Abstract: The present invention generally provides a polyaxial fixation device having a shank with a spherical head formed on a proximal end thereof, and a receiver member having an axial passage formed therein that is adapted to polyaxially seat the spherical head of the shank. The polyaxial bone screw further includes an engagement member that is adapted to provide sufficient friction between the spherical head and the receiver member to enable the shank to be maintained in a desired angular orientation before locking the spherical head within the receiver member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pedicle screw spinal rod connectors and more specifically, a pedicle screw head extender for use with a pedicle screw to ease connection to a spinal rod. The pedicle screw head extenders provided herein can be used with either fixed head pedicle screws or multi-axial head pedicle screws. The pedicle screw head extenders can either be threaded to or snapped into place within the various pedicle screws. It may also be possible to use the present invention with other types of spinal screws that may be connected to spinal rods without the screw actually being implanted through the pedicle of the spine.

Abstract: The fastening system consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle that operates as a socket for housing a retainer ring within a retaining ring groove. The retaining ring cooperates with the connector assembly and a saddle that is positioned atop the spherical connector.

Abstract: The fastening system consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle that operates as a socket for housing a retainer ring within a retaining ring groove.

Abstract: A reduction sleeve for facilitating insertion of a spinal rod into a rod-receiving channel formed in a bone fixation element. The reduction sleeve may include a through-bore sized and configured to receive the bone fixation element and a substantially transverse channel sized and configured to receive the spinal rod. The channel being substantially aligned with the rod-receiving channel formed in the bone fixation element so that, once the bone fixation element has been inserted into the reduction sleeve, the spinal rod can pass through the aligned channels. The reduction sleeve may also include at least one break-off point or region for facilitating breaking and removal of the reduction sleeve once the spinal rod has been clamped into the rod-receiving channel of the bone fixation element.

Abstract: A system for treating a facet joint of a patient. The facet joint includes a superior articular face and an inferior articular face. The system includes a resurfacing device, an implant insertion tool and a guide cannula. The resurfacing device is positionable between a superior articular face of a facet joint and an inferior articular face of a facet joint. The implant insertion tool is adapted to engage the resurfacing device. The guide cannula has a passage extending therethrough. The guide cannula passage is adapted to receive at least a portion of the resurfacing device and the implant insertion tool.

Abstract: Implants and methods for osteopathic augmentation and repositioning of vertebrae may comprise a chain having one or more beads or bodies configured for insertion into a vertebral body. The one or more bodies may be expandable. As the chain is inserted into the vertebral body, it may fill a central portion thereof and can push against the inner sides of the endplates of the vertebral body, thereby providing structural support and tending to restore the vertebral body to its original height. The one or more bodies may have a first configuration dimensioned to pass through a catheter or other introducer, and may expand to a second, larger configuration after insertion into the bone in order to secure the chain within the bone.

Abstract: A posterior spinal prosthesis is configured to cover exposed portions of a spinal column especially, but not necessarily, as a result of a medical spinal procedure and particularly, to provide posterior coverage of an exposed spinal cord, soft tissue, Foramen and/or adipose tissue, associated with one or more vertebrae as a result of the removal the spinous processes and/or the spinous process and laminar hoods from the one or more vertebrae of the spine as a result of a spinal decompression procedure or other reason. A plate forming the prosthesis is connectable to spine rod constructs implanted on lateral sides of the vertebrae and projects in the posterior direction relative to the connection. The plate is generally curved in the superior/inferior direction to provide either a lordotic or kyphotic curvature depending on the portion of the spine to which the prosthesis is utilized.

