Patents Examined by Larry E Waggle, Jr.
  • Expandable interbody and intravertebral body devices
    Patent number: 10172718
    Abstract: A device for insertion into a spinal (intervertebral or intravertebral) space is expandable and contractable. The device includes a body assembly, a top member configured to fit within a gap in the body assembly, a drive gear disposed within the body assembly at a distal end of the body assembly, a proximal gear assembly, and a distal gear assembly. The drive gear includes a receiver accessible from outside the body assembly and configured to be rotated in order to rotate the drive gear. Each gear assembly is attached to the top member. The distal gear assembly engages the drive gear. Rotation of the drive gear in a first direction causes the gear assemblies to translate the top member away from the body assembly, and rotation of the drive gear in a second direction causes the gear assemblies to translate the top member towards the body assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Madeline Wolters, Daniel Predick, Michael S. Butler
  • Surgical access system and related methods
    Patent number: 10172515
    Abstract: A surgical access system comprising a tissue dilation assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: James Coleman Lee, Benjamin Verhage, Michael Serra, Troy B. Woolley, Brian Snider, Matthew Schwartz
  • Drill guide with adjustable stop
    Patent number: 10172630
    Abstract: Drill guides and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for use in surgical procedures. In some embodiments, a drill guide can include an adjustment mechanism that permits one-handed adjustment of the guide depth and does not require that the drill guide be removed from the patient or that the drill be removed from the drill guide when making an adjustment. The adjustment mechanism can include a trigger that moves first and second detents into and out of engagement with a guide stem to allow step-wise adjustment of the guide depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Medos International Sarl
    Inventors: Rainer Ponzer, Enda Minnock, Peter Senn
  • Method of correcting hallux varus joint deformity
    Patent number: 10172645
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for correcting hallux varus joint deformity in a foot. The method can include forming a first hole in a first metatarsal of the foot from a medial side to a lateral side of the first metatarsal. A second hole can be formed in a proximal phalanx of a hallux that extends from a medial side to a lateral side of the proximal phalanx. The method includes passing a suture through the first hole, along a lateral side of a first metatarsal phalangeal joint, and through the second hole. The suture can be tensioned between the first and second holes to reduce the hallux to a rectus position relative to the first metatarsal. The suture can be secured within the first and second holes with a first interference screw inserted within the first hole and a second interference screw inserted within the second hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: FastForward Surgical Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Zeetser, Dawn Buratti
  • Method for securing sutures to bones
    Patent number: 10159476
    Abstract: A method for securing a repair, such as a rotator cuff repair and includes an anchor placed within a hole formed in bone and a cannulated screw inserted into the hole after the anchor has been inserted to effectuate a firm and secure connection of tissue to bone, particularly when the quality of the bone does not permit optimal fixation. The method allows superior tissue fixation to bone with the ease of knotless suture anchor application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Lumaca Orthopaedics Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Jeffery H. Berg
  • Expandable implant assembly
    Patent number: 10154911
    Abstract: An expandable implant includes a base member including a top surface, a first end, and a second end, and defining a central cavity positioned between the first end and the second end; an adjustable member including a top surface and at least one control channel, wherein the adjustable member is adjustably coupled to the base member and movable between a first, collapsed position, and a second, expanded position; a control shaft rotatable received by the base member, wherein rotation of the control shaft cause relative movement of the adjustable member relative to the base member; and at least one control member received on the control shaft and by the control channel, wherein rotation of the control shaft causes the control member to translate along the control shaft and along the control channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Predick, Madeline Wolters, Michael S. Butler
  • Bone fixation device and method
    Patent number: 10136931
    Abstract: A bone fixation device includes an elongated bone fixation plate and a rotational member that are secured to an oblique fractured bone. The fixation plate can be secured to the bone across the fracture. The rotation member can include two tabs that extend around opposite sides of the bone. The bone segments can be aligned and secured to the fixation plate. The rotation member can then be rotated so that the tabs physically contact and prevent movement of the bone segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: Edward Diao
  • Distraction screw
    Patent number: 10130408
    Abstract: A distraction screw includes a proximal portion secured to a first vertebra, a distal portion secured to a second vertebra and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is coupled to the proximal and distal portions and is positioned in an intervertebral space. The intermediate portion is configured and adapted to enable distraction of the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Sean Suh, Michal Zentko, Andrew Iott, Kurt Faulhaber, David C. Paul
  • Eyelid speculum
    Patent number: 10130351
    Abstract: An eyelid speculum used to hold the eyelids of a patient's eye open during a medical procedure includes two retractors which are configured to engage the edge of a patient's eyelid and a central opening between the retractors which permits the medical practitioner to view the cornea of a patient's eye during a medical procedure. The eyelid speculum can be provided in a sterile medical kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Shugarman Surgical Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Richard G. Shugarman
  • System and method for dental implant surgery
    Patent number: 10123823
    Abstract: A method for performing an inferior lift in the sinus includes preparing an initial opening in the bone that is drilled to a depth just prior to reaching a sinus floor. Using a sonic drilling device, a final portion of the sinus floor is removed until a schneiderian membrane is reached. A bone graft is inserted into the opening, lifting said schneiderian membrane. After ossification of the bone graft, an implant is inserted into the opening and graft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Edgard El Chaar
  • Electronically controlled artificial intervertebral disc with motor assisted actuation systems
    Patent number: 10123881
    Abstract: An electronically assisted artificial vertebral disc having an upper disc plate and a lower disc plate is disclosed. An actuator imparts movement to at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. A control device controls the actuator and the amount of movement between the disc plates. The actuator includes a plurality of either linear actuators or rotary actuators that are driven by electric motors in response to the control device. The control device includes at least a first sensor for detecting the position of the actuator and at least a second sensor for detecting the spatial orientation of at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. The control device also preferably includes a microprocessor that calculates the desired positions of the upper and lower disc plates and provides a control signal to the actuator to drive the upper and lower disc plates to their desired positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Moskowitz Family LLC
