Patents Examined by Jerry Cumberledge
  • Patent number: 9138328
    Abstract: A spinal interbody device includes a base link having a first end and a second end, and a linkage including a first link having a first end and a second end and a second link having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first link is coupled to the first end of the base link at a first hinge, the second end of the first link is coupled to the first end of the second link at a second hinge; and the second end of the second link is coupled to the second end of the base link at a third hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Butler, Daniel Predick
  • Patent number: 9138263
    Abstract: An improved flexible component used for dynamic stabilization of spinal segments for the treatment of vertebrae deformities and injuries and for the replacement of a complete or segment of the body of a vertebra in the spine is described. The flexible component is comprised of a solid, suitable implant material with a longitudinal bore the entire length and an appropriately formed slot which extends spirally around the shaft either continuously or segmentally. The flexible component may be encapsulated, fully or partially, in a suitable implant grade elastomeric resilient material. When used for a dynamic stabilization device, the component is attached to the vertebral bodies by pedicle screws know to those in the art. When used as a vertebral replacement device, attached to the component's opposite ends are members for attachment to the adjacent vertebra that allow for height and angular adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: William R. Krause
  • Patent number: 9131965
    Abstract: A swellable, resilient interspinous implant is provided that includes a swellable polymeric medium, said polymeric medium being dispersed throughout the implant, the implant being dimensioned and configured to fit between two spinous processes of two adjacent vertebrae and buttress the space between the two adjacent vertebrae. In embodiments, the implant has a first configuration of reduced size such that it can be inserted into the patient in a minimally invasive manner. Once inserted to an application point within the patient, the implant expands in size to dynamically maintain the adjacent spinous processes in beneficial alignment. Also provided is a method of making a swellable, resilient interspinous implant as described herein. Also provided is a method of treating a degenerative condition of a spine which includes creating an incision and inserting, through the incision, between two spinous processes of two adjacent vertebrae, a swellable, resilient interspinous implant as described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignees: REPLICATION MEDICAL INC., HYDRA MEDICAL LLC
    Inventors: Ann Prewett, Alan Chen, Frederick H. Hardenbrook
  • Patent number: 9131962
    Abstract: Spine stabilization systems are disclosed. One spine stabilization system includes a bone screw assembly including a coupling member and a screw member received therein. The coupling member includes a pair of extension elements that form a pair of slots. The slots include bottom angled surfaces. An angled wedge member having a substantially horizontal bottom surface and an angled top surface is delivered on top of the screw member within the coupling member. A rod member can be delivered down the coupling member such that it rests on the slots and on top of the angled wedge member. A locking assembly comprising a cap member and set screw can be delivered down the coupling member to secure the rod member to the coupling member. The rod member and locking assembly components can be delivered through a single incision and at a same or similar angle as the screw member during surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Cahill, Andrew Lott, Khiem Pham, Edward Karpowicz
  • Patent number: 9125694
    Abstract: A guide assembly includes a spinal screw assembly having a bone screw and a spinal rod holder; and a spinal rod guide having first and second elongated arc portions defining a pair of longitudinal slots extending along the first and second arc portions, each of the first and second arc portions further defining at least one recess extending transversely from each of the longitudinal slots, the at least one recess configured to receive at least a portion of a reduction tool to enable reduction of a spinal rod received within the spinal rod holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Butler, Danish Siddiqui, Daniel Predick
  • Patent number: 9125695
    Abstract: An ankle fusion nail apparatus and method includes a first, tibial component that includes a hole there through. The tibial component includes, among other things, a base. A second. talar component includes a hole there through, also, and, among other things, a base and a top. The tibial component is separate from the talar component. A third, central component is provided that is separate from the first tibial component and the second talar component. The central component is conformed to connect with the tibial base and the talar top such that the central component joins the tibial and talar components together and aligns them as the central component is connected with the tibial base and the talar top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: BESPA, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Early, Greg Pomeroy
  • Patent number: 9125587
