Abstract: The present invention provides novel medical devices for use in surgical procedures and methods for manufacturing novel medical devices. In some embodiments, the novel medical devices can include surgical needles that are capable of being repeatedly passed through tissue using minimal force. More particularly, the surgical needles can be manufactured with one or more coatings that provide the surgical needles with both durability and lubricity for ease of repeated and successive passes through tissue. Novel methods for manufacturing the surgical needles and for providing and applying coatings to the surgical needles are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus for applying fasteners to body tissue. The apparatus includes an anvil half-section having a distal anvil portion and a proximal handle portion and a cartridge receiving half-section having an elongated channel member. A firing assembly is releasably supported in the cartridge half-section and includes a locking member. A clamping lever having an engagement member engages a latch portion of the locking member to releasably retain the clamping lever in a clamped position.

Abstract: A method and device for securing a tissue graft within a bone passage includes providing a graft fixation device that houses a closed loop having both braided and non-braided portions. A tissue graft is looped through the closed loop at the non-braided portion to attach the tissue graft to the graft fixation device. The graft fixation device is passed through the bone passage and seated against the surface of the bone to secure the tissue graft within the bone passage.

Abstract: A leaflet clip has an elongated member including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and first and second clipping arms movable between an open position and a closed position. The clipping arms include respective proximal end portions coupled to the proximal end portion of the elongated member, and respective distal end portions extending distally and radially outward relative to the elongated member. The leaflet clip further includes a tubular member coaxially disposed about the elongated member. Axial motion of the tubular member with respect to the elongated member or axial motion of the elongated member with respect to the tubular member causes corresponding movement of the clipping arms between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.

Abstract: Apparatus for percutaneously occluding a hollow structure, said apparatus comprising: an occluder, said occluder comprising a first component and a second component, wherein said first component is configured so that it may assume (i) a diametrically-reduced configuration for disposition within the lumen of a hollow tube, and (ii) a diametrically-expanded configuration for disposition adjacent to the hollow structure, whereby to occlude the hollow structure, and further wherein said second component percutaneously connects said first component to a site remote from said first component.

Abstract: A clip is provided that can be used for ligating tissue, such as vessels, other tubular ducts, and the like. The clip has opposed first and second leg members having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of each leg member is connected by an apex. The clip has a compliant portion formed on the inner surface of at least one of the first and second leg members. The compliant portion can fill gaps left by springback of the clip after formation.

Abstract: An elastic band ligation device for treatment of hemorrhoids including an inner tubular member for retaining a stretched elastic band over the front end thereof, a plunger in the inner tubular member with a handle for sliding the plunger to generate a suction for drawing hemorrhoidal tissue into the inner tubular member. An obturator connected to the plunger is provided within the inner tubular member. An outer tubular pusher sleeve with a limited friction fit is provided over the inner tubular member, the end of outer tubular pusher sleeve being adjacent the stretched elastic band. The outer pusher sleeve has a thumb pusher to allow the operator to push the outer pusher sleeve towards the front end of the inner tubular member or to secure the outer pusher sleeve and withdraw the inner tubular member, which deploys the elastic band on the hemorrhoidal tissue.

Abstract: A surgical clip includes a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm rotatably coupled to each other and prestressed against each other into a closed position by a spring in the rotational direction, a first housing part being formed or arranged on the first clamping arm and a second housing part being formed or arranged on the second clamping arm, the housing parts forming a housing in which the spring is received.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of an implantable perfusion device that can be implanted in an injured blood vessel to control bleeding without occluding the vessel. In one specific implementation, the perfusion device can be implanted percutaneously into a patient's descending aorta to control bleeding at the site of a ruptured portion of the aorta (known as torso hemorrhage) while still allowing for the antegrade flow of blood from a location upstream of the ruptured portion of the aorta to a location downstream of the ruptured portion of the aorta. The perfusion device can be left inside the patient as the patient is transported to a medical facility where the injury can be repaired. Following repair of the vessel, the perfusion device can be withdrawn from the patient.

