Abstract: Surgical devices and methods for operating surgical devices during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical device is provided having a handle housing with an elongate shaft, an end effector on the distal end of the elongate shaft, a drive assembly, and a trigger coupled to the handle housing. Various overload mechanisms are provided for transferring a closing force from the trigger to the drive assembly unless the closing force exceeds a predetermined threshold force in which case the overload mechanism prevents transfer of the closing force to the drive assembly.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier is provided that includes first and second jaws on a distal end of an elongate shaft, a clip advancing assembly extending through the shaft and configured to advance a distal-most clip from a plurality of clips in the shaft into the first and second jaws. The jaws have opposed inward facing surfaces, and each inward facing surface has a clip track defined therein for receiving and guiding legs of a clip into the first and second jaws. The clip track of at least one of the jaws has at least one deflectable clip retention member disposed therein and configured to apply a biasing force to a leg of a clip disposed within the jaws to thereby retain the clip within the jaws and maintain alignment of the clip with respect to the jaws. The clip track of at least one of the jaws may also have at least one recess or protrusion designed to be complementary to and mate with a protrusion or recess in a clip.

Abstract: Jaws of a surgical clip applier with housings formed thereon and methods for manufacturing and use during a procedure to apply surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc. are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having jaws on a distal end thereof with a rigid internal frame and an outer housing formed around the internal frame. The jaws of the surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate placement of surgical clips, including features to align a clip with the jaws and to prevent clip fallout during formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments and methods for enhancing properties of tissue repaired or joined by surgical staples and, more particularly to surgical instruments and methods designed to enhance the properties of repaired or adjoined tissue at a target surgical site, especially when sealing an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections so as to improve tissue viability, prevent tissue infection, and to prevent leakage. The present invention further relates to an expandable compression device for application to anastomotically joined tubular tissues, comprising: an upper ring-shaped or disk-shaped flange at a distal end of said device connected to a lower ring-shaped inflatable flange at a proximal end of said device via a hollow cylindrical tubular body, with an opening forming an axial passage through said upper flange, lower flange, and tubular body.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having an elongate shaft and first and second jaws on a distal end thereof. The first and second jaws are configured to move between open and closed positions for engaging tissue therebetween. Each jaw can have a clip engaging portion and the first jaw can have an extended tip portion that extends distally beyond the clip engaging portion such that the first jaw has a length that is greater than a length of the second jaw. The surgical clip applier can also include a clip advancing assembly that extends through the elongate shaft and that is configured to distally advance a stack of clips and to advance a distal-most clip of the stack of clips into a clip track in the first and second jaws.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to prevent misalignment of the jaws and clip therebetween, features to protect the jaws, and features to ensure proper closure of the jaws and clip therebetween.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism, handle assembly including the same, and surgical clip applier including the same are disclosed. The actuation mechanism includes a drive bar having an output gear rack associated therewith, a trigger having an input gear associated therewith, and first and second intermediate gears each including input and output portions having different radiuses. The input gear is disposed in meshed engagement with the input portion of the first intermediate gear, the output portion of the first intermediate gear is disposed in meshed engagement with the input portion of the second intermediate gear, and the output portion of the second intermediate gear is disposed in meshed engagement with the gear rack such that pivoting of the trigger from an un-actuated to an actuated position moves the drive bar from a proximal to a distal position to fire a surgical clip(s). A consistent mechanical advantage is provided throughout actuation.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism, and a handle assembly and a surgical clip applier including the same are disclosed. The actuation mechanism includes a drive bar movable through a stroke having first and second stroke portions and an output gear rack. First and second intermediate gears include input portions operably coupled to a trigger and output portions defining different diameters. In the first stroke portion, the output portion of the first intermediate gear is engaged with the gear rack such that the first intermediate gear drives the drive bar. In the second stroke portion, the output portion of the second intermediate gear is disposed in engagement with the gear rack such that the second intermediate gear drives the drive bar. A different mechanical advantage is provided in the first portion of the stroke length as compared to the second portion of the stroke length.

