Patents Examined by Steven Cotroneo
  • Suction catheter assembly for a laryngoscope
    Patent number: 8998804
    Abstract: A laryngoscope is provided with a suction catheter assembly that includes a catheter to supply suction for removal of fluids (e.g., blood, vomit, secretions, and so on) proximate to the distal end of the blade of the laryngoscope during intubation. A connector secures the catheter to the distal end of the blade. A retainer holds the catheter against the side of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventor: Benje Boedeker
  • Coplanar deformity correction system
    Patent number: 8992536
    Abstract: A bone anchor assembly is provided, which may be used in cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral areas of the spine or other orthopedic locations. The anchor assembly includes a bone anchor, a receiver mounted to the bone anchor, a saddle within the receiver, a spacer within the receiver, and an engaging member. The receiver extends along a central longitudinal axis proximally away from the bone anchor. A rod or other elongated connecting element is received in a passage of the receiver in contact with the saddle, and the engaging member engages the connecting element against the saddle, which engages the saddle against the spacer, which in turn engages the proximal head of the bone anchor in the receiver. The orientation of the saddle in the receiver is adjustable to correspond to the orientation of the connecting element relative to the central longitudinal axis of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Piza Vallespir, Qui Yong, Mingyan Liu, Jeffrey Zhang
  • Force limiting persuader-reducer
    Patent number: 8979848
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for advancement of a spinal rod in a spinal implant, wherein the apparatus includes a body and a handle attached to the body. A shaft is slidably attached to the body, the shaft is coupled to the handle and has a first end adapted to engage the spinal rod. At least one retractor blade is attached to the body and the spinal implant. The operation of the handle results in the shaft persuading the spinal rod in the spinal implant. The force exerted by the shaft on the spinal rod is limited to a pre-selected force. The apparatus can also be operated in a non-limiting mode when a reduction retractor blade is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Stryker Spine
    Inventors: Joshua A. Butters, T. Wade Fallin, Carson Esplin, Nathan Pierce, Greta Jo Hays
  • Spine rod clamping body and pedicle screw assembly comprising same
    Patent number: 8979906
    Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly having a spine rod clamping body designed for exhibiting a limited amount of elastic deformation at a region location between its spine rod mounting portion and its bone screw connecting portion. When the pedicle screw assembly is placed in a spine stabilization procedure, a limited amount of motion within the fixation apparatus as a result of the spine rod clamping body exhibiting a limited amount of elastic deformation at the region location between its spine rod mounting portion and its bone screw connecting portion. This limited amount of motion can accelerate bone fusion. By reducing movement-induced stress concentrations, the limited amount of elastic deformation provided by the spine rod clamping body can enhance a rate at which bone fusion progresses and can reduce the potential for damage to the interface between the bone screw and bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: OMNI Acquisition, Inc.
    Inventors: John Masciale, Timothy W. Hildebrand
  • Flexible shaft reduction tool
    Patent number: 8961522
    Abstract: A bone reduction method and apparatus includes a bone reduction tool including a shaft with a proximal end portion, a distal end portion for insertion into a fractured bone, a first rigid portion located at the distal end portion, and a first flexible portion located between the first rigid portion and the proximal end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Biomet C.V.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Metzinger, David A. Hawkes
  • Bone fastener assembly
    Patent number: 8961568
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bone fastener assembly useful in constructs for stabilizing bones of a patient. In one aspect of the invention, a bone fastener assembly includes a connecting member, a fastener seat, and a bone fastener. The fastener seat and fastener are receivable in the connecting member and the fastener seat is movable from a first position to a second position to retain the fastener in the connecting member. In another aspect of the invention, a bone fastener assembly includes a rod holder, a fastener seat mounted to the rod holder for rotation about the rod holder axis; and a bone, fastener. The bone fastener is generally “T”-shaped and engages the fastener seat in pivoting relationship such that the bone fastener is able to pivot to vary the angle between the bone fastener and the fastener seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Lanx, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence McKinley, Michael Fulton, Gregory Causey, Jeffery Thramann, Damon Belloni, Terry Ziemek, Alan Burkholder
  • Spinal fixation system having locking and unlocking devices for use with a multi-planar, taper lock screw