Abstract: A detachment mechanism for an introducer assembly is designed to hold a coupling element of an implantable medical device until its desired release within a patient's vessel. The detachment mechanism includes a body portion having first and second gripper arm elements which grip onto the coupling element of the medical device. The gripper arms are naturally biased into a closed position by means of resiliency of the body element. For this purpose, an actuating device or opening element is provided which includes an enlarged head which can be pulled against tapering internal surface of the body portion of the detachment mechanism in order to force the gripper arms open, thereby to release the medical device from the introducer assembly. The detachment mechanism, being naturally in the closed configuration, reliably holds a medical device to the introducer assembly until it is desired to release the latter into the patient's vessel.

Abstract: A method and device for reducing the damaging effects of radiant energy, blast, or concussive events includes applying pressure to at least one jugular vein to reduce the egress of blood from the cranial cavity during or before the incidence of the imparting event. Reducing blood outflow from the cranial cavity increases intracranial volume and/or pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spinal column. Reducing blood outflow further increases the intracranial pressure and volume, and thereby increases the pressure and volume of the cochlear fluid, the vitreous humor and the cerebrospinal fluid to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the inner ear, internal structure of the eye and of the spinal column. In addition, increasing intracranial pressure and volume reduces the likelihood of brain injury and any associated loss of olfactory function.

Abstract: The present application relates to a coupling device for a handle (3) of a medical tool (1) or medical power-tool chuck (30). The coupling device comprises a coupling-body (2) including a bore (6), a working axis (X) extending along said bore (6) and a seat (4) arranged at a first end (8) of said bore for receiving a tool-insert (10) with a central axis (Y) at an angle in reference to the working axis (X). The coupling-body (2) further comprises a protrusion (7) arranged within said bore (6), said protrusion (7) being configured to engage a groove (13) of the tool-insert (10) upon alignment of the central axis (Y) with the working axis (X). The engagement of the protrusion (7) with said groove (13) locks the tool-insert (10) within said coupling body (2).

Abstract: A lumen re-entry system includes a catheter having an elongate tubular body defining a wire lumen extending from an open proximal end of the elongate tubular body to a distal opening through the elongate tubular body. An abrasion resistant tubular liner is positioned within the wire lumen and has a fixed position relative to the elongate tubular body. The abrasion resistant tubular liner defines a reduced wire lumen extending from an open proximal end of the abrasion resistant tubular liner to an open distal end of the abrasion resistant tubular liner. A puncture wire is configured for axial movement through the reduced wire lumen and has an angled distal segment terminating in a puncture tip. The angled distal segment is oriented at an angle between about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to a central longitudinal axis of the puncture wire.

Abstract: A catheter is provided with a collection chamber located between a seal and a cap. The seal is located distal from the collection chamber, and the cap is located proximal from the collection chamber. The seal may be opened and closed to alternately allow the passage of material into the collection chamber and prevent fluid from escaping from the shaft lumen. The cap may be opened and closed to allow the removal of a mass from the collection chamber and to prevent fluid from escaping during collection of the mass.

Abstract: A latch pick assembly providing a pick portion dimensioned and adapted to establish, adjust and break the latch of a breastfeeding infant is provided. The pick portion provides opposing front and rear surfaces that taper toward each other as they terminate at a distal forward edge. The forward edge provides a plurality of protrusions which share the longitudinal and transverse concavity of the front surface and corresponding longitudinal and transverse convexity of the rear surface. The forward edge enables the gentle urging of an infant's lips into positions for a proper latch, and the adjusting and breaking of the latch during breastfeeding.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal double-grasp surgical tissue forceps has bifurcated jaws. By gripping a piece of tissue on two sides, the jaw arms fix the tissue plate between them to enable an easier and more accurate puncture, cut, needle insertion/exit or similar procedure. By contrast, when using existing tissue forceps, forces induced by such procedures can turn the tissue on a single grasp-made-pivot. By eliminating the summative effect of these turns, although they are minimal and conventionally compensated for, the gastrointestinal double-grasp forceps is expected to improve the overall speed and control of surgeons and the quality of their manual anastomoses during gastrointestinal operations.

Abstract: Implementations of the disclosed technology include a forcipate surgical instrument including a channel at the working end for guiding a scalpel blade during tissue resection. In some implementations, the forceps may also include a scalpel-driven stapling mechanism for sealing the tissue simultaneously with resection via a single scalpel motion.

