Abstract: The present invention relates to improved ablation electrodes and catheter assemblies, as well as methods useful in conjunction with irrigated ablation catheters. Embodiments of the present invention further relate to an irrigated catheter having irrigation fluid directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur to help minimize blood coagulation and the associated problems. The present invention further relates to an ablation electrode having an outer body with a proximal portion and a distal portion an inner cavity and at least one passageway that extends to an opening on the outer surface of the electrode, wherein the passageway is directed towards the proximal portion and/or proximal end of the electrode forming an acute angle with a longitudinal axis of the electrode.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an irrigated catheter having irrigation fluid directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur so as to minimize blood coagulation and the associated problems. In one embodiment, an irrigated ablation electrode assembly for use with an irrigated catheter device comprises a proximal member having at least one passageway for a fluid with an outlet disposed at an external surface of the proximal member; and a distal member connected with the proximal member and having an external surface. The distal member includes an electrode. The external surface of the proximal member and the external surface of the distal member meet at an intersection. The at least one passageway of the proximal member is configured to direct a fluid flow through the outlet toward a region adjacent the intersection.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to electrosurgical pencils having variable controls. In one aspect, the electrosurgical pencil, includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing, the electrocautery blade being connected to a source of electrosurgical energy, an activation button supported on the housing, the activation button being movable from a first position to at least a subsequent position, and a transducer electrically connected between the activation button and the source of electrosurgical energy. The transducer is configured to transmit an electrical output signal to the electrosurgical energy source correlating to the movement of the activation button. The source of electrosurgical energy correspondingly supplies an amount of electrosurgical energy to the electrocautery blade dependant upon the electrical output signal.

Abstract: A portable, thermal cauterizing forceps device for use in surgery. The device incorporates a pair of ceramic heater elements mounted within the tips of the tines of a forceps. The forceps is used to grasp tissue or blood vessels and apply heat to effect cauterization. In the case of the first embodiment of the invention, the forceps instrument incorporates a battery and control electronics. The thermal-forceps is of a self-contained wireless, handheld disposable design. In a second embodiment of the invention, the forceps handpiece is connected to an external power source. Both embodiments of the forceps incorporate set of rapidly heating ceramic heater elements that may be composed of silicon nitride. An LED provides the operator feedback as to the operating level of the heaters and/or battery reserve. Enhancements to the second embodiment include a rechargeable power supply, variable control of the heater temperature, as well as a, digital display of the tip temperature.

Abstract: An electrode sealing assembly is designed for use with an electrosurgical instrument for sealing tissue and includes first and second jaw members each having an insulative housing and being movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing member disposed within the respective insulative housing. At least one of the insulative housings includes at least one tissue engaging surface configured to extend beyond the electrically conductive sealing member of one of the jaw members. The tissue engaging surface of the insulative housing cooperates with the opposing insulative housing of the opposing jaw member to both pinch and spread tissue when the jaw members are moved to the second position to decrease extraneous energy transmittance to tissue surrounding the jaw members.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system for sealing tissue is disclosed that includes an electrosurgical forceps. The forceps includes a drive rod and an end effector assembly coupled to the drive rod at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes jaw members wherein longitudinal reciprocation of the drive rod moves the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes a sealing plate that communicates electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. The jaw members are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical generator. The system also includes one or more sensors that determine a gap distance between the sealing plates of the jaw members and a pressure applicator coupled to the drive rod. The pressure applicator is configured to move the drive rod in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A bone fixation system and method for stabilizing a fractured bone by implantation into the intramedullary canal of an implant that is expanded by an implant deformation apparatus, or deformer. The deformer can use mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic expansion. Some deformers apply or remove heat. Some implants may include a support structure and a thermo-chemically activated matrix. The support structure may be radially expandable and contractible, and sufficiently flexible to be inserted into the intramedullary canal through an opening which is not parallel to the intramedullary canal. The matrix may attain a first thermo-chemical state via the addition of energy, and a second thermo-chemical state via the dissipation of energy.

