Patents Examined by Lynnsy Summitt
  • Surgical fixation system and related methods
    Patent number: 9615866
    Abstract: A surgical fixation system including a base plate, a plurality of anchors, and a plurality of locking elements. The base plate has a pair of fixation apertures configured to receive at least a portion of the anchors therethrough. The fixation apertures are provided by example as elongated slots. The fixation apertures are located within the base plate such that upon proper placement of the base plate within a surgical target site, one of the fixation apertures is positioned over a first bone segment (e.g. a first vertebral body), and the other fixation aperture is positioned over a second bone segment (e.g. a second vertebral body).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: William Smith, Chad Grant, Richard Mueller, Eric Dasso, Christopher Huntington, Christopher Campbell
  • Sacroiliac fusion cage
    Patent number: 9615856
    Abstract: Devices for sacroiliac joint fusion may be implanted from an anterior, posterior, or lateral approach. Multiple devices may be used in a single fusion procedure. Some examples include blade anchors which extend from a central beam, pin, cage, or body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: IMDS LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery D. Arnett, Joshua A. Butters, Dylan M. Hushka, Nicholas Slater, Daniel J. Triplett, David A. Rupp, Jared M. White, Karen E. Mohr
  • Percutaneous rod-to-rod cross connector
    Patent number: 9603634
    Abstract: A percutaneous cross connector system for use with implantation rods comprising a rod attachment device comprising a first jaw portion and a second jaw portion. The first jaw portion comprises a first concave surface to engage with a surface of a rod, a first biasing member, and a first pivoting mechanism. The second jaw portion comprises a second concave surface to engage with an opposite surface of the rod from the first jaw portion, a second pivoting mechanism, a second biasing surface, and a second locking surface. The first and second jaw portions can be mated so that the first and second concave surfaces are positioned on opposite sides of the rod, the first and second pivoting mechanisms are aligned to pivot on a common axis, and the first biasing member is engaged against the second biasing surface to drive the second jaw portion against the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Amendia, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Frankel
  • Rotatable base multi-axial screw assembly
    Patent number: 9603630
    Abstract: A multi-axial screw assembly comprises a receiver member, a base member, a crown and a bone anchoring member. The receiver member has an aperture configured to receive the base member and an internal groove. The base has a deflectable ring configured to mate with the internal groove of the receiver member and a slot configured to allow the deflectable ring to compress to a diameter less than the diameter of the aperture such that the base member may be compressed and axially received within the receiver member. The base member is axially restrained within the base member relative to the receiver member while allowed to rotate relative to the receiver member. The crown is received within the receiver member along the central axis of the receiver member. The crown maintains the diameter of the deflectable ring greater than the diameter of the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A Farris
  • Screw guide and tissue retractor instrument
    Patent number: 9597095
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for performing spinal surgery having a handle assembly, a screw guide, and a retractor. A shaft is provided with a handle, a neck portion and a connecting portion. The screw guide is provided with a connecting element coupled to the connecting portion of the handle assembly. A retractor for retracting tissue is coupled to the screw guide, wherein the neck portion of the handle assembly is provided with a spring loaded sleeve adapted to engage one of a plurality of holes positioned on a portion of the connecting element. The connecting portion is pivotably coupled to the connecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC
    Inventors: Michael Black, Gary Dix, Carl Lauryssen
  • Surgical device and methods
    Patent number: 9592042
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for creating a working space within a human or animal body. The device comprises an outer wall which is configurable to adopt a non-expanded condition and an expanded condition. When the outer wall is in said expanded condition it defines a hollow body having an inner cavity in communication with an orifice for location adjacent a working site within the body such that, in use, said working site can be visualized and/or accessed via said inner cavity and said orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    Inventor: Augustine Titus
  • Bone implant device
    Patent number: 9585764
    Abstract: An osteoimplant device is provided. The osteoimplant device includes a body of nondemineralized cortical bone and an outer surface having at least one region including demineralized bone. The osteoimplant device is formable into a shape and size configured for implantation at a surgical site. A disc shaped osteoimplant can be used for a facet joint fusion. A method of treating a patient having a bone defect in a host bone is also provided, the method including inserting the osteoimplant into the bone defect, for example, one associated with a facet joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. McKay
