Abstract: A motorized surgical instrument is provided. The surgical instrument includes a displacement member. A motor is coupled to the displacement member. A control circuit is coupled to the motor. A position sensor is coupled to the control circuit. A timer circuit is coupled to the control circuit to measure elapsed time. The control circuit is configured to receive the position of the displacement member from the position sensor, receive elapsed time from the timer circuit, and control velocity of the motor based on the position of the displacement member and the elapsed time. A method of controlling motor velocity of the surgical instrument also is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system can comprise, one, a surgical instrument including a handle, a shaft comprising a distal end, and a trigger and, two, an end effector attachable to the shaft. The instrument can further include a firing member and a motor configured to move the firing member toward the distal end, wherein the trigger is configured to operate the motor. The surgical instrument system can further include a plurality of sensors configured to detect one or more error conditions, a plurality of indicators, and a controller in communication with the plurality of sensors and the indicators, wherein the controller is configured to selectively activate the indicators to indicate the error conditions detected. A surgical instrument can comprise a plurality of actuators and a plurality of actuator locks, wherein the controller can actuate one or more of the actuator locks to indicate the error condition detected.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a shaft axis and first and second jaws that are configured to move relative to each other about a fixed jaw axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position. A firing member is configured to move between a starting position and an ending position. A first jaw engagement member extends laterally from each lateral side of the firing member. Each first jaw engagement member is oriented along a first jaw engagement axis that intersects the shaft axis. A second jaw engagement member extends laterally from each lateral side of the firing member. Each second jaw engagement member is oriented along a second jaw engagement axis that intersects the shaft axis and the first jaw engagement axis.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes tool assembly having an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly including a cartridge channel and a staple cartridge supported within the cartridge channel. The cartridge channel has a pair of spaced sidewalls and a bottom wall. The cartridge assembly includes compression strips that are supported on upper edges of the side walls and are positioned to support the staple cartridge. In embodiments, each of the compression strips includes a connecting portion and the upper edge of each of the side walls defines a slot that is configured to receive the connecting portion of a respective compression strip to secure the compression strip to the side wall of the cartridge channel. In some embodiments, the tool assembly also includes a compressible pad that is supported on the bottom wall of the cartridge channel between the bottom of the cartridge channel and the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a surgical actuating device including a shaft having supporting a first coupling member. The first coupling member includes one or more pairs of apertures. The reload includes a second coupling member including a locking assembly. The second coupling member includes a pair of spring pins positionable within the pair of apertures. The spring pins being movable from an inward position to a radial outward position. The locking assembly includes a lock plate that is moveable from a first position located between the spring pins to a second position spaced from the spring pins. In the radial outward position, the spring pins are received within the apertures of the first coupling member to secure the reload to the surgical actuating member and when the lock plate is in the first position, the reload cannot be separated from the surgical actuating device.

Abstract: An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a surgical procedure includes an anvil and a cartridge. Each of the anvil and the cartridge has a face that is positionable on the anatomical structure. The anvil is coupled to the cartridge at first and second ends. The anvil is movable relative to the cartridge to define a first gap between the faces at the first ends that is different from a second gap between the faces at the second ends.

Abstract: A surgical fastener is provided for various surgical fastening applications, including attaching an implantable prosthesis, such as a soft tissue repair fabric, to tissue and/or muscle. The surgical fastener may include a coil body and a separate head that is attached to the coil body. The head may include an internal thread that is threadably attached to the coil body. The head may also be further secured to the coil body with a compression fit therebetween. A locking feature may prevent back-out of the coil body from the head. The surgical fastener may be assembled by threading the coil body through the head.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues.

