A lateral retractor system for forming a pathway to a patient’s intervertebral disc space includes a single dilator and a retractable dual-tapered-blade assembly. The dilator may feature a narrow rectangular body for insertion at an insertion orientation parallel to the fibers of the patient’s psoas muscle, at an approximate 45-degree angle to the patient’s spine. The retractable dual-tapered-blade assembly consists of only two blade subassemblies, each having a blade bordered by adjustable wings, along with built-in lighting and video capabilities. The dual-tapered-blade assembly may be passed over the single dilator at the insertion orientation and rotated approximately 45-50 degrees to a final rotated orientation parallel to the intervertebral disc space before the two blade subassemblies are retracted away from one another to create the surgical pathway, while simultaneously and continuously assessing for encroachment upon one or more nerve structures within 360-degrees of the instrument. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Detachment of an implant from a delivery assembly can be electrolytic and provide an electrical current pathway through a fluid within a portion of a delivery system containing the delivery assembly. After the implant is located at a target location within a patient, a voltage potential is applied between (i) a delivery electrode electrically connected to an electrolytic detachment zone and (ii) an infusion electrode disposed outside of the patient and electrically connected to the electrolytic detachment zone via a fluid from a fluid source disposed outside of the patient. While applying the voltage potential, the fluid can be flushed from the fluid source past the detachment zone.

The present technology is directed to adjustable shunting systems having a shunting element, a shape memory actuator, and a lumen extending therethrough for transporting fluid. The shape memory actuator can have a plurality of struts proximate the shunting element and a plurality of projections extending from the plurality of struts. In operation, the shape memory actuator can be used to adjust a geometry of the lumen. In some embodiments, the system is configured such that (a) any strain in the shape memory actuator is concentrated in the struts, and/or (b) the struts experience greater resistive heating than the projections when an electrical current is applied to the actuator.

The present technology is generally directed to implantable medical devices and associated methods. For example, a system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include a body implantable into a patient and configured to undergo a shape change, the body having a conductive path with variable conductivity in portions thereof for selective and/ or preferential heating. The body can be coupled with an energy source that can delivery energy to the body and/or conductive path, to promote the shape change in the body.

Occlusive devices and associated methods of manufacturing are disclosed herein. Manufacturing an occlusive device can include conforming a mesh to a forming assembly and setting a shape of the mesh based on the forming assembly. In some embodiments, the forming assembly comprises multiple forming members, a mandrel, and/or one or more coupling elements. The method may include everting the mesh over the forming assembly such that the mesh encloses an open volume with a shape based, at least in part, on the shape of the forming assembly. According to some embodiments, setting a shape of the mesh comprises heat-treating the mesh and forming assembly.

A system for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is described. The system includes an introducer needle having an elongated body. The introducer needle is configured to create an opening in a tongue of a patient for implantation of a lead for treating OSA. One or more electrically conductive areas are located on the elongated body. A medical device is configured to deliver a stimulation signal via the introducer needle through the one or more electrically conductive areas to the tongue of the patient to stimulate one or more motor points of a protrusor muscle within the tongue of the patient.

Retrieval of material from vessel lumens can be improved by electrically enhancing attachment of the material to the thrombectomy system. The system can include a catheter having a distal portion configured to be positioned adjacent to a thrombus in a blood vessel, an electrode disposed at the distal portion of the catheter, and an interventional element configured to be delivered through a lumen of the catheter. The electrode and the interventional element are each configured to be electrically coupled to an extracorporeal power supply.

Treatment of aneurysms can be improved by delivering an occlusive member (e.g., an expandable braid) to an aneurysm sac in conjunction with an embolic element (e.g., coils, embolic material). A delivery system for such treatment can include an occlusive member configured to be positioned within an aneurysm sac and having a proximal hub. An elongate tubular member has an engagement member removably coupled to the proximal hub, for example via threaded engagement or an interference fit via one or more engagement members. A conduit extending within or adjacent to the elongated member is configured to receive an embolic element therethrough for delivery to the aneurysm sac.

A neuromonitoring system utilizes transcutaneous, trans-abdominal nerve root stimulation to monitor the health and status of the motor neural pathways of the lower extremities during the portions of a surgical procedure in which a tissue retraction assembly is used to maintain an operative corridor. A method of monitoring the status of nerve during a spinal surgical procedure delivers a transcutaneous, trans-abdominal stimulation signal to the spine. A determination is made of a stimulation threshold required to elicit a neuromuscular response from the stimulation signal.

A position detection sensor includes: a linear member; a conductive portion and an insulating portion provided in an outer periphery of the linear member and arranged side by side in a direction of an axis of the linear member; a support member having insulating properties and provided so as to be capable of being relatively advanced or retracted in the direction of the axis with respect to the conductive portion and the insulating portion; and a conductive contact member attached to the support member and configured such that a distal end of the contact member comes in contact with outer surfaces of the conductive portion and the insulating portion by a biasing force toward the outer surfaces of the conductive portion and the insulating portion.