Abstract: The present invention relates to a marker for optical medical navigation, comprising a structure (1) with at least one recess (3), and at least one supporting element (2), wherein each supporting element (2) is configured to be accommodated within a particular recess (3) and to support at least one optically detectable element (4), and wherein each recess (3) has a first opening (5) which allows a supporting element (2) to be introduced into the recess (3), wherein the recess (3) has at least two second openings (6) which are different from the first opening (5), wherein each of the at least two second openings (6) is configured to allow the at least one optically detectable element (4) supported by the supporting element (2) to be optically detected.

Abstract: The endovascular navigation system includes an elongate flexible member configured to access the venous vasculature of a patient, a sensor disposed at a distal end of the elongate flexible member and configured to sense a physiological characteristic of the venous vasculature, a processor and an output device. The processor is configured to receive and process the physiological characteristic of the venous vasculature, and to determine that the position of the distal end of the elongate flexible member is within a predetermined structure within the venous vasculature. The output device is configured to display a visual indication that the distal end of the elongate flexible member is within the predetermined structure within the venous vasculature, where the visual indication is different from the physiological characteristic of the venous vasculature of the patient.

Abstract: Electronic devices that detect their position and/or orientation with respect to earth's frame of reference are described. A coupler can removeably maintain the electronic devices in physical proximity of one another. Each electronic device can have a housing and the coupler can be included on the housing and arranged to physically connect the housing of the electronic device to the housing of at least one other electronic device. Alternatively, the coupler can be a packaging that maintains the electronic devices in physical proximity of one another. Each electronic device can be calibrated using the orientation or position information obtained by other electronic devices maintained by the coupler. Further, each electronic device can include a power source that remains inactive until the device is ready for use.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving an input at a control system indicating a status change for a first tool coupled to a first manipulator assembly of a telesurgical system. The status change is correlated to a procedure to decouple the first tool from the first manipulator assembly or manually reconfigure the first manipulator assembly. The method also includes transmitting a command to the first manipulator assembly. Responsive to the transmitted command, a multiple-color light emitting diode array in an indicator section on the first manipulator assembly is activated to generate a signal indicating a reconfiguration action for the first tool or the first manipulator assembly to a first user.

Abstract: To keep a clean area separated from an unclean area, a drape unit for separating the manipulator that has a treatment section at a distal end of an elongated section and that has at a proximal end a proximal-end drive unit from the base including, on a substantially horizontal top surface, a drive source to which the proximal-end drive unit is detachably connected, the drape unit includes: a drape main body that has an opening from which the drive source is exposed; and an adaptor that is interposed between the drive source and the proximal-end drive unit, that is disposed with a gap vertically above the opening, and that covers the entire opening, the adaptor includes a force transmission unit for transmitting the driving force from the drive source to the proximal-end drive unit.

Abstract: A medical cart having a chassis with a plurality of wheels attached thereto; a plurality of drawers supported on the chassis; a temperature-regulated compartment in the chassis; a locking bar pivotally attached to the chassis; a headwall mount attached to the chassis; a display mounted on the chassis; and a positionable task light attached to the chassis. Each drawer includes a drawer lock shiftable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking bar is shiftable between a locked position and an unlocked position so that the locking bar serves as a secondary safety lock for all the drawers and the door of the temperature-regulated compartment.

Abstract: A packaging assembly is arranged for holding an article at a predetermined location relative to the packaging assembly in closed and open configurations of the packaging assembly. The packaging assembly includes at least two sections arranged to be secured in place relative to one another in the closed configuration of the packaging assembly, and move relative to one another in the open configuration of the packaging assembly. The at least two sections form an inner surface defining an attachment area for receiving the article. The packaging assembly includes at least one instruction area located along the inner surface and having indicia pointing to features of an article for placement in the packaging assembly and displayed relative to the attachment area.

