Trans1 Inc.

Anulex Technologies, Inc.

Micronet Medical, Inc.

Krt Investors, Inc.

Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.

Ev3 Inc.

Baxano Surgical, Inc.

Microvena Corporation

Transl, Inc.

Cragg, Andrew H.

Assell, Robert L.

Ainsworth, Steven D.

Wessman, Bradley J.

Dickhudt, Eugene A.

Bradley John Wessman

Brian Lee Dukart

Matthew M Burns

Rodney L Houfburg

Lawrence William Wales

Joseph C Cauthen, Iii

Robert L Assell

Ishmael Bentley

Stephen D Ainsworth

Eugene A Dickhudt

Andrew H Cragg

Paul H Burmeister

Peter J Pohndorf

Steven D Ainsworth

Brandon Arthurs

Mark Gerald Schrom

Paul Joseph Robinson

Bart Lewis Dolmatch

Joseph C Cauthen Iii

Steven D Alnsworth

Tawney A Schwarz

Joseph Iii Cauthen

A system for treatment of tissue includes a fixation apparatus and a delivery tool releasably carrying the fixation apparatus. The fixation apparatus includes first and second anchors and an adjustable band connecting the anchors. The band includes a cinch line and a tether connected to one of the anchors. The delivery apparatus includes a body, a tubular shaft, a displacement rod within the tubular shaft, and an actuator.

Apparatus for the treatment of tissue

This disclosure presents methods for treating a defect in soft tissue of a patient. The methods employ fixation delivery apparatuses and fixation apparatuses positioned, at least in part, in or on the soft tissue to be repaired. In some aspects, these techniques include the use of this includes a fixation apparatus that includes at least one bone anchor connected to at least one tissue anchor by a shortenable elongate member.

Method for the treatment of tissue

The present invention provides methods and devices for annulus disc repair with and without the use of a patch or stent. The methods and devices are particularly suited to the repair and/or reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, with reduced failure rate as compared to conventional surgical procedures.

Methods and devices for spinal disc annulus reconstruction and repair

The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ an expandable treatment device which is deployed at least partially in the subannular space. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which help to secure the treatment device in place.

Method and apparatus for the treatment of the intervertebral disc annulus

Apparatus and methods for treating or repairing an intervertebral disc are disclosed. The apparatus and methods may be used to treat or repair a tear, rent, incision or delamination of the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc. The apparatus and methods can employ anchor deployment apparatus, fixation apparatus and patches positioned in or on aspects of an intervertebral disc for treatment or repair of the intervertebral disc or its components.

Apparatus and methods for the treatment of the intervertebral disc

A method for securing an implant to tissue of a patient using a fixation apparatus and a delivery apparatus releasably carrying the fixation apparatus. The fixation apparatus includes first and second anchors and an adjustable band connecting the anchors. The band includes a cinch line and a tether connected to one of the anchors. The delivery apparatus includes a body, a tubular shaft, a displacement rod within the tubular shaft, and an actuator. The method comprises positioning the implant in proximity to the tissue, deploying the anchors into or through the tissue, and applying tension to the cinch line to foreshorten the adjustable band and secure the implant to the tissue with at least a portion of the implant positioned between the band and the tissue.

Tissue anchoring system and method

Disclosed are methods and apparatus for the provision of spinal therapy to three or more adjacent motion segments accessed through a trans-sacral approach. The spinal therapies include fusion and dynamic stabilization with and without a distraction of the most cephalad motion segment of the two or more adjacent motion segments provided therapy. The disclosure includes methods and apparatus to impart a distraction on a second more caudal motion segment after providing therapy to the more cephalad motion segment.

Therapy to adjacent motion segments

This disclosure presents methods and devices for treating a defect in soft tissue of a patient. The methods and devices can employ fixation delivery apparatuses and fixation apparatuses positioned, at least in part, in or on the soft tissue to be repaired. In some aspects, these techniques include the use of this includes a fixation apparatus that includes at least one bone anchor connected to at least one tissue anchor by a shortenable elongate member.

Method and apparatus for the treatment of tissue

Disclosed are methods and apparatus for the provision of spinal therapy to two or more adjacent motion segments accessed through a trans-sacral approach. The spinal therapies include fusion and dynamic stabilization with and without a distraction of the most cephalad motion segment of the two or more adjacent motion segments provided therapy. The disclosure includes methods and apparatus to impart a push distraction to increase the distance between two adjacent vertebrae. Related concepts for the extraction of previously inserted devices and the delivery and removal of plugs for plugging the interior cavities of implantable devices are disclosed.

Assemblies for provision of therapy to motion segments

Multi-membrane prosthetic nucleus and implants using same are disclosed having an outermost membrane that is semi-compliant and limits the innermost membrane and any intermediate membranes that are highly compliant from bulging out of any opening in the annulus fibrosus. The outermost membrane may help protect the innermost membrane from trauma including any trauma before the innermost membrane is expanded through the injection of prosthetic nucleus material and trauma during the expansion of the innermost membrane in response to the injection of prosthetic nucleus material. Also disclosed is a coated membrane which combines the mechanical properties of the foundation layer with the low permeability to the passage of the flowable prosthetic material of the coating. This coated membrane is semi-compliant and prevents the prosthetic nucleus from bulging out of any openings in the annulus fibrosus. Use is made of injected prosthetic nucleus material that changes to a non-flowable state.

Prosthetic nucleus with a preformed membrane

Methods for push distraction and for provision of therapy to adjacent motion segments

This disclosure presents methods and devices for treating a tear, rent, incision, defect, aperture or delamination of the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ fixation delivery apparatuses, fixation apparatuses, patch delivery tools and patches positioned, at least in part, in or on aspects of an intervertebral disc for treatment of the intervertebral disc or its components. In some aspects, these techniques include the use of this includes a fixation apparatus that includes at least one bone anchor connected to at least one disc anchor by a shortenable elongate member.

A lead employing a connection between a conductor and an electric element is provided. The connection includes a conductive pad electrically connected to at least one conductor and the electric element electrically connected to the conductive pad. The conductive pad can further include an elongated element to connect the pad to the electric element. The method for connecting a conductor to an electric element is also provided. The method includes forming a groove in the insulator of a lead body to expose the conductor. Placing a conductive pad within the groove and electrically connecting a conductive pad to the conductor. An electric element is then placed over the conductive pad and the electric element is electrically connected to the conductive pad.

Medical lead and method for medical lead manufacture

Growing community of inventors

Wilmington, NC, United States of America

Bradley John Wessman