Patents Examined by Diana S Jones
  • Patent number: 9161809
    Abstract: Methods and devices that displace bone or other hard tissue to create a cavity in the tissue. Where such methods and devices rely on a driving mechanism for providing moving of the device to form a profile that improves displacement of the tissue. These methods and devices also allow for creating a path or cavity in bone for insertion of bone cement or other filler to treat a fracture or other condition in the bone. The features relating to the methods and devices described herein can be applied in any region of bone or hard tissue where the tissue or bone is displaced to define a bore or cavity instead of being extracted from the body such as during a drilling or ablation procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Dfine, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Germain, Csaba Truckai
  • Patent number: 9155582
    Abstract: A device for facilitating implantation of an intramedullary nail includes a coupling portion extending from a first end configured to couple to a proximal end of an intramedullary nail to a joint portion and a radiolucent handle coupled to the joint portion and extending distally therefrom along a path which, when the coupling portion is coupled to an intramedullary nail in a desired orientation, extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a proximal portion of the nail, the radiolucent part including first and second radiopaque markers positioned and oriented so that, when the nail is coupled to the coupling portion in the desired orientation, the first and second markers align with edges of the proximal portion of the nail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Felder, Markus Buettler, Stan Kmiec
  • Patent number: 9155631
    Abstract: The present invention provides an intervertebral implant for implantation in a treated area of an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies of a spine. The implant includes a spacer portion having an inferior and superior surface, wherein the inferior and superior surfaces each have a contact area capable of engaging with anatomy in the treated area, and the inferior and superior surfaces define a through-hole extending through the spacer body. The present invention further provides screw holes extending from a side portion to the inferior and superior surfaces of the spacer portion and a plate portion rigidly coupled to the spacer portion through a coupling means, wherein the plate portion contains screws holes for receiving screws. A screw back out prevention mechanism adapted on the plate portion to prevents the back out of screws from the screw holes and to secure the spacer portion to the plate portion of the intervertebral implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Jody L. Seifert, Michal Zentko, Andrew Iott, Christopher Angelucci, Chad Glerum, Ryan Watt
  • Patent number: 9155575
    Abstract: A universal jig is compatible with bone plates of varying size, in which different plate sizes having different hole configurations. For example, a longer bone plate may have a first hole pattern along a given length thereof, while various shorter bone plates may have differing hole patterns along respective corresponding lengths. The universal jig includes a combination of hole groupings to provide a jig hole for each hole in the differing hole patterns of the longer and shorter plates, so that the universal jig is useable with a variety of bone plates having disparate hole patterns. For any given bone plate length and hole configuration, a masking cover may provided to attach to the jig. The masking cover masks off unused jig holes, so that only those jig holes intended for use with a particular bone plate are left exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Wenk, Amanda L. Neher, Kyle A. Bohnenkamper, Simona Paganetto
  • Patent number: 9155492
    Abstract: An illuminating wire medical device may include an elongate flexible housing and an illuminating fiber and a core wire extending through at least part of the housing, the core wire providing desired pushability and torquability. The illuminating device may further include a connector assembly cooperating with the illuminating fiber to accommodate changes in length, to absorb forces applied during use of the device and to channel errant light away from the illuminating fibers of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Jenkins, Tom Thanh Vo, Eric Goldfarb, Scott J. Baron
  • Patent number: 9149319
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for stabilization and treatment of vertebrae, and in particular for stabilization and treatment of a vertebra having a fracture. Compositions are provided that stabilize and heal a fracture while facilitating healing and reducing the chance for re-injury to the vertebra or adjacent vertebra. Methods include elevation of the vertebra to facilitate healing under reduced pressure situations and include leverage points to elevate the fracture before or during composition insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: LANX, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey John Thramann
  • Patent number: 9138324
