Patents Examined by David Bates
  • Patent number: 9925069
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods, computer program products, and the like, for utilizing a series of images of a patient's anatomy to determine a cut plane for use during a hip replacement procedure. To determine a cut plane for use during the procedure, the computer program determines a best fit line through the center of the neck of the femur, as well as a best fit line through the femoral shaft. In one particular embodiment, a cut plane through the femur may then be determined as perpendicular to the center line through the neck of the femur. Further, the location of these features in the images may be determined by analyzing the gray scale value of one or more pixels around a selected point on the image. The pixel with the lowest gray scale value may then be assumed to be the edge of the cortical bone in the 2D image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Ilwhan Park
  • Patent number: 9924954
    Abstract: The power handpiece for orthopedic drilling and sawing according to the present application at least includes a handle housing, a clamping assembly for clamping a cutting tool assembly, a power motor for outputting power and driving the cutting tool assembly to perform drilling and sawing operations, and a switch assembly for controlling power output of the power motor, wherein the power motor is connected to an external power source. The power machine utilizes an external power source which can be a large-scale accumulator or city electricity, thereby avoiding the situation of power failure or low power which is prone to occur in the operation, and ensuring the smooth performance of the operation, reduce the quantity of heat of the handle, reduce the overall weight of the device, make the device portable and easy to operate, and improve the efficiency of the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Chongqing Xishan Science & Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yijun Guo, Xinyun Zhang, Changfeng Liu
  • Patent number: 9924953
    Abstract: Described herein are elongate devices for modifying tissue having a plurality of flexibly connected rungs or links, and methods of using them, including methods of using them to decompress stenotic spinal tissue. These devices may be included as part of a system for modifying tissue. In general, these devices include a plurality of blades positioned on (or formed from) rungs that are flexibly connected. The rungs are typically rigid, somewhat flat and wider than they are long (e.g., rectangular). The rungs may be arranged, ladder like, and may be connected by a flexible connector substrate or between two or more cables. Different sized rungs may be used. The blades (on the rungs) may be arranged in a staggered arrangement. A tissue-collection or tissue capture element may be used to collect the cut or modified tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Amendia, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory P. Schmitz, Michael P. Wallace, Ronald Leguidleguid, Nestor C. Cantorna, James Shapiro, Jeffery L. Bleich
  • Patent number: 9918722
    Abstract: A detachable vertical cutter for insertion into a cylinder or tube is formed as a single unitary structure. The single blade has a pair of tool attachment end portions and a cutting blade extending in a loop between the attachment ends. The cutting blade is inclined vertically relative to a longitudinal axis of a cylinder or tube into which the attachment ends can slide into. The cutting blade has a cutting edge, a portion of which when extended free of the cylinder or tube will extend a distance greater than the tube outside diameter. The cutting edge when pushed inwardly and pulled outwardly between adjacent vertebrae scrapes and cuts disc material. When retracted the cutting blade deflects into the cylinder or tube for insertion or extraction into or from the disc space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Amendia, Inc.
    Inventors: William Carlton Tally, Kenneth Richard Barra
  • Patent number: 9907583
    Abstract: A system for reducing deformities of the vertebrae in the spine includes a first reduction assembly, a second reduction assembly, and a reduction drive assembly. The first reduction assembly is configured for attachment to a first reduction tower that attaches to a first vertebra. The second reduction assembly is configured for attachment to a second reduction tower that attaches to a second vertebra. The reduction drive assembly includes an arcuate rack gear operably coupling the first reduction assembly to the second reduction assembly to translate the first reduction assembly relative to the second reduction assembly along an arcuate path in a first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle Hayes
  • Patent number: 9907588
    Abstract: An orthopedic plate has a first end and a second end each including a locking screw hole that receives a locking screw and spaced from that hole is a closed compression housing that extends from the bone-facing side of the plate and which receives a compression screw that forms an angle of from about 10° to about 70° with a longitudinal axis of the plate. The first and second compression housings are offset from each other and have opposing openings that face toward each other so as to allow the screws projecting therethrough to have crossing directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: ORTHOHELIX SURGICAL DESIGNS, INC.
