Patents Examined by Nicholas Woodall
  • Variable locking bone plating system
    Patent number: 8940029
    Abstract: An apparatus can include a plate member having a top surface, a bottom surface and a hole extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The plate member hole can have a spherically shaped sidewall. A right-hand helical thread can be formed in the sidewall of the plate member hole, and a left-hand helical cut can be formed in the sidewall of the plate member hole intersecting the right-hand helical thread. The left-hand helical cut can be configured to reduce a portion of a contact surface area of the right-hand helical thread and the sidewall of the plate member hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Biomet Trauma, LLC
    Inventors: Ross T. Leung, Brian K. Berelsman
  • Systems and methods for using polyaxial plates
    Patent number: 8940028
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a bone fixation assembly that can provide polyaxial fixation. The polyaxial fixation may be provided by fins that protrude from an opening in a bone plate or fins that protrude from a fastener head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene Edward Austin, Jon Andrew Harmon, Sied W. Janna, James K. Rains, John B. Schneider, Timothy J. Petteys
  • Expandable spinal support device with attachable members and methods of use
    Patent number: 8936627
    Abstract: Expandable support devices for tissue repair are disclosed. The devices can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. Surgical devices and methods for adjusting (e.g., removing, repositioning, resizing) deployed orthopedic expandable support devices are also disclosed. The expandable support devices can be engaged and surgically implanted by an engagement device and affixed to bone to provide stability and support for the devices. The expandable support devices are attachable to spinal fixation devices such as screws or plates, and may be used to support such devices when placed in weakened or damaged areas of bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen H. Hochschuler, Skott E. Greenhalgh, John Paul Romano, Robert A. Kiefer, Wade Kevin Trexler, Michael P. Igoe
  • Devices for delivering bone filler material and associated methods of use
    Patent number: 8932297
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating bones, including, in one or more embodiments, a device for delivering a bone filler material comprising: a housing having a throughbore; a plunger comprising a shaft having external threads, wherein the plunger is configured for advancement through the throughbore of the housing; and a threaded receiving member configured to releasably engage the plunger. Methods for removing an instrument from a vertebral body comprising applying ultrasonic energy to the instrument, wherein a distal end of the instrument is disposed in a cavity in the vertebral body, wherein the cavity contains a filler material; and removing the instrument from the vertebral body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Damien O'Halloran, Daniel Waite
  • Method for modeling a glenoid surface of a scapula, apparatus for implanting a glenoid component of a shoulder prosthesis, and method for producing such a component
    Patent number: 8932361
    Abstract: An apparatus and modeling method of the present invention includes the successive steps of generating cartographic data representative of points belonging to a glenoid surface; distinguishing from among the cartographic data a first group of cartographic data corresponding to a first part of the glenoid surface, the first surface part being situated farthest down in the vertical direction in relation to the scapula; calculating from the first group of cartographic data a first ellipsoid portion that coincides substantially with the first surface part; and obtaining a theoretical glenoid surface from the first ellipsoid portion. By virtue of the theoretical glenoid surface obtained by this method, it is possible to assist the surgeon in optimizing the position of implantation of a glenoid component and to produce a glenoid component “made to measure” for the scapula that is to be fitted with a prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Delphine Henry
  • Bone plate holder
    Patent number: 8926616
    Abstract: An instrument for holding a bone plate may include a first arm, a second arm connected to and adjustable relative to the first arm, a first connection tip at the distal end of the first arm configured to connect to the first side wall of the bone plate, and a second connection tip at the distal end of the second arm configured to connect to the second side wall of the bone plate. A stabilizing member is connected to the first connection tip. The stabilizing member is distally spaced apart from the first connection tip to form an opening for receiving a portion of bone between the first connection tip and the stabilizing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Edward B. Zalenski, Michael D. Sorrenti, Thomas Gamache
  • System and method for retrograde procedure
    Patent number: 8926615
    Abstract: A system and method may be used for accessing an articular surface and for preparing an implant site on the articular surface. The method may include locating a portion of the articular. An access passage may be drilled towards the articular surface though bone behind the articular surface. An implant site may be excised in the articular surface relative to an axis defined by the access passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Arthrosurface, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven W. Ek
  • Surgical instrument for acetabular cup implantation
    Patent number: 8926621