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for surgically manipulating tissue. In general, the methods and devices can include an elongate retractor shaft having a distal retractor tip that is configured to manipulate tissue, for example the tip can be configured to separate muscle and nerve fibers surrounding a vertebra. The elongate retractor shaft can include an illumination source such that at least a portion of the surgical field is illuminated by the device when the device is used in the body. A sensor can also or alternatively be included on the elongate retractor shaft, for example on the blunt retraction tip, such that the sensor can monitor physiological parameters of the tissue in or adjacent to the surgical field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Riley Hawkins, Nicholas Pavento, Sean P. Selover, Michele LeClerc
  • Patent number: 9119732
    Abstract: An improved method of implanting a bone graft in a joint and tools for accomplishing the same is disclosed. The present invention relates generally to tools and methods useful for treating a sacroiliac joint. In one embodiment, the present invention is a method including the steps of: creating a first incision in the patient's skin proximal to the patient's sacroiliac joint; creating an incision in the patient's skin over the patient's ilium; inserting a first working channel into said first incision and spreading said sacroiliac joint with an inserted end of said first working channel; inserting a second working channel into said second incision and forming a hole in said ilium; creating a void in said sacroiliac joint; inserting a graft into said void; and inserting a joint fusing device into said ilium and said sacrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Orthocision, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Schifano, Steve Anderson, Gowriharan Thaiyananthan
  • Patent number: 9119671
    Abstract: A fixation assembly for spinal vertebrae has an anchor fixedly seatable in a spinal vertebrae and formed with an outwardly open socket, and a pedicle rod having a front end fixedly seated in the socket and a dynamic portion adjacent the front end that is shiftable relative to the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: ULRICH GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Erich Kast
  • Patent number: 9119726
    Abstract: An expandable implant of a minimally invasive surgery contains a body, a positioning post, two first connecting sets, two second connecting sets, and two expanding pieces. The body includes two seats and an adjusting knob. The positioning post inserts into the body and includes one side contacting with the adjusting knob and another side having a conical member. The two first connecting sets couple with the two seats, and each first connecting set has two first rods coupling with a respective one of the two seats. The two second connecting sets connects with the positioning post, and each second connecting set has two second rods coupling with the positioning post. Each expanding piece axially connects with one of the two first rods of each first connecting set and one of the two second rods of each second connecting set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Inventor: Chih-Hsuan Wei
  • Patent number: 9108032
    Abstract: A valve assembly (10) for controlling a flow of fluid includes a housing (30) having a passageway (33), and a valve sheath (40) disposed interiorly of the housing, at least substantially along the housing passageway. The valve sheath includes a cylindrical valve body (42) having a pair of generally wedge-shaped voids (50A, 52A) formed along opposing longitudinal sides of the valve body. Each of the wedge-shaped voids comprises first and second inwardly-directed sides that converge to define a generally linear edge. The edges are disposed along the valve body in a generally diagonal orientation with respect to a longitudinal axis through the valve body. The respective linear edges are structured and aligned in the valve body to meet along a passageway through the valve body interior in a manner to selectively close the valve body interior passageway, and to yield to permit passage of an interventional device therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Jeffry S. Melsheimer
  • Patent number: 9107703
    Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for connecting surgical rods according the principles of the present disclosure includes an elongate first arm, an elongate second arm, and a clamping assembly. The elongate first arm includes a first end that couples with a first rod and a second end with a first engagement portion. The elongate second arm includes a first end that couples with a second rod and a second end terminating in a second engagement portion. The clamping assembly includes a passageway that slidably receives the first engagement portion and that retains the second engagement portion and an adjustment member offset from the passageway that adjusts a clamping force to restrict positioning of the second engagement portion relative to the first engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: ALPHATEC SPINE, INC.
    Inventor: Eller Torres
  • Patent number: 9107766
    Abstract: An elongate inserter has a distal end releasably connected to an expandable interbody fusion device and a proximal end including a trigger actuator. The interbody fusion device comprises a superior endplate and an inferior endplate that are movable in an expansion direction relative to each other in the intradiscal space. The device includes an elevator captively supported between the inferior endplate and the superior endplate for movement independently toward and away from each of the inferior endplate and the superior endplate. The inserter includes a lifting platform that defines lifting surfaces that upon operation of the trigger actuator cooperatively engage complementary lifting surfaces on the elevator and move the inferior endplate away from the superior endplate. A driver is supported by the inserter for pushing an insert into the expanded device between the superior and inferior endplates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: SPINE WAVE, INC.