Abstract: An article useful for atraumatic care and/or closure of wounds, as well as for repairing torn or ripped fabric is provided. The article comprises a substrate having opposing first and second major surfaces, a plurality of raised anchoring members disposed across the first major surface, and an optional adhesive pre-mounted adjacent the second major surface. A separate adhesive could also be used to mount the article to the desired underlying surface to be repaired. The substrate is a flexible and conformal continuous web that can be cut into pieces to custom fit the wound or fabric opening. Using the anchoring members and a thread, the pieces can be drawn together to correspondingly draw the tissue or fabric on either side(s) of the opening together, thereby closing the opening without piercing or suturing/sewing together the underlying tissue or fabric.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes a clip assembly including clip arms movable relative to a channel of a capsule so that the clip arms are movable between a tissue receiving configuration and a tissue clipping configuration. Also, the system includes an applicator releasably coupleable to the clip assembly. The applicator includes a bushing and a control member extending therethrough. The bushing includes deflectable fingers, each of the fingers including an engaging feature at a distal end thereof to engage a corresponding engaging feature of the capsule of the clip assembly and assembled with a pusher element configured to push the fingers to a radially outward position. The pusher element includes a U-shaped portion curving into a channel of the bushing and a longitudinal portion extending distally therefrom. A cam washer is slidable over a length of the control member and positioned distally of the U-shaped portion.

Abstract: An exemplary tissue compression device for forming an anastomosis between first and second anatomical structures includes a first device portion having a first mating surface, and a second device portion having a second mating surface configured to mate with the first mating surface to compress tissue positioned therebetween. Each of the first and second mating surfaces includes a contoured portion, and the contoured portions are configured to mate with one another to facilitate alignment of the first and second device portions. A first one of the contoured portions may be formed with a concave contour and a second one of the contoured portions may be formed with a complementary convex contour. The device portions may further include first and second magnetic members configured to draw the device portions together to engage the first mating surface with the second mating surface.

Abstract: An exemplary tissue compression device for forming an anastomosis between first and second anatomical structures includes a first device portion and a second device portion configured to mate with the first device portion. The first and second device portions are configured to magnetically draw together to compress tissue positioned therebetween. The device further includes a circuit assembly including an electrical element and a battery configured to energize the electrical element. The electrical element may be in the form of an electromagnet or an illumination device, for example. In exemplary versions, the first device portion may include a first circuit assembly having a first electrical element and a first battery, and the second device portion may include a second circuit assembly having a second electrical element and a second battery.

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 circular stapling instruments and elongated tubular hollow sleeves having compressible/expandable rings, deployed from such stapling instruments and establishing an isolated enclosure around the stapled and resected tissues at the anastomotic joint.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circular stapler. The circular stapler includes a head cover (100) formed in a tubular shape so that a space is defined therein, a cartridge (200) provided in one end of the head cover (100) to accommodate a staple therein, a staple drive (300) provided inside the head cover (100) to extrude the staple from the cartridge (200) while moving toward the cartridge (200), a sensor drive (400) provided inside the head cover (100) and configured to come into contact with the cartridge (200), and a pressure sensor (500) provided inside the head cover (200) to measure pressure applied to the cartridge (200) by receiving the pressure from the sensor drive (400).

Abstract: The present technology relates to aneurysm devices with additional anchoring mechanisms, and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, the aneurysm devices are endovascularly deliverable to a site proximate an aneurysm near a parent artery with bifurcating branches. The aneurysm devices can include a closure structure (102) comprising a distal-facing aspect configured to at least partially occlude the aneurysm and a proximal-facing aspect configured to arch over lumina of the bifurcating branches. The devices further include a supplemental stabilizer (103) connected to the closure structure. The supplemental stabilizer is configured to reside in the parent artery. The closure structure includes a hinge point (175) where the closure structure folds to form a loop element configured for anchoring within at least one of the bifurcating branches.

Abstract: A left atrial appendage occluder (200) comprises a sealing part (220), a fixing part (210) disposed at one side of the sealing part (220), and a connection part (230) for connecting the sealing part (220) and the fixing part (210). The radial deformation capacity of the sealing part (220) is greater than the radial deformation capacity of the fixing part (210), and/or, the axial deformation capacity of the sealing part (220) is greater than the axial deformation capacity of the fixing part (210). In the left atrial appendage occluder (200), the radial or axial deformation capacity of the sealing part (220) is configured to be greater than the radial or axial deformation capacity of the fixing part (210), thereby avoiding the situation in which the sealing part (220) is not optimally fitted with the opening of the left atrial appendage (10) when the fixing part (210) is placed inside of the left atrial appendage (10), which in turn enhances the occlusion effect.

