A dynamic spinal stabilization apparatus may be implanted and secured to at least two vertebrae. The spinal stabilization apparatus may promote and enforce a relatively natural motion of spine flexion of one or more regions of the spine. In one embodiment, the spinal stabilization apparatus may be secured to a plurality of vertebrae and biasing the entire spine to a fully normal curvature. The spinal stabilization apparatus may dynamically stabilize the spine while preserving spinal motion. In other embodiments, the spinal stabilization apparatus may be utilized for spine fusion treatments and may provide load sharing either as an enhancement to a fusion device or as a motion-preserving non-fusion apparatus.

A surgically implantable multiple orifice heart valve having a valve frame with at least two orifices, each of which can accommodate a tissue valve. The multiple orifice heart valve includes a stent frame having a first side, an opposite second side, and multiple orifices or opening, each of which extends from the first side to the second side of the stent frame and is adjacent to at least one of the other multiple orifices or openings.

A device for inserting a spinal implant into a disc space between two adjacent vertebrae. An elongated inserter defines a first axis and has an implant securing or clamping device at a distal end, holding the implant. An arcuate striking arm is pivotally connected at one end to the inserter. A slap hammer has a shaft. The second end of the striking arm is connected to the slap hammer. A force applied to the slap hammer defines an axis of force, moving the slap hammer shaft along the axis of force. The striking arm moves and pivots with respect to the inserter. The motion of the striking arm translates motion to the inserter and to the implant clamping device. An otherwise offset axis of the implant aligns with a desired direction of travel into the disc space.

Devices for the occlusion of body cavities, such as the embolization of vascular aneurysms and the like, and methods for making and using such devices. The devices may be comprised of novel expansile materials, novel infrastructure design, or both. The devices provided are very flexible and enable deployment with reduced or no damage to bodily tissues, conduits, cavities, etc.

A B-shaped implant for insertion into a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant includes first and second projecting lobes configured to sit on bony prominences adjacent a posterior rim of a lower one of the vertebral bodies. A concave recess between the two projecting lobes is configured to avoid impact with the vertebral foramen. An anterior portion wall connects ends of the B-shaped implant, cooperating with the projecting lobes to define fill spaces. The fill spaces can be packed with bone growth material. The implant can be expandable, made of rotatable interconnected links, which can be inserted into the disc space in an unexpanded position, and expanded in the disc space to an expanded position.

A B-shaped implant for insertion into a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant includes first and second projecting lobes configured to sit on bony prominences adjacent a posterior rim of a lower one of the vertebral bodies. A concave recess between the two projecting lobes is configured to avoid impact with the vertebral foramen. An anterior portion wall connects ends of the B-shaped implant, cooperating with the projecting lobes to define fill spaces. The fill spaces can be packed with bone growth material. The implant can be expandable, made of rotatable interconnected links, which can be inserted into the disc space in an unexpanded position, and expanded in the disc space to an expanded position.

A device for inserting a spinal implant into a disc space between two adjacent vertebrae. An elongated inserter defines a first axis and has an implant securing or clamping device at a distal end, holding the implant. An arcuate striking arm is pivotally connected at one end to the inserter. A slap hammer has a shaft. The second end of the striking arm. is connected to the slap hammer. A force applied to the slap hammer defines an axis of force, moving the slap hammer shaft along the axis of force. The striking arm moves and pivots with respect to the inserter. The motion of the striking arm translates motion to the inserter and to the implant clamping device. An otherwise offset axis of the implant aligns with a desired direction of travel into the disc space.