    Abstract: A spinal implant includes a first member having a wall that defines an axial cavity. A second member extends between a first end and a second end and defines a longitudinal axis. The second member is configured for disposal with the axial cavity and translation relative to the first member. A third member has an outer surface engageable with tissue and an inner surface disposed to dynamically engage the first end in response to the engagement of the outer surface with the tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Julien Prevost, Robert Loke
  • Patent number: 9138217
    Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical procedure, and related systems, for creating a minimally invasive operating corridor from a generally lateral approach, for example for performing corpectomies in the lumbar and thoracic regions of the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Nu Vasive, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Smith, Troy B. Woolley, Brian Snider, Michael Serra, Michael Mindoro
  • Patent number: 9138273
    Abstract: A method for use in guiding a lateral fastener into a lateral bore of a femoral body implant. The method can use an outrigger having an arm portion, a leg portion that extends from the arm portion, and an alignment tube that extends from the leg portion. The method can further use a support pad and an adjustable shaft member that couples to the support pad and the leg portion. A shaft member can be adjustably maintained in a position relative to the leg portion by a quick-release system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron P. Smith, Tyler D. Witt
  • Patent number: 9131961
    Abstract: An apparatus for automated implantation of an implant or for an automated augmentation process of hard tissue and/or hard tissue replacement material using a sheath element is provided. The apparatus comprises a casing, a converter operable to generate mechanical vibrations the converter inside the casing and displaceable in a longitudinal direction relative to the casing, and a sonotrode coupled to an output location of the converter. A shaft portion with a retention structure is rotationally coupled to the casing and is equipped for cooperating with a rotationally asymmetric element of the sheath element to rotationally couple the casing to the sheath element. An axial coupling is equipped for locking the casing to the sheath element. The shaft portion, the axial coupling and the sonotrode are mutually arranged so that the a distal end of the sonotrode may be introduced into a longitudinal opening of the sheath element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: SPINEWELDING AG
    Inventors: Andreas Wenger, Jörg Mayer
  • Patent number: 9125699
    Abstract: Systems for reducing a fracture in a bone, comprising a bone plate and a polyaxial fastener. In some examples the head of the polyaxial fastener has a deformable portion. As a fastener is inserted into an opening of a bone plate, threads located within the opening deform the deformable portion to secure the fastener in place at a desired angle within the opening. The head of the fastener also includes a bottom portion that bears against a portion of the opening to move the bone plate relative to the underlying tissue. A securing member or other structure may be included at the interface of the head and the deformable portion to secure the deformable portion to the head. At least one flute may be included on the deformable portion that provides a lead-in for the threads within the opening to cut into the deformable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Zahrly, David Edward Chreene, Charles R. Baker, Sied W. Janna
  • Patent number: 9125693
    Abstract: Provided are: a screw guide template, screw guide template system, and drilling method whereby a hole can be drilled in an accurate position of a member to be drilled, in an accurate direction; and a spinal fixation method whereby a spinal fixation screw can be inserted into an accurate position in an accurate direction. The screw guide template (20) comprises: a close-contact face (21) to be closely contacted to the member; and a through hole (22) having one opening (23a) on the close-contact face; the close-contact face has a shape in male-female relation with a surface shape (31) of the member including a portion (32) to be drilled; and when the close-contact face is closely contacted to the portion to be drilled, the opening and portion to be drilled overlap each other so that the through hole is coaxial with the hole to be drilled by the drilling means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignees: AKITA UNIVERSITY, ONO & CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Taku Sugawara, Kazuo Mizoi, Naoki Higashiyama, Hidenori Ono, Hisayuki Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 9119734
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present application relate generally to provisional orthopedic components, and specifically, to a trial system including a cam module (10) and a trial femoral component (100) that can be used during joint replacement surgery. The systems and methods described help a surgeon prepare a patient's bone to receive a permanent implant by providing a system that can be used to guide preparatory box cuts, and that can then be completed with a cam module (10)—without removal from the patient's bone—so that the same component can be used for the trialing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Ryan Dees
