Patents Examined by Steven Cotroneo
  • Patent number: 9592063
    Abstract: A method of trialing an intervertebral disc space, including the steps of creating the disc space, inserting a trial into the disc space, wherein the trial has i) a distal head having an upper surface and a lower surface connected by a pair of side walls, the side walls defining planes, and ii) a proximal rod, so that the head and rod form an obtuse angle and the rod extends through at least one of the planes defined by the side walls of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Neil, Jonathan Bellas, Cody Cranson, Sheryl Frank, Michael Toto
  • Patent number: 9561061
    Abstract: Various interspinous process spacing devices and associated methods are provided for treating spinal disease. In one embodiment, an interspinous process spacing device includes a first attachment side and a second attachment side, each attachment side including one or more slots formed therein and positioned proximate one end for receiving fasteners extending inwardly from a second interspinous process spacing device. The device further includes a spacer tray extending from the first attachment side and slideably insertable through a spacer tray slot formed in the second attachment side, wherein the spacer tray is adapted to retain adjacent spinous processes in a spaced apart orientation, and wherein at least a portion of the spacer tray has a longitudinally arcuate shape adapted to facilitate angled insertion of the spacer tray through the spacer tray slot. The device further includes securing means for securing the second attachment side relative to the first attachment side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Southern Spine, LLC
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, David C. Field, Brandi L. Bohleber, Hiywot Yilma, Michael A. Cowan
  • Patent number: 9561059
    Abstract: Minimally invasive facet release is performed during spine surgery. The minimally invasive facet release may be performed at a single level or over multiple levels. The minimally invasive facet release may be performed through a working corridor instrument which may be a tissue retractor or an access tube. When coupled with a minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation system, the facet release methods described enable a surgeon to correct a wide array of spinal deformities in a purely minimally invasive fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: NUVASIVE, Inc.
    Inventor: Antoine Tohmeh
  • Patent number: 9549724
    Abstract: An adaptor for removably engaging surgical retractor blades to a retractor frame has a recess with a latch mechanism at its proximal end for removably securing the adaptor to the rail of a retractor frame, and a spring-loaded locking jaw mechanism at its distal end for removably engaging a retractor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: NSI-US, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. White
  • Patent number: 9545267
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses interspinous process spacers that can be placed between adjacent spinous processes for minimally invasive surgical treatment of a spinal disease or defect. In particular, the present invention, in one embodiment, discloses an interspinous process spacer having a distraction end, a central support portion, and a trailing end. Also disclosed in the present invention are systems and kits including such implants, methods of inserting such implants, and methods of alleviating pain or discomfort associated with a spinal column disease or defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jody L. Seifert, Luiz Pimenta, Michael L. Boyer, II, David C. Paul
  • Patent number: 9539037
    Abstract: An orthopedic implant including a body defining at least one landmark and a probe comprising a sensor spaced apart from the at least one landmark a set distance. The probe and sensor being releasably fixed to the body of the implant to limit movement of the sensor relative to the at least one landmark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Sied W. Janna, Nicholas S. Ritchey, Graham Ralph Keltner, Henry B. Faber, Kohsuke Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9532805
    Abstract: A clamping device for an external fixation system includes a post component having a yaw axis, a first clamp secured to the post component and rotatable about the yaw axis, and a second clamp secured to the post component and rotatable about the yaw axis relative to the first clamp. The device includes a tightening component configured in a manner that an action of tightening the tightening component simultaneously locks both the first and second clamps in a gripping arrangement and substantially eliminates their relative rotation about the yaw axis. Interdigitating components can be spaced apart by high spring rate biasing elements that so as to allow for smooth adjustment of the clamping device components relative to each other until the appropriate position is achieved and until after a sufficiently high clamping load has been applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Mullaney, Stephen T. Miller, William Brian Austin
  • Patent number: 9526523
    Abstract: A fixation device set S includes an external fixation device which is attached on one end-side of first and second pins; and a pin fixture which is attached on the other end-side. The external fixation device includes a first and a second permanent magnets disposed with their same poles opposed to each other; a first holding portion provided in the first permanent magnet; a second holding portion provided in the second permanent magnet; first limiter portions sandwiching the first and the second permanent magnets from a second direction; and second limiter portions connecting the first limiter portions to each other. The first pins are inserted through through-holes in the first holding portion, whereas the second holding portion is attached to the second pin via a ball joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignees: HITACHI METALS, LTD., HIROSHIMA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Masaaki Aoki, Mitsuo Ochi
  • Patent number: 9526554
    Abstract: A pedicle screw tower having a guide chute, open at both ends, affixed to the exterior of the main body of the tower. The guide chute extends the length of the tower and is curved inwardly at its bottom such that the exit direction is at approximately 90 degrees to and facing the central axis of tower. A guide cable is passed into and through the guide chute such that it is directed across the tower to an adjacent tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventors: Javier Garcia-Bengochea, Andrew F. Cannestra
  • Patent number: 9522070
    Abstract: An adjustable spinal fusion intervertebral implant including upper and lower body portions each having proximal and distal surfaces at proximal and distal ends thereof. The implant can include a proximal wedge member disposed at the proximal ends of the respective ones of the upper and lower body portions, and a distal wedge member disposed at the distal ends of the respective ones of the upper and lower body portions. First and second linkages can connect the upper and lower body portions. Rotation of an actuator shaft can cause the distal and proximal wedge members to be drawn together such that longitudinal movement of the distal wedge member against the distal surfaces and the longitudinal movement of the proximal wedge member against the proximal surfaces causes separation of the upper and lower body portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Interventional Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Flower, Christopher R. Warren, Fausto Olmos
