Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatuses for ultrasound coupling. Certain aspects relate to coupling bodies for acoustically coupling an ultrasound device to a subject. A coupling body may include a first surface configured to couple to an ultrasound device, a second surface configured to contact the subject, a reservoir internal to the coupling body, and a plurality of openings extending between the reservoir and one or both of the first surface and the second surface. The reservoir may contain ultrasound gel. A coupling body may include an adhesive coupled to a subpart of the surface of the coupling body. A coupling body may include a first surface configured to contact the ultrasound device and a second surface including first adhesive configured to adhere to the subject. The first surface may also include second adhesive configured to adhere to an ultrasound patch device. Certain aspects also relate to packaging coupling bodies.

Abstract: An ablation catheter (100) for ablative treatment of ventricular tachycardia is provided. The catheter comprises a shaft (102) which is capable of being guided to the tissue to be ablated. An ablation element (104) for ablating tissue is mounted on the shaft. The catheter further comprises a plurality of ultrasound transducer arrays (106) for obtaining images of myocardial tissue. The arrays are positioned separately from each other around the circumference of the shaft. The catheter can adopt a folded configuration and a deployed configuration. In the folded configuration, the arrays are positioned against or close to the shaft thereby facilitating insertion and guiding of the catheter. In the deployed configuration, the arrays are more separated from the shaft than in the folded configuration. Further provided is a catheter arrangement including the ablation catheter, and a system for providing ablative treatment comprising the ablation catheter or catheter arrangement.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a tomographic image generator that generates a tomographic image showing an inside of a subject, based on a received signal relating to an ultrasonic echo of a first ultrasonic beam transmitted to the subject; a Doppler processor that detects a Doppler shift in frequency from a transmission frequency of a second ultrasonic beam, based on a received signal relating to an ultrasonic echo of the second ultrasonic beam transmitted to the subject; a hardware processor that detects a blood vessel position in the subject based on image information about the tomographic image and sets an angle correction value relating to an intersection angle between a blood vessel extending direction at the blood vessel position and a beam direction of the second ultrasonic beam; and a display processor that generates a Doppler spectrum image representing a distribution of blood flow rate at the blood vessel position.

Abstract: A multi-modality phantom is provided. The multi-modality phantom includes a container and an insert. The container defines an exterior that is separated from an interior space and designed to receive a tissue-mimicking medium for an ultrasound imaging process. The container further includes at least one access port formed in the container to perform the ultrasound imaging process of the interior space. The insert can be dimensioned to be selectively arranged within the interior space of the container. The insert includes imaging features arranged to simulate an environment and constructed to yield simultaneous imaging results when performing the ultrasound imaging process and at least one non-ultrasound imaging process.

Abstract: A fluid sample testing apparatus has a fluid collector tube and a fluid collector in fluid communication with a sample holding container. The fluid collector is inserted into and penetrates the fluid collector tube and pressure is generated to release fluid from the fluid collector into the sample holding container, and air passes outside of the apparatus from the fluid collector tube via a vent path. The vent path is sealed with the fluid collector is fully inserted into the fluid collector tube. Indicator or test strips are optionally included in a stem of the fluid collector.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein provides non-invasive tape stripping methods for the collection of a skin sample. The tape stripping method includes applying and removing at least one adhesive tape, provided that a skin sample is adhered to the adhesive tape after removal. The at least one adhesive tape is supplied in an adhesive skin sample collection kit. The adhesive skin sample collection kit further comprises a sample collector and instructions for use sheet.

Abstract: Provided is an occluder, comprising a first disk-shaped structure (10) with a grid, wherein the first disk-shaped structure (10) is woven from at least two groups of braided wires, the two groups of braided wires are crossed to form multiple rings of crossing points, a blocking membrane (20) is also arranged in the disk-shaped structure (10), an edge of the blocking membrane (20) is connected to the outermost ring of crossing points (100) of the multiple rings of crossing points through a sewing wire, and the number of crossing points in the outermost ring of crossing points (100) sewn with the blocking membrane (20) is smaller than the number of all the crossing points in the outermost ring of the crossing points (100), and a position of the blocking membrane (20) near the edge thereof is connected to a ring of crossing points within the outermost ring of crossing points (100) in the multiple rings of crossing points through the sewing wire.

