Patents Examined by Jessica Weiss
  • Method and apparatus for preparing an implantation site
    Patent number: 10166031
    Abstract: A bone preparation system, such as a broach, includes at least a first member and a second member. The first member and the second member may be connected. Both the first member and the second member, when attached to the first member, are configured to directly contact and broach an anatomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Tyler D. Witt, Aaron P. Smith
  • Method and apparatus for bone fixation
    Patent number: 10166022
    Abstract: An implant can include a bridge member having an upper surface, a lower surface and opposed sides extending between the upper and lower surfaces, where at least the sides can be formed of a porous metal construct having a porous metal outer surface. First and second fixation members can be integrally connected with the bridge member and can include a body having a width greater than a corresponding width of the bridge member and a length greater than a corresponding length of the bridge member, where at least the body can be formed of the porous metal construct with the porous metal outer surface. The implant can be positioned into the bone segments such that the bridge member can fix the bone segments in a first direction perpendicular to the bridge member and the fixation members can fix the bone segments in a second direction parallel to the bridge member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Biomet C.V.
    Inventors: John Early, Brian Berelsman, Adam Finley, Paul D'Antonio, Kevin Stone
  • Arthroscopic positioning instrument
    Patent number: 10159502
    Abstract: An arthroscopic positioning instrument is provided to overcome the problem of inconvenient operation of the modern arthroscopic positioning instrument. The arthroscopic positioning instrument includes a handle, a positioning member and a guiding cylinder is disclosed. The handle includes a finger holding member, a palm holding member and at least one connecting member. The palm holding member is connected to the finger holding member via the at least one connecting member. The finger holding member includes one end provided with an engaging portion and an arched guiding groove. The palm holding member does not intrude into a maximum axial range of the engaging portion. The positioning member includes an arched end and a hook end. The arched end is received in the arched guiding groove. The guiding cylinder is coupled with the engaging portion of the finger holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: E-DA HEALTHCARE GROUP
    Inventors: Chin-Hsien Wu, Ting-Sheng Lin, Jiun-Ru Jiang
  • Expandable fusion device and method of installation thereof
    Patent number: 10154912
    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 body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad Glerum
  • Sternum fixation device and method
    Patent number: 10154864
    Abstract: An apparatus and technique for internally securing a plurality of bone segments together. The device incorporates a plate-like structure stabilizing the fracture and integrated fasteners to attach fasteners circumscribing the bone segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Inventor: Louis Houff
  • Orthopedic implant with adjustable angle between tissue contact surfaces
    Patent number: 10149770
    Abstract: An implant having a base with a first contact surface and a hinged element, hingedly interconnected with a first portion of the base, providing a second contact surface. The first portion of the base is displaceable relative to a second portion so that the base can be shortened from an initial length towards a second length. A linking segment is hingedly connected to both the second portion of the base and to the hinged element so that shortening of the base causes the linking segment to push a region of the hinged element away from the base, thereby changing an angle of the second contact surface relative to the first contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: SEASPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Oded Loebl, Didier Toubia, Haim Yustein
  • Bone fixation plate system and method
    Patent number: 10149707
    Abstract: A fastener, for example a bone screw, is sized to pass through a hole of an implant, for example a bone plate, the fastener having a shaft or anchor portion engageable with body tissue, and a head portion. A locking cap secures to the bone plate and covers the head to block the head and inhibit screw back out. Alternatively or additionally, a locking disc located in the plate hole resiliently deflects downward to allow screw insertion, but is blocked to limit or prevent upward deflection so that screw back out is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Black
  • Artificial total lumbar disc for unilateral safe and simple posterior placement in the lumbar spine, and removeable bifunctional screw which drives vertical sliding expansile plate expansion, and interplate widening, and angled traction spikes
    Patent number: 10130493
    Abstract: A total artificial expansile disc and a method for posterior insertion between a pair of vertebral endplates are disclosed. The total artificial expansile disc includes at least one pair of substantially parallel plates that move apart along a first axis, in order to occupy a space defined by the vertebral endplates. In another embodiment, each of substantially parallel plates includes a first plate and a second sliding plate. An expansion device or tool is used to move the substantially parallel pair of plates apart along the first axis. A core is disposed between the pair of plates, and the core permits the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another. A ball limiter or ball extender prevents the core from being extruded from between the substantially parallel plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Moskowitz Family LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Moskowitz, Mosheh T. Moskowitz, Daniel Glozman
  • Multiple spindle adjustable interbody fusion devices and methods of use
    Patent number: 10117755
    Abstract: An interbody fusion device includes a base member, a top member, and an expansion mechanism for moving the top member relative to the base member. The expansion mechanism may include a connector drive rod assembly, a gear, a threaded rod, and a support means. The gear ring is coupled to the threaded rod and is rotatable. The expansion mechanism may also include at least one load head coupled to the threaded rod. An alternative interbody fusion device is also disclosed and includes a bottom member, a superior member, and an expansion mechanism for moving the superior member relative to the bottom member. The expansion mechanism includes a first expansion assembly for moving a first end of the superior member relative to the bottom member, a second expansion assembly for moving a second end of the superior member relative to the bottom member, and a connector drive rod assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: BioSpine, LLC
    Inventors: Brian G. Emerick, Ross R. Nichols, Daniel D. Refai, Heidi Stamets, Larry D. Sutton, Brent Walter
  • System and method for retracting body tissue
    Patent number: 10117646
    Abstract: A method for retracting body tissue providing a retractor system that includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Friedrich, Jason Cianfrani, Matthew Bechtel
  • Polymer 4-in-1 femoral cutting block including metallic protective bushings
    Patent number: 10111673