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for acetabular cup implantation includes an acetabular cup, a shell body and a drive shaft. The drive shaft includes a drive rod and a handle bar. The handle bar engages the pivot for angular displacement having forward position and backward position. In the forward position the drive rod rotates the acetabular cup forward, and in the backward position the drive rod shifts backward resulting in the acetabular cup engaged the extension portion. Accordingly, the operator rotates the handle bar to control the acetabular cup inserting into the position of acetabulum. The rotation of the handle bar results in the gripping or releasing of the acetabular cup or insert from the invention. Thus the invention provides a clear and ergonomic instrument for medical personnel concerning the operation of acetabular cup implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: United Orthopedic Corporation
    Inventor: Chih Ming Liang
  • Universal height foam port
    Patent number: 8920314
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity is adapted to tissues having different thicknesses. The surgical apparatus is configured to have different lengths. In one embodiment, the surgical includes a seal anchor member having two ends, and one of which is adapted to fold resulting in a plurality of folded states. Each folded state corresponds to a different length of the seal anchor member. The seal anchor member includes a slot to facilitate transition within the plurality of folded states. The seal anchor member further includes an aperture and a pin configured to further facilitate transition within the plurality of folded states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Gennady Kleyman, Gregory G. Okoniewski
  • Apparatus for osteotomy and graft preparation
    Patent number: 8920426
    Abstract: Surgical tools that increase surgical accuracy for orthopedic procedures involving long bone osteotomy with or without supplementation with allograft or autograft. Two clamps on the operative side are rigidly interconnected to one another with an adjustable rod that is locked into place, preserving length and rotation of the bone. A graft preparation device is used on the operative table. It enables alignment of the graft to preserve the desired mechanical and anatomic axes and to provide rigid fixation of the graft for cutting. Adjustable jigs ensure exact cuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventor: Eric R. Henderson
  • Minimally invasive lateral intervertebral fixation system, device and method
    Patent number: 8920505
    Abstract: An intervertebral fixation device and system are disclosed, including a weight-bearing shell, first anchor, second anchor, and key. The shell includes a first and second opposing sidewalls, a keyway that extends between and through the first and second sidewalls, and a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation that extend between the first and second sidewalls. The first anchor is rotatably coupled to the shell about a first axis of rotation and is disposed in a first orientation. The second anchor is rotatably coupled to the shell about a second axis of rotation and is disposed in a second orientation. The second orientation is divergent from the first orientation. The key is configured to be disposed in the keyway to support the first anchor in a third orientation and the second anchor in a fourth orientation. The third orientation is divergent from the fourth orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: International Spinal Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Aferzon, Jeffrey A. Bash
  • Surgical access system and related methods
    Patent number: 8915846
    Abstract: A system for accessing a surgical target site and related methods, involving an initial distraction system for creating an initial distraction corridor, and an assembly capable of distracting from the initial distraction corridor to a secondary distraction corridor and thereafter sequentially receiving a plurality of retractor blades for retracting from the secondary distraction corridor to thereby create an operative corridor to the surgical target site, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, James Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Norbert F. Kaula, Jeffrey J. Blewett
  • Discectomy instrument
    Patent number: 8915936
    Abstract: The present invention provides a discectomy instrument that is capable of removing portions of the spinal disc between adjacent vertebrae in a controlled manner that is efficient and easy to use. In an exemplary embodiment, the discectomy instrument includes a handle, a rotary scraper, a barrel, a drive shaft, an outer sleeve and a retaining clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen Brian Landes
  • Method of planning and performing a spherical osteotomy using the 3-dimensional center of rotation of angulation (CORA)
    Patent number: 8915922
    Abstract: A pre-surgical planning method for performing a spherical osteotomy for the surgical sectioning of a bone includes obtaining a CT scan of a bone. Subsequently manipulating the scan into a three-dimensional CAD format. Utilizing the scan to identify one or more centers of bone correction or 3D CORAs. A surface, configured in the shape of a portion of a sphere, e.g., a semisphere, is then superimposed on the computer representation of the bone. The center of the surface is positioned at a respective center of bone correction. The intersection of the surface and the bone defines a sectioning surface along which the bone is to be cut. Simulating a sectioning of the bone along the sectioning surface and the subsequent realignment of the bone in an optimal configuration using the computer is then performed. The computer simulation is then utilized as a guide for actually sectioning the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Zsigmond Szanto
    Inventors: Zsigmond Szanto, Noel Fitzpatrick
  • Spine retractor and distractor device
    Patent number: 8911364