Abstract: A bone-anchored surgical mesh has slot-like anchoring members that allow for the variable placement of screws and other bone fasteners. This permits the surgeon discretion in the placement of bone fasteners used to attach the mesh to the patient's bone. The elongate openings of the anchoring members allow for a sliding motion between the bone fasteners and the anchoring members, and facilitates positioning and articulation of the mesh. The anchoring members may include bushings to aid the sliding motion of the anchoring member on the bone fastener. In one embodiment, the mesh consists of shorter modular strips that overlap each other such that a single bone fastener is passed through two overlapping anchoring members to lock the two modular mesh strips together. Additional modular mesh strips can be added on at either end, as desired, to provide the desired length of dural coverage.

Abstract: A method of anchoring an implant in hard tissue, and/or hard tissue replacement material, includes the steps of providing an initial opening in the hard tissue, providing a thermoplastic augmentation element, a tool and a counter element, compressing the augmentation element between the tool and the counter element while energy is coupled into the tool and while a periphery of a liquefaction interface of the tool and the augmentation element and/or of a liquefaction interface of the augmentation element and the counter element is in the opening, thereby liquefying material of the augmentation element at the liquefaction interface(s) to yield liquefied material, causing portions of the liquefied material to penetrate into structures of the hard tissue, allowing the liquefied material to harden and to thereby become augmentation material, removing the tool and the counter element, and anchoring the implant in the opening including at least some of the augmentation material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a polyaxial bone fixation element for use in spinal fixation to interconnect a longitudinal spinal rod with a patient's vertebra. The polyaxial bone fixation element preferably includes a bone anchor, a collet, a body, and a locking cap. The polyaxial bone fixation element preferably enables in-situ assembly. That is, the polyaxial bone fixation element is preferably configured so that in use, the bone anchor may be secured to the patient's vertebra prior to being received within the body. Accordingly, the polyaxial bone fixation element enables a surgeon to implant the bone anchor without the body to maximize visibility and access around the anchoring site. Once the bone anchor has been secured to the patient's vertebra, the body can be snapped-onto the bone anchor. The bone anchor preferably also includes a second tool interface so that a surgical instrument can be directly coupled to the bone anchor.

Abstract: A cable fixation device comprises a clamp including a head portion and a body portion along with a lumen extending therethrough. The head portion is removably coupleable with an actuating mechanism. The lumen is sized and shaped to slidably accommodate a cable in combination with a clamping ring including a channel extending therethrough. The channel includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is sized and shaped to slidably accommodate the cable therethrough. The second portion is sized and shaped to engage the clamp. A portion of the clamp is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, the cable slidable therethrough in the first configuration. The portion of the clamp moves radially inward in the second configuration to clamp the cable.

Abstract: A method for positioning a stent able to be deployed to support a vessel in a blood vessel, especially in the cardiology, with the stent after its provisional placement in a not yet deployed state in an area intended for the support of the vessel, being at least partly automatically deployed as a function of at least one triggering signal for final positioning in the blood vessel.

Abstract: An expandable substantially spherical structure for deployment in a blood vessel or other body lumen, comprising: an open frame formed out of a closed loop of filament and configured to assume (i) a collapsed configuration in the form of a substantially two-dimensional elongated loop structure so as to facilitate insertion into the blood vessel or other body lumen, and (ii) an expanded configuration in the form of a three-dimensional substantially spherical structure so as to facilitate retention at a site in the blood vessel or other body lumen; and a flow-restricting face carried by the open frame; wherein the open frame is configured so as to permit substantially normal flow therethrough when the open frame is in its expanded configuration, and further wherein the flow-restricting face is configured so as to restrict flow therethrough.

Abstract: A stent or stent-graft delivery system includes a stent ejection component. The stent ejection component includes a body and an ejection collar. The ejection collar extends from the body in the proximal direction. The ejection collar assists in automatically ejecting a proximal end of a stent when the tapered tip is moved in the distal direction to deploy the stent. A stent or stent-graft delivery system may also include a retain-sleeve landing component. The retaining-sleeve landing component includes a body and a landing collar. The landing collar extends from the body in a distal direction. The landing collar automatically captures a tapered tip of the delivery system when the tapered tip is moved in a distal direction to deploy a stent contained in the delivery system. Upon capture of the tapered tip, the stent ejection component with the tapered tip attached has an atraumatic profile.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for using an intraocular shunt deployment device to deploy an intraocular shunt from the device and into an eye.

