Abstract: An anchor that secures to a connector as part of an anchor assembly is disclosed. The proximal anchor includes a pair of spaced apart prongs which join together at a slot inception. The prongs are shaped and sized of a configuration to define a catch or latching structure. The prongs are configured to capture and deform the suture between the protrusions and prevent the suture from disengaging from the slotted anchor device once engaged.

Abstract: A method of anchoring a suture into a pilot hole in bone utilizing a suture anchor. A lumen-defining circular soft wall, having a first and second end, is slidably engaged to a piece of suture, a first length of which extends from the first end of the wall and is threaded through the lumen from the second end, and a second length of which extends from the second end and is threaded through the lumen from the first end. The suture anchor is introduced into the pilot hole so that the first length and second length of suture material extend out of the pilot hole. The first length and second length are pulled on alternately, thereby permitting the suture anchor structure to slide on the piece of suture material, and to be compacted evenly by the pulling, until the suture anchor is set in the pilot hole.

Abstract: The technology includes an anchor assembly for tissue repair having an open helical coil sleeve and a tip structure. The tip structure includes an aperture for passing a suture and a suture capture member for capturing a suture. The technology also includes an anchor driver for installing an anchor into bone. The anchor driver includes an outer shaft and a sleeve advancement member for advancing the sleeve as well as an inner shaft and a suture capture advancement member for advancing the suture capture member. The technology also includes a system for tissue repair having an anchor assembly and an anchor driver for installing the anchor assembly into bone.

Abstract: A ferrule is disclosed for use with a surgical suturing device. The ferrule has a suture interface and a needle receptacle. The ferrule also has one or more indentations protruding into the needle receptacle. The ferrule further has one or more slits adjacent the one or more indentations. Another ferrule is disclosed for use with a surgical suturing device. The ferrule has a suture interface and a needle receptacle. The ferrule also has three indentations protruding into the needle receptacle. The ferrule further has three slits, each of the slits substantially centered between a different pair of indentations from the three indentations, and wherein each of the slits is longer and thinner than any one of the three indentations.

Abstract: A suturing backstop is disclosed. The suturing backstop has a suturing device receiver configured to receive at least a portion of a tissue bite area of a suturing device. The suturing backstop also has a sewing cuff receptacle. The suturing backstop further has one or more needle guides adjacent the sewing cuff receptacle. The suturing backstop also has one or more alignment stops configured to position said portion of the tissue bite area within the suturing device receiver such that when a needle from the suturing device is extended from a retracted to an engaged position, the needle passes through the sewing cuff receptacle and through a corresponding one of the one or more needle guides. A related method for placing sutures into a sewing cuff of a prosthetic replacement device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable motion limiter for a minimally invasive surgical device is disclosed. The adjustable motion limiter includes a cam surface and a positioning interface. Another adjustable motion limiter for a minimally invasive surgical device is disclosed. The adjustable motion limiter has a positioning interface comprising a grooved protrusion. The adjustable motion limiter also has a cam surface comprising an arcuate surface and facing a direction which is substantially perpendicular to a direction the positioning interface faces. The adjustable motion limiter further has an adjustment key and one or more locking teeth. A minimally invasive surgical device having an adjustable motion limiter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tissue closure device includes a pusher assembly having a drive arm extending from a drive shaft and a drive mechanism at a distal end of the drive arm, wherein the drive mechanism is capable of releasably engaging and rotating a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end about a rotational axis and a cartridge having a protective housing and the suturing needle, the cartridge extending from a distal end of a cartridge holder assembly and releasably attached to the cartridge holder assembly. A pointed end of the suturing needle may be positioned within the protective housing before and after a complete rotation of the suturing needle about the rotational axis. A removable electronic module may be provided controlled by an actuator that mechanically engages the drive shaft to rotate the drive shaft and the drive mechanism, thereby rotating the suturing needle about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A suturing nail includes a first nail body a second nail body being intertwined mutually to form a helix portion; a first nail crown extending from an end of the first nail body; a second nail crown extending from an end of the second nail body and opposite to the first nail crown, the first and the second nail crown being located on the same side of the helix portion and perpendicular to the helix portion; a first nail leg extending from the other end of the first nail body; a second nail leg extending from the other end of the second nail body and being spaced from the first nail, the first and the second nail leg are located on the same side of the helix portion, the first nail leg and the second nail leg are parallel to the helix portion.

Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can include a cartridge body, a plurality of staples, and an implantable layer. The implantable layer can include an inner portion, an outer portion positioned at least partially around the inner portion, and a plurality of passages formed through the outer portion toward the inner portion. The implantable layer can be porous. An implantable layer can include an outer portion including a plurality of fibers. A method of forming an implantable layer for use with a surgical stapler is also disclosed. The method can include forming at least one passage through an outer surface toward an inner portion of the implantable layer.

Abstract: A loading unit configured for engagement with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The loading unit comprises a proximal body portion and a tool assembly. The proximal body portion defines a longitudinal axis. The tool assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the proximal body portion and includes a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. At least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position to engage tissue therebetween. The cartridge assembly is configured to house a plurality of fasteners therein. The diameter of the tool assembly is less than or equal to about 8 mm.

Abstract: A jaw member for a tubular shafted surgical instrument includes a first branch having a first active region and a second branch having a second active region. The first branch and/or the second branch has a respective link member, and the branches are held in the axial direction. A cam support member is slideable relative to the at least one link member in the axial direction. The at least one link member and the cam support member are formed substantially planar and are arranged substantially layerlike one above the other. A corresponding jaw member can be assembled onto a tubular shaft.

Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can include a cartridge body, a plurality of staples, and an implantable layer including a plurality of foam fragments, wherein the foam fragments are fused together to form a unitary body. The implantable layer can further include a plurality of intrastitial voids intermediate the foam fragments and/or a plurality of interstitial voids within the foam fragments. A method of forming an implantable layer for use with a surgical stapler is also disclosed. The method can include the steps of obtaining a plurality of foam fragments, heating the foam fragments, and compressing the foam fragments. A method of forming an implantable layer for use with a surgical stapler can also include lyophilizing a solution.

Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can include a cartridge body, a plurality of staples, and an implantable layer. The implantable layer can include a piece of lyophilized foam and a plurality of fibers at least partially embedded in the piece of lyophilized foam. The implantable layer can further include a plurality of pores defined in piece of lyophilized foam, and a plurality of pockets, wherein a pocket at least partially surrounds a fiber. A method of forming an implantable layer for use with a surgical staple is also disclosed. The method can comprise obtaining a mold comprising a cavity, placing a plurality of fibers in the cavity of the mold, dispensing a solution into the cavity around the fibers, and lyophilizing the solution in the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying surgical clips has a body portion housing a clip stack and a pair of jaws supported at a distal end of the body portion. The body portion includes a camming member, a clip follower and a lockout member having a plurality of stop members. The lockout member is movable from a first position in slidable relation to the camming member to a second position interlocked with the camming member. The camming member has at least one notch, and in a second position the lockout member has at least one of the stop members positioned to interface with the at least one notch. The engagement between the stop member and the notch limits distal movement of the camming member. The clip follower actuates the lockout member when the clip follower advances to a predetermined clip in the clip stack.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a proximal base having a distal diagonal end surface and a distal tip connected to the proximal base and movable relative to the proximal base, wherein the distal tip has a proximal diagonal end surface. The distal diagonal end surface and the proximal diagonal end surface contact opposing sides of a tissue portion to create the fistula. A peripheral edge defines the proximal distal end surface. A proximal point is disposed on the peripheral edge. The proximal point comprises a shortened angle and a fully radiused edge relative to a remaining portion of the peripheral edge and a relief recess is disposed on a distal end of the proximal base, both for the purpose of minimizing tissue snagging.

