Patents Examined by Jan Christopher Merene
  • Patent number: 10172662
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a device for driving a fastener into tissue, including a handle having a first and second end. A shank extends from the first end of the handle and terminates in a head. An inertial measurement unit (“IMU”) is disposed at the second end of the handle. At least one torque sensor is incorporated in the device. At least one of an indicator or a transmitter is operably coupled to the IMU and the torque sensor. A method of driving a fastener into a tissue with a driver includes recording a previous state and a current state, and using the previous state and current state to predict mechanical properties of the tissue and the optimal torque to be applied. In various embodiment the device predicts a future state of the fastener. The driver notifies the user if the optimal torque has been reached or whether another state has been detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventors: Peter A Gustafson, James R Jastifer, Michael J Stoesz
  • Patent number: 10166016
    Abstract: Provided is a medical retractor capable of ensuring visibility in a field of operation and in the periphery of the field of operation while realizing the reduction of weight of the retractor compared to a conventional steel-made retractor. A medical retractor includes: a grip portion; and a resin functional portion made of a transparent resin and extending from the grip portion. The resin functional portion has: a trunk portion which has a proximal end thereof connected to the grip portion; and a hook-shaped portion extending in a hook shape from a distal end of the trunk portion. The resin functional portion is configured to allow the viewing of an affected part which opposedly faces a back surface of the resin functional portion from a front surface side in a see-through manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignees: YASUI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Shimizu, Satoshi Matsuta, Go Aradono
  • Patent number: 10154862
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for vertebral reduction using sleeves detachably coupled to collars of bone fasteners. The reduction can be performed during a minimally invasive procedure for implanting spinal stabilization systems. A sleeve can include internal threads that match threads on the respective collar to form a continuous set of threads. Threads on a closure member can be engaged with the threads on the sleeve and the closure member turned to translate the closure member along the sleeve. The closure member can be used to push a rod relative to the collar to which the sleeve is attached to cause a vertebral body to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Thomas Miller, Charles R. Forton, Bruce A. Riceman, Larry T. Khoo, Reginald J. Davis, Michael Scott Hisey
  • Patent number: 10154861
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system is provided for maintaining preselected spacing and movement between adjacent vertebrae in a spinal column and for providing overall stability thereto. The system includes interlaminar members positioned in the spaces intermediate a first vertebra and the vertebrae positioned immediately above and immediately below and adjacent to the first vertebra. The interlaminar members are operatively connected to one another by an adjustable support structure and cooperate therewith to maintain the preselected spacing between adjacent vertebrae and to provide overall stability to the spinal column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: JCBD, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Jeffrey Donner, Christopher Thomas Donner
  • Patent number: 10149765
    Abstract: A hip implant has a neck body that connects to a bone fixation body. The bone fixation body has a porous structure with an elongated shape. An internal cavity is formed in the bone fixation body and includes a substance to stimulate bone growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventor: Philip Scott Lyren
  • Patent number: 10149722
    Abstract: A number of orthopedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Luke J. Aram, William Bugbee, Charles A. Engh, Jr., Joseph Moskal, Mark Pagnano, Michael Swank, Bryan Rose, Jose F. Guzman
  • Patent number: 10143565
    Abstract: An interbody fusion device includes a top member, a base member, and an expansion member. The top member includes a first bone-engaging side and a threaded opening. The base member is received by the top member and includes a second bone-engaging side and an open cavity aligned with the threaded opening of the top member. The expansion member is disposed within the open cavity for rotation about an axis. The expansion member includes a threaded portion threadably engaged with the threaded opening. Rotation of the expansion member translates the first bone-engaging side away from the second bone-engaging side along the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: BIOSPINE, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Farris, Daniel D. Refai, Brian G. Emerick, Ross R. Nichols
  • Patent number: 10136928
    Abstract: Rod link reducer assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. The rod link reducer assembly provides a manipulator rod having a first end, a second end, and an elongate body extending along a body axis between the first end and the second end. A post extends outwardly from the rod. A rod manipulating joint comprise an elongate joint rod extending along a joint rod axis, a first coupling clamp disposed along the joint rod, the first coupling clamp releasably connectable to the post, and a second coupling clamp disposed along the joint rod adjacent to and rotatable about the joint rod relative to the first coupling clamp. The second coupling clamp is releasably connectable to a shaft. A biasing member is adapted to bias the second clamp against the first clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David Leff, Sergio Muniz, Khiem Pham
  • Patent number: 10136927
    Abstract: This disclosure describes example embodiments of rod reduction instrumentation and other rod and vertebrae manipulation instruments. The rod reducers can be used during the installation of a rod based surgical fixation system to help urge the rod into the fixation anchors. The reducers described provide various configurations delivering large reduction distance capabilities, strong controlled reduction coupled with an ability to quickly advance the reducer if desired, and reduction of bulk through the surgical corridor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Lish, Andrew Morris, Niall Casey, Robert German, Jeffrey M. Seago, Eugene Shoshtaev
  • Patent number: 10137001
    Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Weiman
  • Patent number: 10130395
