Patents Examined by Tessa Matthews
  • Patent number: 9198697
    Abstract: An implantable device may include a barrel, the barrel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The implantable device may further include an actuator assembly disposed in the barrel, the actuator assembly comprising a front ramped actuator in engagement with the barrel, a rear ramped actuator in engagement with the barrel, and a central screw that extends from the rear ramped actuator through the front ramped actuator. The implantable device may further include a first plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the first plate, the first plate comprising a first portion that extends from the upper portion and a second portion that extends form the lower portion. The implantable device may further include a second plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the second plate, the second plate configured to be received on the central screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Jason Zappacosta
  • Patent number: 9198771
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant for mutual situating of adjacent vertebrae includes a cover and a driving mechanism mounted in the cover. The cover presents a manipulative hole and a seat. The driving mechanism is located in the seat and includes a rotational element with anchoring to engage a vertebra. The implant includes a connecting element located within the diameter of the manipulative hole and operable to be engaged by a driving tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: LFC SPOLKA Z O.O.
    Inventor: Lechoslaw Franciszek Ciupik
  • Patent number: 9198767
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spinal the treatment of abnormal spinal stability and stenosis of the spinal canal. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide treatment via decompression and/or fixation of the spinal canal. One or more implants are used to fixate the posterior column of a spinal segment compromised of the superior and inferior immediately adjacent vertebral bones. In one variant, these disclosed devices are used to fixate the posterior column of a spinal segment while another orthopedic implant is placed into the anterior column of the same spinal segment, thereby providing circumferential decompression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventor: Samy Abdou
  • Patent number: 9198701
    Abstract: A bone fastener for use in orthopaedic surgery for anchoring an intramedullary nail to bone has a shaft with a front region and a rear region adjacent to the front region. The rear region has one or more explantation grooves helically arranged for facilitating the explantation of the bone fastener. Two axially spaced apart grooves or groove sections are separated by a flat shaft portion defining an outside diameter of the rear region, wherein the rear region has a core diameter greater than a core diameter of the front region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma GmbH
    Inventors: Ole Prien, Stefan Voelzow
  • Patent number: 9186155
    Abstract: A method for treating back pain by stabilizing the sacroiliac joint. The method includes fusing a sacrum bone to an ilium bone or otherwise mechanically immobilizing the sacroiliac joint by inserting at least two implants into voids formed within or between the articular surfaces of each sacroiliac joint of a patient without substantially distracting the joint. The voids are arranged within each joint at either a converging orientation or a diverging orientation. A kit containing the implants and tools required to insert the implants into the joint are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: NuTech Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Katzman, Joshua Appel, Behnam Myers, Jeffrey Oppenheimer, Robert Simon, Travis Greenhalgh, Najeeb Reyes, Gregory J. Yager, Howard P. Walthall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9168064
    Abstract: A bilateral dynamic external distractor is disclosed for the treatment of complex fracture luxations of the PIP of the hand. The distractor comprises two setscrews, one left proximal guide block, one right proximal guide block, two threaded rods, two distal guide blocks, and two optional alignment guide clips. The left and right distal guide blocks each comprise a threaded passage, and the first threaded rod extends between the right proximal guide block and the right distal guide block, and the second threaded rod extends between the left proximal guide block and the left distal guide block. Furthermore, rotation of the first and second threaded rods causes the left and right distal guide blocks to move relative to the left and right proximal guide blocks along an axis of the first and second threaded rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Ellen Hokanson
  • Patent number: 9155573
