Abstract: Spinal implants and methods of extending pre-existing spinal implant constructs. An extension clamp may be connected to an original spinal implant including an elongated rod attached to a portion of the spine without removal of the original spinal implant. The extension clamp may include a yoke and an extension rod extending from the yoke. The yoke may include a first end and a second end, the first end having first and second rod engaging portions and a channel between the first and second rod engaging portions for encompassing a fastener, and the second end being spaced apart from the first end. The first and second rod engaging portions may be configured and dimensioned to secure the extension clamp to the elongated rod.

Abstract: An adjustable articulating spinal rod system including a first elongated element secured to a first bone, a second elongated element secured to the spine, and an articulating joint connecting the first and second elongated elements. The articulating joint including a first movable joint, a second movable joint, and at least one locking mechanism. The first movable joint is coupled to the first elongated element and the second movable joint which is also coupled the second elongate element. The first and second movable joints are configured to allow polyaxial movement and rotation of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element. The at least one locking mechanism immobilizes the first and second movable joints in the locked position to secure the first elongate element in a position relative to the second elongate element and allow movement and rotation in an unlocked position.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to extendable rods for use in orthopedic assemblies. In some embodiments, these implants may be used in conjunction with procedures to treat spinal deformities, including, but not limited to, early onset scoliosis.

Abstract: A spinal alignment system can include a rod and a plurality of uniplanar screw assemblies that include a screw, a cap, and a housing. The screw and cap can be configured such that the relative angular displacement between the screw and the cap is limited to a first limit angle in a first plane and to a second limit angle in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane, the second limit angle being larger than the first limit angle. The housing can be coupled to the cap and configured to maintain the cap in proximity with the head of the screw. The housing can have two elongated elements forming a U-shaped saddle. The alignment system can also include a plurality of locking cap assemblies that capture the rod within the U-shaped saddle and are tightened to fixedly couple the rod to the respective uniplanar screw assemblies.

Abstract: A spinal implant system comprises a plurality of alternate first members. Each of the first members includes an inner surface defining an implant cavity. A second member is configured to penetrate tissue and includes a mating element engageable with a first member such that the second member is interchangeable with the plurality of first members. A first member is selected for connection with the second member to comprise a bone fastener having a selected movement. Fasteners, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A bone anchor system utilizing an extended tab tulip having rails which extend from a point above the skin of a patient to a point proximal a bone anchor, and a slide member pivotally coupled to a rod, the slide member having engagement features which align to the rails of the extended tabs such that the coupled rod assembly is easily and efficiently guided to a position more proximate to the bone anchor and the rod is simultaneously pivoted into engagement with an adjacent bone anchor under the skin and musculature of the patient, for example.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system includes a rod and anchor devices that include a bone engaging fastener having a head defining a spherical socket. A ball insert is placed within the socket and rotated so that the ball insert is juxtaposed with the socket. The anchor device further includes a yoke defining a yoke channel for receiving the rod and a stem engaged to the ball insert captured within the socket. A sleeve disposed between the yoke channel and the fastener head supports the rod. A set screw is operable to clamp the rod against the sleeve and draw the insert into engagement within the socket. A releasable detent defined between the yoke and the fastener head is configured to releasably retain the yoke in at least one discrete position relative to the fastener. Portions of the releasable detent may also exert a frictional retention force against the fastener head.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal stabilization device for the treatment of high-grade spinal disorders is disclosed herein. The dynamic spinal stabilization device includes two or more screw assemblies, each of which include a pedicle screw and a head socket containing a curved internal track that limits the range of motion and center of rotation of the spinal segments stabilized using the device to the physiological levels of a nondegraded spinal segment.

