Patents Assigned to Flexuspine, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20220304821
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant including a first substantially pyramidal-shaped wedge having: a first pair of laterally extending flanges, and a second pair of laterally extending flanges spaced from the first pair of laterally extending flanges; an upper body having an inferior surface, a superior surface, and a pair of recessed tracks for receiving the first pair of laterally extending flanges; and a lower body having a superior surface, an inferior surface, and a pair of recessed tracks for receiving the second pair of laterally extending flanges. The first substantially pyramidal-shaped wedge is movable between a first position and a second position within the recessed tracks of the upper body and the lower body. The intervertebral implant also includes a case housing the first substantially pyramidal-shaped wedge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Applicant: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Wagner, Michael Schular
  • Patent number: 11369484
    Abstract: In some embodiments, system and/or method may include an intervertebral implant for a human spine including an upper body, a lower body, first and second expansion members, and an expansion mechanism. A superior surface of the upper body may function to engage a first vertebra of the human spine. An inferior surface of the lower body may function to engage a second vertebra of the human spine. The first expansion member may include at least a first angled portion positionable, during use, between the upper body and the lower body. The second expansion member may include at least a second angled portion positionable, during use, between the upper body and the lower body. An expansion mechanism may convey, during use, the first and second angled portions in opposing directions increasing a separation distance between the upper body and the lower body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Flexuspine Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Wagner, Michael Schular
  • Patent number: 9579124
    Abstract: An artificial functional spinal unit including an expandable intervertebral implant that can be inserted via a posterior surgical approach and used with one or more facet replacement devices to provide an anatomically correct range of motion is described. Lordotic and non-lordotic expandable, articulating implants and cages are described, along with embodiments of facet replacement devices and instruments for insertion. Methods of insertion are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Gordon, Corey T. Harbold, Heather S. Hanson
  • Patent number: 9492288
    Abstract: In some embodiments, system and/or method may include an intervertebral implant for a human spine including an upper body, a lower body, first and second expansion members, and an expansion mechanism. A superior surface of the upper body may function to engage a first vertebra of the human spine. An inferior surface of the lower body may function to engage a second vertebra of the human spine. The first expansion member may include at least a first angled portion positionable, during use, between the upper body and the lower body. The second expansion member may include at least a second angled portion positionable, during use, between the upper body and the lower body. An expansion mechanism may convey, during use, the first and second angled portions in opposing directions increasing a separation distance between the upper body and the lower body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Wagner, Michael Schular
  • Patent number: 9066811
    Abstract: A method of stabilizing a human spine is provided. The spine may be stabilized by inserting one or more dynamic interbody devices in a disc space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra. A dynamic interbody device may be inserted using an anterior approach. One or more dynamic interbody devices may be inserted using a posterior approach. One or more of the dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra. The spine may also be stabilized by installing one or more posterior dynamic stabilization systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Erik J. Wagner, Michael S. Schular
  • Patent number: 8940051
    Abstract: Provided is a system for implanting an interbody device into a disc space located between a first and second vertebra includes a guide frame including a guide member having an opening. The system further includes an implant trial including an elongated body and a base plate coupled to the elongated body. The elongated body of the implant trial is releasably coupled to the guide member of the guide frame during use such that the opening guides longitudinal movement of the implant trial relative to the guide frame. The system still further includes a dilator operatively coupled to the elongated body during use for distracting the disc space. The system still further includes an insertion instrument including an elongated body and an insertion member coupled to the elongated body. The elongated body of the insertion instrument is releasably coupled to the guide member of the guide frame during use such that the opening guides longitudinal movement of the insertion instrument relative to the guide frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner, Scott Koysh
  • Patent number: 8940022
    Abstract: A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include two dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may be inserted into a disc space using a posterior approach. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. The dynamic posterior stabilization systems may provide resistance to movement that mimics the resistance provided by a normal functional spinal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Erik J. Wagner, Michael S. Schular
  • Patent number: 8603168
    Abstract: A stabilization system for a human spine is provided comprising at least one dynamic interbody device and at least one dynamic posterior stabilization system. In some embodiments the stabilization system comprises a pair of dynamic interbody devices and a pair of dynamic posterior stabilization systems. In some embodiments, a bridge may couple a dynamic interbody device to a dynamic posterior stabilization system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Gordon, Corey T. Harbold, Heather S. Hanson, Erik J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8597358
    Abstract: A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include two dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may be inserted into a disc space using a posterior approach. A first portion of a dynamic interbody device may contact a lower vertebra. A second portion of the dynamic interbody device may contact an upper vertebra. The first portion may be wider than the second portion to facilitate a large contact area against the lower vertebra and to facilitate insertion of the dynamic interbody device in the available space. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. The dynamic posterior stabilization systems may provide resistance to movement that mimics the resistance provided by a normal functional spinal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Erik J. Wagner, Michael S. Schular
  • Patent number: 8523912
    Abstract: Dynamic posterior stabilization systems and methods of stabilizing vertebrae are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include a first bone fastener configured to couple to a first vertebra, a second bone fastener configured to couple to a second vertebra, and a dampener system attached to the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener. The dampener system may include a first dampener set and a second dampener set. Compression of the first dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener. Compression of the first dampener set and the second dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8388687