Abstract: A prosthesis for inguinal hernias which is surgically inserted in a patient, made of a sole flat piece with a central cutting line which divides the flat piece into two asymmetric sides helically foldable to each other. Each asymmetric side has an oval shape with a narrow separation at middle point on its external edge due to an external cleft to provide an upper oval area and a lower oval area. After folding, the two sides form a reinforced central hole to allow the spermatic cord to fit therethrough. A preferably conic-shaped cap is provided in one of the lower oval areas, whose larger diameter base is fixed to the flat surface of one of the asymmetric sides and its lateral walls are free and adhered to the internal tissues of the patient.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a clip cartridge in which a clip having a structure enabling a user to easily perform a series of procedures can be easily and reliably mounted on a treatment instrument body. A clip cartridge (200) according to the present invention includes an inner case (30) that has a first accommodation region (32) for accommodating a clip (110), and an outer case (40) that has an elongated insertion hole (43) into which a treatment instrument body (90) is inserted, and a second accommodation region (42) which accommodates the inner case (30) so as to be movable. The treatment instrument body (90) is inserted into the insertion hole (43), and an operation wire is pressed forward so that a distal connection portion and a diameter enlargement portion of the sleeve protrude from the sheath to a distal side and enter the second accommodation region (42), and so that a diameter enlargement portion is elastically enlarged in diameter.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. A formed tube can extend along the shaft and it can be configured to advance over the jaws to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including engagement features formed between the former tube and the jaws to prevent scissoring and misalignment of the jaws to ensure proper closure of the jaws.

Abstract: A shaft assembly of an apparatus for applying surgical clips to body tissue includes an elongated spindle, a trip block reciprocally supported on a proximal portion of the spindle, a biasing member extending between the proximal portion of the spindle and the trip block, and a pusher bar having a proximal portion fixedly coupled to the trip block. The pusher bar has a distal portion configured to load a distal-most surgical clip into a pair of jaws during distal movement of the trip block, via distal movement of the spindle, and remain in a distally advanced position during an approximation of the pair of jaws.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hub assembly for use with an endoscopic assembly of a reposable surgical clip applier having an outer housing defining a channel therethrough, a driver gear slidably disposed within the channel, and a display gear slidably and rotatably disposed within the channel and including first and second plurality of teeth. Distal advancement of the driver gear causes the display gear to advance in a distal direction such that the second plurality of teeth engage a portion of the driver gear and causes the display gear to rotate in a first direction. Retraction of driver gear causes the display gear to translate in a proximal direction such that the first plurality of teeth engage a portion of the channel and causes the drive gear to further rotate in the first direction.

Abstract: A system for delivering an implant device to a vascular site in a patient a delivery pusher apparatus, an implant device detachably connected to the delivery pusher apparatus by a tether having a distal end connected to a proximal end of the implant device, wherein the tether is substantially non-tensioned when connecting the implant device to the delivery pusher, and an electrical heating element configured coaxially around at least a portion of the tether, wherein heat generated by the heating element severs the tether at a point near the proximal end of the implant device.

Abstract: Devices for the occlusion of body cavities, such as the embolization of vascular aneurysms and the like, and methods for making and using such devices. The devices may be comprised of novel expansile materials, novel infrastructure design, or both. The devices provided are very flexible and enable deployment with reduced or no damage to bodily tissues, conduits, cavities, etc.

Abstract: A filamentous graft has an elongate filament body including one or more intact segments of a decellularized collagenous tissue membrane. The graft can have a length of at least about 20 cm. The graft can be cut from a laminate of two or more decellularized collagenous tissue membranes. The graft can have a generally rectangular cross-section and can have substantially uniform dimensions and tensile strength along at least a substantial portion of its length. Methods for preparing and using filamentous grafts are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess effectiveness of an endovascular aneurysm coiling procedure. A system is provided that can include a flow sensing element supported by a structure that can position and retain the sensing element within the aneurysm. A computer in communication with the sensing element can detect a measurement of fluid flow entering the aneurysm based on data obtained by the sensing element after positioning the structure and element within an aneurysm. A wire segment can pass through the elongate member and form a coil in the aneurysm as the wire segment is passed through the elongate member. The sensing element can provide fluid flow measurements from within the aneurysm after the elongate member is removed from the vasculature.

