Abstract: A treatment tool includes: an elongated shaft; a probe that protrudes from a distal end of the shaft; a movable jaw that is mounted in a rotatable manner; and a swing arm that is mounted on the movable jaw. The swing arm is capable of gripping living tissue with the probe and swinging with respect to the movable jaw. The movable jaw includes a first regulating surface that can contact a proximal end portion of the swing arm to regulate swinging of the swing arm in one direction, and a second regulating surface that can contact another region in the proximal end portion of the swing arm to regulate swinging of the swing arm in another direction.

Abstract: An obturator comprising a hollow distal end portion, the distal end portion comprising a distal end and a side hole located proximally of the distal end, the side hole being for receipt of a guidewire and to direct the guidewire laterally from the obturator.

Abstract: An adapter assembly includes an elongate body configured to receive a surgical loading unit and an elongate loading bar coupled to the elongate body and configured to selectively lock the surgical loading unit to the adapter assembly. The elongate loading bar has a distal end defining a slot therein configured for receipt of an articulation link of the surgical loading unit upon an improper insertion of the surgical loading unit into the adapter assembly. With the articulation captured in the slot, rotation of the surgical loading unit toward a fully assembled state with the adapter assembly is resisted.

Abstract: A surgical robot includes a first indicator configured to indicate a state of a system, and a plurality of second indicators configured to individually indicate states of a plurality of arms, and the state of the system includes a state of the surgical robot excluding the states of the plurality of arms and a state of a doctor-side operation device.

Abstract: A first input coupling and a second input coupling are coupled to rotatably drive an output coupling at the same time. In one embodiment, the output coupling rotates a robotic surgery endoscope about a longitudinal axis of the output coupling. A first motor drives the first input coupling while being assisted by a second motor that is driving the second input coupling. A first compensator produces a first motor input based on a position error and in accordance with a position control law, and a second compensator produces a second motor input based on the position error and in accordance with an impedance control law. In another embodiment, the second compensator receives a measured torque of the first motor. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product are disclosed. The method includes obtaining a configuration of dipole-line (DL) magnets and selecting a magnetic field vector to be generated. The method also includes determining, based on the configuration, orientations of the DL magnets for generating the magnetic field vector.

Abstract: A surgical tool including a socket having a housing and an aperture within the housing, the socket configured to receive a ball and a pin at least partially in the aperture. The ball is positioned at least partially in the socket and configured to rotate within the socket, the ball comprising an elongated opening extending through the ball. The pin is coupled to the socket and disposed at least partially in the socket on opposite sides of the socket, the pin including a first longitudinal axis and extending through the elongated opening of the ball between opposite sides of the socket. The ball is configured to partially rotate about the first longitudinal axis of the pin, and partially rotate, about a second axis perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis of the pin, in a plane aligned with the elongated opening.

Abstract: A medical torquing device for improving surgical control is disclosed. The device features an outer body with a first u-channel, accommodating a semi-tubular shaft that can transition between closed and open configurations. The device further includes an engaging element having a torque-locking mechanism with wheels and teeth, ensures secure locking and controlled movement. The first u-channel includes an elongated slot for receiving a plurality of medical instruments for invasive surgeries and interventional treatments. Additionally, a handle with a second u-channel enhances grip and control and facilitates retention of the medical instruments within the first u-channel. The invention's configuration allows for a portion of the first wheel to extend through an opening in the semi-tubular shaft in the locked configuration.

Abstract: In a coupled control mode, an operator directly controls movement of an associated manipulator with an input device while indirectly controlling movement of one or more non-associated manipulators, in response to commanded motion of the directly controlled manipulator, to achieve a secondary objective. By automatically performing secondary tasks through coupled control modes, the system's usability is enhanced by reducing the operator's need to switch to another direct mode to manually achieve the desired secondary objective. Thus, coupled control modes allow the operator to better focus on performing tasks and to pay less attention to managing the system.

