Patents by Inventor Andreas Appenzeller

Andreas Appenzeller has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8157806
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of treating a collapsed vertebra may include inserting cannulae into the damaged vertebral body and one or more adjacent vertebral bodies and repositioning the one or more adjacent vertebral bodies by manipulating one or more of the cannulae. Before or after repositioning the vertebral bodies, the method may further include passing through the cannula and into the damaged vertebra a disruption tool for fracturing the damaged vertebral body. Once the cortical bone is broken or otherwise disrupted, the height of the damaged vertebral body may be restored, for example by removing the disruption tool and inserting through the cannula another tool, implant, device and/or material to restore the height of the vertebral body and to restore normal spinal curvature in the affected area. Bone cement, bone chips, demineralized bone or other grafting material or filler may be added with or without an implanted device to augment the damaged vertebral body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Frigg, Christof Dutoit, Andreas Appenzeller, Thierry Stoll, Alfred Benoit, Christoph Fuerst, Paul Heini
  • Patent number: 8114141
    Abstract: The present invention relates to dynamic bone fixation elements and a surgical method to stabilize bone or bone fragments. The dynamic bone fixation elements preferably include a bone engaging component and a load carrier engaging component. The bone engaging component preferably includes a plurality of threads for engaging a patient's bone and a lumen. The load carrier engaging component preferably includes a head portion for engaging a load carrier (e.g., bone plate) and a shaft portion. The shaft portion preferably at least partially extends into the lumen. Preferably at least a portion of an outer surface of the shaft portion is spaced away from at least a portion of an inner surface of the lumen via a gap so that the head portion can move with respect to the bone engaging component. The distal end of the shaft portion is preferably coupled to the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Appenzeller, Robert Frigg, Beat Lechmann, Cyril Voisard, Silas Zurschmiede, Urs Hulliger
  • Patent number: 8080061
    Abstract: Implants and methods for bone treatment, preferably minimally invasive treatment, including repositioning of vertebrae may comprise insertion of a bobbin having a wire, string, thread or band, coiled around the bobbin. During coiling, the diameter of the bobbing/band complex may increase. Such increase in diameter can push against the inner side of the endplates of the vertebral body, and augment the vertebral body to its original height. The implant may also take the form of a coiled sleeve which when inserted into the vertebral body is uncoiled. The force of the uncoiling sleeve pushes against the inner side of the endplates of the vertebral body, restoring the vertebral body to its original height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Appenzeller, Christof Dutoit, Alfred Benoit, Thierry Stoll, Erich Röthlisberger, Stefan Mathys
  • Publication number: 20110295375
    Abstract: An articular cavity prosthesis comprises a block extending along a central axis and including a top section and a base section, the top section having an articular bearing surface extending transverse to the central axis and a supporting surface opposite the articular bearing surface configured to contact a surface of a bone on which the block is to be mounted, the base section having a fixing protrusion protruding outward from the supporting surface along the central axis and having a volume V, the block being formed of human tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Andreas Appenzeller, Christian Gerber, Philippe Gedet, Daniel Fluri, Mazda Farshad
  • Publication number: 20110144647
    Abstract: A drill guide includes a first bone plate that extends along a first middle plane, and a second bone plate that extends along a second middle plane. The drill guide further includes a first articulation and a second articulation that is connected to the first articulation. The first and second articulations are arranged between the first and the second bone plate. Each of the first and second articulations is releasably lockable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Andreas Appenzeller, Ladislav Nagy, Andreas Schweizer, Daniel Fluri
  • Publication number: 20110112534
    Abstract: A system for fixing a fracture near a joint of a bone comprises (a) an intramedullary device including a longitudinal body and a head, the longitudinal body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the head being attached to the proximal end of the longitudinal body; and (b) a plate implantable into a head portion of the bone to provide support to a joint zone, the plate engageable with the intramedullary device. The plate is substantially U-shaped and includes a midsection and a pair of arms extending from the midsection, the pair of arms forming a space therebetween, the space sized and shaped to accommodate the head of the intramedullary device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Andreas APPENZELLER, Robert FRIGG, Nicolas BOUDUBAN, Ladislav NAGY
  • Publication number: 20100312280
