1604 results about "Spinal column" patented technology

Systems for bone and spinal stabilization, fixation and repair include intramedullar nails, intervertebral cages and prostheses, remotely activatable prostheses, tissue extraction devices, and electrocautery probes. The intramedullar nails, intervertebral cages and prostheses, are designed for expansion from a small diameter for insertion into place to a larger diameter which stabilizes, fixates or repairs the bone, and further can be inserted percutaneously. Remotely activatable prostheses can be activated from an external unit to expand and treat prosthesis loosening. Tissue extraction devices, and electrocautery probes are used to remove tissue from desired areas.

Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include a radially expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and a mechanical actuation means for delivering and deploying the spacer. The methods involve the implantation of one or more spacers within the interspinous space.

Interelectrode impedance or electric field potential measurements are used to determine the relative orientation of one lead to other leads in the spinal column or other body/tissue location. Interelectrode impedance is determined by measuring impedance vectors. The value of the impedance vector is due primarily to the electrode-electrolyte interface, and the bulk impedance between the electrodes. The bulk impedance between the electrodes is, in turn, made up of (1) the impedance of the tissue adjacent to the electrodes, and (2) the impedance of the tissue between the electrodes. In one embodiment, the present invention makes both monopolar and bipolar impedance measurements, and then corrects the bipolar impedance measurements using the monopolar measurements to eliminate the effect of the impedance of the tissue adjacent the electrodes. The orientation and position of the leads may be inferred from the relative minima of the corrected bipolar impedance values. These corrected impedance values may also be mapped and stored to facilitate a comparison with subsequent corrected impedance measurement values. Such comparison allows a determination to be made as to whether the lead position and/or orientation has changed appreciably over time. In another embodiment, one or more electrodes are stimulated and the resulting electric field potential on the non-stimulated electrodes is measured. Such field potential measurements provide an indication of the relative orientation of the electrodes. Once known, the relative orientation may be used to track lead migration, to setup stimulation configurations and parameters for nominal stimulation and/or navigation. Also, such measurements allow automatic adjustment of stimulation energy to a previously-defined optimal potential field in the case of lead migration or postural changes.

Spinal stabilizing elements and spinal stabilization systems composed of spinal stabilizing elements in combination with disc prostheses or disc nucleus replacements are provided. The stabilizing elements and stabilization systems are designed to preserve the natural mobility of vertebral discs and facet joints in patients with facet joint disease or patients who has undergone a prior destabilizing procedure, such as a facetectomy. The stabilizing elements may be pivoting elements or dynamic elements.

Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer or member having an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the expandable member in an expanded configuration has a size, volume and/or shape configured for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae in order to distract the vertebrae relative to each other. The systems include one or more expandable members and a mechanical actuation means for expanding the expandable member or an expansion medium for injection within or for filling the interior of the expandable member via the port. The methods involve the implantation of one or more devices or expandable spacers.

PCT No. PCT/FR97/01617 Sec. 371 Date Jul. 28, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Jul. 28, 1998 PCT Filed Sep. 12, 1997 PCT Pub. No. WO98/10722 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 19, 1998An expandable osteosynthesis implant has branches (5) each connected at one end to a seat (7) which is pierced by an orifice (8), suitable for being slid from a posterior direction between the facing faces of two consecutive vertebrae in order to hold them a given distance apart and restore stability of the spinal column. According to the invention, the branches (5) and the seat (7) define a hollow cage (1) which, in a "rest" position, has an outside general shape that is a cylinder of circular section, and a portion at least of the inside volume (9) of the cage (1) towards the distal ends of the branches (5) is in the form of a circular truncated cone whose large base is towards the seat (7), which implant has at least three branches (5) and, inside the inside volume (9) at least one spacer (2) suitable for passing through the orifice (8) and the large base of the truncated cone.

Height-adjustable devices suitable for insertion between posterior spinal processes that allow the surgeon to post-operatively adjust the height of the implant.

An artificial functional spinal unit is provided comprising, generally, an expandable artificial intervertebral implant that can be placed via a posterior surgical approach and used in conjunction with one or more artificial facet joints to provide an anatomically correct range of motion. Expandable artificial intervertebral implants in both lordotic and non-lordotic designs are disclosed, as well as lordotic and non-lordotic expandable cages for both PLIF (posterior lumber interbody fusion) and TLIF (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion) procedures. The expandable implants may have various shapes, such as round, square, rectangular, banana-shaped, kidney-shaped, or other similar shapes. By virtue of their posteriorly implanted approach, the disclosed artificial FSU's allow for posterior decompression of the neural elements, reconstruction of all or part of the natural functional spinal unit, restoration and maintenance of lordosis, maintenance of motion, and restoration and maintenance of disc space height.

