Abstract: An oral cavity washing device includes a nozzle having a flow passage structure and a pump to feed washing liquid to the flow passage structure. The flow passage structure includes: a first component having a first flow passage; a second component being disposed downstream of the first component and having a second flow passage that is narrower than the first flow passage; a third component being disposed downstream of the second component and having a third flow passage that is broader than the second flow passage; a reducer being disposed downstream of the third component and being configured so as to reduce a width of the flow passage; and a fourth component being disposed downstream of the reducer and having a fourth flow passage that widens with an advancement in a path from the reducer to the outlet port so as to generate cavitation in the washing liquid.

Abstract: A dental treatment appliance includes a handle, a nozzle for engaging the teeth of the user and for delivering a burst of working fluid to the teeth of a user, and a datum component also for engaging the teeth of the user. Each of the nozzle and the datum component is moveable relative to the handle. A control circuit detects relative movement between the nozzle and the datum component as the appliance is moved along the teeth of a user, and actuates the delivery of working fluid to the teeth of the user depending on the detected relative movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which is inserted into the mouth so as to isolate the dental part or area of the mouth to be treated, allowing improved vision, preventing the cheek and the tongue from impinging on the working area, and protecting the tissues of the patient from the dental instruments. Furthermore, the sucking capacity of the device prevents the saliva or any other fluid generated during the treatment from affecting both vision and the performance of a correct technique for carrying out the dental treatment.

Abstract: A system comprising an elongated mesh deployment tool having a proximal tool part and a distal tool part. The system comprises one or more wires for coupling a surgical mesh with the distal tool part, where the wires are coupled to the surgical mesh and the distal tool part in one or more locations. The distal tool part is configured for deploying the surgical mesh at a hernia location, where the deploying is performed by pulling the one or more wires in a proximal direction to mount the surgical mesh in a spread configuration near the hernia location.

Abstract: A prosthetic repair system includes a prosthesis for repairing a defect in a tissue or muscle wall. A material delivery device is provided for delivering a material, such as an adhesive material, to a surface of the prosthesis and/or to particular locations between the prosthesis and the tissue or muscle wall to attach the prosthesis to the wall. The delivery device may be coupled to the prosthesis and configured to distribute the material from one side of the prosthesis to an opposite side that is to face the defect. The delivery device may include a manifold and conduits for delivering the material from the manifold to one or more desired locations. The conduits may penetrate into and/or through the thickness of the prosthesis. After delivery and distribution of the material, the delivery device may be removed from the prosthesis and withdrawn from) a patient.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for collecting emboli include an embolic dual-filtration device are disclosed. The embolic dual-filtration device has a first filter and a second filter. The first and second filters have pores. The second filter is positioned adjacent to the first filter. The first and second filters are capable of being selectively rotated with respect to one another. The first and second filter pores of the rotated first and second filters collectively form a moiré lattice structure. The moiré lattice structure has pores smaller than the pores of each of the separate first and second filters.

Abstract: Medical Implant (100), comprising—a microbial cellulose tube (1), comprising a wall (2) having an inner surface (3) and an outer surface (4), wherein the wall comprises several layers (5, 6, 7) of microbial cellulose, wherein said layers are concentric or substantially concentric to a longitudinal axis (L) of the tube,—a stent (9) which placed inside of the microbial cellulose tube (1), wherein an outer surface (10) of the stent contacts the inner surface (3) of the microbial cellulose tube (1), and method for producing such implant. The implant can be covered with newly created bile duct epithelium, thereby creating a new bile duct from body cells. The implant can be removed after completion of creation of the new bile duct. So, the implant as suitable as a temporary implant. The implant can be used for surgery, such as surgery of gall bladder, bile duct and/or liver, e.g. gall bladder removal, hepatobiliary malignancy surgery or liver transplantation.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to methods and systems for percutaneously treating dissections in a patient's vasculature, such as, without limitation, the aorta. The method can include deploying a catheter containing a collapsed anchoring element, frame, and cover through a first vessel to an entry point of the dissection. The anchoring element can be secured to the second branch vessel. The frame can be expanded in the first branch vessel. The cover can be unfolded over at least a portion of the entry point. The cover then reduces blood flow into the entry point.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include a knitted diverter that includes a main body defined by wire defining struts and loops having a density that reduces flow through an aneurysm, fistula or other similar anomaly.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a method for producing a porous tissue regeneration substrate that allows a wide choice of solvents and easy adjustment of the bulk density and pore size of the porous substrate. The present invention also aims to provide a method for producing an artificial blood vessel and an artificial blood vessel. The present invention relates a porous, tubular artificial blood vessel containing a bioabsorbable material, the artificial blood vessel including: a skin layer having a relatively small pore size as an innermost layer; and a porous layer positioned around the skin layer and having a relatively large pore size.

