Patents by Inventor Andy Wonyong Choi

Andy Wonyong Choi 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: 11963699
    Abstract: An instrument for spinal rotation that aligns and holds direct vertebral rotation (DVR) lever arms relative to each other to achieve an initial axial alignment of a segment of vertebrae and allows the final DVR rotation by rotating the instrument and lever arms together. A method of direct vertebral rotation that allows rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to each other, and collectively rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to adjacent spinal segments by rotating the direct vertebral rotation instrument. A system for direct vertebral rotation having at least two pedicle screws. The system also includes at least two levers attachable to the pedicle screws and a clamping instrument configured to clamp the levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi, Michael L Schmitz, Se-il Suk
  • Patent number: 11950770
    Abstract: A multi-portal method for treating a subject's spine includes distracting adjacent vertebrae using a distraction instrument positioned at a first entrance along the subject to enlarge an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae. An interbody fusion implant can be delivered into the enlarged intervertebral space. The interbody fusion implant can be positioned directly between vertebral bodies of the adjacent vertebrae while endoscopically viewing the interbody fusion implant using an endoscopic instrument. The patient's spine can be visualized using endoscopic techniques to view, for example, the spine, tissue, instruments and implants before, during, and after implantation, or the like. The visualization can help a physician throughout the surgical procedure to improve patient outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Amplify Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi, Dong-Hwa Heo
  • Publication number: 20230329751
    Abstract: A multi-portal method for treating a subject's spine includes distracting adjacent vertebrae using a distraction instrument positioned at a first entrance along the subject to enlarge an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae. An interbody fusion implant can be delivered into the enlarged intervertebral space. The interbody fusion implant can be positioned directly between vertebral bodies of the adjacent vertebrae while endoscopically viewing the interbody fusion implant using an endoscopic instrument. The patient's spine can be visualized using endoscopic techniques to view, for example, the spine, tissue, instruments, and implants before, during, and after implantation, or the like. The visualization can help a physician throughout the surgical procedure to improve patient outcome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi, Dong-Hwa Heo, Jeffrey Roh
  • Patent number: 11707302
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for treating the spine are disclosed herein. Medical devices can be positioned along a subject's spine to treat various conditions and diseases. The medical device can include an actuator assembly and a clamp assembly. The actuator assembly can be positioned at an interspinous space between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process. The actuator assembly can be used to reconfigure the clamp assembly such that the clamp assembly clamps onto the superior and inferior spinous processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi, Kim Thien Nguyen, Robert Leslie Richards
  • Patent number: 11678906
    Abstract: A multi-portal method for treating a subject's spine includes distracting adjacent vertebrae using a distraction instrument positioned at a first entrance along the subject to enlarge an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae. An interbody fusion implant can be delivered into the enlarged intervertebral space. The interbody fusion implant can be positioned directly between vertebral bodies of the adjacent vertebrae while endoscopically viewing the interbody fusion implant using an endoscopic instrument. The patient's spine can be visualized using endoscopic techniques to view, for example, the spine, tissue, instruments, and implants before, during, and after implantation, or the like. The visualization can help a physician throughout the surgical procedure to improve patient outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Amplify Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi, Dong-Hwa Heo, Jeffrey Roh
  • Publication number: 20230104335
    Abstract: A multi-portal method for treating a subject's spine includes distracting adjacent vertebrae using a distraction instrument positioned at a first entrance along the subject to enlarge an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae. An interbody fusion implant can be delivered into the enlarged intervertebral space. The interbody fusion implant can be positioned directly between vertebral bodies of the adjacent vertebrae while endoscopically viewing the interbody fusion implant using an endoscopic instrument. The patient's spine can be visualized using endoscopic techniques to view, for example, the spine, tissue, instruments and implants before, during, and after implantation, or the like. The visualization can help a physician throughout the surgical procedure to improve patient outcome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi, Dong-Hwa Heo, Jeffrey Roh
  • Publication number: 20230000532
