Abstract: Surgical end effectors and fastener cartridges having firing lockout arrangements for preventing or limit a firing stroke when a cartridge has not been operably installed in the end effector or a spent cartridge has not been replaced.

Abstract: Surgical fasteners for use with articulating surgical instruments are disclosed. In one embodiment, a surgical fastener may include a head, a shaft extending distally from the head, and a through bore extending through the shaft from a proximal surface of the head to a distal end of the shaft. A fastener carrier of a surgical instrument may be slidably received in the through bore, and the through bore may be sized and shaped to have two or fewer contact points with the fastener carrier when the fastener carrier is in a fully articulated configuration. In another embodiment, a fastener may include a head, a shaft extending distally from the head and including a distal tip, a sloped surface sloping toward the distal tip, and a through bore passing through the head, shaft, and sloped surface. The sloped surface may terminate at two shoulders located on opposing sides of the through bore.

Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed including a frame, an electric motor, a power source configured to supply power to the electric motor, a firing member, a manual release for retracting the firing member, and a controller for de-energizing the electric motor while a retraction motion is applied to the firing member. The electric motor is configured to impart a firing motion to the firing member.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument includes a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples and a cartridge deck. The staple cartridge assembly also includes a compressible adjunct positionable against the cartridge deck, wherein the staples are deployable into tissue captured against the compressible adjunct, and wherein the compressible adjunct comprises a first biocompatible layer comprising a first portion, a second biocompatible layer comprising a second portion, and crossed spacer fibers extending between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: The invention concerns delivering paired magnetic anastomosis devices to either side of tissues to be joined. The magnetic anastomosis devices are coupled to a guide element that facilitates delivery and manipulation of the devices when using minimally-invasive techniques such as endoscopy and laparoscopy. Elongated manipulators and guide tubes are also disclosed that improve a user's dexterity with the devices during placement.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes an anvil half and a cartridge half. The anvil half includes an anvil channel member and an anvil surface. The cartridge half releasably couples with the anvil half and includes a cartridge channel member having a distal portion that receives a staple cartridge, and a latching member coupled to the cartridge channel member and movable between open and closed positions. A resilient member is arranged at a proximal end of one of the anvil half or the cartridge half, and a projection is arranged at a proximal end of the other of the anvil half or the cartridge half. The resilient member is configured to contact and releasably couple with the projection to thereby couple the proximal end of the anvil half with the proximal end of the cartridge half while the latching member is in the open position.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a body portion; an actuation assembly operatively supported at a proximal end of the body portion; an anvil assembly movably mounted at the distal end of the body portion for movement toward and away from the body portion; an approximation assembly extending between the body portion and the anvil assembly for moving the anvil toward and away from the tubular body portion; a dispersion assembly operatively associated with the approximation assembly, the dispersion assembly including at least one angled surface defining at least one channel interposed between the anvil assembly and the body portion and being configured to dispense a fluid therefrom; and at least one conduit for conducting wound treatment material to the dispersion assembly.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly that supports an audible indicator mechanism including a spring biased clicker. The spring biased clicker includes a pin that is received within a pin slot or cavity in the housing of a stationary handle of the handle assembly. The pin is movable through the cavity in response to actuation of the firing trigger assembly and unapproximation of the anvil assembly to guide movement of the clicker such that the clicker 1) provides an enhanced audible indication to a clinician that the firing stroke of a firing trigger has been completed, and 2) provides an enhanced indication to a clinician that the anvil assembly has been moved back to the unapproximated or spaced position after the firing stroke has been completed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies for use with and to electrically and mechanically interconnect electromechanical surgical devices and surgical reloads, and to surgical systems including handheld electromechanical surgical devices and adapter assemblies for connecting surgical reloads to the handheld electromechanical surgical devices.