Abstract: Knotless self-locking constructs and methods of tissue repairs. A flexible coupler creates a plurality of closed, knotless, continuous, adjustable, flexible loops having adjustable perimeters, the loops being located between a loop interconnection and two terminal ends. A weave region having an accordion configuration and a plurality of locking points is provided between each terminal end and each closed, knotless, continuous, adjustable, flexible loop.

Abstract: A device having one or more adjustable loops or coils associated with an implant body for use in soft tissue reconstructions is provided. One exemplary embodiment of a device includes a body and a suture filament, with the filament being used to form a self-locking sliding knot disposed on a top side of the body and a plurality of adjustable coils that are substantially disposed on the body's bottom side. Terminal ends of the filament located above the body's top side can be passed through an opening of a Lark's Head knot from opposite sides, thus forming a self-locking sliding knot, and then the terminal ends can be tensioned to adjust a circumference of the coils. Changing a coil's circumference changes a location of a ligament graft disposed on the coil. Other configurations of devices and systems, as well as methods for performing ACL repairs, are also provided.

Abstract: A method of reproducing a biological object includes 3D-imaging the object and generating a mold using a 3D printer; obtaining cells from a donor site on the object; preparing a live cell suspension using the cells from the donor site; forming a scaffold in the mold with collagen and seeding the scaffold with live cells, growing the cells in the mold and curing the collagen; and surgically implanting the object into a living subject, where the cells continue to live in the living subject.

Abstract: A cover device may include a body with an inner surface and an outer surface, each of the inner surface and the outer surface extending from a first end face of the body to a second end face of the body. The inner surface may define a channel extending through the body from the first end face to the second end face. The outer surface may define a plurality of grooves extending from the first end face to the second end face. Each of the body, the inner surface, and the outer surface may be configured to elastically deform relative to at least an axis of the channel.

Abstract: Eyewear is provided including a frame, and a camera connected with the frame, in which the camera is configured to be controlled by a remote controller. The camera may be configured to capture video and/or a photo. The eyewear may include data storage, and the camera may be connected to the data storage. A wrist watch may be configured to act both as a time piece and a controller of the camera. The eyewear may also include a heads up display and/or a video file player. The eyewear may also include an electro-active lens.

Abstract: Accommodating intraocular (AIOL) assemblies for enabling post implantation in situ manual selective displacement of an AIOL along a human eye's visual axis relative to stationary anchor points. Axial displacement may be over a continuous range or alternatively at discrete axial stopping positions typically from about 100 ?m to about 300 ?m apart. Novels AIOLs designed to be at least partially folded for facilitating insertion into a human eye through a relatively small incision.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens implant is provided that includes (a) a bowl-shaped posterior component and (b) an anterior component, which includes an anterior floating lens unit, which includes an anterior lens; a circumferential rim; and levers, which connect the anterior floating lens unit to the circumferential rim, such that the anterior floating lens unit is movable toward and away from the circumferential ring in an anterior-posterior direction. The bowl-shaped posterior component and the anterior component are distinct from each other and not permanently fixed to each other, and are shaped so as to be assemblable together in situ in a human eye such that the circumferential rim contacts an interface region of an inner surface of the bowl-shaped posterior component, and the levers are pivotable about the interface region during motion of the anterior floating lens unit toward and away from the circumferential ring in the anterior-posterior direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving overall vision in patients suffering from a loss of vision in a portion of the retina (e.g., loss of central vision) by providing symmetric or asymmetric optic with aspheric surface which redirects and/or focuses light incident on the eye at oblique angles onto a peripheral retinal location. The intraocular lens can include a redirection element (e.g., a prism, a diffractive element, or an optical component with a decentered GRIN profile) configured to direct incident light along a deflected optical axis and to focus an image at a location on the peripheral retina. Optical properties of the intraocular lens can be configured to improve or reduce peripheral errors at the location on the peripheral retina.

