Patents Examined by Nicholas Plionis
  • Patent number: 9439639
    Abstract: A medical treatment tool (10) includes a retractor main body (30) and a converter (20). The retractor main body (30) forms a cylindrical shape and is placed in an incision. The converter (20) is detachably installed on an opening end (32) of the retractor main body (30) and closes the opening end (32). Ports (22a) to (22d) through which treatment tools are respectively inserted into the retractor main body (30) are provided in a plurality of sites of the converter (20). The converter (20) can be installed on the opening end (32) at an installation angle which is selected from a plurality of angles. The positional relationships of the ports (22a) to (22d) with respect to the retractor main body (30) when the converter (20) is installed on the opening end (32) at the respective installation angles become different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: SUMITOMO BAKELITE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eiji Kanehira, Etsuro Yamabe, Minoru Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9433453
    Abstract: An implant with an interference fit fastener for attaching the implant to a bone. The interference fit prevents backout of the fastener after the attachment. The implant may include a passage with a first end and second end. The passage may include a first interference section between the first and second ends. A fastener with an elongated shape may be sized to extend through the passage to attach the implant to the bone. The fastener may include a second interference section. During insertion of the fastener through the passage and into the bone, the second interference section of the fastener may contact against and modify or be modified by the first interference section of the passage. This modification may create the interference fit between the implant and the fastener that prevents backout. The interference sections may remain in contact or may move apart once the fastener is fully attached to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, Thomas A. Carls, Lindsey G. Waugh
  • Patent number: 9427267
    Abstract: A method for implanting a longitudinal intramedullary nail into the tibia comprises inserting the tibia nail along a plane of symmetry through the tuberositas tibiae. Thereby, the tuberositas tibiae can be used during nail insertion to correctly align the nail and the target arm to the symmetry plane of the bone. This means, that the whole construct, the nail attached to the target arm, has to be inserted in external rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Annika Homeier, Ilan Howling, Nils Zander, Lothar Kühne, Claudia Graca
  • Patent number: 9427331
    Abstract: A spinal cage includes first and second spinal attachment members attachable to vertebrae, the first and second spinal attachment members articulating with one another by means of an articulation joint, and a wedge element arranged for wedging between the first and second spinal attachment members. An actuator is linked to the wedge element for moving the wedge element axially with respect to the first and second spinal attachment members. The actuator includes a threaded member adjacent the wedge element and a biasing device positioned between at least one of the first and second spinal attachment members and the wedge element. Upon turning of the threaded member, the wedge element is advanced with respect to the articulation joint so that the first and second spinal attachment members are tilted or parallel to each other. The biasing device applies a biasing force on the wedge element to move the wedge element axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Apifix Ltd.
    Inventor: Uri Arnin
  • Patent number: 9421047
    Abstract: A supporting instrument with a modular intramedullary nail includes a plurality of intramedullary nails and a coupling module. Each intramedullary nail is in a form of a long rod and has a coupling portion arranged between two ends of the intramedullary nail and an abutting surface along a longitudinal face of the intramedullary nail. The coupling module is mounted to the coupling portions of the plurality of intramedullary nails for the abutting surfaces of the plurality of intramedullary nails to abut against each other and for assembling the plurality of intramedullary nails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignees: Metal Industries Research & Development Centre
    Inventors: Pei-Yuan Lee, Yen-Nien Chen, Wei-The Chen, Wei-Ching Wang
  • Patent number: 9421048
    Abstract: A supporting instrument with a modular intramedullary nail includes a plurality of intramedullary nails and a coupling module. Each intramedullary nail is in a form of a long rod and has a coupling portion arranged between two ends of the intramedullary nail and an abutting surface along a longitudinal face of the intramedullary nail. The coupling module is mounted to the coupling portions of the plurality of intramedullary nails for the abutting surfaces of the plurality of intramedullary nails to abut against each other and for assembling the plurality of intramedullary nails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignees: Metal Industries Research & Development Centre
    Inventors: Pei-Yuan Lee, Yen-Nien Chen, Wei-The Chen, Wei-Ching Wang
  • Patent number: 9420944