Abstract: A surgical method includes, for example, positioning a patient relative to a robot, moving an end effector of the robot relative to a surgical site of a patient, defining a go-zone and a no-go-zone associated with the surgical site based on the moving the end effector of the robot relative to the patient, and effecting a surgical procedure at the surgical site of the patient with a tool attached to the end effector of the robot based on the defined go-zone and the defined no-go-zone, and wherein the effecting the surgical procedure maintains the tool in the defined go-zone and avoids contact with the defined no-go-zone.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprises an instrument control surface configured to mate with an instrument sterile adapter to receive input drive forces through the sterile adapter to control actuation of the surgical instrument, the instrument control surface comprising a first opening defined in the instrument control surface. A latch structure of the instrument comprises a locking surface configured to engage a latch arm in response to the latch arm being received in the opening, wherein in an engaged state of the latch arm with the locking surface the medical instrument is attached to the instrument sterile adapter and the latch structure prevents movement of the latch arm in a first direction. A latch release is moveable in the engaged state of the latch arm with the locking surface to exert a force causing movement of the latch arm in a second direction to disengage the latch arm from the locking surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical robotic systems having a master console and slave manipulators, with components and features for enabling a restart without comprising the sterility of the surgical robotic system. In some embodiments, an apparatus can include a restart of a surgical robotic system that is configured to be activated by a sterile user from within a sterile field without compromising the sterile field, and a controller operatively coupled to the restart that is configured to detect that the restart has been activated and, in response to detecting that the restart has been activated, restart the surgical robotic system.

Abstract: A surgical instrument manipulator comprises a manipulator arm and an instrument mounting structure rotatably mounted to the manipulator arm. The instrument mounting structure comprises: an attachment interface configured to removably couple to a surgical instrument; and a passage within the instrument mounting structure. When the surgical instrument is coupled to the attachment interface, the surgical instrument is fixed to the instrument mounting structure. An elongate body of the surgical instrument extends through the passage when the surgical instrument is coupled to the attachment interface. The instrument mounting structure is rotatable relative to the manipulator arm, and when the surgical instrument is coupled to the attachment interface, rotation of the instrument mounting structure with respect to the manipulator arm causes rotation of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A medical intervention device may include a distal end comprising a pair of jaws and a handle operably coupled to the distal end. The handle may include a pair of pivoting finger arms each having at least one finger loop, the pivoting finger arms being configured for opening and closing the pair of jaws at the distal end. The handle may also include at least one actuation interface arranged on the handle and in a position distal to the pair of finger arms.

Abstract: A surgical robot includes an arm base mover configured to move an arm base configured to support a plurality of arms, an imaging device provided on the arm base, the imaging device being configured to image a patient placed on a surgical table, and a display configured to display, in real time, the patient imaged by the imaging device.

Abstract: Anchor delivery systems and methods for repairing a valve inside a body, such as an atrioventricular valve, may include an anchor delivery device including a sheath for at least partially retaining an anchor in a collapsed form. The anchor delivery device may be configured to deliver the anchor to the atrioventricular valve. The anchor and an adjacent anchor may be connectable to each other in an expanded form, to link a series of anchors implanted at least partially around the atrioventricular valve. In some embodiments, the anchors may be connectable by a connecting member, such as a pledget, or a material disposable on a bulb of the anchor. In other embodiments, a bulb of the anchor and a bulb of the adjacent anchor may be configured to be directly interlocked.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for a surgical tool or a surgical robotic system. One example system for handling hardstops includes one or more processors configured to calculate an articulation joint position for the articulation drive disk or the one or more corresponding rotary motors corresponding rotary motors, calculate an articulation joint torque for the articulation drive disk or the one or more corresponding rotary motors, determine a torque ratio based on the articulation joint position and the articulation joint torque, and adjust a commanded articulation joint position received from the user based on the torque ratio to compensate for collision involving the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to detect its orientation and adjust its operation based on the detected orientation is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a handle having a controller and a motor, an adapter releasably coupled to the handle, and a loading unit releasably coupled to the adapter. The motor is coupled to a drive shaft of the handle. The adapter including an adapter identification device in communication with the controller, configured to store adapter data, and to communicate the adapter data to the controller. The loading unit configured to affect tissue in response to a force transmitted by the adapter from the drive shaft. The loading unit including a loading unit identification device in communication with the controller, configured to store loading unit data, and to communicate the loading unit data to the controller. The controller is configured to adjust output of a motor based on at least one of the adapter data or the loading unit data.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of a rotatable jaw of an attachment relative to a non-rotatable jaw is disclosed. The method comprises assembling the attachment to a surgical robot, rotating a first rotatable driver of the robot to align the first driver with a first rotatable drive of the attachment, and rotating a second rotatable driver of the robot to align the second driver with a second rotatable drive of the attachment. The method further comprises evaluating the amount of rotation required to align the first driver with the first drive and the amount of rotation required to align the second driver with the second drive, calculating a difference between the amount of rotation of the first driver and the amount of the rotation of the second driver, and determining the position of the rotatable jaw relative to the non-rotatable jaw based on the calculated difference.