Abstract: A gastrocutaneous closure device allows gastrocutaneous fistula closure from external abdominal access through the fistula site. Access through the fistula ensures accurate closure placement on the interior lumen wall of the stomach. A closure or clip has a plurality of prongs defined by a deformable material, such that the prongs extend radially from a central hub in an arcuate or curved, semicircular shape. The arcuate shape converges towards a central point or axis at a distal end, and the proximate end of the prongs attaches to the central hub such that the prongs radiate from the hub and the distal end curves back toward the axis through the hub. The deformable prongs may therefore radially compress or retract to define a larger or smaller diameter. The fistula lies on the axis such that the biased, inserted prongs pull the inner stomach wall closed around the healing fistula.

Abstract: In accordance with the disclosure, devices are provided for closing an opening in tissue. The devices include a proximal portion configured and arranged to occlude the tissue opening, and a distal anchor portion configured and arranged to anchor the device in the tissue opening. If desired, the distal anchor portion can be moved proximally or distally with respect to the proximal portion during implantation. The proximal portion can be configured and arranged to fit into a left atrial appendage of a patient, and further wherein the distal anchor portion is configured and arranged to extend into the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval device includes a bag having a closed bottom end portion and an open top end portion. The specimen retrieval device includes a cinch mechanism coupled to the open top end portion. The cinch mechanism includes a flexible band secured to the bag and a cinch coupled to the flexible band. The flexible band is movable relative to the cinch to reduce or enlarge a diameter of the open top end portion of the bag. The cinch is selectively engagable with the flexible band to fix the diameter of the open top end portion of the bag.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for a steerable medical device, configured to be used in conjunction with guide tools and devices in medical procedures, including endoscopes, cameras, cutting tools and catheters.

Abstract: A tissue contact surface for use on a surgical retractor is provided. The tissue contact surface comprises a generally smooth surface; and a plurality of partial ellipsoid surfaces extending out and away from the generally smooth surface. The plurality of partial ellipsoid surfaces comprise a first partial ellipsoid surface and an adjacent second partial ellipsoid surface. The first partial ellipsoid surface extends approximately 0.5 millimeters to 1 centimeter out from the generally smooth surface. A spacing between the first partial ellipsoid surface and the second partial ellipsoid surface is approximately 0.5 millimeters to 1 centimeter. In various embodiments, the plurality of partial ellipsoid surfaces are 3D printed onto the generally smooth surface.

Abstract: A surgical retractor and configured to minimize tearing of the gloves without compromising the ability to grip tissue. The surgical retractor has a handle, a blade, and a plurality of retraction elements. The retraction elements may be fixed to the blade but arranged in a specific configuration that a minimizes tearing of the gloves without compromising the ability to grip tissue. The retraction elements may also be made deployable by having a deployed configuration in which the retraction elements are exposed, and a stowed configuration in which the retraction elements are hidden.

Abstract: The invention discloses an intraoral retractor for a temporomandibular joint and relates to the technical field of medical instruments. The invention comprises a retraction mechanism, a main connecting rod and an operating mechanism; wherein the retraction mechanism and the main connecting rod are bent overall, one end of the retraction mechanism is a supporting end, and the other end is connected with the main connecting rod; a draw hook in a withdrawn state is provided in the supporting end, the operating mechanism is disposed at a tail end of the main connecting rod, and the operating mechanism can enable the draw hook to thrust out of the retraction mechanism and move up and down in the supporting end. The invention has a small size with the overall structure designed as a small bent pipe, the bending angle fits features of a human body, only a small incision is required for the retractor to enter the oral cavity of a patient, so the patient may suffer less pain, and no scar is left on the patient's face.

Abstract: A surgical device for retraction of a body part is disclosed. The surgical device comprises an anchor at each end of the surgical device; an elongate body comprising a plurality of fenestrations along a body length wherein each fenestration is sized to receive at least part of one of the anchors; and a stopper preventing a tail end of the device being pulled through any of the plurality of fenestrations. The surgical device may also comprise additional features such as, the elongate body being sufficiently flexible to fold back or partly fold back on itself and the lead anchor and tail anchor being oriented in the same direction. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the surgical device; a method for inserting the surgical device; and a kit comprising the surgical device.

Abstract: An endoscopic device for biportal endoscopic spinal surgery is proposed. The device includes: a guide tube as a hollow tubular member extending in a longitudinal direction and having a front end thereof reaching a target site in a patient's body when being used, the guide tube accommodating a probe of an endoscope inserted therein; a saline solution guide part mounted on a rear end of the guide tube and guiding a saline solution injected from an outside to an inside of the guide tube; and an adapter part positioned at the rear end of the guide tube and guiding the probe of the endoscope to use to the guide tube.

