Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating an ultrasound transducer. A substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side is provided. A bottom electrode is formed over the first side of the substrate. A piezoelectric element is formed over the bottom electrode. The piezoelectric element has a chamfered sidewall. A top electrode is formed over the piezoelectric element. A step metal element is formed over a portion of the top electrode proximate to the chamfered sidewall of the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: An ultrasound apparatus includes: a data obtaining unit configured to obtain ultrasound data of an object; a controller configured to generate an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data, obtain blood flow information of the object by using a Doppler component obtained from the ultrasound data, and set a plurality of sample volume gates based on the blood flow information; and a display configured to display the ultrasound image in which the plurality of sample volume gates are displayed. The ultrasound apparatus may reduce a processing time of the ultrasound apparatuses and simplify a user's manipulation by obtaining an ultrasound image one time and providing a plurality of Doppler spectrums.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes detection circuitry and processing circuitry. The detection circuitry detects a release state of an ultrasonic probe in an active state. The processing circuitry, when the detection circuitry detects the release state of the ultrasonic probe during activation of a control mode of generating a first image based on an output from the ultrasonic probe, displaying a second image different from the first image, and displaying the first image with a predetermined opacity on the second image, perform one of control to display the second image without generating the first image, control to display the second image without displaying the first image while generating the first image, and control to generate the first image, display the second image, and display, on the second image, the first image with an opacity lower than the predetermined opacity.

Abstract: An allergy testing kit contains a plurality of allergy testing applicators, an allergy testing tray and a plurality of allergen bottles each containing an allergen. Each of the applicators contains an elongated handle, a plurality of arms extending from the elongated handle and disposed in an asymmetrical configuration, and a plurality of legs with tines extending from each of the arms. The allergy testing tray contains a main body having an underside and a top surface, a cover for locking with the main body and a plurality of reservoirs extending from the underside of the main body. The reservoirs each have a chamber with an opening extending from the top surface. The reservoirs are disposed in different groups and each group has an asymmetrical configuration matching that of the applicator.

Abstract: A device for acquiring a tissue sample includes an outer sheath extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough; an inner needle extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and sized and shaped to be slidably received within the lumen of the outer sheath to be moved between an insertion configuration and a tissue collecting configuration; and a handle assembly connected to a proximal end of the outer sheath. The handle assembly includes a first port configured to be connected to a fluid flushing source and a second port configured to be connected to a collection element so that, when the inner needle is drawn proximally relative to the outer sheath to a sample collection configuration, the sample is flushable into the collection element.

Abstract: A vascular closure device can include both a mechanical component and a biological component for sealing an arteriotomy. The mechanical component reduces the size or closes the arteriotomy. The biological component covers and fills any spaces or cracks present after the arteriotomy has been mechanically reduced in size. An exemplary embodiment includes a suture or clip to approximate the edges of the arteriotomy, and a smooth rounded plug is advanced along the suture towards the closed arteriotomy. An applicator device can be used to deliver the plug and, in particular, the device can include a guidewire that is offset from a central axis along a side of the applicator. In situ, the plug transforms to a flowable or gel state and fills and covers any cracks and spaces along the closed arteriotomy.

Abstract: A method for closing a blood passage of a blood vessel in an operation region of a patient, wherein said operation region is located just before said blood passage, said method comprising a step of releasing a pure undiluted cyanoacrilate-based surgical glue in the operation region, in order to cause a sudden interaction of said surgical glue with blood and other biological material present in the operation region and to cause the formation of an acrylic polymer matrix, which incorporates the blood and biological material forming a plug that stops said blood passage (FIG. 27).

Abstract: A device for closing an aperture in a vessel wall comprising a covering member having a longitudinal axis and positionable inside the vessel against the internal opening of the aperture and having a dimension to prevent egress of fluid through the aperture and having a first opening. A first retainer is positionable external of the vessel. A flexible connecting member operatively connects the covering member and the first retainer, wherein the first opening of the covering member is configured to restrict movement of the connecting member.

Abstract: A trocar wound closure system includes a suture passing needle and a guide for directing the needle through the wound site. A distal portion of the needle includes a capture rod with a slot. An obturator tube with a cutout section can be axially actuated to align the cutout section with the slot, and then moved out of alignment so as to capture the suture. The guide includes at least two tracks for directing the needle through the tissue track. A snare loop is located adjacent to the exit of each track, and configured to be actuated from a radially extended configuration to a retracted configuration so as to capture the suture section inserted through each loop. Radially expandable arms at distal section are movable between an expanded configuration and a slender configuration.

