Abstract: Medical illumination systems and devices for illuminating a target surgical area with a pre-selected type of multispectral light to aid tissue differentiation as viewed by the human eye, especially in open-surgery settings, and methods for practicing the same. A light source may have multiple settings selectable to provide various types of multispectral light configured to reduce reflection from corresponding tissue types relative to full-spectrum light. A pre-selected type of multispectral light may be configured to reduce reflection from blood. An illumination system or device can have one more illumination elements, including combinations of LEDs, lasers, and filtered broadband light sources. The multispectral light may be or comprise one or more of a continuous or pulsed wave.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an illumination device for illuminating a body cavity in a surgical space during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to an MR local coil arrangement and an MR unit. An MR local coil arrangement is disclosed including at least one MR antenna, an illumination unit with at least one light-generating unit to illuminate an illumination region, and a switching unit with at least one sensor to control the illumination unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for removing a tattoo through patterned trans-epidermal pigment release includes determining first treatment area of skin of a patient through a primary template including primary apertures, marking the first treatment area of skin of the patient along borders of the primary apertures to outline a grid of primary tegulae, and delivering a tattoo removal fluid to the marked first exposed skin in a first treatment session. The method further includes determining a secondary treatment area through a secondary template including secondary apertures, marking the secondary treatment area along borders of the secondary apertures to outline a grid of secondary tegulae, and delivering a tattoo removal fluid to the secondary tegulae in a second treatment session.

Abstract: An implantable tissue marker device is provided to be placed in a soft tissue site through a surgical incision. The device can include a bioabsorbable body in the form of a spiral and defining a spheroid shape for the device, the spiral having a longitudinal axis, and turns of the spiral being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of markers can be disposed on the body, the markers being visualizable by a radiographic imaging device. The turns of the spiral are sufficiently spared apart to form gaps that allow soft tissue to infiltrate between the turns and to allow flexibility in the device along the longitudinal axis in the manner of a spring.

Abstract: A surgical robotic arm support system may include a base and at least one post and/or a connection for coupling a robot arm to the support system. The base may be configured to at least partially surround a surgical table. The at least one post may have a first end supported on the base and a second end configured to support a robotic arm. The at least one post may be configured to be coupled to a surgical table. The connection may support a mechanical and/or electrical connectivity between the support system and a coupled robot arm. Electrical connectivity may be configured to identify at least one of the robot arm connections to which at least one robot arm is connected. Each robot arm connection may be configured to maintain a portion of a connected robot arm at a predetermined position from the base.

Abstract: A method of compliance-based cleaning includes receiving a piece of equipment to be cleaned in a compliance-based cleaning device included in a plurality of compliance-based cleaning devices, performing a cleaning process on the piece of equipment upon receiving the piece of equipment in the compliance-based cleaning device, monitoring the cleaning process performed on the piece of equipment, and transmitting compliance data from the compliance-based cleaning device to a compliance database in response to performing the cleaning process on the piece of equipment. The compliance data includes identifying information obtained during the cleaning process, and is stored in the compliance database in a plurality of cleaning records. The identifying information includes first identifying information that identifies the piece of equipment cleaned, second identifying information that identifies the compliance-based cleaning device that performed the cleaning process.

Abstract: A digital control laser automatic tooth preparation method and device and a tooth positioner are provided. The device includes an intra-oral three-dimensional scanner, a dental laser, an oral working end, an oral and maxillofacial cone beam CT scanner, a computer, a tooth positioner, a negative-pressure suction device and a real-time monitoring device. The computer is connected respectively with the intra-oral three-dimensional scanner, the dental laser, the oral working end, the oral and maxillofacial cone beam CT scanner, the negative-pressure suction device, and the real-time monitoring device. The dental laser is connected with the oral working end of the digital control laser tooth preparation control system through a light guiding arm (1). The oral working end of the digital control laser tooth preparation control system is connected with the tooth positioner and the real-time monitoring device. The negative-pressure suction device is connected with the tooth positioner.

