Abstract:
An expansible tunneling apparatus and associated methods for creating an anatomic working space for a surgical procedure. Various embodiments of one and two piece apparatus that permit laparoscopic observation both during tunneling and during subsequent balloon dissection are disclosed. In a disclosed one piece embodiment, a tubular member has a bore extending therethrough and an open distal end. A lip is formed in the distal end of the tubular member to capture the distal tip of a laparoscope that is inserted into the tubular member to permit observation of the procedure both during tunneling to a desired location and during subsequent balloon inflation. An elongated neck of the balloon is secured to the tunneling member. The elongated neck permits the tubular member to be withdrawn slightly from the balloon after inflation to facilitate observation. After the balloon has been advanced to the desired location in the body it is inflated through a balloon inflation lumen to cause the balloon to dissect tissue and create an operating space. Various balloon constructions and a reusable design are also disclosed.
Abstract:
An expansible tunneling apparatus and associated methods for creating an anatomic working space for a surgical procedure. Various embodiments of one and two piece apparatus that permit laparoscopic observation both during tunneling and during subsequent balloon dissection are disclosed. In a disclosed one piece embodiment, a tubular member has a bore extending therethrough and an open distal end. A lip is formed in the distal end of the tubular member to capture the distal tip of a laparoscope that is inserted into the tubular member to permit observation of the procedure both during tunneling to a desired location and during subsequent balloon inflation. An elongated neck of the balloon is secured to the tunneling member. The elongated neck permits the tubular member to be withdrawn slightly from the balloon after inflation to facilitate observation. After the balloon has been advanced to the desired location in the body it is inflated through a balloon inflation lumen to cause the balloon to dissect tissue and create an operating space. Various balloon constructions and a reusable design are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Spinal stabilization devices, systems, and methods are described. Foramenal spacers including a rigid member adapted to maintain the integrity of the foramenal space. Facet joint stabilizing members and prosthetic facet joints that augment or replace the native facet joint are also described. Lateral spinal stabilization systems that may be attached to the lateral surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies are described. Also described are anterior spinal stabilization systems that are to be attached to the anterior surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies. Several variations of dynamic spinal stabilization devices and systems are described. Each of the foregoing devices, systems, and methods may be used independently, in combination with the other devices, systems, and methods described herein, and/or in combination with prosthetic intervertebral discs.
Abstract:
Described are tools—including distractor, trial, chisel, and inserter—that may be used as a system for implanting a prosthetic intervertebral disc in a spine. The distractor moves vertebrae and may have angled forks optionally offset for visibility with removable jaws optionally matching desired lordotic angles. The trial tool(s) may fit within the distractor forks, include a lordotic angle, and may include a disc portion, an adjustable stop, and a feature to control movement of the disc portion relative to the adjustable stop. The chisel tool cuts grooves in the vertebral bodies, which grooves affix the disc to the vertebrae. The chisel(s) may fit within openings in the trial, where those openings also serve as a guide during the groove-cutting step. The inserter tool, optionally with a movable pusher, is used for inserting the prosthetic disc into the prepared intervertebral disc space.
Abstract:
This description deals with a medical device, specifically a prosthetic intervertebral disc having a compressible core and at least one cast, polymeric end plate.
Abstract:
An improved laparoscopic apparatus for tunneling to a desired anatomical location and developing a surgical space is disclosed, including a tunneling member adapted to receive a laparoscope therein and an inflatable balloon secured on the tunneling member. The tunneling member has a passage extending between its open proximal and distal ends. A lip is integrally formed on the distal end to retain a laparoscope inserted into the passage, the lip having a substantially rounded and blunt distal edge. The lip defines a recessed or open center area in the distal opening, enhancing the field of view of the laparoscope therethrough. The balloon is formed from flexible, transparent material, and is rolled and secured to the tunneling member. The balloon includes inverted seams and/or unfused outer edges adapted to minimize tissue trauma during inflation, and has an extended distal portion adapted to be unrolled during space development, thereby improving distal space development and enhancing visualization of landmarks within the space being developed.
Abstract:
An improved laparoscopic apparatus for tunneling to a desired anatomical location and developing a surgical space is disclosed, including a tunneling member adapted to receive a laparoscope therein and an inflatable balloon secured on the tunneling member. The tunneling member has a passage extending between its open proximal and distal ends. A lip is integrally formed on the distal end to retain a laparoscope inserted into the passage, the lip having a substantially rounded and blunt distal edge. The lip defines a recessed or open center area in the distal opening, enhancing the field of view of the laparoscope therethrough. The balloon is formed from flexible, transparent material, and is rolled and secured to the tunneling member. The balloon includes inverted seams and/or unfused outer edges adapted to minimize tissue trauma during inflation, and has an extended distal portion adapted to be unrolled during space development, thereby improving distal space development and enhancing visualization of landmarks within the space being developed.
Abstract:
An expansible tunneling apparatus and associated methods for creating an anatomic working space for a surgical procedure. Various embodiments of one and two piece apparatus that permit laparoscopic observation both during tunneling and during subsequent balloon dissection are disclosed. In a disclosed one piece embodiment, a tubular member has a bore extending therethrough and an open distal end. A lip is formed in the distal end of the tubular member to capture the distal tip of a laparoscope that is inserted into the tubular member to permit observation of the procedure both during tunneling to a desired location and during subsequent balloon inflation. An elongated neck of the balloon is secured to the tunneling member. The elongated neck permits the tubular member to be withdrawn slightly from the balloon after inflation to facilitate observation. After the balloon has been advanced to the desired location in the body it is inflated through a balloon inflation lumen to cause the balloon to dissect tissue and create an operating space. Various balloon constructions and a reusable design are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A catheter and method of using the catheter for the delivery of therapeutic or diagnostic liquid within a body lumen of a patient. The catheter has an outer inflatable member which has a wall with a plurality of apertures which eject therapeutic or diagnostic liquid in a jet-like form deep within the lumenal tissue adjacent to the outer inflatable member. In one embodiment the catheter has an inner inflatable member disposed within the outer inflatable member which upon inflation expands the outer tubular member so as to dilatate a stenotic region of a body lumen such as an artery. The inflatable member may be provided with proximal and distal ends which expand to larger diameters than the central inflatable section so as to seal the larger ends and prevent the loss of fluid.
Abstract:
Medical device having a counter for recording usage. A medical tool is provided having a proximal extremity. The tool having a collar fixed thereto and a cap. The cap includes a part which requires replacement and/or cleaning for each use of the tool. A detent assembly is carried by the cap and the collar and includes a rotatable counter wheel and a mechanism for causing advancement of the counter wheel from one number to the next number when the cap is separated from the collar so that the counter wheel is advanced by one increment each time the cap is removed and/or replaced on the collar to give an indication of the number of times that the device has been used.