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in an operating theater equipped with a surgical table, comprises a lifting frame attachable to the surgical table and adapted for lifting a body part of a subject undergoing a surgical procedure upon the surgical table, and comprising an upright support post incorporating a jack, and a lifting arm pivotally mounted upon the post, whereby the arm can be turned about the upright support post on thrust bearing to either overhang the surgical table, or be pivoted away to permit access to the surgical table. The arm is adapted to support a retractor that comprises a blade portion incorporating a plurality of independent lighting devices positioned in light ports and configured to provide discrete illumination selectively to zones within the surgical field according to (a) a predetermined sequence program, or (b) a sequence determined by a user of the retractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: CardioPrecision Limited
    Inventors: Ying Sutherland, Fraser William Havern Sutherland
  • Patent number: 9414932
    Abstract: The present invention teaches an improved spinal fusion implant and method of implanting same. The implant includes a shell and an insert, the insert capable of situating first and second plates of the shell with respect to each other and of preventing unwanted loosening of fasteners placed through the shell and into the adjacent vertebral bodies. The method includes implanting a shell, selecting an insert from a plurality of inserts, and placing an insert between first and second plates of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Errico, Alexandre B. de Moura, Christopher McDonnell, Rafail Zubok
  • Patent number: 9408614
    Abstract: An olecranon fracture fixation system includes an intramedullary core that is dimensioned for insertion in an intramedullary canal of the bone, and a hollow shell that is dimensioned for insertion in the intramedullary canal. The shell includes fixation elements that extend outwardly away from a proximal end of the shell. A fastener is provided for attaching the shell to the core in the intramedullary canal. When the core and shell are inserted in the intramedullary canal, the fixation elements extend away from the fracture line of the bone, and when the core and shell are attached in the intramedullary canal, the fixation elements engage an end surface of the end section of the bone. In one example version of the invention, the system is an olecranon fracture fixation system wherein the fixation elements are dimensioned to engage the triceps tendon and an end surface of the olecranon when the core and shell are attached in the intramedullary canal of the proximal ulna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: MAYO Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventor: Scott F. M. Duncan
  • Patent number: 9408708
    Abstract: An implantable orthopedic stability device is disclosed. The device can have a contracted and an expanded configuration. A method of using the device between adjacent facet surfaces for support and/or fixation of either or both of the adjacent vertebrae is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Stout Medical Group, L.P.
    Inventor: E. Skott Greenhalgh
  • Patent number: 9408645
    Abstract: An intramedullary nail has a driving end portion and a non-driving end portion with a longitudinal axis. The non-driving end portion comprises a locking hole arrangement with a sequence of four holes, i.e. spaced from non-driving to driving end a first hole, a second hole, a third hole, and a fourth hole. The first hole and the fourth hole have a corresponding first orientation and the second hole and the third hole have a corresponding second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Claudia Graca, Annika Homeier, Ilan Howling, Edgar Kaiser
  • Patent number: 9402739
    Abstract: An expandable fusion device may include a first endplate, and a second endplate. The expandable fusion device also may include a first ramp configured to mate with both the first and second endplates. The first ramp may be a wedge with an incline extending along a longitudinal axis of the expandable fusion device, and also may be a wedge having an incline extending along a lateral axis of the expandable fusion device. A second ramp may be configured to mate with both the first and second endplates. The first ramp may be a wedge having an incline extending along the longitudinal axis of the expandable fusion device, and also may be wedge having an incline extending along the lateral axis of the expandable fusion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Weiman, Chad Glerum
  • Patent number: 9402655
    Abstract: An interspinous spacer assembly (100) for insertion and/or implantation between spinous processes of adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae includes an interspinous spacer member (110) sized and configured for insertion into the interspinous space located between adjacent spinous processes and an engagement mechanism (105) for operatively coupling the spacer member to the adjacent spinous processes and for preventing migration of the assembly once implanted. The interspinous spacer assembly is adjustable to conform to the individual anatomy of a patient's spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Saladin, Felix Aschmann, Manuel Schaer, Justin Coppes, Nicholas Angert, Grant Skidmore, Michael Mayer
  • Patent number: 9387017