Abstract: A spinal implant for use with a surgical treatment comprises a plate including a surface that defines a first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity is oriented to implant a multi-axial fastener with a sacrum. The second cavity is oriented to implant a fastener with an ala of a sacrum. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal construct comprises a longitudinal member extending between a first end and a second end. A reduction member is connected with the second end and defines at least one opening configured for disposal of the longitudinal member. The reduction member includes an outer surface engageable with a spinal implant and is translatable relative to the longitudinal member. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal implant system comprises a plate including a surface that defines a first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity is oriented to implant a multi-axial fastener with a sacrum. The second cavity is oriented to implant a fastener with an ala of a sacrum. A surgical instrument is engageable with the plate. At least one of the plate and the surgical instrument includes an engagement surface for connection therebetween. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extension piece at a screw end of a pedicle screw, where two extension pieces are oppositely disposed at the pedicle screw tail, and the extension pieces are flexible extension pieces. The extension pieces are flexibly designed, having elastically bendable characteristics, the extension pieces in the subcutaneous part can be elastically bent by external force, its dilation trend may not extend to the epithelial part, and it is feasible that muscles are squeezed only subcutaneously, so as to keep small incisions, and in the case of a threading operation of a reset rod, as portions of the two extension pieces in the subcutaneous part are dilated and separated after bending, a sufficient threading space can be provided, so that the threading operation is easy to perform, thereby reducing risks of surgeries. Further disclosed are a dilator and a push rod reset lever cooperating with the extension piece.

Abstract: A system and method for percutaneous loop kyphoplasty is described. An apparatus for the treatment of a targeted vertebral bone fracture includes a first trocar having a first lumen, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the first trocar is configured for surgical insertion into a vertebral body at a first location, a second trocar having a second lumen, a proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the second trocar is configured for surgical insertion into the vertebral body at a second location, a wire tool that is slidable within the first trocar, a grasper tool that is slidable within the second trocar and is configured to temporarily couple to the wire tool within the vertebral body, and a non-deployable balloon that is advanced through the first or second trocar into the vertebral body to facilitate expansion within the vertebral body.

Abstract: Systems for bone fracture repair are disclosed. One system includes a biocompatible putty that may be packed about a bone fracture to provide full loadbearing capabilities within days. The disclosed putties create an osteoconductive scaffold for bone regeneration and degrade over time to harmless resorbable byproducts. Fixation devices for contacting an endosteal wall of an intramedullary (IM) canal of a fractured bone are also disclosed. One such fixation device includes a woven elongated structure fabricated from resorbable polymer filaments. The woven elongated structure has resilient properties that allow the woven structure to be radially compressed and delivered to the IM canal using an insertion tube. When the insertion tube is removed, the woven structure expands towards its relaxed cross-sectional width to engage the endosteal wall. The woven elongated structure is impregnated with a resorbable polymer resin that cures in situ, or in the IM canal.

Abstract: An anterior cervical includes a plate portion for stabilizing a human or animal spine by being placed ventrally of the spinal column and affixed to two or more different vertebral bodies, and a plurality of fastening portions adapted to be anchored in the different vertebral bodies. At least one of the fastening portions is rigidly connected to the plate portion and includes a sheath element with a longitudinal opening that is accessible from a proximal side and at least one hole that reaches from the longitudinal opening to an outside. The anterior cervical plate further includes a thermoplastic element that may be inserted in the sheath element and that is capable of being liquefied by, for example, mechanical energy acting on the thermoplastic element.

Abstract: A dynamic subsidence plate is described having a first plate member and a second plate member in sliding engagement that may infinitely subside between a first and second assembled position. The plate includes a lock assembly associated with the first and second plate members. The lock assembly includes a ramp portion, an interference portion, and a bearing member situated between the ramp portion and the interference portion. The lock assembly of the plate is configured to allow movement of the first member with respect to the second member in a first direction in an infinite number of positions between a first assembled position and a second assembled position. Further, the lock assembly alternatively prevents movement of the first member with respect to the second member in an opposite second direction between the first and second assembled positions.

Abstract: A modular bone fixation linkage includes a plurality of interconnected links that can angulate with respect to an adjacent one of the links about at least one axis, such as three axes. The links can further include fixation holes that are configured to receive bone anchors that secure the links to an underlying anatomical structure.

Abstract: A medical apparatus including a bar with a first attachment loop, a second attachment and a plurality of hooks, wherein the medical apparatus is an arch bar.