Abstract: An implantable segmented intramedullary structure adapted to be received in the intramedullary canal of a bone configurable between a relatively flexible, bent configuration for implantation or extraction and a relatively rigid, straightened configuration for bone treatment. The segmented intramedullary structure comprises a plurality of interconnected segments with a first interface and a complementarily-shaped second interface such that the first interface of a segment cooperatively engages the second interface of an adjacent segment. The segments define a channel for a tensioning member to lock the structure in a compressed configuration.

Abstract: A spinal plate system that maintains intervertebral spacing and spinal stability is provided. In an embodiment, a spinal compression plate may include two or more plates coupled together form an adjustable-length plate. Compression of a spinal compression plate movement may mimic natural settling of bones in a spine and/or distribute at least a portion of a vertebral load to an implant positioned between two vertebrae. Maintaining at least a portion of the vertebral load on an insert may increase bone growth and increase fusion between an implant and surrounding vertebrae.

Abstract: A rod coercer for use in spinal fixation procedures is provided. The rod coercer can be pivoted in a first direction to fixedly grip an implant, and pivoted in a second direction to reduce a rod into the implant. In one embodiment, the rod coercer includes first and second articulating forceps branches, first and second rod contacting arms extending from the first and second forceps branches, and first and second implant gripping arms pivotally interconnected with the rod contacting arms. In another embodiment, the rod coercer includes forceps branches which each include upper and lower forceps branches which pivot with respect to each other, and a rod contacting arm interconnected with one of the forceps branches. In another embodiment, the rod coercer includes pivotable implant gripping arms and a rod contacting arm driven by one of the forceps branches.

Abstract: A guide for use in making tibial augmentation cuts is disclosed. The guide is preferably for use subsequent to an initial cut being made. A method of utilizing the guide, as well as making the initial cut is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for placing an implant into or onto supporting bone, or between adjacent bones, without impaction is disclosed. The system includes an implant, a distracter, and a sleeve. Optionally, the invention includes an alignment guide, a surgical navigational tracker, and a bone displacer. The sleeve is structured to interpose the implant and supporting bone and provide a differential engagement force between the sleeve-implant interface and the sleeve-bone interface to preferentially move the implant into, onto or between supporting bone structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and kits for the controlled delivery of viscous, multi component compositions.

Abstract: A curable material delivery cannula device is disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a hub. The cannula includes an open proximal end, a deflectable segment forming a pre-set curve, a lumen, and side orifice(s) adjacent, and proximally spaced from, the distal end and fluidly connected to the lumen. When inserted within a guide cannula, the deflectable segment straightens. When distally extended from the guide cannula, the deflectable segment reverts to the curved shape. The distal end has a blunt tip for non-traumatic interface with bodily material. During use, curable material, such as bone cement, is delivered from the side orifice(s) in a radial direction relative to the lumen. The device may be used to create voids for receiving curable material, and may include spacers configured to control location and/or orientation of the voids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fixing a ligament in a bone tunnel by cross-pinning the ligament in the bone tunnel.

Abstract: A tensioning tool and method for tensioning a conformable ligature of a bone fixing system are disclosed. The ends of a conformable ligature can be passed around bones, bone grafts, tendons, plates, rods, fasteners, or other anatomical or implanted structures, and the like to form a loop. Another portion of the conformable ligature can be coupled to a tensioning tool. The tensioning tool can include a first portion and a second portion in threaded engagement with each other. Rotation of one portion relative to the other can cause tensioning of the conformable ligature through translation of a tensioning member.

Abstract: A device for removing from a patient a previously implanted elongated structure, such as a cardiac lead. The device includes a gripping member having a receiving portion and a capturing portion. The receiving portion defines an eyelet for receiving a length of the elongated structure. The capturing portion is movable relative to at least the eyelet of the receiving portion, and is dimensioned such that upon relative movement, the receiving portion is constrictable around a length of the elongated structure length. The receiving portion may comprise a wire and the capturing portion may comprise a collar, wherein at least a portion of the collar is movable over the eyelet to constrict the wire around the length of the elongated structure length received in the eyelet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for removal of bothersome acrochordons or skin tags from the skin. The device has an adhesive surface which allows manipulation and locking of the skin tag in such a way that acrochordon ectomic strangulation can occur without anesthetic or risk for bleeding or infections. The device includes three parts with one or several surfaces, the edges of which can be pivoted, folded, rotated or bent in relation to each other, whereby a more or less elastic strangulation of the skin tag causes an occlusion of the blood flow. The skin tag is simultaneously sealed to the skin surface and concealed by the device which makes the painless ectomic process cosmetically acceptable.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a handheld microdermabrasion device includes a treatment head and a motor for driving, e.g., oscillating or rotating, the treatment head to abrade or exfoliate the skin. The treatment head may be abrasive or non-abrasive, and includes a passage or opening in communication with a reservoir for containing a topical solution. As the skin is abraded by the treatment head, the topical solution from the reservoir is automatically dispensed through the opening in the treatment head. In some embodiments, the motor which drives the treatment head also drives a pump for moving fluid from the reservoir and through the treatment head. The topical solution may be abrasive or non-abrasive. In some embodiments, the topical solution is a therapeutic solution for treating the skin.

Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool. The tool is of a concentric tube configuration comprising first and second elongated bodies, in which the second elongated body can be retracted into the first elongated body. The tool may incorporate retention members and mechanisms configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. Distal fluid or gas delivery may supplement a vacuum in a luminal space to help extract biological units from surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A system for repairing a meniscus includes a suture that includes a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible portion connecting the first anchor and the second anchor. The flexible portion includes a self-locking slide knot between the first anchor and the second anchor. The system also includes a needle having a longitudinal extending bore and an open end. The bore is configured to receive the first anchor and the second anchor. The system further includes a body portion operatively connected to the needle at a distal end of the body portion. The body portion has a lumen. The system also includes a pusher configured to rotate and slide within the lumen of the body portion and the longitudinal extending bore of the needle. The pusher has first and second stop surfaces, each of which is constructed and arranged to engage a proximal end of the body portion.

Abstract: Surgical coils are disclosed for marking, anchoring, stapling and suturing. Such surgical coils may be implanted in the body by deforming them to a small cross section profile, sliding it them through a low profile delivery device then deploying them from an embodiment of a delivery device at a targeted site. Embodiments of surgical coils when deployed revert back to a coiled configuration and circle tissue at the target site. Such surgical coils may be deployed about attachment members, such as suture lines, marker lines and the like for anchoring same.

Abstract: There is provided a penetratable toothed fastener for clamping tissue during surgery. The toothed fastener includes first and second legs each having longitudinal rows of transverse teeth and a securing member configured to pass through the transverse teeth to hold first and second legs closed relative to each other and about tissue. A locking mechanism is provided to retain the securing member within the first and second legs of the toothed fastener. The toothed fastener additionally includes receptacles for the receipt of medicant materials and holes in the teeth to dispense the materials to clamped tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying surgical clips has a body portion housing a clip stack and a pair of jaws supported at a distal end of the body portion. The body portion includes a camming member, a clip follower and a lockout member having a plurality of stop members. The lockout member is movable from a first position in slidable relation to the camming member to a second position interlocked with the camming member. The camming member has at least one notch, and in a second position the lockout member has at least one of the stop members positioned to interface with the at least one notch. The engagement between the stop member and the notch limits distal movement of the camming member. The clip follower actuates the lockout member when the clip follower advances to a predetermined clip in the clip stack.

Abstract: A clip for engaging tissue includes a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending normal to the plane. The body includes alternating inner and outer curved regions, defining a zigzag pattern about a periphery of the clip. The body is biased towards a planar configuration lying in the plane and deflectable towards a transverse configuration extending out of the plane. Tines extend from the inner curved regions, the tines being oriented towards the central axis in the planar configuration, and parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration. The tines may include primary tines and secondary tines that are shorter than the primary tines. The primary tines may be disposed on opposing inner curved regions and oriented towards one another such that they overlap in the planar configuration.

Abstract: A stapling device for a surgical endoscopic device provided with at least one flexible portion, comprising a staple-firing portion and an anvil portion, wherein one of the staple firing portions and one of the anvil portions are located longitudinally displaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the endoscopic device, with at least a part of said flexible portion between them. The parts of the stapling device are in correct working relationship when one or more alignment and/or locking pins or screws that are stored in one of the staple firing portions or one of the anvil portions are extended and engage and lock or screw into receptacles that have been provided on the other of the staple firing portion or of the anvil portion.

