Patents by Inventor Dimitri K. Protopsaltis

Dimitri K. Protopsaltis has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240164909
    Abstract: An implant system comprising a staple and a cage is disclosed. The implant system is secured to the bone by moving the staple rotationally and longitudinally whereby tines of the staple and opposing tines frictionally and mechanically engage or embed themselves in the bone side walls. For vertebral applications, the cage defines an upper surface plane, a lower surface plane and a cage surface angle between these two planes whereby the cage surface angle may alter an endplate surface plane of one or more vertebral body when the cage is implanted in a vertebral body. Implant systems may be configured for use as an interbody or intrabody implant system. The implant system may also be configured for use in arthrodesis procedures with other joints within the body. The implant system may further comprise an anchor frame or plate to further secure the cage and staple to the anatomy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2024
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Applicant: Foundation Surgical Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Randal R. Betz, Dale E. Whipple, Michael Sherman, Charlie Barfield, Dimitri K. Protopsaltis, Marc Burel
  • Publication number: 20230310169
    Abstract: An implant system comprising a staple and a cage is disclosed. The implant system is secured to the bone by moving the staple rotationally and longitudinally whereby tines of the staple and opposing tines frictionally and mechanically engage or embed themselves in the bone side walls. For vertebral applications, the cage defines an upper surface plane, a lower surface plane and a cage surface angle between these two planes whereby the cage surface angle may alter an endplate surface plane of one or more vertebral body when the cage is implanted in a vertebral body. Implant systems may be configured for use as an interbody or intrabody implant system. The implant system may also be configured for use in arthrodesis procedures with other joints within the body. The implant system may further comprise an anchor frame or plate to further secure the cage and staple to the anatomy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: NOFUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Randal R. Betz, Dale E. Whipple, Charlie Barfield, Dimitri K. Protopsaltis, Michael Sherman, Marc Burel
  • Patent number: 11730608
    Abstract: A unibody implant movable between an expanded position and a contracted position is disclosed. The unibody implant may include a unitary expandable body defined by an inferior portion and a superior portion that are connected together. In various embodiments, a set screw may be rotatably supported by the body and configured to move a plug having a first inclined surface facing the distal side. In various embodiments, the set screw may be movable in the longitudinal direction towards the distal side upon rotation of the set screw along the rotation axis, for example. In various embodiments, movement of the set screw urges the plug against the superior portion thereby expanding a vertical distance between the superior and inferior sides of the body. In some embodiments, the plug may include a stabilizing element configured to transfer compressive forces between the superior portion and inferior portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Dimitri K. Protopsaltis, John A. Hall, Julien J. Prevost
  • Patent number: 11612499
    Abstract: An expandable implant having superior and inferior endplates disposed on opposite sides of a core is disclosed. The superior endplate may include a first screw engagement surface disposed on a proximal end thereof and the inferior endplate may include a second screw engagement surface disposed on a proximal end thereof. A pin may extend through corresponding pin apertures of the superior endplate, the inferior endplate, and the core. In various embodiments, the superior endplate and inferior endplate are hingedly connected to the core via the pin. The implant may include a locking screw movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking screw may urge an engagement surface of the superior endplate and inferior endplate such that corresponding interior surfaces of the superior and inferior endplates frictionally engage against a corresponding exterior surface of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Charlie J. Barfield, Patrick R. Keene, Dimitri K. Protopsaltis, John A. Hall
  • Patent number: 11583415
    Abstract: An expandable implant having superior and inferior endplates disposed on opposite sides of a core is disclosed. The superior endplate may include a first screw engagement surface disposed on a proximal end thereof and the inferior endplate may include a second screw engagement surface disposed on a proximal end thereof. A pin may extend through corresponding pin apertures of the superior endplate, the inferior endplate, and the core. In various embodiments, the superior endplate and inferior endplate are hingedly connected to the core via the pin. The implant may include a locking screw movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking screw may urge an engagement surface of the superior endplate and inferior endplate such that corresponding interior surfaces of the superior and inferior endplates frictionally engage against a corresponding exterior surface of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Charlie J. Barfield, Patrick R. Keene, Dimitri K. Protopsaltis, John A. Hall
  • Publication number: 20230018019