Abstract: A void containment apparatus and its method of use during an invasive procedure on the body are disclosed. The void containment apparatus includes an elongated housing and a balloon. The balloon is capable of being inflated and deflated. When inflated, the balloon provides a seal around a void and allows delivery or extraction of material into or out of the void with minimal leakage outside the void.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating bone, such as vertebral compression fractures are disclosed. A method includes controllably applying energy to a bone cement volume outside of a patient's body to selectively accelerate the polymerization rate of the bone fill material volume prior to introduction into a bone. The method further includes sequentially introducing a plurality of cement carrying structures with the accelerated polymerization rate bone cement volume into the bone. A system for use in the method includes at least one elongated cement-carrying structure sized to carry a bone cement volume therein and an energy source operatively coupleable to the cement-carrying structure. The energy source applies energy to the bone cement volume to selectively accelerate a polymerization rate thereof. An elongated injector insertable into the bone has a passageway that removably receives the elongated cement-carrying structure to allow delivery of the accelerated polymerization rate bone cement into the bone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating vertebral compression fractures are provided. A kit can include at least one body containing a bone cement precursor to be mixed with at least one other bone cement precursor to form a bone cement. The body or a package containing the body can include at least one sensor. In some embodiments the sensor can be a temperature sensor. In some methods, data from the sensor can be used to determine certain parameters related to a treatment interval involving the bone cement.

Abstract: An expandable implant for treating bone preferably in a minimally invasive manner includes a preferably cylindrical core element extending along a longitudinal axis and preferably a plurality of nestable, expandable sleeves extending along a longitudinal axis for placement radially about the core element. The plurality of nestable sleeves are sequentially insertable over the core element in such a manner that a first nestable sleeve is inserted over the core element and each subsequently inserted nestable sleeve is received between the core element and the previously inserted nestable sleeve such that the insertion of each additional sleeve causes each previously inserted sleeve to outwardly expand.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic wire-directing intramedullary reduction device used for long bone fracture including a holder, a reduction bushing mounted at the holder; a reduction head rotatably mounted at the reduction bushing; a pipe for guide wire mounted at the holder, a reduction rod received in the reduction bushing with the front end of the reduction rod connecting to the other side at the rear end of the reduction head, the reduction rod will drive the reduction head to rotate around a shaft when moving back and forth, a fixing handle fixed at the rear part of the holder; a wire-directing handle rotatably connected to the fixing handle, a pushing plate for guide wire disposed between the front part and the rear part of the holder, a guide wire passing through the pipe for guide wire, a return spring for pushing plate sleeved around the guide wire, the wire-directing handle will drive the pushing plate for guide wire and the guide wire to move forward when rotating around the rotate shaft.

Abstract: A living tissue bonding system includes a treatment instrument having a heating element which applies thermal energy to living tissue, an element temperature measuring section configured to measure an element temperature T1 of the heating element, a power source configured to generate power, a first calculating section configured to estimate a temperature difference ?T between the element temperature T1 and a temperature T2 of the living tissue using a table or an equation stored beforehand in order to estimate the temperature difference ?T based on an output value of the power source, a second calculating section configured to estimate the tissue temperature T2 from the element temperature T1 and the temperature difference ?T estimated by the first calculating section, and a control section configured to control the power source based on the tissue temperature T2 estimated by the second calculating section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, a method and a catheter that provide improved ablation capabilities and improved energy efficiency by selectively energizing catheter electrodes on the basis of impedance measurements. In particular, the invention is directed to the selective energization of catheter radial electrodes that together with a tip electrode form a generally continuous tissue contact surface, wherein the selection is made on the basis of impedance measurement as an indication of the amount of tissue contact of each radial electrode.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting faults within an electrosurgical instrument having a shield and an active electrode uses multiple possible fault conditions. In one embodiment the monitoring system comprises an electrosurgical generator coupled to the electrosurgical instrument and adapted to deliver power to the active electrode of the electrosurgical instrument, monitoring circuitry coupled to the electrosurgical generator and the electrosurgical instrument.