Abstract: A stent and stent catheter for intra-cranial use, and a method of treating vascular disease in blood vessels in the brain.

Abstract: A stent or stent-graft delivery system includes a handle having a graft cover retractor having a screw gear and a drive and quick release assembly. The drive and quick release assembly includes a proximal portion and a distal portion that are separable. The proximal portion of the drive and quick release assembly rotates in a first rotational direction about the screw gear to retract the graft cover using the screw gear. The drive and quick release assembly transitions from retraction using the engagement with the screw gear to retraction by sliding by the user grasping the distal portion instead of the proximal portion, and sliding the proximal portion only along the screw gear. In transitioning from using the screw gear to sliding along screw gear, it unnecessary to push any button and unnecessary for the user to remove her/his hand from the assembly.

Abstract: A stent graft delivery device (1) has an elongated extension piece (20) extending from its proximal end of the introducer portion (3). The elongate extension piece is selectively separable from the introducer portion. A plurality of auxiliary guide wires (50) extend from through the stent graft delivery device and through the elongate extension piece. The auxiliary guide wires can cross over at the proximal end of the extension piece and return. The stent graft delivery device can be introduced into a patient via a femoral artery and the elongated extension piece can extend out an artery of the thoracic arch whereby to extend the auxiliary guide wires out of such an artery to give through and through guide wires. Catheterization of pararenal arteries is then possible via a brachial route.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis is provided that includes a tubular graft and an expandable annular support structure for use in a body lumen through which body fluids flow. The annular support structure is coupled to the tubular graft where it is to be sealingly engaged with the inner wall of a body lumen so that the graft and support structure, in combination, provide an improved seal. An embodiment according to the invention provides an annular structure with longitudinally staggered apices providing multiple levels of contact with the inner body lumen wall to provide a seal at multiple levels along the length of the prosthesis. One embodiment relates to tubular grafts for endoluminal placement within blood vessels for the treatment of abdominal and other aneurysms.

Abstract: The medical devices, such as stent grafts, described herein preferably include a tubular remodelable graft material attached to a support frame formed at least in part from a metallic bioabsorbable material. The remodelable graft material preferably includes an extracellular matrix material such as small intestinal submucosa (SIS). The support frame attached to the graft is preferably a bioabsorbable magnesium alloy. The devices may be implanted within a peripheral vascular body vessel from a percutaneous delivery catheter.

Abstract: A stent-graft system comprising a graft member and a stent having a connection end interconnected with the graft member and a free end opposed thereto. The stent includes a plurality of struts extending between the connection end and the free end and at least two of the struts having different lengths such that the free end has a nonuniform profile. A method of securing at least one end of a stent-graft within a vessel is also provided.

Abstract: A hybrid stent graft device for treatment of a Type A dissection having a first tubular portion for placement into the ascending aorta and a second tubular portion for extending around the thoracic arch and down the descending aorta is disclosed. The first tubular portion is connectable to the aorta between the sinotubular junction and the brachiocephalic artery so that it essentially replaces the ascending aorta. A temporary bypass tube allows perfusion during an operation. The second tubular portion has an elongate recess outside of the second tubular portion and an aperture defining a fluid flow path into the recess. The recess is intended to engage an outer curve of the thoracic arch to enable blood flow into the arteries of the thoracic arch. An introduction device in combination with the hybrid stent graft described above is also disclosed.

Abstract: Expandable biodegradable devices formed of bistable and multistable unit cells for use in devices, such as stents and graft systems, are provided, in which the device has two or more stable configurations, including a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, the contracted stable configuration having a smaller diameter than the expanded configuration.

