Patents Examined by Michelle C Eckman
  • Patent number: 11627952
    Abstract: In one aspect, a surgical retractor having sliders configured to have tissue engaging members connected thereto and slider drives including operating members. The operating members are rotatable to cause the slider drives to shift the sliders relative to one another. The surgical retractor includes a coupler having a coupling configuration wherein the coupler connects the slider drives and rotation of one of the operating members causes movement of the sliders. The coupler also has a decoupling configuration wherein the coupler disconnects the slider drives and rotation of the one operating member causes movement of fewer sliders than the sliders that are moved with the coupler in the coupling configuration. The retractor has an actuator connected to the coupler and movable between a dependent slider movement position and an independent slider movement position to shift the coupler between the coupling configuration and the decoupling configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Surgalign Spine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan Eckhof, Matthew P. Gephart, Kale Reid, Markus Salvermoser, Matthew Allan Stilwell, Daniel Wefers, Marc Mundhenke
  • Patent number: 11622796
    Abstract: An implant and method for fixation of long bones. The implant provides rotational, longitudinal, and bending stability. The implant comprises one or more elongated members that span the intramedullary cavity of a long bone, a distal tip that expands radially relative to the long axis of the implant, and a locking mechanism at the proximal end of the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: MeduLoc, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Hustedt, Benjamin Arnold, Brian Bowman, Kristen Ybarra
  • Patent number: 11617604
    Abstract: An intramedullary nail assembly includes a body and an inlay. The body has an outer surface and an opposing inner surface. The outer surface extends from a leading end of the body to a trailing end of the body. The inner surface defines a cannulation that extends into the trailing end towards the leading end. The body comprises a leading body portion that defines the leading end, and a trailing body portion that defines the trailing end. The inlay is positionable within the cannulation of at least one of the leading body portion and the trailing body portion. The inlay includes an engagement member configured to engage the body to removably lock the inlay within the cannulation of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Roger Koch, Walter Widmer, Heinz Zbinden, Mark Allemann
  • Patent number: 11612498
    Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being inserted between adjacent vertebrae to facilitate the fusion process. The expandable fusion device may include first and second endplates, a translation member configured to expand an anterior side and/or posterior side of the device, a plurality of joists configured to connect the first and second endplates to the translation member, and first and second actuation members disposed internally to the device such that openings on a back side of the device can be used to expand or compress the anterior side, the posterior side, or both and such openings may also be used to introduce graft material into the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Hessler, Chad Glerum, Adam Friedrich, Alex Burkhardt, Jason Zappacosta, Kevin Gahman, Matthew Hansell, Andrew Iott, Hilliary Kopp, Jeff Nichols, Joel Cryder, Edward Karpowicz, John Matthews
  • Patent number: 11612419
    Abstract: A method comprises the steps of: fixing a distal end of a first member of a surgical instrument with tissue, the surgical instrument including a second member having a longitudinal passageway configured for disposal of the first member and being connected with a navigation component such that the distal end is disposable with the passageway at a selected distance from the navigation component, the navigation component being positioned relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of an orientation of the first member; removing the second member from the first member; and connecting a third member with the first member along the orientation such that a distal end of the third member is fixed with the tissue. Systems, spinal implants, constructs and instruments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Paxton Wall, Christopher Good
  • Patent number: 11612420
    Abstract: Various implementations include rod reduction instruments, spinal fixation monitoring systems, and related methods. Certain implementations include a rod reduction instrument that is adapted for use with a spinal fixation system and includes a sensor configured to detect a load exerted by a rod reducer on a spinal rod, along with a reduction feedback system that provides an indicator of the load exerted by the rod reducer on the spinal rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Nelsen, Robert German, Michael Serra
  • Patent number: 11612493
    Abstract: The invention is generally related to an intervertebral implant for replacing an intervertebral disc of the human spine. The intervertebral implant includes a first conformable endplate, the first conformable endplate being conformable to a boney vertebral endplate under an anatomical load, a second endplate and a core between the endplates, wherein the first conformable endplate partitions the core from the boney vertebral endplate, whereby the core does not contact the boney vertebral endplate. The invention is also directed to a method of replacing an intervertebral disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. O'Neil
  • Patent number: 11596452
    Abstract: Instruments and methods for selectively coupling to an object are provided, for example surgical instruments that can form a rigid connection with an object and also be disassembled for cleaning, sterilization, etc. One embodiment includes an elongate shaft with a longitudinal groove, a first partial circumferential groove that intersects with a distal end of the longitudinal groove, and a second at least partial circumferential groove formed distal to the first partial circumferential groove. The instrument also includes a sleeve disposed over the elongate shaft that includes a protrusion extending from an internal wall that is received within the longitudinal groove to constrain movement of the sleeve relative to the elongate shaft. The sleeve further includes a lock that interfaces with the second at least partial circumferential groove when the protrusion is disposed in the first partial circumferential groove to further selectively constrain axial and rotational movement of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARL
    Inventors: Cory Emil, Richard Fournier, Eric Biester
  • Patent number: 11596447
    Abstract: A bone anchor is provided for connecting a rod to a bone structure, the bone anchor having a rod housing configured to accommodate the rod; a cavity distal to the rod housing dimensioned to accommodate the bone structure; and a deployable purchase element capable of assuming a deployed position in which the purchase element protrudes into the cavity, and capable of assuming a non-deployed position in which the purchase element does not substantially protrude into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Unger, Robert German, Nicholas Didier
  • Patent number: 11589904
