Patents Examined by Tracy L Kamikawa
  • Patent number: 11457967
    Abstract: Driver instruments are disclosed herein with various features for improving usability, easing the task of cleaning or sterilizing the instrument, reducing patient trauma associated with use of the instrument, and/or reducing the cost and assembly burden of the instrument. For example, a driver instrument can include a guide sleeve to protect patient tissue from damage caused by rotating components of the instrument or a bone anchor assembly coupled thereto, and to protect extension tabs of the bone anchor assembly from inadvertent separation. By way of further example, an instrument can include a preload assembly for maintaining engagement of a driver shaft of the instrument with a bone anchor assembly. As yet another example, an instrument can consist of a small number of components which are configured for simple, tool-free assembly and disassembly. An instrument can also be configured for use with bone anchor assemblies with and without extension tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARL
    Inventors: Thibault Chandanson, Richard W. Fournier, Shawn D. Stad, Frank Spratt, Sam Grossman, Henri Defossez, Renaud Rouge, Philip A. Cormier
  • Patent number: 11452608
    Abstract: Intervertebral spacer assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A method of insertion include inserting an intervertebral spacer and plate together using an insertion tool and, upon removal of the insertion tool, the intervertebral spacer and plate are no longer considered connected/coupled and act as separate components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Zappacosta, Noah Hansell, Mark Adams
  • Patent number: 11445901
    Abstract: Expandable specula devices and methods are disclosed. In one aspect, a speculum includes inner and outer balloon layers configured to expand circumferentially. The inner and outer balloon layers form a sealed cavity configured to hold a liquid. The speculum further includes an access tube for injecting the liquid into the cavity. The speculum further includes a shape memory alloy layer within the outer balloon layer. The shape memory alloy layer is configured to transition to a first shape when heated above a transition temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: THE MOEIN FAMILY TRUST
    Inventors: Sudabeh Moein, Lawrence Benjamin Fischel
  • Patent number: 11446107
    Abstract: A spinal implant package includes a sleeve defining a cavity extending through an end surface of the sleeve. A cap defines an aperture extending through an end surface of the cap. First portions of the end surfaces are joined to define a hinge. The end surface of the sleeve includes a second portion defining a first lip. The end surface of the cap includes a second portion defining a second lip. The package is movable between a closed configuration in which the first lip is adjacent the second lip and a portion of the spinal implant is enclosed within the cavity and the aperture, and an open configuration in which the first lip is spaced farther apart from the second lip and the portion of the spinal implant is positioned outside of the aperture while remaining positioned inside of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Leigh Anna Folger, David Mire, Caleb D. Smith, Christine Carmer
  • Patent number: 11432941
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes: a body with an upper wall configured to engage a first vertebral end plate and a lower wall configured to engage a second vertebral end plate, and a load transmitting part configured to transmit load between the upper wall and the lower wall; and the load transmitting part is configured to assume a compressed condition in which a distance between the upper wall and the lower wall defines a first height of the implant and an expanded condition in which the distance between the upper wall and the lower wall defines a second height of the implant that is greater than the first height; and the load transmitting part is attached to the upper wall at at least two first connecting locations and is attached to the lower wall at at least two second connecting locations and has substantially an X-shape in a front view of the implant; and the implant is made of a material that exhibits shape memory properties that permit the implant to remain in the compressed condition without outsid
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: BIEDERMANN TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Timo Biedermann, Achim Zipse, Gael Dreher
  • Patent number: 11432940
    Abstract: A bone fusion method, system and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together in order to replace degenerated discs and/or bones, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises a frame and one or more extendable plates that are able to be angled, rotatable, adjustable, and have top profiles designed to correct and/or match the replaced discs/bones. The bone fusion device is able to be inserted between or replace the vertebrae by using a minimally invasive procedure wherein the dimensions and/or other characteristics of the bone fusion device are selectable based on the type of minimally invasive procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Neuropro Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. McLuen, Benjamin J. Remington, Daniel R. Baker, Joseph N. Logan, Gregory C. Stalcup, Daniel E. Gerbec
  • Patent number: 11432831
