Patents Examined by Mary Hoffman
  • Patent number: 9414937
    Abstract: A spinal implant for stabilizing first and second vertebrae. The spinal implant includes an intervertebral spacer and a bone stabilization member configured to be coupled to the intervertebral spacer. The bone stabilization member includes a plurality of bone screw openings and a plurality of bone screws extendable through the bone screw openings to secure the bone stabilization member to the vertebrae. A retention member, which is slidably coupled to the bone stabilization member, is linearly slidable between a first position and a second position while coupled to the bone stabilization member. In the first position, each of the bone screws is permitted to be inserted into the bone screw openings, and in the second position the retention member at least partially covers each of the bone screw openings to prevent a bone screw from backing out of the respective bone screw opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Carlson, Gregory A. Mednikov, Eric W. Morris
  • Patent number: 9408597
    Abstract: An instrument access device comprises first, second and third instrument seals for sealing around instruments extended through the device. The seals have respective connector sleeves. Each sleeve connects a base to one of the instrument seals. The device also comprises two insufflation/desufflation ports. Each of the ports comprises a connector extending from the base, a tube extending from the connector, a luer connector and a removable cap. The luer connector is used for connection to any suitable supply line for insufflation gas or for discharge if insufflation gas. In use, the insufflation/desufflation ports facilitate independent control of insufflation and desufflation as may be required during a surgical procedure. Access sleeve at the proximal end is cut-off, folded over the inner proximal ring and is held in place between the base and the inner proximal ring when the base is fitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Atropos Limited
    Inventors: Frank Bonadio, Trevor Vaugh, Ronan B. McManus, Shane J. MacNally, John Butler
  • Patent number: 9408707
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for restoration of human or animal bone anatomy, which may include introduction, into a bone of an expansible implant capable of expansion in a single determined plane, positioning the expansible implant in the bone in order to correspond the single determined plane with a bone restoration plane and opening out the expansible implant in the bone restoration plane. A first support surface and a second support surface spread tissues within bone. The embodiments of the invention may also include injecting a filling material around the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Vexim SA
    Inventors: Jean-François Oglaza, Christian Renaud, Alain Leonard, Gildas Huet
  • Patent number: 9408640
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a connection assembly that can be used to securely connect a spinal implant to a bone anchor. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a variable angle connection assembly that is able to securely connect the spinal implant to the anchors even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the anchors with respect to the spinal implant. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a connection assembly that will not inadvertently lock the components of the connection assembly preventing the relative movement of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC
    Inventors: Chad Glerum, Michael Harper
  • Patent number: 9408648
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fracture fixation device, for reducing and compressing fractures in a bone. The fixation device includes an elongate body. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device and comprises a tubular sleeve that includes a plurality of graduations positioned on an outer surface of the tubular sleeve. The device is rotated into position across the femoral neck and into the femoral head, and the proximal anchor is distally advanced to lock the device into place. In certain embodiments, the elongated body includes a distal anchor with a distal cutting tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Interventional Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Brad S. Culbert
  • Patent number: 9402652
    Abstract: The invention is a spinal fusion system with fusion rod anchors which do not use staples or screws to achieve securement to a patient's spine. The system relies on a head segment pivotally attached to a base having a channel imparted therein, the channel having an entry and exit opening. The rod anchor is secured with a threadable segment which is threaded through the channel and around an associated vertebra. Multiple rod anchors can be attached to a patient's vertebrae in this manner and a fusion rod is inserted into the multiple anchors and locked down inside the rod anchors with a lock nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventor: Ardavan M. Aslie
  • Patent number: 9402659
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first member including a first body connected to at least one second body. The first body is configured for disposal of an implant support having an outer surface. The at least one second body includes a capture element configured to dispose an implant support having an outer surface with the at least one second body such that the outer surfaces are spaced apart and each of the implant supports are engageable with a first implant. A second member is connected with the first member and is engageable with a second implant. The members are relatively movable to dispose the second implant with the implant supports and to align the second implant with at least one of the first implants. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry T. McBride
  • Patent number: 9393050
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for spinal fixation. In one example embodiment, a minimally invasive crosslink apparatus with an elongated shaft portion, a self-drilling tip portion, and a posterolateral delivery device is provided. In this example embodiment, the elongated shaft portion is configured to connect to at least one of a vertical fixation rod and a pedicle screw head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Awesome Dudes Making Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Karas, Ryan Leard, Sebastian Lodahl
  • Patent number: 9386972
    Abstract: A method for providing an endoscopic port includes inserting a distal portion of an expandable member into soft tissue in a patient's body. The distal portion of the expandable member is inflated to form a passageway in the soft tissue. A rigid tube member is delivered into the passageway formed by the expandable member through the inside of the inflatable member. A port is established between a proximal opening in the rigid tube member and a distal opening in the rigid tube member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH—OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: Johnathan A. Engh, Gregg W. Podnar
  • Patent number: 9370376
    Abstract: Removable drill guide tips are provided for simultaneous assembly relative to the holes of a bone plate. The drill guide tips are used as a guide for a drill bit without any additional extension and then removed with a tool to allow insertion of a screw within the same hole in the bone plate. Alternatively, the drill guide tips may be used with an extension to extend the effective length of the drill guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Biomet C.V.
