Abstract: A handpiece and system having a surgical handpiece adapted to perform an operation on a patient, the surgical handpiece having a primary circuit being driven by an applied signal. A controller is operatively coupled to supply operating power to the surgical handpiece. A hand switch is operatively coupled in conjunction with the surgical handpiece to at least partially control an operation of the surgical handpiece. The switch has a secondary resonant circuit receiving the applied signal from the primary circuit and couples a response signal back to the primary circuit. Detection circuitry, operatively coupled to primary circuit, is responsive to a characteristic parameter of the response signal indicative of the presence of the hand switch in proximity of the surgical handpiece.

Abstract: A method for excising a portion of an articular surface using a retrograde procedure. An access tunnel is provided extending through a bone and to the articular surface. A central shaft is inserted through the access tunnel to the articular surface and a cutter is coupled to the central shaft. The cutter is coupled to the central shaft to allow the cutter to rotate with the central and to allow the cutter to be tiltable relative to the central shaft. The cutter is rotated and a retrograde force is applied to the cutter to urge the cutter into the articular surface.

Abstract: A medical balloon may be configured by at least partially inflating the medical balloon and forming at least one primary lobe in the balloon. The primary lobe extends from a central portion of the balloon. The primary lobe may be manipulated to form at least two secondary lobes therefrom. The balloon may then be deflated and the secondary lobes wrapped around the balloon.

Abstract: A medical instrument has a tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, a handle attached to the proximal end of the tubular member, a distal assembly including a pivot and an end effector assembly supported on the pivot. The end effector assembly has a pair of end effectors. The medical instrument also includes an elongate member corresponding to each of the pair of end effectors. Each elongate member extends through the tubular member and has a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end attached to the end effector assembly.

Abstract: Reinforcing lumen rings are configured and adapted for use in conjunction with a circular endoscopic stapling instrument having a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. The reinforcing lumen rings maintain anastomotic lumen, e.g. as formed by the circular endoscopic stapling apparatus, in an open condition. The reinforcing lumen rings can include an annular ring having an outer terminal edge and an inner terminal edge, the outer terminal edge having a diameter which is substantially equal to an outer diameter of the staple cartridge assembly and the inner terminal edge having a diameter which is substantially equal to an inner diameter of the staple cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A combined device for plugging and fluidtight puncturing of a wall of a hollow organ, comprising a head bearing a surgical staple for the wall of the hollow organ, a fluidtight puncturing system comprising a puncturing device and a hollow channel, a keeping means for bringing the said staple from its open position to its closed position, a support connected to a traction member extending towards the distal part of the device. The device comprises an introducer capable of introducing the head of the device inside an organism. A staple particularly designed to fit this device is also describe.

Abstract: A method for manipulating a vertebra includes connecting a first bone anchor to a first vertebra, connecting a second bone anchor to a second bone anchor, positioning a spinal rod in a receiving member of the first bone anchor and in a receiving member of the second bone anchor, connecting a first instrument to the receiving member of the first bone anchor, and manipulating the first instrument to rotate first bone anchor and the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing the posterior elements of the spine, and more preferably methods and devices are provided for sharing the load with the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the ligaments, and the muscles of the spinal column. In certain exemplary embodiments, methods and devices are provided for substantially controlling or providing resistance to movement, e.g., flexion, extension, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation, of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A dynamic longitudinal connecting member assembly includes an anchor member having an integral or otherwise fixed elongate core of circular or non-circular cross-section. The core is pre-tensioned and extends through at least one elastic spacer and at least one outer sleeve. The anchor member and the outer sleeve each attach to at least one bone anchor. In operation, the core is held in tension by the spacer.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical rod fixation assembly having a pedicle screw for insertion into spinal bone of a subject, the pedicle screw having a polyaxial mounted coupling member for driving the pedicle screw into bone on or off axis and coupling the pedicle screw to an orthopaedic device such as a spinal rod by means of a slidable coupling action.

Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes an anchor portion and a head portion, such as a rod-receiving portion, movably mounted to the anchor portion to allow for controlled angulation between the anchor portion and the head portion. The anchor portion is pivotable in one or more selected directions about an axis relative to the head portion. A restriction member, which may be a rod seat, prevents the anchor portion from pivoting in one or more different directions about another axis relative to the head portion and/or a spinal fixation element received in the head portion. The restriction member may be inserted in the head portion to control direction that the anchor portion pivots relative to the head portion. The restriction member may also serve as a compression member and/or rod seat for seating a spinal rod coupled to the bone screw assembly.

Abstract: A pedicle screw fastening that can be made polyaxial, monoaxial, fixed, or provide a predefined monoaxial placement. The fastening system consists of an anchoring bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the screw to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a U-shaped or side loading connecting assembly is used to secure to a connecting rod for use in stabilization of a spine. The connecting assembly, for receipt of a spinal connecting rod, includes a biased retainer ring for maintaining a positive tension between the connecting assembly and the anchored screw. The system allows for an improved manufacturing step wherein the threaded shank of a bone screws can be passed through a lower portion of the connecting assembly allowing a variety of bone screw sizes to be used with a common sized connector.

Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes a screw body, including anchor portion and rod-receiving portion, and a rod seat movably mounted in the screw body to allow for controlled angulation between a spinal connection element disposed in the rod seat and the screw body. The rod seat is pivotable in one or more selected directions about one or more axes relative to the screw body. The rod seat may include a first lower rod seat element disposed in a recess of the screw body having a cylindrical bottom surface to facilitate pivoting in a first direction. A second lower rod seat element is stacked on the first lower rod seat element and has a conical bottom surface abutting a top surface of the first lower rod seat element to facilitate pivoting in a second direction.

Abstract: A method for manipulating a vertebra includes connecting a first bone anchor to a first vertebra, connecting a second bone anchor to a second bone anchor, positioning a spinal rod in a receiving member of the first bone anchor and in a receiving member of the second bone anchor, connecting a first instrument to the receiving member of the first bone anchor, and manipulating the first instrument to rotate first bone anchor and the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bone plate and its method of use for reducing a bone fracture, the bone plate having a longitudinal axis, the bone plate comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, a first hole for engaging a head of a first bone anchor. The first hole is configured and adapted to fix a shaft of the first bone anchor along a first axis. A second hole is spaced apart from the first hole along the longitudinal axis. The second hole is for engaging a head of a second bone anchor, and is configured and adapted to fix a shaft of the second bone anchor along a second axis. The first hole and the second hole are configured such that the first axis and the second axis define a single plane and intersect at a point below the lower surface. The shafts of the first and second bone anchors may touch or nearly touch at the point of intersection, such that the first and second bone anchors form a truss.

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: Systems, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing bones with bone plates having hybrid apertures.

Abstract: A bone fastening assembly for use with a screw and including a bone plate and a bushing having a bore adapted for receiving the screw. The bone plate has a substantially planar portion and is provided with a hole in the portion for receiving the bushing. The portion of the bone plate and the bushing are cooperatively configured for providing pivotal movement of the bushing within the hole about a pivot axis and restricting the pivot axis to a plane extending in the portion of the bone plate. A new bone attachment screw for use with the bone fastening assembly is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a shell and first and second first screw members having tapered ends and threaded bodies that are disposed within the shell. A drive mechanism rotatably drives the first and second screw members from the shell in opposite directions and causes the screw members to embed themselves in the members to be joined. The screw apparatus can be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, vertebral bodies, wood, building materials, metals, masonry, or plastics. The stapling apparatus includes first and second lever arms rotatably joined together at a fulcrum, and the lever arms rotate in opposite directions. First and second cartridges are disposed at the ends of the lever arms. Each cartridge is capable of holding a staple including a bracket, a nail member and an alignment slot.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a system for stimulating neural tissue of a living subject. The system comprises an energy source capable of generating optical energy, a connector having a first end and a second end capable of transmitting optical energy, and a probe operably coupled to the second end of the connector and having an end portion for delivering optical energy to a target neural tissue. In one embodiment, the energy source comprises a tunable laser.

