Patents by Inventor Robert Van Vorhis

Robert Van Vorhis 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: 20240108419
    Abstract: A method includes generating a surgical plan for installation of a structure at a bone and controlling a controllable guide structure to guide a cutting tool to sculpt the bone and the structure based on the surgical plan. Sculpting the bone provides the bone with a bone mating surface and sculpting the structure provides the structure with a structure mating surface. The method also includes installing the structure on the bone by engaging the structure mating surface of the structure with the bone mating surface of the bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Scott David Nortman, Amit Mistry, Jason K. Otto, Robert Van Vorhis, Mark Ellsworth Nadzadi, Miranda Jamieson
  • Patent number: 11877812
    Abstract: A robotic system for preparing a bone to repair a bone fracture, includes a controllable guide structure configured to guide preparation of at least one bone piece during execution of a surgical plan and a control system configured to define the surgical plan. Defining the surgical plan includes determining a desired relationship between at least a first bone piece and a second bone piece that are separated by the bone fracture and planning preparation of the first bone piece to include a prepared anatomical structure configured to align the first bone piece with the second bone piece such that when aligned, the first bone piece and the second bone piece will achieve the desired relationship. The control system is further configured to control the controllable guide structure according to the surgical plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Scott David Nortman, Amit Mistry, Jason K. Otto, Robert Van Vorhis, Mark Ellsworth Nadzadi, Miranda Jamieson
  • Publication number: 20220287778
    Abstract: A method includes registering a joint of a patient in physical space with a model of the joint in virtual space and planning a planned placement of an implant to be implanted in the joint by performing a soft tissue assessment of the joint and fitting a representation of the implant relative to the model of the joint based on a result of the soft tissue assessment. The method also includes providing, based on the planned placement, a limit on movement of a surgical tool to facilitate preparation of the joint to receive the implant in the planned placement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Alexandra Bellettre, Louis Arata, Robert Van Vorhis, Jason Otto, Jason Wojcik
  • Patent number: 11376072
    Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for implant planning for multiple implant components using constraints. A representation of a bone and a representation of a first implant component are displayed with respect to the representation of the bone. A representation of a second implant component is displayed, wherein the first implant component and the second implant component are physically separated and not connected to each other. A positioning of the representation of the second implant component that violates at least one positioning constraint is prevented, wherein the positioning constraint is based on the representation of the first implant component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Alexandra Bellettre, Louis Arata, Robert Van Vorhis, Jason Otto, Jason Wojcik
  • Publication number: 20210282872
    Abstract: A robotic system for preparing a bone to repair a bone fracture, includes a controllable guide structure configured to guide preparation of at least one bone piece during execution of a surgical plan and a control system configured to define the surgical plan. Defining the surgical plan includes determining a desired relationship between at least a first bone piece and a second bone piece that are separated by the bone fracture and planning preparation of the first bone piece to include a prepared anatomical structure configured to align the first bone piece with the second bone piece such that when aligned, the first bone piece and the second bone piece will achieve the desired relationship. The control system is further configured to control the controllable guide structure according to the surgical plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Applicant: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Scott David Nortman, Amit Mistry, Jason K. Otto, Robert Van Vorhis, Mark Ellsworth Nadzadi, Miranda Jamieson
  • Patent number: 11065067
    Abstract: A robotic system for preparing a bone to repair a bone fracture, includes a controllable guide structure configured to guide preparation of at least one bone piece during execution of a surgical plan and a control system configured to define the surgical plan. Defining the surgical plan includes determining a desired relationship between at least a first bone piece and a second bone piece that are separated by the bone fracture and planning preparation of the first bone piece to include a prepared anatomical structure configured to align the first bone piece with the second bone piece such that when aligned, the first bone piece and the second bone piece will achieve the desired relationship. The control system is further configured to control the controllable guide structure according to the surgical plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Scott David Nortman, Amit Mistry, Jason K. Otto, Robert Van Vorhis, Mark Ellsworth Nadzadi, Miranda Jamieson
  • Patent number: 10952796
    Abstract: A system for verifying a tool for use in a surgical procedure includes a mechanical interface configured to be affixed to a portion of a patient's anatomy, wherein the mechanical interface comprises at least a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter. The system further includes a probe configured to be inserted into the mechanical interface to establish a checkpoint location, and a computing system configured to determine a location of a portion of the probe when the probe is inserted a maximum distance into the mechanical interface, wherein the location of the portion of the probe establishes the checkpoint location. The computing system is further configured to verify a surgical tool by comparing the checkpoint location to a location of a portion of the surgical tool when the surgical tool is inserted a maximum distance into the mechanical interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Louis Arata, Sherif Aly, Robert Van Vorhis, Sandi Glauser, Timothy Blackwell, Rony Abovitz, Maurice Ferre
  • Publication number: 20190117311
    Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for implant planning for multiple implant components using constraints. A representation of a bone and a representation of a first implant component are displayed with respect to the representation of the bone. A representation of a second implant component is displayed, wherein the first implant component and the second implant component are physically separated and not connected to each other. A positioning of the representation of the second implant component that violates at least one positioning constraint is prevented, wherein the positioning constraint is based on the representation of the first implant component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Alexandra Bellettre, Louis Arata, Robert Van Vorhis, Jason Otto, Jason Wojcik