    Abstract: An anchor-in-anchor fixation system is provided for securing underlying structure, such as bone. The fixation system includes a first bone anchor having a shaft for fixation to underlying bone, and a head that defines an internal bore. A second bone anchor extends through the bore and into underlying bone. A fixation assembly is also provided that includes one or more fixation systems coupled to an auxiliary attachment member configured for long bone fixation, spinal fixation, or fixation of other bones as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: SYNTHES USA, LLC
    Inventors: Tom Overes, Robert Frigg, Silas Zurschmiede, Andreas Appenzeller, Jamie Manos, Daniel Vennard, Edward J. McShane, III, Joshua McManus, Thomas Keyer, Eric McDivitt, Joseph Capozzoli, Lawton Laurence, Justin Coppes
  • Publication number: 20100274296
    Abstract: A bone fixation element comprises a shaft extending substantially along a longitudinal axis of the fixation element in combination with a head including a plurality of fixation element openings distributed about a perimeter thereof. Each of the fixation element openings extends through the head from a proximal surface thereof to a distal surface of the head. Each of the fixation element openings extends through the head along an opening axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Andreas APPENZELLER, Tom OVERES, Robert FRIGG, Nicolas BOUDUBAN, Silas ZURSCHMIEDE, Simon STUCKI
  • Publication number: 20100256690
    Abstract: A bone fixation screw comprises a proximal head being configured to lockingly engage a bone plate hole and a substantially helical shaft extending distally from the head along a substantially helical path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Andreas APPENZELLER, Robert Frigg, Tom Overes, Nicolas Bouduban
  • Publication number: 20100145392
    Abstract: Implants and methods for osteopathic augmentation and repositioning of vertebrae may comprise a chain having one or more beads or bodies configured for insertion into a vertebral body. The one or more bodies may be expandable. As the chain is inserted into the vertebral body, it may fill a central portion thereof and can push against the inner sides of the endplates of the vertebral body, thereby providing structural support and tending to restore the vertebral body to its original height. The one or more bodies may have a first configuration dimensioned to pass through a catheter or other introducer, and may expand to a second, larger configuration after insertion into the bone in order to secure the chain within the bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Christof Dutoit, Andreas Appenzeller, Thierry Stoll, Robert Frigg, Robert Rauker
  • Publication number: 20100145397
    Abstract: An anchor-in-anchor fixation system is provided for securing underlying structure, such as bone. The fixation system includes a first bone anchor having a shaft for fixation to underlying bone, and a head that defines an internal bore. A second bone anchor extends through the bore and into underlying bone. A fixation assembly is also provided that includes one or more fixation systems coupled to an auxiliary attachment member configured for long bone fixation, spinal fixation, or fixation of other bones as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Tom Overes, Robert Frigg, Silas Zurschmiede, Andreas Appenzeller
  • Publication number: 20090157123
    Abstract: The present invention relates to dynamic bone fixation elements and a surgical method to stabilize bone or bone fragments. The dynamic bone fixation elements preferably include a bone engaging component and a load carrier engaging component. The bone engaging component preferably includes a plurality of threads for engaging a patient's bone and a lumen. The load carrier engaging component preferably includes a head portion for engaging a load carrier (e.g., bone plate) and a shaft portion. The shaft portion preferably at least partially extends into the lumen. Preferably at least a portion of an outer surface of the shaft portion is spaced away from at least a portion of an inner surface of the lumen via a gap so that the head portion can move with respect to the bone engaging component. The distal end of the shaft portion is preferably coupled to the lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Andreas Appenzeller, Robert Frigg, Beat Lechmann, Cyril Voisard, Silas Zurschmiede, Urs Hulliger
  • Publication number: 20080154383
    Abstract: The prosthetic joint has at least two members having each a cooperating articulating surface layer on a substrate material. At least one of said articulating surface layers comprises amorphous diamond-like carbon; or Titanium Nitrate (TiN) on a bonding layer bonded to the substrate material. The prosthetic joint provides a reduction of the number of wear debris and shows enhanced dry run properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: SYNTHES GMBH
    Inventors: Beat Lechmann, Thomas Kuenzi, Robert Frigg, Andreas Appenzeller
  • Publication number: 20080119932
    Abstract: A method for total replacement of an affected intervertebral disc through a dorsal approach comprising the steps of removing the disc material of the affected intervertebral disc (3) and inserting an intervertebral prosthesis (30) into the intervertebral disc space via an extraforaminal path (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Beat Lechmann, Robert Frigg, Paul W. Pavlov, Roger Buerki, Gregor Feigenwinter, Andreas Appenzeller
  • Publication number: 20080103597
