Patents Assigned to DePuy Spine
  • Minimally invasive spinal fixation guide systems and methods
    Patent number: 8075591
    Abstract: Methods and devices for implanting spinal fixation implants and devices are provided. In one embodiment, a method for implanting a spinal fixation system is provided and it includes the steps of positioning a spinal fixation element to extend along a patient's spinal column adjacent to one or more vertebrae, determining an implant site on at least one vertebra, implanting at least one spinal anchor at the implant site on at least one vertebra, and coupling the spinal fixation element to each implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Ludwig, David Greg Anderson, Michael Carl Michielli, Philip Cormier, Nicholas J. Miller
  • Facet joint replacement
    Patent number: 8070783
    Abstract: Various methods and devices for replacing damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy posterior elements, such as the facet joints, the lamina, the posterior ligaments, and/or other features of a patient's spinal column, are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices are effective to mimic the natural function of the spine by allowing flexion, extension, and lateral bending of the spine, while substantially restricting posterior-anterior shear and rotation of the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: SeungKyu Daniel Kwak, John Riley Hawkins, Amie Borgstrom, William Dunbar
  • Transdiscal administration of cycline compounds
    Patent number: 8067397
    Abstract: The present invention relates to administering a doxycycline compound into a diseased intervertebral disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamed Attawia, Thomas M. DiMauro, Hassan Serhan, Sudhakar Kadiyala, David Urbahns, Gregory Collins, Laura J. Brown, Jeffrey C. Geesin
  • Remotely-activated vertebroplasty injection device
    Patent number: 8066713
    Abstract: A remotely-activated injection device for use in vertebroplasty is provided to inject a flourescent probe material into a patient. The injection device includes a pump defining an injection chamber having an exit opening; an actuator; and a cable having a first end coupled to the actuator, and a second end remotely engaging the pump. The actuator remotely controls the pump by responsive movement of the cable to thereby cause injection of a flourescent probe material from the injection chamber of the pump through the exit opening to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. DiMauro, John Crombie, Richard Pellegrino
  • Spanning connector for connecting a spinal fixation element and an offset bone anchor
    Patent number: 8057518
    Abstract: A spanning connector for connecting an offset bone anchor to a previously inserted spinal fixation element and method of use is provided. The spanning connector includes a first connecting mechanism for connecting the spanning connector to the bone anchor, and a second connecting mechanism for connector the spanning connector to the previously inserted spinal fixation element. The spanning connector also includes a connector body for coupling the first connecting mechanism and the second connecting mechanism. Embodiments of a spanning connector may also reduce a separation distance between the bone anchor and the spinal fixation element. Embodiments of a spanning connector are configured, sized and dimensioned for use in a minimally invasive surgical technique, such as a rod-first spinal surgical technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Frasier, Michael Mahoney, Nicholas Pavento, Christopher L. Ramsay, David Greg Anderson
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SPINAL SURGERY
    Publication number: 20110276139
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mahoney, Sara Dziedzic, Paul Birkmeyer, Timothy Beardsley, Dale Frank, Ron Naughton
  • Disc prosthesis having remote flexion/extension center of rotation
    Patent number: 8043379
    Abstract: An intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises a first endplate, a second endplate, and a bearing surface positioned between the first endplate and the second endplate. The bearing surface may be provided by a mobile bearing disc including a convex bearing surface configured to engage the first endplate and a concave bearing surface configured to engage the second endplate. The multiple bearing surfaces of the mobile bearing disc engage articulating surfaces on the endplates to form a plurality of articulating joints. Each articulating joint is configured to facilitate a particular type of movement for the segmental unit. Furthermore, each articulating joint is defined by a distinct center of rotation. The contact pair formed by the convex bearing surface of the bearing component and the concave bearing surface of the first endplate may provide a flexion/extension center of rotation for the prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Missoum Moumene, Martin Masson
  • Articulating facet fusion screw
    Patent number: 8043334
    Abstract: A spinal implant is provided having an elongate member with a longitudinal axis and threads extending over at least a portion of the outer surface thereof. The implant includes a stabilization feature associated with the elongate member that is selectively configurable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration in which the stabilization feature is oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. Also, at least a portion of the implant can include a fusion-promoting bioactive material. In another aspect, the invention includes methods for providing stabilization within a facet joint by delivery of an articulating intra-facet screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Alan Fisher, Christopher Mickiewicz
  • Surgical methods and surgical kits
    Patent number: 8038611
    Abstract: This invention includes surgical retractors that comprise an expandable frame that includes at least two base components, a connector, and at least two retractor blades attached to the expandable frame. Also included are surgical retractors that comprise a housing component that includes a cylindrical portion and a contiguous blade portion, assemblies comprising a surgical retractor assembled to at least one obtruator, illuminated surgical cannulas, and methods of using the same during a surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond, Connie Marchek, Thomas W. Higginbotham, Anthony R. Carlone, Katherine Herard, Timothy Beardsley
  • Non-fusion spinal correction systems and methods
    Patent number: 8034085