Abstract: An intravascular cuff acts as a lining between a native vessel and an intravascular prosthetic device. During deployment, the ends of the cuff curl back upon themselves and are capable of trapping native tissue, such as valve leaflet tissue, between the ends. The cuff creates a seal between the vessel and the prosthetic, thereby preventing leakage around the prosthetic. The cuff also traps any embolic material dislodged from the vessel during expansion of the prosthetic.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a stent comprises an expandable framework comprising a plurality of serpentine bands and a plurality of connector struts. Each serpentine band comprises a plurality of alternating struts and turns. A plurality of the serpentine bands each have their proximal turns aligned on a common stent circumference and comprise first distal turns and second distal turns. The first distal turns are aligned with one another on a common stent circumference. The second distal turns aligned with one another on another common stent circumference. Each band in the plurality comprises first struts and second struts. Each first strut is attached between a proximal turn and a first distal turn, and each second strut is attached between a proximal turn and a second distal turn. The second struts are wider than said first struts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stent structures having improved migration resistance. In particular, the invention relates to mesh stents, such as braided or twisted stent designs, where at least a portion of the stent is folded back over itself to form a multi-layered stent device. Such multi-layered portions provide for migration resistance, among other advantages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent for protecting a branch blood vessel at a branch-point lesion. The stent is inserted into and widened in a main blood vessel having the branch blood vessel extending in a slant from the branch-point lesion, thereby simultaneously expanding the main blood vessel and providing a smooth flow of blood towards the branch blood vessel. As a result, it is possible to simultaneously expand the main blood vessel and to sufficiently secure a passage from the main blood vessel towards the branch blood vessel. As such, the flow of blood is kept smooth. Further, after the stent is inserted into the main blood vessel, another stent, a guide wire, and related tools and catheter can be inserted in the direction of the branch blood vessel in a more accurate manner.

Abstract: An endoluminal device for affixation to a wall of a body lumen having a neck region defined by a relatively narrow width and a shoulder region that diverges from the neck region to a relatively wider width. The device comprises a bulbous portion having a shoulder portion with a diameter profile that conforms to the shoulder region of the lumen, and a converging diameter portion sized not to conform to the body lumen diameter profile. In some embodiments, a plurality of affixation members in an area of the device that typically extends from a distal end of the device through the shoulder portion. In one embodiment, the device comprises an endograft for repair of an aneurysm, such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Abstract: A radially expandable prosthesis for implantation in a lumen comprises a tubular wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. The tubular wall is provided with cuts to form solid struts which have a thickness and which enables the prosthesis to expand. The solid struts have reservoirs made therethrough in the form of perforating holes for containing a therapeutic agent. The perforating holes each have an inner opening and an outer opening of substantially the same size. The prosthesis, including said perforating holes, has a smooth electrochemically polished surface.

Abstract: A catheter adapted for placement in the ascending aorta comprises a central catheter mechanism and a balloon structure or other occluding structure at its distal end. The catheter may be placed over the aortic arch such that the balloon structure is placed in the ascending aorta just above the Sinus of Valsalva and coronary ostia. Once in place, the balloon structure is inflated to control blood flow through the aorta during aortic valve ablation and replacement protocols.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for percutaneous aortic valve (PAV) replacement and apparatus used therein. A temporary aortic valve including a reversibly expandable occluding means surrounds a central catheter mechanism. The temporary valve is positioned within the ascending aorta, just above and downstream from the coronary ostia. The occluding means is configured such that, when fully expanded against the aortic wall, gaps are left that promote continuous coronary perfusion during the cardiac cycle. The temporary valve substitutes for the function of the native aortic valve during its replacement. The native aortic valve is next dilated, and then ablated through deployment of low profile, elongated, sequentially delivered stents. The stent(s) displace the native tissues and remain within the aortic annulus to receive and provide a structure for retaining the PAV. The PAV is delivered, positioned and deployed within the stent(s) at the aortic annulus with precision and relative ease.