    Abstract: A polyaxial screwdriver for inserting a bone screw in a vertebra. A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a coupling element. When a screw engaging end of the polyaxial screwdriver is lowered on the head of the bone screw, the complimentary surfaces of the screw engaging end of the screwdriver and the head of the screw self-align. A ratchet mechanism formed in the screwdriver provides progressive and automatic locking of the polyaxial screwdriver to the coupling element and prevents the accidental unthreading from the coupling element. In another embodiment of the polyaxial screwdriver, a collet slides over the outside surface of the upper end of the coupling element and locks on to the coupling element. In yet another embodiment of a polyaxial screwdriver, the outer sleeve of the polyaxial screwdriver has a split end that securely engages the coupling element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Ernie Corrao, Andy Wonyong Choi
  • Patent number: 11464648
    Abstract: A multi-portal method for treating a subject's spine includes distracting adjacent vertebrae using a distraction instrument positioned at a first entrance along the subject to enlarge an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae. An interbody fusion implant can be delivered into the enlarged intervertebral space. The interbody fusion implant can be positioned directly between vertebral bodies of the adjacent vertebrae while endoscopically viewing the interbody fusion implant using an endoscopic instrument. The patient's spine can be visualized using endoscopic techniques to view, for example, the spine, tissue, instruments and implants before, during, and after implantation, or the like. The visualization can help a physician throughout the surgical procedure to improve patient outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Amplify Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi, Dong-Hwa Heo, Jeffrey Roh
  • Patent number: 11389211
    Abstract: A polyaxial screwdriver for inserting a bone screw in a vertebra. A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a coupling element. When a screw engaging end of the polyaxial screwdriver is lowered on the head of the bone screw, the complimentary surfaces of the screw engaging end of the screwdriver and the head of the screw self-align. A ratchet mechanism formed in the screwdriver provides progressive and automatic locking of the polyaxial screwdriver to the coupling element and prevents the accidental unthreading from the coupling element. In another embodiment of the polyaxial screwdriver, a collet slides over the outside surface of the upper end of the coupling element and locks on to the coupling element. In yet another embodiment of a polyaxial screwdriver, the outer sleeve of the polyaxial screwdriver has a split end that securely engages the coupling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Ernie Corrao, Andy Wonyong Choi
  • Publication number: 20220133365
    Abstract: An instrument for spinal rotation that aligns and holds direct vertebral rotation (DVR) lever arms relative to each other to achieve an initial axial alignment of a segment of vertebrae and allows the final DVR rotation by rotating the instrument and lever arms together. A method of direct vertebral rotation that allows rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to each other, and collectively rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to adjacent spinal segments by rotating the direct vertebral rotation instrument. A system for direct vertebral rotation having at least two pedicle screws. The system also includes at least two levers attachable to the pedicle screws and a clamping instrument configured to clamp the levers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi, Michael L. Schmitz, Se-il Suk
  • Patent number: 11172965
    Abstract: An instrument for spinal rotation that aligns and holds direct vertebral rotation (DVR) lever arms relative to each other to achieve an initial axial alignment of a segment of vertebrae and allows the final DVR rotation by rotating the instrument and lever arms together. A method of direct vertebral rotation that allows rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to each other, and collectively rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to adjacent spinal segments by rotating the direct vertebral rotation instrument. A system for direct vertebral rotation having at least two pedicle screws. The system also includes at least two levers attachable to the pedicle screws and a clamping instrument configured to clamp the levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi, Michael L. Schmitz, Se-Il Suk
  • Publication number: 20210204985
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for treating the spine are disclosed herein. Medical devices can be positioned along a subject's spine to treat various conditions and diseases. The medical device can include an actuator assembly and a clamp assembly. The actuator assembly can be positioned at an interspinous space between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process. The actuator assembly can be used to reconfigure the clamp assembly such that the clamp assembly clamps onto the superior and inferior spinous processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Applicant: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi, Kim Thien Nguyen, Robert Leslie Richards
  • Patent number: 10945769
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for treating the spine are disclosed herein. Medical devices can be positioned along a subject's spine to treat various conditions and diseases. The medical device can include an actuator assembly and a clamp assembly. The actuator assembly can be positioned at an interspinous space between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process. The actuator assembly can be used to reconfigure the clamp assembly such that the clamp assembly clamps onto the superior and inferior spinous processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi, Kim Thien Nguyen, Robert Leslie Richards
  • Publication number: 20210068975
