Patents Assigned to AlphaTec Spine, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20100004694
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of using a screw assembly. The screw assembly includes a pedicle screw having a head portion and a shaft portion adapted to be secured to a vertebrae, and a body having pivotally coupled side portions configured to pivot from a first configuration for receiving the head portion of the screw into the body to a second configuration for engaging the head portion of the screw in a locking arrangement with the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: ALPHATEC SPINE, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Carter Little
  • Publication number: 20090318928
    Abstract: A surgical implant insertion system for deployment and removal of an implant into a vertebral body. The system includes an actuation rod, an actuator handle coupled to the actuation rod, and an inserter locking tube disposed over the actuation rod and coupled to an inserter handle. Upon insertion of the implant into the vertebral body using the inserter handle, the actuator handle is turned causing the actuation rod to expand or compress the implant disposed at a distal end of the inserter locking tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: ALPHATEC SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Purcell, William Reimels
  • Patent number: 7632278
    Abstract: The invention relates to spinal fusion implants or grafts and to apparatus for the installation thereof. More specifically, the invention is a serrated cutting or abrading tool designed to be pushed into an intervertebral space and thereby remove and partially penetrate the cortical bone layer that defines the endplates of the respective mutually adjacent vertebral bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Jansen, Andrew R. Sennett
  • Publication number: 20090306672
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for an instrument for use in an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) procedure for distraction of adjacent vertebrae and insertion of a vertebral body replacement (VBR) implant. The instrument includes a hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end, an inserter shaft positioned within the body configured to removably engage a VBR implant near the distal end of the body, an actuatable handle coupled to the body, the handle being configured to engage the inserter shaft to advance the VBR implant in a distal direction during handle actuation, and a pair of opposed distraction arms removably coupled to the distal end of the body, the distraction arms having paddle tips configured to fit between adjacent vertebrae, the distraction arms being movable from a closed position to an open position during distal advancement of the VBR implant between the distraction arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: ALPHATEC SPINE,INC.
    Inventors: Eric S. REINDEL, Nathan J. MEYER
  • Publication number: 20090306779
    Abstract: Apparatus and method if using a modular spinal implant system for use between adjacent vertebrae near vascular anatomy. The system includes an implant configured the fit between adjacent vertebrae, the implant having annular side walls with upper and lower surfaces configured to enclose a hollow interior, and an attachment plate rotatably coupled to the implant and configured to rotate to variable orientations relative to the implant to avoid the vascular anatomy, the attachment plate having a superior portion that is narrower than an inferior portion, the attachment plate having at least one vertebra attachment hole configured for attaching to at least one adjacent vertebrae using one or more bone screws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: ALPHATEC SPINE, INC.
    Inventor: Uri AHN
  • Patent number: 7591852
    Abstract: A cage assembly adapted to be implanted in a spinal column for treating degenerative or ruptured discs and replacing damaged vertebral bodies. The assembly includes one or more rigid cages formed in an annular configuration and having opposed upper and lower perimeter surfaces, an annular side wall extending between said surfaces, a transverse inner wall extending across said cage, a plurality of raised ridges projecting outwardly from each of said perimeter surfaces for engaging the spinal column and securing the assembly therein. Apertures are provided in the side wall for use in positioning said cage in the spinal column and a pair of aligned openings extend axially through the cage for packing the cage with bone graft material. At least one spacing element having the same annular configuration as the cages can be provided to effect the stacked attachment of one cage with another in rigid axial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Prosser
  • Publication number: 20090171391
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system, method, and a surgical kit having a surgical extender apparatus for implanting a surgical screw are disclosed. The extender includes a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a hollow interior passageway disposed between the distal end and the proximal end, a channel disposed along an exterior surface of the housing at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end and configured to at least partially expose the hollow interior passageway, an interior locking mechanism disposed on an interior surface of the housing and substantially adjacent the proximal end, wherein the interior locking mechanism is configured to allow attachment of at least one surgical tool, and at least one flexible member disposed substantially adjacent the distal end. The housing is configured to accommodate placement of a surgical screw implant. The surgical screw implant is secured to the housing a mating feature in the surgical screw implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: ALPHATEC SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Clark Hutton, Ketchen Smith
  • Publication number: 20090030463
    Abstract: A surgical implant assembly and a method for securing a fixation rod, where the assembly is capable of being secured to a bone structure are disclosed. The assembly includes at least two rigid structures configured to be secured to the bone structure. The structures include a distal portion for receiving a portion of the fixation rod therebetween, a tab positioned at a distal point of the distal portion, a screw compression nut and a distal expansion member coupled to the screw compression nut that are driven down the rigid structures, and a rod compression nut and a proximal expansion member coupled to the rod compression nut that engage the rigid structures so that the fixation rod is disposed between the combination the screw compression nut and the distal expansion member and the combination of the rod compression nut and the proximal expansion member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: ALPHATEC SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Srinath Samudrala, Thomas Purcell
  • Patent number: 7481813
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices, systems and associated methods for use in rod reduction and set screw insertion for a bone/spinal fixation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Purcell
  • Publication number: 20080243189
    Abstract: A spinal screw assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebrae. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent a curvilinear surface disposed about an aperture in the end of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the curvilinear inner surface abuts and mates with the head portion of the screw so as to define a ball joint therewith. The body member additionally defines a pair of opposed parallel slots therein adapted to receive a portion of the fixation rod and a locking cap bears against the fixation rod to releasably secure the rod within the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.,