Abstract: A disposable kit for a medical apparatus includes a tray and a subassembly with sections foldably connected to each other. At least one of the sections can fold itself onto the tray so that the subassembly encloses a region of the tray. When the tray is laid on the subassembly in a predetermined position, elevated channel regions formed on a front side of the tray and facing the subassembly can accommodate component installations of the subassembly, and a section of the subassembly can be folded to the rear side of the tray so that component installations on that section can be accommodated in elevated channel regions formed on the rear side of the tray. In this manner, the subassembly forms a hard-shell that at least partially surrounds the tray and protects pre-installed or packed pressure-sensitive components, parts and or regions of the disposable kit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for use in computer guided surgery. The instrument includes a shaft and a reference element adapter, wherein the reference element adapter is directly couplable to the shaft and rotatable about the shaft. A selectively operable mechanical retainer provides retention of the reference element adapter to an instrument shaft adapting interface of the instrument shaft. The instrument also includes a reference element orientating mechanism arranged at an interface between the instrument shaft adapting interface and the reference element adaptor. The reference element orienting mechanism is capable of fixing at least one angular position of the reference element. The instrument also includes a grip piece interface on the instrument shaft, and a grip piece is selectively couplable to the grip piece interface.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a custom surgical stent. A human third molar tooth bud ablation system for use in a tooth bud ablation procedure that results in tooth agenesis. A tooth bud ablation procedure that results in tooth agenesis. These methods, systems, and procedures may include and/or use ablation probe tips and/or stents.

Abstract: A syringe for multi-component materials includes a mixer housing, a mixing element, a multi-component cartridge and a mixing head, the mixing head being arranged at least partly within the mixer housing and adjacent to the multi-component cartridge. The mixing head is arranged moveable in an axial direction of the syringe between at least two positions, the at least two positions including a sealed position and a dispensing position. The axial movement of the mixing head is brought about by rotation of at least a part of the mixer housing relative to the multi-component cartridge. The mixing head is axially displaced in a direction opposite to a dispensing direction on a displacement of the mixing head from the sealed position into the dispensing position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fabricating an oral appliance are described for correcting malocclusions on a dentition of a subject. A three-dimensional representation of the dentition may be captured and a free-form structure having a lattice structure which matches at least part of a surface of the dentition is generated. The lattice structure defines a plurality of open spaces such that the free-form structure is at least partially transparent. The lattice structure may then be manufactured by impregnating or covering a coating into or upon the lattice structure such that the oral appliance is formed.

Abstract: Methods for recognizing a virtual tooth surface, defining a virtual tooth coordinate system, and simulating a collision between virtual teeth are provided. Methods include receiving input data specifying a point on the rendered surface model associated with a tooth, deriving a perimeter on the surface model of the tooth based on the input data, and analyzing the surface model along a plurality of paths outwardly extending from points on the perimeter along the three-dimensional surface to produce gingival margin data. Methods also include receiving point input data that defines a point on the virtual tooth, receiving axis input data that defines first and second axes associated with the virtual tooth, computing a substantially normal vector for a portion of the tooth surface surrounding the point, and computing a coordinate system based on the axis input and the computed vector.

Abstract: Method and system for managing multiple impressions of a patient's jaw for an orthodontic treatment is provided. The method includes scanning at least a first impression and a second impression of same jaw for the orthodontic treatment; determining if the first jaw impression and the second jaw impression have distortion in different areas; selecting the first jaw impression or the second jaw impression as a base impression; and replacing a distorted tooth data from the base impression with data for the same tooth from a non-base impression. The method also includes scanning at least a first jaw impression for the orthodontic treatment; scanning a bite impression for the orthodontic treatment; matching the scanned first jaw impression with the scanned bite impression; comparing bite information with a tooth occlusal surface; and determining if reconstruction is to be performed on the tooth occlusal surface.

Abstract: A tooth-positioning appliance for closing spaces has at least two appliance segments, each segment having a thin elastomeric shell with recesses for removably engaging a set of teeth, and tooth-clasping elements for removably engaging bonded attachments protruding from the teeth. One of the appliance segments includes a flat receptacle extending horizontally on the thin shell of the appliance segment, and the other appliance segment has a thin elongated tab extending laterally from the second appliance segment spanning the space to be closed, and in sliding engagement with the flat receptacle of the other appliance segment. An activating element is connected between the appliance segments to exert a force to change the size of the space between the sets of teeth as the tab slides with respect to the flat receptacle.

Abstract: A dental implant has a hollow shell with outer bio-compatible surface for engaging a soft tissue socket left in gingival tissue after a tooth has been extracted, to promote healing. The shell tapers outwardly from a first to a second perimeter, the second perimeter being asymmetrically scalloped with opposite distal and mesial peaks and opposite lingual and facial valleys between the peaks. A dental implant in the bone socket left after tooth extraction is rigidly connected to a temporary post, the temporary post extending in the shell. The shell engages against the soft tissue socket without gaps and without requiring alignment between the shell and implant axes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a straw comprising a tube (11) extending between a first end (13) and a second end (14) and comprising a stopper (12) placed in the tube near the first end thereof and extending between a first end (17) facing the first end of the tube, and a second end (20) facing the second end of the tube, said stopper and said tube being configured such that, after a liquid substance (22) has come in contact with the stopper via the second end thereof, the stopper blocks the passage of the liquid substance therethrough and is, by pushing on the first end thereof, slidable into the tube toward the second end thereof. Moreover, the stopper comprises, on the side of the second end of the tube, a barrier pad (16) consisting of hydrophobic threads over the entire cross-section of the tube.