Stent systems and methods for expanding and deploying stents in hard tissue such as bone, more particularly within a vertebral body. One exemplary method includes using a stent body that is coupled to a high speed rotational motor with the stent expandable and detachable from an introducer working end. In one embodiment, the stent is a deformable metal body with zig-zag type struts in an expanded configuration that carries diamond cutting particles bonded to the strut surfaces. The “spin” stent is rotated at high rpm's to remove cancellous bone from the deployment site together with irrigation and aspiration at the end of the probe that carries the stent. The stent may be expanded asymmetrically, such as with first and second balloons or by using an interior restraint, to apply vertical distraction forces to move apart the cortical endplates and support the vertebra in the distracted condition. The cancellous bone about the expanded stent as well as the interior of the stent can be filled with a bone cement, allograft or other bone graft material. In one method of use, the spin stent is designed and adapted for (i) treating a vertebral compression fracture (VCF) or for (ii) reinforcing an osteoporotic vertebral body.

This invention resides in an apparatus for inhibiting full extension between upper and lower vertebral bodies, thereby preventing pain and other complications associated with spinal movement. In the preferred embodiment, the invention provides a generally transverse member extending between the spinous processes and lamina of the upper and lower vertebral bodies, thereby inhibiting full extension. Various embodiments of the invention may limit spinal flexion, rotation and/or lateral bending while preventing spinal extension. In the preferred embodiment, the transverse member is fixed between two opposing points on the lower vertebral body using pedicle screws, and a cushioning sleeve is used as a protective cover. The transverse member may be a rod or cable, and the apparatus may be used with a partial or full artificial disc replacement. To control spinal flexion, rotation and/or lateral bending one or more links may be fastened to an adjacent vertebral body, also preferably using a pedicle screw. Preferably a pair of opposing links are used between the upper and lower vertebral bodies for such purposes.

A flexible spinal fixation device having a flexible metallic connection unit for non-rigid stabilization of the spinal column. In one embodiment, the fixation device includes at least two securing members configured to be inserted into respective adjacent spinal pedicles, each securing member each including a coupling assembly. The fixation device further includes a flexible metal connection unit configured to be received and secured within the coupling assemblies of each securing member so as to flexibly stabilize the affected area of the spine.

Minimally invasive methods and devices for introducing a spinal fixation element into a surgical site in a patient's spinal column are provided. In general, the method involves advancing a spinal fixation element in a first, lengthwise orientation along a pathway extending from a minimally invasive percutaneous incision to a spinal anchor site. As the spinal fixation element approaches the spinal anchor site, the fixation element can be manipulated to extend in a second orientation, which is preferably substantially transverse to the first orientation, to position the fixation element in relation to one or more spinal anchors.

Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae in a patient's spinal column. In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal stabilization device is provided having a first cross-connector that is adapted to mate to opposed lateral sides of a first vertebra, a second cross-connector that is adapted to mate to opposed lateral sides of a second vertebra, and a flexible member that is coupled to the first and second cross-connectors and that is adapted to allow movement between first and second adjacent vertebrae coupled to the first and second cross-connectors.

A method and system for marking and guiding the insertion of securing members (e.g., pedicle screws) of a spinal fixation device. In one embodiment, the marking and guidance method and system includes the use of a guide tube configured to be inserted into a patient's back until a first end reaches an entry point on or near a vertebral bone of the patient's spinal column, wherein the guide tube includes a hollow cylindrical channel along its longitudinal center axis; a penetrating device configured to be positioned within the cylindrical channel of the guide tube and having a sharp tip configured to protrude outwardly from the first end of the guide tube so as to allow the first end of the guide tube to penetrate through the patient's back muscle and tissue and reach the vertebral bone at the entry point; a marking pin configured to be inserted through the cylindrical channel of the guide tube, after removal of the penetrating device, until a first end of the marking pin having a sharp tip reaches the entry point; and a pushing device configured to be inserted through the cylindrical channel of the guide tube and provide a driving force at a second end of the marking pin, opposite the first end, so as to drive and secure the first end of the marking pin into the vertebral bone, wherein the marking pin identifies the location of the entry point on the vertebral bone for subsequent implantation of a securing member of a spinal fixation device.