Abstract: An ultrasonic vibration apparatus includes a vibrator, wherein the vibrator includes at least two vibration elements to generate ultrasonic vibration when a driving voltage is applied to the vibration elements, at least three electrode portions wherein the vibration elements and the electrode portions is alternately arranged side by side in a vibrating direction, at least the three electrode portions includes at least two first electrode portions and at least one second electrode portion alternately arranged in the vibrating direction, the vibrator integrally vibrates ultrasonically in the vibrating direction when the driving voltage is applied to the first electrode portions and the second electrode portion, and a bridging portion coupling and electrically connecting two first electrode portions of at least the two first electrode portions with each other, and the ultrasonic vibration apparatus further includes an anti-vibration portion to suppress vibration of the bridging portion in any other direction exc

Abstract: A cutter (8) is telescopically received in a cannula (9) and both the cutter and cannula are telescopically mounted on a tubular carrier (7). A detection device (6) may be inserted through the open-ended carrier, cutter and cannula to properly place the surgical instrument in alignment with the tumor to be excised. Positioning tines (80) may penetrate the patient to firmly locate the carrier in its proper position on the patient. The cutter and cannula are moved about the carrier and are pressed into the tissue of the patient with the expectation that the circular core (60) of breast tissue formed by the cutter will have clear margins about the tumor. If the tumor extends too close to the circular incision, the cannula may be rotated so that its sidewall opening (26) faces the side of the remaining tissue to be excised and the surgeon can pull the remaining tissue through the sidewall and excise it, thereby avoiding a separate and delayed surgical procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for the introduction of a drainage tube into a patient's chest cavity, comprising a housing having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis; a scalpel operable in a protruding position between a closed position in which the cutting portions are adjacent one another and adapted to make an incision in the dermis of the patient, and an open position in which the cutting portions are spaced from one another forming a scalpel passage along the longitudinal axis between the cutting portions. The apparatus further comprising a trocar comprising first and second trocar portions, each extending along the length of the trocar; the trocar being operable between an closed position wherein the first and second trocar portions are substantially adjacent one another, and a closed position in which the first and second trocar portions are spaced from one another and adapted for the introduction of the drainage tube therethrough.

Abstract: An endoscopic scissor instrument includes an elongate hollow member, an actuator that moves axially through the hollow member, and first and second scissor blades with respective cutting surfaces. At least one of the scissor blades is rotatably coupled to the hollow member adjacent its distal end. At least one of the scissor blades includes a base supporting a resilient leaf-spring portion that includes a respective cutting edge. The resilient leaf-spring portion extends from the base in a cantilevered arrangement and generates a spring force acting on the respective cutting edge such that in a loaded state there is an automatic preload force imparted between the cutting edges of the scissor blades to maintain a consistent and continuous mating force between the two opposed sharpened cutting edges preferably over the complete range of rotational movement of the scissor blades.

Abstract: A medical instrument has a handle arranged at the proximal end, a shank extending distally proceeding from the handle, and a movable jaw part arranged at the distal end of the shank. The shank is designed to be rigid and includes at least one proximal bend region and at least one distal bend region, in which the extension direction of the shank changes. A section of the shank in which the distal bend region is situated may be rotated about the longitudinal axis relative to a section of the shank in which the proximal bend region is situated. The jaw part is rotatable relative to the shank about its distal longitudinal axis at the distal end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument having a hollow shaft on whose proximal end is positioned a handle consisting of at least two gripping members and on whose distal end there is a tool consisting of at least two jaw members, where at least one jaw member of the tool can be displaced with respect to the at least one other jaw member of the tool by means of a rotatably configured gripping member of the handle for opening and closing and the at least one displaceable jaw member and the corresponding gripping member of the handle serving to displace the jaw member are connected to one another by means of a push-pull rod that is mounted so that it can slide axially in the hollow shaft.

Abstract: A sealing device incorporating a block and tackle for assisting in sealing an internal tissue puncture with an internal and external component. The block and tackle provides a mechanical advantage multiplying an initial force to facilitate compression of the internal and external component together across the internal tissue puncture. The internal and external components may be an anchor and collagen sponge, respectively. The internal tissue puncture is generally an arteriotomy intentionally created in order to perform a vascular procedure. The ability to exert a greater compression force across the arteriotomy eliminates a tamping tube common to prior internal tissue puncture closure devices, and also eliminates additional steps heretofore common to sealing internal tissue punctures.