Abstract: A multi-functional dental tool is provided to be used for the dental filling of teeth after the removal of damage in the teeth. The dental tool includes a forcep portion on one end and a burnisher tool on the other end. The burnisher tool portion includes a flat burnisher and a ball burnisher, and a joint which connects the forcep portion and the burnisher tool portion. The dental tool can also include a penlight holder which can receive and secure a penlight. The penlight, when secured in the penlight holder, provides illumination when performing the filling procedure, especially in situations in which an overhead light source is not readily available.

Abstract: Methods of inducing tooth movement and treating malocclusion include reducing orthodontic treatment duration by daily applying cyclic forces simultaneously to teeth of the maxillary and mandibular arches during a treatment period. The teeth are also receiving static forces generated by an orthodontic appliance during the treatment period. The cyclic forces applied daily by clamping the teeth down on a bite plate, and activating an extraoral vibration source configured to deliver the cyclic forces to the bite plate at a constant frequency and a maximum force. Data indicating usage duration and usage frequency is stored electronically.

Abstract: A device for powder based additive material manufacturing of dental appliances. The device has a recoater (10) for providing a powder layer to a build area. The recoater (10) has a slide (11) and is adapted for dispensing of the powder to the build area. The recoater (10) has further at least two powder supplies for individually supplying a first and a second powder on the slide (11) and a powder transport section in which the first and second powder are brought in touch with each other for at least partially merging. The invention is advantageous in that it allows providing dental blanks having color gradients in all three dimensions.

Abstract: A method for the production of a polychromatic and/or spatially polychromatic or a monochrome colored ceramic body, in particular a dentine ceramic blank, which is dyed in this way, wherein in order to control a targeted distribution of color pigments (101, 102) within a porous ceramic (100), in a first step, which is a loading step (3c), the ceramic (100) is loaded with a color pigment solution (104). In a second step, which is a distribution control step (4d), the distribution of the color pigments (101, 102) within the ceramic (100) is controlled by controlling one or more environmental parameters (106) in an environment (108) and/or the pressure and/or temperature.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for multifunctional denture systems. In one example, among others, a multifunctional oral prosthetic system includes an oral prosthetic device that may be located in an oral cavity. The oral prosthetic device includes a plurality of sensors and an internal module in communication with the plurality of sensors. The internal module is configured to provide sensor data corresponding to at least one of the plurality of sensors to an external processing unit when located in an oral cavity.

Abstract: An oral care implement and a refill head therefor. The refill head may include a sleeve portion and a head portion, a passageway extending through the head portion from a rear surface of the head portion to a front surface of the head portion, a plurality of bristle tufts mounted to the head portion and extending from the front surface of the head portion, and an integrally-formed monolithic mass of an elastomeric material comprising: (1) an elastomeric pad portion located on the rear surface of the head portion; (2) an elastomeric tooth contact element extending from the front surface of the head portion; and (3) an elastomeric anchor portion in the passageway connecting the elastomeric tooth contact element and the elastomeric pad portion.

Abstract: A brush head (32) including: a supporting portion (42) of a brush neck (40); a plurality of bristle tufts (21), each of which comprises a plurality of bristle strands having a proximal end (23) and a free end (25), wherein each of the plurality of bristle tufts comprises a proximal end head portion (26) melted into a first shape within a mold; and an elastomeric matrix (30) comprising at least a portion of the hard brush neck and the proximal end head portions, wherein the first shape of the proximal end head portion is configured to engage the elastomeric matrix such that the bristle tufts are retained within the elastomeric matrix.

Abstract: A medical device tray for carrying a plurality of medical devices includes: a base made of a substantially rigid material, the base forming at least one base through-hole that has an associated visual indicator; and a covering affixed to the base, the covering being made of a material which is softer than the substantially rigid material of the base and substantially transparent, the covering forming at least one covering through-hole, the at least one base through-hole and the at least one covering through-hole cooperating to form at least one medical device tray through-hole configured for directly supporting a respective one of the plurality of medical devices.