    Abstract: Methods and devices that utilize segmental fixation between several adjacent vertebrae, thus allowing each vertebrae to be adjusted independently, are provided. In general, the device includes a spinal anchoring element that is adapted to seat at least one spinal fixation element, and a closure mechanism that is adapted to mate to the spinal anchoring element to lock the at least one spinal fixation element in a fixed position relative to the spinal anchoring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Slivka, Hassan A. Serhan
  • Spinal fusion implant
    Patent number: 8034110
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect the first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Garner, Sara Dziedzic, Michael Mahoney, Ramon Roberte
  • Interspinous process spacer having tight access offset hooks
    Patent number: 8025678
    Abstract: An interspinous spacer having a pair of hooks that, upon lateral insertion between opposed spinous process, bear upon the opposed spinous processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin A. Reynolds, Lisa Gilman, John Griffin, Hassan Serhan, John Riley Hawkins
  • Method and system for securing a rod to a bone anchor with a connector
    Patent number: 8025682
    Abstract: A rod anchoring system including a bone anchor and a connector is provided. The connector of the rod anchoring system is configured to be inserted in one orientation and then transitioned to a second orientation to connect the rod to the anchor. The bone anchor includes a detachable extension shaft that acts as a guide for inserting the connector. In use, once the bone anchor has been implanted at a target site on a vertebra, the connector is placed onto the extension shaft and slid along its length in a first orientation to insert the connector. Once the connector is at the implant site, it is transitioned from the first orientation to the second orientation to connect the rod to the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mahoney, Christopher L. Ramsay, David Greg Anderson, Steven Ludwig, Michael Wang
  • Ceramic disc prosthesis
    Patent number: 8021428
    Abstract: A prosthetic is provided for replacing a vertebral disc. The prosthesis can comprise first and second endplates formed of a ceramic material, each including an articulating contact surface and a bone facing surface. The contact surface of the first endplate can have a shape complementary to the contact surface of the second endplate, thereby facilitating articulation of the first and second endplates while in contact with one another. The device can further include at least one non-ceramic bone attachment element mated with at least one of the bone facing surfaces, such that the bone attachment element covers less than a full area of the bone facing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Bartish, Jr., Jeffrey Brousseau, Patrick Fatyol, Conor McCrea, Michael J. O'Neil, Stephen Connolly
  • Systems and methods for spinal surgery
    Patent number: 8016829
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mahoney, Sara Dziedzic, Paul Birkmeyer, Timothy Beardsley, Dale Frank, Ron Naughton
  • Rigidly guided implant placement with control assist
    Patent number: 8016835
    Abstract: A system for guiding an implant to an optimal placement within a patient includes a trajectory guide for guiding instruments along a selected trajectory and a trajectory fixation device for fixing the trajectory guide in a selected position. The trajectory guide defines a path configured to align with the selected trajectory. A movable support mounts the trajectory guide and selectively moves the trajectory guide to align the trajectory guide with the selected trajectory prior to fixing the trajectory guide in the selected position. The trajectory is aligned coarsely by hand, then the trajectory is aligned using a fine adjustment system. After fixing the trajectory guide, instruments can be inserted along the trajectory through the path defined by the trajectory guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Birkmeyer, Christopher W. Sicvol, Hassan Serhan, Sean Selover, Ronald Naughton, Nancy M. Sheehy
  • Gaseous sterilization of impermeable containers through use of porous material
    Patent number: 8012413
    Abstract: A gas-impervious container having a gas-permeable porous insert, wherein the insert contacts a flowable biomedical material, for improving access of the sterilant gas to the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Fischer, Gary Mitchel, Michael J O'Neil
  • Instruments and methods for manipulating vertebra
    Patent number: 8007516
    Abstract: A method for manipulating a vertebra includes connecting a first bone anchor to a first vertebra, connecting a second bone anchor to a second bone anchor, positioning a spinal rod in a receiving member of the first bone anchor and in a receiving member of the second bone anchor, connecting a first instrument to the receiving member of the first bone anchor, and manipulating the first instrument to rotate first bone anchor and the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Nam T. Chao, Dennis Hubbard, Chris Rybicki, Ronald Sacher, James R. Donahue, Simon Siu, Randal Betz
  • Methods for correction of spinal deformities
    Patent number: 8007522
    Abstract: A method of treating a spinal column shape deformation includes fixing at least two fixation screw assemblies to respective vertebrae, sliding a rod between the arm extensions on each of the fixation screw assemblies, swinging the channels of the screw assemblies relative to the fixation screws so that the channels become less inclined to the axes of the fixation screws, and so that the rod is located generally posteriorly of the spinal column, locking the channel against swinging relative to the screw, rotating the rod about its axis relative to at least one of the channels, and locking the rod against movement relative to the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: John Hutchinson
  • Methods of implanting a motion segment repair system
    Patent number: 7993376
    Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for implanting a motion segment repair system. In particular, exemplary methods and devices are provided for implanting a spinal disc implant and/or a PDS device using a posterior surgical approach, including methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae using a posterior surgical approach, methods and devices for posteriorly introducing a spinal implant into a disc space between adjacent vertebrae, and methods and devices for coupling a PDS device to the adjacent vertebrae to provide a complete motion segment repair system that is implanted using a posterior surgical approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominique Verhulst, Amie Borgstrom, Charles M. Bartish, Jr., John Riley Hawkins, SeungKyu Daniel Kwak, William Dunbar, Katherine Torres