Abstract: Methods for adaptive cuff inflation for the purposes of occluding a limb of a subject include inflating a cuff to a pressure at or above limb occlusion pressure and periodically deflating the cuff to detect amplitude of oscillometric oscillations reaching or exceeding a predetermined threshold, whereby indicating that the cuff pressure has reached an updated systolic blood pressure. Selecting the cuff to be wide enough to define limb occlusion pressure at or below the systolic blood pressure assures that this maneuver does not compromise cessation of blood flow to the limb. Devices are disclosed configured to operate in at least two of the following three operating modes: a tourniquet mode, a remote conditioning mode and a blood pressure monitoring mode.

Abstract: An assembly for guiding resection of a femur and tibia of a knee joint in preparation for installing a femoral and tibial knee components. For example, the assembly can include tibial and femoral IM rods to which are connected through a tensioning bolt that allows controlled adjustment of the distraction of the tibia and femur during cut positioning in a range of flexion angles. Also, the assembly is usable with relatively small, noninvasive approaches to the knee joint by way of relatively narrow, low profile components that attach to tibial and femoral IM rods. Further, the assembly includes several quick-release components to allow fast assembly and disassembly in a surgical setting. Each of these aspects, along with the ability of the assembly to accurately guide initial reference cuts to the tibia and femur, promotes an improved outcome for the patient.

Abstract: A reusable medical procedure power too includes a housing having an aperture. A removable attachment interface is connected to the power tool via the aperture. The attachment interface provides for receiving a power tool attachment. A removable and replaceable cover is provided on the entire housing, and the cover includes a single opening aligned with and immediately adjacent to the aperture.

Abstract: Methods and devices that displace bone or other hard tissue to create a cavity in the tissue. Where such methods and devices rely on a driving mechanism for providing moving of the device to form a profile that improves displacement of the tissue. These methods and devices also allow for creating a path or cavity in bone for insertion of bone cement or other filler to treat a fracture or other condition in the bone. The features relating to the methods and devices described herein can be applied in any region of bone or hard tissue where the tissue or bone is displaced to define a bore or cavity instead of being extracted from the body such as during a drilling or ablation procedure.

Abstract: A surgical tool including a handle, a functional tool, and a torque limiter is described. The handle is sized and dimensioned for manipulation by a surgeon in a surgical environment. The functional tool is supported by the handle. The torque limiter is supported by the handle and is located between the handle and the functional tool. The torque limiter permits the handle and the functional tool to move relative to each other based on an amount of force applied to the functional tool.

Abstract: A patient specific trial repositioning block is disclosed which extends the know operating technique using patient-specific cutting blocks by virtue of the fact that the soft-tissue situation or ligament tension conditions can be checked and corrected intraoperatively. The trial repositioning block can be dimensioned according to the tibia structure and femur structure. During use of the trial positioning block in an operation, the block can bring the femur to lie in a planned corrected end position on the tibia. Trial repositioning can be performed after the sectioning of the tibia, and the operator, after sectioning of the tibia, can already have an accurate picture of the end result of the operation.

Abstract: A guide for placing a landmark(s) in a patient tissue comprises a central portion defining at least one guiding bore configured to receive and guide a tool for placing the at least one landmark in the patient tissue. Extended portions project away from the central portion, each of the extended portions having respective lower base surfaces contoured to mate with the patient tissue, at least the respective lower base surfaces being customized as a function of preoperative imaging of the patient tissue, whereby the guide is specific to the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for delivering fluid into a body lumen during a medical procedure. A distal end of an apparatus may be introduced into a body lumen, and a valve on the distal end may be opened to deliver fluid through a first lumen into the body lumen, e.g., contrast and/or other diagnostic or therapeutic agents. The valve may be closed, and a procedure may be performed within the body lumen, e.g., using a treatment element carried on the distal end. For example, the treatment element may include a balloon that may be inflated when fluid is delivered through the first lumen with the valve closed. Optionally, a prosthesis, energy source, drug platform, and the like may be carried by the balloon for treating the body lumen. In various embodiments, the valve may be located proximal or distal to the treatment element.

