Abstract: Spinal tissue distraction devices that include a member which has a pre-deployed configuration for insertion between tissue layers and a deployed configuration in which the member, by change of configuration, forms a support structure for separating and supporting layers of spinal tissue.

Abstract: Spinal tissue distraction devices that include a member which has a pre-deployed configuration for insertion between tissue layers and a deployed configuration in which the member, by change of configuration, forms a support structure for separating and supporting layers of spinal tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of separating, supporting or both separating and supporting layers of tissue in the human spine. Such methods generally comprise inserting at least one member between layers of tissue in the human spine and changing the configuration of the member to define a support structure between the tissue layers.

Abstract: A method and system of interdigitating flowable material with spinal tissue is disclosed which in one embodiment, includes forming a structure that may partially surround a portion of the spinal material and introducing flowable material into the portion of spinal tissue surrounded by the structure.

Abstract: Various features of spinal implants and systems and methods for implanting the same with or between tissue layers in the human body.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue and particularly spinal tissue. The device and method may include insertion of at least one elongated member and an augmenting member to form a structure between the tissues to be distraction, such that a dimensional aspect of the structure is augmented upon movement of the augmenting structure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue and particularly spinal tissue. The device and method may include insertion of at least one elongated member and an augmenting member to form a structure between the tissues to be distraction, such that a dimensional aspect of the structure is augmented upon movement of the augmenting structure.

Abstract: Devices for limiting the movement of flowable material introduced into or between tissue layers of the human spine. The devices can include at least one generally elongated member having a pre-deployed configuration for insertion into or between tissue layers of the human spine and a deployed configuration in which the elongated member forms a barrier that limits the movement of flowable material introduced into or between the tissue layers.

Abstract: Devices for limiting the movement of flowable material introduced into or between tissue layers of the human spine. The devices can include at least one generally elongated member having a pre-deployed configuration for insertion into or between tissue layers of the human spine and a deployed configuration in which the elongated member forms a barrier that limits the movement of flowable material introduced into or between the tissue layers.

Abstract: A bone tamp for creating channels within bone tissue. The bone tamp includes an elongated member that is deformable from a first generally non-linear configuration to a second generally linear configuration for insertion into bone tissue. As the elongated member is deployed into bone tissue, it transitions from the linear configuration into the non-linear configuration within the bone tissue. The elongated member is capable of being deformed back into the generally linear configuration for withdrawal from the bone tissue.

Abstract: A bone tamp for creating channels within bone tissue. The bone tamp includes an elongated member that is deformable from a first generally non-linear configuration to a second generally linear configuration for insertion into bone tissue. As the elongated member is deployed into bone tissue, it transitions from the linear configuration into the non-linear configuration within the bone tissue. The elongated member is capable of being deformed back into the generally linear configuration for withdrawal from the bone tissue.

Abstract: Methods for limiting the movement of flowable material introduced into or between tissue layers of the human spine. The method can include inserting a member between tissue layers of the human spine. The member has a first configuration for insertion of the elongated member between tissue layers. The shape of the member is changed into a second configuration that defines a barrier that limits or directs the movement of flowable material. Flowable material is introduced to a selected location between the tissue layers and the barrier acts to limit or direct the movement of the flowable material.

Abstract: Methods for limiting the movement of flowable material introduced into or between tissue layers of the human spine. The method can include inserting a member between tissue layers of the human spine. The member has a first configuration for insertion of the elongated member between tissue layers. The shape of the member is changed into a second configuration that defines a barrier that limits or directs the movement of flowable material. Flowable material is introduced to a selected location between the tissue layers and the barrier acts to limit or direct the movement of the flowable material.

Abstract: Methods of separating and/or supporting layers of tissue in the human spine. Such methods generally comprise inserting at least a distal end portion of a guide member between layers of tissue in the human spine wherein the distal end portion defines a predetermined shape. A distraction device is advanced over at least the distal end portion of the guide member so that the distraction device substantially assumes the predetermined shape of the distal end portion of the guide member to form a support structure between the tissue layers that separates and/or supports the tissue layers.

Abstract: Methods of separating and/or supporting layers of tissue in the human spine. Such methods generally comprise inserting at least a distal end portion of a guide member between layers of tissue in the human spine wherein the distal end portion defines a predetermined shape. A distraction device is advanced over at least the distal end portion of the guide member so that the distraction device substantially assumes the predetermined shape of the distal end portion of the guide member to form a support structure between the tissue layers that separates and/or supports the tissue layers.

Abstract: Methods of separating and/or supporting layers of tissue in the human spine. Such methods generally comprise inserting at least a distal end portion of a guide member between layers of tissue in the human spine wherein the distal end portion defines a predetermined shape. A distraction device is advanced over at least the distal end portion of the guide member so that the distraction device substantially assumes the predetermined shape of the distal end portion of the guide member to form a support structure between the tissue layers that separates and/or supports the tissue layers.

Abstract: Spinal tissue distraction devices that include at least one guide member for guiding a distraction device to a location between layers of spinal tissue. The guide member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is adapted for insertion between the tissue layers and defines a shape of a desired support structure. The distraction device is slidably mounted on the guide member for advancing the distraction device distally along the guide member for insertion of the distraction device between the tissue layers. The distraction device substantially conforms to the shape defined by the distal end portion of the guide member to form a support structure that separates, supports or both separates and supports the tissue layers.

Abstract: Spinal tissue distraction devices that include at least one guide member for guiding a distraction device to a location between layers of spinal tissue. The guide member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is adapted for insertion between the tissue layers and defines a shape of a desired support structure. The distraction device is slidably mounted on the guide member for advancing the distraction device distally along the guide member for insertion of the distraction device between the tissue layers. The distraction device substantially conforms to the shape defined by the distal end portion of the guide member to form a support structure that separates, supports or both separates and supports the tissue layers.

Abstract: Spinal tissue distraction devices that include at least one guide member for guiding a distraction device to a location between layers of spinal tissue. The guide member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is adapted for insertion between the tissue layers and defines a shape of a desired support structure. The distraction device is slidably mounted on the guide member for advancing the distraction device distally along the guide member for insertion of the distraction device between the tissue layers. The distraction device substantially conforms to the shape defined by the distal end portion of the guide member to form a support structure that separates, supports or both separates and supports the tissue layers.