  • Publication number: 20190029764
    Abstract: A robotic system for preparing a bone to repair a bone fracture, includes a controllable guide structure configured to guide preparation of at least one bone piece during execution of a surgical plan and a control system configured to define the surgical plan. Defining the surgical plan includes determining a desired relationship between at least a first bone piece and a second bone piece that are separated by the bone fracture and planning preparation of the first bone piece to include a prepared anatomical structure configured to align the first bone piece with the second bone piece such that when aligned, the first bone piece and the second bone piece will achieve the desired relationship. The control system is further configured to control the controllable guide structure according to the surgical plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Scott David Nortman, Amit Mistry, Jason K. Otto, Robert Van Vorhis, Mark Ellsworth Nadzadi, Miranda Jamieson
  • Patent number: 10085804
    Abstract: A robotic system for preparing a bone to receive a prosthetic device. The robotic system includes a controllable guide structure configured to guide cutting of the bone into a shape for receiving the prosthetic device, and a computer readable medium for storing data representative of the prosthetic device. The prosthetic device includes a body portion having an implantation surface configured to face the bone upon implantation and at least one feature that provides a constraint structure that will constrain the prosthetic device in the bone. The robotic system includes a control system for controlling the guide structure, and is configured to define at least one bone-cutting pattern for (i) removing a first portion of bone in a first area sufficient to seat the body portion and (ii) at least one of removing and maintaining a second portion of bone in a second area configured to interact with the constraint structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Scott David Nortman, Amit Mistry, Jason K. Otto, Robert Van Vorhis, Mark Ellsworth Nadzadi, Miranda Jamieson
  • Patent number: 10064685
    Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for implant planning for multiple implant components using constraints. A representation of a bone and a representation of a first implant component are displayed with respect to the representation of the bone. A representation of a second implant component is displayed, wherein the first implant component and the second implant component are physically separated and not connected to each other. A positioning of the representation of the second implant component that violates at least one positioning constraint is prevented, wherein the positioning constraint is based on the representation of the first implant component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Alexandra Bellettre, Louis Arata, Robert Van Vorhis, Jason Otto, Jason Wojcik
  • Patent number: 9913692
    Abstract: The description relates to surgical computer systems, including computer program products, and methods for implant planning using captured joint motion information. Data is captured representative of a range of motion of a joint associated with a particular individual, where the joint includes a first bone and a second bone. The first bone of the joint is represented and a first implant model is associated with the representation of the first bone. Based on the captured data, a relationship is determined between the first implant model and a representation of the second bone or a second implant model through at least a portion of the range of motion of the joint. Information is displayed representative of the determined relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Louis Arata, Alon Mozes, Jason Otto, Robert Van Vorhis
  • Patent number: 9916421
    Abstract: The description relates to surgical computer systems, including computer program products, and methods for implant planning using corrected captured joint motion information. Data representative of a corrected limb pose at a plurality of poses within a range of motion of a joint associated with a particular individual is captured, the joint comprising a first bone and a second bone, while the first bone, the second bone, or both are subject to a corrective force aligning the first and second bones in a desired alignment. The first bone of the joint is represented. The second bone of the joint is represented. A first implant model is associated with the representation of the first bone. A second implant model is associated with the representation of the second bone. Based on the captured data, a relationship is determined between the first implant model and the second implant model at one or more poses of the plurality of poses within the range of motion of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Van Vorhis, Timothy Blackwell
  • Patent number: 9827051
    Abstract: The description relates to surgical computer systems, including computer program products, and methods for implant planning using captured joint motion information. Data is captured representative of a range of motion of a joint associated with a particular individual, where the joint includes a first bone and a second bone. The first bone of the joint is represented and a first implant model is associated with the representation of the first bone. Based on the captured data, a relationship is determined between the first implant model and a representation of the second bone through at least a portion of the range of motion of the joint. Information is displayed representative of the determined relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Louis Arata, Alon Mozes, Jason Otto, Robert Van Vorhis
  • Publication number: 20170333138
    Abstract: A system for verifying a tool for use in a surgical procedure includes a mechanical interface configured to be affixed to a portion of a patient's anatomy, wherein the mechanical interface comprises at least a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter. The system further includes a probe configured to be inserted into the mechanical interface to establish a checkpoint location, and a computing system configured to determine a location of a portion of the probe when the probe is inserted a maximum distance into the mechanical interface, wherein the location of the portion of the probe establishes the checkpoint location. The computing system is further configured to verify a surgical tool by comparing the checkpoint location to a location of a portion of the surgical tool when the surgical tool is inserted a maximum distance into the mechanical interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Applicant: MAKO SURGICAL CORP.
