Abstract: A spinal construct is provided including a first fastener, a second fastener and a connector. Each fastener includes a first end and a second end configured for penetrating tissue. The connector has two ends. Each end of the connector includes an expandable member. The first end of each fastener is engageable to an expandable member of the connector to fix the fastener to the connector. The first and second ends of the connector are connected by a bridge. The spinal construct also includes securing members for attaching the connector to the fasteners. A method for treating a spinal disorder with the spinal construct is also provided.

Abstract: A growing rod for mounting between attachment mechanisms that are secured to anatomical structures of a patient having scoliosis. The growing rod includes a base rod having an attachment end, an extendable rod that is translatable relative to the base rod along a longitudinal axis and a housing enclosing at least a portion of the extendable rod therein. A magnet is rotatably mounted within the housing and is enclosed by a top magnet cover and a bottom magnet cover. The magnet includes a first pole and a second pole. A gear reduction mechanism is associated with the magnet and the extendable rod. The gear reduction mechanism reduces an output rotation to the extendable rod relative to an input rotation from the magnet.

Abstract: A system for use during a surgical procedure includes a control unit configured to obtain a horizontal pelvic line (HPL) and a central sacral vertical line (CSVL); obtain a horizontal shoulder line (HSL) and an orthogonal midline (OM); compare the HPL and the CSVL with the HSL and the OM; determine an angle between the HPL and the HSL; and convert the angle to a patient position.

Abstract: A spinal implant system comprises a plurality of alternate first members including at least one first member. The first member comprises an inner surface defining an implant cavity, and a first part being non-rotatable relative to the inner surface and a second part movable relative to the first part. A second member includes a mating element engageable with a first member such that the second member is interchangeable with the plurality of first members. The first member is rotatable relative to the second member in a first plane of a body and the second part defines a portion of the implant cavity and is movable relative to the first part in a second plane of the body. Fasteners, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A locking assembly for securing a rod in a polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a first locking element having a first end, a second end, an outer surface with an external advancement structure, an inner wall, an internal advancement structure on the inner wall, and an engagement portion for a tool, and a second locking element having a first end configured to be oriented towards the first end of the first locking element, an opposite second end, an outer surface with an external advancement structure configured to cooperate with the internal advancement structure of the first locking element, and a portion at the second end having a width greater than a greatest width of the external advancement structure of the second locking element, wherein the second locking element is configured to move axially relative to the bone anchoring device at a speed different than the first locking element.

Abstract: Spinal fixation system connectors comprising spring cage elements. In some embodiments, an engagement member, such as a bone screw, may be configured to be coupled with and received within a connector body. A spring cage structure may also be configured to be coupled with the connector body. The spring cage structure may comprise a spring configured to be positioned in a relaxed configuration and a flexed configuration, such that the spring defines an opening having a first size in the relaxed configuration and a second, larger size in the flexed configuration to allow the opening to receive and engage a head of the engagement member within the connector body.

Abstract: The invention discloses an implantable facet arthroplasty device suitable for treating adjacent level disease. The device is designed for implantation between a first vertebra and a second vertebra. Components of the device include: a crossbar; a first component having a first attachment mechanism adapted to attach to a first location of a spinal fusion device attached to a first vertebra and a second attachment mechanism adapted to attach to the crossbar; and a second component having a second attachment mechanism adapted to attach to a second location of a spinal fusion device attached to the first vertebra and a second attachment mechanism adapted to attach to the crossbar. The first component articulates relative to the second component and the first vertebra articulates relative to the device itself.

Abstract: An interspinous process implant is disclosed that includes an elongated threaded implant body defining a longitudinal axis and having a main body portion with opposed proximal and distal end portions, and a removable body portion operatively connected to the proximal end portion of the main body portion, a distal anchor assembly including two deployable anchor blades mounted for pivotal movement between a stowed position located within an interior cavity of the main body portion and a deployed position radially extending from the main body portion, and a proximal anchor assembly including an anchor collar mounted for longitudinal movement along the longitudinal axis of the implant body between a first position spaced apart from the distal anchor assembly and a second position approximated with the distal anchor assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a securement arm, a clamp lock, and a tensioning assembly. The body defines a longitudinal axis and has proximal and distal portions. The distal portion defines a recess. The securement arm is coupled to the body and translatable along the body in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis between first and second position. The clamp lock is pivotally coupled to the distal portion of the body. The clamp lock is pivotable between secured and unsecured configurations. The tensioning assembly translatable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis between proximal and distal position. The tensioning assembly configured to draw a flexible band to tension the flexible band about a bony element.