  • Devices and methods for correcting vertebral misalignment
    Patent number: 9585765
    Abstract: Embodiments of devices and methods of correcting vertebral misalignment, including, e.g., spondylolisthesis, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vertebral implant may include an assembly configured to be secured to a first vertebral body, wherein the assembly includes a frame made of a first material and at least one end plate made of a second material different than the first material; a reducing plate configured to be slidably received over the central portion, wherein the reducing plate is configured to be secured to a second vertebral body; and an actuator configured to move the reducing plate relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC
    Inventors: Marcin Niemiec, Nick Padovani, Matthew Hansell, Duncan Sibson, Adam Friedrich, Khiem Pham, Noah Hansell, Ben Silber, Andrew Iott
  • Spinal rod link reducer
    Patent number: 9579126
    Abstract: The present invention includes a rod link reducer of a spinal fixation system that includes a first and a second spinal rod manipulator; a first spinal rod manipulator joint connected to the first spinal rod manipulator and a second spinal rod manipulator joint connected to the second spinal rod manipulator; a first and a second translatable transverse shaft connected to the first and second joints, respectively; and a universal reducer connected to both the first and second translatable transverse shafts, wherein the universal reducer, the shafts and the linkers provide movement and temporary fixation of a spine that has been manipulated into a final position during spinal surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Hong Zhang, Dan Sucato, John David Ross, Jr.
  • Bone screw
    Patent number: 9579125
    Abstract: A bone fixation system with variable z-axis translation is provided. The system includes an outer tulip coupled to a bone fastener via a screw retainer. An inner tulip is coupled to the outer tulip such that the inner tulip is longitudinally movably relative to the outer tulip. The inner tulip includes a lock that provides a seat for a connecting rod. The inner tulip together with a seated rod is permitted to translate along the z-axis inside the outer tulip when in an unlocked position. Also in the unlocked position, the bone fastener is free to angulate relative to the outer tulip. The z-axis position of the inner tulip and rod relative to the outer tulip is fixed in a locked position. Also, in the locked position, the bone fastener is locked with respect to the outer tulip. The system may be adjusted between the locked and unlocked positions by way of a set screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: VERTISCREW, LLC
    Inventors: Muralidhara Rudhra Raju, Amir Ali Akhavi, Moti Altarac, Joey Reglos
  • Interbody insertion tool and method
    Patent number: 9572684
    Abstract: An interbody insertion tool and cage for use during an interbody spinal fusion procedure is disclosed. In one aspect, the tool comprises a rod centrally located within the tool that has the ability to remain attached to the cage to aid in: coupling the tool to the cage, release of the tool from the cage, alignment of additional hardware, and insertion of materials within the hollow of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Innovasis, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Wayne Neary, Jeffrey Eugene Deckey, Gerald John Alexander, Roger Denis Sung
  • Lateral retractor system and methods of use
    Patent number: 9572560
    Abstract: Technology disclosed herein relates to retractors and methods of use for surgical procedures, and in particular, spinal surgical procedures. In one embodiment, a surgical refractor includes a pair of pivotable armatures and a translatable armature. A body for supporting the armatures is provided, with a handle connected thereto. The handle includes a first rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the first rotary actuator moves the pair of pivotable armatures in opposite arcuate directions, and a second rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the second rotary actuator translates the translatable armature in a linear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall G. Mast, Alan R. Burkholder, Andrew Shifle, Adam Kanter
  • External fixation assembly and method of use
    Patent number: 9566089
    Abstract: An external fixation assembly includes a plurality of hollow pins that are inserted into a patient's bone. Each pin has an interior bore and a plurality of apertures extending through the pin wall from the bore. The pin may be coupled to a source of vacuum pressure operable to create reduced pressure in the tissue surrounding the pin. A cover is placed around the pin and sealed to provide a fluid-tight enclosure that maintains reduced pressure around the pin. A method for applying external fixation using the fixator pins described above includes the steps of inserting each pin through a skin opening, positioning the pin apertures near selected tissue, covering the skin opening with a sealed enclosure, connecting the pins to a source of vacuum pressure, and activating the source of vacuum pressure to create reduced pressure in the patient's tissue at or near the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Wake Forest University Health Sciences