    Abstract: A unibody implant movable between an expanded position and a contracted position is disclosed. The unibody implant may include a unitary expandable body defined by an inferior portion and a superior portion that are connected together. In various embodiments, a set screw may be rotatably supported by the body and configured to move a plug having a first inclined surface facing the distal side. In various embodiments, the set screw may be movable in the longitudinal direction towards the distal side upon rotation of the set screw along the rotation axis, for example. In various embodiments, movement of the set screw urges the plug against the superior portion thereby expanding a vertical distance between the superior and inferior sides of the body. In some embodiments, the plug may include a stabilizing element configured to transfer compressive forces between the superior portion and inferior portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: DIMITRI K. PROTOPSALTIS, John A. Hall, Julien J. Prevost
  • Publication number: 20220409397
    Abstract: An expandable implant may include an expandable body defined by a superior endplate and an inferior endplate that are hingedly coupled and may be expanded and lordosed by an external surgical tool. The superior endplate may include a first core having a distal engagement surface and the inferior endplate may a second core having a proximal engagement surface and a threaded screw aperture. The implant may include a threaded locking screw disposed in the threaded screw aperture and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, for example. In the locked position, the threaded locking screw may urge the distal engagement surface of the first core into direct contact with the proximal engagement surface of the second core. The implant may include a pair of mounting tangs that may be sheared off and/or recesses. The locking screw may be a break-off screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley K. Hayes, Charlie J. Barfield, Dimitri K. Protopsaltis, Robert M. Loke
  • Publication number: 20220409398
    Abstract: An interbody system including an implant and a tool for inserting and expanding the medical implant and locking the implant in place is disclosed. The medical implant may include an expandable body defined by a superior endplate and an inferior endplate that are hingedly coupled and may be expanded and lordosed. The superior and inferior endplate may include radially disposed and opposed surfaces that mate and/or directly contact each other when a locking screw is threaded through a screw aperture. The implant may include a threaded breakoff screw disposed in the threaded screw aperture and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, for example. In the locked position, the threaded locking screw may urge the distal engagement surface of the first core into direct contact with the proximal engagement surface of the second core. When broken, the breakoff screw may comprise a recessed fracture surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Kyle Hayes, Robert M. Loke, Charlie J. Barfield, Dimitri K. Protopsaltis
  • Publication number: 20220409388
    Abstract: An expandable implant having superior and inferior endplates disposed on opposite sides of a core is disclosed. The superior endplate may include a first screw engagement surface disposed on a proximal end thereof and the inferior endplate may include a second screw engagement surface disposed on a proximal end thereof. A pin may extend through corresponding pin apertures of the superior endplate, the inferior endplate, and the core. In various embodiments, the superior endplate and inferior endplate are hingedly connected to the core via the pin. The implant may include a locking screw movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking screw may urge an engagement surface of the superior endplate and inferior endplate such that corresponding interior surfaces of the superior and inferior endplates frictionally engage against a corresponding exterior surface of the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: CHARLIE J BARFIELD, Patrick R. Keene, Dimitri K. Protopsaltis, John A. Hall
  • Patent number: 9119672
    Abstract: Systems and devices for providing dynamic stabilization of one or more spinal motion segments are provided. The systems include a connecting element between two or more bone anchor assemblies that can be attached to two or more vertebral bodies of at least one spinal motion segment. The connecting element includes a first end, a second end, an intermediate resilient element and a sheathed tether extending from the first end to the second end and through the resilient intermediate element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Julien J. Prevost, Dimitri K. Protopsaltis
  • Patent number: 8968192
    Abstract: A retractor system for percutaneous surgery in a patient includes first and second retractor portions positionable opposite one another in an incision of the patient. An actuating member is coupled with and extends between ends of the retractor portions which are positionable above the incision. The actuating member is in communication with a controller which includes a user interface for receiving actuation commands from the user. In response to actuation commands, the actuating member is actuated and its length is adjusted to position the first and second retractor portions relative to one another in the incision. In another form, a method is directed to retracting tissue for percutaneous access to a surgical site in a patient. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Dimitri K. Protopsaltis
  • Patent number: 8632524