Abstract: Lead extraction is the removal of one or more leads from inside the heart utilizing a lead removal catheter having a tubular sheath that is placed in the blood vessel, either subclavian or femoral. The sheath of the lead removal catheter may accidentally tear or perforate the blood vessel as it is advanced over the lead toward the heart. Such an occurrence must be dealt with quickly to prevent harm to the patient or subject. An expandable member, such as a balloon, attached to the exterior of the sheath of a lead removal catheter can be deployed temporarily adjacent the perforation in the vessel wall. Inflation of the balloon not only stops (or substantially stops) the bleeding, but, upon inflation, the balloon may include one or more channels that allow blood to continue to flow through the channel(s) until the blood vessel perforation can be repaired.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a device to close a ductus arteriosus percutaneously. One aspect of the present teachings provides a device comprising at least one flange portion configured to be positioned against a vascular wall outside one end of a ductus arteriosus, and a body portion configured to be positioned inside the ductus arteriosus. The body portion of the device has a length adjustable in order for the device to fit inside patients with various ductus arteriosus lengths. The at least one flange portion of the device has pivotability in order for at least one flange to deflect from the longitudinal axis of the body portion so that the deployed device can be positioned at a treatment site allowing the discs to sit flat against the vascular tissue to promote closure while avoiding disruption of flow within the pulmonary artery and aorta or applying excess pressure to the surrounding vascular tissue.

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

Abstract: A surgical ligation clip includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a hinge portion that pivotably couples the first jaw to the second jaw. The first and second jaws define respective clamping surfaces and include locking elements. The clamping surfaces support retention structure that minimizes movement of the clamp about tissue when the ligation clip is in the clamped position. The locking elements are supported on the first and second jaws and are movable into engagement with each other to retain the ligation clip in the clamped position.

Abstract: A surgical ligation clip includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a hinge portion that pivotably couples the first jaw to the second jaw. The first and second jaws define respective clamping surfaces and include spaced bosses. Each of the spaced bosses include a transverse portion and a head portion that is oversized and has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the transverse portions. The oversized head portions allow for the ligation clips to be securely supported on a clip applicator.

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

Abstract: A reposable surgical clip applier includes a handle assembly, a shaft assembly engagable with the handle assembly, and a clip cartridge assembly including surgical clips engagable within the shaft assembly. The handle assembly includes a trigger, a drive bar coupled to the trigger and including a rack, a pawl configured to engage the rack upon movement of the drive bar, and a release mechanism operable to move the pawl to disengage the pawl from the rack. The shaft assembly includes an outer tube having a pair of jaws supported at a distal end portion thereof and a drive assembly slidably disposed therein. When the shaft assembly is engaged with the handle assembly and the clip cartridge assembly is engaged within the shaft assembly, actuation of the trigger loads a clip into the jaws and cams the jaws towards one another to form the clip about tissue.

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

Abstract: A reposable surgical clip applier (100) includes a handle assembly (110) having a housing, a trigger (114) and a drive assembly (120), the drive assembly (120) including a drive rod (122). The reposable surgical clip applier (100) further includes an outer tube assembly (200) disposed on a distal end of the housing and extending distally therefrom, and a clip cartridge assembly (300) selectively connectable to the distal end of the outer tube assembly (200). The clip cartridge assembly (300) includes an outer tube (314) and a pair of jaws (320a) fixedly supported in a distal end thereof, a first jaw pusher (130) in selective engagement with the distal end (122b) of the drive rod (122), a second jaw pusher (132) in selective engagement with the first jaw pusher (130) on a proximal end and the pair of jaws (320a) on a second end, and a plurality of surgical clips (C) disposed within the outer tube (314). A method of assembling a reposable surgical clip applier (100) is also provided.