Abstract: A tissue retraction system that allows aeration in a skinfold of a patient needing medical attention may include a flexible frame having a defined body shape comprising an internal facing surface configured to face a crease in the skinfold, an external facing surface opposite the internal facing surface configured to face outwardly and away from the patient, a first tissue facing surface, and a second tissue facing surface opposing the first tissue facing surface. Each of the first and the second tissue facing surfaces may be configured to engage against opposing sides of the skinfold.

Abstract: Provided herein are expandable devices, rail systems, and motorized devices. in one embodiment, an expandable device comprises an expandable sac having a tool housed therein. The expandable device is optionally configured for operation while inside a body cavity. The expandable device optionally comprises at least one rail in the sac, and at least one railed device coupled to the rail for movement there on. Movement of the railed device on the rail is provided by, for example, a motor such as an electromagnetic motor or an inch-worm type motor. Expandable devices can be used, for example, to perform minimally invasive medical procedures requiring access to a body cavity. Expandable devices can also be used, for example, to provide safe and stable transport of instruments to the body cavity.

Abstract: Provided herein are a suture system and a method for using the suture system to move and fixate tissue in a desired position. The suture system may have one or more anchors with protrusions extending from each body of the anchors. The protrusions may pierce and engage surrounding tissue when the suture system is inserted subcutaneously into tissue. The suture system may then be used to pull the engaged tissue in a desired direction and fixate the tissue in a desired location. Each anchor may have fenestrations disposed within each body of the anchors so that tissue may grow into the fenestrations to anchor the suture system within the engaged tissue even after the protrusions have dissolved.

Abstract: A multiple anchor delivery system, comprising: a sheath having a passageway extending therethrough; a pusher element having a distal end positioned within the passageway, the pusher element distal end sized and shaped to be displaced through the passageway; a first anchor disposed within the sheath, a portion of the first anchor distal to the pusher element; and a second anchor disposed within the passageway, proximal to the first anchor, the second anchor sized and shaped to be displaced along the passageway. The pusher element is sized and shaped to be displaced proximally to a position proximal to at least a distal portion of the second anchor. The pusher element is sized and shaped to be displaced distally by a second displacement length at least as long as the distance between the second anchor proximal end and a sheath distal end, the second displacement length sufficient to deploy the second anchor.

Abstract: A self-adjusting suture construct can include a suture extending from a passive end to an active end. The passive end can include a first loop that the active end can be passed through to form a second loop. The active end can then be pulled to tighten the second loop around a portion of a patient's anatomy. The active end can be passed through an anchor and the anchor can be implanted to lock the tightened second loop.

Abstract: Surgical constructs and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a construct is formed from a suture filament and includes two terminal ends of filament and an intermediate portion disposed along at least a portion of a length extending between the terminal ends. The construct can have a first terminal end that is the first terminal end of the filament, and a second terminal end that includes a loop. The loop can be formed by disposing the second terminal end of the filament within a volume of a portion of the intermediate portion of the filament. In some disclosed methods, both terminal ends of the filament can be passed through tissue when performing soft tissue repairs. Various other embodiments of constructs and methods are provided, including constructs having two or more filaments associated with an anchor and methods of using such constructs.

Abstract: A suture anchor comprises a tubular body having an axial bore therethrough and having one or more purchase enhancements on an exterior surface of the body adapted to enhance purchase of the body within a bone hole, such as threads. A lateral port passes through the body from the bore to the exterior surface. A length of suture for attaching soft tissue to bone passes down along the exterior surface over the one or more purchase enhancements, over a distal end of the body, up into the bore through and then back out of the bore and up along the exterior surface over the one or more purchase enhancements.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices and methods for suturing tissue. The invention provides methods and devices for suturing by pushing two ends of a suture through tissue from a proximal side of the tissue and fastening the two ends together on a distal side of the tissue through one operation of a trigger.

Abstract: A bone fixation device or bone staple includes a crown portion, an engagement portion, and an outer rim generally defined between the crown portion and the engagement portion. The engagement portion includes a plurality of legs extending from the outer rim in a direction away from the crown portion. The plurality of legs are generally radially disposed and evenly spaced apart around the outer rim. The legs are beveled to provide a compressive effect to the bone when the staple is inserted into the bone.

