Abstract: The invention provides a method for alleviating pain associated with neuromuscular or skeletal injury or inflammation by controlled and directed delivery of one or more biological response modifiers to inhibit the inflammatory response which ultimately causes acute or chronic pain. Controlled and directed delivery can be provided by implantable or infusion pumps, implantable controlled release devices, or by sustained release compositions comprising biological response modifiers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for alleviating pain associated with neuromuscular or skeletal injury or inflammation by controlled and directed delivery of one or more biological response modifiers to inhibit the inflammatory response which ultimately causes acute or chronic pain. Controlled and directed delivery can be provided by implantable or infusion pumps, implantable controlled release devices, or by sustained release compositions comprising biological response modifiers.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including a support with a plurality of conventional bristles inter dispersed with a plurality of bristles with an absorbent tip is provided. The bristles with absorbent tips preferably comprise cotton swabs mounted on a stick that is received in pocket holes on the support. A wipe in the form of a sheet or scrim may optionally be mounted over both sets of bristles. The sheet may be a fabric sheet, such as a non-woven fabric, which is dry and fluid absorbent or pre-moistened with a cleaning, deodorizing, medicament or other cleaning or grooming solutions for application to human or animal hair.

Abstract: Interbody fusion implants that include a load bearing body composed of a calcium phosphate material hardened around one or more structural reinforcing members are provided. The reinforcing members aid the load bearing body in resisting bending forces and, in certain forms of the invention, aid in preventing expulsion of the implant after implantation. Methods for promoting fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae and methods for making the inventive implants are also provided.

Abstract: Intervertebral disc treatment devices and methods are provided. An intervertebral disc treatment device includes a fibrous body sized for introduction into a disc cavity of a damaged disc wherein the body incorporates an effective amount of a tissue growth factor. Intervertebral disc treatment apparatuses are also described that include such a disc treatment device in combination with a delivery apparatus for retaining and selectively releasing the device into the disc cavity. Methods for treatment include providing a disc treatment device as described above and inserting the device into an opening in an annulus fibrous and into the disc cavity. The methods further include stimulating tissue growth within the disc cavity of the intervertebral disc.

Abstract: An interbody osteogenic fusion device is provided that includes opposite end pieces with an integral central element. The end pieces are sized to maintain the height of an intervertebral disc space. The central element has a much smaller diameter so that the osteogenic fusion device forms an annular pocke around the central element. An osteogenic material is disposed within the annular pocket between the opposite end pieces. In one embodiment, the osteogenic material constitutes a collagen sheet soaked in a solution containing a bone morphogenetic protein. The osteogenic fusion device is configured so that the osteogenic material is in direct contact with the adjacent vertebral bone. In addition to the enhanced area of contact between the vertebral bone and the fusion material, the inventive osteogenic fusion device reduces stress-shielding and minimizes the radiopacity of the implant so that growth of the fusion mass can be continuously assessed.

Abstract: A system for the production of a blood component composition is provided. The system includes a centrifuge having a blood reservoir for receiving and separating a blood sample into multiple components; a dispenser disposed outside of the centrifuge having a first collection chamber containing an activation agent and a second collection chamber containing one or more medicinal agents; means for removing a first portion at least one separated blood component from the centrifuge to the first container and a second portion to the second collection chamber, wherein the first collection chamber activates the first portion and stores the resulting clot and thrombin; a filter for separating the thrombin from the clot; and a nozzle for entraining and mixing the thrombin with the second portion containing the one or more medicinal components.

Abstract: A small dental syringe has a spring biased plunger and a split, adjustable thumb receiving member. The dimensions of the syringe result in a shorter, over-all, distance a user must spread his/her thumb from the fingers gripping the syringe for aspirating.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device in one embodiment includes a tapered body defining a hollow interior or chamber for receiving bone graft or bone substitute material. The body defines exterior threads which are interrupted over portions of the outer surface of the device. The fusion device includes truncated side walls so that on end view the body takes on a cylindrical form. In another embodiment, the tapered body is solid and formed of a porous biocompatible material having sufficient structural integrity to maintain the intradiscal space and normal curvature. The material is preferably a porous tantalum composite having fully interconnected pores to facilitate complete bone tissue ingrowth into the implant. In further embodiments, the fusion devices are provided with osteogenic material to facilitate bone ingrowth. A cap is also provided to block the opening of hollow fusion devices. The cap includes an occlusion body and an elongated anchor.

Abstract: A lint/pet hair roller assembly includes a body supporting a tubular adhesive lint remover roller and/or a stationary directional lint brush fabric. The assembly includes a handle section and a roller support section. The support section has an outer diameter less than the diameter of the adhesive lint roll or a directional fabric wrapped about the support section. The elongated handle section receives a separate rubber cushion and an optional decorative top including a hanger. Alternately, an arm projects from the body and receives an additional cleaning element. Alternately, a dispenser is carried on the handle for dispensing fluid from a storage chamber carried in the handle. Alternately, a squeegee is alternately carried in the support.