A connection unit for use in a spinal stabilization device, in one embodiment, includes a longitudinal member having first and second ends, and a flexible section disposed between the first and second ends, the flexible section having at least one groove formed therein, wherein the flexible section is characterized by a cross-sectional profile that is different from that of the first and second ends.

An adjustable spinal stabilization system having a flexible connection unit for non-rigid stabilization of the spinal column. In one embodiment, the spinal stabilization system includes a flexible connection unit having a tether running through a hollow portion of the flexible connection unit, wherein the tether limits bending of the flexible connection unit. In a further embodiment the tether is pre-tensioned. In a further embodiment, the tension upon or compression of the tether is adjustable.

A dynamic stabilization construct for implantation within the spine comprises bone anchors that include a flexible portion between the bone engaging and head portions of the anchor. The head portion is configured to mate with different types of stabilization elements adapted to span between spinal motion segments. The engagement portion can also be configured for different types of fixation to a motion segment, such as within the pedicle of a vertebra. The flexible portion permits limited bending of the bone anchor beneath the level of the stabilization element. In one embodiment, the flexible portion is integrated into the body of the bone anchor in the form of hinge elements. In another embodiment, a separate flexible element, such as a spacer or spring, is interposed between the head and engagement portions. In a further embodiment, the bone anchor includes a portion having a reduced cross-section. The flexible bone anchors may be used to tailor the dynamic flexibility of spinal stabilization instrumentation at each level of the construct.

A surgical implant is provided that includes first and second abutment surfaces between which are positioned a force imparting mechanism. A sheath is positioned between the first and second abutment surfaces, and surrounds the force imparting mechanism. The sheath is fabricated from a material that accommodates relative movement of the abutment members, while exhibiting substantially inert behavior relative to surrounding anatomical structures. The sheath is generally fabricated from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a copolymer of polycarbonate and a urethane, or a blend of a polycarbonate and a urethane. The force imparting member may include one or more springs, e.g., a pair of nested springs. The surgical implant may be a dynamic spine stabilizing member that is advantageously incorporated into a spine stabilization system to offer clinically efficacious results.

A method for performing spinal fixation and instrumentation. A first incision may be made through the skin and a passageway may be created to the spine. A screw may be inserted through the passageway and into a vertebrae. The screw may have a head portion including a channel. An insertion guide may be operable connected to the screw. The insertion guide may have first and second longitudinal slots. Additional screws may each be inserted through separate incisions or through the first incision. Insertion guides may be operably connected to a head portion of each screw. A sleeve may be positioned into one insertion guide in a first position to guide a rod through at least one other insertion guide. The sleeve may be rotated to a second position to allow the rod to move down the slots of the insertion guide(s) and into the head portion of the screw.

Rolled resorbable membranes and methods for their application have been discovered. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, rolled resorbable resorbable membranes are applied to the transverse processes of two or more vertebrae to facilitate fusion of the vertebrae.

Systems and devices for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The systems include a superior component for attachment to a superior vertebra of a spinal motion segment and an inferior component for attachment to an inferior vertebral of a spinal motion segment. The interconnection between the two components enables the spinal motion segment to move in a manner that mimics the natural motion of the spinal motion segment. Methods are also provided for stabilizing the spine and for implanting the subject systems.

Spinal motion preservation assemblies adapted for use in a spinal motion segment are disclosed including the process for delivering and assembling the spinal motion preservation assemblies in the spinal motion segment via an axial channel created with a trans-sacral approach. Many of the spinal motion preservation assemblies make use of a dual pivot. A number of different embodiments of spinal motion preservation assemblies are disclosed which include at least one component adapted for elastic deformation under compressive loads. The disclosed mobility preservation assemblies provide for dynamic stabilization of the spinal motion segment. Other variations and implementations of the teachings are disclosed, including the sheathed delivery of membranes in order to protect the membranes before and during deployment.