    Patent number: 8945189
    Abstract: Provided is a spinal fixation system including a taper lock screw including an inner housing and an outer housing that are translatable relative to one another to transition the taper lock screw between a locked position and an unlocked position. A locking device releasably connects to and operationally interacts with a flange of the taper lock screw. An unlocking device releasably connects to and operationally interacts with inner housing unlocking tool receptors of the taper lock screw to unlock the taper lock screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Barrus, Scott A. Jones, Kevin Strauss
  • Cortical, anti-migration, facet dowel for fusion of facet joints in the spine and devices for setting the same in place
    Patent number: 8926665
    Abstract: A novel allograft is provided for insertion into a prepared site between adjacent spinal facets. The allograft or facet dowel is typically comprised of three portions, a partially spherical body defining a spherical segment, a nose portion, and a tail portion, all aligned along a longitudinal axis. In addition, a set of instruments is provided for the excavation of an allograft placement site between the two facets. The set of instruments includes a T-spade drill which will, in conjunction with a normal drill, excavate a site for the emplacement of the allograft. A novel method of using the instruments and the allograft is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: FacSecure, LLC
    Inventor: M. David Dennis
  • Facet fixation and fusion screw and washer assembly and method of use
    Patent number: 8894685
    Abstract: A spinal implant including a stabilization member coupled to an elongate member is herein provided. The implant can be configured for placement within a facet joint in an intra-facet or trans-facet configuration. Also, the implant can include a fusion-promoting bioactive material thereby providing a single device capable of spinal stabilization and/or fusion. Furthermore, a method of placing such an implant within a facet joint in an intra-facet or trans-facet orientation is hereby provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Mickiewicz, Michael Alan Fisher, Michael O'Neil, Paul Birkmeyer, Sean Selover, Michael Mahoney, Holly Brideau, Katherine Herard
  • Offset connection bone anchor assembly
    Patent number: 8894690
    Abstract: A bone anchor assembly for coupling an offset bone anchor with a previously inserted spinal fixation element and method of use is provided. Exemplary embodiments of a bone anchor assembly are particularly suited for use in a rod-first spinal surgical technique in which a bone anchor inserted into a patient vertebra may be separated from a previously inserted spinal fixation element by a separation distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Ludwig, William J. Frasier, Michael Mahoney, Nicholas Pavento
  • Locking screw for an intramedullary nail
    Patent number: 8888779
    Abstract: A locking screw for an intramedullary nail having at least one transverse hole. The locking screw has a central longitudinal axis and includes a screw shank, which is at least partially provided with an external thread, and a screw head. The diameter of the screw head is greater than the outer diameter of the external thread, and the screw head includes a passage extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screw and the external thread. The passage is configured to receive a longitudinal wedge element. As a result, any gap between the locking screw and the intramedullary nail is eliminated and the screw is wedged in position in the transverse hole of the intramedullary nail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Senn, André Schlienger, Markus Buettler
  • Spinous process implants and methods
    Patent number: 8840646
    Abstract: Devices and methods for replacing one or more spinous processes of a patient include a replacement body with a lamina portion positionable anteriorly toward the spinal canal along with a spinous process portion extending posteriorly from the lamina portion to replace a removed spinous process. Connecting elements extend from opposite sides of the body for connection to the vertebral body with anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Shannon Marlece Vittur, Aurelien Bruneau, Eric C. Lange, Kent M. Anderson
  • Single lock external fixation clamp arrangement and method
    Patent number: 8840611
    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: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Mullaney, Stephen T. Miller, William Brian Austin
  • Intraosseous expandable fixation device
    Patent number: 8840612
    Abstract: An intraosseous device is disclosed that can be positioned to straddle a bone fracture to stabilize the fracture and provide structural support for the bone and the surrounding areas. The device includes wire assemblies that are deployable on each side of the fracture to anchor the device within the bone. For the device, an elongated tube is formed with a plurality of slots at each tube end. A central member is mounted inside the tube and moveable members are positioned inside the tube, one at each tube end. Wires connect the moveable members to the central member. A rod cooperates with each moveable member and is rotatable to draw each moveable member inwardly toward the central member. This forces each wire to bow and displace a central wire portion through a corresponding slot and into contact with the bone's inner wall to anchor the device in the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: William L. Tontz
