Some embodiments are directed to a method for controlling the viscosity of orthopedic bone cement during its curing in percutaneous vertebroplasty by allowing a controlled heating and/or cooling of the cement during the injection that leads to a dynamic and full control of the viscosity of the cement during the injection.

A syringe having an energy source disposed therein is disclosed. The syringe is capable of both the delivery and/or aspiration of materials as well as the delivery of an effective amount of various types of energy to a target to produce a desired result. A method utilizing the syringe to administer materials and to deliver energy to the material is also disclosed.

A photocurable device injection system for creating in situ polymerization via light or free-radical to enable fractured bone fixation. The system comprises a photosensitive polymeric resin sensitive to light, temperature, oxygen, enzymes, or a combination thereof. The photosensitive polymeric resin may be configured to cure at room temperature or physiological temperature with a light source. The photosensitive polymeric resin may be configured to depolymerize with ultrasonication, sonication, or a combination thereof. The system further comprises an implantable 3-dimensional biocompatible pouch comprising an optical light guide. The system further comprises one or more micro-sized ultrasonication probes configured to contact a three-dimensional pouch by one or more openings. The one or more probes may be configured to enable polymer outflow.

Methods and devices are shown for forming polymer fasteners into bone by expelling the polymer from a cannula. Devices and methods shown allow a user to form multiple fasteners of various sizes without re-loading a device. Devices and methods shown further provide temperature profiles during fastener formation that reduce or eliminate thermal necrosis. Devices and methods shown further provide fasteners with increased strength.

A method for the long-term delivery of fluids to a bone of a patient includes providing a cannulated bone screw and an insert configured to be coupled to the bone screw. The method further includes creating an aperture in the skin of a patient, inserting the bone screw into a bone of the patient through the aperture, and coupling the insert to the bone screw. The method further includes the steps of providing a fluid source, coupling the fluid source to the insert, and delivering a fluid from the fluid source to the insert.

Systems and methods for treating conditions and diseases of the spine are disclosed herein. A device includes a balloon catheter comprising at least one inner lumen incorporated within an elongated shaft; a distal end having an inner balloon positioned inside and completely surrounded by an outer balloon; and a proximal end having an adapter for passage of at least one of an inflation fluid or a medical instrument; and an optical fiber comprising an outer diameter sized to pass through the inner lumen of the elongated shaft; a nonlinear light-emitting portion of a given length, wherein a portion of a cladding material from the nonlinear light-emitting portion has been removed so that light energy may be emitted along the length of the nonlinear light-emitting portion; and a linear elongated portion for guiding light towards the nonlinear light-emitting portion.

A method of regulating a setting time of a bone filler material, the method comprising: (a) combining at least two filler material components to form a biocompatible mixture; (b) choosing a setting time for the mixture; and (c) regulating a temperature of the mixture to influence reaction kinetics so that the mixture does not set before the chosen setting time.

A syringe having an energy source disposed therein is disclosed. The syringe is capable of both the delivery and/or aspiration of materials as well as the delivery of an effective amount of various types of energy to a target to produce a desired result. A method utilizing the syringe to administer materials and to deliver energy to the material is also disclosed.

An apparatus and methods for delivery of reinforcing materials to a weakened or fractured bone is disclosed. An apparatus for delivering a reinforcing mixture to a bone including a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the tube has at least one inner lumen capable of allowing a bone reinforcing mixture to pass therethrough; a balloon engaging the tube wherein the balloon expands from a substantially deflated state to a substantially inflated state upon the bone reinforcing mixture entering the balloon; and at least one light guide extending through the tube into the balloon to guide a light into the balloon.

The present invention relates to a device and a method for the application of composites in tooth cavities. The device consists of a spray gun with integrated lighting for light-polymerizable composites, a measuring unit and a control unit. The composites are applied under controlled, precisely dosed exposure to polymerization light. According to the invention, the composite initially runs onto the walls of the cavity or onto previously introduced filling material and then, as a result of the light exposure, is transformed into the gel state. Thus, a large part of the polymerization shrinkage of the composite occurs while the composite is still plastically deformable so that any formation of gaps is compensated by the composite continuing to flow. It is only at this point in time that a sufficiently high dosage of light is applied for complete curing to occur.