Abstract: A blade assembly for use with a surgical saw. The blade assembly may comprise a static guide bar, a blade and a drive member, that when actuated, oscillates the blade. The blade may further comprise teeth that extend distally from the static guide bar, the teeth adapted to form a kerf in tissue against which the teeth are pressed. The static guide bar may be dimensioned to fit into the kerf formed in the tissue cut by the teeth. The static guide bar may comprise a thickness dependent on a length of the static guide bar. The blade assembly may be configured such that blade may be the only oscillating component of the blade assembly to provide a generally constant mass moment of inertia irrespective of the mass and/or length of the static guide bar.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a cutting guide (360) and methods of using the cutting guide to prepare bone for one or more knee arthroplasty implants. Some embodiments include an alignment mechanism (200), a cutting head (300), and an ankle clamp (400).

Abstract: A tool body having a first clamp element positioned on a first tool arm and a drill guide positioned on a second tool arm. The surgical tool can also have a slider element slidable on the tool body, the slider element having a depth probe and a second clamp element. The second clamp element can be engaged with the first clamp element such that the first and second elements cooperate to define a clamp opening for receiving a supplemental screw.

Abstract: A method of removing vascular blockage includes providing a catheter system, comprising an outer catheter, a bypass catheter, and a guidewire. In the catheter system, the bypass catheter is slidably disposed within the outer catheter. The method includes positioning a distal end of the catheter system at a proximal end of an occlusion located within a vessel and moving the bypass catheter through the occlusion so that a medicated treatment solution may be delivered through the bypass catheter to an area of the brain or other tissue served by the vessel blocked by the occlusion. Both during and after the delivery of medicated treatment solution to the blocked part of the vessel with the bypass catheter, the physician may engage the occlusion with the perforated segment of the outer catheter so that a thrombolytic agent can be delivered at the occlusion to disintegrate it and then removing at least a portion of the occlusion from the vessel.

Abstract: A lithotripter is provided that includes a lithotripsy apparatus for treatment of a urinary tract stone by fragmentation. The lithotripsy apparatus includes a lithotripsy wave guide shaft configured to transmit an energy form to at least one urinary tract stone. The lithotripter includes a sensing device configured to provide signal data for determining optimal application of energy during treatment with the lithotripsy apparatus. The lithotripter includes a processor configured to collect the signal data and provide feedback to a user. The processor has a control logic configured to determine at least one of: a) if the lithotripsy wave guide shaft is in contact with a tissue; b) if the lithotripsy wave guide shaft is in contact with a stone; c) type of stone; d) if a user is applying force in excess of a predetermined threshold; and e) physical characteristics of a stone. A method is also provided.

Abstract: In some examples, an embolic protection system includes an elongated member, a first filter body mechanically connected to the elongated member and defining a first filter mouth and a first filter end, the first filter mouth being one of proximal or distal to the first filter end, and a second filter body mechanically connected to the elongated member and distal to the first filter body, the second filter body defining a second filter mouth and a second filter end, the second filter mouth being the one of proximal or distal to the second filter end. In some instances, at least a section of the elongated member between the first and second filter bodies may be flexible, and may be configured to conform to a shape of an arch between two vessels of a patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a percutaneous retrograde endovascular filter and embolectomy/thrombectomy device (RET-D) according to various aspects of the present technology include a constraining sleeve housing a deployable filter and a set of closure struts positioned at the end of a flexible tube. The RET-D is deployed into a target vessel in retrograde fashion through a conventional hemostasis sheath such that the open end of the filter engages the antegrade flow of blood. The closure struts are configured to prevent loss of filtered debris when the filter is closed according to where the closure struts are positioned relative to an end of the constraining sleeve.