Abstract: The surgical instrument includes a first implant support being connectable with a fastener. A second implant support is connectable with a fastener. A track is disposed at a selected trajectory to orient translation of at least one of the implant supports along the trajectory.

Abstract: The surgical instrument includes a first arm that is connectable with a fastener. A second arm is connectable with the fastener. The arms are relatively rotatable between a first position and a second dosed position. A lock is engageable with the arms in the dosed position to fix the fastener with the arms. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a first member engageable with a first end of a fastener having a second end configured to penetrate tissue. A second member includes an expandable member configured for engaging the first end. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A transverse link with a pair of opposing engagement members having a spherical ball. bearing configured to fix a respective screw extender with respect to each other is provided. The spherical bearing is configured to allow the engagement member to rotate in three dimension so as to accommodate the position of a pair of respective screw extenders. The transverse link includes an automatic latching mechanism configured to fixed the spatial distance between the ends of the rod fixation instruments with respect to each other.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for tensioning a tether. In one embodiment, a tether tensioning device is provided and includes an elongate shaft adapted to be positioned adjacent to a bone anchor implanted in bone, and a tensioning mechanism pivotally associated with the elongate shaft and adapted to couple to a tether seated across the bone anchor and to pivot relative to the elongate shaft to apply a tensioning force to the tether.

Abstract: An implantable fixation device for rejoining opposed portions of a separated bone. The device including two corresponding plates that are configured to be aligned and coupled to a bone, such as a sternum, pre-resection of the bone or prior to cutting/separating the bone. The placement of the corresponding plates provides a gap between the edges of the plates that face one another allowing for and guiding a cutting tool for separating the bone. After the bone has been cut and the desired surgical procedure performed, the plates also assist in realigning and fixation of the bone portions. At least one plate includes a ratchet mechanism that is configured to tighten a locking element and draw the two plates together and into alignment with one another.

Abstract: A bone plate (1) with a longitudinal axis (2), a bottom surface (10) facing a bone and a top surface (11) and comprising a) an oblong base plate (3) with a anchoring portion (21) extending towards a first end (26) of the base plate (3) and a coupling portion (23) extending towards a second end (27) of the base plate (3); b) a sliding plate (6) connected with said coupling portion (23) which is slideable parallel to said longitudinal axis (2); whereby c) at least one first plate hole (4) is located in said anchoring portion (21) and at least one second plate hole (13) is located in said sliding plate (6); d) said base plate (3) and/or said sliding plate (6) is provided with retaining means (5) limiting a motion of said sliding plate (6) relative to said base plate (3) perpendicular to said top surface (11) in such manner that the sliding quality between said sliding plate (6) and said base plate (3) is maintained; and e) said at least one second plate hole (13) of said sliding plate (6) is provided with rigid

Abstract: An apparatus can include a fibula plate having a shape such that, when placed on a fibula, includes a distal portion facing in a lateral direction and an upper portion wrapped around to a posterior aspect of the fibula, the fibula plate having screw holes positioned in the upper portion to direct screws anteromedially rather than directly medial.

Abstract: The present disclosure is for a device, tooling, methods of use and kits containing the cranial plates and bur hole covers used for resecuring a cranial flap after a craniotomy. The cranial repair system is meant to reduce the profile of cranial plates or bur hole covers on the external surface of the cranium after a craniotomy is performed. The embodied devices of present disclosure are designed to reside substantially within the kerf or bur holes and thus minimize the surface area of devices resides on the external surface of the cranium. Additional embodiments include kits, tooling and methods to further reduce and/or eliminate the external profile of the cranial plate on the external cranial surface.

Abstract: A low profile orthopedic device is used to fix and stabilize bones to correct anomalies in skeletal structure occurring naturally or by trauma. Bone screws are screwed into bones by application of torque. Connectors are attached to the anchored bone screws. Each connector includes a clamp and a compression ring. A connecting rod connects several connectors together. The clamps are tightened to hold the rod to the bone screws in a pre-selected position by linear movement of the compression ring.

Abstract: A bone fastener includes a proximal portion including an inner surface defining an implant cavity. A first member is configured for disposal with the proximal portion and includes a wall defining a cavity. A second member is configured for disposal with the cavity. A distal portion includes a first end disposed within the members and a second end configured to penetrate tissue. The proximal portion overlaps the second member to limit movement of the first end of the distal portion. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a shaft having a mating end and a driving end and having an axial slot; a sliding member located within the axial slot; and an activator to advance the sliding member towards the mating end of the shaft; wherein the axial slot includes a surface proximate the mating end to move a distal end of the sliding member into a retaining position.