Abstract: Storage and loading systems for expandable intraluminal medical devices are described. The systems include a container that defines an opening that tapers from a relatively large first diameter to a relatively small second diameter. A neck region includes structure adapted to engage an outer sheath of a delivery system such that an intraluminal medical device within the chamber of the container can be advanced through the tapered opening to effect compression of the intraluminal medical device and, ultimately, loading of the device into the delivery system. Methods of preparing and intraluminal medical device for implantation in a patient and kits useful in such methods are also described.

Abstract: Treatment methods and devices are provided for percutaneously accessing a patient's thoracic region via a controlled opening in the aorta, so that cardiac procedures, such as a coronary bypass procedure, can be performed in a minimally invasive manner. Advantageously, it may be possible to perform the procedure without placing the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass. The method may include percutaneously delivering at least one catheter into an aorta of a heart, forming a controlled opening in the aorta and pericardium via the at least one catheter to access a thoracic region within the patient's chest, and performing at least one coronary bypass graft procedure through the controlled opening.

Abstract: A device for improving the function of a heart valve comprises a first loop-shaped support, which is configured to abut a first side of the heart valve, and a first flange unit being connected to said first loop-shaped support. The flange unit is configured to be arranged against said annulus when said first loop-shaped support is abutting said heart valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an item, such as an external breast prosthesis, an anti-decubitus cushion or mattress, comprising a closed envelope A made of a soft material and containing as filler a silicone gel that comprises an odor masking active ingredient C.

Abstract: An all-inside double-socket ACL reconstruction technique, according to which a femoral socket and a closed tibial socket are provided to accommodate retrograde fixation of at least one graft (for example, a semitendonosus allograft) within the sockets. The closed tibial socket is formed by using a retrograde drill device provided with a retrograde drill cutter detachable from a retrograde drill guide pin. The femoral socket may be formed by the retrograde drill method or by a conventional method, and may be carried out before or after the formation of the tibial socket. The graft is secured in the knee by employing a transversal implant, or by employing an interference screw, and/or a continuous loop/button construct.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a soft tissue graft anchor. The anchor includes a plurality of prongs, each prong including a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the prongs are coupled at their distal ends to form an inner cavity having an opening, at least one of the prongs including a fin, the fin extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the prong and including a pointed end. A tissue graft anchor assembly, a method for tissue repair, and instrumentation for use therewith are also disclosed.

Abstract: A biologic artificial bone includes an artificial fiber material formed from a synthetic polymer with mechanical properties similar to type I collagen. A biocompatible liquid substance is impregnated in the fiber material that hardens and stiffens the fiber material. A bone substitute is impregnated in the hardened and stiffened fiber material forming an artificial bone composite. Vascular channels are formed in the artificial bone composite to facilitate in-growth of vessels and bone forming cells. The construction and methods achieve an artificial composite structure that is similar to natural bone with comparable properties.

Abstract: A seal for preventing a bodily fluid from penetrating an orthopedic implant comprising a tapered section adapted to conformingly mate to a stem of a first implant component, and a collar section extending from and circumferentially surrounding a portion of the tapered section, the collar section adapted to mate to a base of a second implant component such that the tapered section and collar section define an opening therethrough configured to receive the first implant component.

Abstract: A device is provided that is non-rigid, i.e., flexible and/or malleable, in a first form, and then transformable after insertion to an in vivo site into a rigid, or hardened, form; a cure-initiating energy is applied to the device; and the device is then positioned in the in vivo site where it hardens to provide a load-bearing function or other structural and/or mechanical function. The device includes a biocompatible sheath and a curable material sealed within the sheath. The curable material is provided in a first form that provides flexibility to the device and is structured to rigidize in a second form after application of a quantity of an initiating energy to the material.