Abstract: A device for removing an obstruction from a lumen in a human or animal subject may include an inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon may include a proximal tapered portion having a proximal taper angle, a central portion, and a distal tapered portion having a distal taper angle that is greater than the proximal taper angle. The balloon may also include at least one eversion feature on the proximal tapered portion and/or the distal tapered portion. The eversion feature may facilitate preferential eversion of the distal tapered portion into an inside of the balloon without the proximal tapered portion collapsing. Preferential eversion of the distal tapered portion may be provided by the differences in the distal and proximal taper angles and by one or more of a number of different types of eversion features.

Abstract: A device for fracturing calcifications in heart valves includes a stabilizer and an impactor movable towards each other. The impactor includes one or more impactor arms, each of which extends distally from a proximal cap. The impactor further includes one or more lever arms each of which is distally coupled to a lever cap and proximally coupled to a corresponding one of the one or more impactor arms. The lever cap slides on a shaft which extends towards the proximal cap. Proximal movement of the lever cap towards the proximal cap causes the one or more lever arms to deform and to push against the one or more impactor arms and to cause the one or more impactor arms to deform.

Abstract: A containing element is used to capture material in a blood vessel for removal. The containing element is positioned within a constraining catheter while it is advanced through the blood vessel. A filament is coupled to the containing element which assists in opening and/or closing the containing element.

Abstract: Methods and systems for acoustic treatment of tissue are provided. Acoustic energy, for example ultrasound energy, under proper functional control can penetrate deeply and be controlled precisely in tissue. Some aspects provide a method configured for removal of at least a portion of an object, such as a foreign material, in tissue.

Abstract: A shaft for a micro-invasive surgical instrument includes a shaft tube with a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, a coupling device for detachable mechanical coupling of the shaft with a tool, and a rotation bearing, which mechanically connects the coupling device with the distal end portion of the shaft tube. The rotation bearing is configured in order to allow rotation of the coupling device with respect to the shaft tube about the longitudinal axis of the shaft on the distal end portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having a barrel defining an axis and a fixed handle extending from the barrel. The barrel includes at least one elongated indentation and the fixed handle defines a waist. A shaft extends from the barrel along the axis and couple to an end effector at a distal end thereof. A movable handle coupled to the housing is configured to manipulate the end effector. The movable handle includes a proximal leg, a distal tail, an arcuate segment defining a finger-retaining area, and a proximal foot. A deployable member is slidably disposed within the shaft. A trigger coupled to the housing is configured to deploy the deployable member. The trigger defines a saddle portion. The housing, movable handle, and trigger are configured to facilitate operable grasping by a hand of a user in at least first and second different grasping configurations.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a surgical instrument configured to cut biological tissues and an imaging system configured to image the biological tissues. Based on one or more images of the biological tissue generated by the imager, the robotic surgical system operates the surgical instrument to cut the biological tissue according to a desired dissection of the tissue. The robotic surgical system operates the surgical instrument to partially or wholly automatically perform one or more cuts into the biological tissue to achieve the desired dissection.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument having an elongated shaft, a first member configured in the elongated shaft such that the first member can be deployed from a first portion of the instrument. The first member, when deployed, is configured over a tissue bridge within a heart, the tissue bridge having a clip or suture. A second member is also configured in the elongated shaft such that the second member is deployed from a second portion of the elongated shaft, wherein the second member, when deployed, is configured under the tissue bridge and the clip or suture. The elongated shaft is configured such that the second member, when deployed, moves towards the first member to yield a combined member which receives the tissue bridge and the clip or suture. The elongated shaft receives the combined member. The first member and/or the second member include a signal emitter to cut the tissue bridge.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a proximal portion forming a socket attached to an ultrasonic vibration generating device and a distal portion. The instrument extends from the proximal portion to the distal portion along a main longitudinal axis and also includes a fluid channel. The distal portion includes a cutting portion, a fluid port and one or two radial bumps extending radially outwardly. The radial projections have a longitudinal position corresponding substantially to the longitudinal position of the cutting portion, whereby the radial bump provides a mark and/or a tactile location point beneath the skin for the surgeon for use in rhinoplasty or jaw surgery.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ultrasonic transmission component of an ultrasonic surgical instrument includes forming, via additive manufacturing, a waveguide, including a body portion, a curved blade extending distally from the body portion, and a lumen extending through a portion of the body portion and a portion of the curved blade. Another method of manufacturing an ultrasonic transmission component of an ultrasonic surgical instrument includes forming, via additive manufacturing, a waveguide, including a body portion and a blade extending distally from the body portion. At least one of the body portion or the blade defines a varied density.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are operable to track usage of a surgical instrument and modify the performance of the surgical instrument based on the prior usage of the surgical instrument. Some surgical instruments are designed to have a limited service life beginning at their first use, or a limit to their overall usage in order to ensure safe use of the sensitive instruments. However, a lack of ability to track usage characteristics when the instrument is separated from an external power supply allows for user abuse and avoidance of such safety mechanisms. Adding a battery or capacitor to the instrument may allow for an ability to track usage when the instrument is separated from an external power supply. Implementing special user prompts, device use ratios, and device use half-life upon powering down of an instrument may additionally be used to prevent circumvention of safety features.