Abstract: Described are pelvic implants and methods of surgically placing pelvic implants, that provide treatment for pelvic floor disorders by support of the levator.

Abstract: Resorbable three-dimensional implants that can be temporarily deformed, implanted by minimally invasive means, and resume their original shape in vivo, have been developed. These implants are particularly suitable for use in minimally invasive procedures for tissue reinforcement, repair of hernias, and applications where it is desirable for the implant to contour in vivo to an anatomical shape, such as the inguinofemoral region. In the preferred embodiment, the implants are made from meshes of poly-4-hydroxybutyrate monofilament that have reinforced outlying borders that allow the meshes to form three-dimensional shapes that can be temporarily deformed. These implants can resume three-dimensional shapes after being temporarily deformed that contour to the host's tissue or an anatomical shape, for example, in the repair of a hernia, and particularly a hernia in the inguinofemoral region.

Abstract: A prosthesis for repairing a hernia defect includes a patch body, a hoisting frame releasably attachable to the patch body, and a tether attached to the hoisting frame with a free end extendable through the thickness of the patch body and accessible from the side of the patch body opposite to where the hoisting frame is releasably attached. The patch body and/or the hoisting frame includes a self-expanding support member. The hoisting frame includes a frame body with an outer frame component and a force translation component for directing pulling forces on the tether across the frame body. The outer frame component has a loop configuration to generally follow the patch periphery with overlapping end portions or a gap between free ends thereof. The force translation component is separable into multiple segments to facilitate withdrawal of the hoisting frame through an opening when released from the patch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to implantable endoluminal prosthesis for preventing stroke. The endoluminal prosthesis (1) consists of a braided framework (20) defining a cylindrical lumen (21) devoid of impermeable membrane. Said braided framework (20) is self-expandable comprising a plurality of layers (22, 23, 24) of wires (25) made of biocompatible material. Each layer forms a mesh. The meshes form a lattice with a plurality of wires (2) of given layers (22, 23, 24). The lattice defines polygonal opening units (26) when observed normal to a wall of the implantable endoluminal prosthesis (1). The diameter (Ø25) of wire (25) being at least 30 ?m and at most 150 ?m, the mean diameter (Ø27) of the inscribed circle (27) of the polygonal opening units (26) being at least 75 ?m and at most 200 ?m in fully expanded state. The braided framework (20) consists of at least 128 and at most 512 wires (25).

Abstract: Vascular treatment devices and methods include a woven structure including a plurality of bulbs that may be self-expanding, a hypotube, for example including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs, and a bonding zone between the woven structure and the hypotube. The woven structure may include patterns of radiopaque filaments measurable under x-ray. Structures may be heat treated to include various shapes at different temperatures. The woven structure may be deployable to implant in a vessel. A catheter may include a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs and optionally a balloon. Laser cutting systems may include fluid flow systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for use are provided, where the apparatus includes: (a) a filter, and (b) a frame having a first end and a second end, wherein the frame includes a first support and a second support extending between the first end and the second end, wherein at least the first support and the second support of the frame are coupled to at least a portion of a periphery of the filter, wherein the frame and the filter together define a lumen, wherein the frame has shape memory and is movable between a first position in which the lumen has a first diameter and a second position in which the lumen has a second diameter, and wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter.

Abstract: The invention provides an embolic protection device for removing emboli from a blood vessel in a patient's body. The device comprises an elongate host element, an embolic protection element having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and a flexible tether connected to a distal end of the host element and to a proximal portion of the embolic protection element. The tether allows the host element to move axially and laterally relative to the embolic protection element over a limited range of motion when the embolic protection element is in an expanded configuration. The embolic protection device has a landing zone of 4 cm or less.

Abstract: An organ for transplantation having a kidney, a ureter, and a urinary bladder and an organ structure in which a first ureter, a first urinary bladder, a second ureter and a second urinary bladder are sequentially connected to a kidney can produce urine and excrete the produced urine, and thus is useful for transplantation.