Abstract: A coaptive surgical sealing tool may be similar to an ordinary hemostat with long (50, 60, 70 or 80 mm) thin jaws for sliding into the liver parenchyma, without tearing the larger blood vessels. The jaws are spring loaded and are designed for uniform compression, and to avoid closing too quickly. The jaws are capable of sealing a 50, 60, 70 or 80 mm sealing length, in a single bite, although it can also seal shorter lengths as well. The tool can be used with existing RF/ bi-polar cautery generators.

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device has an outer sleeve with a distal window and an inner cutting sleeve which moves past the window to cut tissue. The inner cutting sleeve has a lumen which may have a larger proximal diameter than distal diameter. A perimeter of the window may comprise a dielectric material. A distal edge of the inner sleeve may be displaced inwardly.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for contemporaneously assessing the success of a renal denervation procedure. One or more characteristics of a patient's heart, such as atrioventricular (AV) interval, PR interval and/or heart rate are monitored during an ablation procedure. A change in the heart characteristic detected during the ablation may indicate successful denervation. Accordingly, successive new locations may be targeted for ablation until a change is detected.

Abstract: A redirecting delivery catheter includes a first longitudinal member having an inner chamber configured to receive a second longitudinal member, an outer surface surrounding the inner chamber, a first region located at a proximal end, a second region located at a distal end, and a length. An opening in the outer surface extends along a portion of the length of the first longitudinal member between the first region and the second region. A deflecting mechanism is located proximate to the opening and is configured to be capable of transforming from a first position to a second position. The deflecting mechanism is configured to enable the second longitudinal member to access the second region in the second position and to deflect the second longitudinal member towards the opening in the first position. Methods of use of the redirecting delivery catheter are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for controlling delivery of ablation energy by an ablation catheter to tissue in a body is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit configured to determine, responsive to a measurement signal from the ablation catheter, a value for a characteristic associated with the delivery of ablation energy to the tissue. In one embodiment, the characteristic is the degree of contact between the ablation catheter and the tissue. The unit is further configured to generate a control signal, responsive to the determined value of the characteristic, to control an amount of energy delivered from an ablation delivery element on the ablation catheter to the tissue. The amount of energy varies in response to the determined value of the characteristic when the determined value of the characteristic meets a predetermined condition relative to a threshold value for the characteristic.

Abstract: An endovascular sheath device for use with a thermal treatment apparatus is provided. The device includes a longitudinal tube which is designed to receive a thermal treatment device and is designed to be inserted into a blood vessel. An ultrasonically visible reinforcement element is disposed along the length of the longitudinal tube. The reinforcement element such as a braided wire provides several functions including increased visibility under ultrasound, clearer identification of sheath tip, and increased durability to protect the fiber from needle punctures during tumescent injections into the perivenous space. The wire reinforcement also increases shaft torquability and kink resistance during sheath insertion and withdrawal.

Abstract: A surgical spatula has a planar transmission line for carrying microwave energy formed from a sheet of a first dielectric material which has first and second conductive layers on opposite sides thereof. The surgical spatula also has a coaxial cable for delivering microwave energy to the planar transmission line. The coaxial cable has an inner conductor, an outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor and a second dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors. The inner and outer conductors extend beyond the second dielectric to overlap opposite surfaces of the transmission line and electrically contact the first conductive layer and second conductive layer respectively. The width of the first and second conductive layers is selected to create an impedance match between the transmission line and the coaxial cable.

Abstract: A microwave applicator having a probe which comprises an elongate shaft (14), the shaft having an external tubular wall (18), a radiating portion (15) disposed at the distal end of the shaft (14). a transmission line (17) extending to the radiating portion internally of the tubular external wall (18), and an elongate flow dividing member (19) which co-extends with the transmission line (17) longitudinally of the shaft (14), the side wall of the transmission line (17) and the side wall of the flow dividing member (19) contacting each other and contacting the internal surface of the external tubular wall (18) at two-spatially separated discrete positions, thereby defining a pair of flow channels (20, 21) inside the shaft (14). In use, cooling fluid, can pass down one channel (20) and return via the other channel (21). The structure of the probe is uncomplicated and the probe is straightforward to assemble.