Abstract: A guidance device is disclosed. The device may comprise a tracking pad with a guiding opening and a plurality of sensors operable with at least one beacon on a needle to track the disposition of the needle at least when a distal end of the needle is inserted into the guiding opening. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for image-guided drainage of abscesses includes a trocar configured to guide a tubular drain toward an abscess within the body of a patient. The trocar includes a joint portion pivotably coupling a proximal portion and a distal portion. The joint portion includes a locking mechanism that when engaged locks the proximal portion in place relative to the distal portion. The joint portion enables the trocar to pivot between an advancement position for advancing the trocar into the body of the patient and an image position for performing a radiology image of a partial advancement of the distal portion within the body of the patient. The image position reduces, relative to the advancement position, the angle between respective central axes of the proximal and distal portions.

Abstract: A sealing device for sealing a lead-through for a medical instrument that includes a fastening region for fastening the sealing device on a tube or other medical device, a ring-like supporting region which is connected to the fastening region, and an annular sealing lip with an outer edge which is connected to an inner edge of the support portion, and an inner edge which is provided and designed to fluid-tightly abut at an outer surface of a shaft inserted in the sealing device. The difference of the average diameter of the inner edge of the support portion and the mean diameter of a shaft of a medical instrument, for which the sealing device is provided and designed, is not larger than the difference of the average diameter of the shaft and the mean diameter of the inner edge of the sealing lip.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for attaching a trocar to a surgical arm. For example, a surgical system is provided that has a trocar with a housing and a cannula extending distally from the housing. The housing and the cannula have a tool pathway extending therethrough for receiving a tool. The system also has a trocar support that is configured to be mounted on a distal end of a surgical robotic arm. The trocar is configured to couple to the trocar support through a variety of engagements, such as engaging the trocar in a first configuration that allows free movement of the trocar relative to the trocar support and in a second configuration in which the trocar is locked in a fixed position relative to the trocar support.

Abstract: Robotic surgical systems and methods of coupling a surgical instrument to a manipulator arm are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a base; a setup link operably coupled to the base, the setup link locating a remote center of motion for the robotic surgical system; a proximal link operably coupled to the setup link; and a distal link operably coupled to the proximal link. A plurality of instrument manipulators are rotatably coupled to a distal end of the distal link, each of the instrument manipulators including a plurality of actuator outputs distally protruding from a distal end of a frame.

Abstract: A hand held device for removing ticks that are fixed to the skin of an animal or human host and comprises a housing oriented along a longitudinal axis, a tick encapsulation zone at the front end of the housing employing an openable and closable lid section capable of closing around the tick while the tick is attached to the skin of the host. A piezoelectric voltage generation device is located within the housing and activated by a striker to send a high voltage through two lead wires having their distal ends mounted within the tick encapsulation zone in gapped relationship. A trigger is mounted along an axis tangential to the longitudinal axis for triggering the piezoelectric device to send a high voltage across the electrode gap to electrocute the tick. The electrocuted tick automatically becomes detached from the host's skin and falls into the closed encapsulation zone of the device.