Abstract: An endoscope treatment tool includes: a sheath having a lumen; a basket section protruding from the lumen and having an elastic wire; and an operating wire. The elastic wire has: a maximum section where the outer diameter of the basket section is largest of the elastic wire; a first section that, in a lateral view from a direction orthogonal to a normal from the maximum section to the central axis of the basket section, is largest on the opposite side of the central axis from the maximum section between the maximum section and the proximal end; and a second section that is largest at a position away from the normal between the maximum section and the first section, and in the front view, the first section is located on the opposite side of a straight line orthogonal to the normal at the central axis from the maximum section side.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for retrieving a blood clot are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an expandable wire frame for deployment using a push wire within a microcatheter. When deployed in the vicinity of a blood clot, the wire frame is configured to expand and trap the blood clot allowing the blood clot to be removed. The expandable wire frame is connected to the push wire at distal and proximal ends. One or more expansion stops define a minimum distance between the distal and proximal ends of the expandable wire frame and a point of maximum extension of the expandable wire frame. This may help the user to control the configuration of the apparatus as it is being used within the vascular system.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, a rotation input assembly, and an end effector. The shaft assembly defines a longitudinal axis and a first fluid passageway. The rotation input assembly is operable to rotate the shaft assembly about the longitudinal axis. The rotation input assembly defines a second fluid passageway. The second fluid passageway is in fluid communication with the first fluid passageway. The end effector is located at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade. The end effector is in fluid communication with the first fluid passageway such that the end effector is configured to receive fluid communicated through the first and second fluid passageways.

Abstract: Surgical instruments having a rotary drive that can selectively actuate multiple end effector functions are described herein. In at least one embodiment, a surgical instrument includes an outer shaft, an end effector coupled to the outer shaft, a rotatable drive shaft coaxially disposed within an inner lumen of the outer shaft, and a plurality of selectively engageable clutches configured to transfer torque from the rotatable drive shaft to the end effector. The surgical instrument further comprises sensors configured to detect the engagement and/or disengagement of the clutches.

Abstract: A medical forceps includes a handle, a traction string, a sleeve tube, a forceps base, a push-pull rod, two connecting members and two forceps jaws. The sleeve tube is connected to the forceps base. The traction string passes through the flexible spring tube and the forceps base, one end of the traction string is connected to the handle, and the other end thereof is connected to the push-pull rod. Middle parts of the two forceps jaws are hinged by a hinge shaft mounted on the forceps base. A lower part of the forceps jaw is hinged to one end of the respective connecting member, and the other end of the connecting member is hinged to the push-pull rod. The push-pull rod has two hinge centers for being respectively hinged to the two connecting members arranged in a crossed manner. The push-pull rod has two hinge centers.

Abstract: A modular surgical instrument is disclosed. The modular surgical instrument comprises a control interface, a shaft extending from the control interface, an end effector extending from said shaft, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to sense the electrical potential applied to the modular surgical instrument, determine if the sensed electrical potential is above a predetermined threshold, and adjust the operation of the modular surgical instrument when the sensed electrical potential exceeds the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An assembly tool for use with an ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a body portion, a neck, and a head portion. The body portion includes a base and first and second legs extending from the base to define a receiving area therebetween. The neck is attached to the body portion and the head portion is attached to the neck. The head portion defines a central opening. The first and second legs of the body portion are configured to engage a portion of a housing of an ultrasonic surgical instrument received within the receiving area, and the head portion is configured to engage a rotation knob of the ultrasonic surgical instrument received within the central opening to rotationally fix the rotation knob relative to the housing. Kits including the assembly tool and methods of assembling an ultrasonic surgical instrument using the assembly tool are also provided.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling electrosurgical tools are provided. In general, an electrosurgical tool is configured to apply energy to tissue, such as via an end effector of the surgical tool. The energy can include one or more types of energy, such as electrical energy, ultrasonic energy, and heat energy. The electrical energy can be a high frequency alternating current such as radiofrequency (RP) energy, or can be another type of electrical energy.

Abstract: A handle assembly for use in conjunction with a surgical cutting device is provided. The handle assembly can generally include two, detachable pieces or housings. The first housing can include electrical and mechanical components for driving a cutting assembly, such as a motor, while the second housing can include a fluid flow path that allows fluid to flow from the surgical site to a location outside of the cutting device. At least a portion of the fluid flow path can extend substantially adjacent to at least a portion of one or more components used to drive the cutting assembly to help manage the heat output of the components. The fluid flow path allows the fluid to exit the device without coming into contact with components like a motor, while also helping to cool the handle assembly. Systems and methods for cutting tissue are also provided.