Abstract: Additive manufacturing techniques are used to form an artificial intra-ocular lens (IOL) directly inside the human eye. Small openings are formed in the cornea and lens capsule of the eye, and the crystalline lens is broken up and removed through the openings; then, a material is injected into the lens capsule through the openings, and the focal spot of a pulse laser beam is scanned in a defined pattern in the lens capsule, to transform the material in the vicinity of the lase focal spot to form the IOL in a layer-by-layer manner. In one embodiment, stereolithography techniques are used where a pulse UV laser source is used to photosolidify a photopolymer resin. The liquefied resin is injected into the eye through the openings, after which only part of the resin, having the shape of the desired IOL, is selectively cured with the UV laser beam, via progressive layer formation.

Abstract: A cartridge of an intraocular lens inserter comprises an insertion nozzle, having a distal insertion channel; an intra-ocular lens (IOL)-folding stage, to receive and to fold an IOL, proximal to the insertion nozzle, and having a proximal insertion channel; and an IOL-guiding structure. The IOL-guiding structure can include a first proximal guiding groove, or a first proximal guiding rib, or both, formed in the IOL-folding stage. An intraocular lens inserter comprises an inserter cylinder; a push-rod, partially in the inserter cylinder; a cartridge-receiving insertion end, to receive a cartridge that includes an insertion nozzle, having a distal insertion channel; an IOL-folding stage, proximal to the insertion nozzle, having a proximal insertion channel; and an IOL-guiding structure.

Abstract: A prosthesis can comprise an expandable frame, a plurality of distal anchors and a plurality of proximal anchors. The anchors can extend outwardly from the frame. The frame can be configured to radially expand and contract for deployment within a body cavity. The frame and anchors can have one of many different shapes and configurations. For example, when the frame is in an expanded configuration, the frame can have a larger cross-sectional dimension in a middle portion of the frame and a smaller cross-sectional dimension in a proximal portion and a distal portion of the frame, wherein the middle portion is between the proximal and distal portions. As another example, the anchors can have looped ends, the entire anchor may loop out from the frame.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valve leaflets of a particular shape that allows redundant coaptation height in the leaflets when a planar segment is present in each leaflet.

Abstract: Heart valve prostheses are provided having a self-expanding frame that supports a valve body comprising a skirt and a plurality of coapting leaflets. The leaflets are constructed with four commissure points to reduce the stress and strain applied to the commissure points and to efficiently distribute and transmit forces along the leaflets and to the frame.

Abstract: Methods for making implantable medical devices with nanofibrous covering materials are described. For example, this document describes methods for making stent-like implantable medical devices with a skirt composed of nanofibrous material that is applied by an electrospinning process either directly or indirectly.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves described herein can be deployed using a transcatheter delivery system and technique to interface and anchor in cooperation with the anatomical structures of a native heart valve. Some embodiments of prosthetic valves described herein include an anchor portion that couples to the anatomy near a native valve, and a valve portion that is mateable with the anchor portion. In some such embodiments, the anchor portion and/or the deployment system includes one or more prosthetic elements that temporarily augment or replace the sealing function of the native valve leaflets.