Abstract: Embodiments of bony region stabilization implants are described generally herein including a controllable expandable implant for placement between two bony segments including vertebrae. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: An expandable cage supports adjacent vertebra in spine surgery. The expandable cage includes a first supporting member configured to engage tissue and a second supporting member operatively associated with the first supporting member. The first and second supporting members are movable relative to each other. The expandable cage further includes a cam lock mechanism configured to maintain the first and second supporting members in a fixed relative position. In another embodiment, the expandable cage includes a ring plate lock mechanism in lieu of the cam lock mechanism. The ring plate lock mechanism is adapted to maintain the first and second supporting members in a fixed relative position.

Abstract: A transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) implant to be placed in an intervertebral space includes a front member and a back member. The front member includes a first end having a hinge, a second end, a pair of lateral portions, a top wall and a bottom wall, an opening configured through the pair of lateral portions and a plurality of openings in each of the top wall and the bottom wall. The back member includes a first end having an arcuately-shaped attachment head comprising a receptor dimensioned and configured to accommodate the hinge of the front member, a second end, a pair of lateral portions, a top wall, a bottom wall and an opening configured through the pair of lateral portions. The top wall and the bottom wall of the back member further comprise a plurality of openings.

Abstract: A system for distributing bone graft material in an intervertebral disc space is provided having a central beam having a proximal portion having an end, a grafting portion having a top and a bottom, a distal portion having a end, a central beam axis, a graft distribution channel having an entry port at the end of the proximal portion, a top exit port at the top of the grafting portion, and a bottom exit port at the bottom of the grafting portion. These systems can also include a laterovertically-expanding frame operable for a reversible collapse from an expanded state into a collapsed state. The expanded state, for example, can be configured to have an open graft distribution window that at least substantially closes upon the reversible collapse.

Abstract: A humeral component of a shoulder prosthesis encloses a stem module which has a shank and an upper shank portion with a stem support surface. A joint adapter is adapted to hold either a liner or a spherical cap. The joint adapter has an adapter support surface which interfaces with the stem support surface. Further, the stem support surface and the adapter support surface have corresponding radial arc shaped sections which allow positioning of the joint adapter against the stem module at different inclination angles. For fastening the joint adapter to the stem module, a bolt or screw is provided.

Abstract: Trials for a reverse shoulder system are described. The trials generally include an insert housed within a humeral cup. The insert has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end having a concave recess therein adapted to receive a glenosphere prosthesis. The distal end of the insert includes a shaft, the shaft is substantially housed within the confines of the humeral cup. A distal end of the humeral cup is inserted in a humeral stem.

Abstract: A shoulder implant assembly including a humeral stem, a head, a cup, and a taper adaptor. The humeral stem is configured to be inserted into a humerus bone. The head includes a metal substrate having a coupling taper and a polymeric cover mounted to the metal substrate having a convex outer surface and a generally planar base. The cup has a concave surface configured to articulate with the polymeric cover of the head. The taper adaptor is configured to mate with the coupling taper of the head. The taper adaptor is configured to connect the head to the stem when the cup is connected to a glenoid. The taper adaptor is configured to connect the head to the glenoid when the cup is connected to the humeral stem.

Abstract: An artificial hip cup design having an external groove for accepting a split ring or segmented split rings with knife shaped edges and specially designed set screws which expand the split ring's outer diameter. After the cup is placed in the socket of the pelvic bone, it can be readjusted, if necessary, and then locked in final position.

Abstract: A process for forming a ceramic layer comprising a compound of a metal on a deposition surface of a workpiece comprises providing a reactive gas, selecting the amounts of a vapor of the metal and ions of the metal relative to each other, generating the metal vapor, and projecting an ion beam of the metal ions. The metal vapor, the metal ions, and the reactive gas form the ceramic layer with a desired structure. The process may include the step of controlling a deposition surface temperature. In one embodiment, the metal vapor comprises zirconium vapor and the ion beam comprises zirconium ions. The relative amounts of the zirconium vapor and the zirconium ions are selected to form a zirconia ceramic layer on the deposition surface. The zirconia may have multiple crystal phases that are formed according to a predetermined ratio.