Abstract: A drug or medical treatment dispenser comprises a hoop or a pair of semi-circular arms pivotally mounted together. The dispenser comprises at least one tube which is connected at one end to a pump. The pump is in turn connected to a replaceable container of treatment. The tube comprises one or more apertures to dispense treatment in spray form towards a body part of a person or animal which is placed within the dispenser.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to tissue.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a medical assembly and method to deliver and place a bodily implant inside a patient's body. The medical assembly includes an insertion tool such that a portion of the insertion tool defines a lumen. The medical assembly further includes a carrier configured to be coupled to the insertion tool and including a passageway. The medical assembly also includes a flexible elongate member configured to pass through the passageway of the carrier and the lumen. The elongate member is also configured to be coupled to the bodily implant such that a portion of the elongate member between the bodily implant and the carrier defines a length.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an expandable mesh comprising a first coupling element, a second coupling element, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first coupling element and the second coupling element. Proximal retraction of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element causes the intermediate portion to flare out to an enlarged width. In one embodiment, the first coupling element comprises a first tube and the second coupling element comprises a second tube.

Abstract: A hybrid medical device that can aid in reconstructive or augmentative surgery of the breast is disclosed. The device can utilize a suitable biological collagen tissue matrix combined with a synthetic material, for example, that can impart a high initial strength to the repair site while permitting proper healing and revitalization of the implanted device.

Abstract: An implantable mesh for use in reconstructing tissue includes a mesh body and one or more extensions extending from the mesh body. Each mesh extension has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the mesh extension is integrated into or part of the mesh body. Each mesh extension is configured to permit multiple anchor points with surrounding tissue upon implantation. In one embodiment, a fixation device is at the second end of each mesh extension. Methods of using the implantable mesh are also provided.

Abstract: Packaging has an outer sleeve, which surrounds an interior space for receiving an object, such as a sterilized medical implant. A separate container is arranged in the interior space and surrounds an absorber in a gas-tight manner, such that a gas present in the interior space cannot pass to the absorber. The container is configured to be opened by the application of force when the outer sleeve is closed, such that a gas disposed in the interior space can pass to the absorber and can be absorbed thereby. In preferred embodiments, the absorber absorbs air with the reactive constituents O2 and/or H2O. Depending on the application, however, other gases can also be absorbed by the absorber. A method for packaging is also provided.

Abstract: In general, the invention features an intra-vascular device for filtering or deflecting emboli or other large objects from entering a protected secondary vessel or vessels. The device of the invention may include a filter, an central member, additional supporting members, and a delivery cable and may serve to filter or deflect emboli or other large objects from entering protected secondary vessels. The device may be capable of collapse along its longitudinal axis for ease of delivery to the treatment site. The device may further be compatible with common delivery methods used in interventional cardiology (e.g., TAVI procedures). The device may be integrated into the delivery systems. In other embodiments the device may be detachable from the delivery system. Upon deployment, the device may be positioned so as to contact the orifice of one or more secondary blood vessels. Upon retrieval the device may be retracted in an orientation substantially similar to the original deployment orientation.

Abstract: A vascular filter system for deploying a vascular filter utilizes a plurality of tensors that extend radially outward from a deployment sheath. The ends of the tensors are coupled with an attachment ring of the vascular filter and a plurality of attachment barbs are coupled with the attachment ring for securing the filter to the vessel wall. A method for retrieving the vascular filter from the vessel utilizes a reverse curve catheter, a guidewire that extends there through and an intravascular snare. The guidewire is advanced around the filter and into the snare, which secures the guidewire around the filter for retrieval. A vessel distention device utilizes one or more distention tensors having a distention feature on the extended end, such as a blunt tip, to press on the inside vessel wall. The distention tensors extend out radially from a sheath to press on the vessel wall.