    Abstract: An orthopedic surgical instrument includes a polymer 4-in-1 cutting block having a number of metallic cutting guides secured thereto. A pair of metallic bushings function as saw stops at the medial and lateral ends of the chamfer cutting slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: DEPUY IRELAND UNLIMITED COMPANY
    Inventors: Jon M. Edwards, Michael J. Rock
  • Pedicle screw assembly and method of assembly
    Patent number: 10111694
    Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly and method of assembly are disclosed. The pedicle screw assembly includes a bone fastener having a head at a proximal end and a threaded portion extending between the proximal end and a distal end. The assembly also includes a compression member having a conical inner surface and a locking member having an outer surface adapted to mate with the conical inner surface of the compression member. The assembly may also have an elongated member and a set screw that has a threaded portion. The assembly may also have a receiving housing having a central bore extending from a threaded proximal end to a distal end and a U-shaped cavity positioned perpendicular to the central bore and configured to receive the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: SKELETAL DESIGN PARTNERSHIP, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel S. Savage
  • Retro guidewire reamer
    Patent number: 10105150
    Abstract: A retro guidewire reamer includes a cutting member, and a mechanism for moving the cutting member from a closed position to a deployed position in a single manual motion. Once a desired size of a bone tunnel is established, a surgeon uses the reamer to create a primary bone tunnel over a guidewire from the outside in. The surgeon retracts the guidewire, and activates the mechanism to deploy the cutting member within the bone joint to conform to the size of a tendon graft. The surgeon uses the deployed cutting member to create a counter bore through the bone in a retrograde manner. Once the counter bore is drilled, the surgeon activates the mechanism to close the cutting member, allowing the reamer to be withdrawn through the primary tunnel. The retro guidewire reamer can be used to provide more accurate bone tunnel placement during ligament reconstruction surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Smith & Newphew, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard J. Bourque, David J. Callaghan, Michael C. Ferragamo
  • Spinal plate
    Patent number: 10098677
    Abstract: Spinal plates with additional features to improve the stability of the interface between the plate and the underlying bone. A bone plate may include one or more sharp ridges along the periphery of its underside. When attached to bone, the ridge digs into the bone and increases stability. A bone plate may alternatively or additionally include one or more holes for optional spikes, which may be inserted once the plate is attached to the bone. By separating the spikes and including them as an optional component, the plate may enhance stability while reducing or eliminating the chance of the spike injuring the patient. Furthermore, bone screws may incorporate alternating notches and ridges into the head of the screw. The notches and ridges may interface with a set screw, thereby preventing rotation and loosening of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel Petersheim
  • Expandable fusion device and method of installation thereof
    Patent number: 10098758
    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 body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: John Matthews, Mark Weiman, Hilliary Adams, Chad Glerum, Sean Suh
  • Surgical instrument and method of use
    Patent number: 10092421
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in an orthopaedic arthroplasty procedure includes a shaft having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending through a center of the shaft between the first and second ends. The surgical instrument further includes a spine extending outwardly from the first end of the shaft in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the spine has a longitudinal extent that is parallel to the longitudinal axis. When the surgical instrument is in contact with a tibial implant component, the spine is adapted to be positioned within an intercondylar notch of a femoral component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: DEPUY IRELAND UNLIMITED COMPANY
    Inventors: Jon M. Edwards, Daniel D. Auger
  • Pedicle depth measuring apparatus
    Patent number: 10070926
    Abstract: A pedicle depth measuring apparatus comprises an outer tubular member comprising a first end and a second end. A head member is joined to the second end. The head member comprises a base surface comprising an opening. An inner member is slidable within the outer tubular member. The inner member comprises a first end and a second end, the second end being slidable through the opening. The second end further comprises a marker disposed at a distal end. The marker comprises a material that is radiographically distinguishable, in which a placement of the marker within a cannulation of a patient's pedicle is observable. An indicator member is operable for indicating a distance between the marker and the base surface, in which the distance indicates a choice of a size of a pedicle screw to be installed for mitigating damage to the patient's nerve root.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Smith
  • Surgical device for providing access to a surgical site
    Patent number: 10070855
    Abstract: A surgical device (5) for application in a treatment performed on the human or animal body (1) with the aim of providing access to a surgical site in the body, includes at least one inflatable chamber (70, 71, 72) which can be inflated from a collapsed state to an expanded state, in which expanded state the device is suitable for exerting a force on an organ or tissue at the surgical site, at least one elongated flexible member (8, 80), which member at its proximal end (801) is operatively connected to the device, and which member has a length to allow the distal end (800) of the member to be fixed to a fixation site (100, 101) outside of the body, and methods of using this device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: UMC UTRECHT HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Paul Frederik Gründeman, Paul Barteld Kwant
  • Expandable fusion device and method of installation thereof
    Patent number: 10052213
    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 body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Chad Glerum, Mark Weiman
  • Lateral interbody fusion devices, systems and methods
    Patent number: 10045857
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of inserting a lateral implant within an intervertebral space defined between an upper vertebral member and a lower vertebral member includes creating a lateral passage through a subject in order to provide minimally invasive access to the intervertebral space, at least partially clearing out native tissue of the subject within and/or near the intervertebral space, positioning a base plate within the intervertebral space, wherein the base plate comprise an upper base plate and a lower base plate and advancing an implant between the upper base plate and the lower base plate so that the implant is urged into the intervertebral space and the upper vertebral member is distracted relative to the lower vertebral member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: RAED M. ALI, M.D., INC.
    Inventor: Raed Ali