Abstract: A physiological data acquisition system includes at least one interface module and a base unit configured to communicatively connect to the at least one interface module to receive the physiological signals recorded by a catheter. Each interface module is formed by mating at least a first one of the two or more different personality modules to a dock. The dock has a multi-modal connection port configured to directly connect to a dock connector of any one of the two or more different personality modules so as to receive physiological signals therefrom. The first personality module includes a first catheter connector configured to receive a connection end of the catheter so as to receive physiological signals therefrom, and a first dock connector configured to connect to the multi-modal connection port of the dock so as to provide the physiological signals thereto.

Abstract: An implantable anastomotic assembly, which is configured to be attached to cardiovascular tissue, includes a connection interface, a plurality of outer plates, and a plurality of connectors configured to extend between and interconnect the connection interface and the plurality of outer plates, respectively, according to various embodiments. The connection interface is separate from and non-contiguous with the plurality of outer plates, according to various embodiments.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a voice-controlled system for controlling devices and systems in a surgical setting. The voice-controlled system includes at least one microphone and at least one loudspeaker distributed within the surgical setting to receive and audibly respond to voice commands from operating staff. In certain aspects, the at least one microphone and at least one loudspeaker include a phased microphone array and a phased loudspeaker array that are coordinated and synchronized to perform active noise reduction, echo cancellation, and directional determination of sound sources. The voice-controlled system performs tasks, such as activation of surgical devices, based on verbal interactions with the operating staff through the at least one microphone and at least one loudspeaker.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein relate to robotic surgical systems and devices that use force and/or torque sensors to measure forces applied at various components of the system or device. Certain implementations include robotic surgical devices having one or more force/torque sensors that detect or measure one or more forces applied at or on one or more arms. Other embodiments relate to systems having a robotic surgical device that has one or more sensors and an external controller that has one or more motors such that the sensors transmit information that is used at the controller to actuate the motors to provide haptic feedback to a user.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading an endovascular shunt into a delivery catheter includes a base, a boss rod connected to, and extending longitudinally across, the base, and a plurality of guide bosses slidably coupled to the boss rod. The guide bosses include a delivery catheter guide boss coupled to the delivery catheter, a malecot holding tube guide boss, wherein a malecot holding tube is connected to a first lateral side of the malecot guide boss extending towards the delivery catheter guide boss, a claw assembly guide boss, where a claw assembly is attached to a first lateral side of the claw guide boss extending towards the malecot holding tube guide boss, and a chase pin guide boss, wherein a chase pin is connected to a first lateral side of the chase pin guide boss extending towards the claw assembly guide boss.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring control points of a computer-assisted device include one or more articulated arms having one or more control points and a control unit coupled to the one or more articulated arms. Each control point of the one or more control points is located based on a kinematic configuration of the one or more articulated arms. The control unit is configured to determine, during a movement of a table that causes a change in the kinematic configuration of the one or more articulated arms, an actual spatial configuration of the one or more control points; determine, based on a comparison of the actual spatial configuration with an expected spatial configuration of the one or more control points, whether to perform a remedial action; and perform the remedial action in response to a determination to perform the remedial action.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an implantation accessory for placement at a heart valve annulus location of a patients heart, the annulus having a first axis, the implantation accessory comprising: a first surface; a second axis perpendicular to the first surface; and, a maneuvering system for aligning the first axis and the second axis. In certain embodiments, a removable bioprosthetic heart valve assembly for implantation into an abutment ring attached at a heart valve annulus location of a patients heart, the abutment ring having a first axis, the removable bioprosthetic heart valve assembly includes a bioprosthetic valve for coupling to the abutment ring and a holder. The holder, detachably coupled to the bioprosthetic valve, includes a first surface, a second axis perpendicular to the first surface, and a maneuvering system for aligning the first axis and the second axis. Methods of implantation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Electromagnetic tracking systems and methods for automatically providing the required additional information needed to identify the orientation of a sensor are disclosed. The tracking systems are configured to carry out a digital modulation process to determine one or more parameters needed for calibration and to determine if the carrier wave and the modulated signal are in-phase or 180° out-of-phase at time T=0, thereby determining the operational sign of the carrier wave and thus the orientation of the one or more sensors. In some embodiments, at least one offset coil is arranged to generate an additional magnetic field, and the tracking system may be calibrated on the basis of the additional magnetic field.

