Patents by Inventor Aurelien Bruneau

Aurelien Bruneau 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).

  • Publication number: 20100280553
    Abstract: A spinal rod having first and second end members. The end members may be flexible or rigid. An expandable intermediate section is positioned between the first and second end members. The intermediate section may be axially expandable upon the introduction of a substance into a port that may be located in either of the first and second end members or the intermediate section. The intermediate section may be expandable between a first size, where the first and second end members are spaced a first distance apart, and a second enlarged size, where the first and second end members are spaced a second greater distance apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Aurelien Bruneau, Eric C. Lange, Randall N. Allard, Kent M. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20100268277
    Abstract: Devices and methods for attaching a support to the sacrum. One device may include first and second anchors that mount to the sacrum, and first and second lateral extensions coupled to the anchors to secure the device to the sacrum. A bearing face having a width is positioned between the lateral extensions. The face may have a height in an anterior-posterior direction greater than the spinous process of the sacrum. Further, the bearing face may be oriented in a superior direction when the device is mounted to the sacrum. An implant may be supported by the device to space the sacrum and L5 vertebra. The implant may be an interspinous device and positioned between the L5 spinous process and the bearing face. The implant is supported at least in part by the bearing face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Aurelien Bruneau, Thomas A. Carls, Eric C. Lange, Kent M. Anderson, Jean Taylor
  • Patent number: 7811328
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present application includes a spinal disk prosthesis with one end portion to form a load transmitting relationship with one vertebra of a patient's spine and another end portion to form a load transmitting relationship with another vertebra of the patient's spine. A tube connects the end portions together and a damping material is positioned inside the tube. The end portions each include a magnet to generate a corresponding magnetic field. These magnetic fields are oriented to provide a repulsive force between the end portions to provide a magnetic bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred J. Molz, IV, Thomas Carls, Aurelien Bruneau, Eric C. Lange, Matthew M. Morrison, Jonathan Dewey, Kent M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7799060
    Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-directional stabilization of a spinal column segment are provided. The systems include one or more motion preserving constructs that are engaged to adjacent vertebrae and extend trans-axially between the vertebrae obliquely to the central axis of the spinal column. The systems permit motion of at least a portion of a vertebral level while providing stabilization at least when tensioned. Systems that provide stabilization in compression are also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric C. Lange, Jonathan Dewey, Thomas Carls, Aurelien Bruneau, Kent M. Anderson, Fred J. Molz, IV, Matthew M. Morrison
  • Patent number: 7780709
    Abstract: An implant assembly for stabilizing a spinal motion segment includes a flexible spacer member positionable between adjacent transverse processes to dynamically limit movement of the upper and lower transverse processes toward one another upon extension of the spinal motion segment. The implant assembly may also include an engaging member positionable about one or more posterior elements of a spinal motion segment to secure the spacer member thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Aurelien Bruneau, Tommy Carls, Eric C. Lange, Fred J. Molz, IV, Matthew M. Morrison, Jonathan Dewey, Kent M. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20100211101
    Abstract: Devices and methods for supporting adjacent spinous processes include opposing plates movable toward one another along a cross post to contact opposite sides of each of the spinous processes, and a spacer member about the cross post contacting the adjacent surfaces of the spinous processes to resist movement of the spinous processes toward one another under spinal extension motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Blackwell, Aurelien Bruneau
  • Patent number: 7776075
    Abstract: A spinal rod having first and second end members. The end members may be flexible or rigid. An expandable intermediate section is positioned between the first and second end members. The intermediate section may be axially expandable upon the introduction of a substance into a port that may be located in either of the first and second end members or the intermediate section. The intermediate section may be expandable between a first size, where the first and second end members are spaced a first distance apart, and a second enlarged size, where the first and second end members are spaced a second greater distance apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Aurelien Bruneau, Eric C. Lange, Randall N. Allard, Kent M. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20100198265
    Abstract: One technique of the present application includes: evaluating a patient having a previously implanted spinal construct and corresponding spinal fusion from an earlier procedure and determining a spinal segment adjacent to the spinal fusion is degenerating after completion of the earlier procedure. After this determination, the previously implanted spinal construct is augmented by attaching a flexible polymer elongated member to the spinal segment adjacent to the spinal fusion with a bone fastener and by coupling the flexible polymer elongated member to one or more elements of the previously implanted spinal construct. In one form, the elongated member is at least partially comprised of polyetheretherketone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Matthew M. Morrison, Kent M. Anderson, Jonathan Dewey, Aurelien Bruneau, Fred J. Molz, IV, Thomas Carls, Eric C. Lange
  • Publication number: 20100145387
    Abstract: A method spacing spinal elements includes installing a first spinal implant having a sensor associated therewith; selecting a second spinal implant based on measurement data provided by the sensor; and replacing the first spinal implant with the second spinal implant. The first and second implants may be installed in separate surgical procedures, or during the same surgical procedure, and the implants may be positioned between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process and advantageously directly engage the same. The selection of the second implant may be based on the data provided by the sensor and a material property of the second spinal implant, such as its stiffness. The measurement data may correspond to strain or force data. The sensor may be, but is not required to be, embedded in the first spinal implant. A corresponding apparatus is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Aurelien Bruneau, Eric C. Lange, Kent M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7727233
