgical methods treat various types of adult spinal pathologies, such as degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and kypho-scoliosis. Various types of spinal joint replacement prostheses, surgical procedures for performing spinal joint replacements, and surgical instruments are used to perform the surgical procedures.

Abstract: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The prostheses provide an artificial facet joint structure including an artificial articular configuration unlike the preexisting articular configuration. The radii and material stress values of the prostheses are configured to sustain contact stress. The cephalad prosthesis provides for posterior-anterior adjustment. Both prostheses permit lateral adjustment and adjustment to accommodate interpedicle distance. Further, the prostheses may be customized to provide a pre-defined lordotic angle and a pre-defined pedicle entry angle.

Abstract: Systems and devices for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The systems include a superior component for attachment to a superior vertebra of a spinal motion segment and an inferior component for attachment to an inferior vertebral of a spinal motion segment. The interconnection between the two components enables the spinal motion segment to move in a manner that mimics the natural motion of the spinal motion segment while substantially offloading the facet joints of the spine. Methods are also provided for stabilizing the spine and for implanting the subject systems.

Abstract: A locking system for use in spinal implantation has a plate member with a screw-receiving hole and a bone screw with a shank threaded at one end and having a head at the other end. The screw has a primary locking feature for engaging a screw-receiving hole in which it is received as well as a secondary locking feature for engaging the screw-receiving hole while providing a signal that the primary locking feature is engaged. The signal may be tactile, audible, visual or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for bone fixation, and in particular, systems and methods for fusion of human cervical spine from the anterior aspect. To that end, some of the embodiments of the invention are directed to plate systems for aligning and maintaining adjacent cervical vertebrae in a selected spatial relationship during spinal fusion of such vertebrae.

Abstract: A body tissue fixation apparatus includes a plate having oppositely disposed outer and tissue-contacting surfaces, and at least one fixation hole extending between the outer and tissue-contacting surfaces along a longitudinal axis. The fixation hole is defined in part by an inner hole surface having at least one serration. The plate is adapted for affixation to at least one body tissue member. At least one fixation device of the body tissue fixation apparatus has a shank and a head portion, the shank being insertable through the fixation hole in the plate to affix the plate to the body tissue member upon rotation of the head portion. At least one deformable member is connected to the head portion, the deformable member extending laterally in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and being adapted to deflect to engage with at least one serration formed on the inner hole surface.

Abstract: A bone fixation system includes a plurality of bone plate elements, each of which includes a plurality of connecting members. At least one of the bone plate elements includes at least one of a first type of the connecting members, and at least one other of the bone plate elements includes at least one of a second type of the connecting members. Each of the at least one first type of connecting members is configured to cooperate with a respective one of the second type of connecting members to connect at least two of the bone plate elements together, thereby forming a bone plate arrangement. At least some of the bone plate elements have an aperture therethrough for receiving a fastener to affix the bone plate arrangement to a bone.

Abstract: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The prostheses provide an artificial facet joint structure including an artificial articular configuration unlike the preexisting articular configuration. The radii and material stress values of the prostheses are configured to sustain contact stress. The cephalad prosthesis provides for posterior-anterior adjustment. Both prostheses permit lateral adjustment and adjustment to accommodate interpedicle distance. Further, the prostheses may be customized to provide a pre-defined lordotic angle and a pre-defined pedicle entry angle.

Abstract: An orthopedic medical apparatus and methods are disclosed, among which are a cylindrical orthopedic plate and clamps and fixation members for attaching the plate to tissue such as bone tissue. In one embodiment, the plate includes sides and ends that are cylindrical, and the clamps are adapted to fit thereto. Additional apparatus in the form of a lateral connecting member and a connecting plate usable with the orthopedic plate are also disclosed. Methods for using the disclosed apparatus are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a bone plate for stabilizing bony structures. More particularly, the invention is directed to bone plates having an elongate body to which an integrated rod is formed. Integrated rod portion may be captured by a bone anchor with a receiving member. The bone plate is movable from a first position to a second position and may have an aperture for lagging the bone plate to the bone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for repairing annulus defects include at least one blocking member positionable in or adjacent to the annulus defect, and at least one anchor for securing the blocking member to adjacent tissue recessed into the adjacent vertebrae. The blocking member extends at least partially across the annulus defect for repair of the defect and/or retention of nucleus material, one or more implants, bio-compatible materials or device, and/or other objects positioned in the disc space.

Abstract: A patella clamp is provided for clamping a patella. The patella clamp includes a first clamp member engageable with the patella and a second clamp member mountable in opposing relative moving relationship to the first clamp member. The patella clamp may be used to perform a variety of procedures on a patella. In one embodiment, a third clamp member is alternatively mountable in place of the second clamp member to change the function of the patella clamp. The patella clamp optionally further includes a cut guide for guiding a cutter in a cut plane to resect a portion of the patella.

Abstract: A surgical tool assembly for Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) including a femoral intra-medullary (IM) rod, a femoral intra-medullary (IM) alignment guide, a distal femoral alignment guide, and a distal femoral cutting guide. After the femoral IM alignment guide is selected to fit the valgus angle and utilized with the femoral IM rod with respect to the distal femur, the distal femoral alignment guide is integrated to the complex. Then, the distal femoral cutting guide is slid to the distal femoral alignment guide in the orientation from distal to proximal through the sliding concave integrated with the sliding track.

