A tissue anchor for securing an implantable device to tissue such as soft tissue. The anchor includes a tissue-engaging portion having a tissue-engaging configuration which enhances, improves, increases, etc., the engagement, grasp, purchase, etc. of the anchor with the body tissue in which the anchor is implanted. In some embodiments, the tissue-engaging portion cinches or pinches or compresses tissue between sections of the tissue-engaging portion to grab onto or otherwise engage tissue. In some embodiments, a section of the tissue-engaging portion expands or otherwise extends away from the other portions of the anchor to increase engagement of the anchor with the tissue. In some embodiments, a section of the tissue-engaging portion may flare outwardly to drive further into tissue in a direction transverse to other portions of the anchor.

An endoscopic surgical device includes a handle assembly including a drive mechanism actuatable by a trigger; and an endoscopic assembly including a proximal end portion extending from the handle assembly; a distal end portion pivotably connected to the proximal end portion of the endoscopic assembly; and a rotatable inner actuation shaft extending from the handle assembly and into the distal end portion of the endoscopic assembly, the inner actuation shaft including a flexible portion extending across the pivot connection. The surgical device includes an end effector selectively connectable to the distal end portion of the endoscopic assembly and to a distal portion of the rotatable inner actuation shaft. The end effector includes a splined inner tube rotatably supported in an outer tube; and a plurality of surgical anchors loaded in the inner tube. A timing system allows removal of the end effector at a defined trigger position.

An implant assembly comprising an implant having a load bearing surface with a contour corresponding to a patient's articular surface, and a bone facing surface including a fixation element, an anchor configured to be secured to bone beneath said patient's articular surface, said anchor including a second fixation element, and wherein said first fixation element is configured to be secured to said second fixation element.

A tissue displacing and fastening device is provided for manipulating and fastening tissue together. The device includes a tissue displacing elements, which displaces tissue. A fold is formed from the displaced tissue and the tissue is fastened together to secure the fold.

A handle assembly for use with a surgical tack applier includes an actuation assembly and an articulation lever assembly configured to articulate an articulation portion of the surgical tack applier. The actuation assembly includes a motor, an actuation rod, and an actuation switch configured to actuate the motor. The actuation rod has a first end operatively coupled to an output shaft of the motor for concomitant rotation therewith, and a second end operatively coupled to a loading unit of the surgical tack applier such that rotation of the actuation rod ejects a surgical tack from the loading unit. The articulation lever assembly includes an articulation rod operatively coupled with an articulation portion of the surgical tack applier such that axial displacement of the articulation rod causes articulation of the articulation portion, and an articulation lever operatively coupled with the articulation rod.

A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus including an intervertebral cage for maintaining disc height, and a method of inserting the same is provided. The intervertebral cage includes a first internal screw guide and a second internal screw guide, a first screw member and a second screw member, and a central screw locking lever coupled to the intervertebral cage, wherein the central screw locking lever prevents the first screw member and the second screw from pulling-out of the first internal screw guide and the second internal screw guide. The central screw locking lever includes a rotatable handle and stem portion, or a screw locking horizontal bracket. A pliers device for inserting and removing the bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus, a posterior cervical and lumbar facet joint staple, and a staple gun for a posterior cervical and lumbar facet joint staple also are provided.

Disclosed are systems, devices, methods and surgical procedures for altering and/or correcting the alignment of adjacent bones, including bones of the spine.

A positioning device for a stent includes a positioning member including a handle and an extension secured to the handle wherein the handle and the extension are coaxially connected, and an open end of the extension is provided with a hollow first magnetic member; and a stent inserted into a blood vessel and including a first stent member inserted into an artificial blood vessel, the first stent member being separated into two second stent members inserted into the artificial blood vessel wherein a diameter of the first stent member is greater than that of each second stent member, and a diameter of each second stent member is greater than that of the extension, the stent further comprising at least one second magnetic member on the first stent member proximate an open end thereof, the second magnetic member being configured to attach to the first magnetic member.

A horizontal-transvertebral curvilinear nail-screw (HTCN) including a body portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is opposed to the second end; and a head at the first end of the body portion, wherein the body portion has a predetermined curvilinear shape and includes a pointed tip at the second end of the body portion, and a method of surgically implanting universal horizontal-transvertebral curvilinear nail-screws (HTCN) into a plurality of adjacent vertebrae.

An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a shell and first and second first screw members having tapered ends and threaded bodies that are disposed within the shell. A drive mechanism rotatably drives the first and second screw members from the shell in opposite directions and causes the screw members to embed themselves in the members to be joined. The screw apparatus can be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, vertebral bodies, wood, building materials, metals, masonry, or plastics. The stapling apparatus includes first and second lever arms rotatably joined together at a fulcrum, and the lever arms rotate in opposite directions. First and second cartridges are disposed at the ends of the lever arms. Each cartridge is capable of holding a staple including a bracket, a nail member and an alignment slot. When the ends of the lever arms are rotated towards each other the staples from the cartridges are interlocked. The staples can be also be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, or vertebral bodies.