Abstract: An externally-applied heat exchange pad has three layers laminated together, an inner and outer non-conductive layer and a middle conductive layer. A leak in the inner layer causes coolant to contact the middle layer and change impedance, which can be sensed and used as an indication of an impending total leak of the pad.

Abstract: The use of an intravascular cooling element to induce hypothermia in connection with a medical procedure. According to a first aspect of the present, invention, a coronary bypass procedure is conducted in which a patient's blood is oxygenated with the patient's lungs and in which blood is circulated using the patient's heart or using an intracorporeal pump. The procedure preferably comprises: (a) positioning a heat transfer element in a blood vessel of a patient; (b) cooling the body of the patient to less than 35° C., more preferably 32±2° C., using the heat transfer element; and (c) forming a fluid communicating graft between an arterial blood supply and the coronary artery. The body of the patient is preferably heated to about 37° C. using the heat transfer element subsequent to the step of forming the fluid communicating graft.

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: Methods and systems of delivering a stent at an elevated temperature are disclosed herein. Methods of delivering a stent include allowing reactants to react within a delivery system exothermically. The heat generated from the exothermic reaction increase a temperature of a stent mounted on a support member. The increase in temperature increases the flexibility of the stent which reduces or eliminates formation of cracks in the stent when it expands. A system can include a first reactant disposed within at least a portion of the support member, a catheter in fluid communication with the support member, or both. The first reactant being disposed in such a way to react exothermically with a second reactant disposed within the delivery system.

Abstract: Medical devices or components thereof having electroactive polymer actuators embedded within at least a portion of the device of component thereof, and novel electroactive polymer actuators formed with a conductive substrate layer and an electroactive polymer layer, the electroactive polymer actuated upon application of a voltage to surrounding liquid electrolyte, the actuators may be embedded within an inert polymer matrix material, or within solid polyelectrolyte matrix material.

Abstract: Improved stent configurations exhibiting limited recoil, resistance to compression and improved longitudinal flexibility.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implantating in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen. The invention provides for a an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by undulating links. The stent has a high degree of flexibility in the longitudinal direction, yet has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen.

Abstract: A venous valve with a frame and valve leaflets that provide a sinus pocket. The venous valve provides for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.

Abstract: A stent has a main body, which has a circumference that defines a primary lumen and longitudinal axis, which extends therethrough. A first region of the main body comprises at least one band disposed circumferentially about the longitudinal axis. A second region of the main body comprises a plurality of interconnected rings concentrically disposed about a side branch opening. An outermost ring extends fully about the circumference of the main body. Each of the rings consist of two longitudinally oriented elements and two circumferentially extending elements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stent for use in a bifurcated body lumen having a main branch and a side branch. The stent comprises a radially expandable generally tubular stent body having proximal and distal opposing ends with a body wall having a surface extending therebetween. The surface has a geometrical configuration defining a first pattern, and the first pattern has first pattern struts and connectors arranged in a predetermined configuration. The stent also comprises a branch portion comprised of a second pattern, wherein the branch portion is at least partially detachable from the stent body.

Abstract: A stent for delivering therapeutic agents to a body lumen includes a plurality of circumferential serpentine bands with each band comprising a plurality of struts. At least one strut has at least one first well region and at least one second well region. The at least one first well region has a first thickness, the at least one second well region has a second thickness, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness. Each well region defines a well having a depth. At least some of the wells contain a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Various embodiments of stents with a bioabsorbable body having a coating with a radiopaque layer are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for repairing a heart valve comprises an implantation instrument. The implantation instrument comprises a first support ring, and a second support ring connected to said first support ring to form a coiled configuration. The first support ring is configured to abut one side of the valve and the second support ring is configured to abut an opposite side of the valve to thereby trap a portion of the valve tissue therebetween. The device further comprises an annuloplasty implant adapted to be attached to the heart valve annulus in order to reshape the annulus and allow the leaflets to open and close properly. The annuloplasty implant is connected to the implantation instrument for insertion to the annulus.