Abstract: A fluid injection device includes a fluid supply unit that accommodates and supplies fluid, a fluid injection unit that injects fluid supplied from the fluid supply unit, and a driving waveform generating device which is equipped with at least one adjusting device, a one-input multiple-control parameter changing unit that simultaneously changes plural control parameters for determining a fluid injection condition of the fluid injection unit on the basis of a signal from the at least one adjusting device, and a driving waveform generator that generates and outputs a driving waveform of the fluid injection unit on the basis of the control parameters set by the one-input multiple-control parameter changing unit.

Abstract: A blood vessel dissecting device includes: a dissecting device which, when inserted into a living body along a blood vessel, dissects tissue in a direction of alignment of the dissecting device with the blood vessel; and a cutting device which, when inserted into the living body along the blood vessel, cuts tissue surrounding the blood vessel in a direction of alignment of the cutting device with the blood vessel. A blood vessel dissecting method includes: inserting a dissecting device into a living body along a blood vessel so as to dissect tissue in a direction of alignment of the dissecting device with the blood vessel; and inserting a cutting device into the living body along the blood vessel while guiding the cutting device with the dissecting device so as to cut tissue surrounding the blood vessel in a direction of alignment of the cutting device with the blood vessel.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a wire guide for use in procedures within a body vessel and to methods of using such devices. One embodiment of the wire guide includes a helically wound coil having its distal end closed with a cap and having a deflection wire housed within. The deflection wire simultaneously acts to deflect the distal end of the helically wound coil in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement axis of the wire guide while moving a first blade attaching to a distal portion of the deflection wire from a retracted position to an extended position.

Abstract: A device for dividing a fibrous structure comprising a catheter; an expandable member positioned near a distal end of the catheter and in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter; and a cutting element situated on an outer surface of the expandable member. A method for dividing a fibrous structure comprising positioning, proximate the fibrous structure, an expandable member having a cutting element situated thereon; expanding the expandable member outwards to tension the fibrous structure across the cutting element; and activating the cutting element to weaken or cut the fibrous structure. A method for treating carpal tunnel syndrome comprising inserting a needle into the carpal tunnel; directing a guidewire to a position proximate the transverse carpal ligament; advancing, along the guidewire, a device having an expandable member and a cutting element; positioning the cutting element; tensioning the ligament across the cutting element; and weakening or cutting the ligament.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for cutting anatomic members, such as ligaments, in surgical procedures such as carpal tunnel release, plantar fasciotomy, gastroc release, cubital tunnel release, and tarsal tunnel release is disclosed. The apparatus includes a guide tool for guiding a knife and a scope during surgery which may be employed with a translating knife. Relevant features include a knife stop for preventing the knife from inadvertently raising out of the knife channel, indicia viewable to show the proper orientation for the guide tool, a self dilating tip and channel design on the guide tool, a cover piece and/or pivotable panel system for preventing ligaments and other anatomy from getting caught in the guide tool, a pivot pin and groove system for stabilizing the knife and also assuring that the knife blade is not inadvertently raised out of the channel, and a use indicator employable to prevent re-use of the device.

Abstract: A high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy unit (12), in particular for ultrasound ablation treatment, comprising an ultrasound transducer probe (40) with an ultrasound transducer array (44), a guiding unit (38) that is configured for monitoring a position of the ultrasound transducer array (44) relative to a subject of interest (24), and for providing information on the monitored position to a human interface, and a control unit (42) that is configured to control at least one operational parameter of the ultrasound transducer array (44), so as to adjust the penetration depth of the focused ultrasound beam into the subject's tissue depending on a rate of change of a relative position of the ultrasound transducer array (44) relative to the subject of interest (24); and—a magnetic resonance image-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy system (10), comprising a high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy unit (12) and a magnetic resonance imaging system (14) as the guiding unit (38).

Abstract: A device and method for ablating tissue is disclosed comprising the steps of acquiring an anatomical image of a patient, correlating the image to the patient, guiding an ablating member within the patient while tracking the position of the ablating member in the patient, positioning the ablating member in a desired position to ablate tissue, emitting ablating energy from the ablating member to form an ablated tissue area and removing the ablating member from the patient.