Abstract: A lint/pet hair roller assembly includes a body supporting a tubular adhesive lint remover roller and/or a stationary directional lint brush fabric. The assembly includes a handle section and a roller support section. The support section has an outer diameter less than the diameter of the adhesive lint roll or a directional fabric wrapped about the support section. The elongated handle section receives a separate rubber cushion and an optional decorative top including a hanger. Alternately, an arm projects from the body and receives an additional cleaning element. Alternately, a dispenser is carried on the handle for dispensing fluid from a storage chamber carried in the handle. Alternately, a squeegee is alternately carried in the support.

Abstract: An interbody osteogenic fusion device is provided that includes a rigid elongated central element and a pair of opposing bone engaging members. The device promotes fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae. In one aspect, a cylindrical end cap is coupled to one end of the central element. The opposing bone engaging members are configured to contact and support the adjacent vertebrae. The opposing bone engaging members are coupled at opposite sides of the central element and extend from the end cap to the other end of the central element. The central element, cylindrical end cap, and bone engaging members define opposite cavities for containing osteogenic material.

Abstract: An artificial disc implant includes an upper shell, a lower shell, and a spacer therebetween. The spacer preferably has properties similar to that of a natural spinal disc, while the upper and lower shells form a rigid interface between the implant and the adjacent vertebral bodies. The upper and lower shells can be configured to prevent expulsion of the spacer from the disc space. The implant upper and lower shells may further be configured into partially cylindrical shapes for ease of insertion through an insertion tube as presently known for interbody fusion devices. The devices may further be configured for insertion through a double-barreled insertion tube. Methods and instruments for inserting an artificial disc implant are also provided.

Abstract: A bone marrow isolate rich in one or more connective tissue growth components, methods of forming the isolate, and methods of promoting connective tissue growth using the isolate are described. A biological sample comprising bone marrow is centrifuged to separate the sample into fractions including a fraction rich in connective tissue growth components. The fraction rich in connective tissue growth components is then isolated from the separated sample. The isolate can be used directly or combined with a carrier and implanted into a patient at a tissue (e.g., bone) defect site. The biological sample can comprise bone marrow and whole blood. The isolate can be modified (e.g., by transfection with a nucleic acid encoding an osteoinductive polypeptide operably linked to a promoter) prior to application to the tissue defect site. The isolate can be made and applied to the tissue defect site in a single procedure (i.e., intraoperatively).

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a handle, a support rotatably coupled to the handle for rotation by a drive motor mounted in the handle and a cleaning element mountable on the support. The cleaning element a flexible mat fixed about the support or about a core mountable on the support. An auxiliary cleaning element attachment may be mounted on the end wall of the support. A liquid container may be mounted in the support or used to form the support to dispense fluid to the cleaning element disposed about the support.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating a body joint wound subsequent to surgical intervention. An infusion tube is insertable into the wound for transporting a prepared solution to the joint. A second tube is insertable into the wound for transport of fluid removed from the joint. A vacuum device is coupled to the second tube. Suction is automatically turned on to evacuate the wound for a prescribed period of time and then stopped for another prescribed period of time. The on and off cycle may be repetitive. During the entire period, the prepared solution is constantly infused. The infusion tube and evacuation tube are isolated from each other so that no contaminants can be infused. A plurality of preadjusted suction duty cycles are available, from which one may be selected as appropriate for the type of wound to be treated.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a handle, a support coupled to the handle and a cleaning element mountable on the support. The support is fixed to the handle or is rotatably coupled to the handle for rotation by a drive motor mounted in the handle. The cleaning element may include bristles extending from a flexible mat fixed about the support or about a core mountable on the support. A cleaning sheet is windable about the support, the core or the cleaning element, including over and through the bristles, for dual cleaning action.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a substrate with outward projecting bristles extending through a sheet or scrim impaled over the bristles. The substrate may be mounted on a support which may carry a handle. The sheets may be single sheets arranged in a stack over the bristles on one or more surfaces of the substrate or a roll of separable sheets disposed over the bristles.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a substrate with outward projecting bristles. The substrate may be mounted on a support which may carry a handle or on a media dispensing container. The handle is hollow to carry a dispensable media from a dispenser mounted on the handle or has an open end to receive an aerosol or media dispensing container.

Abstract: Allogenic or xenogenic materials are used to provide intervertebral disc nucleus implants and/or annular plugs. The allogenic or xenogenic materials comprise natural disc annulus material, which may have a portion of the anterior longitudinal ligament attached. The tissue may be used “as is” without an additional core or covering, or it may be used in combination with other materials. The material may be rolled, folded, layered and/or sutured, stapled, or glued to provide a solid plug of natural biological material. The implant may be provided as a dehydrated, substantially rod-shaped segment having a diameter less than the diameter of the hydrated material, and may have one or more ends of the dehydrated rod terminate with a further reduced diameter portion, preferably a point.