Methods and apparatus for providing percutaneous access to vertebrae in alignment with a visualized, trans-sacral axial instrumentation/fusion (TASIF) line in a minimally invasive, low trauma, manner are disclosed. A number of related TASIF methods and surgical tool sets are provided by the present invention that are employed to form a percutaneous pathway from an anterior or posterior skin incision to a respective anterior or posterior target point of a sacral surface. The percutaneous pathway is generally axially aligned with an anterior or posterior axial instrumentation/fusion line extending from the respective anterior or posterior target point through at least one sacral vertebral body and one or more lumbar vertebral bodies in the cephalad direction. The provision of the percutaneous pathway described herein allows for the formation of the anterior or posterior TASIF bore(s) and/or the introduction of spinal implants and instruments.

A vertebral retrieval device includes a retrieval rod which is gripped firmly in a receiving slot of a fixation seat between two grooves of a pressing element and a C-shaped ring. The C-shaped ring rests on a spherical head fastening screw, a spherical head of which is received in the fixation seat and a shank of which is protruding from a through hole provided in a bottom of the fixation seat. The pressing element is pressed against the retrieval rod by a pressing screw, which is threaded into a threaded hole formed in a fixation element mounted in the receiving slot of the fixation seat.

A device for correcting and stabilizing a curvature of a spinal column by anterior fusion including at least two brace holders (1-5), each adapted to be arranged against an associated vertebral body (7-11) in the spinal column. The device also includes a securing means (6, 6') for securing the respective brace holders (1-5) on said vertebral body (7-11), and at least one elongate brace (12), which is adapted to extend through and between said brace holders (1-5) along the extent of the spinal column and be locked thereto. The brace (12) is plate-shaped, and the brace holder (1-5) is designed to support the brace (12) in such a manner that a first flat side of the brace (12) faces the abutment surface of the brace holder (1-5) on said vertebral body (7-11), whereby the brace (12) is deformable in only one geometric plane during mounting in the brace holder (1-5) and during correction. In a method for contacting and stabilizing the curvature, the brace (12) is arranged to extend through the brace holders (1-5), such that the brace (12) is deformed to substantially follow the curvature. The brace is locked in at least one first brace holder (1), whereupon the spinal column, vertebra by vertebra, is corrected while the brace (12) is gradually clamped and locked in the brace holders (1-5).

A system and method for spinal fusion comprising a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction releasably coupled to an insertion instrument dimensioned to introduce the spinal fusion implant into any of a variety of spinal target sites.

An implant apparatus and a method for spinal fusion from oblique, lateral, ALIF, PLIF, and TLIF approach are disclosed. The apparatus can be configured to include an expandable implant cage and an inserter. The cage can be inserted between endplates of upper and lower vertebra using lateral, ALIF, PLIF, and TLIF approach. The cage generally includes a male and female screw configuration and a cage expansion mechanism. The inserter inserts the cage in a spinal disc space and tightens the male and female screw arrangement. Once the cage is inserted to the desired position, viewed by X-ray you will begin to tighten the male portion of the screw in the device, and continue to tighten until final deployment of cage has been achieved. This provides a much greater footprint that allows the device to reach the cortical ring or apophyseal ring of the vertebral body. Tightening of male and female screw arrangement operates the cage expansion mechanism to expand the cage size. The cage can be inserted through a smaller surgical opening and then expanded to a full size assembly between the vertebrae.

Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing the posterior elements of the spine, and more preferably methods and devices are provided for sharing the load with the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the ligaments, and the muscles of the spinal column. In certain exemplary embodiments, methods and devices are provided for substantially controlling or providing resistance to movement, e.g., flexion, extension, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation, of the adjacent vertebrae.

Spinal anchoring methods and devices are provided that are effective to correct spinal deformities while allowing some flexibility to the spinal. In particular, the methods and devices allow a spinal fixation element to mate to several adjacent vertebrae to maintain the vertebrae at a fixed distance relative to one another, yet to allow the orientation of each vertebrae relative to the fixation element to adjust as the orientation of the patient's spine changes.

A method for controlling properties of a medical implant includes locating the medical implant in an interspinous area between two spinal processes of a person. The medical implant is coupled to a container via a conduit. A fluid is received in an interior of the container in fluid communication with the conduit. The fluid flows from the container toward the implant having an interior configured to receive the fluid. A pressure sensor is coupled to the interior of the container and/or an interior of the conduit. An internal pressure is determined of the interior of the interior of the container and/or the interior of the conduit by the sensor. The flow of the fluid is regulated to the interior of the implant to regulate a volume of the implant based on the internal pressure and a medical condition of the person.