Abstract: A pancreatic stent includes a main body convertible between a compressed configuration for delivery and an expanded configuration once deployed, the main body including an inner surface defining a stent lumen and an outer surface. A plurality of drainage features are formed within the outer surface of the main body, the plurality of drainage features permitting placement of the pancreatic stent within a patient's pancreas without blocking side branches of the pancreas.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mapping the shape and dimensions of a 3-dimensional body, by applying to the 3-dimensional body a stretchable covering configured and dimensioned such that in its stretched condition it tightly engages and conforms to the shape and dimensions of the 3-dimensional body to be mapped. The stretchable covering carries a plurality of reference devices, such as bands and/or markers which are at know or determinable reference locations in an initial condition of the covering, and which change their locations in the stretched condition of the stretchable covering according to the shape and dimensions of the 3-dimensional body covered thereby. The locations of the markers on the stretchable covering are determined after the stretchable covering has been applied to the 3-dimensional body, and are utilized to produce a map of the shape and dimensions of the 3-dimensional body.

Abstract: A ligament assembly (2) comprising a resilient element (20) connected to a bone anchor (4) and a ligament (18), the resilient element (20) acting m a cantilever and resisting toads transmitted between the bone anchor (4) and the ligament (18) by virtue of the resistance to bending of the resilient element. The ligament (18) may comprise an artificial ligament (18) which is adapted to replace a human or animal ligament. The resilient element (20) may comprise a spiral spring and may act as a biasing element/shock absorber operatively coupled to the artificial ligament (18) to control the effective stiffness of the artificial ligament (18). Consequently, the resilient element (20) enables an effective stiffness of the artificial ligament (18) to be achieved that more closely approximates the stiffness of a natural ligament.

Abstract: According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method of deploying an expandable prosthetic mitral valve in a subject, the method comprising: deploying a first component of the prosthetic mitral valve in a left atrium; deploying a second component of the prosthetic mitral valve in a left ventricle; and approximating the first and the second components so that leaflets of a native mitral valve are trapped between the first and the second components.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve may include a collapsible and expandable stent extending in a flow direction between a proximal end and a distal end, a cuff attached to an annulus section of the stent and having an outer surface facing in a radial direction orthogonal to the flow direction, a plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets attached to the cuff, and a sealing structure attached to the annulus section of the stent at an inner edge of the sealing structure. The flow direction may be defined from the proximal end toward the distal end. The sealing structure may have an outer edge remote from the inner edge. The sealing structure may have a collapsed condition with the outer edge disposed adjacent the outer surface of the cuff and an expanded condition with the outer edge spaced apart from the outer surface of the cuff.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprises a first frame, defining an arrangement of cells; a second frame, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion. In an expanded state of the valve, the first frame is generally cylindrical and has an expanded width, and the valve defines a lumen having a first end and a second end. In a compressed state of the valve, the first and second frames are both generally cylindrical, and the first frame has a compressed width that is smaller than the expanded width. In the expanded state, the valve provides directional fluid flow through the lumen. The valve defines first and second coupling points, and an axis therebetween, the axis lying on a transverse cross-section of the first frame. The first and second coupling points couple the second frame to the first frame by protruding into respective first and second slots defined by the first frame.

Abstract: Prosthetic valve embodiments are described herein that include a frame and a valve member mounted within the frame. The valve members can have a plurality of leaflets that are affixed to one another along their inflow edges, with articulating edges projecting from the inflow edges in the outflow direction. In an open configuration, the articulating edges can be collapsed radially inward by the forward flow of blood through the prosthetic valve, thereby creating a plurality of discrete flow areas between the frame and the inflow edges of the leaflets. In a closed configuration, the leaflets can be pushed radially outward by the reverse flow of blood, thereby closing the plurality of discrete flow areas.