Abstract: A device includes a plurality of rings. Each ring has a first face, a second face, and at least one slot defined by first and second interior edges of the ring on opposing sides of the slot. The at least one slot penetrates from the first face to the second face. The first face of each ring has a first recess adjacent the slot on the first edge and a second recess adjacent the slot on the second edge. A plurality of posts join each one of the plurality of rings to an adjacent one of the plurality of rings.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes a spinal rod, a plate, a set screw, and a bone screw. The plate includes a throughhole transitionable between a collapsed and expanded configuration, and a first slot adapted to receive a spinal rod therein. The set screw includes a distal portion having threads to engage with a threaded lumen of a bone screw, and the bone screw including a head portion transitionable between a first diameter and a second diameter. The head of the bone screw insertable into the throughhole and cooperatively transitions between the first diameter and the collapsed configuration to the second diameter and expanded configuration, respectively, as the set screw advances with respect to the bone screw to lock the spinal rod into the slot of the plate in the second diameter and expanded configuration.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enhancing the effectiveness of spinal stabilization, and particularly that of cervical spinal stabilization, are provided herein. More specifically, methods and systems are disclosed for effectively positioning occipital plates and spinal fixation assemblies within target vertebrae, while also reducing any associated patient trauma (e.g., muscle stripping, tissue damage, etc.). The systems and methods can utilize trans-lamina delivery of the spinal fixation assemblies to allow for the positioning of the fixation elements along the midline of the patient's spine.

Abstract: Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment is disclosed, including a connection assembly with a connection piece of open type and a mating component piece positioned one with respect to the other. The connection piece includes a hole, where the mating piece is dimensioned to be engaged in the interior of the hole in a fit adjusted manner and is slidable within the hole. The connection piece is assembled to the mating component piece in separated apart position based on a force that is less than a clamping force exerted by a nut to be screwed on to a proximal threaded pin of an anchoring member that can be tightened so as to bring the connection piece and the mating component piece in a close position.

Abstract: A spinal fusion clamp implant that connects two vertebra, preferably the C1 and C2 vertebra. The clamp implant includes a clamp assembly that connects to the C1 vertebra. The clamp assembly includes at least one superior jaw and at least one inferior jaw. The superior jaw and the inferior jaw are opposedly arranged and clamp onto posterior arch of the C1 vertebra. The clamp implant also includes an implant assembly that connects to the implant used in C2, and a connection system that connects the clamp assembly with said C2 implant assembly.

Abstract: Connector assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A connector has a first end that clamps to a first rod in an existing construct and a second end, connected to the first end, that clamps to a second rod in a new construct such that the new construct can be extended from the existing construct at an adjacent level as the existing construct.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a device for reinforcement of a facet joint is provided. The device comprises a lumen configured to receive a fastener member. In some embodiments, a second segment comprises a second lumen configured to receive a fastener member or fastener. In some embodiments, kits are provided with a fastener member and a facet reinforcement device. Methods are also provided for treating a spine. In some embodiments, the fastener member is placed through both articular processes of a facet joint and a facet reinforcement device.

Abstract: An interspinous process bracing system comprises an interspinous process brace and a delivery device. The interspinous process brace includes a flexible and foldable bag, and a filler. An injection opening is provided at a proximal end of the bag. The delivery device comprises a delivery tube. A distal end of the delivery tube is detachably connected to the injection opening. The filler can be injected, through the delivery tube and the injection opening, into the bag to expand the bag, forming the interspinous process brace. The system achieves interspinous process bracing through a minimally invasive surgery and thereby reduces injuries.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide devices and associated methods for treating spinal disease by implanting one or more interspinous process spacing devices. In one embodiment, an interspinous process spacing device includes a first attachment side, a second attachment side, a spacer tray, and a securing means. The spacer tray extends from the first attachment side and is slideably insertable through a spacer tray slot formed in the second attachment side. The spacer tray is adapted to be positioned between a spinous process of a first vertebra and a spinous process of an adjacent second vertebra, and the spacer tray includes a trough formed in a top surface of the spacer tray. The securing means is configured to engage the trough of the spacer tray to secure the second attachment side relative to the first attachment side.