Abstract: A surgical implant driver includes a member that defines a longitudinal axis and includes a first mating surface and a second mating surface spaced from the first mating surface.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to improved medical devices, systems, and methods. In many embodiments, devices, systems, and methods for amputating a limb of a patient are provided. In many embodiments, devices, systems, and methods may provide chronic denervation of one or more nerves of a patient as part of a therapeutic treatment. The methods may employ cold for the prevention of neuromas or fibromas associated with amputation of a limb of a patient. Embodiments of the invention include needles that can be advanced through skin or other tissues to cause axonotmesis of a target nerve of the patient and to repeatedly interrupt a regeneration of the nerve so as to provide therapeutic chronic denervation of the target nerve. The therapeutic chronic denervation may delay the formation of neuromas or fibromas in a patient's residual limb and/or may provide long lasting and permanent pain relief associated with the target nerve.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of treating a subject having diabetes or symptoms associated with diabetes is provided. The method includes delivering a neuromodulation catheter within a vessel (e.g., hepatic artery) having surrounding nerves that innervate the liver (e.g., sympathetic nerves of the hepatic plexus). The method may also include modulating (e.g., disrupting, ablating, stimulating) the nerves by mechanical compression, energy delivery, or fluid delivery.

Abstract: A medical device includes: an elongate outer sheath; an inside shaft portion extending through an inside of the outer sheath to protrude distally beyond the outer sheath; a heating portion located between a distal portion of the outer sheath and a distal portion of the inside shaft portion, the heating portion provided with a plurality of linear material portions extending in an axial direction of the inside shaft portion; and leads electrically connected to the heating portion for passing a current to the heating portion. The linear material portion includes a conduction portion and a coating portion covering the linear material portion. The heating portion can be expanded by moving the inside shaft portion in the axial direction relative to the outer sheath. The temperature of the heating portion rises owing to electric resistance when a current flows through the heating portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for continuous infusion of a fluid, which may be heated, into a balloon catheter. A system for balloon inflation, the system comprising a catheter having an inflow lumen and an outflow lumen, a balloon positioned at a distal end of the catheter, the balloon being in fluid communication with the inflow and the outflow lumen, and an infusion device in fluid communication with the balloon through the inflow and outflow lumens, the infusion device configured for continuously circulating a fluid into and out of the balloon to maintain the balloon at a constant pressure and volume by matching a flow of the fluid into the balloon via the inflow lumen with a flow of the fluid out of the balloon via the outflow lumen in order to keep the balloon volume and pressure constant during an entire infusion.

Abstract: A loop electrode comprising a shaft and handle associated therewith, the shaft consisting of an inner shaft (2) and an outer shaft (3). The inner shaft (2) is permanently connected to the handle and the outer shaft (3) can be displaced on the inner shaft (2). The inner shaft (2) has a loop (6) comprising a first loop head (8) and a second loop head, the loop (6) comprising the first loop head (8) that can be decoupled from the inner shaft (2).

Abstract: Described herein generally are surgical pencils which define a channel to enable suctioning of materials and methods of operating the surgical pencils. In one example embodiment, the surgical pencils perform cutting and coagulation. In one example embodiment, the surgical pencils include a lighting device.

Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a knife bar having a knife translatable between a retracted position, a first extended position, and a second extended position. A trigger is operably coupled with the knife bar such that movement of the trigger between an un-actuated position, a first actuated position, and a second actuated position correspondingly moves the knife. An actuator is movable between locked and unlocked positions such that: with the trigger in the un-actuated or first actuated position and the actuator in the locked position, movement of the trigger to the second actuated position is inhibited; with the trigger in the second actuated position and the actuator in the locked position, the trigger is retained in the second actuated position; and with the actuator in the unlocked position, the trigger is movable between the un-actuated or first actuated position and the second actuated position.