Abstract: Provided is an artificial blood vessel including a cylindrical inner tube having a hollow part formed therein; an outer tube provided at an outer circumferential surface of the inner tube and surrounding the inner tube so as to form a double tube structure with the inner tube; and a connecting line formed in circumferential directions of the inner tube and the outer tube to connect the inner tube and the outer tube.

Abstract: A stent-graft has a closed web end configuration in which endmost stent crowns do not extend beyond an end or edge of a tubular graft. In order to couple the stent-graft to tip capture fingers or prongs of a delivery system, the stent-graft includes a ring woven between the endmost crowns of an end stent. When end stent is in a compressed delivery configuration, sections of the ring between adjacent endmost crowns form attachment loops that longitudinally extend beyond the end of the tubular graft for engaging the tip capture fingers of a delivery system. When the end stent is in an expanded fully deployed configuration, the attachment loops retract back to the stent so that the ring is a circular band having a diameter substantially equal to the expanded diameter of the stent.

Abstract: A stent device includes a first graft member, a second graft member and a stent frame defining a central axis. The frame has an abluminal surface engaged with the first graft member and a luminal surface engaged with the second graft member such that the first graft member and the second graft member encapsulates the stent frame along the length of the central axis. The stent frame includes a configuration where the stent frame is disposed on a curvature such that the abluminal surface has a radius of curvature of approximately 20 millimeters about a center of the curvature and the luminal surface defines a substantially constant effective cross-sectional area at any portion generally transverse to the central axis of the stent frame disposed about the curvature.

Abstract: An intraocular lens includes an optic having first and second sides. The optic has a first main lens surface at the first side, a second main lens surface at the second side, the first main lens surface providing a first main lens surface optical power, the second main lens surface providing a second main lens surface optical power, the first and second main lens surfaces providing a main lens having a main lens optical power and main optical axis defining radial, tangential and axial directions. The optic has: a first additional optical active part at the first side, providing a positive relative optical power with respect to the first main lens surface optical power; and a second additional optical active part at the second side, partly overlapping the first additional optical active part, providing a relative optical power and/or optical aberration with respect to the second main lens surface.

Abstract: An accommodative hydraulic intraocular lens system (AHIOL) has a cylindrical actuator contained within which is a hydraulic lens assembly. The hydraulic lens assembly has a transparent elastically reconfigurable membrane coupled to a fixed focus lens by a bellows and a refractive hydraulic fluid contained in the space defined by the membrane, the bellows and the lens, and is maintained at the upper range of its diopter power by the elastic properties of the bellows, springs, or both.

Abstract: In order to solve the problem of providing a speaking valve which is of simple construction and which is inexpensive to produce, a speaking valve (1) is proposed which has a cover part (2), a controller (3), a housing part (5) and a filter (8), wherein the housing part provides a valve seat arranged proximally therein, wherein the controller comprises a closure part (4), and wherein the closure part cooperates with the valve seat when the speaking valve is moved from an open position into a closed position, wherein the cover part is formed at least partially of an elastic material, wherein an at least partial deformation of at least one region of the cover part takes place as a result of the speaking valve being moved from the open position into the closed position, and wherein the filter is arranged on the controller in such a way that the filter can substantially follow the movement of the controller.

Abstract: Apparatus (40) for compressing a transcatheter cardiac stent-valve (10) comprises: a hollow channel (42) having an interior surface (50) shaped for progressively compressing the stent-valve in response to longitudinal advancement of the stent-valve within the channel; a driver (46) threadedly engaged on the exterior of the channel for generating a longitudinal driving force in response to rotation; a mover (44) having limbs (56) that project through slots (58) in the channel wall to transmit the driving force to the stent-valve within the channel; and a channel extension (48) removably attachable at the exit (54) to provide a generally cylindrical containment bore (66).

Abstract: Systems, dies, and methods are provided for processing pericardial tissue. The method includes positioning a die-cut assembly over the pericardial tissue, the die-cut assembly including a die having a plate, a the pattern, and an opening, the die pattern attached to the plate, the opening formed in the plate to provide access to the pericardial tissue, and measuring a thickness of the tissue through the opening. The die-cut assembly may be mounted for automated vertical movement, and a platen on which the tissue is placed is capable of automated horizontal movement. Different target areas on the tissue can be assessed by measuring the thickness through the die, and when an area is deemed suitable the die pattern cuts a shape therefrom. The system is useful for cutting uniform thickness heart valve leaflets, and can be automated to speed up the process.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing the function of a diseased valve includes a tubular first support member which is expandable to a first average diameter and has oppositely disposed proximal and distal first support member ends. A tubular second support member is spaced axially apart from the first support member and is expandable to a second average diameter that is smaller than the first average diameter. The second support member has oppositely disposed proximal and distal second support member ends. A tubular graft section interconnects the first and second support members and has oppositely disposed proximal and distal graft section ends axially spaced apart by a graft section body. The proximal graft section end is connected directly to the distal first support member end and the distal graft section end is connected directly to the proximal second support member end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes an expandable anchor with leaflet engagement elements on the proximal end of the anchor and a replacement valve. The leaflet engagement elements can be used to prevent distal migration and insure proper positioning of the apparatus.