Abstract: Systems and methods for grip adjustment during energy delivery include an instrument comprising an end effector having a first jaw and a second jaw. Each of the first jaw and the second jaw have a corresponding electrode, The systems and methods further include one or more control units configured to actuate the end effector to grip a material, determine whether a force or torque limit of the actuation is above a first threshold, in response to determining that the force or torque limit is above the first threshold, reduce the force or torque limit, and apply electrical or thermal energy to the material using the electrodes. In some embodiments, the one or more control units are further configured to restore the force or torque limit after application of the electrical or thermal energy to the material is complete. In some embodiments, the force or torque limit is reduced over time.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft, a force transmission mechanism disposed at a first end of the shaft, an end effector disposed at a second end of the shaft, an actuation element that extends along the shaft from the force transmission mechanism to the end effector, and an actuation element guide extending along the shaft. The actuation element guide defines a lumen in which the actuation element guide is received. The actuation element guide is compressed into a pre-compressed state along at least a portion of an axial length of the shaft. The actuation element guide can be compressed between first and second blocks of the instrument. The instrument can include a flush tube configured to receive a cleaning fluid, with the actuation element guide being in flow communication with the flush tube to receive the cleaning fluid in the lumen of the actuation element guide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foot pedal control unit for an ophthalmic surgery system. The unit has a base and a treadle that is configured for pivotal pitch movement and for pivotal yaw movement relative to the base for generating control signals to an ophthalmic surgery system. The unit further comprises an inlay cover that is removably placed on the treadle. Optionally, the unit comprises a locking element that is movable between a lock position wherein the treadle is locked against pivotal yaw movement and a release position wherein the treadle is enabled to perform pivotal yaw movement.

Abstract: Surgical systems are disclosed. Surgical systems can include evacuation systems for evacuating smoke, fluid, and/or particulates from a surgical site. A surgical evacuation system can be intelligent and may include one or more sensors for detecting one or more properties of the surgical system, evacuation system, surgical procedure, surgical site, and/or patient tissue, for example.

Abstract: A surgical tool is disclosed. The surgical tool includes a functional tool, a functional tip, at least one sensor, and a control unit. The functional tool has a shaft and a distal end. The functional tip is positioned at the distal end of the housing; at least one sensor is configured to generate a first signal indicative of at least one of an acoustic signal or a vibration signal generated by the functional tool. The control unit receives the first signal, analyzes the first signal to determine tissue type in contact with the functional tip and supplies a second signal to the functional tool to control at least one operation of the functional tool based upon the tissue type in contact with the functional tip.

Abstract: A cannula mount for a surgical system includes a body configured to receive a portion of a cannula in a mounted state at the cannula mount; a pair of clamping components coupled to the body and configured to clamp the portion of the cannula in the mounted state of the cannula; and a latch assembly pivotably coupled to the body and slidably coupled to a clamping component of the pair of clamping components. At least one of the pair of clamping components is pivotable relative to the body to move the pair of clamping components between a first state to unclamp a cannula mounted at the cannula mount and a second state to clamp a cannula mounted at the cannula mount. Pivoting motion of the latch assembly relative to the body causes a portion of the latch assembly to slide along the clamping component and change a state of the pair of clamping components from an unlocked state to a locked state in the second state of the pair of clamping components.