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: The cartridge assembly includes a housing, a pusher member, a fastener cartridge body, a circular cartridge buttress member, and a retaining ring member. The pusher member is supported within the housing and movable between a first position and a second position. The fastener cartridge body is supported on the housing and has a tissue engaging surface that extends to an annular edge. One or both of the housing and the fastener cartridge body define an annular containment groove. The circular cartridge buttress member has a body portion and an extension portion. The body portion is supported on the tissue engaging surface of the fastener cartridge body. The extension portion extends from the body portion and over the annular edge of the tissue engaging surface. The retaining ring member is secured within the containment groove to releasably secure the extension portion of the circular cartridge buttress member to the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for delivering multiple occluders laparoscopically, percutaneously, and for open surgical procedures. Occluders can be delivered in a minimally invasive procedure to a hollow structure such as a blood vessel. The device allows occlusion without requiring catheterization or extraction of the needle from the body between occluder deployments. An occluder delivery device similar to a syringe is provided that injects occluders directly to the region of interest. The device can hold several occluders at a time, so that multiple occluders can be delivered to a desired location or to multiple nearby locations with only a single injection of the delivery needle.

Abstract: A medical shaft instrument includes an instrument head with at least one jaw member for applying clamps with two jaw member branches. The instrument head is connectable over an instrument shaft having an outer tube with a handle for actuation of the jaw member. A clip magazine includes a retaining rail for supporting clamps in a predetermined storage position distance from each other. All the clamps are advanceable by a forth and back movable conveying and advancing rail. The clamp closest to the instrument head is conveyable by a tongue into the jaw member between the jaw member branches. The retaining rail has a distally extending support plate or bridge, which covers a jaw member region of a jaw member branch on the other jaw member branch facing side such that a tipping of an advanced or advanceable clamp on the jaw member branch is prevented.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical instrument including an external tube (2) and two elongated members (4) positioned in the tube (2), each of which includes a distal end (10a) for capturing one of the two tissue zones (M1, M2) to be attached. The instrument (1) may further include a catching member (22, 25) for each tissue (M1, M2) to be attached; a rod (15, 16) linked to each catching member (22, 25) enabling tension to move axially, the rod (15, 16) being separable from said catching member (22, 25) when a tension is exerted on it beyond a certain threshold; and a member (17a) forming a stop for locking axially each catching member (22, 25) during the tensioning.

Abstract: Providing a stent which can easily be indwelled in a blood vessel in a state such that a catheter can be projected toward an inside of aneurysm. The stent is a stent for use in medical treatment of an aneurysm (1) and includes a cylindrical stent body (10) provided on a peripheral wall and having a plurality of insertion portions (11) through each of which a catheter (7) is insertable and a plurality of valving elements (20) provided in the insertion portions (11) respectively. Each valving element (20) is opened when the catheter (7) is inserted through one of the insertion portions (11). Each valving element (20) is closed when the catheter (7) is pulled out of the insertion portion (11). This suppresses an outflow into a blood vessel of a coil (9) placed in the aneurysm (1).

Abstract: A selective aortic balloon device includes a catheter comprising an open distal end configured to be inserted into a body cavity or vessel, and a plurality of adjustable port regions with inflatable balloons between adjacent adjustable port regions. Each adjustable port region is configured to move between a closed position and an open position to selectively allow fluid flow to enter the catheter through the open distal end and to exit the catheter through one or more of the plurality of adjustable port regions depending on an inflation pattern of the inflatable balloons.

Abstract: An aortic occlusion device includes a catheter and a balloon mounted along the catheter, wherein the balloon is a narrow profile balloon. The narrow profile balloon comprises an anchored end fixed to the catheter, a movable end distal to the fixed end, a wall extending between the anchored end and the movable end, an inflatable tube located proximate along the wall and circumscribing the wall, and at least one tension wire attached to the movable end and extending through the catheter such that the at least one tension wire is accessible to move the movable end of the balloon towards the anchored end when the catheter is positioned in the aorta.

Abstract: The present disclosure discusses systems and methods for controlling a hemorrhage. The hemorrhage control device can include a harness that is worn around an upper junctional area and a lower junctional area of a user. The hemorrhage control device can also include a compression device that is configured to reversibly couple with the harness. The compression device can include a compression puck and a handle. The handle can be coupled with the harness. When rotated the handle can constrict the harness around the upper junctional area or the lower junctional area. The constriction of the harness can also cause the compression puck to compress the upper junctional area or the lower junctional area.

