Patents Assigned to Centerpulse Spine-Tech, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20040181231
    Abstract: A method of, and surgical instrument for accessing first and second pedicle locations of a spinal column area. The surgical instrument including a blade member slidably positionable along first and second wires. The instrument having a nested arrangement of members, including a portal member having an elongated aperture to access the first and second pedicle locations. The nested arrangement further including a plurality of members configured and sized to incrementally expand the access opening to the spinal column area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Centerpulse Spine-Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik E. Emstad, Daniel S. Robbins
  • Publication number: 20040176764
    Abstract: A portal for use in a spinal implantation procedure is disclosed herein. The portal includes base and first and second paddles pivotally coupled to the base. The paddles can be pivoted between a distraction orientation and an insertion orientation. In the insertion orientation, the paddles are adapted for insertion between vertebrae that are in need of distraction. In the distraction orientation, the paddles are adapted to hold the vertebrae spaced apart at a distracted spacing. In the distraction orientation, the portal defines a portal window for accessing the disc space between the two distracted vertebrae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Centerpulse Spine-Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack A. Dant
  • Publication number: 20040162618
    Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant having an external member and an internal member. The implant includes a locking arrangement having a first interlocking teeth structure formed on the external member and a second interlocking teeth structure formed on the internal member. The interlocking teeth structures of the external and internal members have engagement surfaces arranged in a non-perpendicular orientation relative to the direction of implant expansion. The locking arrangement is configured such that walls of the internal member are pulled or flexed toward the walls of the external member when compressive forces are applied to the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Centerpulse Spine-Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Mujwid, Ishmael Bentley