Abstract: This invention is directed to devices and methods for improving wound closures produced during endoscopic surgery. These methods are directed to delivering and applying a quantity of hemostatic agents in either powder, solid, liquid, or gel form onto an open wound produced e.g., by polyp removal, followed by the application of pressure. The method is implemented preferably using existing endoscopic equipment; however, modifications to existing endoscopic insertion tubes, application and tamping devices and endoscopic clips deployed from the distal end of the insertion tube during endoscopic surgery are also within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: Embodiments of a circumferential retractor having an attached supporting, manipulating or positioning tool are described. The retractor optionally includes a sealing member associated with an external member of the retractor and an external support structure that may be used with the retractor and positioning tool as needed.

Abstract: A suture collar configured for use with an introducer sheath. The suture collar includes an outer ring component defining an opening there-though and an inner ring component concentrically disposed within the opening of the outer ring component. The outer ring component is configured to be sutured to a target surface of a patient. The inner ring component defines an opening there-through that is configured to receive the introducer sheath. In a first configuration of the suture collar, a longitudinal axis of the inner ring component is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the outer ring component. The inner ring component is configured to move relative to the outer ring component such that in a second configuration of the suture collar the longitudinal axis of the inner ring component is angularly offset with the longitudinal axis of the outer ring component.

Abstract: Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone while maintaining suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a flexible fixation member having a body with a longitudinal extent and a width, the body defining a plurality of openings through the body, each of the plurality of openings formed substantially cross wise through the width of the body, and a suture having two terminal ends, the suture being interwoven through each of the plurality of openings in the body of the fixation member such that multiple portions of the fixation member are slidably coupled to the suture and configurable to form a cluster within a surgical site.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for passing a suture. In general, described herein are suturing devices, such as suture passers, as well as methods of suturing tissue. These suture passing devices may include dual deployment suture passers in which a first distal jaw member is moveable at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the device and the second distal jaw member is retractable proximally to the distal end region of the elongate body and/or the first jaw member. Also described herein are suture passers in which the tissue penetrator passing the suture travels in an approximately sigmoidal pathway, with the distal end of the tissue penetrator extending distally from one jaw of the device.

Abstract: A method for connecting a graft vessel to a target vessel may involve advancing a guidewire of a surgical stapler into the target vessel through an opening at a first location on the target vessel, coupling a stapler cartridge carrying the graft vessel with an anvil of the surgical stapler, activating the anvil to staple the graft vessel to the target vessel at a second location on the target vessel, removing the guidewire from the target vessel, and closing the opening in the target vessel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an end effector that has a selectively reciprocatable implement movably supported therein. The implement is selectively advanceable in a distal direction upon application of a rotary actuation motion thereto and retractable in a proximal direction upon application of a rotary retraction motion thereto. An elongate shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and is configured to transmit the rotary actuation motion and rotary retraction motion to the reciprocatable implement from a robotic system that is configured to generate the rotary actuation motion and said rotary retraction motion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an end effector that has a selectively reciprocatable implement movably supported therein. The implement is selectively advanceable in a distal direction upon application of a rotary actuation motion thereto and retractable in a proximal direction upon application of a rotary retraction motion thereto. An elongate shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and is configured to transmit the rotary actuation motion and rotary retraction motion to the reciprocatable implement from a robotic system that is configured to generate the rotary actuation motion and said rotary retraction motion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an end effector that has a selectively reciprocatable implement movably supported therein. The implement is selectively advanceable in a distal direction upon application of a rotary actuation motion thereto and retractable in a proximal direction upon application of a rotary retraction motion thereto. An elongate shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and is configured to transmit the rotary actuation motion and rotary retraction motion to the reciprocatable implement from a robotic system that is configured to generate the rotary actuation motion and said rotary retraction motion.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted.

Abstract: Described are medical devices useful for applying a bolster material to a surgical fastening device such as a stapler, and related methods of manufacture and use. The devices include an applicator element for receipt between arms of the stapler, and a bolster material, desirably a remodelable extracellular matrix material, coupled to the applicator element. In certain embodiments, the bolster material is held by the applicator element, for example having at least a portion looped around or received through or over a portion of the applicator element. Also described are unique implantable materials including coatings of dried, reversible adhesive.