    Abstract: A modular uniplanar pedicle screw assembly for use with a polyaxial bone fastener. The modular assembly comprises a uniplanar tulip assembly adapted to be coupled to a head of the polyaxial bone fastener, wherein the uniplanar tulip assembly includes a longitudinal slot. The modular assembly further includes an adapter having a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion is sized and shaped to be received in a recess of the bone fastener head. The upper portion extends from the lower portion and is adapted to slide along the longitudinal slot of the uniplanar tulip assembly to allow movement of the uniplanar tulip assembly in a first plane along a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal slot, the longitudinal slot preventing movement of the uniplanar tulip assembly in a second plane lateral to the first plane relative to the bone fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David Leff, Patrick Nolan, Liana Mari, Noah Gross, Khiem Pham, Aditya Ingalhalikar, Kurt Faulhaber
  • Patent number: 10130399
    Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to introduce a spinal fixation rod into a vertebral implant. When the spinal fixation rod is engaged with the surgical instrument and the surgical instrument is put into a retention configuration, the spinal fixation rod cannot be removed from the surgical instrument until the spinal fixation rod is properly oriented with respect to the surgical construct and the surgical instrument is released from the retention configuration. The surgical instrument includes a surgical instrument body, an actuator, an engagement assembly, and a transfer assembly that extends between the actuator and the engagement assembly. The surgical instrument can also be used as part of a method for introducing a spinal fixation rod or part of a kit for introducing a spinal fixation rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph C. Solitario, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10130398
    Abstract: A vertebral surgery instrument includes: an engagement part for engaging with a pair of opposing parts provided on or attached to a vertebral implant in a state in which the vertebral implant is fixed to a vertebra, the pair of opposing parts forming a slit into which a fixation rod for fixing a plurality of vertebrae to each other is to be inserted; and a pair of guide parts that are provided integrally with or attached to the engagement part. The pair of guide parts are formed extending so as to separate from each other toward a side on which the fixation rod is to be inserted, in a state in which the engagement part is engaged with the pair of opposing parts, and the slit and a guide passage that is formed between the pair of guide parts are in communication with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ken Ishii, Morio Matsumoto, Yoshiaki Toyama, Masaki Atarashi, Junji Ito
  • Patent number: 10123828
    Abstract: An intramedullary device to repair a bone in a mammalian body and comprising an elongate nail having a stem and a head. The head is provided with a transverse aperture adapted to receive a fastener. An adjustment mechanism is carried by the head for pivoting the fastener from a first angled position relative to the head to a second angled position relative to the head. A set screw is carried by the head. The distal end of the set screw is movable relative to the proximal end of the set screw from a first position for lockably engaging the fastener in the first angled position and a second position for lockably engaging the fastener in the second angled position. A sealing cap and an apparatus having a cap and a set screw are additionally provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Epix Orthopaedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Amir M. Matityahu, Benjamin Clawson
  • Patent number: 10117754
    Abstract: A joint spacer for therapeutically maintains separation of bones of a joint. A frame defines a longitudinal axis extending between distal and proximal ends. A carriage is slideably retained within the frame and has at least one ramped surface and a threaded portion. An actuator screw is threadably engaged with the threaded portion, and bears against said frame to cause the carriage to slideably move within the frame when the actuator screw is rotated. A first endplate engages a bone of the joint, and has at least one ramped surface that is mateable with the ramped surface of the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Davenport, Chad Glerum, Mark Weiman, Andrew Iott
  • Patent number: 10117679
    Abstract: Described herein is a pedicle screw for use in the thoracolumbar spine where the height can be adjusted intra-operatively before or after installation member of the longitudinal member. The pedicle screws with adjustable height may be made with a monoaxial or polyaxial configuration. The height of the pedicle screw can be lengthened or shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok Biyani, Gary Durivage
  • Patent number: 10111650
    Abstract: A retractor system 100 comprises a first tower 102 which is mountable on a first surgical screw 12.1. A second tower 104 is mountable on a second surgical screw 12.2. A link 106 extends between the first and second towers. At least a first elongate retractor element 108 for at least one of muscle, tissue and nerve structures is movably mountable on the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Minimal Invasive Technologies (Pty) Ltd.
    Inventors: Louis Jacobus Nel, Gert Stephanus Becker
  • Patent number: 10105234
    Abstract: The spinal implant includes a tissue barrier. A first member extends in a transverse orientation from the tissue barrier and is connectable with vertebral tissue adjacent a lamina. A second member is spaced from the first member and extends in a transverse orientation from the tissue barrier. The second member is connectable with vertebral tissue adjacent a lamina. At least one of the members includes an end that is disposable about at least a portion of the vertebral tissue. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig M. Squires, Mark C. Dace, Nikhil Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 10105162
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spinal fixing device in which a head portion of a bone screw to be inserted into a vertebra is bound to a housing, and the housing is fixed to a spine rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Mong-Joo Kim
  • Patent number: 10098674
    Abstract: This application describes surgical instruments and implants for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the cervical spinal column. The construct includes a sled adapted for positioning in a facet joint and two receivers slideably mounted on the sled. The receivers are adapted to support surgical instruments such as a drill, a tap, and a screw. The sled assists in orienting the instruments at a desired angle with respect to the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew F. Cannestra