Abstract: A contact portion, provided in an exposed surface of the treating section, treats a treated object by a transmitted ultrasonic vibration while intruding into the treated object toward an intruding direction from a state being in contact with the treated object. An index portion is disposed on an anti-intruding direction side with respect to the contact portion in the exposed surface. The index portion becomes an index indicating an intruding amount of the contact portion into the treated object toward the intruding direction. The index portion includes index surfaces arranged in the intruding direction, and each of the index surfaces has an angle relative to the intruding direction which is different from the angle of the adjacent index surface.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical device for performing a surgical procedure includes an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end spaced along a longitudinal axis. The elongated member has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a passageway. A septum is configured to separate the passageway into a first conduit and a second conduit. A distal end of the second conduit terminates before a distal end of the first conduit to form a stepped configuration. An ultrasonic-driven cutting blade is disposed within the second conduit and is configured for cutting tissue such that the cutting blade vibrates ultrasonically to cut tissue. The distal end of the first conduit includes an outlet configured for delivering material to a surgical site and the distal end of the second conduit includes an inlet configured for aspirating the surgical site.

Abstract: A rotational atherectomy device advanceable over a guidewire. The rotational atherectomy device includes a drive shaft rotatably extending through an outer tubular member to rotate a cutting member positioned at a distal end thereof. The rotational atherectomy device further includes an insert positioned within the cutting member for frictional contact with the guidewire.

Abstract: Disclosed is a apparatus for generating a needle insertion path for an interventional robot, which provides a needle insertion path for intervention by inserting a needle. The apparatus includes a patient-side optical tool located on a patient for showing a position of an intervention target part among parts of the patient, a robot-side optical tool located on an interventional robot for showing a position of the interventional robot, and a needle path calculator configured to track positions of the patient-side optical tool and the robot-side optical tool to perform spatial registration on a local coordinate system of the patient-side optical tool based on the position of the patient-side optical tool with respect to a robot base coordinate system based on the position of the robot-side optical tool, and calculate a needle insertion path with respect to robot base coordinate system, based on a result of the spatial registration.

Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical access port system that comprises a retractor that is adapted for being coupled to a cap and that is particularly useful in natural orifice surgery are described. The retractor comprises an outer ring, wherein the outer ring is configured to be disposed proximate the natural orifice of the patient and substantially surround the orifice; a tubular body; and a funnel segment extending between and coupling the outer ring and the tubular body, wherein the funnel segment provides a diametric reduction between the relatively large diameter of the outer ring and the relatively smaller diameter of the tubular body, which is sized to fit within a natural orifice with minimal distention of the orifice.

Abstract: A surgical access device is disclosed which includes a housing, a collar, and a plurality of deformable members. The housing defines a proximal d and a distal end and has a plurality of lumens extending therethrough. The collar is repositionable between a first position and a second position with the second position being closer to the proximal end of the housing than the first position. Each of the plurality of deformable members defines a distal portion, is coupled to the collar and is transitionable through one of the plurality of lumens. The plurality of defomiable members is in a retracted state When the collar is in the first position and a deployed state When the collar is in the second position. One or more of the plurality of deformable members may also include a barb attached to the distal portion.

Abstract: Extravascular implant tools that utilize a bore-in mechanism to safely access extravascular locations and implant techniques utilizing these tools are described. The bore-in mechanism may include a handle and a helix extending from the handle. The bore-in mechanism is used, for example, in conjunction with a tunneling tool to traverse the diaphragmatic attachments to access a substernal location. The tunneling tool may be an open channel tunneling tool or a conventional tunneling tool (e.g., metal rod).

Abstract: A device (10) for locking unicortical pins, comprising: a pin-locking arm (101) provided with two seats (101a, 101b) suitable for locking a corresponding number of unicortical pins (100); and a connection base (102), intended 101b to couple with a connecting body (11) of an anchoring group (20) for an external fixator (1), locking means (103) configured to act simultaneously on the seats (101a, 101b), locking in position two unicortical pins (100) inserted therein, wherein said locking means (103) comprise deformable spheres (103a, 103b) which are passed through by an insertion channel (1031) for the unicortical pins (100), and a pressure plate (103c) acting on the seats (101a, 101b) for compress both said deformable spheres (103a, 103b) locking in position the unicortical pins (100) inserted in the respective insertion channels (1031).