Abstract: A forceps includes a handle, a shaft having a proximal end coupled to the handle, and an end effector assembly coupled to a distal end of the shaft. The forceps includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the first and second jaw members may include one or more needles extending therefrom. The one or more needles are in fluid communication with a fluid conduit extending along one or both of the first and second jaw members. The fluid conduit couples to a source of contrast agent to enable selective delivery of the contrast agent through the one or more needles.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided and includes a housing configured to connect to a source of bipolar electrosurgical energy and an electrode body coupled to the elongated housing. The electrode body includes an electrode face, first and second bipolar electrodes and a blade. The electrode face is formed on the distal end of the electrode body and includes a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis therethrough. The first and second electrodes have a leading edge and a trailing edge, are formed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and connect to opposed electrical potentials. The blade is positioned between the electrodes with at least a portion of the blade extending beyond the electrode face.

Abstract: A medical probe includes a flexible insertion tube, having a distal end for insertion into a body cavity of a patient, and a distal tip, which is disposed at the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured to be brought into contact with tissue in the body cavity. A coupling member couples the distal tip to the distal end of the insertion tube and includes a tubular piece of an elastic material having a helical cut therethrough along a portion of a length of the piece.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the ablation of tissue. A steerable ablation catheter can include one or more ablation elements at its distal end and one or more ablation elements fixedly attached to its shaft. The distal end of the ablation catheter can be deflected to assume a number of different deflection geometries in at least one direction along the shaft. One feature of the ablation catheter is that its shaft can comprise materials of differing durometers or stiffnesses attached together at a joint. Methods associated with use of the ablation catheter are also covered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, device, and system for improved mapping and/or ablation of a tissue. The device may generally include an elongate body and a distal assembly affixed to the elongate body that includes a treatment electrode having a conductive mapping region and a selectively conductive ablation region that is conductive of high-frequency current and substantially non-conductive of low-frequency current. Alternatively, the device may generally include a treatment electrode having a conductive mapping or ablation region and a region that is coated with an electrically insulated but thermally conductive layer.

Abstract: A dipole microwave applicator emits microwave radiation into tissue to be treated. The applicator is formed from a thin coax cable having an inner conductor surrounded by an insulator, which is surrounded by an outer conductor. A portion of the inner conductor extends beyond the insulator and the outer conductor. A ferrule at the end of the outer conductor has a step and a sleeve that surrounds a portion of the extended inner conductor. A tuning washer is attached to the end of the extended inner conductor. A dielectric tip encloses the tuning washer, the extended inner conductor, and the sleeve of the ferrule. The sleeve of the ferrule and the extended inner conductor operate as the two arms of the dipole microwave antenna. The tuning washer faces the step in the ferrule, and is sized and shaped to cooperate with the step in balancing and tuning the applicator.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for creating a lesion in adventitia tissue of a renal artery and/or a region of tissue surrounding the adventitia tissue while protecting intima and media tissue of the renal artery from injury. A catheter carrying a microwave antenna is positioned within the renal artery. Cooling fluid is circulated around the microwave antenna in thermal contact with the intima of the renal artery. Power is supplied to the microwave antenna to cause microwave energy to be emitted omnidirectionally from the microwave antenna. The power supplied to the microwave antenna and the cooling fluid circulated around the microwave antenna are controlled to cause the adventitia tissue and/or the region of tissue surrounding the adventitia tissue to be heated to a temperature sufficient to cause thermal damage while the intima and media tissue are maintained at a temperature where thermal damage does not occur.

Abstract: A surgical laser system includes a laser source configured to generate laser energy, a laser fiber optically coupled to the laser source and configured to discharge the laser energy and collect electromagnetic energy feedback from a treatment site a photodetector configured to generate an output signal in response to the electromagnetic energy collected from the treatment site, a display, and a controller configured to produce an image or indication about the temperature at the treatment site on the display based on the output signal.

Abstract: A mammary tissue expander device including an inflatable shell having an anterior side and a posterior side, the anterior side having an upper pole portion and a lower pole portion meeting at an apex, and an injection port for receiving fluid therethrough to inflate the expander, and a substantially flat attachment flap coupled to the posterior side of the shell, and extending in an inferior direction beyond an inferior edge of the shell by a distance D such that the attachment flap may be extended around the inferior edge and upwards to overlay at least a portion of the anterior side of the shell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system comprising a surgical instrument with a hollow main rod which has an opening, and comprising a flushing rod provided for flushing the hollow main rod and for being inserted into the hollow main rod through the opening. The invention further relates to a method for using such a system.