Abstract: A surgical method includes, for example, positioning a patient relative to a robot, moving an end effector of the robot relative to a surgical site of a patient, defining a go-zone and a no-go-zone associated with the surgical site based on the moving the end effector of the robot relative to the patient, and effecting a surgical procedure at the surgical site of the patient with a tool attached to the end effector of the robot based on the defined go-zone and the defined no-go-zone, and wherein the effecting the surgical procedure maintains the tool in the defined go-zone and avoids contact with the defined no-go-zone.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a device, system, and method for identifying a location of an ingestible device within a gastrointestinal tract of a body. In some embodiments, the ingestible device includes a sensing unit with an axial optical sensing sub-unit located proximal to at least one end of the device, and a radial optical sensing sub-unit located proximal to a radial wall of the device, and may autonomously identify a location within the gastrointestinal tract. In some embodiments, the ingestible device includes optical illumination sources and detectors that operate at a plurality of different wavelengths, and may discern regions of a gastrointestinal tract by using the reflection properties of organ tissue and occasional particulates. In some embodiments, the ingestible device may sample fluid or release medicament based on a detected device location.

Abstract: The invention provides a device, a kit for repairing and fixing articular cartilage, and a method for the same. The device comprises a costal cartilage rod, an outer sleeve, a drilling part, and an auxiliary implantation component; the drilling part comprises a drill sleeve and a drill bit matching an inner diameter of the drill sleeve; the auxiliary implantation component comprises a cartilage rod sleeve and an auxiliary pushing element, the costal cartilage rod has a rod-shaped structure with a diameter ranging from 3 mm to 8 mm and less than an inner diameter of the cartilage rod sleeve, and the costal cartilage rod is obtained from processing of costal cartilage. The costal cartilage is selected from the group consisting of autologous costal cartilage, allogeneic costal cartilage, or xenogeneic costal cartilage. Costal cartilage is processed into a costal cartilage rod by using the device provided in the present invention.

Abstract: A patient interface for an ophthalmic system can include an attachment portion, configured to attach the patient interface to a distal end of the ophthalmic system; a contact portion, configured to dock the patient interface to an eye; and a contact element, coupled to the contact portion, configured to contact a surface of a cornea of the eye as part of the docking of the patient interface to the eye, and having a central portion with a central radius of curvature Rc and a peripheral portion with a peripheral radius of curvature Rp, wherein Rc is smaller than Rp.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable medium containing instructions that when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform operations for monitoring partitioning of a medical instrument during an endovascular procedure. The operations may further be configured to obtain an input to activate a partitioning mechanism associated with a medical instrument within a lumen of a catheter, the catheter being positioned within a body. Further, embodiments may be configured in response to the input, to activate the partitioning mechanism. The operations may further be configured, following the activation, to obtain partitioning outcome data. The operations may determine, based on the partitioning outcome data, whether the medical instrument may be in a severed state or a connected state. The operations may, if the severed state of the medical instrument is detected, output a success notification.

Abstract: Methods, non-transitory computer readable media, and arthroscopic video analysis apparatuses and systems that facilitate improved analysis of videos of arthroscopic procedures are disclosed. With this technology, analytical data related to the video feed of an arthroscopic surgery can be obtained using machine learning models and associated with the video feed. The generated videos can be output in real-time to provide contextual information related to the surgical procedure, or can be saved for playback for training or informational purposes.

Abstract: An interventional medical device, and method of manufacturing the same, is provided to reduce risk to the patient of a fracture of the interventional medical device. At least one portion of the interventional medical device that is subject to fracture and migration within a patient is identified. A membrane is applied over each portion of the interventional medical device that is subject to fracture and migration, such that any fractured portion of the interventional medical device is tied together by the membrane.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a medical device are provided, which include injection molding a substantially cylindrical monolithic outer shell having an inner lumen and a plurality of ribs spaced longitudinally and extending partially circumferentially around the substantially cylindrical monolithic outer shell with elongate slots separating each rib. At least one flexible divider can be injection molded and advanced into the inner lumen to separate the inner lumen into first and second elongate channels and can be freely slidable relative to the substantially cylindrical monolithic outer shell. Proximal and distal ends of the substantially cylindrical monolithic outer shell can be respectively mated to a distal end of the elongate shaft and a proximal end of an end effector. First and second articulation bands can be advanced through the elongate shaft and channels and mated to opposed sides of the end effector.