Abstract: A method of treating a heart of a patient is provided. The method includes implanting a first tissue anchor in cardiac tissue of the patient and a second tissue anchor in the patient, such that the first and the second tissue anchors are coupled together by one or more tethers. Thereafter, after allowing at least 24 hours for tissue growth on the first tissue anchor to strengthen anchoring of the first tissue anchor in the cardiac tissue, tension is applied between the first and the second tissue anchors using at least a longitudinal portion of the one or more tethers. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An example introducer is disclosed. An example introducer includes a tubular member including an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer having an inner surface, an outer surface and wall extending therebetween. The outer layer is disposed along the outer surface of the inner layer. The inner layer includes a plurality of longitudinal channels extending radially outward from the inner surface. Each channel of the plurality of channels has a circumferential width. Further, the tubular member is designed to shift from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration, wherein the width of each channel increases as the tubular member shifts from the unexpanded configuration to the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A prosthetic tricuspid remodeling annuloplasty ring having two free ends that are upturned in the inflow direction to help avoid unnecessary leaflet abrasion. The free ends are desirably separated across a gap that is large enough to reduce the risk of passing sutures through the conductive system of the heart, yet not too large that support of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid annulus is degraded. The tricuspid ring may have four sequential segments looking from the inflow side and extending in a clockwise direction from a free end located adjacent the antero septal commis sure after implant. The ring may define an inflow bulge in the first segment and/or an inflow bulge in the fourth segment that help the ring conform to the natural bulges created by the adjacent aorta, thereby reducing stress and the potential for ring dehiscence.

Abstract: A device includes a stent scaffold structure supporting a patch on an interior surface thereof. The device may be used to produce a neovalve in a percutaneous minimally invasive manner. Exemplary methods include implanting the device, permitting a growth layer to form over at least a portion of the patch, and separating the patch from the stent scaffold thereby forming a slit or gap in the vessel wall to act as a valve similar to the surgical neovalve.

Abstract: A bone graft containment device includes a plurality of cage segments connected to one another along a longitudinal axis, each of the cage segments connected to an adjacent one of the cage segments via a connection which permits movement of the cage segments relative to one another so that the bone graft containment device is deformable to a desired configuration for placement within a target space of a bone, each cage segment extending along from a first end to a second end and including a channel extending therethrough so that channels of the plurality of cage segments, in an initial configuration, are aligned along the longitudinal axis, the channels configured to be packed with a bone graft material.

Abstract: A bone graft containment device includes a plurality of cage segments connected to one another along a longitudinal axis, each of the cage segments connected to an adjacent one of the cage segments via a connection which permits movement of the cage segments relative to one another so that the bone graft containment device is deformable to a desired configuration for placement within a target space of a bone, each cage segment extending along from a first end to a second end and including a channel extending therethrough so that channels of the plurality of cage segments, in an initial configuration, are aligned along the longitudinal axis, the channels configured to be packed with a bone graft material.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant has a removable handling cover coupled thereto which includes a thin-walled layer extending over a grasping portion of the outer surface. An outer container can sealingly house the orthopedic implant within a sterile environment and support the orthopedic implant in an orientation that presents the handling cover for grasping. A surgeon can manually grasp, handle and manipulate the implant into an implantation position, and remove the handling cover from the implant during implant surgery, and without the need to directly contact any surface of the orthopedic implant itself. Related methods of providing such an implant assembly and of reducing infection from contamination during implantation surgery are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer and stabilization implant includes a plate having sockets configured for retaining a fastener passable through the socket and into an adjacent vertebral body. One or more connecting projections extend from a side of the plate, to mate with projections extending from a spacer body. A plurality of teeth project from at least one of the upper or lower surfaces of the spacer body, and a chamber is formed through the spacer body to enable bone fusion between the vertebrae. The combined plate and spacer may be inserted to lie completely within the intervertebral space, or a portion of the plate may overlie a vertebral body.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present invention is a medical implant with an independent endplate structure that can stimulate bone or tissue growth in or around the implant. When used as a scaffold for bone growth, the inventive structure can increase the strength of new bone growth. The independent endplate structures generally include implants with endplates positioned on opposite sides of the implant and capable of at least some movement relative to one another. In most examples, the endplates have a higher elastic modulus than that of the bulk of the implant to allow the use of an implant with a low elastic modulus, without risk of damage from the patient's bone. A method of designing independent endplate implants is also disclosed, including ranges of elastic moduli for the endplates and bulk of the implant for given implant parameters. Implants with elastic moduli within the ranges disclosed herein can optimize the loading of new bone growth to provide increased bone strength.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating a polymer workpiece (1) for use in a joint implant. It comprises the steps of placing the polymer workpiece in an explosion chamber, introducing a combustible gas mixture into the explosion chamber and igniting the combustible gas mixture. Igniting the gas mixture in the explosion chamber produces a temperature that lies above the melting point of a polymer of the polymer workpiece.