    Abstract: Provided is a system for implanting an interbody device into a disc space located between a first and second vertebra includes a guide frame including a guide member having an opening. The system further includes an implant trial including an elongated body and a base plate coupled to the elongated body. The elongated body of the implant trial is releasably coupled to the guide member of the guide frame during use such that the opening guides longitudinal movement of the implant trial relative to the guide frame. The system still further includes a dilator operatively coupled to the elongated body during use for distracting the disc space. The system still further includes an insertion instrument including an elongated body and an insertion member coupled to the elongated body. The elongated body of the insertion instrument is releasably coupled to the guide member of the guide frame during use such that the opening guides longitudinal movement of the insertion instrument relative to the guide frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner, Scott Koysh
  • Patent number: 8377098
    Abstract: A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include one or more dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. The dynamic posterior stabilization systems may provide resistance to movement that mimics the resistance provided by a normal functional spinal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Erik J. Wagner, Michael S. Schular
  • Patent number: 8267965
    Abstract: A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include one or more dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. In an embodiment, the dynamic interbody device includes a keel having a neck and a cylindrical base. The cylindrical base is wider than the neck. In an embodiment, portions of the dynamic interbody device that allow for flexion and/or extension of vertebra coupled to the dynamic interbody device are coupled together by ball bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8187330
    Abstract: Dynamic posterior stabilization systems and methods of stabilizing vertebrae are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include a first bone fastener configured to couple to a first vertebra, a second bone fastener configured to couple to a second vertebra, and a dampener system attached to the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener. The dampener system may include a single dampener set. Compression of the single dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener. Compression of the first dampener set and the second dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8182514
    Abstract: Dynamic posterior stabilization systems are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include bone fasteners and a dampener system. The dampener system may include a fixed length elongated member. The dampener system may also include one or more dampener sets. The dampener sets may provide resistance to movement of vertebrae coupled to the dynamic posterior stabilization system. In some embodiments, the elongated member has at least two portions having different diameters. The different portions interact with other portions of the dampener system to allow for compression of a dampener set. In some embodiments, the dampener system includes a sleeve coupled to the elongated member. In some embodiments, the dampener system includes a pair of washers coupled to the elongated member. The sleeve or the pair of washers allow the dampener system to be secured to a bone fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8162994
    Abstract: Dynamic posterior stabilization systems and methods of stabilizing vertebrae are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include bone fasteners and a dampener system. The bone fasteners may be secured to the vertebrae, and the dampener system may be attached to the bone fasteners. The dampener system may include a first dampener set and a second dampener set positioned on an elongated member. The first dampener set may be compressed and provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener. The second dampener set may be compressed and provide resistance to movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8157844
    Abstract: Dynamic posterior stabilization systems are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include bone fasteners and a dampener system. The dampener system may include a first elongated member and a second elongated member that couple together to form a variable length elongated member. The dampener system may also include one or more dampener sets. The dampener sets may provide resistance to movement of vertebrae coupled to the dynamic posterior stabilization system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Gimbel, Michael S. Schular, Erik J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8147550
    Abstract: An articulating expandable intervertebral implant is described for insertion between vertebrae of a human spine. The articulating expandable intervertebral implant includes an upper body that engages a first vertebra, a lower body that engages a second vertebra, and an insert. The inferior surface of the upper body may include a concave portion. The superior surface of the insert may include a convex portion. The insert may be positioned between the superior surface of the lower body and the concave portion of the inferior surface of the upper body. In some embodiments, an expansion member may engage the insert to increase a height of the intervertebral implant and/or allow or increase articulation of the upper body with respect to the insert. The insert may include one or more features designed to limit articulation of the upper body with respect to the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Gordon, Corey T. Harbold, Heather S. Hanson
  • Patent number: 8118871
    Abstract: An articulating expandable intervertebral implant is described. The articulating expandable intervertebral implant includes an upper body that engages a first vertebra of the human spine, a lower body that engages a second vertebra of the human spine, an insert, and an advancing element. In some embodiments, the upper body includes an upper portion and a lower portion that are configured to articulate with respect to each other. The advancing element may be configured to engage the insert such that advancement of the advancing element causes the insert to at least partially rotate between the upper body and the lower body. Rotation of the insert may cause the insert to interact with at least a portion of the upper body or the lower body to increase a height of the intervertebral implant and/or to allow articulation of the intervertebral implant after insertion of the intervertebral implant between the vertebrae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Gordon, Corey T. Harbold, Heather S. Hanson
  • Patent number: 8118870
    Abstract: An expandable articulating intervertebral implant is described for insertion between vertebrae of a human spine. The expandable intervertebral implant includes an upper body that engages a first vertebra of the human spine, a lower body that engages a second vertebra of the human spine, and an insert. The upper body may include an upper portion and a lower portion. The insert may be positioned between an inferior surface of the lower portion of the upper body and a superior surface of the lower body. The insert may be translated or rotated to increase a separation distance between the lower body and the upper body. A spacer may be inserted between the upper body and the lower body to maintain at least a portion of the increased separation distance between the upper body and the lower body after expansion of the intervertebral implant in the human spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Flexuspine, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Gordon, Corey T. Harbold, Heather S. Hanson