Abstract: A left atrial appendage occluder and a fabricating method thereof are provided. The left atrial appendage occluder includes a plugging column and a anchor located on the plugging column, wherein the plugging column is woven from an elastic metal wire, or woven from an elastic metal wire and an elastic metal sheet, the anchor is made by partially flattening and then cutting the elastic metal wire, or the anchor is made by cutting the elastic metal sheet. In the above-described left atrial appendage occluder, firstly, the anchor is formed on the elastic metal wire and/or the elastic metal sheet, and then the elastic metal wire and/or the elastic metal sheet with the anchor are/is co-woven with other elastic metal wire to form the plugging column of the left atrial appendage occluder. Therefore, the amount of the anchor is not limited, and a plurality of anchors can be provided.

Abstract: A hemostatic device can inflate an inflatable portion without using a separate dedicated instrument, can reduce an unpleasant feeling of a wearer, and can prevent a site where bleeding is to be stopped from being unintentionally and unnecessarily compressed. The hemostatic device has a band for being wrapped around a limb, an inflatable portion that is inflated by injecting gas, an injection part that is configured to inject gas into the inflatable portion, and a flow route that permits communication between the inflatable portion and the injection part. The flow route includes a backflow preventer which prevents gas from flowing out to the injection part from the inflatable portion. The injection part is located on the band, and includes holes which penetrate the injection part in a direction intersecting a perpendicular line to a region of the band where the injection part is located.

Abstract: Methods and instruments for performing a kinematically-aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are disclosed. Goals of the kinematically-aligned TKA can include restoration of (1) the femoral and tibial joint lines to the patient's natural joint line, (2) the patient's Hip-Knee-Ankle alignment to their constitutional alignment prior to developing osteoarthritis and (3) restoration of the patient's natural soft tissue laxity and envelope. A shim block assembly can be used in resecting the distal medial and lateral condyles to account for cartilage wear on the distal condyles from osteoarthritis. The shim block assembly can include a plurality of shims, and each shim can be attachable to or integral with a reference block. At least one of the plurality of shims can have a medial portion with a thickness different from a thickness of a lateral portion of the shim. The shims need not be joined together as a single medial/lateral component but may be independent of one another.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a first assembly with a first radio-opaque portion providing a profile of a first portion of an intramedullary implant or canal in a bone, and a second assembly having a second radio-opaque portion providing a profile of a second portion of the intramedullary implant or canal. The surgical instrument may also include a third radio-opaque portion providing an alignment feature to provide a fluoroscopic planar check for the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A tibial baseplate is described. While the baseplate can include any suitable component, in some instances, it includes a first surface and a second surface, the second surface being substantially opposite to the first surface and the first surface being configured to be seated on a resected surface at a proximal end of a tibia. In some cases, the baseplate also includes a first spacer coupling that is configured to couple a first spacer to at least one of a lateral side and a medial side of the baseplate such that the spacer is disposed between, and is configured to maintain a set minimal distance between, the proximal end of the tibia and a distal end of a femur when the tibial baseplate is seated on the resected surface at the proximal end of the tibia and the spacer is coupled to the tibial baseplate. Other implementations are discussed.