Abstract: An anchoring group (20) for an external fixator (1), comprising: a connecting body (11) designed to be coupled to a bar (2) of an external fixator (1), said connecting body (11) being crossed by a median plane (M); a first locking device (10) for locking first unicortical pins and connected to the connecting body (11), said first locking device (10) comprising at least one seat; and a second locking device (10) for locking second unicortical pins and also connected to the connecting body (11), said second locking device (10) comprising at least one auxiliary seat, which is not aligned with the at least one seat of the first locking device (10), said first and second locking devices (10) extending from different side of said median plane (M), wherein the connecting body (11) has at least two fastening seats (110a, 110b) for each the first and the second locking devices (10) so as to allow at least two alternative mounting configurations from each side with respect to the median plane (M) of the connecting body

Abstract: A method and apparatus of limiting at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebrae and an inferior vertebrae of a patient includes advancing a distal end of a stabilization device into a pedicle of the inferior vertebrae. A proximal portion of the stabilization device is positioned such that the proximal portion limits at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebrae and an inferior vertebrae by contacting a surface of the superior vertebrae.

Abstract: The present invention is directed an anchor assembly for use in spinal fixation to interconnect a longitudinal spinal rod with a patient's vertebra. The anchor assembly preferably includes a bone anchor, a body with a rod-receiving channel, an insert member (preferably a bushing), and a locking cap with a saddle. The anchor assembly preferably enables in-situ assembly where the bone anchor may be secured to the patient's vertebra prior to being received within the body of the bone anchor assembly. Accordingly, the anchor assembly 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 may be snapped onto the bone anchor and a spinal rod may be inserted into the rod-receiving channel.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchor including a housing and a bone screw. A bottom surface of the housing includes an aperture that defines an angulation limit of the bone screw for each azimuthal angle around a longitudinal axis of the housing. The aperture is V-shaped, with the V-shape having converging side walls that define a low-angulation direction near their intersection and a high-angulation direction opposite the low-angulation direction. In some cases, the angulation limit of the bone screw is generally constant over a range of azimuthal angles centered around the high-angulation direction. The housing may be modular, including tabs on one component that are plastically deformed to engage a lip on another component. During assembly, a mandrel advances longitudinally along a bore in the housing, and forces the tabs radially outward toward the lip to a radially outward plastically deformed state.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to orthopedic stabilization systems, and in particular, to systems including clamps. The clamps can be used in addition to or to replace hooks that grasp onto bone members, such as the lamina. One example of such a clamp is an in-line clamp that includes a central opening for receiving a rod member, a first opening for receiving a set screw and a second opening for receiving an elastic member therethrough. Another example of such a clamp is an off-set clamp that includes an upper plate, a bottom plate, and an opening for receiving a rod therein. The upper plate can be separated from the bottom plate to make space for an elastic member that can be secured within the plates. Tulip clamps that utilize one or more elastic members are also provided.

Abstract: The instant invention is a novel method for stabilization of the posterior pelvis (iliosacral) when treating an unstable pelvic ring fracture. Cannulated screws are inserted through the posterior of the ilium through the sacroiliac joint and into the sacrum. The screws are used to affix the iliosacral joint while it heals. The screws are used in conjunction with a bone plate (through which the screws pass) to provide the construct/fixation with added strength and stability compared to iliosacral fixation using screws alone.

Abstract: A device for straightening and stabilizing the vertebral column, particularly for stabilizing broken vertebrae, includes a supporting implant which is plastically expandable by internal pressure. The supporting implant can be placed into the interior of a vertebral body which has been fractured under compression or between adjacent vertebral bodies. A pressure balloon to which pressure fluid can be admitted may be arranged in the interior of the supporting implant for producing the internal pressure.