    Inventors: Lawrence X. Webb, Louis C. Argenta, Michael J. Morykwas
  • Prevention of re-use of a medical device
    Patent number: 9549762
    Abstract: A disposable medical device is especially an articulation for the relative positioning of fixation bars or of pins of an external fixator, having at least a clamping means to be introduced into the medical device, the clamping means comprises an element that alters its appearance when being heated over a threshold temperature, thus giving optical or mechanical information that the device should not be used a second time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Roland Thomke, Hans-Peter Bigler, Philippe Lehmann
  • Spine surgery device
    Patent number: 9545319
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device intended to replace or partially replace one or more vertebral bodies or intervertebral discs in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine, and includes methods for its use and deployment. The invention may be used to restore biomechanical parameters correlating with improved patient outcomes and also involves a method for a more effective discectomy or corpectomy prior to graft deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Azadeh Farin Wald, M.D., Inc., A Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Azadeh Farin
  • Expandable porous mesh bag device and methods of use for reduction, filling, fixation and supporting of bone
    Patent number: 9526621
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of correcting numerous bone abnormalities including bone tumors and cysts, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, tibial plateau fractures and compression fractures of the spine. The abnormality may be corrected by first accessing and boring into the damaged tissue or bone and reaming out the damaged and/or diseased area using any of the presently accepted procedures or the damaged area may be prepared by expanding a bag within the damaged bone to compact cancellous bone. After removal and/or compaction of the damaged tissue the bone is stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Spineology Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen D. Kuslich
  • Bone screw systems with pressure caps having biasing members
    Patent number: 9526529
    Abstract: A spinal fixation system comprising a bone screw, a body, and a pressure cap. The bone screw may comprise a head at a proximal end and a bone connection element at a distal end. The body may comprise a proximal end, a distal end, a mounting rod receiving channel at the proximal end and a bone screw head receiving channel at the distal end. A proximal end of the pressure cap may comprise two side walls disposed apart from each other and one biasing member on each side wall. A distal end of the pressure cap may comprise a surface operable to contact at least a portion of the head of the bone screw. The pressure cap may be operable to exert pressure on the bone screw when a mounting rod is biased against the proximal end of the pressure cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Jose Luis Charvet
  • Pedicle screw having a removable rod coupling
    Patent number: 9526527
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pedicle screw for spinal fixation having a bone fastener portion a permanent rod coupling, a breakaway portion connected to the permanent rod coupling and a temporary rod coupling. A permanent rod can be positioned in the permanent rod coupling and a temporary rod can be positioned in the temporary rod coupling and when the temporary rod is not needed the temporary rod coupling can be removed by separation at a breakaway portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Hong Zhang, Dan Sucato
  • Flexible intramedullary rod
    Patent number: 9526541
    Abstract: An elongated rod for insertion into a bowed canal of a bone such as a femoral medulla of a femur bone, wherein the canal is bowed in one plane. The rod has a longitudinal axis disposed on a first plane and one or more cutouts formed in at least a portion of a length of the rod and on opposite sides of the first plane. The rod is flexible along a second plane which is co-planar with the bowed canal plane and which is disposed on the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Scott Logan, Kirby Hitt
  • Pedicle screw
    Patent number: 9526526
    Abstract: The present invention includes a pedicle screw made with a bone fastener and a rod coupling head, the rod coupling head comprising an upper rod coupling: the lower rod coupling having a lateral rod opening adapted to receive a permanent rod; an angled bore extends into the lateral rod opening; and a permanent rod fastener in the angled bore to engage a permanent rod in the lateral rod opening; and a upper rod coupling having an upper rod opening adapted to receive a temporary rod, wherein the upper rod opening is formed to receive a temporary rod fastener; wherein the upper rod coupling is detachable from the lower rod coupling at a transition and a temporary rod is temporarily affixed into the upper rod opening during a bone realignment and a permanent rod is positioned in the lateral rod opening and engaged by the permanent rod fastener upon final bone alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Hong Zhang, Dan Sucato