Abstract: A hammer drill attachment is provided for attachment to a bi-directional surgical drill. The hammer drill attachment is configured to provide a rotating output in a first direction of rotation when the drill is operated in its first direction of rotation, and the hammer drill attachment is configured to provide a hammering output when the drill is operated in its second direction of rotation.

Abstract: A reaming instrument, in accordance with one embodiment, includes a rotatable cutting head and a cutting face on a distal end of the cutting head. At least one radially displaceable cutting element has a cutting edge projecting in a distal direction from the cutting face. An adjustment element is operable to displace the cutting element toward a fully retracted state, or toward a fully expanded state. In another embodiment, a method of modifying a bone surface includes displacing at least one cutting element on a reamer instrument to a fully retracted state, inserting the instrument into a human or animal, operating an adjustment element to displace the cutting element toward an expanded state, and activating the cutting head to begin cutting the bone.

Abstract: A combined bone cutting guide and spreader device (1; 50) comprising first and second arms (2, 3; 51, 52) and a hinge (4; 71) connecting first ends (5, 6) of said first and second arms together, in which second ends (7, 8; 53) of said first and second arms each comprise a bone attachment mechanism (9, 10; 69, 70), in which said first and second arms are moveable about said hinge between a guide position in which they are arranged parallel with one another and define a bone cutting guide slot (11) therebetween, and such that said bone attachment mechanisms are adjacent to one another, and a spread position in which they are arranged at an angle to one another and said bone attachment mechanisms are spaced apart.

Abstract: A method of harvesting a blood vessel, the method may be performed by an apparatus which may include a flexible body portion (102) having at least one ultrasound transducer (112), the apparatus may be controlled by at least one controller, the method may include one or more acts of: percutaneously situating the flexible body into the blood vessel having vessel walls and connective tissue attached to the vessel walls; and exciting the at least one ultrasound transducer (112) to output ultrasound signals of a first type having a focal zone outside of the vessel walls so as to fractionate a region of connective tissue in the focal zone.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical assembly broadly includes an outer hollow needle which has an outer diameter of 3.0 mm or smaller, and a coaxial surgical instrument having a shaft which extends through the outer hollow needle. The coaxial surgical instrument includes end effectors at the end of the shaft which are biased to an open position such that when the end effectors of the surgical instrument extended out of the needle they open, and they are closed by relative movement of the needle over them. The assembly preferably includes a first fixing element which is used to fix the relative location of the surgical instrument and the needle. The assembly also preferably includes a second fixing element which moves relative to the needle and is located on the outside thereof and which is used to fix the relative location of the needle to the patient.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical assembly broadly includes an outer hollow needle which has an outer diameter of 3.0 mm or smaller, and a coaxial surgical instrument having a shaft which extends through the outer hollow needle. The coaxial surgical instrument includes end effectors at the end of the shaft which are biased to an open position such that when the end effectors of the surgical instrument extended out of the needle they open, and they are closed by relative movement of the needle over them. The assembly preferably includes a first fixing element which is used to fix the relative location of the surgical instrument and the needle. The assembly also preferably includes a second fixing element which moves relative to the needle and is located on the outside thereof and which is used to fix the relative location of the needle to the patient.

Abstract: A tissue forceps includes a first arm and a second arm. In an unbiased state, the arms extend from a common base along respective lines that form an acute angle resulting in an initial displacement between distal ends of the two arms. The distal end of each arm includes a finger portion that may include a retention notch, a flared footing, or both. Retention notches formed in one or both of the fingers define a retention aperture when the tissue forceps is closed. Retention apertures may be triangular, square, circular or any other suitable shape. The size and shape of the retention aperture may accommodate a surgical needle having a cross section of like size and shape. Flared footings may include inward flares, outward flares, or both. A pair of fingers may include any combination of flared footings combined with any combination of retention notches.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that include a housing having a proximal portion including a proximal opening, distal portion including a distal opening, and an intermediate portion sized to contain a medical device; and an inserter having at least a portion comprising a greater width than at least one other portion of the inserter.

