Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.

Spinal Elements, Inc.

Frederick J Serrahsu

James M Anderson

Takashi Harry Ino

Adam David Grovender

Randy S Gamarra

Floriza Q Escalona

Mimi Trinh Fitterer

Laurent B Schaller

Richard G Fessler

James K Lee

Douglas M Lorang

Sandeep Kunwar

Helson Pacheco-Serrant

Patricia McHale

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member at least partially inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. At least one of the first and second elongated members may be formed of a flexible core member with a plurality of rigid veneer members spaced along the length of the core member. At least one of the elongated members may include a shaping member that automatically moves from a generally linear configuration to a generally less linear configuration. A deployment catheter may include a deformable distal end to allow augmentation of the tissue distraction device during implantation. An injection aid may be provided for introducing a filler material into an interior defined by a deployed tissue distraction device.

Minimally invasive interbody fusion

An example introducer is disclosed. An example introducer includes an inner liner including a lumen, a distal region and at least one folded portion extending along the distal region. The introducer also includes a reinforcing member having a length and including at least one spine extending along the length of the reinforcing member. The introducer also includes a sheath disposed along at least a portion of the introducer, wherein the sheath includes at least one perforation, wherein material adjacent to the at least one folded portion is removed from a distal portion of the introducer to form a tip region. The introducer also includes a tip member disposed along the tip region.

Introducer with expandable capabilities

Growing community of inventors

Fremont, CA, United States of America

Frederick J Serrahsu