Abstract: An adjustable locking forceps device for the treatment of anterior epistaxis which is easy to use, adjustable, comfortable for the patient, applies direct and constant pressure to the anatomy, lightweight, compresses both nares simultaneously, compresses the alae and nasal bone, hands free during use, and is anatomically universal. Pressure pads that may be cooled or physically manipulated to yield an endothermic reaction can optionally be attached to the device. This device is believed to be useful in hospitals and clinics wherein quick treatment of epistaxis is required, as well as in the field for use by the lay public and should be included in every first aid kit. The device comprises a barrel hinge bearing assembly having a plurality of barrel sections, a locking means, a right jaw arm and a left jaw arm. Alternate embodiments include compressible pressure pads with varying topographies.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing a surgical incision comprises left and right base panels, a plurality of closure components, and a plurality of left and right axial supports coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components couple the left and right base panels to each other laterally and have left and right ends coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components are positioned laterally across the left and right panels, the left axial supports are disposed between pairs of left closure component ends, the right axial supports are disposed between pairs of right closure component ends, and the left and right axial supports are offset from one another such that a serpentine arrangement of consecutive closure components and axial supports is formed. The apparatus can be made of antimicrobial materials or materials impregnated with antimicrobial agents. A flexible adhesive cover can be provided over the apparatus when in use.

Abstract: Medical systems, devices and methods are provided for engaging tissue, e.g. for clipping tissue, closing a perforation or performing hemostasis. Generally, the medical system including a housing, first and second jaws rotatable relative to the housing, a driver, and an elongate drive wire. The elongate drive wire may be disconnected from the driver, first and second jaws, and the housing, which are left in vivo engaged with the tissue.

Abstract: A two-part tissue thickness compensator assembly can include a first tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to an anvil of a surgical stapler, a second tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to a staple cartridge of the surgical stapler, and a hinge connecting the first tissue thickness compensator to the second tissue thickness compensator. The first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include additional engagement features, such as a raised ridge that engages a slot in the anvil and/or the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include an encasement that contains a suitable biologic agent. An end effector assembly may be provided for attachment to a surgical instrument that includes, for example, a staple cartridge, an anvil, a first tissue thickness compensator positioned on the anvil, and a second tissue thickness compensator positioned on the staple cartridge.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anastomosing tissue in the body. In one exemplary embodiment, an anastomotic device is provided having an elongate tubular body that is disposable through a body lumen and that includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal and distal portions can each include a plurality of asymmetrical s-shaped slits and can each be adapted to expand upon rotation to form proximal and distal wings. The proximal and distal wings can extend toward one another to engage tissue therebetween and thereby form a passageway through the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical device for temporary protection of an anastomosis in the colon, the rectum, or the anal passage, including: a semi-rigid hollow longitudinal temporary anchor element, a first wall of which includes a substantially cylindrical main portion with a substantially circular section having a length of at least 50 mm, the first wall having an outside diameter that may be varied in a controlled manner; and a flexible sheath fixed to the anchor element against, preferably around, the first wall and having a length downstream of the anchor element of at least 50 cm, and an outside diameter when at rest in the range 20 mm to 40 mm, and the sheath is made from a biocompatible elastomer material having a wall thickness in the range 0.05 mm to 1 mm.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surgical stapling device and a method for joining tissue portions. The surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly and a tubular body portion supported on a distal end of the handle assembly having a staple cartridge assembly containing a plurality of surgical staples in an annular array. An anvil assembly is at a distal end of the stapling device and has a shaft for removably connecting the anvil assembly to the tubular body portion. The anvil assembly and tubular body portion are juxtaposed with respect to one another along the shaft and are arranged so as to be approximated with respect to one another. A support member extends from the tubular body portion towards the anvil assembly and a buttress material is supported by the support member and removably attached to the support member where the buttress material is disposed between the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for setting elastic threads in a ligation device and an automatic elastic thread ligation device using the method.

Abstract: A tool is described for delivering and applying a clamping implant (9; 109) via a puncture in skin tissue (3) and underlying tissue (2) of a patient, comprising a hollow needle (4; 104) bounding a lumen (5; 105) and forming a helix, a plunger (6; 106) of which a distal portion extends in longitudinal direction inside the lumen (5; 105), and a plunger operating member (7; 107) engaging a proximal portion of the plunger (6; 106) projecting from the needle (4; 104), for screwing the plunger (6; 106) further into or out of the needle (4; 104) by screwing rotation of the needle (4; 104) relative to the plunger (6; 106). A system is also described, including such a tool, and a method is also described for delivering and applying a clamping implant (9; 109) using such an instrument.