  • Single action anti-torque rod reducer
    Patent number: 8834474
    Abstract: Provided is a novel rod reducing device for use in spinal fixation procedures. The device is capable with a single action of securely grasping the head of a bone screw while reducing a connecting rod into the head of the bone screw and while in position on the bone screw provide a cannula access for a bone screw locking cap and tightening instrument and securing the bone screw during the tightening of the locking cap so as to provide an anti-torque effect. The device is also capable of releasing from the bone screw with a reversal of the single action used to activate the device. A method of using the device and a kit wherein the device is one component is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A Jones, Andy Rock
  • Bone stabilization device and method
    Patent number: 8834468
    Abstract: There is disclosed a device and method for stabilizing a bone. The device includes a polymer with a glass transition temperature. The polymer is relatively deformable at a temperature above the glass transition temperature and relatively rigid at a temperature below the glass transition temperature. The device, while the polymer is above the glass transition temperature, is responsive to a bending force to bend during insertion into the intramedullary canal of the bone. The device, while the polymer is below the glass transition temperature, is relatively rigid and able to provide reinforcement to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Flexfix, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel F. Justin
  • External fixator system
    Patent number: 8834467
    Abstract: An external fixator system comprising at least two fixation plates which are arranged at a distance to each another, at least one adjustable length having a first end region and a second end region which are in connection with the fixation plates and at least one actuation unit to adjust the length of the strut in order to adjust the distance and/or orientation between the fixation plates. The actuation unit is in a fixed connection with at least one of the fixation plates as well as with at least one of the end regions of the respective strut in order to connect the strut with the fixation plate. The actuation unit comprises a feedback unit which provides the user with a feedback concerning the degree of the actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Manoj Kumar Singh, Yves Stephane Crozet, Vinzenz Andreas Burgherr
  • Surgical access system and related methods
    Patent number: 8827900
    Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, 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. The tissue retraction assembly has a plurality of blades which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade to expand the operative corridor adjacent to the operative site. The surgical access system further includes pressure sensing technology to measure the pressure being exerted upon body tissues before, during, and/or after retraction and/or distraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventor: Luiz Pimenta
  • Minimally invasive bone anchor extensions
    Patent number: 8828007
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for facilitating delivery and implanting of a bone anchor into bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a bone anchor extension is provided for coupling to a bone anchor to facilitate delivery and implanting of the bone anchor in bone. The bone anchor extension can have a generally elongate configuration that allows it to extend from a skin incision in a patient to a site proximate a patient's spine, and it can include a lumen extending therethrough between proximal and distal ends thereof. A distal end of the bone anchor extension can be adapted to engage a bone anchor, such as a bone screw. Various techniques are provided for locking the distal end of the bone anchor extension into engagement with a bone anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn D. Stad, Christopher Ramsay, Brian Fergus Murphy
  • Bone fixation device
    Patent number: 8828064
    Abstract: A bone fixation apparatus may include a bone fixation plate having a fixation hole and a fastener shaft received in the fixation hole. The fastener shaft may include a first portion having an outer surface defining a first cam and a second bone-engaging portion. An annular member may be received in the fixation hole and may include an inner surface defining a second cam for cooperating with the first cam to selectively move the annular member in a radial direction between an unexpanded position permitting movement of the fastener shaft and annular member relative to the fixation hole and an expanded position restricting movement of the fastener shaft and annular member relative to the fixation hole. The annular member may be moved between the expanded position and the unexpanded position by rotation of the annular member relative to the fastener shaft following insertion of the fastener shaft into a bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: EBI, LLC
    Inventors: Tara Ziolo, Rui Ferreira