Abstract: A data processing method, performed by a computer, for determining implant positions of two implant components relative to two bones, wherein each of the implant components is to be attached to one of the bones such that the implant components form a joint between the bones, and wherein an implant position is a relative position between the implant component and the corresponding bone, said method comprising the steps of: a) acquiring a set of target poses, wherein a target pose represents a relative position to be achieved between the two bones; b) calculating a set of virtual poses for a pair of virtual test implant positions, wherein the set of virtual poses comprises one virtual pose for each of the target poses and wherein a virtual pose represents a relative position between the two bones if the virtual test implant positions were applied as the implant positions; c) calculating a pose deviation value for each of the target poses, wherein a pose deviation value represents the difference between a target

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for surgical tracking of predetermined target in a reference object. The systems comprise a surgical tracking unit and at least one tracker. The tracker comprises at least one tip to identify at least one target point of reference object, at least two different tracking patterns one being unrecognizable to the surgical tracking unit, and another being recognizable by the surgical tracking unit. Only one tracking pattern is exposed to the surgical tracking unit at any instant of time. An inbuilt mechanism has at least one trigger. The tip of the tracker contacts the at least one target point and a trigger is activated thereby altering the tracking pattern into a new tracking pattern which is recognizable by the surgical tracking unit thereby providing input of the target point of the reference object at any instant to the surgical tracking unit.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for producing and identifying characteristic (“crescent shaped”) regions indicative of an atherectomy plaque within a vessel, and systems and devices adapted to take advantage of this characteristic region.

Abstract: An articulating probe, comprises a first mechanism including a first link comprising a first longitudinal axis, a first articulation surface and a first motion-limiting element; and a second link comprising a second longitudinal axis, a second articulation surface and a second motion-limiting element. An articulation joint comprises the first articulation surface and the second articulation surface and constructed and arranged to allow two degree-of-freedom articulation of the second link relative to the first link. A motion resisting assembly comprises the first motion limiting element and the second motion limiting element, wherein the motion resisting assembly is constructed and arranged to resist rotation of the second link about the second longitudinal axis relative to the first longitudinal axis of the first link.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuating device. A coil unit generates magnetic field toward a medical device inserted into a human body. An actuator drives the coil unit to move back and forth, thereby adjusting the rate of a change in magnetic force or magnetic field applied to the medical device. The coil unit moves linearly back and forth depending on the body shape of a subject and the body part to be diagnosed, such that actuation force is efficiently supplied to the medical device.

Abstract: A modular table assembly for an operating room includes an arcuate corner module and at least one rectangular side module. The modules, which are interconnected by pins that can be released by depressing a pedal, are easy to separate, move and reassemble. The modular design enables one to reconfigure the table layout according to the geometry of the room.

Abstract: A surgical sponge counter includes a unitary molded plastic sponge tray defining a plurality of wells each sized to hold a lap sponge. Each well has a ledge defining a recess below the sponge for collecting fluid once the sponge is replaced in the tray. A needle counting receptacle tray may be nested within the sponge tray above the sponges.

Abstract: A handheld medical system detects at least one object within a patient's body based on an audible and/or visual feedback system, prior to surgical exploration, removal, revision, or replacement.

Abstract: A hydrogel plug is placed under stress during its curing stage, in one embodiment, by application of an externally applied force. The stress may also be induced during or after the dehydration process. The direction of the externally applied force increases the length, width, depth, or radial extent of the plug. The elastic limit of the plug is exceeded when the external force is applied so that the plug substantially retains its stressed size and shape when the externally applied force is removed. When the stretched or otherwise deformed dehydrated plug is hydrated, it substantially returns to the configuration it had prior to its dehydration and prior to the application of the externally applied force.

Abstract: A hydrogel plug is placed under stress during its curing stage, in one embodiment, by application of an externally applied force. The stress may also be induced during or after the dehydration process. The direction of the externally applied force increases the length, width, depth, or radial extent of the plug. The elastic limit of the plug is exceeded when the external force is applied so that the plug substantially retains its stressed size and shape when the externally applied force is removed. When the stretched or otherwise deformed dehydrated plug is hydrated, it substantially returns to the configuration it had prior to its dehydration and prior to the application of the externally applied force.

Abstract: The invention refers to a dental or surgical handpiece comprising a head, which serves to receive a tool, and a connector sleeve, which is intended for coupling the handpiece to a drive motor, wherein the head and the connector sleeve are connected by a connecting piece and the connecting piece accommodates a drivetrain which serves to transmit rotational energy from the connector sleeve into the head for driving the tool, characterized in that the handpiece has a RFID transponder and a plastic casing delimiting the handpiece, and the RFID transponder is protected by the plastic casing.