    Abstract: A spinal correction system comprises a first member defining a longitudinal axis and including an inner surface that defines a first cavity and a second cavity. A second member defines a longitudinal axis and includes an inner surface that defines a first cavity and a second cavity. The members are connected along a first axis disposed in substantially parallel relation to the longitudinal axes. At least one first implant support is configured for disposal within the first cavities. At least one second implant support is configured for disposal within the second cavities. The members are rotatable about the first axis to space apart the members such that the inner surfaces forcibly engage the supports in releasable fixation. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason May, William Alan Rezach, Molly Rice
  • Patent number: 9125587
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for surgically manipulating tissue. In general, the methods and devices can include an elongate retractor shaft having a distal retractor tip that is configured to manipulate tissue, for example the tip can be configured to separate muscle and nerve fibers surrounding a vertebra. The elongate retractor shaft can include an illumination source such that at least a portion of the surgical field is illuminated by the device when the device is used in the body. A sensor can also or alternatively be included on the elongate retractor shaft, for example on the blunt retraction tip, such that the sensor can monitor physiological parameters of the tissue in or adjacent to the surgical field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Riley Hawkins, Nicholas Pavento, Sean P. Selover, Michele LeClerc
  • Patent number: 9125695
    Abstract: An ankle fusion nail apparatus and method includes a first, tibial component that includes a hole there through. The tibial component includes, among other things, a base. A second. talar component includes a hole there through, also, and, among other things, a base and a top. The tibial component is separate from the talar component. A third, central component is provided that is separate from the first tibial component and the second talar component. The central component is conformed to connect with the tibial base and the talar top such that the central component joins the tibial and talar components together and aligns them as the central component is connected with the tibial base and the talar top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: BESPA, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Early, Greg Pomeroy
  • Patent number: 9125641
    Abstract: A ratchet assembly for multi-dimensional movement and placement of a retractor blade includes a retractor blade holder, a housing member, a rotating indexer and a self-retaining locking mechanism. The retractor blade holder is shaped and dimensioned to receive a stem of a retractor blade and includes a locking mechanism that enables selective lateral adjustment of the retractor blade relative to the retractor blade holder. The retractor blade holder is mated to the housing member and is vertically pivotable with respect to the housing member to enable selective vertical pivoting adjustment of the retractor blade relative to the housing member. The rotating indexer is mated to the housing member, and the housing member is rotatable with respect to the rotating indexer so that the retractor blade holder, the housing member and the retractor blade are able to selectively rotate about the longitudinal axis of the rotating indexer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Specialty Surgical Instrumentation, Inc
    Inventors: John Bookwalter, Kevin Redmond
  • Patent number: 9119732
    Abstract: An improved method of implanting a bone graft in a joint and tools for accomplishing the same is disclosed. The present invention relates generally to tools and methods useful for treating a sacroiliac joint. In one embodiment, the present invention is a method including the steps of: creating a first incision in the patient's skin proximal to the patient's sacroiliac joint; creating an incision in the patient's skin over the patient's ilium; inserting a first working channel into said first incision and spreading said sacroiliac joint with an inserted end of said first working channel; inserting a second working channel into said second incision and forming a hole in said ilium; creating a void in said sacroiliac joint; inserting a graft into said void; and inserting a joint fusing device into said ilium and said sacrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Orthocision, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Schifano, Steve Anderson, Gowriharan Thaiyananthan
  • Patent number: 9107703
    Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for connecting surgical rods according the principles of the present disclosure includes an elongate first arm, an elongate second arm, and a clamping assembly. The elongate first arm includes a first end that couples with a first rod and a second end with a first engagement portion. The elongate second arm includes a first end that couples with a second rod and a second end terminating in a second engagement portion. The clamping assembly includes a passageway that slidably receives the first engagement portion and that retains the second engagement portion and an adjustment member offset from the passageway that adjusts a clamping force to restrict positioning of the second engagement portion relative to the first engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: ALPHATEC SPINE, INC.