    Abstract: An injectable biocompatible material delivery system is disclosed and can include an injector and a material delivery cannula that can be in fluid communication with the injector. Further, the injectable biocompatible material delivery system can include a light source that can be configured to emit light to at least a portion of the injector, at least a portion of the material delivery cannula, or a combination thereof. Further, the light source can be configured to activate an injectable biocompatible material as it moves through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Hai H. Trieu, Jeff R. Justis, Michael C. Sherman, Dimitri K. Protopsaltis
  • Patent number: 8298242
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for bending an elongate member used in a medical procedure. In one form, the device includes a bending mechanism having a plurality of engaging members are selectively positioned relative to a receiving area. In one embodiment, a first set of engaging members is positioned in a select arrangement, and a second set of the engaging members is movable relative to the select arrangement of the first set of engaging members to compressingly engage the elongate member to bend the elongate member to a desired shape/contour. The device also includes a heating element configured to apply heat to one or more portions of the elongate member to facilitate bending. In one form, the elongate member is formed of a heat deformable material, and heat is applied to soften one or more portions of the elongate member to provide added flexibility to facilitate bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff R Justis, Dimitri K Protopsaltis, Hai H Trieu
  • Patent number: 8211146
    Abstract: An implantable device includes a first arm member, a second arm member, a compressible member disposed between and coupled to the first arm member and the second arm member, and a tensioning member coupled to the first arm member and the second arm member. Wherein upon moving the first arm member toward the second arm member the tensioning member translates within the first arm member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Justis, Jonathan M. Dewey, Henry Keith Bonin, Jr., Christopher M. Patterson, Dimitri K. Protopsaltis
  • Patent number: 8128699
    Abstract: A spinal implant is provided that includes a first component for engaging a first vertebra, a second component for engaging a second vertebrae, and a damping member is positioned therebetween. The damping member has at least two chambers connected by an opening. A fluid is disposed within the chambers such that compression of the first and second components towards one another causes the fluid to be displaced from one of the chambers to another chamber through an opening. The opening has a reduced size relative to the chambers to restrict the flow of the fluid between the chambers and provide a dampening effect. In some instances, the rheologic properties of the fluid positioned within the chambers are dependent upon the strength a magnetic field passing through the fluid. In other aspects of the present disclosure, prosthetic devices, intervertebral implants, spinal systems, implantation methods, and treatment methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff R. Justis, Hai H. Trieu, Dimitri K. Protopsaltis, Jeffrey H. Nycz
  • Publication number: 20120035423
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include instruments and methods for providing surgical access to a surgical site. Some embodiments include a flexible arm that adjustably holds a retractor blade to enable access to the surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicants: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc., MEDTRONIC
    Inventors: Kelli N. SEBASTIAN, Dimitri K. PROTOPSALTIS
  • Publication number: 20110313461
    Abstract: Systems and devices for providing dynamic stabilization of one or more spinal motion segments are provided. The systems include a connecting element between two or more bone anchor assemblies that can be attached to two or more vertebral bodies of at least one spinal motion segment. The connecting element includes a first end, a second end, an intermediate resilient element and a sheathed tether extending from the first end to the second end and through the resilient intermediate element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Julien J. Prevost, Dimitri K. Protopsaltis
  • Patent number: 8062218
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include instruments and methods for providing surgical access to a surgical site. Some embodiments include a flexible arm that adjustably holds a retractor blade to enable access to the surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelli N. Sebastian, Dimitri K. Protopsaltis
  • Publication number: 20110270262
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for bending an elongate member used in a medical procedure. In one form, the device includes a bending mechanism having a plurality of engaging members are selectively positioned relative to a receiving area. In one embodiment, a first set of engaging members is positioned in a select arrangement, and a second set of the engaging members is movable relative to the select arrangement of the first set of engaging members to compressingly engage the elongate member to bend the elongate member to a desired shape/contour. The device also includes a heating element configured to apply heat to one or more portions of the elongate member to facilitate bending. In one form, the elongate member is formed of a heat deformable material, and heat is applied to soften one or more portions of the elongate member to provide added flexibility to facilitate bending.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Jeff R. Justis, Dimitri K. Protopsaltis, Hai H. Trieu
  • Patent number: D701307
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: BioMedical Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Dimitri K. Protopsaltis, Amber N. Lenz