Abstract: Disclosed are a laser device and method for dermocosmetic, medical or aesthetic treatments. The device comprises: a laser system comprising a lamp-pumped source; an optical fiber transporting the laser beam produced by said source; a handpiece or a scanner connected to said optical fiber, comprising a lens and mirror system projecting the image of the laser beam onto the area to be treated; wherein said optical fibre has a rectangular section and said image is rectangular.

Abstract: A skin treatment device (100) comprises:—a housing (101);—a treatment action performer (110) arranged within the housing (101) for performing a treatment action on the user's skin (2);—a speed sensor (120) for sensing a relative speed between the housing and the user's skin;—a speed feedback signalling device (400);—a control device (140) receiving an output signal from the speed sensor. The control device controls the speed feedback signalling device if the output signal received from the speed sensor is outside a tolerated displacement speed range (R). The tolerated displacement speed range is adapted to the skills of the user to move the device over the skin surface with a constant speed. If the user's skills are relatively low, the control device increases the magnitude of the tolerated displacement speed range.

Abstract: The present apparatus alleviates the unpleasant sensations of the treatment recipient and of the caregiver caused by the heated and sometimes burned hair shafts residuals and vapors emitted by the heated skin.

Abstract: The invention provides a packaging element (2, 3) comprising two shells (21, 22, 31, 32), each shell having a margin (210, 220) defining an access opening giving access to the inside of the shell, said packaging element (2, 3) having at least a “closed” configuration in which the shells form a chamber that is substantially closed and that is suitable for receiving an article, such as a medical implant. Said packaging element (2, 3) further comprises a sealing strip (4) that extends, outside the shells (21, 22, 31, 32), over the entire length of the margins (210, 220) of the shells of the packaging element, and from one margin (210, 220) of the shell to the other margin (220, 210) of the shell in such a manner as to seal the chamber defined by the two shells. The invention also provides an assembly comprising two packaging elements received one inside the other, and the invention also provides a corresponding sealing method.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a medical device on a patient includes a support structure adapted to be fitted to the patient's body. The medical device is connectable to the support structure. At least one mounting pad is connected to the support structure and is adapted to engage the patient's anatomy. The at least one mounting pad includes a frictional jamming structure configured so that, in a non-actuated condition of the mounting pad, the mounting pad conforms to the patient's anatomy and, in an actuated condition of the mounting pad, the mounting pad becomes rigid in its conformed shape.

Abstract: Various embodiments of surgical robot control systems are disclosed. In one example embodiment, the surgical robot control system comprises a housing. A controller is located within the housing and is coupled to a socket. The socket receives a handheld surgical user interface therein to control a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument is connected to the surgical robot and comprises an end effector and a mechanical interface to manipulate the end effector. The mechanical interface is coupled to the controller. At least one sensor is coupled to the controller and the socket to convert movement of the handheld surgical user interface into electrical signals corresponding to the movement of the surgical instrument. At least one feedback device is coupled to the controller to provide feedback to a user. The feedback is associated with a predetermined function of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Surgical tools having a two degree-of-freedom wrist, wrist articulation by linked tension members, mechanisms for transmitting torque through an angle, and minimally invasive surgical tools incorporating these features are disclosed. An elongate intermediate wrist member is pivotally coupled with a distal end of an instrument shaft so as to rotate about a first axis transverse to the shaft, and an end effector body is pivotally coupled with the intermediate member so as to rotate about a second axis that is transverse to the first axis. Linked tension members interact with attachment features to articulate the wrist. A torque-transmitting mechanism includes a coupling member, coupling pins, a drive shaft, and a driven shaft. The drive shaft is coupled with the driven shaft so as to control the relative orientations of the drive shaft, the coupling member, and the driven shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include materials and methods relating to sterilization devices. In certain embodiments, materials and methods disclosed herein relate to pre-surgical sterilization of an appendage of a subject using a device that reduces surgical preparation time and microbial growth. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure disclose materials and methods to ameliorate high costs associated with medical care, especially the utilization of costly elective hospital services, by for example reducing operating room costs and increasing efficiency without compromising patient health.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system to assist in selecting and/or suggesting an instrument for a procedure. The suggestion may be based upon or include analysis of image data of a subject. The instrument may be suggested for placement inside a tubular structure.