  • Patent number: 9510814
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for use in assisting the performance of a procedure on an eye, the eye having a front and rear, a cornea, an iris defining a pupil, and a lens capsule behind the iris. The apparatus has a frame with a front and rear, a first portion and a second portion. The frame is reconfigurable between (i) a first collapsed state for being inserted through an incision in a cornea and (ii) a second operative state for being operatively connected to an iris. The frame first portion is configured to be generally residing within a plane in the second operative state. The second frame portion is configured to be operatively connected to an iris in the second operative state exerts a pressure upon the iris at at least a first location that is spaced from the plane to maintain the pupil in an enlarged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ravi Nallakrishnan Revocable Trust
    Inventor: Ravi Nallakrishnan
  • Patent number: 9510746
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, kits, and devices that aid in the positioning of a direct cardiac compression device about the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignees: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM, CORINNOVA INCORPORATED
    Inventors: John C. Criscione, Lewis D. Harrison, Michael R. Moreno, Christina M. Bolch, Dennis I. Robbins, Saurabh Biswas
  • Patent number: 9504498
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchor has a locking element shaped and configured to allow an anchoring member (e.g., a screw or hook) to polyaxially rotate at large angles about a central axis of the bone anchor before compression locking the anchoring member within an anchor head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Strausbaugh, Sean Saidha, Boyd A. Wolf
  • Patent number: 9486257
    Abstract: Rod delivery tools, methods for delivering a connecting rod of a pedicle screw system into seating slots of at least first and second long arm screw towers of a pedicle screw system, and a rod reduction tool and related methods for urging a distal leading end of a connecting rod and an opening of a long arm screw tower into alignment with one another, where the two are initially misaligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Smith
  • Patent number: 9486256
    Abstract: This disclosure describes example embodiments of rod reduction instrumentation. The rod reducers can be used during the installation of a rod based surgical fixation system to help urge the rod into the fixation anchors. The reducers described provide various configurations delivering large reduction distance capabilities, strong controlled reduction coupled with an ability to quickly advance the reducer if desired, and reduction of bulk through the surgical corridor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Lish, Justin Doose
  • Patent number: 9480572
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an intervertebral disc prosthesis is provided. The prosthesis may be provided with an insertion adapter, such as a head, holder, or other carrier of the prosthesis. The insertion adapter may be configured to retain the prosthesis and to engage an insertion tool body. In various embodiments, the prosthesis and the insertion holder are provided in a sterile pack, with the prosthesis components and the insertion holder sterilized and packaged in one or more types or layers of sterile packaging. In various other embodiments, the prosthesis and an insertion tool are provided in a sterile pack, with the prosthesis components and the insertion tool sterilized and packaged in one or more types or layers of sterile packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: LDR Medical
    Inventors: Alexandre Jodaitis, Herve Dinville, Alexis Mercier
  • Patent number: 9474556
    Abstract: An intramedullary bone fixation device is disclosed herein. The device includes a first longitudinally extending member, a second longitudinally extending member, and a coupling member. The first longitudinally extending member includes a connector end and a bone engagement end opposite the connector end. The second longitudinally extending member includes a connector end and a bone engagement end opposite the connector end. The coupling member is configured to engage the connector ends of the respective longitudinally extending members, thereby coupling the first longitudinally extending member to the second longitudinally extending member. The device may be provided in an kit form at least partially unassembled. The device may be delivered into a fracture and fully assembled within the fracture or adjacent bone via percutaneous or minimally invasive surgical procedures. The device, on account of its configuration and assembly, may be considered modular in some cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: EndoOrthopaedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Diao, Harold F. Carrison
  • Patent number: 9451994
    Abstract: A spinal implant revision device has a revision connector and a tulip member. The revision connector is configured for attachment to a pre-existing rod in a patient. The revision connector has a slotted opening configured to receive a first or a pre-existing rod. The tulip member is pivotally connected to the revision connector and movable in angularity within predetermined ranges in a first plane. This first plane is parallel to a rod to which the revision connector is attached. A second plane which is non-parallel to that first plane allows a second or new rod to be received in the tulip and allows the second rod to pivot relative to the first rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Amendia, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Whipple, Jason Hayes Tillett, William C. Tally, Kaveh Khajavi
  • Patent number: 9445844
    Abstract: The present invention provides a Posterior Dynamic Stabilization (PDS) device that allows elongation, which is a critical requirement for a PDS device as it allows pedicles to travel naturally in flexion, extension, and lateral bending of the spine. This interpedicular travel preserves a more natural center of rotation unlike other PDS devices that simply allow bending. In particular, the invention involves a PDS spring rod, wherein the helix is created with composite flow molding (CFM) technology and comprises a polymer matrix reinforced with continuous carbon fibers, wherein the fibers are oriented substantially parallel to the centerline of the helix, thereby creating a high strength spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Missoum Moumene, Jonathan Fanger, Kevin Flaherty
  • Patent number: 9439694
    Abstract: An intramedullary nail system including an elongated nail member comprising a cavity and electrically conductive at least in part, a coil assembly, a first electrode connected to a first pole of the coil assembly and a second electrode connected to a second pole of the coil assembly. To improve such an intramedullary nail system the coil assembly is provided in an end cap assembly that is proximally releasably connected to the nail member and with at least one electrically conductive outer contact surface. At least one section of the electrically conductive outer contact surface forms the first electrode and at least one section of the nail member forms the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Neue Magnetodyn GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Kraus, Stephanie Kraus, Markus Wiegmann