    Inventors: Scott McLean, Nicola Cullinan, David Boisvert
  • Patent number: 9101486
    Abstract: Various spinal implants and methods for stabilizing the spine are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal implant is provided having an expandable container with an interior volume that is selectively expandable between a compressed condition and an expanded condition. The expandable container is coupled to a superior endplate member having a bone-contacting surface and an engagement surface effective to mate with a superior surface of the expandable container, and an inferior endplate member having a bone-contacting surface and an engagement surface effective to mate with an inferior surface of the expandable container. In addition, at least one inlet port is formed in the expandable container and is effective to communicate a fluid to at least one cavity disposed within the interior volume of the expandable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Naren Renganath, Steve Connolly, Michael Alan Fisher, Glen Arthur Presbrey
  • Patent number: 9101414
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide compression/distraction methods and tools useful for fitting a spinal stabilization system in a patient through minimally invasive surgery. The spinal stabilization system may comprise screws anchored in vertebrae. The vertebrae may need to be compressed or distracted. One embodiment of an instrument disclosed herein may comprise a shaft for engaging one of the screws through an extender sleeve. A driver may engage another screw through an opening of the instrument. Through this engagement, a surgeon may use the rack and pinion of the instrument to compress or distract one or more levels of the vertebrae in a parallel motion, which can be advantageous clinically in certain situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily E. King, Bruce A. Riceman, Charles R. Forton, Peter Thomas Miller
  • Patent number: 9101406
    Abstract: A bone fixing system useful for holding bone in position, and a method for installing the same are disclosed. The ends of a conformable ligature are passed around bones, bone grafts, tendons, plates, rods, fasteners, or other anatomical or implanted structures, and the like to form a loop extending from a first portion of a body. The ends of the conformable ligature are passed through the body and extend out a second portion of the body. The ends may be attached to a tensioning tool and a selected tension may be applied. A closure member may engage an engagement portion of the body to create a friction force to hold the conformable ligature in place without significant movement relative to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine
    Inventor: Karl Pierre Belliard
  • Patent number: 9101402
    Abstract: A spinal fixation system includes a rod and anchor devices that include a bone engaging fastener having a head defining a spherical socket. A ball insert is placed within the socket and rotated so that the ball insert is juxtaposed with the socket. The anchor device further includes a yoke defining a yoke channel for receiving the rod and a stem engaged to the ball insert captured within the socket. A sleeve disposed between the yoke channel and the fastener head supports the rod. A set screw is operable to clamp the rod against the sleeve and draw the insert into engagement within the socket. A releasable detent defined between the yoke and the fastener head is configured to releasably retain the yoke in at least one discrete position relative to the fastener. Portions of the releasable detent may also exert a frictional retention force against the fastener head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Spine Wave, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Potash
  • Patent number: 9101315
    Abstract: A cannula system is described. The cannula system may be formed of biocompatible materials that are suitable to be sterilized. Accordingly, the cannula system may be reusable for a relatively large number of surgical procedures assuming conventional sterilization techniques are employed after each surgical procedure. Additionally, the cannula system may be provided with an internal valve system disposed in a port portion thereof wherein the valve system may be operable to receive the trocar there through, as well as maintaining insufflation of the body cavity. Furthermore, the cannula system may be provided with a plurality of rib members formed on an external surface of the cannula shaft, wherein the rib members may engage the tissues adjacent the incision, thus maintaining the position of the cannula shaft and reducing and/or lessening relative movement of the cannula shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Specialty Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Winfree, Robert Henry
  • Patent number: 9095386
    Abstract: A spinal rod guide and/or guide assembly is provided for mounting a spinal rod onto a spinal rod holder/connector of a vertebral bone screw. The spinal rod guide is configured to extend between an opening in a patient's body and the spinal rod holder of the vertebral bone screw assembly, to receive a spinal rod therein, and thereafter accurately guide the spinal rod into the spinal rod holder. The spinal rod guide is defined by a first elongated arc portion and a second elongated arc portion to define a guide tube for the introduction and placement of additional spinal rod components onto the spinal rod connector, particularly, but not necessarily, for securing the spinal rod into the spinal rod connector. The elongated arc portions are mountable or initially attached onto a top of a spinal rod holder of a spinal rod bone screw assembly. The elongated arc portions (tube) define first and second longitudinal slots extending from a top of the elongated arc portions to a bottom of the elongated arc portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Butler, Brian D. Hartsell, Thomas J. Wegrzyn, III
  • Patent number: 9095444
    Abstract: An implant with an interference fit fastener for attaching the implant to a bone. The interference fit prevents backout of the fastener after the attachment. The implant may include a passage with a first end and second end. The passage may include a first interference section between the first and second ends. A fastener with an elongated shape may be sized to extend through the passage to attach the implant to the bone. The fastener may include a second interference section. During insertion of the fastener through the passage and into the bone, the second interference section of the fastener may contact against and modify or be modified by the first interference section of the passage. This modification may create the interference fit between the implant and the fastener that prevents backout. The interference sections may remain in contact or may move apart once the fastener is fully attached to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, Thomas A. Carls, Lindsey G. Waugh