Patents Examined by David Comstock
  • Patent number: 8070780
    Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Spartek Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Zucherman, Ken Y. Hsu, Charles J. Winslow, Henry A. Klyce, Matthew Hannibal, James A. Rinner, Jay A. Markwart
  • Patent number: 8066747
    Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Spartek Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Zucherman, Ken Y. Hsu, Charles J. Winslow, Henry A. Klyce, Matthew Hannibal, Donald L. Cain, H. Adam Klyce, John J. Flynn, Jay A. Markwart
  • Patent number: 8062296
    Abstract: A fracture fixation plate system for use on a long bone having a metaphysis and a diaphysis, includes at least one end plate having a head portion for the metaphysis, and at least one fragment plate having a first end and a second end with a plurality of screw holes therebetween. The end plate includes mating structure adapted to mate with and securely couple to at least one end of the at least one fragment plate. The system preferably includes several end plates and fragment plates to accommodate anatomy of various sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Depuy Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge L. Orbay, Javier E. Castaneda, Edward Mebarak
  • Patent number: 8062369
    Abstract: A cervical intervertebral prosthesis system includes prostheses which each have a hinge with a predefined center of hinge movement. To permit better adaptation to the different hinge radii of the cervical intervertebral disks, the cervical intervertebral prostheses of the system include at least two different prostheses with different hinge radii.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Cervitech, Inc.
    Inventor: Helmut D. Link
  • Patent number: 8052721
    Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Spartek Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Winslow, James F. Zucherman, Ken Y. Hsu, Henry A. Klyce, Matthew Hannibal, H. Adam Klyce, Jay A. Markwart
  • Patent number: 8048128
    Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Spartek Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry A. Klyce, James F. Zucherman, Charles J. Winslow, Ken Y. Hsu, Matthew Hannibal, Donald L. Cain, H. Adam Klyce, Jay A. Markwart
  • Patent number: 8048083
    Abstract: Methods and instruments for treating an osteoporotic vertebral body or for treating a vertebral compression fracture. An exemplary method includes introducing an open knit structure together with a bone cement into a bone wherein the knit structure extends substantially throughout the interior of the cement volume. In one aspect of the invention, the bone cement volumes cures with the filament structure reinforcing the cement. In another aspect of the invention, the open knit structure is configured to direct flows of bone cement to apply forces for reducing a vertebral compression fracture. In another aspect of the invention, the system provides bone cement flows that extend through the knit structure thus allowing the cement to fully interdigitate with the cancellous bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: DFINE, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Shadduck, Csaba Truckai
  • Patent number: 8043296
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an elongated member, an expandable member coupled to the elongated member, and an outer sheath. The outer sheath, which can be constructed from a different material than the expandable member, is disposed about the expandable member such that an outer surface of the expandable member is in discontinuous contact with an inner surface of the outer sheath. The expandable member and the outer sheath are configured to cooperatively displace a bone structure when moving between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Kyphon SARL
    Inventors: Nishith Chasmawala, Bryan J. Auyoung, Gorman Gong, Alex Hsia, Lex P. Jansen, Christopher U. Phan
  • Patent number: 8038714
    Abstract: Intervertebral spacers and methods of promoting fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae are provided. The spacers include an elongated body having a first end, a second end and an outer surface. Side walls connect the first and second ends. The elongated body also defines an interior cavity. The side wall defines an opening to the interior cavity in a side of the elongated body. At least one of the first and second ends has a discontinuity, such as a concave surface, for nesting with an adjacent spacer. The methods of promoting fusion bone growth include utilizing the inventive spacers described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Boyd, J. Kenneth Burkus, John D. Dorchak, Bradley T. Estes, Eddie F. Ray, III
  • Patent number: 8038713
    Abstract: Artificial disc replacements (ADRs) and total disc replacements (TDRs) are based upon two, directly articulating components, resulting in a restricted-motion system that better approximates more normal spinal flexion, extension, and lateral bending. One component has a concave articulating surface, and the other with a convex articulating surface. The radius of curvature of the articulating surface is smaller in the anterior to posterior direction of the ADR than radius of curvature of the articulating surface in the left to right direction of the ADR. The use of an articulating surface with two or more radius of curvature also limits axial rotation, thereby protecting the facet joints and the Annulus Fibrosus (AF). The two different radii used to create the articulating surfaces also naturally leads to an oval shape as seen from the top, which better fits the oval shape of the vertebral endplate better than circularly shaped ADRs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: SpineCore, Inc.