Abstract: Medical systems, devices and methods are provided for engaging tissue, e.g. for clipping tissue, closing a perforation or performing hemostasis. Generally, the medical system including a housing, first and second jaws rotatable relative to the housing, a driver, and an elongate drive wire. The elongate drive wire may be disconnected from the driver, first and second jaws, and the housing, which are left in vivo engaged with the tissue.

Abstract: A tissue clipping apparatus, comprises a flexible, elongate member, a proximal end of which remains external to the body accessible to a user while a distal end of the flexible member is inserted into the body to a location adjacent to target tissue to be clipped and a control wire extending through the flexible member in combination with a capsule releasably coupled to a distal end of the flexible member and a clip a proximal portion of which is received within the capsule. A joint releasably coupling the clip to the control wire, includes a yoke extending around a proximal end of the clip and a frangible link which fails when subject to a predetermined force to separate the clip from the control wire.

Abstract: A surgical template system for use in working on a bone comprises: a tool guide block comprising at least one guide aperture for receiving and guiding a tool to work on a bone; locating means comprising a plurality of locating members, each member having a respective end surface for positioning against a surface of the bone; and attachment means for non-adjustably attaching the tool guide block to the locating means such that, when attached, the member end surfaces are secured in fixed position with, respect to each other, for engaging different respective portions of the surface of the bone, and the at least one guide aperture is secured in a fixed position with respect to the end surfaces. Corresponding methods of manufacturing a surgical template system, methods of manufacturing locating means for a surgical template system, methods of fitting a prosthesis to a bone, surgical methods, and surgical apparatus are described.

Abstract: A method and a surgical alignment system for use in the positioning of a prosthetic component on or in a bone of a subject. The system includes an intramedullary member and a jig member which are connectable to each other to position the jig member relative to the intramedullary member in a sagittal orientation. The jig 5 member includes an elongate arm and the jig member is moveable in an axial plane and at least rotatable in a coronal plane relative to the intramedullary member to align the elongate arm with the bony landmark.

Abstract: An arterial device, system and method are provided for use with a patient undergoing a cardiac procedure. The system is configured for enabling one or more arterial devices to be accommodated in the aorta of the patient in use of the system, and a perfusion lumen arrangement provides therethrough a target perfusion flow into the aorta having a target perfusion flow rate that is significantly greater than a nominal perfusion flow rate, by an excess perfusion flow rate. A suction lumen arrangement provides therethrough a suction flow out of the aorta at a suction flow rate. The target perfusion flow rate and the suction flow rate may be concurrently and selectively controlled to cause embolic debris that may be present in the aorta to be diverted to the suction inlet, while providing the nominal flow rate to the body circulation of the patient.

Abstract: A device capable of capturing and facilitating the removal of a solid obstruction in a vessel or tube, such as a thrombus in blood vessels (or stones in biliary or urinary ducts, or foreign bodies) uses a soft coil mesh with the aid of a pull wire or string to engage the surface of a thrombus, and remove the captured thrombus. The soft coil mesh is formed by an elongated microcoil element that forms the helical elements of a macrocoil element. The microcoil element provides a relatively elastic effect to the helical elements forming the macrocoil and allows for control of gripping forces on the thrombus while reducing non-rigid contact of the device with arterial walls.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted.

Abstract: A surgical blade may include a surgical incision guide configured to guide a surgical incision. The surgical incision guide may include one or more surgical incision guide marks. A surgical incision guide mark may be configured to provide information about a surgical incision. For example, a surgeon may compare a location of a surgical incision guide with a portion of a tissue to identify an incision depth. Illustratively, a surgeon may compare a location of a surgical incision guide with a portion of a tissue to identify an optimum incision depth to adjust an orientation of a surgical blade.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted.

Abstract: A medical device for breaking up and aspirating material, especially intravenous clots, having a catheter, a barrel, and a sheath is disclosed. The catheter has a lumen through which material is aspirated. The barrel has a first and second end connected by a plurality of blades that are self-biased to extend outward. The sheath provides a selective radial constraint such that the blades are constrained when the sheath covers the barrel and unconstrained when the sheath is retracted.

Abstract: To provide a puncture device in which an inner needle (3) is accommodated in an inner needle hub (41) by pulling operation of an inner needle, a through hole for inserting the inner needle is blocked, and the inner needle is prevented from protruding outside. The puncture device includes an outer pipe (6) fitted inside the inner needle hub (41) so as to be freely moveable, and an inner pipe (7) fitted inside the outer pipe (6) so as to be freely moveable, which has a through hole (73) for inserting the inner needle (3). The inner pipe (7) includes a through hole block means (space 75, the block body 74) for blocking communicated condition of the through hole, which makes at least part of the through hole move from a position where the inner needle (3) is inserted to a position where the inner needle (3) is blocked.