    Abstract: A system comprises a first implant including first and second screw receiving holes having respective first and second longitudinal axes. A second implant includes third and fourth screw receiving holes having respective third and fourth longitudinal axes. First and second drill guides have respective fifth and sixth longitudinal axes. A targeting guide is provided for aligning the first and second drill guides with each of the first and second implants simultaneously, so that the first, third and fifth longitudinal axes lie along a same line as each other, and the second, fourth and sixth longitudinal axes lie along a same line as each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: WRIGHT MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Kian-Ming Wong, George Awtrey
  • Patent number: 11432832
    Abstract: A targeting system for use with a bone plate includes a body having an upper side and an opposite lower side, a first lateral side and a second opposite lateral side, a first plurality of holes extending through the upper and lower sides and arranged in a first pattern, a second plurality of holes extending through the first and second lateral sides and arranged in a different second pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventors: Pierre-Luc Sylvestre, Alexis Christen, Katja Stucki, Matthias Paulisch
  • Patent number: 11426258
    Abstract: A spinal marking system includes a marker having a threaded member and a flexible member connected to the threaded member. The flexible member has a length longer than that of the threaded member. The system also includes a navigation tool having a shaft configured to connect to the threaded member. The navigation tool also includes a navigation array connected to the shaft. The navigation array having a plurality of fiducials that are configured to communicate with a robotic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventors: Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Shawn D. Stad
  • Patent number: 11426225
    Abstract: A bone screw extraction device includes a shaft extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal tip, a distal portion of the shaft including a tissue-receiving cavity extending proximally thereinto from the distal tip, the distal tip including a plurality of fingers configured to be received within a driving recess of a bone screw and a plurality of channels extending longitudinally along an exterior surface of the distal portion, each of the plurality of channels extending between adjacent ones of the plurality of fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Simon Scherrer, Mario Wyss, Gregor Spreiter
  • Patent number: 11419651
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a pedicle screw assembly disclosed herein include a pedicle screw configured for engaging with bone tissue. The pedicle screw includes a body defining a plurality of channels through the body of the screw and in communication with a plurality of respective distal openings defined along the screw body. The pedicle screw assembly further includes an anchor defining a plurality of anchor members which are configured to be received at least partially through the plurality of channels and the plurality of respective distal openings to further engage the pedicle screw to the bone tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Dignity Health
    Inventor: Michael A. Bohl
  • Patent number: 11399865
    Abstract: Access assemblies includes an instrument valve housing and a valve assembly disposed within the cavity of the instrument valve housing. The valve assembly includes a guard assembly, and a seal assembly disposed distal of the guard assembly. In embodiments, the seal assembly includes a plurality of seal segments in an overlapping configuration. Each seal segment of the plurality of seal segments includes a seal portion having a smooth surface and a ribbed surface. The ribbed surfaces include a central spline extending in a radial direction and plurality of concentric ribs extending outwardly from the central spline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Matthew Dinino, Roy Pilletere, Nicolette LaPierre, Garrett Ebersole, Jacob Baril, George Matta, Eric Brown, Kevin Desjardin
  • Patent number: 11395713
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for illuminating an interior portion of an eye are disclosed herein. In an exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for use in ophthalmic surgery. The apparatus may include a light guide including an optical fiber, a transition region, and a light sleeve. The transition region may be disposed between the optical fiber and the light sleeve for transmission of light from the optical fiber to the light sleeve such that the light sleeve is operable to emit the light at a distal end of the light sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Reto Grueebler, Niels Alexander Abt
  • Patent number: 11389210
    Abstract: A system for performing surgical repair of the spine includes a distractor and a permanently implanted bone plate system. A surgical repair methodology is also disclosed that employs an implanted bone plate system with a substantially void internal volume which is attached to adjacent vertebrae subsequent to the distraction and adjustment of curvature of the vertebrae and prior to the excision of disc and/or end plate tissue through the bone plate. The device further facilitates the subsequent delivery of an interbody repair device for the purpose of either fusion or dynamic stabilization, such as by disc arthroplasty. The plate may be permanently implanted, such as when a fusion between the attached vertebral bodies is desired, but it need not be permanently implanted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lowry, Desmond O'Farrell, Scott Tuinstra, Roger Veldman