Abstract: A mitral annuloplasty ring that has an outward and an upward posterior bow. The ring defines a closed, modified oval shape with a minor-major axis dimension ratio of between about 3.3:4 to 4:4. The ring is made of a material that will substantially resist distortion when subjected to the stress imparted thereon after implantation in the mitral valve annulus of an operating human heart. The outward and upward posterior bow of the annuloplasty ring corrects for pathologies associated with mitral valve prolapse, as seen with Barlow's syndrome for instance, in which the leaflets tend to be elongated or floppy. Desirably, the outward bow includes a more pronounced outward bulge having an angular extent that approximately equals the angular extent of the upward bow. Sections adjacent the outward bulge may be relatively straight.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve assembly includes a gasket member and a valve member including a plurality of fasteners and a plurality of engagement members corresponding to the fasteners. The fasteners and/or engagement members may be configured to guide the engagement members into engagement with the fasteners. For example, the fasteners may include U-shaped spring-biased clips, e.g., attached to a core or other portion of a sewing cuff of the gasket member, and the engagement members may include latches or barbed protrusions that engage one or more holes in the fasteners. During use, the gasket member is introduced into a tissue annulus, and secured to the annulus, e.g., using a plurality of clips directed through the sewing cuff. The valve member is then introduced into the annulus and the engagement members are snapped or otherwise guided into engagement with the fasteners to secure the valve member relative to the gasket member.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for connecting bones and/or bone portions using a bone connector with a pivotable ball and socket joint.

Abstract: A lateral expandable interbody fusion cage expands laterally between two vertebrae to promote fusion between the two vertebrae. The cage includes an outer cage and at least one inner cage, with optional flanges and spikes.

Abstract: A vertebral implant for insertion into a patient includes an insert formed from an osteoconductive material and further including a biocompatible polymer body that is formed into the insert. The insert may extend over part or substantially the entire bone contact surface of the implant. The insert includes a bone contact surface and a substrate interface. The implant may include fibers that extend across the substrate interface from the insert to the body. The insert may be thin relative to the overall thickness of the implant. The insert may be preformed. The insert may be formed using a molding process. The body may be molded onto the insert.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices employ a fixation device delivery tool having a curved body portion. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed for placement in intervertebral disc tissue.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer has curvate upper and lower rough surfaces that stimulate bone growth and is formed from a porous material that facilitates bone growth thereinto. The spacer has a plurality of smooth linear grooves to facilitate insertion of the spacer into an intervertebral space using a spacer insertion tool that has a scissor-style body. Each of the insertion tool's arm's heads has an inner surface having a pair of smoothed linear protrusions that fit within the linear grooves of the spacer when the heads are closed about the spacer. When the spacer is held, spaces are present between the spacer's rough surfaces and the heads' inner surfaces so that when the protrusions are longitudinally slid from the grooves to leave the spacer in the intervertebral spacer, the rough surfaces are not disturbed.

Abstract: An interbody spacer includes concave lateral surfaces extending at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. In one aspect, the interbody spacer includes upper and lower convex surfaces defined by an arc extending from a center point offset from the spacer midpoint. In another aspect, lateral edges of the upper and lower surfaces are also defined by convex arcs extending from a center point offset from the spacer midpoint.