Abstract: A device for closing an aperture in a vessel wall comprising an elongated member positionable inside the vessel against an internal opening of the aperture and having a dimension exceeding a dimension of the internal opening of the aperture to prevent egress of fluid through the aperture. At least two curved legs are coupled to the elongated member, curve in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated member, and are positionable outside the vessel to help retain the elongated member in position the legs.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a puncture communicating with a blood vessel includes an inner member slidable within an outer member, and a balloon coupled to distal ends of the inner and outer members. A proximal end of the outer member includes a port for delivering fluid into the balloon, and a cylinder that communicates with the port. A piston coupled to the inner member is slidable and biased to move distally within the cylinder. The apparatus is introduced into the puncture until the collapsed balloon is disposed within the vessel. Fluid is introduced into the port, moving the inner member proximally to shorten the balloon as it expands. The balloon is withdrawn to seal the puncture, and a hydrogel is introduced into the puncture. Fluid is removed via the port, moving the inner member distally to extend the balloon as it collapses, and the apparatus is withdrawn.

Abstract: A hypobaric wound space is provided for prophylactic and diagnostic purposes in surgical wounds of the abdomen deliberately left open. The hypobaric wound space provided is established by a combination of an impermeable folio sheet or thin flexible membrane, tissue fluid absorbing gauze or sponge, a drain tube, and a suction device to create hypobaric conditions and prevent wound contamination and infection, and to collect wound fluid to diagnose protein, fluid and other substrate losses on a quantity and quality basis.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for the in-vivo creation and maintenance of contiguous fluid passages in tissue through the use of tissue buttressing portions with interrupted perimeter walls. These portions can be formed from hollow fiber or extruded components. One end of the tissue-buttressing portion is connected to a hollow tube, which may be connected to a fluid source. The other end of the buttressing portion may be attached to a needle or other device suitable for the penetration of tissue and the formation of passageways in tissue. When the device is installed in tissue, the hollow tube portion of the device is passed part way through the surface of the patient and serves as the conduit for the transfer of fluid to the implanted tissue-buttressing portion of the device. The presence of the buttressing portion within the tissue causes a bridging of the local tissue thereby forming an infusion passage between the external surface of the buttressing portion and the abutting tissue.

Abstract: A suture instrument according to the present invention includes a suture tool having an anchor anchored to a biological tissue, a suture thread drawn out of the anchor, and a stopper disposed on the suture thread; a hollow puncture needle, which can house the anchor thereinside, having a hard needle portion formed with an opening at the distal end thereof; a pusher which is disposed to advance and retreat in the puncture needle and a proximal side of which extends to a proximal side with its distal end being in contact with the anchor; and an outer sheath which houses the puncture needle so as to advance and retreat, in which an engaging portion, which is detachably engaged with the suture thread which is drawn in a state where the anchor is housed in the puncture needle, is disposed in the puncture needle or in the pusher.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. A bone engaging fastener is coupled to bone. A second fastener is coupled to a suture construction. The second fastener is coupled to the first fastener. Soft tissue is coupled to the suture construction.

Abstract: A fixation device is provided to immobilize a spinal motion segment and promote posterior fusion, used as stand-alone instrumentation or as an adjunct to an anterior approach. The device functions as a multi-level fusion system including modular single-level implementations. At a single-level the implant includes a pair of plates spanning two adjacent vertebrae with embedding teeth on the medially oriented surfaces directed into the spinous processes or laminae. The complementary plates at a single-level are connected via a cross-post passed through the interspinous process gap The freedom of rotational motion of both the cross-post and collar enables the complementary plates to be connected at a range of angles in the axial and coronal planes accommodating varying morphologies of the posterior elements in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. To achieve multi-level fusion the single-level implementation can be connected in series using an interlocking mechanism fixed by a set-screw.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint for distracting the cervical spine, thereby increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The implant can be inserted laterally or posteriorly.