Abstract: A method for making a surgical guide for bone harvesting identifying in a three-dimensional image of a bone one or more sensitive anatomic structures and a volume of bone suitable for being removed. The volume is delimited by a portion of an outer surface of the bone defining a perimeter and by a mantle extending from the perimeter inside of the bone. The method also includes designing the surgical guide which includes defining a guide surface including a work area delimited by guide walls. The method also includes angling at least one of the guide walls so that the guide wall includes a face that constitutes a geometrical extension of a portion of the mantle when the guide is rested on the outer surface of the bone such that the face includes at least one segment forming a predetermined angle with respect to the guide surface.

Abstract: A medical imaging apparatus having multiple image projecting units for projecting images for a subject to view is disclosed. The medical imaging apparatus is present in a scanning room for performing imaging of the subject. The medical imaging apparatus includes a table for holding the subject. The table along with the subject is facilitated by an image capturing subsystem to pass therethrough for capturing medical images of the subject. The multiple image projecting units are configured within the image capturing subsystem for projecting images to one or more of walls of the scanning room and an inner surface of the image capturing subsystem.

Abstract: A data processing method for determining the positional information of characteristic points of a leg, the method comprising the following steps performed by a computer: a) acquiring, by detecting via a hand-held device a stationary reference (R3) and at least one further information, at least four different positions of the femur (F), wherein the pelvis within which the femur (F) can turn is stationary with respect to the stationary reference (R3) and the femur (F) is in a different position each time a positional information value of the femur (F) is acquired; b) determining from the at least four different acquired positional information values of the femur (F) the position of the center of rotation (COR) of the femoral head in relation to a femur reference (R1, R4); c) acquiring a femur information by detecting via a hand-held device a femur reference (R1), and at least one further information; d) determining from the femur information and the at least one further information acquired in step c) the dista

Abstract: Provided are wearable devices that are compact, potable, and wearable or able to attach to a body part. The devices are configured to securely mate with body structures become one unit with the underlying body tissue to provide a relatively stable working surface. In one example, the sides of the device are constructed of a semi-rigid material with borders that conform to a body part. The semi-rigid wall can also conform (at least partially) to the working surface of a target body part and/or area to achieve a tight junction. The devices can also operate on non-uniform surfaces. Skin is not flat, thus the topography of said irregular surface can be scanned to provide a zero depth reference over the entire irregular surface. The zero depth reference enables management of surgical tools, print heads, etc. along the Z axis to provide precise operations regardless of the shape of the surface.

Abstract: A multifunctional diagnostic tray configured to clasp an oral structure when positioned in a mouth. The tray may be digitally designed from surface scan data of the mouth and manufactured. The tray provides a temporary positioning reference location that may be viewed in a tomography scan data set. The tray may be used to orient and verify the tomography scan data set and the surface scan data set to create a combined master data file that may be used to determine the appropriate location for a dental implant or other dental procedure.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a dental implant surgical guide is disclosed. A patient-specific virtual model is generated using image data specific to a patient and virtual dental implants. The virtual model aligns the image data with the virtual dental implants using modeling software. A virtual mold is generated from the virtual model, and a physical mold is generated from the virtual mold. The physical mold is covered with a thermoplastic sheet via a thermoforming process. Excess thermoplastic material is trimmed off after the thermoforming process to produce a thermoformed piece. Metal tubes corresponding to each the virtual dental implants are placed onto the physical mold denoting the position, trajectory, and depth of the one or more virtual dental implants. A dental implant surgical guide that contains the thermoformed piece with the one or more tubes is produced.