    Inventors: Thomas Purcell, Don Hair, Tamas T. Frech
  • Publication number: 20080221586
    Abstract: A curvilinear spinal access device for performing a procedure on a spine of a patient is disclosed. The device includes a working portal configured to be advanced toward a surgical site located at the spine of the patient. The working portal includes a distal end and a proximate end, a working portal housing having an open interior channel disposed between the distal end and the proximate end, an exterior channel disposed on an outside surface of the working portal housing and between the distal end and the proximate end. The distal end is configured to be disposed at the surgical site and the proximate end is disposed away from the surgical site. The housing has a curved shape defined between the proximate end and the distal end, wherein the proximate end is disposed with respect to the distal end. The working channel is configured to allow advancement of at least one surgical tool and/or at least one implant toward the surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: ALPHATEC SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Javier Garcia-Bengochea, Jeffrey Allen Guyer, Thomas Purcell
  • Patent number: 7377923
    Abstract: A spinal screw assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebrae. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent a curvilinear surface disposed about an aperture in the end of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the curvilinear inner surface abuts and mates with the head portion of the screw so as to define a ball joint therewith. The body member additionally defines a pair of opposed parallel slots therein adapted to receive a portion of the fixation rod and a locking cap bears against the fixation rod to releasably secure the rod within the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: AlphaTec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Purcell, Don Hair, Tamas T. Frech
  • Publication number: 20080114208
    Abstract: A retractor device for spearing the body tissue apart is provided. The retractor includes a housing configured to include a plurality of sections, wherein each section is configured to accommodate placement of at least one blade, a blade holding mechanism configured to secure the at least one blade within the housing, a translation mechanism configured to provide translation movement of at least one of the sections, and a rotation mechanism configured to provide rotation movement of at least one blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: ALPHATEC SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Clark Hutton, Thomas Purcell, Christopher M. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20080103507
    Abstract: A multi-axial rod connector for connecting spinal rods is provided. The rod connector includes a poly-axial rod assembly configured to include a lateral translation mechanism and a fixed hook configured to be rigidly coupled to one end of the poly-axial rod assembly. The fixed hook includes a fixed hook cavity configured to secure a spinal rod. The rod connector also includes a variable hook configured to be rotatably coupled another end of the poly-axial rod. The variable hook includes a variable hook cavity configured to secure another spinal rod. The lateral translation mechanism is configured to change distance between the fixed hook and the variable hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: ALPHATEC SPINE, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Purcell
  • Publication number: 20080082103
    Abstract: A spinal screw assembly adapted to be secured to a vertebrae for providing securement across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a substantially spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion, and an engagement surface in the head portion for driving said screw into the vertebrae, and a body member comprising a tower portion having an open top, a break-away section for manipulation of the screw upon implantation into the vertebrae, a base body at a proximal region of the body member and a break zone which acts as a transition between the base body and the tower portion. A resealably securable setscrew within the body member secures and fully contains the rod within said assembly. The break-away section remains completely outside a wound and is removed or broken off once the screw has been fully assembled inside the vertebrae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: ALPHATEC SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Clark Hutton, Ketchen Smith, Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski
  • Publication number: 20080082112
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to bone alignment rod connectors, and more particularly to traverse rod connectors. In one embodiment, the connector includes a housing having an opening configured to accommodate at least one rod, a setscrew assembly configured to secure the at least one rod when the at least one rod is placed in the opening. The setscrew assembly includes a setscrew and at least one circular/spherical object configured to interact with the setscrew when the setscrew is inserted in the housing. Upon insertion of the setscrew, the at least one spherical object is configured to laterally move towards the at least one rod to secure the at least one rod inside the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: ALPHATEC SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Laurence Lawton, Thomas Purcell
  • Publication number: 20080077248
    Abstract: A spacer for use in spine fusion surgical procedures is disclosed. The spacer includes an enclosure having a wall that is configured to enclose a hollow interior. The wall is further configured to include a plurality of openings spaced throughout the wall. The openings are configured to connect an exterior of the enclosure to the hollow interior. The enclosure further includes an indication cutting line configured to allow adjustment of a height of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: ALPHATEC SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Fred Murillo, Laurence Mercer McKinley
  • Publication number: 20080077247
    Abstract: A spinal spacer assembly is provided. The spinal spacer assembly includes a spinal spacer having a wall configured to enclose a hollow interior, wherein the wall is further configured to have a top portion and a bottom portion. The top and bottom portions are configured to include a plurality of protrusions configured to protrude away from the top and bottom portions. The wall is further configured to have a variable degree curvature and include a plurality of grooves and an opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: ALPHATEC SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Fred Murillo, Mark Melton
  • Publication number: 20070118121
    Abstract: Embodiments of an adjustable occipital plate is provided. The plate includes a fixation plate, at least one lateral rod configured to be coupled to the fixation plate, at least one sliding link configured to be coupled to the at least one lateral rod, and at least one posterior cervical rod configured to be coupled to the at least one sliding link using at least one rod connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: ALPHATEC SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Purcell, Frank Eismont
  • Publication number: 20070118022
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a retractor which may include a housing, at least one blade holder configured to be slidably coupled to the housing, and an actuator handle configured to control sliding movement of the at least one blade holder. The at least one blade holder and the actuator handle are configured to hold at least one blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: ALPHATEC SPINE, INC.
    Inventor: Clark Hutton