Abstract: A robotic surgical assembly includes a slave manipulator connected to a surgical instrument. A jointed subassembly includes at least first, second and third links. The first and second links are associated in a first joint providing a degree of freedom between the first link and the second link. The second and third links are associated in a second joint providing a degree of freedom between the second link and the third link. The surgical instrument includes a tendon for moving a degree of freedom; the tendon including a tendon distal portion secured to the third link. The first link and/or the second link includes a tendon contact surface on which the tendon slides remaining in contact with the tendon contact surface, defining one or more sliding paths on the tendon contact surface. The sum of all sliding paths defines a total winding angle of at least 120°.

Abstract: Disclosed adjustable retaining arm systems can include a multi-segmented, articulable arm that holds one or more interchangeable tools and can be made relaxed to set a desired position and made rigid to fix the desired position by adjusting tension in a cable running through the arm. The arm can quickly attach and detach from a support structure. The support structure include a cable tensioning system, sensors, control system, power system, etc. A user input device, such as a foot pedal or button on the arm, can be used by a surgeon to change the arm between relaxed and rigid states. The arm and attachable tools can be detachable, disposable and/or sterilizable, while other system components can remain mounted in a fixed location as the arm is removed and replaced. The arm can hold multiple tools in any desired orientation around subject work location.

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a multiple suture threader. Embodiments of the multiple suture threader include a handle that is coupled with a first collapsible loop and a second collapsible loop that is axially offset from the first collapsible loop. In use, one or more sutures are doubled over each of the first and the second collapsible loops such that when the axially spaced loops are passed through a narrow axial passage of a surgical implant, a surgical instrument, or a bodily passage such as a bone tunnel, a twenty-five to fifty percent reduction in suture traffic, or in the maximum number of suture thicknesses that simultaneously pass through the narrow passage, is achieved. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A radiological filter includes a first working surface and a second working surface. The second working surface is placed opposite the first working surface to enable an x-ray beam to pass through the filter via the first and second working surfaces. The first working surface comprises first and second sectors, the first sector defining a first portion, which is substantially flat, and the second sector defining a second portion, which is substantially curved and complementary to the first portion.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to fluid collection systems and methods of using the same. An example fluid collection system includes a fluid collection assembly and at least one tensioning element (e.g., wire). The fluid collection assembly includes a fluid impermeable barrier that defines at least a chamber and at least one porous material disposed in the chamber. The tensioning element of the fluid collection system is configured to switch from a relaxed state and a tensioned state. The tensioning element is in the relaxed state when substantially no external tensile force is applied thereto and the tensioned state when an external tensile force is applied thereto. The tensioning element is configured to change a curvature of at least a portion of the fluid collection assembly, for example, by switching the tensioning element between the relaxed state and the tensioned state.

Abstract: Surgical systems are disclosed. Surgical systems can include evacuation systems for evacuating smoke, fluid, and/or particulates from a surgical site. A surgical evacuation system can be intelligent and may include one or more sensors for detecting one or more properties of the surgical system, evacuation system, surgical procedure, surgical site, and/or patient tissue, for example.

Abstract: In the present disclosure, embodiments include flaring tip microcatheters, methods of deploying flaring tip microcatheters, and embolization treatment methods. The flaring tip microcatheter may include a hollow shaft having a shaft lumen defined therein, a core disposed within the shaft lumen, and a tip including at least two petals affixed to a distal end of the core, the at least two petals including at least two wires wherein the core is hollow and defines a core lumen. The at least two wires may be configured to pull the at least two petals to form a flared configuration of the tip. The flared configuration of the tip may allow for laminar flow of a therapeutic agent distally from the tip.

Abstract: Growing rod systems and methods for correcting spinal deformities include at least one growing rod assembly and at least one fluid delivery assembly. Each growing rod assembly includes a fluid actuator that is operable to extend first and second rod segments in opposite directions along the spine. The fluid actuator can be provided by, for example, a piston-cylinder actuator. Each fluid delivery assembly includes a fluid pump operably connectable to a fluid line, which in turn is connected to the fluid actuator. In one embodiment, the fluid actuator is of a linear design. In another embodiment, two linear or curvilinear fluid actuators are provided back-to-back and connected by a connecting rod that mounts to the mid-spine and is contourable. In another embodiment, the fluid actuator is of a curvilinear design to generally conform the normal spine. And in another embodiment, the fluid actuator includes a fluid-over-fluid shock absorber.