Abstract: A stent (300, 400, 400?) for a prosthetic heart valve includes a body having an inflow end (310, 410) and an outflow end (312, 412), and an anchoring section (340, 440) adjacent the inflow end. The anchoring section may include structure (342, 344, 420) that extends radially outwardly from the body when the stent is in an expanded condition. The stent may include a transition section (370, 470) between the body and the anchoring section, the transition section in the expanded condition of the stent having a diameter that is smaller than the diameters of the body and the anchoring section. When implanted into a native valve annulus, such as the mitral valve annulus, the anchoring section may help the stent resist migrating away from the native valve annulus.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system includes an inner shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a support shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and an articulating assembly disposed between the inner shaft and the support shaft. The support shaft is sized for insertion into the circulatory system of a patient. The articulating assembly includes a first portion extending from the distal end of the inner shaft and a second portion at the proximal end of the support shaft. The first portion is pivotable relative to the second portion to change orientation of the support shaft relative to the inner shaft. A retainer is secured to a portion of the articulating assembly and is configured to retain a medical device on the support shaft between the retainer and the distal end of the support shaft.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve. The system includes a delivery catheter having a steering mechanism thereon for delivering a balloon-expandable prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve through an introducer passing into the left ventricle through its apex. The introducer may have a more floppy distal section than a proximal section to reduce trauma to the heart wall while preserving good operating field stability. The delivery catheter includes a deflecting segment just proximal to a distal balloon to facilitate positioning of the prosthetic heart valve in the proper orientation. A trigger in a catheter handle may be coupled to a deflection wire that actuates the deflecting segment, while a slider in the handle controls retraction of a valve pusher. The prosthetic heart valve may be installed over the existing calcified leaflets, and a pre-dilation valvuloplasty procedure may also be utilized.

Abstract: An assembly for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to a native heart valve is disclosed. The assembly includes a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve formed with an expandable metallic stent and a flexible valvular structure. The assembly also includes a delivery apparatus having a delivery sleeve. The delivery sleeve includes a selectively steerable section and a distal portion for retaining the prosthetic heart valve in a compressed state. A handle is coupled to a proximal end of the delivery sleeve and a pull wire extends from the handle to the steerable section of the delivery sleeve. The handle preferably includes a rotatable portion for actuating the pull wire and thereby selectively controlling a curvature of the steerable section during advancement through the patient's vasculature. In preferred embodiments, the steerable section includes a flexible metallic tubular portion formed with a plurality of circumferentially extending openings.

Abstract: A delivery system for transcatheter implantation of a heart valve prosthesis. The delivery system includes an outer sheath component defining a lumen therethrough, an elongate tube having at least two flat wires longitudinally extending from a distal end thereof, and self-expanding first and second frames disposed in series within a distal portion of the outer sheath component and held in a compressed delivery configuration therein. The elongate tube and the at least two flat wires are slidably disposed within the lumen of the outer sheath component. In the compressed delivery configuration the at least two flat wires longitudinally extend along exterior portions of the first and second frames and are woven through adjacent ends of the first and second frames to releasably couple them to each other. Proximal retraction of the at least two flat wires from the first and second frames releases at least the first frame from the delivery system.

Abstract: Representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems used to deliver a prosthetic heart valve to a deficient valve are disclosed. In one embodiment, for instance, a support structure and an expandable prosthetic valve are delivered to a position on or adjacent to the surface of the outflow side of the aortic valve (the support structure defining a support-structure interior) via a delivery system. The expandable prosthetic valve is delivered into the aortic valve and into the support-structure interior. The expandable, prosthetic heart valve is expanded while the expandable prosthetic heart valve is in the support-structure interior and while the support structure is at the position on or adjacent to the surface of the outflow side of the aortic valve, thereby causing one or more native leaflets of the aortic valve to be frictionally secured between the support structure and the expanded prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: The invention relates in some aspects to a device for use in the transcatheter treatment of mitral valve regurgitation, including steerable guidewires, implantable coaptation assistance devices, anchoring systems for attaching a ventricular projection of an implantable coaptation device, a kit, and methods of using an implantable coaptation assistance device among other methods.

