Patents Examined by Nicholas Woodall
  • Implant for securing neighboring bone plates
    Patent number: 8986352
    Abstract: A method for securing neighboring bone plates by an implant includes the steps of resting an inner contact element of the implant on inner faces of the bone plates, resting an outer contact element of the implant on outer faces of the bone plates, connecting the inner contact element and the outer connecting element by a flexible tensioning element, forming a knot between free strands of the tensioning element, wherein the knot is a slip knot, and pushing the knot in a recess of the outer contact element with the knot being positioned at least partially below an outer surface of the outer contact element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Dieter Weisshaupt, Klaus-Dieter Steinhilper, Karl-Dieter Lerch
  • Structural/biological implant system
    Patent number: 8986381
    Abstract: A structural/biological implant and method of use. The implant being utilized as a single or multiple staged system that is designed to encourage new alveolar bone growth with or without the need to obtain autologous bone. The implant has an apical portion that is fastened into existing bone, with the remainder of the implant left outside of existing bone. The exposed portion of the implant may have an external shape or configuration with a variety of attached and/or integrally formed mechanical retention and stability elements. Osteotropic/angiotropic material may be associated with the implant to induce and or conduct new bone growth and possible vascularization, thus, rather than fitting the implant into the bone, the bone is grown integratively with the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: University of Connecticut
    Inventors: Martin Allen Freilich, John Robert Kelly, Rebecca Lee Cochrane
  • Patella orthopaedic surgical method
    Patent number: 8986306
    Abstract: A method of surgically preparing a patella for implantation of a patella prosthetic component is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy (Ireland)
    Inventors: Abraham P. Wright, Kyle B. Thomas, J. Bohannon Mason, Peter F. M. Choong, Mark W. Pagnano, Thomas P. Vail, Raymond E. Randle, James T. Caillouette, David C. Pollock, Jeffrey B Waffensmith, Matthew V Leyden
  • Facet fusion implant
    Patent number: 8986355
    Abstract: Facet fusion implants with various body geometries are provided. The bodies of the facet fusion implants can be configured to minimize migration of the implants when the implants are inserted into facet joints. Surgical methods and accompanying surgical instrumentation for inserting the facet fusion implants into facet joints are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Angert, Benjamin Barrall, David Chow, Justin Coppes, Lauren Pietruszynski
  • Composite interference screws and drivers
    Patent number: 8979865
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a delivery device. The delivery device including a handle assembly, the assembly including a handle and a connector coupled to the handle, the connector including a channel and an opening to the channel; and a shaft coupled to the handle, the shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end including threads, grooves intersecting the threads, and a depth stop. Other delivery devices, screws, and delivery device/screw combinations are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Li Fan, Paul Steven Vincuilla, Richard Mark Lunn, Mark Edwin Housman, Rebecca Blough
  • Tissue repair suture plates and methods of use
    Patent number: 8979909
    Abstract: Tissue repair suture plates and methods of use are provided which can, in general, allow soft tissue to be secured to bone. In one embodiment, a tissue repair suture plate can include a plurality of openings formed therethrough that can each be configured to have one or more sutures passed therethrough. Each of the sutures can be configured to be coupled to a soft tissue to be positioned against bone for healing thereagainst such that the soft tissue can have multiple sutures coupled thereto at different areas thereof. One or more bone fixation elements can be coupled to the plate and can be configured to attach the plate to the bone. The plate can be configured to move between a first configuration in which the plate has a first maximum length and a second configuration in which the plate has a second, greater maximum length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy Mitek, LLC
    Inventor: Kristian DiMatteo
  • Methods, systems, and devices for treating intervertebral discs including intradiscal fluid evacuation
    Patent number: 8974502
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for of treating intervertebral discs are disclosed. In one embodiment, a minimally invasive method of treating an intervertebral disc is provided. A contrast or imaging media is introduced into a nucleus of the intervertebral disc without removing any of the nucleus. The intervertebral disc is imaged with the contrast media within the nucleus. Then the contrast media is evacuated from the nucleus to reduce intradiscal pressure. Finally, a disc augmentation biomaterial is introduced into the nucleus. The disc augmentation biomaterial is introduced in such a manner that the disc augmentation biomaterial is maintained within the nucleus without having to repair an opening in the annulus surrounding the nucleus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Hai H. Trieu
  • Patella resection guide with locating features and method of using the same
    Patent number: 8968321
    Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument that includes a patella resection guide is disclosed. The patella resection guide includes a body having a substantially planar upper surface that defines a patella cutting guide surface and a first jaw having a first tooth, and a second jaw positioned opposite the first jaw. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw and includes a second tooth extending toward the first tooth that defines an axis along which the second jaw is moveable relative to the first jaw. The patella cutting guide surface defines a resection plane that extends through a patient's patella when the patella is positioned between the first jaw and the second jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy (Ireland)
    Inventors: Abraham P. Wright, Kyle B. Thomas, J. Bohannon Mason, Peter F. M. Choong, Mark W. Pagnano, Thomas P. Vail, Raymond E. Randle, James T. Caillouette, David C. Pollock, Jeffrey B. Waffensmith, Matthew V. Leyden
  • Single incision surgical portal apparatus including inner member
    Patent number: 8968190
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a housing member and an inner member. The housing member includes an expandable material that is adapted to transition between a compressed condition and an expanded condition. In the expanded condition, an outer surface of the housing member is adapted for a substantial sealing relationship with tissue upon insertion of the housing member within the tissue for accessing an underlying tissue site. The housing member has leading and trailing ends that define a longitudinal axis. The inner member is operably associated with the housing member and includes one or more longitudinal portals extending therethrough adapted for substantially sealed reception of a surgical object. The inner member may be less compliant than the housing member. The inner member may rotate about the longitudinal axis of the housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joshua B. Stopek
  • Spine plate with bone screw relief area
    Patent number: 8968369
    Abstract: A spine plate defines a body having a posterior surface or side and an anterior surface or side. The body also has a pair of bone screw bores for each vertebra to which the spine plate will be attached. The bone screw bores extend between the posterior side and the anterior side. A relief area is provided between each pair of bone screw bores in the anterior surface of the body. The relief area opens to both bone screw bores to allow displacement of the bone screw when entering the respective bone screw bore. The relief area also opens to both bone screw bores to permit an instrument to be received therein to remove a bone screw from one of the bone screw bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Butler, Michael J. Milella, Jr.
  • Intervertebral disc replacement
    Patent number: 8961608
    Abstract: Instrumentation for implanting a cervical disc replacement device includes cervical disc replacement trials for determining the appropriate size of replacement device to be implanted, an insertion plate for maintaining the elements of the replacement device in fixed relation to one another for simultaneous manipulation, an insertion handle for attachment to the insertion plate for manipulation of the elements, an insertion pusher for releasing the insertion handle from the insertion plate, a drill guide that cooperates with the insertion plate to guide the drilling of tap holes for bone screws to be placed through bone screw holes in the flanges of the replacement device, clips that are applied to the flanges after placement of the bone screws to resist screw backout, and a clip applicator for applying the clips to the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: SpineCore, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafail Zubok, Michael W. Dudasik, Joseph P. Errico
  • Minimally invasive apparatus to manipulate and revitalize spinal column disk
    Patent number: 8961605
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to manipulate and revitalize a spinal column disc while minimizing or preventing the removal of material comprising the disc. The method allows a device to be inserted in the disc either through a pre-existing rupture or through an opening formed in the front, back, or sides of the disc. Increasing the space between the vertebra bounding the disc or removing disc material often is not necessary to insert the device in the disc. The device generates internal traction or other forces acting on the disc to alter the shape of the disc. The shape of the disc is altered to relieve pressure on nerves adjacent the disc. The shape of the disc is also altered to draw nuclear hernias back into the interior of the disc and to produce a disc shape that improves functioning of the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Arthrodisc, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Richard I. Zipnick
  • Apparatus and methods for bone access and cavity preparation
    Patent number: 8961518
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for preparing the interior of a bone for therapy. The therapy may include therapy for a bone fracture. The apparatus and methods may involve orienting a surgical instrument for proper deployment in the interior of the bone. An instrument guide may be positioned and retained against translation along, and rotation about one or more of three substantially orthogonal axes. Apparatus placed exterior to the bone may register the guide to a region inside the bone that is designated for preparation or treatment. One or more broaching members may be used to prepare the region for treatment. A broaching member may be expandable inside the bone. A broaching member may be flexible such that it broaches bone having a relatively lower density and it leaves bone having a relatively higher density substantially intact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Conventus Orthopaedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Taylor, Stefan J. Hertel, Alex A. Peterson, Michael P. Brenzel, Steve D. Kruse, Todd A. Krinke, Paul Hindrichs