Abstract: Described are methods for performing a medical procedure at a treatment site in a cerebral vessel of a patient. The methods include positioning a system of devices into an advancement configuration, the system including a catheter and an inner member sized and shaped to slide within the catheter lumen. The inner member defines a single lumen and has a distal portion, the distal portion having a first outer diameter that tapers distally to a second outer diameter that is smaller than the first outer diameter. When positioned in the advancement configuration, the inner member extends coaxially through the catheter lumen and the distal portion of the inner member is positioned distal to the distal end of the catheter. The method further includes advancing the system of devices distal to a petrous portion of an internal carotid artery while the system of devices is positioned in the advancement configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removal of thrombus from a blood vessel in a body of a patient are disclosed herein. The method can include: providing a thrombus extraction device including a proximal self-expanding member formed of a fenestrated structure, a substantially cylindrical portion formed of a net-like filament mesh structure having a proximal end coupled to a distal end of the fenestrated structure; advancing a catheter constraining the thrombus extraction device through a vascular thrombus, deploying the thrombus extraction device by stacking a portion of the net-like filament mesh structure outside of the catheter by distally advancing the self-expanding member until the self-expanding member is beyond a distal end of the catheter; retracting the self-expanding member to unstack the portion of the net-like filament mesh structure and to capture the portion of the thrombus; and withdrawing the thrombus extraction device from the body.

Abstract: A surgical system used to determine the presence of a vessel within a region (102) proximate to a working end (104) of a surgical instrument (106) includes at least one light emitter (110) disposed at the working end (104) of the surgical instrument (106), and at least one light sensor (112) disposed at the working end (104) of the surgical instrument (106) and configured to receive light emitted from the at least one light emitter (110) and reflected from the region (102), the at least one light sensor (112) adapted to generate a signal comprising a first pulsatile component and a second non-pulsatile component.

Abstract: The present invention related to a coring tool for preparing a core or opening through tissue and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a handle body extending along a handle axis. The handle body is releasably engaged to a tunneling shaft extending along a shaft axis transverse to the handle axis. At least one tool is mounted to the handle body. Each tool includes a working end adapted to actuate an element of an implantable device.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a medical device may include a shaft including a distal tip with a distal-facing surface. The shaft also may include a fluid lumen extending to the distal tip and a nozzle at a distal end of the fluid lumen. The nozzle may be configured to emit a fluid jet from the distal tip. The shaft also may include a vacuum lumen extending to the distal tip and a vacuum chamber at the distal tip. The vacuum lumen may open into the vacuum chamber, and the vacuum chamber may be wider than the vacuum lumen. The shaft may further include a vacuum opening, and the vacuum chamber may open into the vacuum opening. The vacuum opening may be defined by the distal-facing surface of the distal tip.

Abstract: A powered surgical handpiece includes a housing comprising a motor, and a surgical tool removably coupled to the housing and configured to be driven by the motor. The surgical tool includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The handpiece includes an antenna for wirelessly transmitting RF energy, and a coupler that is electrically isolated from the antenna and the RFID tag and that is configured to guide the transmitted RF energy to the RFID tag.

Abstract: Provided is a device for cutting an artificial anus protection plate. The device includes: a protection plate support part having a support part in which a coupling rod passing through the artificial anus protection plate and having a male screw section formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof is installed, and which supports the artificial anus protection plate; and a rotary pressing part including a cutting part, which has a circular blade for boring a hole in the artificial anus protection plate at a preset diameter, and a pressing body, which has a female screw section passing through the cutting part and screw-coupled to the male screw section of the coupling rod, and presses the cutting part toward the support part by means of rotation.

Abstract: An ultrasound medical apparatus includes an ultrasound transducer configured to generate ultrasound vibration, a vibration transmitting member including a contact surface configured to contact a biological tissue, a high heat conductive member placed in a center of the contact surface, and a low heat conductive member placed around the high heat conductive member, and configured to transmit the ultrasound vibration to the biological tissue, and a control apparatus configured to control drive of the ultrasound transducer to a first mode of driving at a first resonance frequency of the ultrasound transducer, and a second mode of driving at a second resonance frequency of a structure provided with the ultrasound transducer and the vibration transmitting member.