Abstract: A thrombectomy catheter system is disclosed which includes a catheter having an exhaust lumen, an infusion lumen and a high pressure tube. The high pressure tube includes a nozzle orifice for forming a high pressure jet of fluid for cutting occlusive material from within a body lumen. The nozzle orifice is positioned to direct the high pressure jet of fluid into the distal end of the exhaust lumen which creates a suctioning effect. The infusion lumen replaces fluid that is removed from the body lumen through the exhaust lumen by a suctioning effect created by the fluid jet.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter includes a cutting element. A radially innermost portion of the leading radial wall of a raised element of the cutting element may be spaced a radial distance from the longitudinal axis that is less than 66% of the radius of the annular cutting edge. The cutting element may be extendable through the window during operation such that as the cutting element is being rotated about its longitudinal axis, less than an entire radial portion of the leading radial wall passes through the window. A plurality of abrading members may be formed on at least the central portion of the inner surface of the cutting element to abrade hardened tissue as the cutting element is rotating about its longitudinal axis. A radially outermost portion of the leading radial edge of the raised element may be spaced apart radially from an inner surface of the cutting element.

Abstract: Devices for removing implanted objects from body vessels are provided. A device includes a sheath assembly having a cutting tip. The cutting tip includes a cutting surface that is adapted to cut tissue coupled to an implanted object as the cutting tip rotates. The sheath assembly further includes an outer shield carried outside of the cutting tip. The outer shield includes a distal opening, and the outer shield is translatable relative to the cutting tip from a first position to a second position and vice versa. In the first position the cutting surface of the cutting tip is disposed within the outer shield, and in the second position the cutting tip extends through the distal opening and the cutting surface is at least partially disposed outside of the outer shield.

Abstract: A tissue harvesting device (1), comprising a rotary cutting tool (10) adapted to cut soft tissue and a collection container (20) including a central bore (21) extending in a longitudinal direction and with a distal opening (22), wherein the cutting tool is arranged in the central bore of the collection container and adapted to pass through the distal opening and draw harvested soft tissue fragments into the collection container, and a housing (30) accommodating the cutting tool and the collection container, wherein the collection container is axially movable with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A dermatome (10) comprising at least two oscillating blades (20a-d) arranged parallel to each other and configured to simultaneously cut separate skin grafts (2a-d) at different depths from a donor site (1).

Abstract: Methods for performing certain medical procedures wherein a steerable endoluminal punch is used to not only gain access but to create a channel or punch through tissue, thus facilitating follow-up therapeutic procedures. The distal end of the steerable endoluminal punch is controllably articulated by the operator using a control device at the proximal end.

Abstract: A needle access assembly and method for obtaining percutaneous needle access with little or no fluoroscopy. The method can include selecting a target for percutaneous access, directing a laser guide at a desired needle-insertion angle and in line with the selected target, aligning the needle access assembly with the laser, and inserting the needle into the target.

Abstract: Lighting and optical devices, systems, and methods are configured for use in laparoscopic surgical procedures. The disclosed devices, systems, and methods advantageously do not require tethers in order to receive power or transmit data, such as camera images, to and from an external device. In addition, the disclosed devices, systems, and methods utilize improved camera mechanisms and reduce costs and improve accessibility with respect to laparoscopic surgical procedures. Furthermore, a smoke evacuator system can be used as part of surgical procedure to evacuate smoke from a surgical setting.

Abstract: A removable seal assembly configured to engage an access device includes a body including a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. The proximal portion defines an annular distally-oriented surface and the distal portion defines an annular proximally-oriented surface. The body is configured for positioning within an access device such that the annular distally-oriented surface and the annular proximally-oriented surface engage opposing surfaces of the access device therebetween. An O-ring disposed about the body between the annular distally-oriented surface and the annular proximally-oriented surface. The O-ring is configured to establish a fluid tight-seal between the body and the access device.