    Inventors: Selene Parekh, Brian Hockett, Ellen Pokorney
  • Patent number: 9907560
    Abstract: Several devices and methods for preparing the vertebral endplates while minimizing damage to the vertebral endplates. Each design incorporates flexible means to reduce endplate damage while enabling removal of the cartilage adhered to the endplate cortical bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Neil, Douglas Raymond, John Riley Hawkins
  • Patent number: 9901458
    Abstract: Placement apparatus and methods of use for implantation of spacers within an inter-vertebral disc space. In one embodiment, the load-bearing superstructure of the implant is subdivided and the bone forming material is positioned within an internal space of the placement instrument but external to the load bearing elements themselves. At least a portion of the bone graft material is freely contained within the disc space. A method of using the device is also described. In one embodiment, the placement device is used to place the implantable spacers at opposing ends of the disc space using a directly lateral surgical approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Inventor: Samy Abdou
  • Patent number: 9901353
    Abstract: A resection guide locator includes a bone engagement portion with surfaces that are complementary to the surface topographies of a bone to be resected during surgery. A housing includes a socket defined by a resilient annular wall that is sized and arranged so to accept a resection guide by press-fit to thereby position and hold the resection guide within he socket. The resection guide is maintained in a predetermined, preferred position while the surfaces are releasably locked in position on the bone. A method is disclosed for forming and using the resection guide locator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: MICROPORT HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventors: Michael Carroll, Richard Obert, Paul Stemniski
  • Patent number: 9888949
    Abstract: An orthopedic plate is specifically configured for use in osteotomies, in which part of the plate extends into a portion of a first bone segment and part is external to the cortical surface of an adjacent bone segment to fix the segments to allow them to fuse. The plate has a first end and a second end where the end which is inserted into the bone has a chamfer and a through hole having a hole axis optionally at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the plate, and which can receive a screw, peg or pin. The second end of the plate includes a locking screw hole and optionally including a compression slot extending in a direction toward a screw hole in the opposing end. Optionally, the non-locking hole has a shroud that forms an arc or portion of a cylinder over the hole. A plate driver having a recess that holds the plate is used to insert the plate into the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Orthohelix Surgical Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Johnson, David A. Kay, Jackson R. Heavener
  • Patent number: 9888930
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aiming device (15) for the placement of Kirschner-wires in orthopedics/traumatology. The aiming device (15) comprises an adjustable aiming block (10) which is displaceably attached to a forceps (20). The fixation of the aiming device at the bone (30) can be varied by clamping the forceps (20) more or less strongly. The aiming block (10) can be displaced to the periost (31) and be fixed. The aiming device (15) according to the invention allows the alignment of the guidance (2) of the Kirschner-wire (1) about an axis of rotation (12). Before the Kirschner-wire (1) is inserted in the bone (30) its position and direction can be intraoperatively represented and aligned in at least two non-parallel planes of projection (P1, P2) by means of fluoroscopy and/or navigation. Repeated drilling and mistaken positioning of the Kirschner-wire (1) can so be avoided. Thus, allowing to reduce the time of operation and the exposure of the patient to radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Markus Hänni, Peter Toggwiler, Norbert Suhm
  • Patent number: 9877844
    Abstract: A system for implanting an inter-body device between adjacent vertebrae comprises an inter-body device having a plurality of cans secured to a flexible bridge and having a relief portion therebetween. An inserter tube and complementary bullnoses are advantageously secured to the vertebrae by an extension arm for securing the assembly precisely in place. A plurality of articulating trial implants are provided to test fit a disc space for the proper sized inter-body device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: R Tree Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Rolando M. Puno
  • Patent number: 9877753
    Abstract: An implant kit has an adapter having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first and to the second end, wherein the first end is configured for removably receiving and engaging an implant and the second end is configured for removably coupling to a driver shaft of an implant driving tool, and an implant preloaded into the first end of the adapter, the implant having an elongated threaded portion; and a blade portion extending from the elongated threaded portion, and having two serrated edges, wherein the blade portion is received in the first end of the adapter and the elongated threaded portion of the implant is coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Thoren, Ramon Luna, Christine Petteys, Joseph Woodard, Daniel McCormick, Kian-Ming (Kevin) Wong
  • Patent number: 9872708