    Abstract: A spine retractor and distractor device comprises spinal process clamps and a retractor assembly, which may be rotatably coupled with the spinal process clamps. The retractor assembly may include a retractor ring, or frame, and a plurality of retractor blades adjustably coupled to the frame, e.g., by clamps. The spinal process clamps can maintain a grip on the spinal processes of the patient, and distraction pliers may be used to impart a distraction force on the spinal process clamps to distract the spinal segments. Additionally, other components, features, or tools, e.g., a light source and/or a camera, can be mounted on the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Gregor Feigenwinter, Beat Lechmann, Roger Buerki, Paul W. Pavlov
  • Interlocking bone plate system
    Patent number: 8911482
    Abstract: An interlocking bone plate system includes an outer bone plate for being arranged outside a broken bone, an inner bone plate for being installed inside the medullary cavity of the broken bone, and screws for being inserted through and engaged with the outer bone plate and the broken bone and then engaged with the inner bone plate so as to interlock the out and inner bone plates together. The inner bone plate provides an added support in addition to the support provided by the outer bone plate, enhancing the structural strength of the whole bone fixation structure and lowering the risk of failed surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Taichung Veterans General Hospital
    Inventors: Cheng-Hung Lee, Chih-Han Chang, Chih-Kun Hsiao, Kui-Chou Huang, Chih-Hui Chen
  • Device and method for dispensing a material with thermoplastic properties in a flowable state at an operation site in a human or animal patient
    Patent number: 8906029
    Abstract: For dispensing a material with thermoplastic properties in a flowable state at an operation site in a human or animal patient, a device is used, which includes the material having thermoplastic properties in a solid state and is equipped for bringing the material into a flowable state at a distal device end positioned at the site where dispensing is desired and for driving the flowable material from this distal device end. The device comprises a rotation drive, a consumable element and a dispenser element, wherein one of the two elements is coupled to the rotation drive and wherein the consumable element comprises the material to be dispensed. The two elements are arranged with parallel longitudinal axes and the dispenser element comprises a distal end piece with a proximal face against which a distal face of the consumable element is held and advanced during dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Woodwelding AG
    Inventors: Elmar Mock, Urs Weber, Jörg Mayer
  • Instrument for preparing and/or machining a femoral head
    Patent number: 8900241
    Abstract: In some examples, a method for at least one of preparation or machining of a femoral head formed on a neck of a femur includes selecting an instrument including probing forceps and a guide element including a centering axis. The guide element is coupled to the probing forceps at first and second coupling points disposed along the centering axis such that the centering axis is disposed in a central plane of the probing forceps independent of an opening angle of the probing forceps. The probing forceps are closed with probing jaws symmetrically contacting the neck of the femur at opposite sides with respect to an axis of the neck of the femur. The guide element self-adjusts with closing of the probing forceps so that the centering axis is automatically aligned in the middle with respect to the two oppositely disposed sides of the neck of the femur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Willi, Marcel Hinder, Andreas Marchione
  • Bone plate system
    Patent number: 8900277
    Abstract: A bone plate system having a retainer for resisting back-out of a bone anchor from a throughbore of a bone plate is provided. In one aspect, a bone plate system having a resilient retainer disposed in a bone plate throughbore with a pair of elongate arm portions of the resilient retainer extending along opposite sides of the throughbore. In another aspect, a bone plate system having a resilient retainer with a pair of elongate interference portions completely exposed in the throughbore and spaced from each other across the throughbore to retain a head of a bone anchor received in the throughbore. In addition, a bone plate system having a resilient retainer with a pair of opposite end portions disposed within a groove of a throughbore wall such that a bone anchor may be inserted into the throughbore without contacting either of the opposite end portions of the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Perrow, Joseph Mohar, Lawrence Mosca, Matthew P. Gephart, Brian P. Janowski, Brad Fredin, Francis J. Korhonen, Matthew Songer
  • System and method for spinal implant placement
    Patent number: RE45338
    Abstract: A posterior spinal fusion system may include a plurality of cannulas that mate with cages polyaxially coupled to pedicle screws. The cannulas maintain access to the pedicle screws to facilitate percutaneous insertion of a fusion rod into engagement with the cages. Each cannula has a pair of blades that may be held together by an abutment member that at least partially encircles the blades. Each abutment member abuts the skin to define a variable subcutaneous length of the corresponding cannula. Each abutment members is also lockably removable from the corresponding blades to enable the blades to pivot with respect to the connecting element to a position in which they can be withdrawn from the connecting element. The blades of each cannula are spaced apart to provide first and second slots of each cannula, through which the fusion rod can be percutaneously inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Stryker Spine
    Inventors: Kingsley Richard Chin, T. Wade Fallin, Joshua A. Butters, Daniel F. Justin