    Abstract: A multi-portal method for treating a subject's spine includes distracting adjacent vertebrae using a distraction instrument positioned at a first entrance along the subject to enlarge an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae. An interbody fusion implant can be delivered into the enlarged intervertebral space. The interbody fusion implant can be positioned directly between vertebral bodies of the adjacent vertebrae while endoscopically viewing the interbody fusion implant using an endoscopic instrument. The patient's spine can be visualized using endoscopic techniques to view, for example, the spine, tissue, instruments and implants before, during, and after implantation, or the like. The visualization can help a physician throughout the surgical procedure to improve patient outcome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi, Dong-Hwa Heo, Jeffrey Roh
  • Publication number: 20210068863
    Abstract: A multi-portal method for treating a subject's spine includes distracting adjacent vertebrae using a distraction instrument positioned at a first entrance along the subject to enlarge an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae. An interbody fusion implant can be delivered into the enlarged intervertebral space. The interbody fusion implant can be positioned directly between vertebral bodies of the adjacent vertebrae while endoscopically viewing the interbody fusion implant using an endoscopic instrument. The patient's spine can be visualized using endoscopic techniques to view, for example, the spine, tissue, instruments, and implants before, during, and after implantation, or the like. The visualization can help a physician throughout the surgical procedure to improve patient outcome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi, Dong-Hwa Heo, Jeffrey Roh
  • Publication number: 20200289168
    Abstract: A polyaxial screwdriver for inserting a bone screw in a vertebra. A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a coupling element. When a screw engaging end of the polyaxial screwdriver is lowered on the head of the bone screw, the complimentary surfaces of the screw engaging end of the screwdriver and the head of the screw self-align. A ratchet mechanism formed in the screwdriver provides progressive and automatic locking of the polyaxial screwdriver to the coupling element and prevents the accidental unthreading from the coupling element. In another embodiment of the polyaxial screwdriver, a collet slides over the outside surface of the upper end of the coupling element and locks on to the coupling element. In yet another embodiment of a polyaxial screwdriver, the outer sleeve of the polyaxial screwdriver has a split end that securely engages the coupling element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Ernie Corrao, Andy Wonyong Choi
  • Patent number: 10639080
    Abstract: A polyaxial screwdriver for inserting a bone screw in a vertebra. A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a coupling element. When a screw engaging end of the polyaxial screwdriver is lowered on the head of the bone screw, the complimentary surfaces of the screw engaging end of the screwdriver and the head of the screw self-align. A ratchet mechanism formed in the screwdriver provides progressive and automatic locking of the polyaxial screwdriver to the coupling element and prevents the accidental unthreading from the coupling element. In another embodiment of the polyaxial screwdriver, a collet slides over the outside surface of the upper end of the coupling element and locks on to the coupling element. In yet another embodiment of a polyaxial screwdriver, the outer sleeve of the polyaxial screwdriver has a split end that securely engages the coupling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Ernie Corrao, Andy Wonyong Choi
  • Publication number: 20180310967
    Abstract: An instrument for spinal rotation that aligns and holds direct vertebral rotation (DVR) lever arms relative to each other to achieve an initial axial alignment of a segment of vertebrae and allows the final DVR rotation by rotating the instrument and lever arms together. A method of direct vertebral rotation that allows rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to each other, and collectively rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to adjacent spinal segments by rotating the direct vertebral rotation instrument. A system for direct vertebral rotation having at least two pedicle screws. The system also includes at least two levers attachable to the pedicle screws and a clamping instrument configured to clamp the levers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi, Michael L. Schmitz, Se-il Suk
  • Publication number: 20180243014
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for treating the spine are disclosed herein. Medical devices can be positioned along a subject's spine to treat various conditions and diseases. The medical device can include an actuator assembly and a clamp assembly. The actuator assembly can be positioned at an interspinous space between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process. The actuator assembly can be used to reconfigure the clamp assembly such that the clamp assembly clamps onto the superior and inferior spinous processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi, Kim Thien Nguyen, Robert Leslie Richards
  • Patent number: 9974578
    Abstract: An instrument for spinal rotation that aligns and holds direct vertebral rotation (DVR) lever arms relative to each other to achieve an initial axial alignment of a segment of vertebrae and allows the final DVR rotation by rotating the instrument and lever arms together. A method of direct vertebral rotation that allows rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to each other, and collectively rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to adjacent spinal segments by rotating the direct vertebral rotation instrument. A system for direct vertebral rotation having at least two pedicle screws. The system also includes at least two levers attachable to the pedicle screws and a clamping instrument configured to clamp the levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi, Michael L. Schmitz, Se-il Suk