Abstract: A method of positioning a uterine manipulator within a patient includes applying a deforming force to a colpotomizer cup of the uterine manipulator to adjust the colpotomizer cup from a nominal width configuration to a reduced width configuration, inserting the colpotomizer cup into a vaginal canal of the patient while the colpotomizer cup is in the reduced width configuration, removing the deforming force from the colpotomizer cup to allow the colpotomizer cup to expand from the reduced width configuration to the nominal width configuration, and positioning the colpotomizer cup about a cervix of the patient while the colpotomizer cup is in the nominal width configuration.

Abstract: A static fixation strut for constructing external orthopedic fixation constructs has a ball joint component, a piston component axially adjustably coupled to the ball joint component, and a swivel component coupled to the piston component opposite the ball joint component, the ball joint component for attachment to a first fixation ring, the swivel component for attachment to a second fixation ring, and the piston component for adjusting the overall length of the static fixation strut. The ball joint component provides a multi-axial adjustable connection to the first fixation ring, the piston component provides adjustability in axial length between the ball joint component and the swivel component via first and second cylinders, and the swivel component provides a rotationally adjustable connection to the second fixation ring. A C-clamp is disposed about the first and second cylinders to fix their axial movement and length.

Abstract: A fixation clamp for use in an external fixation system for holding bone fragments adjacent to each other with the help of fixation elements has at least one clamping assembly having a pair of jaws with at least two different size grooves to accommodate a bone fixation element such as a pin or rod. An alternate clamping assembly has at least three grooves wherein at least two of the grooves have a different size adapted to accommodate a correspondingly sized bone fixation element such as a bone pin. The longitudinal axes of the grooves define a polygon. The jaw pairs can be rotated about a central longitudinal axis to present different size reception cavities towards the pins or rocks depending on their diameter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an occipital plate for fixating the occipital/cervical junction between cranium and the spine configured to provide multi-axial adjustment for the rod connectors including Anterior/Posterior movement, Medial/Lateral movement and Converging/Diverging movement. Some embodiments of the present invention use a variety of components to achieve a range of motion in several different axes. This extended range of motion allows the plate to adapt to the surrounding anatomy as well as making it more facile to adapt to a posterior rod fixation system.

Abstract: A plate, installation tools, and method of installation are provided for preventing a spinal facet joint implant from expulsing from its location. The plate has posterior and inferior fasteners installed previously or in-situ. A k-wire is used in cooperation with the implant and installation tool(s) to guide the plate to the desired location. The plate includes a central threaded bore situated between a superior and inferior bone screw bore in one form, and a superior and inferior connection barb in another form. The installation tool includes a threaded plug at one end for receipt by the central threaded bore of the plate for releasably holding the plate during installation. The installation tool has a superior structure and an inferior structure that can be a cannula or a tang depending on the form of the plate. A cannula allows a tool to direct a fastener to screw bores of the plate for attaching the fastener and plate to vertebrae.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamically stabilizing intervertebral implant including a stabilizing wedge, a flexible link in the form of a strap, and a blocking pin. The body of the stabilizing wedge includes a recess extending along a longitudinal axis, coincident with the posterior approach axis, and through which the strap passes. The blocking pin can engage inside the recess by movement in the recess longitudinal direction. The strap is immobilized with respect to the stabilizing wedge by being clamped between the pin and the facing recess wall. An tubular implant holder has an internal channel through which the blocking pin can be inserted and guided as far as the recess, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the recess, when the implant holder is fixed to the stabilizing wedge so the internal channel and the recess are in parallax relative to each other.

Abstract: Interspinous process implants are disclosed. Also disclosed are systems and kits including such implants, methods of inserting such implants, and methods of alleviating pain or discomfort associated with the spinal column.