  • CMC repair using suture-button construct
    Patent number: 8961575
    Abstract: A button and attached suture loop for CMC repair. A suture strand is threaded through holes in the button to attach the button to the suture. The suture ends are then brought together (by being swaged, spliced or cinched together, for example) to form the suture loop comprising a continuous, uninterrupted suture loop with a single strand of swaged-together ends. The swaged-together ends are attached to a suture passing instrument such as a K-wire (Kirschner wire) that is also used to drill a hole through adjoining metacarpals (for example, the first and second metacarpals). The swaged-together ends of the suture are then passed through the drill holes in the first and second metacarpals, and the ends of the suture are pulled until the button abuts one of the first and second metacarpals. A second button is used to secure the cut suture ends to the other metacarpal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Choinski
  • Joint spacer
    Patent number: 8956417
    Abstract: To change a spatial relationship between two or more bones in a patient's body, a wedge member is moved into a joint between the bones. The wedge member may have a cam-shaped configuration and be rotated through less than a revolution to apply force against the bones. The wedge member may have a porous construction which enables bone to grow through the wedge member and immobilize the joint. The wedge member may be coated with and/or contain bone growth promoting material. The wedge member may be connected to only one of the bones or may be connected to two adjacent bones. If the wedge member is connected to only one bone, the joint may be capable of being flexed after the wedge member is inserted into the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Bonutti Skeletal Innovations LLC
    Inventor: Peter M. Bonutti
  • Patella clamp and drill guide surgical instrument
    Patent number: 8951262
    Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument includes a patella drill guide having a first bracket, a second bracket coupled to the first bracket and moveable relative to the first bracket. The second bracket includes a drill plate having a plurality of guide holes defined therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy (Ireland)
    Inventors: Maja Kecman, Richard A. Hartshorn, Edward H. Goodwin, Abraham P. Wright, Kyle B. Thomas, Duncan G. Young, Lisa M. Stroux
  • Anchor
    Patent number: 8951292
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an anchor. The anchor includes an outer member including a body having an inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity includes a proximal portion configured for receipt of a delivery device and a distal portion having area of increased diameter. The anchor also includes an inner member coupled to the outer member, wherein the inner member includes a proximal portion having a projection configured for receipt in the area of increased diameter and a distal portion having a transverse through hole. A delivery device and method for tissue repair are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Paulk, Richard M. Lunn
  • Minimal profile anterior bracket for spinal fixation
    Patent number: 8945191
    Abstract: A spinal fixation device for securing to a spine includes a body having one or more longitudinal members extending between a pair of wedge members. Each wedge member defines one or more openings therethrough for the reception of a bone screw. The wedge members are disposed on opposite ends of the one or more longitudinal members. One of the wedge members is positionable within a first intervertebral space and the other wedge member is positionable within a second intervertebral space. The one or more longitudinal members define a length that spans one or more vertebrae. The one or more longitudinal members are positionable within the one or more vertebrae when the wedge members are positioned within the respective first and second intervertebral spaces to maintain the body in a minimal profile orientation relative to the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Josef E. Gorek, Scott Jones
  • Methods and devices for validating the position of patient-specific devices
    Patent number: 8939982
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for validating the correct position of a patient-specific device on a chosen anatomy of the human body as well as such patient-specific devices. More specifically, the devices are provided with a fitting tool which allows in alignment of the patient-specific device with one or more predetermined patient-specific landmarks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventor: Karim Chellaoui
  • Expandable spinal interbody and intravertebral body devices
    Patent number: 8940048
    Abstract: A device for insertion into a spinal (intervertebral or intravertebral) space is expandable from a first circumference to a second circumference through axial compression of segments of the device, particularly once the device has been properly situated within a vertebral space. The interbody/intravertebral body device is characterized by a plurality of axially stacked, individual segments that are provided on a central insertion and deployment rod. Each segment includes a central plate or body to which are pivotally attached plate or leaf structures. Pivoting of the structures provides a collapsed or unexpanded position of the first circumference and an open or expanded position of the second circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Butler, Daniel Predick