    Inventor: Eller Torres
  • Patent number: 9108032
    Abstract: A valve assembly (10) for controlling a flow of fluid includes a housing (30) having a passageway (33), and a valve sheath (40) disposed interiorly of the housing, at least substantially along the housing passageway. The valve sheath includes a cylindrical valve body (42) having a pair of generally wedge-shaped voids (50A, 52A) formed along opposing longitudinal sides of the valve body. Each of the wedge-shaped voids comprises first and second inwardly-directed sides that converge to define a generally linear edge. The edges are disposed along the valve body in a generally diagonal orientation with respect to a longitudinal axis through the valve body. The respective linear edges are structured and aligned in the valve body to meet along a passageway through the valve body interior in a manner to selectively close the valve body interior passageway, and to yield to permit passage of an interventional device therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Jeffry S. Melsheimer
  • Patent number: 9066678
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of an endoilluminator may include a cannula, an intermediate material, and an optical fiber. The cannula has a substantially cylindrical shape that defines an interior region and has a cylindrical axis. The intermediate material is disposed within the interior region. The optical fiber is disposed within the intermediate material and has a fiber optical axis and a distal end configured to emit light. The emitted light has an illumination pattern with an illumination axis that is not parallel to the cylindrical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventors: Jack R. Auld, Michael M. Martin, Michael J. Papac, Ronald T. Smith, Michael J. Yadlowsky
  • Patent number: 9039776
    Abstract: The intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises first and second plates (3, 4) designed to be attached on one of the two vertebrae adjacent to the intervertebral disc to be replaced, and a compression pad arranged between the first and second plates. Each plate comprises first attaching means including two attaching portions (14a, 14b) positioned symmetrically on either side of the anteroposterior median plane of said plate, second attaching means including two attaching portions (15a, 15b) positioned symmetrically on either side of a first plane inclined by an angle comprised between 50° and 70° relative to the anteroposterior median plane of said plate, and third attaching means opposite the second attaching means relative to the anteroposterior median plane and including two attaching portions (16a, 16b) positioned symmetrically on either side of a second plane inclined by an angle of approximately 90°, relative to the anteroposterior median plane of said plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: FOURNITURES HOSPITALIERES INDUSTRIE
    Inventor: Alain Aaron
  • Patent number: 9034044
    Abstract: A bone infusion apparatus for interbody grafts includes a container; a retainer, the retainer including a recess for receiving therein bone graft material; and a lid including a plunger assembly. A method of preparing bone including cadaver bone for use in cervical fusion includes: placing cadaver bone combined with bone collected from a patient into a recess of the retainer; placing the retainer in the container; filling the container with a liquid; attaching a lid the container; depressing a plunger of the lid such that a press head advances toward the retainer causing a dynamic pressure to act on the cadaver bone combined with the bone collected from the patient; suctioning the liquid from the container; removing the combined bone from the retainer; and placing the combined bone removed from the container into a vertebral interspace of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: H & M INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Sean Hensler
  • Patent number: 9011493
    Abstract: An implantable device includes a barrel. The barrel has a first portion and a second portion. The implantable device includes a first plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the first plate, where the first plate is configured to movably couple to the first portion of the barrel. The implantable device includes a second plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the second plate, where the second plate is configured to movably couple to the second portion of the barrel. The barrel is configured to transition from a collapsed form having a first height to an expanded form having a second height, where the second height is greater than the first height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Zappacosta, Don Reed, Aditya Ingalhalikar
  • Patent number: 8998962
    Abstract: The plate (1) has a generally triangular shape and includes two juxtaposed lower holes (7), intended to receive implantation screw (2) in the sacrum (100), and a first upper hole (8) for receiving an implantation screw (2) in the fifth lumbar vertebra (101). According to the invention, the plate (1) includes an extension (6) integral therewith, extending its upper side, i.e. protruding from the side opposite the two juxtaposed lower holes (7), the extension (6) having a second upper hole (15) formed in its entirety thereon, for receiving a second screw (2) intended to be implanted in the fifth lumbar vertebra (101), and having, at all points of its length, a width not greater than two times the diameter of the second upper hole (15); the direction in which the extension (6) protrudes from the plate (1) is such that the first upper hole (8) and the second upper hole (15) are placed on a first line (L1) substantially perpendicular to a second line (L2) passing through the two juxtaposed lower holes (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Medicrea International
    Inventor: Nicholas Birch
  • Patent number: 8992575
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, for spinal surgery, there is provided an offset arm system that has angular adjustment capability. In an embodiment, there are provided a hook system that is polyaxially or otherwise movably coupled to a body that receives a spinal rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: SeaSpine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Di Lauro, Simon Sjovold
  • Patent number: 8926672
    Abstract: Open implant closure structures include a helically wound guide and advancement flange form having splay control surfaces. Multi-start closures and closures with inner set screws have splay control contours for interlocking with cooperating flange forms of bone anchor receivers. Flange form heights, thicknesses and other geometry, such as splay control ramp angle may be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventors: Roger P. Jackson, James L. Surber