Abstract: The prosthesis component (10), comprising a substrate (11) made of a polymeric material and a coating (12), characterized in that said coating (12) comprises titanium. The method for manufacturing the prosthesis component (10) comprising the stages of forming a polymeric substrate (11) and depositing a coating (12) on said polymeric substrate (11) comprising titanium by means of physical vapor deposition sputtering. It enables providing a prosthesis component that improves the fixation thereof, based on the formation of a bioactive layer to improve the degree of osseointegration and, therefore, the fixation thereof to the bone.

Abstract: A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container.

Abstract: A system for long bone arthroplasty includes humeral head prosthesis components, and an array of humeral head prosthesis components, each humeral head prosthesis component in the array having a convex articulation surface that is hemi-elliptical and defined by a major axis, a minor axis, an apex, and a base having an elliptical cross sectional shape defined by a major diameter along the major axis and a minor diameter along the minor axis, wherein the array of elliptical humeral head prosthesis components provides for suitable and sufficient anatomical fit within a variation of up to and not more than 3 mm in at least 96% of a patient population, and up to 99% of a patient population.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis is provided that includes a proximal implant for attachment to a first portion of skeletal anatomy, the proximal implant including a proximal bone attachment portion and a distal cup portion. The prosthesis also includes a distal implant for attachment to a second portion of skeletal anatomy, the distal implant including a distal bone attachment portion and a proximal cup portion. An inter-joint element is located between the distal cup and the proximal cup. The inter-joint element includes surface portions shaped to complement said cups and is preferably formed as an ovoid. Each of the proximal implant, distal implant and inter-joint element include magnetic regions whereby the inter-joint element is attracted to both the proximal cup portion and to the distal cup portion to thereby provide stability across a large angular motion.

Abstract: A polyaxial cannulated screw having a resilient expandable body capable of supporting compressive and cyclic loads. The expandable body provides an artificial disc prosthesis by use of the expandable body that mimics the properties of the natural disc by maintaining the intervertebral disc space through a full range of natural motion, absorbing shocks and permitting a natural range of motion. A U-shaped saddle attached to a spherical ball permits optimum positioning of a rod member by polyaxial placement.

Abstract: An intervertebral implantation system for restoring disc height and vertebral alignment, while allowing dynamic mobility and stabilization of the vertebral segment, and minimally invasive methods of implanting the same. The implantation system includes an annular reinforcement implant, including an elastomeric balloon inserted into the hollow or interior of a tubular sleeve, and secured only at a first and second neck portions to a securement element coupled to an attachment fixture, forming an annular structure attached to the outer margin of the annulus fibrosus. When the prosthetic implant is in a contracted state the tubular sleeve is redundant and undulated, forming folds, gathered loosely around the circumference of the inner balloon. Upon pressurized inflation with in-situ curable polymer, the elastomeric balloon elongates and expands circumferentially, and the tubular sleeve stretches and unfolds, constraining further expansion and elongation of the elastomeric balloon.

Abstract: Methods for altering the natural history of degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis of the spine are proposed. The methods focus on the prevention, or delayed onset or progression of, subchondral defects such as bone marrow edema or bone marrow lesion, and subchondral treatment to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease in the spine and thereby treat pain.

Abstract: An expandable medical implant is provided with an implantable cage body. Methods for stabilizing and correcting the alignment of a spine with an expandable medical implant are provided. The proximal and distal ends of the cage body may each be provided with a plug for causing expansion of the ends of the implant and therefore the bone engaging surfaces of the implant. The proximal plug member may be configured to move longitudinally such that the proximal end of the cage body resiliently expands. The distal plug member may be configured to move longitudinally such that the distal end of the cage body resiliently expands. The proximal and distal plug members are moved longitudinally independently from one another to allow for independent expansion and contraction of each of the proximal and distal ends of the cage body itself.