  • Patent number: 11376048
    Abstract: An assembly for correcting unbalanced growth plate activity including: (a) an implant formed of wire having (i) a longitudinal central section (2), (ii) a first end (3) configured as a first loop (4) in a form of a first helical coil (9) having a central axis (5) that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the central section, and (iii) a second end (6) configured as a second loop (7) having a central axis (8) that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the central section; (b) a first bone screw having a shaft section that is insertable through the first loop; and (c) a second bone screw having a shaft section that is insertable through the second loop. A kit for correcting unbalanced growth plate activity and to a method for correcting unbalanced growth plate activity are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: AO Technology AG
    Inventors: Markus Windolf, Michael Schuetz
  • Patent number: 11376135
    Abstract: A surgical instrument suitable for preparing an intervertebral disc space includes an outer sleeve, an instrument head, an inner shaft, a handle, a universal joint, a coupling member, and a drive mechanism. The outer sleeve includes a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis. The instrument head defines a longitudinal axis and is disposed at the distal end of the outer shaft. The inner shaft is slidably disposed within the outer sleeve and includes a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve. The drive mechanism is coupled between the outer sleeve and the inner shaft and actuates the outer sleeve axially relative to the inner shaft, thereby setting an angle of the longitudinal axis of the instrument head in relation to the longitudinal axis of the inner shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Ziemek, Patrick Hunt
  • Patent number: 11376037
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a cannula including an elongated shaft having a proximal end portion including an anchor inflation port and a distal end portion including an expandable anchor. The elongated shaft includes an inner tube and an outer tube disposed over the inner tube. The inner tube includes at least one groove defined in an outer surface thereof that forms an inflation channel with an inner surface of the outer tube. The inflation channel is in communication with the anchor inflation port and the expandable anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kevin Desjardin, Douglas M. Pattison, Oksana Buyda, Christopher A. Tokarz, Jason Mickus, Astley C. Lobo, Amanda M. Adinolfi
  • Patent number: 11369423
    Abstract: The present application relates to the technical field of medical instruments and provides an anti-loosening medical screw based on an organism osteogenesis function. The medical anti-loosening screw comprises a screw cap and a screw rod connected to the screw cap. The screw rod comprises a main rod and a thread spirally wound around the main rod. The cross section of the main rod is non-circular. The present medical anti-loosening screw based on an organism osteogenesis function can be applied to the medical fields such as orthopedics (spine, four limbs, pelvis, joints, etc.), maxillofacial surgery, odontology, and veterinarians and can be effectively prevented from loosening after operation after being implanted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Inventors: Siwang Hu, Jianru Xiao
  • Patent number: 11369390
    Abstract: A method of preparing a shoulder to receive a glenoid component in one embodiment includes accessing a glenoid of a shoulder, applying a rotational force to a combination device, forming a first bore in the glenoid with a rotating boring section of the combination device, forming a second bore in the glenoid at a location spaced apart from the first bore using a first drill guide defined by the combination device, and reaming a portion of the glenoid with a rotating reaming section of the combination device, wherein forming a first bore and reaming a portion of the glenoid occur at least partially simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Inventors: Kyle E. Lappin, Lieven De Wilde
  • Patent number: 11364090
    Abstract: A reusable flexible arm stabilizes tissues during surgical procedures. The stabilizer arm switches between a flexible state for conforming to a desired curvature and a rigid state for maintain a desired positioning. A suspension length provided by the stabilizer arm is also adjustable. The arm has an articulating portion with successive articulating links each having a central passage. A length adjustable portion has successive length-adjustable links each having a central passage. A tension cable extends through the central passages between a proximal one of the length-adjustable links and a distal one of the articulating links. A base member captures the length-adjustable links at a position corresponding to a desired extension length of the arm. A control mechanism is movable between a retracted position and an extended position to selectably separate the captured length-adjustable links, thereby adjusting a tension in the tension cable and a rigidity of the stabilizer arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: TERUMO CARDIOV ASCULAR SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Tsubouchi