Patents Examined by David Comstock
  • Patent number: 8795339
    Abstract: A spinal fixation device is provided having first and second elongate members that are angularly adjustable relative to one another. Each elongate member can include a connecting feature formed on a terminal end thereof, and each connecting feature can be coupled to one another to allow angular movement of the first and second elongate members. The device can also include a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the connecting feature on each of the first and second elongate members to lock the elongate members in a fixed position relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Depuy Spine Sarl
    Inventors: Mark C. Boomer, Bryan S. Jones, Raymond F. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8795162
    Abstract: An illuminated suction apparatus including a hand-held surgical device combining a high-performance non-fiber optic optical waveguide with suction. This device is useful in a wide array of surgical procedures including open and minimally invasive orthopedics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Invuity, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Vayser, Fernando Erismann, Douglas Rimer, Vladimir Zagatsky
  • Patent number: 8790372
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for constraining spinous processes to elastically limit flexion of two or more adjacent spinal segments rely on placing a tether structure over at least three adjacent vertebral bodies or two adjacent vertebral bodies and the sacrum. The tether structures may be continuous, for example in the form of a continuous loop, or may be discontinuous, for example in the form of a loop or elongate element having at least two anchor structures for securing in bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Simpirica Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Alamin, Ian Bennett, Louis Fielding, Colin Cahill
  • Patent number: 8784453
    Abstract: A dynamic spinal stabilization system that enables spinal movements throughout a range of motions from a neutral condition of the spine, to a flexion condition, and an extension condition. The system includes elastomeric members operatively located to substantially eliminate metal-to-metal contact of metal components of the system that are movable relative to one another, one of the elastomeric members having a stepped configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Melvin Law
  • Patent number: 8784492
    Abstract: This invention improves upon prior art total disc replacements (TDRs) by more closely replicating the kinematics of a natural disc. The preferred embodiments feature two or more fixed centers of rotation (CORs) and an optional variable COR (VCOR) as the artificial disk replacement (ADR) translates from a fixed posterior COR that lies posterior to the COR of the TDR to facilitate normal disc motion. The use of two or more CORs allows more flexion and more extension than permitted by the facet joints and the artificial facet (AF). AF joint-like components may also be incorporated into the design to restrict excessive translation, rotation, and/or lateral bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: SpineCore, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret A. Ferree, David Tompkins
  • Patent number: 8784428
    Abstract: A device for measuring a degree of bending of an intramedullary nail comprises a probe sized and shaped for insertion into a cannulation of an intramedullary nail. The probe including a first longitudinal element extending along a longitudinal axis from a distal end to a proximal end and a second longitudinal element extending along a longitudinal axis from a distal end to a proximal end, the distal ends of the first and second longitudinal elements attached to one another so that the longitudinal axes of the first and second longitudinal elements extend substantially parallel to each other and define a middle plane. A measuring element measures relative axial displacement of the proximal ends of the first and second longitudinal elements in the middle plane upon bending of the first and second longitudinal elements as the probe is inserted into a cannulation of the intramedullary nail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Depuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Reto Nardini, Adrian Baumgartner, Urs Hulliger
  • Patent number: 8777848
    Abstract: A Glottiscope for assisting with the insertion of an endotracheal tube or an Eschman like stylet into a patient is claimed. The Glottiscope comprises a blade which defines an internal passage for receiving an endotracheal tube or an Eschman like stylet, the blade having a proximal end and a distal end and means for viewing the patient's glottis, wherein the viewing means is disposed at the distal end and in use, below the point of emergence of an endotracheal tube or a stylet/guide (to rail road the endotracheal tube) in the internal passage to provide a view of the patient's glottis, the blade being adapted to direct the viewing means towards the center of the patient's glottis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Laryngeal Mask Company Limited
    Inventor: Gilles Dhonneur
  • Patent number: 8771279
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an osteotomy in bone. The osteotomy opening is formed in a bone with a keyhole. A similarly configured implant is inserted into the opening with a key configured to engage the keyhole to provide stability and support to the osteotomy opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc J. Philippon, Kelly Ammann, Bjorn N. Rindal, Marc Prisant
  • Patent number: 8771277
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a device to facilitate the insertion and attachment of an implant that includes a barrel assembly and a plate assembly in an interspinous space. The device comprises a main body, a first arm that is configured to hold the barrel assembly, and a second arm that is configured to hold a locking plate of the plate assembly, wherein the first and second arms are movably attached to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc
    Inventors: Jason Zappacosta, Robert Rightler, Christopher Angelucci
  • Patent number: 8771317
    Abstract: Medical devices for the treatment of spinal conditions are described herein. The medical device of this invention includes a spacer that is disposed between adjacent spinous processes and has a proximal retention member and a distal retention member, which may be rotated with respect to the proximal retention member between an initial implantation configuration and a final locked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Mingyan Liu, Jeffrey Zhang, Loic Josse
  • Patent number: 8771355
    Abstract: A mobile device is adapted to at least partially replace the motion characteristics of a natural inter-vertebral disc positioned in a disc space. In an embodiment, a receptacle is coupled to the bearing surface. The receptacle is adapted to accept an implantable material without the removal of the bearing surface, wherein the implantable material contacts the abutment surface of each of the vertebral bodies adjacent to the disc space and leads to fusion and immobilization of two vertebral bodies adjacent the disc space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: M. S. Abdou