Abstract: A surgical clip includes two clip branches which are spring-elastically joined and pretensioned at proximal ends by a first spring element which can be rotated about a spring pivot point formed by the first spring element. The distal free ends of the clip branches are held in parallel against one another in a resting position of the surgical clip via the closing force of the first spring element. The surgical clip has a conversion device which reduces a ratio of opening force, applied to a force-guiding path for opening the clip branches, to opening angle, from a predetermined opening angle of the distal free ends of the two clip branches. A method for opening the clip includes the step of applying pressure to the clip branches on a force-guiding path formed between crossing portions and the first spring element.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical clip applier includes a housing, and jaws that include opposed first and second jaw members each comprising an independent structure movable relative to the other, the first jaw member defining a first inner surface and the second jaw member defining a second inner surface opposite the first inner surface. An actuation mechanism is arranged within the housing and is operable to move the jaws between an open position and a closed position, the actuation mechanism including a linear drive that provides transition pins engageable with angled slots defined in the first and second jaw members. Linear movement of the linear drive moves the jaws between the open and closed positions, and the first and second inner surfaces remain substantially parallel to each other as the jaws move between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A lung volume reduction elastic implant (500) and a lung volume reduction instrument are provided. The lung volume reduction elastic implant (500) has an elastic deformation part (51), and a flexible guide (53, 53a) connected to the distal end of the elastic deformation part (51). The flexible guide (53, 53a) is provided with a first flexible part (531). The first flexible part (531) has an insert part (5312) and a distal part (5311). The insert part (5312) is connected to the distal end of the elastic deformation part (51). The distal end of the distal part (5311) of the first flexible part (531) is the distal end of the lung volume reduction elastic implant (500). The first flexible part (531) is internally provided with a radiograph component (56).

Abstract: An atraumatic vessel occlusive system includes a flexible tubular member with an infusion lumen, a vessel occluder mounted at the distal end of the tubular member, and a pressure sensor located within a chamber defined by the occluder. The occluder has a braided construct provided with a fluid impermeable membrane over its proximal portion and a fluid permeable covering over its distal portion. The pressure sensor is adapted to sense pressure within the vessel through the fluid permeable membrane without being subject to the effects of turbulent flow at the exit of the infusion lumen. The accurately sensed pressure can be used to determine a dwell time for the occluder.

Abstract: Disclosed are example embodiments of methods and systems for delivering a medical implant. One of the systems includes an occlusive device with a braided elongate polymer body and a shape memory wire coupled with the polymer body. Various configurations for the occlusive device are disclosed. Also disclosed is a transfer tool for use with various delivery systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is an osteotomy device, comprising an osteotomy plate (10), a fixing plate (20) and an adjusting structure (30), wherein the osteotomy plate (10) is mounted on a femur (B) via the fixing plate (20), two ends of the adjusting structure (30) are respectively connected to the fixing plate (20) and the osteotomy plate (10), and the osteotomy plate (10) slides left and right relative to the fixing plate (20) via the adjusting structure (30); and the osteotomy plate (10) has a femoral osteotomy groove (11) for performing an osteotomy from four sides and a femoral trochlear osteotomy groove (12) for performing femoral trochlear osteotomy. Using the osteotomy device, a femoral trochlear osteotomy operation can be carried out after performing an osteotomy operation from four sides without replacing the osteotomy plate (10), thus effectively reducing the number of instruments and avoiding repeated disassembly and assembly.

Abstract: A method of preparing a shoulder to receive a glenoid component in one embodiment includes accessing a glenoid of a shoulder, applying a rotational force to a combination device, forming a first bore in the glenoid with a rotating boring section of the combination device, forming a second bore in the glenoid at a location spaced apart from the first bore using a first drill guide defined by the combination device, and reaming a portion of the glenoid with a rotating reaming section of the combination device, wherein forming a first bore and reaming a portion of the glenoid occur at least partially simultaneously.

Abstract: A system for delivering mechanical waves to treat a lesion present in a vessel of a body, including an external mechanical wave source for generating mechanical waves from outside of the body, and a wave directing device insertable in the vessel, the wave directing device configured to receive the mechanical waves generated by the external mechanical wave source and to redirect the mechanical waves according to a target direction.