Abstract: An implant that is implanted between adjacent spinous processes for the relief of pain associated with the spine. The device has a spacer to distract apart the adjacent spinous processes. To minimize trauma to the patient, the device has a tapered tissue expander to distract a previously created opening between the adjacent spinous processes. The device also has two wings. The position of one wing is adjustable to allow for ease of assembly in a patient.

Abstract: A plurality of individual tools is provided where each tool is uniquely configured to perform a step or a portion of a step in a novel procedure associated with the implantation of a stabilizing device (e.g., an interspinous spacer) for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment. The tools are usable individually, or more preferably as a tooling system in which the tools are collectively employed to implant an interspinous spacer, generally in a minimally invasive manner. For example, each of the tools is arranged with coordinated markings and/or other features to ensure consistent depths of insertion, proper orientation of the tools with respect to each other or an anatomical feature of the patient, and precise delivery of the spacer to maintain safe positioning throughout the implantation procedure.

Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy. The implant may provide a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion. The implant includes a central portion and first, second, third, and fourth arms that extend away from the central portion to form two generally oppositely facing saddles. For some versions, one arm is longer than the other arms. For some versions, all the arms are of different length, with one of the arms being longer than the other three, and one of the arms being shorter than the other three.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant for placing between the sacrum of a patient and the fifth lumbar vertebra. It comprises a connection bar (22), fastener means (24, 26) for fastening each end of the connection bar to the sacrum, and a spacer (20) having a first end for co-operating with the spinous process of the fifth lumbar vertebra, and a second end for co-operating with said connection bar, the implant being characterized in that said connection bar (22) has two ends (38, 40) presenting a common first geometrical axis, and a middle portion (36) connected to said ends, said middle portion lying on a second geometrical axis parallel to the first geometrical axis but offset relative thereto, second end of the spacer co-operating with said middle portion.

Abstract: Apparatuses are disclosed for use in orthopedic surgery, for example for procedures in which a support member is connected to the spine. A connector member for connecting to an orthopedic implant and a support member is provided. A sleeve fits around the implant, and a locking member or mechanism connects to the sleeve. Locking causes a part of the sleeve to press the support against the connector, and causes a part of the sleeve to compress around the implant, so that the implant and support are substantially inhibited or prevented from moving with respect to each other.

Abstract: A low-profile bone anchoring system particularly suited to pelvis fixation in conjunction with spinal correction. The preferred embodiment utilizes screw fixation, followed by deployment of penetrating anchoring arms, expansion of outer sleeve, or both. The proximal ends of the screw anchors are preferably flush or deep to the bone surface. An internal screw mechanism is utilized to deploy side anchoring arms, or expansion of outer sleeve, or both. Serrated top edge interfaces with low profile variable axis/angled elbow (VAE), which has varying lengths/dimensions to accommodate anatomy and differing rod sizes. The VAEs preferably feature a serrated bottom edge to interface with anchor screw. Locking screw at elbow secures into inner threads of pelvis anchor screw. Each VAE captures a rod, end to end, or by passing rod through the side of elbow.

Abstract: An anti-splay closure with a multi-surfaced aperture, such as a multi-lobular socket, includes a cylindrical body with an external, continuous, helically extending anti-splay guide and advancement flange and a breakaway installation head.

Abstract: Bone treatment plate assemblies, methods of fabrication, and methods of use. Such assemblies comprise spring structures assembled to bone treatment plates. The spring structure comprises elongate bands, and springs between the bands, urging the bands against structure of the plate. Spring width is less than spring height and/or one or more protuberances extending from the band or bands cooperate with one or more detents in the plate thereby to arrest longitudinal movement of the spring structure with respect to the plate.

Abstract: A retainer member formed of bone secures tissue relative to a bone. The retainer member forms an opening in a compact outer layer of the bone. The retainer member is enclosed in a tubular member or sleeve to prevent breaking of the retainer member during formation of the opening in the bone. The extent of movement of the retainer member into the hone in the patient's body is determined as the retainer member is moved into the bone. A suture may be connected with the retainer member and used to connect tissue with the bone. The retainer member may be positioned across a fracture in a bone to hold portions of the hone relative to each other. The retainer member may be used at a joint between end portions of bones to immobilize the joint and be released by breaking the retainer member.