    Inventor: Bret A. Ferree
  • Patent number: 8038702
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for securing a spinal rod to the spine which includes a head portion configured to receive a spinal rod, a locking cap configured to engage the head portion and the spinal rod upon rotation of the locking cap relative to the head portion to secure the position of the head portion relative to the spinal rod, and a fastener portion depending from the head portion and configured to engage the spine. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Hansen Yuan, David Nichols, Eric Finley
  • Patent number: 8029514
    Abstract: A bone screw removal system for a bone screw retaining system that includes an implant having a plate, which defines a plurality of transversely extending bores that are configured to receive a bone screw for engaging the plate to the cervical spine, and an elastically deformable spring member positioned therein a cavity of the plate such that portions of the spring member can extend into a portion of an upper region of each of the bores of a pair of opposing bores, the spring member being movable between a first relaxed, expanded position and a second, compressed position. The bone screw removal system having at least one tongue member that is configured to selectively act on the spring member of the bone screw retaining system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: James C. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8025684
    Abstract: Instruments of an instrumentation set may be used to prepare a disc space and to insert an implant into the prepared disc space. The instruments may include fixed tip distractors and/or modular tip distractors. The instruments may include a chisel. The chisel may allow simultaneous removal of a desired amount of bone from each of a pair of vertebrae. The instruments may include an implant inserter. The implant inserter may grip sides of an implant. A portion of the implant inserter may fit within grooves of the implant to minimize or eliminate portions of the implant that extend beyond side surfaces of the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Javier Garcia-Bengochea, Erik J. Wagner, David J. Krueger
  • Patent number: 8021401
    Abstract: Featured are methods for fixing adjacent vertebrate of a spine that utilize an implant member, which preferably is arcuate. Preferred methods of the invention for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae of the spine, include forming an aperture in each of the adjacent vertebrae and inserting an implant into the apertures formed in each of the adjacent vertebrae so that the implant extends between the adjacent vertebrae and through the intervertebral space. An alternative method for fixing adjacent vertebrae of a spine includes the step of forming a common channel in and between the adjacent vertebrae and inserting an implant in the channel so as to bridge between the adjacent vertebrae. Also featured are methods for stabilizing adjacent segments of a bone, fixation systems and fixation kits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Carl, Ricky D. Hart, Josef K. Winkler
  • Patent number: 8016865
    Abstract: A method of replacing an ACL with a graft. The method provides for the drilling bone tunnels in a femur and a tibia. A replacement graft is provided having first and second ends. A biodegradable composite screw is provided. The screw is made from a biodegradable polymer and a bioceramic or a bioglass. At least one end of the graft is secured in a bone tunnel using the biodegradable composite screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Mitek, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Donnelly, Yufu Li, Joan M. Sullivan, Gregory Whittaker, J. Jenny Yuan
  • Patent number: 8012197
    Abstract: A stent comprises a tubular member having openings therein and having a plurality of interconnected members and one or more frangible restraining members. The frangible restraining members break upon partial expansion of the stent. Thereafter, the stent self-expands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mehran Bashiri, Michael L Davis
  • Patent number: 8012187
    Abstract: Techniques for spinal surgery include accessing at least one vertebral element of the spinal column. At least one loading member is engaged to the at least one vertebral element. The loading member is allowed to integrate with the bony structure of the vertebral element over time. The integrated loading member is accessed in a second surgical procedure, and can be loaded and/or attached to a construct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Sherman, Fred J. Molz, IV
  • Patent number: 8012175
    Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Spartek Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Winslow, James F. Zucherman, Ken Y. Hsu, Henry A. Klyce, Matthew Hannibal, H. Adam Klyce, Jay A. Markwart
  • Patent number: 8002800
    Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Spartek Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Winslow, James F. Zucherman, Ken Y. Hsu, Henry A. Klyce, Matthew Hannibal, H. Adam Klyce, Jay A. Markwart
  • Patent number: 8002799
    Abstract: A system for attaching first and second fixation elements at a predetermined angle relative to each other to first and second locations of a vertebra, respectively includes a first guide wire configured to be inserted into the first location of the vertebra, an angular guide system comprising first and second guide arms configured to be set at the predetermined angle relative to each other and the first guide arm is configured to be inserted over the first guide wire and a second guide wire configured to be inserted through the second guide arm into the second location of the vertebra. The second guide wire includes first and second members configured to pivot relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Spinefrontier LLS
    Inventors: Kingsley R. Chin, Christopher A. Chang