Abstract: A thrombus treatment device includes a support wire, a body frame portion that is disposed about an axis defined by the support wire, one or more tethers that each have a first end and a second end, and a filter element extending from the body frame portion. Each of the one or more tethers is attached at its first end to the body frame portion, and at its second end to a collar that couples the second end of each of the multiple tethers to the support wire. When the collar is positioned substantially within a region interior of the body frame portion, a rotational actuation of the support wire causes a swiveling motion of the one or more tethers.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter includes an elongate body having proximal and distal end portions and a motor fixed to the distal end portion of the elongate body. A tissue-removing element is mounted on the motor to be driven in rotation by the motor about a drive axis. In some embodiments, the tissue-removing element includes a receptacle that receives the motor therein. The tissue-removing element can include a distal tip that extends distally beyond the motor to define the distal end of the catheter. The motor can be controlled using an actuator located outside the body. And in some embodiments, use of the catheter involves adjusting the rotational speed of the tissue-removing element using the actuator.

Abstract: A balloon catheter (1) comprising a device (3) located adjacent the distal end (12) of a catheter (10) of the balloon catheter (1) for guiding a boring tool (6) or other instrument into an occlusion (6) in a vessel (8) comprises a guide element (30) located adjacent a distal end (12) of the catheter (10). A penetrating element (33) defining a first guide bore (38) extending therethrough and terminating in a distal cutting edge (40) is rotatable in a second guide bore (45) extending through the guide element (30) located adjacent the distal end (12) of the catheter (10). External threads (49) on the penetrating element (33) are engageable with internal threads (50) located in the second guide bore (45) of the guide element (30), so that by rotating the penetrating element (33) with an operating member (52) the distal cutting edge (40) of the penetrating element (33) is urged outwardly of the second guide bore (45) and into cutting engagement with the occlusion (6) in order to penetrate the occlusion (6).

Abstract: The invention generally relates to intraluminal procedures, and, more particularly, to a contra-rotating cutting assembly for use with an atherectomy device to remove occlusive material from an occluded lumen, such as a blood vessel or other body lumen. The contra-rotating cutting assembly includes a rotatable housing having a distal end, an opposing proximal end and a lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends. The housing is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis in a first direction. The cutting assembly further includes a rotatable cutter head positioned within at least a portion of the lumen of the housing and in coaxial alignment with the housing. The cutter head is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose micro-lipo needle device and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed for automated registration and motion compensation of patient-mounted needle guide medical devices using fiducial markers, and processing algorithms where a re-registration step is provided. These methods, apparati, and systems adaptively compensate for the displacement of the medical device and/or target location due to the patient movement or internal organ motion.

Abstract: A skin surface indwelling device for guiding punctures includes: an indwelling tube (13) having an inside tunnel (P) substantially extending along the longitudinal direction of the indwelling tube (13), the tunnel (P) is used for guiding needle (N), the indwelling tube (13) has a proximal end positioned above the skin surface (S) and a distal end positioned under the skin surface (S) in indwelling state; a support (11) having a bottom surface on its bottom that directly or indirectly contacts with the skin surface (S), the support (11) supports and fixates the indwelling tube (13); and a sealing elements (141,142) configured to seal the tunnel (P). The skin surface indwelling device for guiding punctures can shorten the time of establishing a puncture tunnel in the buttonhole puncture method, and help to build the puncture tunnel. In addition, the skin surface indwelling device can also guide the puncture needle (N) when puncturing, and protect the immature puncture tunnel.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein relate to systems, devices, and/or methods relating to surgical procedures, and more specifically for accessing an insufflated cavity of a patient and/or positioning surgical systems or devices into the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses bone needle clamps and cannulated needle pins for use as skeletal infusion needles and methods therein. Bone needle clamps for facilitating intraosseous (IO) fluid transfer include: a clamp assembly having: at least one pair of opposing tips, facing each other, with each of the tips having a sharp end; and a bore in each tip, wherein the bore has a connection-facing opening and a bone-facing opening at opposing ends of the bore, and wherein the bone-facing opening is disposed in the tip at least one millimeter from the sharp end of each tip; and a needle assembly having: a cannula integrally attached to the connection-facing opening of the bore of the clamp assembly; and a connector operable to releasably attach a fluid-transfer assembly; wherein the needle assembly is operable to facilitate 10 infusion to the subject's bone and/or bone-marrow (BM) aspiration from the subject's bone.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for use with suction within a mammalian body. In an exemplary embodiment of a device of the present disclosure, the device comprises one or more of the following: an inner tube, an outer tube, and a foldable portion, whereby movement of the two tubes relative to one another causes the foldable portion to form a suction cup, and conversely causes a suction cup to form a foldable portion, depending on the direction of relative movement.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of compositions for occluding or of means for opening conduits. The implantable occlusive material may be delivered pre-formed or in situ cured and, may be a resorbable material that supports tissue ingrowth that eventually replaces the material leaving little or no original material in place. The delivery system is positioned to allow for placement of the occlusive material into the body conduit. Use of delivery systems, methods and devices for re-opening an occluded body conduit are also included.