  • Patent number: 9119663
    Abstract: A hybrid cannula may comprise a rigid portion overmolded with a flexible portion. The rigid portion at its proximal end may comprise a rigid flange for preventing the proximal end of the hybrid cannula from being pushed through the portal. The flexible portion may comprise a dam within the passage of the hybrid cannula, the dam defining interior spaces thereof between the proximal and distal ends of the hybrid cannula. The flexible portion's distal end may comprise a variety of features extending therefrom, including a flange and/or a cannulated tip. The flexible portion's proximal end may further comprise a membrane to prevent liquid from projecting during insertion of a tool into the dam and/or removal of the tool from the dam. The hybrid cannula can be useful in minimally invasive surgical procedures, including arthroscopic and endoscopic surgeries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Hybrid Cannula LP
    Inventor: Jonathan H. Webb
  • Patent number: 9113970
    Abstract: An orthopedic plate and fastener system is provided for fixation of bones which has an implant that can selectably be used to achieve fixed angle and variable locking of the fasteners, as well as non-locking of the fasteners. The system includes a variable locking assembly that includes a locking insert, having threads which mates with internal threads of a through opening in the implant. The system also provides for locking fixed angle fixation, and non-locking variable angle fixation, all of which can be used with the threaded holes of the plates. The locking insert is provided on a ring driver, which is similar to or acts as the drill guide used with the locking fasteners of the present. Thus, the invention also relates to a method of enabling surgery where the surgeon can select the mode of fixation of fasteners between variable axis locking, variable axis non-locking, and fixed angle locking fixation, all utilizing the same fastener opening within the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: ORTHOHELIX SURGICAL DESIGNS, INC.
    Inventors: Derek S. Lewis, Andrew J. Leither, Rebecca F. Diliberto
  • Patent number: 9114027
    Abstract: A surgical instrument alignment guide comprising a mount (2) arranged to be coupled to a bone of a patient, an alignment rod (4), a guide rod (24) and an indicator (26). The alignment rod (4) has a first end pivotally coupled to the mount (2) such that the inclination of the alignment rod (4) relative to the mount (2) is adjustable. The guide rod (24) is couplable to a second end of the alignment rod (4) at an adjustable angle and orientation such that the guide rod (24) can extend transverse to the alignment rod (4). The indicator (26) is coupled to the guide rod (24) to indicate when the guide rod (24) lies at a desired angle relative to a horizontal axis. Also disclosed is a method of aligning a surgical instrument using the surgical instrument alignment guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: DEPUY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: David Beverland, Robert Freeman, Steven Gowers
  • Patent number: 9113968
    Abstract: A dynamic bone plate and method of bone compression is disclosed. The dynamic bone plate comprises a first bone plate component and a second bone plate component. The first bone plate component comprises at least one hole configured for receiving bone screws for attachment to a first bone segment; and a male component. The second bone plate component comprises at least one hole configured for receiving bone screws for attachment to a second bone segment; and a female component configured for mating with the male component of the first bone plate component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Nextremity Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Lon S. Weiner, Stuart D. Katchis, John R. Pepper
  • Patent number: 9107715
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to fixation plates for use in correcting Hallux Valgus deformities under the Lapidus approach. The plate includes holes defined therethrough in such a way to facilitate multiplanar stability across the metatarsocuneiform joint. The plate is further sized and shaped to approximate the natural anatomic contour of the bone segments surrounding the metatarsocuneiform joint. Related methods for using the Lapidus approach to correct Hallux Valgus deformities are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: AMEI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Neal Blitz, Michael George
  • Patent number: 9101420
    Abstract: A device for fixation of bone fragments at bone fractures including at least two fixation means (5, 6), a securing plate (4) and at least one securing means (23) for the fixation means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: SWEMAC INNOVATION AB
    Inventors: Henrik Hansson, Lars Oster
  • Patent number: 9095355
    Abstract: Customized patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instruments are disclosed. Methods for fabricating and using such instruments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Luke J. Aram, Michael C. Jones, James M. Rhodes, Sonja R. Fussle