    Inventors: Louis ARATA, Sherif ALY, Robert VAN VORHIS, Sandi GLAUSER, Timothy BLACKWELL, Rony ABOVITZ, Maurice R. FERRE
  • Publication number: 20170262595
    Abstract: The description relates to surgical computer systems, including computer program products, and methods for implant planning using corrected captured joint motion information. Data representative of a corrected limb pose at a plurality of poses within a range of motion of a joint associated with a particular individual is captured, the joint comprising a first bone and a second bone, while the first bone, the second bone, or both are subject to a corrective force aligning the first and second bones in a desired alignment. The first bone of the joint is represented. The second bone of the joint is represented. A first implant model is associated with the representation of the first bone. A second implant model is associated with the representation of the second bone. Based on the captured data, a relationship is determined between the first implant model and the second implant model at one or more poses of the plurality of poses within the range of motion of the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Van Vorhis, Timothy Blackwell
  • Patent number: 9724165
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical system and, more particularly, to a surgical system and method for verifying calibration of a surgical device. The surgical system or method can be configured to perform the steps of: identifying an interface on an anatomy of a patient, determining a position of a checkpoint of the interface in a coordinate frame of reference, contacting the interface with a portion of a surgical tool of the surgical device, determining a position of the portion of the surgical tool in the coordinate frame of reference, and determining whether the position of the portion of the surgical tool has an expected correspondence to the position of the checkpoint. The interface may comprise a painted portion of a bone of the patient, a divot made in the bone, or a mechanical interface that includes a portion configured to be affixed to the bone and an interface portion that is configured to be contacted by the portion of the surgical tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Louis Arata, Sherif Aly, Robert Van Vorhis, Sandi Glauser, Timothy Blackwell, Rony Abovitz, Maurice R. Ferre
  • Publication number: 20170189120
    Abstract: The description relates to surgical computer systems, including computer program products, and methods for implant planning using captured joint motion information. Data is captured representative of a range of motion of a joint associated with a particular individual, where the joint includes a first bone and a second bone. The first bone of the joint is represented and a first implant model is associated with the representation of the first bone. Based on the captured data, a relationship is determined between the first implant model and a representation of the second bone or a second implant model through at least a portion of the range of motion of the joint. Information is displayed representative of the determined relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Louis Arata, Alon Mozes, Jason Otto, Robert Van Vorhis
  • Patent number: 9665686
    Abstract: The description relates to surgical computer systems, including computer program products, and methods for implant planning using corrected captured joint motion information. Data representative of a corrected limb pose at a plurality of poses within a range of motion of a joint associated with a particular individual is captured, the joint comprising a first bone and a second bone, while the first bone, the second bone, or both are subject to a corrective force aligning the first and second bones in a desired alignment. The first bone of the joint is represented. The second bone of the joint is represented. A first implant model is associated with the representation of the first bone. A second implant model is associated with the representation of the second bone. Based on the captured data, a relationship is determined between the first implant model and the second implant model at one or more poses of the plurality of poses within the range of motion of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Van Vorhis, Timothy Blackwell
  • Patent number: 9364291
    Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for implant planning using areas representing cartilage. A predetermined number of control points for generating a predetermined number of areas representing cartilage are determined, wherein the predetermined number of control points are based on an implant component. Measurements corresponding to a plurality of measured cartilage points are received, wherein each cartilage point is based on an associated control point from the predetermined number of control points. A plurality of areas representing cartilage are generated, wherein each area representing cartilage is larger than and projects to an associated control point from the plurality of control points. A representation of the implant component is positioned based on a representation of a bone, the representation of the bone comprising representations of the plurality of areas representing cartilage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Alexandra Bellettre, Louis Arata, Robert Van Vorhis, Jason Otto, Jason Wojcik