Abstract: A medical instrument and procedure for removing a food mass lodged in the esophagus of a patient. First, the food mass is magnetized. Thereafter, a medical instrument that includes a magnetic retriever is inserted into an endoscope, for example, into the esophagus. The magnetic retriever includes a magnet that applies a drawing force to the lodged magnetized food mass, causing the magnetized food mass to become dislodged. Once dislodged, the food mass is retrieved and removed from the esophagus.

Abstract: A spinal construct comprises a first member engageable with a receiver of a first fastener having a shaft fixed with tissue. A second member is engageable with a receiver of a second fastener having a shaft fixed with the tissue. A longitudinal element connects the members. At least one of the members includes a mating element that is releasably engageable with a surgical instrument to manipulate the tissue such that movement of the receivers relative to the shafts is resisted and/or prevented. Surgical instruments, implants, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A receiving part of a bone anchoring device includes a channel adjacent a first end for receiving a bone fixation element, the channel forming two free legs each having an engagement structure for engaging a locking element to lock the bone fixation element in the channel, an outer surface portion, and at least one projection for engaging an instrument to connect the instrument to the receiving part. The projection projects radially outwardly from the outer surface portion, is spaced apart axially from the first end of the receiving part, and has a circumferential width less than a circumferential width of the legs. The projection has a first side wall that faces the first end. At least part of the first side wall is inclined towards the first end as the first side wall extends circumferentially, to form a region of the projection that narrows towards the first end.

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: A uniplanar bone anchor including a housing and a bone screw is provided. The lower region of the housing defines mating elements that mate with engaging elements on the bone screw to limit movement of the housing relative to the bone screw to a single plane.

Abstract: Thoracic/lumbar and cervical spinous process staples which staple/fuse adjacent spinous processes are disclosed. Thoracic/lumbar transverse process staples which staple/fuse adjacent transverse processes are also disclosed. Each embodiment has upper and lower claws connected by a ratchet spring mechanism, along with a multiplicity of bone fastener prongs attached to the upper and lower claws. Two sets of prongs on each staple claw are spaced by a distance approximately equal to the distance separating adjacent spinous or transverse processes so as to facilitate stapling/fusion of two adjacent processes. Also disclosed are staple prongs with multiple perforations which enable incorporation of bone fusion material thereby facilitating stapling/fusion of spinal elements.

Abstract: Tether clamping assemblies, such as clamping assemblies used to clamp a tether about a spinal feature to assist in spinal fixation, and related methods and systems. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise a tether configured to engage a bone or other anatomical feature, an inner coupling piece, and an outer coupling piece. A first passage may be at least partially defined by an inner surface of the outer coupling piece and an outer surface of the inner coupling piece. The first passage may be configured such that the tether can be clamped in between the inner surface and the outer surface to allow the tether to move through the first passage in a first direction and lock the tether in place. The inner and outer surfaces preferably differ in surface roughness to facilitate automatic or self-locking of the tether in the assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for fixing a cervical spine. The apparatus for fixing a cervical spine includes a plate in which a plurality of screw insertion holes is formed, bone screws inserted into the screw insertion holes and screwed onto a bone fragment through rotation, and a locking part rotatably coupled to the plate to open or close a top of the screw insertion hole. A stepped part of a specific depth is formed on top of the plate. The stepped part includes a rotation area in which the locking part is capable of rotating. A locking part insertion hole is formed in the rotation area so that the locking part is inserted into locking part insertion hole.