    Abstract: Intervertebral prosthesis (1), in particular intervertebral disk prosthesis, with a central axis (6) and comprising A) a first prosthetic component (2) having a first apposition surface (4) and a first inner surface (7), both being disposed transversely to the central axis (6) and having a spherical recess (11); B) a second prosthetic component (3) having a second apposition surface (5) and a second inner surface (8) both being disposed transversely to the central axis (6) and having a calotte (9) congruent with said recess (11); C) the first and second prosthetic components (2;3) being connectable in an articulated manner by means of the calotte (9) which may be slidably received in the recess (11); whereby D) the first and second prosthetic components (2;3) have a width B and a length H each being transverse to the central axis (6), said first and second prosthetic components (2;3) further comprise a longitudinal axis L1, respectively L2 extending parallel to the respective length H; and whereby E) the leng
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Beat Lechmann, Robert Frigg, Andreas Appenzeller
  • Publication number: 20070093899
    Abstract: Implants and methods for minimally invasive augmentation and repositioning of vertebrae may comprise one or more expandable members, e.g., stents, implants, surrounding a balloon-tipped catheter or other expansion device, inserted into a vertebral body or other bone. Expansion of the expandable member within the vertebral body or other bone may reposition the fractured bone to a desired height and augment the bone to maintain the desired height. A bone cement or other filler can be added to further augment and stabilize the vertebral body or other bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: April 26, 2007
    Inventors: Christof Dutoit, Andreas Appenzeller, Thierry Stoll, Alfred Benoit, Stefan Mathys, Simon Stucki
  • Publication number: 20070093846
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of treating a collapsed vertebra may include inserting cannulae into the damaged vertebral body and one or more adjacent vertebral bodies and repositioning the one or more adjacent vertebral bodies by manipulating one or more of the cannulae. Before or after repositioning the vertebral bodies, the method may further include passing through the cannula and into the damaged vertebra a disruption tool for fracturing the damaged vertebral body. Once the cortical bone is broken or otherwise disrupted, the height of the damaged vertebral body may be restored, for example by removing the disruption tool and inserting through the cannula another tool, implant, device and/or material to restore the height of the vertebral body and to restore normal spinal curvature in the affected area. Bone cement, bone chips, demineralized bone or other grafting material or filler may be added with or without an implanted device to augment the damaged vertebral body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 26, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Frigg, Christof Dutoit, Andreas Appenzeller, Thierry Stoll, Alfred Benoit, Christoph Fuerst, Paul Heini
  • Publication number: 20070093822
    Abstract: Implants and methods for osteopathic augmentation and repositioning of vertebrae may comprise a chain having one or more beads or bodies configured for insertion into a vertebral body. The one or more bodies may be expandable. As the chain is inserted into the vertebral body, it may fill a central portion thereof and can push against the inner sides of the endplates of the vertebral body, thereby providing structural support and tending to restore the vertebral body to its original height. The one or more bodies may have a first configuration dimensioned to pass through a catheter or other introducer, and may expand to a second, larger configuration after insertion into the bone in order to secure the chain within the bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 26, 2007
    Inventors: Christof Dutoit, Andreas Appenzeller, Thierry Stoll, Robert Frigg, Robert Rauker
  • Publication number: 20070055274
    Abstract: Implants and methods for bone treatment, preferably minimally invasive treatment, including repositioning of vertebrae may comprise insertion of a bobbin having a wire, string, thread or band, coiled around the bobbin. During coiling, the diameter of the bobbing/band complex may increase. Such increase in diameter can push against the inner side of the endplates of the vertebral body, and augment the vertebral body to its original height. The implant may also take the form of a coiled sleeve which when inserted into the vertebral body is uncoiled. The force of the uncoiling sleeve pushes against the inner side o the endplates of the vertebral body, restoring the vertebral body to its original height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Andreas Appenzeller, Christof Dutoit, Alfred Benoit, Thierry Stoll, Erich Rothlisberger, Stefan Mathys
  • Publication number: 20070016205
    Abstract: A bone plate (1) having an upper side (2), a bone-sided lower side (3), a first end (11), a second end (12) and several plate holes (4) arranged between the two ends (11, 12) and connecting the upper side (2) to the lower side (3), the plate holes being provided for receiving bone screws. Two of the plate holes (4) are formed by a combination of two partially overlapping boreholes (5, 6) of different type. The first (5) of the two boreholes is a circular cylindrical bore, having an internal thread (7) and a cylinder axis (9). The second borehole (6) has a cone axis (10) and tapers from the upper side (2) to the lower side (3) in the form of a frustum of a cone. The second borehole (6) is provided with an internal thread (8). The cylinder axis (9) is situated at a distance A from the cone axis (10), where A is different than zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Florian Beutter, Andreas Appenzeller, Franco Cicoira, Robert Frigg