Abstract: Systems and methods are configured to treat a tissue by automatically linearly oscillating an instrument into a target site. A system may include a body having a length and configured to receive a portion of the instrument guide member having an exposed end and/or an instrument. The system may further include an actuator member disposed within the body and configured to linearly oscillate the instrument within the instrument guide member a fixed distance past the exposed end. The systems and methods can increase patient comfort while empowering clinicians by simplifying interventions for musculoskeletal disorders.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for treating hepatic area vein occlusion problem. There are five major techniques, used in combined manner or separately, showing effective cure rate. The first technique is to use multiple types of guiding wire through-to-through skills. The second technique is to use one or more accessory hepatic veins (AHV) to drain hepatic blood into inferior vena cava for decreasing pressure inside the liver. The third technique is to puncture through occlusion of veins. The fourth technique is reverse direction membrane puncture. The fifth technique is thrombosis handling.

Abstract: A thrombectomy system comprising an aspiration catheter having an aspiration lumen and a high pressure irrigation lumen, the aspiration catheter having a proximal end and a distal, and a control box fluidly connected to the aspiration catheter and configured to synchronously provide irrigation and vacuum through the aspiration catheter.

Abstract: Exemplary medical devices may include a snare device. The snare device may include a first leg having a proximalmost end and a second leg having a proximalmost end. The first leg and the second leg may form a distal loop. The proximalmost end of first leg may be independently moveable relative to the proximalmost end of the second leg.

Abstract: Disclosed is a snare instrument with a shaft area, a snare structure in a snaring area distally adjoining the shaft area, and a plurality of noose wires. The snare structure can be pulled closed, from an opened position with distally open snare, and has a plurality of flexible bending tubes which extend distally forwards and radially outwards in a radiating shape to form the snare, and of which the distal ends can be moved radially inwards towards each other so as to pull the snare structure closed. Each noose wire extends with a first base portion from the shaft area loosely through one of the bending tubes as far as the distal end thereof, from there with a noose arch to the distal end of the same or another bending tube, and from there with a second base portion loosely through the latter back to the shaft area. At least one of the noose wire base portions extends through each bending tube.

Abstract: Instrument docking ports and gas valve docking ports for sealingly engaging surgical access ports for use in transendoscopic and laparoscopic surgical procedures. The instrument docking ports comprise a cannula that defines a passageway for a surgical instrument, a rim outwardly extending around the circumference of the receiving end of the cannula that cooperates with one or more retaining protrusions outwardly extending about the external surface of the cannula to maintain the position of the cannula when installed for use. Disposed within the cannula is at least one sealing disc to allow insertion of a surgical instrument therethrough. The sealing disc sealingly engages with the surgical instrument when inserted and returns to a closed position when the surgical instrument is removed. The gas valve docking port has a gas ingress port and a gas egress port for controllable insufflation and desufflation of a target body cavity during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A trocar or surgical port assembly includes an annular body attachable to a patient at an incision in a patient. The annular body includes a cylindrical insert portion defining a proximal end and a distal end and a flange disposed at the proximal end of the cylindrical insert portion. A skirt is attached to the distal end of the cylindrical insert portion and extends distally from the annular body and includes a flexible web and a wire attached to the flexible web that in a multiple looped configuration of non-intersecting curved portions positioned in the vicinity of the distal portion of the skirt to enable the flexible web to be biased via a biasing force exerted by the wire into a funnel-shaped open configuration having an opening of the skirt at the distal portion of the skirt that is larger than an opening of the skirt at the proximal portion.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a medical device assembly for facilitating a sealed working channel into a pressurized body cavity, and methods of use thereof, In certain embodiments, devices of the invention include a hollow body that is splittable along its length and being configured to move between an open configuration for operably coupling with a surgical instrument and a closed configuration, in which in the closed configuration, the device provides a seal that prevents gas leakage from an incision site of a body cavity while the instrument is in the body cavity.

Abstract: A handheld skin exfoliating apparatus has handle and head portions with two drums having different abrasiveness mounted on opposite sides of the head portion. A drive motor and gears are mounted to the handle and/or head portions and operatives to rotate the drums for exfoliate skin when a respective outer surface of one drum contacts the skin.