Abstract: A surgical access device including a housing having a nozzle assembly, a gas supply plenum, a gas return plenum, and a pressure sensing plenum, as well as an elongated tubular body that extends from the housing portion and defines a central lumen communicating with the nozzle assembly and the gas return plenum, a telescopic cannula assembly associated with the tubular body and including a proximal section arranged coaxially within the tubular body and a distal section coaxially supported within the proximal section and mounted for movement relative to the proximal section between retracted and extended positions, and an elastomeric sheath associated with the telescopic cannula assembly and having a distal anchor portion for securing the surgical access device during a laparoscopic surgical procedure.

Abstract: Embodiments of a cannula seal are disclosed. In some embodiments, a cannula seal can include a base portion that engages with a cannula; and a seal portion integrally formed with the base portion that slidebly engages with an instrument shaft such that an insertion frictional force between the seal portion and the instrument shaft for insertion of the instrument shaft is symmetrical and substantially equal with a retraction frictional force.

Abstract: A hand-held epilation device for removal of unwanted hair by a user which includes a body portion, arm, slider mechanism, and a rotatable flexible member. The slider mechanism is held under tension. The rotatable flexible member is held under tension and rotates which coils and uncoils two portions of the rotatable flexible member to grasp and remove unwanted hairs. The slider mechanism moves along the arm to maintain a consistent angle between two portions of the rotatable flexible member allowing one portion of the rotatable flexible member to act as an aid to help the user target removal of unwanted hair and permitting more precise hair removal.

Abstract: External fixation assemblies offer good benefits in relevant orthopedic procedures but would be used more efficiently if the quick-release fasteners could be used so no tools would be required. This invention covers various embodiments of quarter-turn, quick-release fasteners, various shapes and surfaces of connecting rods and bone pins or other clamped objects to facilitate use of external fixation assemblies. Included are quick-release fasteners constructed from programmable magnets. Connecting rods can have fastening positions in the form of threaded or non-threaded holes. Both holes and connecting rods and bone pins can be of different shapes, for example, round, square, oval, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or any arbitrary shape. In both adding holes and non-circular shapes, rotation is eliminated allowing better fixation, and, in the case of holes or dimpled or out-dented surfaces, longitudinal motion along the rod or pin as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone fixation device (1) for securing attachment between a screw and a vertebra comprising two pedicles, comprising a hollow cavity having a longitudinal axis, a distal part (2) having itself a distal end and (7) a proximal end (8), a proximal part (3) having itself a distal end (9) and a proximal end (10) and a flange at the proximal end (10), characterized in that: —the distal part (2) comprises a deformable area (2D) comprising at least three helical slots (6); and —the distal part (2) comprises a full portion (5) located distally after said at least three helical slots (6); further characterized in that said full portion (5) cooperates with the screw such that once the screw abuts against the flange (4) of the bone fixation device (1), further screwing causes the deformation of the deformable area (2D) of the distal part (2) and the retraction of the distal end of the distal part (7) towards the proximal end of the distal part (8); and in that after screwing, the borders

Abstract: A spinal correction system for implantation in a patient, the system including a reciprocating adjuster and/or a resistance adjuster coupled to a stabilizing member, for example. The resistance adjuster includes a potential energy drive, a slide unit, and a resistance unit. The reciprocating adjuster includes a piston unit, a transfer unit coupled to the piston unit, and a return mechanism.

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. The second member is manually engageable with the first member to connect the members. Fasteners, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for spinal fusion according to exemplary aspects involves a first screw and a second screw to be inserted into a lateral mass, wherein one of the first screw and the second screw comprises a rod configured to form a pivot joint with a tulip of one of the screws. A tulip of the first screw and a tulip of the second screw each comprise at least one slot configured to mate with the rod to thereby connect the first screw and the second screw. A method of exemplary aspects involves implanting a first screw and a second screw and connecting the screw by lowering a rod of one of the screws into a tulip of the other screw.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pedicle screw for spinal fixation having a bone fastener portion a permanent rod coupling, a breakaway portion connected to the permanent rod coupling and a temporary rod coupling. A permanent rod can be positioned in the permanent rod coupling and a temporary rod can be positioned in the temporary rod coupling and when the temporary rod is not needed the temporary rod coupling can be removed by separation at a breakaway portion.