Abstract: A holder for a prosthetic mitral heart valve that attaches to an inflow end of the valve and includes a simple tensioning mechanism that flexes the heart valve commissure posts inward to help prevent suture looping. The tensioning mechanism may include relatively movable rings of the holder or a generally unitary holder with a tensor, or rotatable knob. Connecting sutures thread through internal passages in the holder and travel in the outflow direction along valve commissure posts, emerging at the post tips and mutually crossing over the outflow side of the valve. A handle attaches off-center on the holder to increase visualization of and access to the heart valve through a central window for enhanced access to the commissure posts and leaflets. The holder is constructed of non-metallic materials so as to avoid interfering with imaging devices, and the handle is ergonomically curved and shaped to facilitate manipulation.

Abstract: Methods related to delivery of various heart valve implants are described. The implant may be delivered using an ultrasound imaging delivery system. The ultrasound imaging delivery system may be used to deliver a variety of different devices, including mitral valve reshaping devices, mitral valve replacement valves, and others. A deployment catheter carrying an implant having a tissue anchor is advanced to a deployment site in a heart. An imaging element is positioned adjacent the implant and a relationship between the tissue anchor and an anatomical landmark in the heart is visualized. The implant is then attached by driving the tissue anchor into tissue in the heart.

Abstract: A catheter for positioning a valve during a transcatheter aortic valve replacement is formed from a resilient hollow body conformable to a guide wire when a guide wire is passed in through an upper opening in the hollow body and through the hollow body. When the guide wire is retracted, the catheter deploys to form a substantially straight upper shaft portion that extends downwardly from the upper opening and a distal ring perpendicular to the upper shaft portion. The distal ring approximates the size and shape of the patient's aortic valve annulus. An outer surface of the distal ring is radiopaque, and the distal ring comprises openings for dispersing radio opaque medium used in imaging. The deployed catheter is retracted until it snugly contacts the aortic valve annulus. The distal ring will be viewed as a straight line when the x-ray C-arm is properly aligned with the aortic valve annulus.

Abstract: A percutaneous valve delivery system may include an outer sheath and an inner catheter disposed within the outer sheath. The inner catheter may include a plurality of lumens formed therein. A tubular extension may extend distally from a distal end of the inner catheter, wherein the tubular extension is axially movable relative to the inner catheter. A nose cone may be attached to the tubular extension. A handle may be attached to the outer sheath, wherein the handle is configured to shift the outer sheath between a first position and a second position relative to the inner catheter. A valve replacement implant may be releasably coupled to the inner catheter.

Abstract: Devices and methods for implantation at a native mitral valve having a non-circular annulus and leaflets. One embodiment of the device includes a valve support having a first region configured to be attached to a prosthetic valve with a plurality of prosthetic leaflets and a second region. The device can further include an anchoring member having a longitudinal dimension and including a first portion configured to contact tissue at the non-circular annulus, a second portion configured to be attached to the valve support, and a lateral portion between the first portion and the second portion. The second portion of the anchoring member is attached to the second region of the valve support while in a low-profile configuration in which the anchoring member and the valve support are configured to pass through vasculature of a human. The lateral portion is transverse to the longitudinal dimension.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for reducing the volume of the ventricles of the heart. In one embodiment, a method for reducing the ventricular volume of a heart chamber is provided including the steps of inserting an anchoring mechanism onto dysfunctional cardiac tissue, deploying one or more anchors into the dysfunctional cardiac tissue, raising the dysfunctional cardiac tissue using the anchors, and securing the anchors to hold the dysfunctional cardiac tissue in place. Further, a device for reducing the volume of the ventricles of a heart chamber is provided where the device has one or more clips for placement on dysfunctional cardiac tissue of a heart, one or more anchors for deployment and securement into the dysfunctional cardiac tissue, and a lifting mechanism for raising the one or more anchors and the dysfunctional cardiac tissue.