Abstract: An apparatus, adapted for resiliently holding resected fibula sections, comprises: a first connecting portion adapted for connecting a first resected fibular section of a patient's fibula; a second connecting portion adapted for connecting a second resected fibular section of the patient's fibula; and an elastic portion or member defined between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion adapted for resiliently holding the first resected fibular section and the second resected fibular section, whereby upon actuation by an impacting force caused by the patient's movement, the elastic portion may resiliently buffer such an impacting force to prevent contacting or rejoining of the first and second resected fibular sections.

Abstract: A device for preparing an opening in tissue for implantation of an implant. The device includes a tool adapted to be coupled to an energy source, an augmentation element of a thermoplastic material, and a counter element. A tool contact surface and a first augmentation element contact surface together form a first interface, and a second augmentation element contact surface and a counter element contact surface together form a second interface. The device is configured to be being inserted into an opening in the tissue and configured for the augmentation element to be compressed between the tool and the counter element while at the same time energy is coupled into the tool.

Abstract: Methods for implantation across one or more adjacent bones to allow for control of the distance between bone anchors. Control of distance between bone anchors may be provided by one inter-anchor element pushing the pair of bone anchors apart and a second inter-anchor element pulling the pair of bone anchors together. Control of distance between bone anchors may be provided through use of dissimilar thread pitch. Compression of the space between bone anchors through controlled movement of a pair of anchored bone anchors towards one another.

Abstract: Correction of a scoliotic curve in a spine comprises the steps of implanting an expanding rod isolated completely under the skin and attached to selected portions of the scoliotic curve of the spine at opposing ends of the rod; and producing a controlled force by means of expansion of the rod over at an extended time period under external control until a desire spinal curve is obtained. An incremental force is generated to stretch the scoliotic curve of the spine between the selected portions where attachment of the rod is defined. The controlled force is provided steadily for at least one month or alternatively 1-3 months. Multiple rods may be employed each associated with a different scoliotic curve of the spine or a different portion of the scoliotic curve.

Abstract: An anchoring system implantable in bone. The anchoring system includes a screw having a screw head, a screw shaft, a plurality of interface elements, each adjacent pair of the interface elements has an interface by-pass channel disposed therebetween, a boring ring that includes cutting teeth and a ring by-pass channel, and a coupling assembly that is adjustable with respect to a longitudinal axis of the screw.

Abstract: Bone screw assemblies that can include a screw, housing, snap ring, saddle, set screw, and rod are described herein. The bone screw assemblies can allow for polyaxial or uniplanr movement of the screw relative to the housing. A threaded portion of the screw can be coated with a hydroxyapatite (HA) coating. The screw can have a triple lead thread configuration. The bone screw assembly may be modular.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shank and a head having an outer surface portion shaped as a segment of a sphere, a receiving part having a seat portion for receiving the head, and a pressure element having a head contacting surface portion having at least two circumferentially distinct projections and defining a recess for holding the head, the recess having a first region configured to receive the head and a second region defined by at least part of one of the projections and having an undersize compared to the shape of the head, such that when the head is held in the recess, the projections extend over a portion of the head with the largest outer diameter, and the head contacting surface portion corresponding to the second region is expanded from a neutral position to clamp the head by friction.

Abstract: A modular uniplanar pedicle screw assembly for use with a polyaxial bone fastener. The modular assembly comprises a uniplanar tulip assembly adapted to be coupled to a head of the polyaxial bone fastener, wherein the uniplanar tulip assembly includes a longitudinal slot. The modular assembly further includes an adapter having a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion is sized and shaped to be received in a recess of the bone fastener head. The upper portion extends from the lower portion and is adapted to slide along the longitudinal slot of the uniplanar tulip assembly to allow movement of the uniplanar tulip assembly in a first plane along a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal slot, the longitudinal slot preventing movement of the uniplanar tulip assembly in a second plane lateral to the first plane relative to the bone fastener.

Abstract: Spinal pedicle screws are placed into vertebrae from the same approach and the same anterior, anterolateral or anterior/lateral exposure that is used for an anterior/lateral spine operation, during the same surgical procedure as the spine operation. Once the anterior spine operation is complete, pedicle screws are placed into the vertebrae with a front-to-back trajectory, in a generally anterior, lateral, anterolateral, or contralateral trajectory, avoiding the need for a second operation exposing the posterior spine.