Abstract: Disclosed are surgical tools, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and preparing treatment sites within the spine for subsequent treatment procedures. The treatment site may be an inter-vertebral motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The tool set may comprise introducer tools and bone dilators for accessing and tapping into a targeted site, such as, for example, the anterior surface of the S1 vertebral body. The tool set may also comprise cutters and extractors for preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures. The tool set may additionally comprise a bone graft inserter, an exchange system, and/or a temporary distraction tool for further preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures.

Abstract: A method for forming a tunnel in a bone. The method includes forming a first tunnel in the bone, the tunnel having a longitudinal axis, inserting a first drill guide into the first tunnel, supporting a first tunnel-forming device along an axis defining a first offset relative the longitudinal axis of the first tunnel with the first drill guide, and forming a second tunnel alongside the first tunnel with the first tunnel-forming device, the second tunnel communicating with the first tunnel and defining a single elongated opening.

Abstract: Instruments and methods are provided for re-positioning and extracting spinal implants in a space between vertebrae. The instruments can include rotater instruments, hook instruments, and extractor instruments engageable to the implant.

Abstract: A force dissipating impactor device is comprises a bar member including a hollow shaft, a first end, and a second end. The first end of the impactor device provides an impaction surface and the opposite second end of the impactor device provides an implant engagement surface. The implant engagement surface is contoured to mate with a surface of the implant member. The impaction surface is configured to be struck with a mallet or other tool. A plurality of holes are provided in the shaft and penetrate the surface of the bar member. The plurality of holes provided on the shaft surface of the bar member may be arranged such that a line passing axially along the shaft surface intersects at least one of the plurality of holes. Further, the plurality of holes may be arranged in a staggered matrix around the shaft surface.

Abstract: Device for measuring the internal rotation of a hip joint, whereby the following steps are performed: a) Positioning a person to be examined (1) on the seating surface (8) of a chair-like positioning aid (5) in a sitting position; b) Fixating at least one of the upper thighs to be examined (3) of the person (1) on the seating surface (8) against translational motions, so that a rotation of the upper thigh (3) around its longitudinal axis is still possible; c) Moving the corresponding lower thigh (4) across the sagittal plane (20) by using a force K of a constant value Z acting on the lower thigh (4), so that the distal end of the lower thigh (4) is deviated from the sagittal plane; and d) Measuring the angle ? between the sagittal plane (20) and the longitudinal axis of the lower thigh (4).

Abstract: The pedicle screw system may be used for fixation of spinal segments and may be advantageous when minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques are employed. The pedicle screw system includes a tulip assembly comprising of a tulip body, a inner member, and an expansion member. Installation of the pedicle screw system into pedicles of the spine, for example, includes inserting the pedicle screw into a portion of the spine and then coupling the tulip assembly to the pedicle screw. The tulip assembly may be locked onto the pedicle screw before a rod is placed in the tulip assembly. After the rod is placed in the tulip assembly, the tulip body and the inner member can be rotated relative to one another to lock the rod into the tulip assembly. In addition, the relative rotation may also provide additional locking of the tulip assembly to the pedicle screw.

Abstract: A drive tool for accepting and rotationally locking the head portion of an orthopedic screw, such as a dental implant, to impart driving torque to the screw. In one exemplary embodiment, the drive tool includes an elongate body having an opening at its proximal end which is sized to receive the head portions of at least two different dental implants, the head portions of the dental implants being oriented at different angles with respect to the implant body portions. When the head portion of an implant is received within the opening, the drive tool is rotationally locked with respect to the implant. In this position, the body of the drive tool remains oriented so that same is substantially colinear with the body portion of the implant. Although the invention is described in the context of a drive tool used with a dental implant having a body portion and a head portion or abutment portion, the invention is more broadly applicable to drive tools which may be used with other types of orthopedic screws.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inserting deformable intraocular lenses. Said device comprises a housing (1) for receiving an intraocular lens in an elastically deformed state, a cannula (3), and an advancing mechanism (4-10) for transporting the intraocular lens through the cannula (3) into an eye. The injector is suitable for a two-stage working method wherein one person prepares the injector and another person injects the intraocular lens into the eye. Furthermore, the advancing mechanism is embodied in such a way that the intraocular lens can be transported into the cannula (3) by means of a translatory actuating movement on an actuating head (9), and the intraocular lens can be ejected from the cannula (3) by means of a rotatory actuating movement on a pivoting part (10).

Abstract: An intraocular lens delivery system has an injector body, a plunger, a nozzle portion, and a heater. The plunger is slidably movable within the injector body. The nozzle portion is located on a distal end of the injector body and has a hollow interior adapted for receiving the intraocular lens. The heater is integrated with the intraocular lens delivery system and is adapted to heat the intraocular lens.

Abstract: A method of delivering an intraocular lens into an eye is disclosed. The intraocular lens is heated. The intraocular lens is maintained within a desired temperature range. The intraocular lens is injected into the eye when the intraocular lens is within the desired temperature range.