    Abstract: A pedicle screw device for fixating at least two adjacent vertebral bodies is presented. The device consists of a bone screw which is implanted into the pedicle of a vertebral body. A second bone screw is implanted into the pedicle of a second vertebral body. A polyaxial head is then inserted over each bone screw. The polyaxial heads can then be slid into a retaining position on the bone screw, allowing them to rotate about the spherical portion of the bone screw. The polyaxial heads are then attached to one another with a rod. Finally, a locking screw is inserted into the polyaxial heads to force the rod against the bone screw as well as the polyaxial head, locking them in place. The rod also serves to prevent the polyaxial head from disconnecting from the bone screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: Bret Michael Berry
  • Patent number: 11589900
    Abstract: Disclosed are improved devices, systems and methods for external fixation and/or support of damaged or fractured limbs or other anatomies of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: William Montross
  • Patent number: 11583262
    Abstract: A surgical retractor adapted to develop the interval between the gastrocnemius and soleus to facilitate one or both of gastrocnemius and soleus recession to treat equinus is disclosed. Particular forms of the present disclosure include a retractor having handles extending transversally to the retractor head such that the handles may be used to manipulate and actuate the instrument with its head positioned through an incision and into the interval between the gastrocnemius and soleus, with the handles extending either distally or proximally from the incision site so that such handles do not interfere with the surgical procedure. In other illustrative embodiments, the retractor head can include a gastrocnemius retractor and a soleus retractor, each of which include a plurality of guides operable to guide the incision of the fascial layer of the gastrocnemius and soleus, respectively, to effect intermuscular fascial lengthening to relieve equinus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: DeHeer Orthopedics LLC
    Inventor: Patrick A. DeHeer
  • Patent number: 11571244
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes bone screws and assemblies thereof for surgical procedures of the spine including but not limited to posterior spinal fixation procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad M. Loftis, Matthew Tobias Jacobs, Robert German, Enrique Rayon
  • Patent number: 11564720
    Abstract: A bone screw for intramedullary fixation of hand or foot bones comprises three sections of a threaded distal portion, a threaded center portion and a threaded proximal portion. The threaded distal portion comprises a first full thread with a first constant diameter and a first constant pitch throughout the threaded distal portion, wherein an open end of the threaded distal portion forms a leading end of the bone screw. The threaded center portion comprises a second full thread with a second constant diameter and a second constant pitch throughout the threaded center portion, wherein the second constant diameter is the same as the first constant diameter, and the second constant pitch is smaller than the first constant pitch. The threaded proximal portion comprises a third full thread with a third constant diameter and a third constant pitch throughout the threaded proximal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Acumed LLC
    Inventor: Brian Conley
  • Patent number: 11564715
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a receiving part with a rod receiving portion defining a recess for receiving a rod, and a head receiving portion with a wall that defines an accommodation space for accommodating a head of an anchoring element, and a locking member positionable at least partially around the head receiving portion and movable from a first position where the head can pivot in the accommodation space to a second position where an angular position of the head is locked. The wall of the head receiving portion further defines at least one cavity in communication with the accommodation space that reduces a radial thickness of at least part of the wall located between the accommodation space and the locking member, and at least part of the cavity is separated radially from the accommodation space by a portion of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: BIEDERMANN TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Timo Biedermann, Lutz Biedermann, Berthold Dannecker, Bernd Fischer
  • Patent number: 11559333
    Abstract: An anchor assembly can be couplable to a bone and can include an anchor and a housing. The anchor can include a shank securable to bone and a head coupled to a proximal portion of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Allison Christine Capote, Randall G. Mast, Jared Parker, Thomas Serra, Caleb Lee Stoll
  • Patent number: 11553950
    Abstract: A trochanteric fracture nail system includes: a trochanteric fracture nail and a lag screw system adapted and configured for fixation medially through the trochanteric fracture nail. The trochanteric fracture nail includes: a substantially cylindrical wall defining a longitudinal bore; at least one lateral bore intersecting the longitudinal bore; and a detent on an inner surface of at least one of the at least one lateral bore. The lag screw system includes a lag screw and an interference member. The lag screw includes: an annular body defining a substantially hollow central bore; and a keel located along the annular body. The keel is adapted and configured to substantially lie within an outer profile of the annular body when in a neutral position. The interference member is adapted and configured to displace the keel radially to resist motion of the annular body by engaging with the detent of the trochanteric fracture nail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Spinal Generations, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick J. Sweeney, Matthew V. Leyden
  • Patent number: 11547424
    Abstract: A complete removal and reinsertion of instruments is avoided when the instruments are initially not correctly positioned during a minimally invasive operation on a bone, in particular a vertebra of the spine. This aim is achieved by an instrument set for spinal operations, including a guide rod, which has a cavity extending along the axis of the guide rod, and a guide tube, which can be received in the cavity of the guide rod, wherein the guide rod has a distal lip, which is arranged eccentrically to the cavity and/or to a center axis of the guide rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: JOIMAX GMBH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Ries
  • Patent number: 11547452
    Abstract: Spinal correction surgical techniques and methodologies for correction of scoliosis using non fusion anterior scoliosis correction, including soft tissue releases, unique correction techniques such as de-rotation, and unique single and dual anchor screw/cord applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Institute for Spine & Scollosis, P.A.
    Inventors: M Darryl Antonacci, Randal R Betz, Laury Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 11547573
    Abstract: A spinal interbody implant includes a shaft extending along and rotatable about a central axis. The shaft includes a first threaded region. The implant further includes a first link having a first end with first gear teeth. The first end of the first link is fixed at a first point relative to the central axis such that the first gear teeth engage the first threaded region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: K2M, INC.
    Inventors: Liam Patrick Barnes, Clint Boyd