Abstract: A method for treating a human patient includes emitting ultrasound energy from an ultrasound transducer positioned remotely from target tissue of the patient. The ultrasound transducer is positioned at a desired location relative to the patient and target tissue using location and imaging techniques. The method further includes focusing the ultrasound energy such that one or more focal points are directed to the target tissue of the patient and ablating the target tissue at each focal point. The target tissue is ablated via the focused ultrasound energy without ablating non-target tissue through which the ultrasound energy passes between the ultrasound transducer and the one or more focal points.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a cartilage sheet comprising a plurality of interconnected cartilage tiles and a biocompatible carrier are provided. Methods of manufacturing cartilage compositions comprising a cartilage sheet comprising a plurality of interconnected cartilage tiles are also provided.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis includes first and second articulated corresponding joint components implantable within a body of a patient, wherein the corresponding joint components have corresponding surfaces that are relatively displaceable with respect to each other over a predefined functional range of motion of the corresponding joint components. The corresponding joint components each comprise one or more magnetic elements creating gradient magnetic fields having relatively strongest and weakest field areas over different portions of each of the corresponding surfaces, wherein the gradient magnetic fields are strongest in attraction at positions of the corresponding surfaces which align when the corresponding surfaces are at a boundary of the predefined functional range of motion, and deter joint dislocation by deterring relative movement of the corresponding surfaces beyond the boundary.

Abstract: A reverse hip prosthesis include an acetabular cup arrangement configured for insertion into an acetabulum of a patient and fixation therein, an acetabular ball configured for threaded attachment to the acetabular cup arrangement, a femoral stem configured for insertion into an intramedullary femoral canal of the patient, and a femoral cup arrangement configured for attachment to the femoral stem and to operatively receive the acetabular ball therein. The acetabular cup arrangement includes an anchor portion which becomes fixed to the patient's acetabulum and is the largest size suitable for the patient, and an insert which comes in different sizes and are connectable to the anchor portion, so that the most appropriate insert for the patient may be used. The acetabular cup arrangement and ball are interconnected with a threaded stem that also functions as an artificial Ligamentum Teres.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and devices for providing a tibial implant including an anatomic stem that provides a close interface between the implant and surrounding bone. The stem varies in size, cross-sectional shape, or orientation from a proximal portion of the stem to the tip of the stem. The variation of the stem accommodates the variation of tibial anatomy into which the implant component is implanted. The stem provides resistance against rotation of the implant and reduces stress shielding effects by transmitting forces into surrounding bone. In certain implementations, the interface between the stem and bone is supplemented by fin extensions that extend outward from the stem and increase the contact between the implant and the surrounding bone structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are orthopedic revision systems including a base member having a collar portion and at least one stabilization portion extending outwardly from the collar portion. The systems may further include a stem member having an attachment portion and a shaft portion, the stem member configured to be received at least partially through an opening in the collar portion such that the attachment portion lies adjacent the collar portion and the shaft portion lies adjacent the at least one stabilizing portion. In a method of performing revision surgery with such orthopedic systems includes forming an opening in the collar of the base member for receipt of the stem member by removing an inner portion of the collar portion and inserting the stem member at least partially through the opening in the collar portion such that the attachment portion lies adjacent the collar portion and the shaft member lies adjacent the at least one stabilizing portion.

Abstract: An expandable interspinous spacer implant that is configured to be inserted into an interspinous space that is defined between a spinous process of a superior vertebral body and a spinous process of an inferior vertebral body is provided. The implant may include a superior housing, an inferior housing, and a distracting member. The superior housing may have an outer surface that is configured to engage the spinous process of the superior vertebral body and the inferior housing may have an outer surface that is configured to engage the spinous process of the inferior vertebral body. The distracting member may be disposed between the superior and inferior housings, such that activation of the distracting member distracts the superior and inferior housings apart from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices, systems, and methods for use in surgery. In particular, the disclosed system and methods relate to an intervertebral spinal implant sized and dimensioned for the lumbar spine implantable via a posterior approach. The system includes an implant, instruments for delivering the implant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided relating to artificial discs. An artificial disc is provided that facilitates simultaneous and independent articulation of flexion/extension, lateral bending, anterior/posterior translation, and axial rotation. The artificial disc provides these four simultaneous and independent articulations by independently addressing each type of articulation in the design of the artificial disc. In one example, an artificial disc is comprised of a bearing disposed between first and second end plates. The bearing is movable relative to each end plate, independent of the other end plate. The end plates are affixed to adjacent vertebrae.