    Abstract: A system and device for manipulating a spinal construct is provided. For example, the manipulation device can include a drive member to be disposed within a first surgical sleeve extending from a first vertebra, and a coupling member positioned adjacent a second surgical sleeve. In one embodiment, at least one of the drive member and the coupling member can be releasably engaged to an actuation mechanism. In one aspect, the actuation mechanism can include a floating and/or auto-locking pivot point thereby allowing a user to quickly and easily position the manipulation device relative to the adjacent surgical sleeves. Additionally, a method of manipulating spinal constructs is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn D. Stad, Garth G. Baker, Tony Tannoury, Paul G. Beaudoin, Christopher Ramsay
  • Patent number: 9351847
    Abstract: Interbody fusion devices including deployable fixation members. The implant may include a spacer, optionally, an end member coupled to the spacer, and one or more fixation members configured to extend into adjacent vertebrae. The fixation members may include screws, nails, shims, tangs, spikes, staples, pins, blades, fins, or the like, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Reed, Aditya Ingalhalikar, Jeff Nichols, Brandon Preske, Mark Fromhold, Colm McLaughlin, Mark Adams, Brian Garvey
  • Patent number: 9339297
    Abstract: A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral motion segment by connecting a first vertebra and a second vertebra is disclosed. The system includes an elongate connection element with end portions interconnected by a flexible coupling member. The system includes first and second attachment portions for connecting the connection element to the vertebrae. A first resilient member is positioned between the first end portion and the first attachment portion, and a second resilient member is positioned between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The system is designed such that the second resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions move towards each other, and the first resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions extend away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Friedrich, Edward Karpowicz, Andrew Iott
  • Patent number: 9339311
    Abstract: A rear-retaining structure for dynamic hip screw (DHS) includes a retaining block and a positioning element. The dynamic hip screw comprises a lag screw, a sideplate, a sleeve with a higher orifice and a lower orifice, and a compression screw. The retaining block of the rear-retaining structure is attached to the sideplate of the dynamic hip screw by the positioning element. A stopper portion of the retaining block is located opposite to the lower orifice of the sleeve. The height of the highest point of the stopper portion in the lower orifice is in inverse proportion to the distance that the lag screw and the compression screw are allowed to slip back in the sleeve from an implant position to the lower orifice; namely, the higher the height of the highest point of the stopper portion is in the lower orifice, the smaller the distance for the slip back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: INTAI TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yung-Fang Tsai, Pei-Yuan Lee, Tsung-Chen Liu
  • Patent number: 9326757
    Abstract: Various surgical instruments for laparoscopic procedures are provided for aspirating and retracting a hollow organ such as a gallbladder. The surgical instruments include a needle body and an anchor coupled to the needle body. The anchor is adapted and configured for engaging and retracting the hollow organ, and can be held and deployed from within the needle body or from an outside surface of the needle body. The needle body defines an aperture for permitting aspiration of contents of the hollow organ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: TELEFLEX MEDICAL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Sundaram Ravikumar, Allan Alward
  • Patent number: 9314337
    Abstract: An implantable device for treating disc degenerative disease and arthritis of the spine. The implant is sized for placement into an intravertebral disc space. The implant has a body with a predetermined, defined, repeating, three-dimensional pattern at least partially on at least one of its surfaces. The pattern is adapted to create a surface area of bone-contacting features that enhance in-growth and biological attachment to a biocompatible material. Also disclosed are process steps for making the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Titan Spine, LLC
    Inventors: Chad J. Patterson, Jennifer M. Schneider, Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., Mark E. Berg
  • Patent number: 9307973
    Abstract: Provided is a muscle retractor for spine surgery including: first and second retractors having blades configured to support a spine and muscles, and insertion blocks extending from the blades and having facing open surfaces; an expander having expansion arms slidably inserted into the insertion blocks of the first and second retractors, a gear rack movably installed at both of the expansion arms and having a gear section formed at one surface thereof, and a ratchet installed at the expansion arm moving along the gear rack and locked to or released from the gear section of the gear rack; a slider accessibly inserted into the blade of the first retractor or the second retractor in a projected state; and an auxiliary plate pivotally installed at a lower portion of the blade of the first retractor of the first and second retractors supporting the muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: SOONCHUNHYANG UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY ACADEMY COOPERATION FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Soo-Bin Im