    Inventors: Javier E. Castaneda, Jorge L. Orbay, William F. Doyle, Robert Graham
  • Patent number: 9364264
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connection assembly that can be used to securely connect a spinal implant to a bone anchor. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a spinal implant connection assembly that is able to securely connect the spinal implant to the anchors even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the anchors with respect to the spinal implant. Furthermore, the present invention provides a connection assembly with structure to increase the locking strength of the connection assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Iott, Adam Friedrich, Douglas Cahill, Brad Juchno
  • Patent number: 9364267
    Abstract: An interspinous fusion device is described. The interspinous fusion device includes a spacer member and an anchor member. The spacer member has a ring with two or more anchor assemblies projecting laterally from substantially opposite sides of the spacer member ring. The spacer member further has a first zip lock flange and a second zip lock flange, each of the first and second zip lock flanges extends transversely from the spacer member ring wherein each of the first and second zip lock flanges each comprises a series of teeth protruding from it. The anchor member has a ring with two or more anchor assemblies projecting laterally from substantially opposite sides of the anchor member ring. The anchor member further has a barrel extending transversely from the anchor member ring. The barrel comprises a first column of recesses adapted to mate with the teeth of the first zip lock flange and a second column of recesses adapted to mate with the teeth of the second zip lock flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: AURORA SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Trent James Northcutt, Laszlo Garamszegi
  • Patent number: 9364262
    Abstract: A coupling assembly is presented. The coupling assembly is used to selectively couple a bone screw having an elongate shaft and a head to an elongate rod. The coupling assembly has a coupling element configured to engage the head of a bone screw, as well as the elongate rod. When the elongate rod is engaged by the portion of the top of the coupling element, the coupling element does not extend above a top most portion of elongate rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: SPECTRUM SPINE IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: James C. Robinson
  • Patent number: 9358052
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for fixation of bone fragments at bone fractures. The device comprises at least two fixation means (5, 6) and a securing plate (4). With the object of preventing or counteracting re-dislocation, the respective fixation means (5, 6) each have a first fixing portion (19) for fixing the fixation gleans in an inner bone fragment (3), a second fixing portion (21) for locking the fixation means to the securing plate (4) which is disposed on the outside of an outer bone fragment (2) and allows movement of the outer bone fragment relative to it, so that the fixation means are prevented from changing their angular position relative to the securing plate and relative to one another, and a middle portion (22) which is situated between the fixing portions and runs through the outer bone fragment, along which middle portion the outer bone fragment can slide inwards towards the inner bone fragment in which the fixation means is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Henrik Hansson
  • Patent number: 9358122
    Abstract: An interbody spacer includes a connecting portion and a pair of leg portions extending from the connecting portion. The connecting portion and the pair of leg portions define top and bottom surfaces configured and adapted to engage first and second vertebral bodies, respectively, and inner and outer sidewalls extending between the top and bottom surfaces. In particular, the top and bottom surfaces of the leg portions include first projections defining a first angle with the respective top and bottom surfaces of the leg portions. The top and bottom surfaces of the connecting portion include second projections defining a second angle with the respective top and bottom surfaces of the connecting portion. The first and second angles are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventor: Teck Soo
  • Patent number: 9357909
    Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical access device that allows access to a pathology being treated while significantly reducing the risk of damaging anatomical structures proximate the pathology. The access device includes a base portion having a central bore extending therethrough, and retractor blades pivotably mounted to the base portion. An insertion handle is coupled to the base portion to thread the retractor blades into the patient. The insertion handle is removed from the base portion, and a core hollow screw is threaded into the base portion to separate the retractor blades to gain access to the pathology through the hollow screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: THOMPSON MIS, LLC
    Inventors: Miguelangelo J. Perez-Cruet, John R. Pepper
  • Patent number: 9358124
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting an implant between vertebrae includes a body having a through bore, a central shaft movable within the through bore, the central shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus includes a pair of distractor arms having proximal portions and distal portions, the proximal portions pivotally coupled to the body and distal portions for engagement between the vertebrae. Tracking slots are formed in and extend through surfaces of and along a longitudinal axes of the distractor arms and an attachment tip is operably connected to the central shaft, the attachment tip is configured to grip the implant. The apparatus includes a single guide member projecting outward from the attachment tip and the attachment tip is removably connectable to the central shaft in multiple configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Davenport, Mark Adams, Michael Zweizig
  • Patent number: 9358044
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and associated methods for correcting spinal column deformities that help minimize a number of attachment anchors utilized for correction, facilitate use of straight or contoured rods, and/or help promote a more natural, physiologic motion of the spinal column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Seme, Thomas J. Gisel
  • Patent number: 9358045
    Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for stabilizing at least a portion of the spinal column are provided. Devices include anchors and coupling members for engaging an elongate member. Systems include an elongate member sized to span a distance between at least two vertebral bodies and being at least partially formed of a flexible material. A number of anchors and coupling members are used to secure the elongate member to each of the vertebral bodies. The anchors can be compressed towards one another and the elongate member secured thereto and/or the elongate member can be tensioned to provide corrective forces to the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy D. Drewry, Fred J. Molz
  • Patent number: 9351781
    Abstract: To provide a method with which expansion of the vertebral canal of vertebrae is possible with less stress for the patient than with the surgical methods used to date, it is proposed that herein the vertebral arch be split and an incision gap thereby be formed, and the incision gap bounded by opposed incision surfaces be expanded to a prescribed gap width and the bone substance of the resulting vertebral arch sections thereby be elastically/plastically deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Jens Beger, Ralph Linke, Petr Suchomel, Susanne Klingseis