Abstract: The knee prosthesis with rotary plate comprises a metal base (2) and a tibia plate (3) which are equipped with guide means (22, 22?, 22?, 26, 29, 5, 6, 5?, 9, 50, 51, 52, 13, 15, 18; 34, 34?, 34?, 35, 37, 7, 8, 10, 12, 53, 54, 55, 10?, 17) defining a center of rotation (C,C?) which may be offset from that of the tibia bone axis (YY?), so as to allow the tibia plate (3) to slide in rotation over the said base, the said guide means being positioned a certain distance away from the center of rotation (C, C?).

Abstract: A system and method for trialing a modular hip replacement system permits evaluation and replication of the anatomic anteversion rotational angle of the femur. In one embodiment, a femoral hip implant kit includes at least one distal implant and a plurality of femoral heads, each of the plurality of femoral heads having a diameter different from the diameter of the other of the plurality of femoral heads. The kit includes a proximal trial housing with a bore within the housing, the bore configured to receive a portion of the distal implant, a collet located within the bore, the collet including an outer wall portion extending between a top surface portion and a bottom surface portion, a collapsing member for engaging the portion of the distal implant and for forcing the top surface portion of the collet toward the bottom surface portion of the collet along a first axis.

Abstract: A medical stent is sized for placement in a ureter. The stent includes a first section which includes a first material, defines a lumen, and includes a first coil completing at least one revolution. A second section of the stent includes a second material, defines a lumen, and includes a second coil completing at least one revolution. A third section defines a lumen and is located between the first and second sections. The third section includes a co-extrusion of the first and second materials. One of the first or second sections is harder than the other section.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, comprising at least one polyalkene-based supramolecular polymer, at least one pigment and at least one volatile solvent, wherein the weight ratio of the at least one supramolecular polymer to the at least one pigment has a value greater than 0.25, and also a process for dyeing keratin fibers using this composition. The present disclosure may make it possible to obtain, on the keratin fibers, colored coatings for keeping the hairs individualized while at the same time preserving the physical qualities of the fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibres, in particular of human keratin fibres such as the hair, comprising at least one oxidation base chosen from 4,5- or 3,4-diaminopyrazoles and triaminopyrazoles, in combination with at least one selected carbonyl compound, and also to the dyeing process using this composition with an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to catalytic systems which are used to generate colors on a support. The inventive means are characterized in that they comprise one or more deactivated oxidation catalysts. The invention can be used to color organic or inorganic supports.

Abstract: A quaternary ammonium salt detergent made from the reaction product of the reaction of: (a) a hydrocarbyl substituted acylating agent and a compound having an oxygen or nitrogen atom capable of condensing with said acylating agent and further having a tertiary amino group; and (b) a quaternizing agent suitable for converting the tertiary amino group to a quaternary nitrogen and the use of such quaternary ammonium salt detergents in a fuel composition to reduce intake valve deposits.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing synthesis gas comprising the steps of combusting (4) a combustible gas to form hot flue gasses (7), passing the flue gasses (7) through heat storing means (1) so as to heat the heat storing means (1) to an elevated temperature, using the heat thus stored to heat biomass (2) to an elevated temperature so as to form synthesis gas, and withdrawing at least part of the synthesis gas formed, wherein following heating of the heat storing means (1) gaseous medium is circulated through the heat storing means (1), the biomass (2) and back to the heat storing means (1). Furthermore computer program product for performing the method of the invention and the use of the produced biogas are disclosed.

Abstract: Superabrasive compacts, methods of fabricating such compacts, and drilling tools that may utilize such compacts are disclosed. In one aspect of the present invention, a superabrasive compact includes a substrate and a superabrasive table attached to the substrate. At least one constituent of the superabrasive table exhibits a substantially monotonic distribution of size, concentration, or both in a selected direction of the superabrasive table. In another aspect of the present invention, a method of fabricating a superabrasive article is disclosed. A plurality of particles may be provided that exhibit a substantially monotonic distribution of particle size, concentration, or both in a selected direction. The particles may be subjected to a high-temperature, high-pressure process to consolidate and form a self-supporting body.