Abstract: A cord can be affixed to an annulus or adjacent tissue using anchors distributed about the cord to anchor respective regions of the cord to the annulus or adjacent tissue. Anchor launchers (which are supported by support arms) launch the anchors to embed them in the annulus or adjacent tissue. Flexible radio-opaque protrusions protrude distally beyond the anchor launchers. Progressive advancement of an anchor launcher in a distal direction beyond a point at which a protrusion makes contact with the annulus or adjacent tissue results in progressive deflection of the protrusion. This deflection can be visualized using fluoroscopy to ensure that the cord is positioned correctly before the anchors are launched. Some embodiments use an open loop of cord, in which case the cord can subsequently be used to constrict the annulus. Other embodiments use a closed loop of cord to prevent expansion of the annulus.

Abstract: An implantable device for regulating blood flow through a blood vessel comprising an elongated support dimensioned and configured to be implanted in a blood vessel. The support includes a linking member linking axially spaced apart portions to one another. A valve membrane extends between the axially spaced apart support portions and includes first region folded over the first linking member and attached thereto and a second region adjacent the first region and unattached to the first linking member. The second region is movable between a first position to enable blood flow and a second position to inhibit blood flow.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pouch-like construct comprising mammalian tissue which can be used for preventing distension and/or resisting dilation of the heart in a mammal. Preferably, the pouch-like tissue construct has contractile properties. The invention further relates to a method for the preparation of a pouch-like construct comprising mammalian tissue which can be used for the above purposes.

Abstract: Provided are biocompatible and implantable scaffolds for treating a tissue defect, such as a bone gap. The scaffolds can have a modular design comprising a tissue scaffold rack designed to accommodate one or more modules. Also provided are methods for fabrication and use of such scaffolds.

Abstract: According to one example, a femoral prosthesis system is provided that has a plurality of sizing options using two families of femoral prostheses is disclosed. The second family of femoral prostheses can have a predetermined increase in femoral posterior condylar offset relative to the first family of femoral prosthesis. In one example, the second family of femoral prostheses can have the predetermined increase in the femoral posterior condylar offset while maintaining substantially a same femoral medial-lateral condylar extent relative to a comparably sized one of the first family of femoral prostheses.

Abstract: A posterior cruciate ligament retaining knee implant prosthesis comprising a femoral component including a medial condyle and a lateral condyle separated from one another by an intercondylar channel adapted to accommodate throughput of a native cruciate ligament, both the medial condyle and the lateral condyle posteriorly terminate individually, the medial condyle including a medial condyle bearing surface and the lateral condyle including a lateral condyle bearing surface, the femoral component including an anterior cam, and a tibial component including a medial condyle receiver having a medial condyle receiver bearing surface, the tibial component also including a lateral condyle receiver having a lateral condyle receiver bearing surface, the tibial component also including an anterior post.

Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment member (2) and a connecting member (16) for a carpometacarpal thumb joint prosthesis (1) as well as to said thumb joint prosthesis. The attachment member (2) comprises a screw-like part (4) for attachment by screwing into the second metacarpal bone and a locking device (8) for locking the screw-like part to the connecting member (16). The connecting member comprises an elongated, arcuate element (16) which at one end portion (16a) thereof is configured with a hole (14) for connection to the attachment member (2) for the second metacarpal bone and which at the opposite end portion (16b) thereof is configured with a hole (15) for connection to an attachment member (3) for the first metacarpal bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable implant for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.

Abstract: An interbody spacer system for insertion between a first vertebra and a second vertebra according to the principles of the present disclosure includes and interbody spacer and a first curved blade. The interbody spacer includes an outer wall and a first surface for engaging an endplate of the first vertebra and a second surface for engaging an endplate of the second vertebra. A first entry aperture in the outer wall and a first exit aperture on the first surface communicate with a first curved path extending therebetween. The first curved blade enters the first entry aperture and exits through the first exit aperture to secure the spacer to the first vertebra.

Abstract: Methods of additive manufacturing expandable medical implants is provided along with methods of patient imaging for 3D printing expandable spine cages and topographically matching patient specific implants. Methods for stabilizing and correcting the alignment of the spine are also provided. Spine pathologies such as lordosis, kyphosis and scoliosis can be corrected with properly expanding spine cages such as those described. Independent control and adjustment of the proximal and distal ends of spine cages allows for treating multiple horizontally affected intervertebral spaces.

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.