    Inventors: Mosheh T. Moskowitz, Nathan C. Moskowitz
  • Instruments for use during spine surgery
    Patent number: 10123826
    Abstract: Surgical instruments and devices including drivers, inserters, and reducers. The driver includes a ratcheting mechanism configured to provide uni-directional motion when engaged. The inserter includes a rack, pinion, and cam system designed to secure an implant and release an implant in-situ. The reducer includes a geared system for persuading together surgical components and aligning misaligned vertebrae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Harper
  • Coupling devices and methods of using the same
    Patent number: 10123824
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a medical device includes an elongate member, a first coupler, and a second coupler. The elongate member has a first end portion, a second end portion, and a side portion. The side portion of the elongate member has a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion. The first receiving portion is configured to receive a first support member. The second receiving portion is configured to receive a second support member. The first coupler is coupled to the elongate member and is configured to engage the first support member to help retain the first support member within the first receiving portion. The second coupler is coupled to the elongate member and is configured to engage the second support member to help retain the second support member within the second receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Milan George, Katherine Manninen
  • System for treating bone fractures
    Patent number: 10111688
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a bone fixation system includes a plate having a first opening a beam configured to traverse through the first opening and reside proximate to a subchondral fragment of bone in an installed position. The beam may be operable to rotate about an axis of rotation proximate to the first opening and reposition the subchondral fragment of bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: McGinley Engineered Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond B. Raven, III, Dan A. Zlotolow
  • Systems and methods for treating conditions and diseases of the spine
    Patent number: 10111689
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating conditions and diseases of the spine are disclosed herein. A device includes a balloon catheter comprising at least one inner lumen incorporated within an elongated shaft; a distal end having an inner balloon positioned inside and completely surrounded by an outer balloon; and a proximal end having an adapter for passage of at least one of an inflation fluid or a medical instrument; and an optical fiber comprising an outer diameter sized to pass through the inner lumen of the elongated shaft; a nonlinear light-emitting portion of a given length, wherein a portion of a cladding material from the nonlinear light-emitting portion has been removed so that light energy may be emitted along the length of the nonlinear light-emitting portion; and a linear elongated portion for guiding light towards the nonlinear light-emitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: IlluminOss Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Rabiner, Gene P. DiPoto
  • Surgical bur with a head having plural flutes, the flutes shaped so that, at the equator, the head has a shape that is not circular
    Patent number: 10105147
    Abstract: A bur with features that minimize the application of substantially identical forces to the tissue against which the bur is applied. One of these features is the arrangement of the flutes so that one pair of flutes projects outwardly from the tip at an acute angle that is greater than the angle at which the other flutes project outwardly from tip. Consequently at the equator of the bur head, the location along the bur head where the bur head has a maximum diameter, the flutes define a perimeter that is non-circular in shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Styrker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Burke, Matteo Gubellini
  • Method for balloon-assisted augmentation and fusion of adjacent vertebral bodies
    Patent number: 10105171
    Abstract: A vertebral augmentation system and methods for vertebral augmentation and/or fusion using same are provided. In certain embodiments, a pre-curved stylet or needle with an overlying delivery tube may be used to target a site within a bone structure, facilitating direction thereto of an expandable member useful for creating a cavity that may receive curable material to restore bone height, to reinforce the bone structure, and/or to fuse two, three, or more adjacent vertebrae. An expandable member such as, for example, a balloon can be used to create a plurality of voids by displacing bone material, where the voids can be filled with curable material to augment the vertebrae and intervening space can be filled to fuse those adjacent vertebrae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erin L. Schaus, John A. Krueger, Ellen Ehrich Kourakos, Amy E. Ewing
  • Surgical staple and instrument for holding and implanting the surgical staple
    Patent number: 10105134
    Abstract: A surgical staple for compressing bones or bone fragments includes a first leg, a second leg, and a bridge monolithically formed with the first and second legs. The bridge has a first end section from which the first leg extends and a second end section from which the second leg extends. A connection between the first leg and the first end second forms a cross-sectional profile, and the bridge has an engagement portion at the first end section that extends away from the cross-sectional profile for engagement with an external tool to adjust the staple from a relaxed state to an expanded state. When the staple is in the relaxed state, at least a portion of the bridge is bent or curved, and free ends of the legs are closer to one another than are portions of the legs connected to the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Biedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Timo Biedermann, Achim Zipse, Gael Dreher
  • Metacarpal bone stabilization device
    Patent number: 10098680
    Abstract: A device and method for stabilizing a broken bone while it heals is disclosed. The device is preferably a metal rod that has a threaded portion. The device is positioned into a bone, such as a metacarpal bone, by forming an opening in the bone suitable for receiving the device, and inserting it into the opening wherein the threaded portion retains the device in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Exsomed Holding Company LLC
    Inventors: Lloyd P. Champagne, Jozef Zoldos
  • Trocar device with detachable handle and associated methods
    Patent number: 10098647
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for forming or enlarging holes in bone tissue and methods for fixing medical plates to bodies. The present disclosure also provides for products produced by the methods of the present disclosure and for apparatuses used to perform the methods of the present disclosure including but not limited to spring compressed retained blades and detachable blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: ECA Medical Instruments
    Inventors: John Nino, David Ivinson