  • Patent number: 8764757
    Abstract: MIS TLIF systems and related methods. Implementations of distractor devices may include a first portion and a second portion where the second portion is slidably coupled over the first portion. A position of the second portion relative to the first portion may be adjustable through contacting a distractor latch coupled to the second portion with a plurality of teeth on a side of the first portion. The first portion may include a first pedicle screw pin on an end of the first portion opposing the second portion. The second portion may include a second pedicle screw pin on an end of the second portion opposing the first portion. The first pedicle screw pin and the second pedicle screw pin may be both configured to couple with a pedicle screw head. A length of the distractor device may be configured to be adjustable through sliding of the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Luis M. Tumialan
  • Patent number: 8764800
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a systems, devices and methods for displacing bones of a living mammal. In some embodiments, a device is provided which includes at least two engagement elements positioned at a distance from each other for engagement with two separate bones Each of the engagement elements may be carried by a support part which in turn is supported in a support portion of a distance unit (5). The said support part and support portion form a support unit, where each engagement element extends at an angle (?) with respect to a straight line (L) between two support units. At least one of the support units includes an arrangement for altering the angle which includes an actuating unit maneuverable for adjustment of the angle (?). Some embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a system for engagement with vertebrae including such devices (noted above), as well as uses of the device and associated methods of treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ortoviva AB
    Inventors: Erik Johansson, Niklas Axen, Sven Olerud, Staffan Bowald, Hans Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 8764750
    Abstract: The present devices, systems and processes can simultaneously reduce a malady of the foot, ankle, and/or lower extremity and provide compression and stabilization through the use of a combined internal fixation device, external fixation device and a lower extremity stabilizing device. The various embodiments of the system are capable of providing adequate compression in the medial, central and/or lateral columns and/or sides of the foot, ankle, and/or lower extremity, as well as treating Charcot neuroarthropathy, fractures, revisional foot and combination of ankle surgeries. The external fixation device and/or lower extremity stabilizer can be removed after a certain period of time, leaving the internal fixation system within the body for prolonged stabilization and maintenance of the arthrodesis site(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Thomas Zgonis, Heather Hanson, George Lamberson, Jeffrey Harris
  • Patent number: 8764751
    Abstract: An endosteal nail plate for fixing bone segments is provided. More particularly, there is provided an endosteal nail plate that can be made up of a single piece, or of multiple pieces, as desired. Additionally, the intramedullary nail utilizes a threaded slot on the body thereof, for engaging locking screws for fixation of the intramedullary nail within a bone of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Skeletal Dynamics, LLC
    Inventors: Jorge L. Orbay, Thomas H. Norman, Juan Salcedo, Ronald Litke
  • Patent number: 8758411
    Abstract: This application describes implants and methods for fixing two or more motion segments of a spine, particularly two or more motion segments located adjacent to a motion segment that was previously fixed during a prior surgery. An extension rod is described that attaches directly to the original fixation construct at one end. The opposing end of the extension rod is received and locked within a rod receptacle of a newly implanted pedicle screw at the adjacent level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Enrique Rayon, Jennifer Jassawalla, Niall Casey
  • Patent number: 8753348
    Abstract: A tool is disclosed for use in distracting and compressing fractures of any of a variety of bones. In particular, the tool has a pair of engaging arms, one arm having a hook element to engage a bone plate connected to one side of a fracture, and the other arm having at least one recess for engaging a head of a bone screw or guide wire connected to the other side of the fracture. Actuation of the tool causes the opposing bone segments of the fracture to be pushed apart or drawn together, depending on whether the tool handles are squeezed together or pulled apart. The tool may have a scissors joint that allows the ends of the tool to maintain a parallel alignment during operation, thus reducing the chances for misalignment of the bone segments during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Depuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. DiDomenico, Jason S. Chan, Jeff W. Mast, Keith A. Mayo, Brett B. Bolhofner
  • Patent number: 8747441
    Abstract: Bone screws and bone plates are provided that offer the surgeon the ability to either assemble the screws to the plate, or the plate to the screws, depending on the surgeon's preference and the patient's circumstances. The bone screws and bone plates of the present invention include a combination of geometric configurations that allow the screws and plates to fit together from different assembly directions. Additionally, the bone screws and bone plates can include material resilience features to allow expansion/contraction during assembly to allow bidirectional attachment to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Konieczynski, Thomas V. Doherty, Alexander D. Grinberg, Eric D. Kolb
  • Patent number: 8747442
    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 diaphyseal 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 diaphyseal plate. The system preferably includes several end plates and diaphyseal plates to accommodate anatomy of various sizes. A method for coupling the plates to the bone is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet C.V.
    Inventors: Jorge L. Orbay, Javier E. Castaneda, Robert Graham, Robert Sixto, Jr., Jose Luis Francese, Marcus Bourda, Edward Mebarak, Cesare Cavallazzi
  • Patent number: 8740950
    Abstract: Methods and techniques for attaching a cross connector to a pair of contralaterally implanted spinal rods in a patient are disclosed. In one arrangement, the cross connector is subcutaneously placed to interconnect contralaterally to a pair of rod connectors that are percutaneously attached respectively to a pair of rods in existing spinal constructs implanted on opposite sides of spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Spine Wave, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott McLean, Tim E. Adamson