Abstract: An implant includes an anterior plate defining a first end of the implant and a posterior plate defining a second end of the implant opposite the first end of the implant. The implant also includes a central support portion extending between the anterior plate and the posterior plate. The implant further includes a side wall extending between the anterior plate and the posterior plate and defining a portion of the outside perimeter of the implant; a first exterior arced member disposed proximate the side wall and the posterior plate; and a first interior arced member is disposed proximate the central support member and the posterior plate. The exterior arced member and the interior arced member curve in a superior direction such that portions of the exterior and interior arced members form portions of a bone contacting superior surface of the implant.

Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed having an adjustable height for insertion between two adjacent bony structures or joint surfaces, for example between two adjacent spinal vertebrae. The implant includes at least one gear associated with at least one threaded shaft. Rotation of the gear engages the threaded shaft to expand the implant. The implant can be inserted in a collapsed configuration and expanded in situ. The invention also provides methods for using the implant to facilitate arthrodesis or fusion of adjacent joint surfaces or spinal vertebrae.

Abstract: A system for fusing together opposing vertebra of a spine that defines a disc space therebetween. The system comprises a disc preparation instrument and an inserter assembly for use in the interbody fusion procedure. Disc preparation instrument comprises an elongate handle supporting a trial device at one end thereof. Inserter assembly comprises an elongate inserter supporting at one end thereof an interbody cage implant for insertion into the disc space. Disc preparation instrument provides a scoring element that scribes vertebral endplates at an appropriate scored location for anchor blades on the cage implant to engage the vertebral bodies. Inserter is used to introduce cage implant with anchor blades into the disc space to an appropriate depth so that the blades will be precisely positioned at the scored location created by the scoring element for penetration into the vertebral endplates.

Abstract: A system for fusing together opposing vertebra of a spine that defines a disc space therebetween. The system comprises a disc preparation instrument and an inserter assembly for use in the interbody fusion procedure. Disc preparation instrument comprises an elongate handle supporting a trial device at one end thereof. Inserter assembly comprises an elongate inserter supporting at one end thereof an interbody cage implant for insertion into the disc space. Disc preparation instrument provides a scoring element that scribes vertebral endplates at an appropriate scored location for anchor blades on the cage implant to engage the vertebral bodies. Inserter is used to introduce cage implant with anchor blades into the disc space to an appropriate depth so that the blades will be precisely positioned at the scored location created by the scoring element for penetration into the vertebral endplates.

Abstract: A system for fusing together opposing vertebra of a spine that defines a disc space therebetween. The system comprises a disc preparation instrument and an inserter assembly for use in the interbody fusion procedure. Disc preparation instrument comprises an elongate handle supporting a trial device at one end thereof. Inserter assembly comprises an elongate inserter supporting at one end thereof an interbody cage implant for insertion into the disc space. Disc preparation instrument provides a scoring element that scribes vertebral endplates at an appropriate scored location for anchor blades on the cage implant to engage the vertebral bodies. Inserter is used to introduce cage implant with anchor blades into the disc space to an appropriate depth so that the blades will be precisely positioned at the scored location created by the scoring element for penetration into the vertebral endplates.

Abstract: Surgical trays and tools for use in hip revision surgery wherein the implanted prosthesis is a reverse prosthesis comprising an acetabular ball and a femoral cup. A set of trays is provided having tools for i) separating a femoral cup from an acetabular ball, ii) separating a femoral cup from a femoral implant and iii) separating an acetabular ball from an acetabular cup. A tool for removing an acetabular cup from an acetabulum is also described. A surgical method is also provided wherein the acetabular ball and femoral cup are separated first followed by, in any order, separating the femoral cup from the femoral implant and separating the acetabular ball from the acetabular cup.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method for promoting spinal fusion using a spinal implant comprises providing a spinal implant, wherein the spinal implant comprises an anterior wall, a posterior wall and two lateral walls configured to extend between the anterior wall and the posterior wall. In some embodiments, the spinal implant further comprises at least one internal chamber generally positioned between the anterior wall, the posterior wall and the two lateral walls, wherein the internal chamber being is adapted to receive at least one graft and/or other fill material. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the graft and/or other fill material delivered into the internal chamber is configured to exit through the one or more of the openings of the anterior wall.