    Abstract: A pectus excavatum correction apparatus includes two pectus bars each made of a stick plate. Each bracket of the apparatus has a plate shape with a length-direction bent part. The first side of the bent part is hooked onto an upper or lower part of a rib and a second side of the bent part faces an outer surface of the pectus bar. Each of a first and second bridge has through-holes provided in two length-direction ends of the bridge. Each coupling unit includes a supporting part provided between the rib and the pectus bar, a slide protruding from an outer surface of the supporting part, and a second coupling part coupled to the first coupling part to press and fix the pectus bar, the bracket, and the bridge. The second distance is greater or less than the first distance within a preset range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Inventor: Hyung Joo Park
  • Patent number: 9872675
    Abstract: A physical retractor apparatus and method for retracting anatomy during surgery wherein the apparatus includes a handle rod, a body portion, a retractor blade and a mechanism which allows the retractor blade to be angularly adjusted, and secured, to one of any number of angular positions. The retractor blade may be first manually positioned to a gross angular position and thereafter fine tuned in angular position. The adjustment mechanism includes a pair of arms forced together to contract about a pivot pin to set an angular position and a threaded screw device which is rotatable to adjust further the angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: THOMPSON SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Nowak, Christopher T. Martin
  • Patent number: 9867714
    Abstract: Placement apparatus and methods of use for impanation of spacers within an inter-vertebral disc space. In one embodiment, the load-bearing superstructure of the implant is subdivided and the bone forming material is positioned within an internal space of the placement instrument but external to the load bearing elements themselves. At least a portion of the bone graft material is freely contained within the disc space. A method of using the device is also described. In one embodiment, the placement device is used to place the implantable spacers at opposing ends of the disc space using a directly lateral surgical approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: Samy Abdou
  • Patent number: 9861497
    Abstract: An intervertebral insert member and an instrument for positioning the insert in a space between vertebral bodies in vivo. The insert member is advanced by the instrument into a prepared site located between adjacent vertebral bodies. Upon reaching the appropriate insertion point, the sleeve is retracted and a pivotal motion is imparted to the insert. The insert member is pivotally attached to the distal end of the delivery instrument such that it can be articulated about a pivot point that is located on the insert member until it is properly positioned. The positioning instrument is then released from the insert member and removed from the space between the vertebral bodies. An adjustment screw is available to expand the surfaces of the insert member by displacement of a wedge member within the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Atlas Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew G. Baynham
  • Patent number: 9861406
    Abstract: A bone fixation system has a bone implant with an implant body. The implant body defines an upper surface, a bone-facing surface spaced from the upper surface along a transverse direction, and at least one aperture defined by an inner wall. A bone fixation element is configured for insertion at least partially through the aperture. The bone fixation element defines a proximal end and a distal end spaced from the proximal end along a central axis. The bone fixation element has a head and a shaft that extends relative to the head toward the distal end. The head defines a first ridge, a second ridge spaced from the first ridge, and a groove disposed between the first and second ridges. The groove can receive at least a portion of the inner wall to couple the bone fixation element to the bone implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Appenzeller, Daniel Fluri, Johann Fierlbeck, Alfred Niederberger
  • Patent number: 9861724
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved surgical techniques for repairing bone defects in a sternum during a sternotomy procedure and implants adapted for such techniques. In an exemplary embodiment, provided is a fusion strip made of an osteoconductive material and of a dimension that is especially adapted for improved repair of sternal bone defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: FUSION INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Schumacher
  • Patent number: 9861486
    Abstract: An instrument for locating a femoral mechanical axis and identifying the locations of at least three points in space in relation to the center of a femoral head, the instrument including a base member, an extension arm clamp translationally and pivotally attached to the base member, an extension arm translationally and pivotally attached to the extension arm clamp, a swiveling arm pivotally attached to a distal end of the extension arm, the swiveling arm including a lateral locator member at a proximal end and a medial locator member at a distal end, a bracket pivotally attached to the swiveling arm, and a locating arm removably attached to the bracket, the locating arm including a middle locator member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Orthopaedic International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jude L. Sasing, Ramon B. Gustilo