Abstract: A plating system for mending a periprosthetic fracture is provided. The system includes an intramedullary rod, a first and second plate, and a plurality of fasteners. The intramedullary rod has a plurality of transverse holes. The first and second locking plates each have a plurality of openings and is configured to have a contour similar to a surface of a bone to which the plate is applied. Also provided is method of mending fractures by using the disclosed system. In the implanted condition, the first and second locking plates are placed across the periprosthetic fracture and each of the plurality of fasteners is inserted through one opening of the first and second plurality of openings and one transverse hole.

Abstract: A device, method, and system for treatment or fixation of a fractured, damaged, or deteriorating bone or bones in a mid-foot region. The device comprising an implant with both proximal and distal fastener holes, along with fastener slots in a central elongated body, for securing the implant to the appropriate osseous cortical structures of the foot. The method for treatment or fixation of fractured, damaged, or deteriorating bones in the medial column of the foot with use of a device such as an intramedullary nail that attaches to either the talus or first metatarsal bones to secure the medial cuneiform and navicular bones in place.

Abstract: A device, method, and system for treatment or fixation of a fractured, damaged, or deteriorating bone or bones in a mid-foot region. The device comprising an implant with both proximal and distal fastener holes, along with fastener slots in a central elongated body, for securing the implant to the appropriate osseous cortical structures of the foot. The method for treatment or fixation of fractured, damaged, or deteriorating bones in the medial column of the foot with use of a device such as an intramedullary nail that attaches to either the talus or first metatarsal bones to secure the medial cuneiform and navicular bones in place.

Abstract: A device, method, and system for treatment or fixation of a fractured, damaged, or deteriorating bone or bones in a mid-foot region. The device comprising an implant with both proximal and distal fastener holes, along with fastener slots in a central elongated body, for securing the implant to the appropriate osseous cortical structures of the foot. The method for treatment or fixation of fractured, damaged, or deteriorating bones in the medial column of the foot with use of a device such as an intramedullary nail that attaches to either the talus or first metatarsal bones to secure the medial cuneiform and navicular bones in place.

Abstract: A locking cap for a fracture fixation system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a cap body that extends along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. An external thread extends around at least a portion of the cap body. A passage extends inside the cap body from the distal end toward the proximal end. An internal thread extends about a periphery of the passage along at least a portion of a length of the passage.

Abstract: Described herein are methods sand devices for the correction and reduction of bone deformities, such as metatarsus primus adductus, using a tethering technique which does not require drilling into the stable bone. In some embodiments, a bone plate has an elongate plate body and wings extending laterally from the plate body. The wings may be configured to generally follow the circumferential contours of the bone when placed on the bone in use. The bone plate can further include means for positioning cerclage material on the bone plate such that the cerclage material extends circumferentially over the wings rather than on the bone, thereby reducing the total contact area between the cerclage material and the bone.

Abstract: A bone fixation device is disclosed that permits some movement of different portions of a fractured bone when the device is affixed thereto. Various embodiments are disclosed, including bone plates that have fixed holes and floating holes therethrough for receiving bone screws, and bone plates including oblong holes allowing for screw movement.

Abstract: Fusion devices include blade anchors. The blade anchors may slidingly penetrate a bone or bone fragment, and may induce compression of one bone to another or one fragment to another. The fusion devices may also include a body to which the blade anchors connect.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems and methods for treating disease and/or infection by the release of silver from an implant over an extended period of time. In particular, the devices described herein may be used to treat infections such as osteomyelitis by the controlled release of silver ions from multiple sites of an extended-use implant. This implant typically includes a plurality of arms that both anchor and help distribute the released ions within the tissue. Power may be applied to release the silver ions into the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bone screw or bone anchor, such as a threaded pedicle screw or the like, incorporating a porous surface for enhancing bony fixation, ingrowth, and purchase when implanted in bone. Preferably, this porous surface covers at least a portion of the threads of the bone screw or bone anchor. The porous surface is formed by a conventional or novel additive manufacturing process, such as three-dimensional (3D) printing or the like, optionally as well as a prior and/or subsequent machining process. The porous surface may include novel needle-like protrusions and/or lattice structures, and/or any other protruding/depressed features, whether regular or irregular.