Abstract: A oral hygiene implement for cleaning the surface of a tongue, cleaning between teeth, and for massaging the gums at the tooth gum interface comprising a handle, a sculpted top edge with the sculpted potion covering the majority of the top edge, with a plastic dental flossing pick on one end of the device and a floss holding assembly having fork-shaped tines for holding floss therebetween on the other end of the device.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device for cleaning the surface of a tongue, cleaning between teeth, and massaging the gums at the tooth gum interface. The device comprising: a handle; a continuous sculpted edge on one end of the handle at a 90-degree angle to the handle; a cutout near the end of the handle with the continuous sculpted edge tongue cleaner; a dental flosser with two tines on the other end of the handle. In the handle in the middle is a swing out tapered end floss pick, that rotates away from the handle for use, pivoting away from the handle on a pair of divots on either side of the floss pick, when the handle is twisted.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes at least a first instrument shank and a second instrument shank that can be moved in relation to each other. The first instrument shank is a male instrument shank with a male bearing section. The second instrument shank is a female instrument shank with a female bearing section that includes a through-opening. The first instrument shank is arranged on the second instrument shank by the male bearing section engaging through the through-opening of the female bearing section. The instrument is produced by an additive manufacturing method.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for minimally invasive surgery has an instrument shaft with a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end is connectable to a signal generator. The surgical instrument has an instrument head which is pivotably connected to the distal end of the instrument shaft via a joint, and an end effector which is mounted rotatably about its longitudinal axis in the instrument head. The instrument further comprises a mechanical coupling element which is arranged at least partially in the instrument shaft and is configured to transmit and/or convert mechanical actuating signals of the signal generator for pivoting and rotating the instrument head, as well as a coil spring which bypasses the joint and connects the end effector to the coupling element to rotate the end effector. The coil spring has portions with different spring constants.

Abstract: A surgical tool with cable-based steering assembly and lock assembly. An outer tube is coupled to a handle, and an inner member includes a tissue working member. The inner member may be an inner tube rotatably disposed in the outer tube and including a flexible neck aligned with links coupled to the outer tube. A steering unit is configured to be actuated to simultaneously tension and slacken steering cables to cause relative pivoting of the links so as to provide a bend or curve. The lock assembly is configured to be actuated to place simultaneous tension on the steering cables to compress the links against each other and inhibit further pivoting of the links against side loading from the tissue. The links may be shaped to have a frame that is tube-shaped with the frames of the links have the same inner and outer diameters as the outer tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for breaking thrombus and aspirating the thrombus comprising: an aspirating rotary grinding hand-held system which integrates a rotary grinding head driving device, an aspirating device, a power supply device and a control device; a micro catheter device which is communicated with the aspirating device and the rotary grinding head driving device, respectively; a waste liquid collecting device which is connected to the aspirating device, wherein the aspirating device and the waste liquid collecting device form an airtight passage; and a distal end rotary grinding head device which is connected to the rotary grinding head driving device through a connection mandrel, wherein the power supply device provides power for the rotary grinding head driving device; wherein the distal end rotary grinding head device and the connection mandrel are accommodated in an inner cavity of the micro catheter device; and wherein the control device controls the aspirating device and the rotary

Abstract: A neuro-monitoring dilating probe can include a combined guide pin, dilator and neuro-monitoring probe all in one instrument. A distal end of the probe may include a conductive exposed tip and a tapered portion. The tapered portion can roll tissue out of the insertion path and allow for penetration into a disc annulus without an annulotomy. The tapered portion can be configured to reside fully in the annulus, ensuring no gap is formed between the probe and a subsequent dilator. Thus a nerve root will not become impinged in a gap. The proximal end of the probe may include a notch or other engagement feature to allow a tool to engage the probe to facilitate removal of the probe from the surgical site.

Abstract: An instrument port for surgical instruments includes a patient interface body configured to engage a patient access point, e.g., wound. The patient interface body includes a distal end configured to facilitate insertion into the patient access point and a proximal end including a lip defining a cuff therein. The patient interface body including a channel defined therethrough that extend from proximal to distal ends. A flexible seal is configured to securely seat within the cuff and includes an instrument opening configured to align with the channel. A seal guard is configured to sit atop the flexible seal and includes an instrument opening configured to align with the channel and the flexible seal instrument opening. A port cover is configured to engage the lip to encapsulate the flexible seal and the seal guard and defines an opening configured to align with the channel, the flexible seal instrument opening and the seal guard opening.

