Enzymatic and non-enzymatic detectors and associated membrane apparatus, and methods of use, such as within a fully implantable sensor apparatus. In one embodiment, detector performance is controlled through selective use of membrane configurations and enzyme region shapes, which enable accurate detection of blood glucose level within the solid tissue of the living host for extended periods of time. Isolation between the host's tissue and the underlying enzymes and reaction byproducts used in the detectors is also advantageously maintained in one embodiment via use of a non-enzyme containing permeable membrane formed of e.g., a biocompatible crosslinked protein-based material. Control of response range and/or rate in some embodiments also permits customization of sensor elements. In one variant, heterogeneous detector elements are used to, e.g., accommodate a wider range of blood glucose concentration within the host. Methods of manufacturing the membranes and detectors, including methods to increase reliability, are also disclosed.

Systems (500, 1000) and methods (1700) for fabricating a soft tissue implant (100, 400). The methods generally involve: receiving implant data representative of the target implant; determining a planned weaving path for forming the soft tissue implant; and communicating the planned weaving path to an output device.

Disclosed herein is an orthopedic implant device comprising a porous structure, approximating the shape of a bone, and having modulus of elasticity similar to that of said bone. Further disclosed herein is a method of treating injuries or diseases affecting bones or muscles comprising providing an orthopedic implant device, wherein the orthopedic implant device comprising a porous structure, approximating the shape of a bone, and having a modulus of elasticity similar to that of bone, and using the orthopedic implant device to treat injuries and diseases affecting bones and muscles in a mammal. Further disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing an orthopedic implant device using an additive manufacturing method comprising the steps: (a) providing a 3-dimensional model of the orthopedic implant device; (b) inputting the 3-dimensional model to an additive manufacturing device; and (c) using the additive manufacturing device to manufacture the orthopedic implant device.

An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.

A steerable member is disclosed generally having a steerable member for a medical apparatus, including a continuous, elongated body having a proximal section, a distal section, and a middle section between the proximal and distal sections, where the proximal section of the elongated body is less flexible than the distal section. At least one pull wire sheath extends through the proximal section and the middle section, but not through the distal section, and has a channel therethrough. A pull wire is disposed in the channel of the sheath and extends through the proximal section, middle section and distal section of the elongated body, the pull wire having a distal end affixed to a distal end of the elongated body, so that the distal section of the elongated body bends in response to a force applied to the proximal end of the pull wire.

Instrumentation for implanting a cervical disc replacement device includes cervical disc replacement trials for determining the appropriate size of replacement device to be implanted, an insertion plate for maintaining the elements of the replacement device in fixed relation to one another for simultaneous manipulation, an insertion handle for attachment to the insertion plate for manipulation of the elements, an insertion pusher for releasing the insertion handle from the insertion plate, a drill guide that cooperates with the insertion plate to guide the drilling of tap holes for bone screws to be placed through bone screw holes in the flanges of the replacement device, clips that are applied to the flanges after placement of the bone screws to resist screw backout, and a clip applicator for applying the clips to the flanges.

Arcuate fixation members with varying configurations and/or features are provided, along with additional components for use therewith in provided intervertebral implants. The arcuate fixation members may be of different lengths, cross sectional geometries, and/or cross sectional areas. Applications of intervertebral implants utilizing arcuate fixation members are particularly suitable when a linear line-of-approach for delivering fixation members is undesirable.

In intervertebral operative spinal procedures, using separate or pre-attached spreader blocks to control the directional growth of a distracting balloon.

A bone structural device including a plurality of bone structural segments, wherein adjacent bone structural segments are pivotally connected to one another about a pivot axis, and the bone structural segments are expandable in height, which is in a direction generally parallel to the pivot axis.

Disclosed is a method and system for performing a procedure. The system may include a navigation system to be used to at least assist in the procedure. The system may assist in delineating objects and/or determining physical characteristics of subject portions. The system may assist in performing and/or a workflow of the procedure.