Abstract: A trocar assembly includes a trocar housing that defines a working chamber, and a cannula having opposing proximal and distal ends and defining a lumen that extends between the proximal and distal ends. One or more windows are defined in the cannula at or near the distal end, and one or more compliant deflection devices are arranged at or near the distal end and at least partially receivable within the one or more windows. Each compliant deflection device includes a radial biasing member that extends radially inward toward a centerline of the cannula.

Abstract: Subcutaneous implantation tools and methods of implanting a subcutaneous device using the same. The tool may include a tool body having a longitudinally extending recess having a distal opening and having a tunneler at a distal end of the tool body extending from the distal opening of the recess. The tool may include a plunger slidably fitting within at least a portion of the tool body recess. The recess may be configured to receive an implantable device and the tunneler preferably extends distally from the recess at a position laterally displaced from the device when the device is so located in the recess. Movement of the plunger distally within the recess advances the device distally out of the recess and alongside of and exterior to the tunneler.

Abstract: An inflatable system for cervical dilation and labor induction includes a uterine balloon, for positioning at a proximal portion of the uterus, adjacent to the cervical internal os, the uterine balloon being shaped to maximize the pressure against the decidua and the internal cervical os and to minimize the pressure on the fetal head. The inflatable system may have a vaginal balloon, for positioning in the vagina, for applying pressure on the external cervical os. The inflatable system may measure the pressure changes inside the balloon. The inflatable system may have electrodes for measuring the electrical activity of the fetal heart, the maternal heart and the uterine pressure activity and or uterine contractility and or labor progress. The inflatable system may measure cervical dilation, fetal well-being, and the woman's conditions.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval device includes an elongated shaft assembly and an end effector. The elongated shaft assembly has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The end effector is supported on the distal end portion of the elongated shaft assembly and includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm defines a first arcuate profile having a first cross-section therealong. The second arm defines a second arcuate profile having a second cross-section therealong different than the first cross section. The first and second arms are configured to cooperate with one another to selectively support a collection bag thereon.

Abstract: Devices and methods useful in surgical processes that require structural attachment to bone such as spinal vertebrae. More specifically, an improved bone implant having a band there through for the purpose of correcting and/or preventing curvature of the spine.

Abstract: An instrument for guiding a rod into a holder of an implant, in particular a pedicle screw, includes a coupling unit for coupling the instrument to the implant, in particular a head of the pedicle screw, a threaded rod that can be positioned in the axial direction relative to the coupling unit, and at least one internally threaded segment that is arranged in an axially fixed manner relative to the coupling unit, and can be positioned in a radial direction relative to the threaded rod, and prestressed toward the threaded rod by a prestressing element applying a radial force. The internally threaded segment can be brought into engagement with, and disengaged from, the male thread of the threaded rod by radial positioning. Thread flanks of the threaded rod and thread flanks of the internally threaded segment face each other and are each formed with an undercut.

Abstract: Systems and methods for augmenting a vertebral body may include an optional access cannula, introducer device, and a stylet having a stylet shaft. The access cannula includes a hub portion and a cannula shaft extending from the cannula hub. The cannula shaft includes a distal end positionable within the vertebral body that defines a lumen along a longitudinal axis. The introducer device may be a telescoping or pivoting introducer device that is removably coupled to the hub portion of the access cannula. The introducer device controls the movement of the flexible distal portion of the stylet shaft and the flexible sheath from within the introducer device through the access cannula to within a target site in the vertebral body, wherein the flexible distal portion is moved from the constrained to the unconstrained state to displace cancellous bone within the target site.

Abstract: An intramedullary assembly for intraosseous bone fusion includes a lag screw member and a tapered screw member. The lag screw member includes a first elongated body, where the first elongated body includes a first threaded portion at a first end and a bulbous portion at a second end. The tapered screw member is coupled to the lag screw member, and the tapered screw member includes a second elongated body, where the second elongated body includes a second threaded portion at a third end, and an opening at a fourth end.

Abstract: A method for securing a first interacting element to a second interacting element is provided. The first interacting element includes a lateral surface established by a first surface and a second surface and at least a portion of the lateral surface includes a thread receipt. The second interacting element includes a distal end and a proximal end that establishes a body therebetween. The body has a thread that is configured to at least partially engage with the thread receipt of the first interacting element. The second interacting element is then inserted at least partially through the surface of an object. The thread receipt of the first interacting element is then abutted adjacent to the thread of the second interacting element. Upon rotation of the second interacting element the thread of the second interacting element at least partially engaged with the thread receipt of the first interacting element.