    Abstract: Devices and methods for supporting adjacent spinous processes include opposing plates movable toward one another along a cross post to contact opposite sides of each of the spinous processes, and a spacer member about the cross post contacting the adjacent surfaces of the spinous processes to resist movement of the spinous processes toward one another under spinal extension motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventors: Jonathan Blackwell, Aurelien Bruneau
  • Publication number: 20100114320
    Abstract: A surgical spacer comprising first and second hollow support members, a flexible container, and a compressible material disposed in the container is disclosed. The first and second support members each have an exterior and an interior cavity. The exteriors of the first and second support members are affixed together and the interior cavities of the first and second support members are connected via a connecting opening. The container is disposed in the interior cavities and extends through the connecting opening. In addition, the container is substantially impermeable to the compressible material. The first and second support members are more rigid than the flexible container. A combination of the first and second support members controls the shape of the flexible container, with the compressible material disposed therein, in response to a compressive load applied to an exterior of the spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc., An Indiana Corporation
    Inventors: Eric C Lange, Hai H. Trieu, Kent M. Anderson, Randall L. Allard, Aurelien Bruneau
  • Patent number: 7691130
    Abstract: A method of spacing spinal elements includes installing a first spinal implant having a sensor associated therewith; selecting a second spinal implant based on measurement data provided by the sensor; and replacing the first spinal implant with the second spinal implant. The first and second implants may be installed in separate surgical procedures, or during the same surgical procedure, and the implants may be positioned between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process and advantageously directly engage the same. The selection of the second implant may be based on the data provided by the sensor and a material property of the second spinal implant, such as its stiffness. The measurement data may correspond to strain or force data. The sensor may be, but is not required to be, embedded in the first spinal implant. A corresponding apparatus is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Aurelien Bruneau, Eric C. Lange, Kent M. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20100030285
    Abstract: A method of implanting a spinal prosthesis comprises inserting a first member between superior and inferior spinous processes associated with respective superior and inferior vertebrae. The superior and inferior vertebrae are separated by an intermediate vertebra. The method further includes inserting a second member through a channel in the first member. After the second member is inserted, the method requires removing the second member from the channel and inserting a third member through the channel. The third member has a different stiffness than the second member. Finally, the method requires anchoring the third member to the intermediate vertebra, while the third member is inserted through the channel. The third member is anchored at first and second locations disposed on respective first and second lateral sides of the intermediate vertebra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC
    Inventors: Jonathan Dewey, Fred J. Molz, IV, Aurelien Bruneau, Eric C. Lange, Matthew M. Morrison, Thomas Carls, Kent M. Anderson, Jean Taylor
  • Publication number: 20100023059
    Abstract: A method of implanting a spinal prosthesis comprises inserting a first member between superior and inferior spinous processes associated with respective superior and inferior vertebrae. The superior and inferior vertebrae are separated by an intermediate vertebra. The method further includes inserting a second member through a channel in the first member. After the second member is inserted, the method requires removing the second member from the channel and inserting a third member through the channel. The third member has a different stiffness than the second member. Finally, the method requires anchoring the third member to the intermediate vertebra, while the third member is inserted through the channel. The third member is anchored at first and second locations disposed on respective first and second lateral sides of the intermediate vertebra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC
    Inventors: Jonathan Dewey, Fred J. Molz, IV, Aurelien Bruneau, Eric C. Lange, Matthew M. Morrison, Thomas Carls, Kent M. Anderson, Jean Taylor
  • Patent number: 7611537
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present application includes: performing a medical procedure on a segment of a patient's spine. This segment includes two vertebrae each in contact with a spinal disk positioned in an intervertebral disk space. A passage is formed that follows a pathway through the vertebrae and the intervertebral disk space. This passage extends from an extradiscal opening through one of the vertebrae along a path that turns to change direction. The tubular device is inserted in the passage and extends through the intervertebral disk space. A fluid material is introduced into the tubular device to at least partially fill it to provide a spinal prosthetic structure. Other embodiments and inventive aspects include other prosthetic device arrangements, implantation methods, systems, and techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Carls, Fred J. Molz, IV, Matthew M. Morrison, Jonathan Dewey, Kent M. Anderson, Eric C. Lange, Aurelien Bruneau
  • Patent number: 7491208
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for guiding a surgical implant to a bone anchor during surgery. The apparatus includes a bone anchor extender releasably attachable to the bone anchor wherein the bone anchor extender clips onto a head portion of the bone anchor to assist in guiding the surgical implant to the bone anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Pond, Jr., Anthony J. Melkent, Aurelien Bruneau
  • Publication number: 20080167685
    Abstract: A vertebral stabilizing device for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae includes a jacket formed of a biocompatible material and configured for implantation between the vertebrae. The jacket may be configured to encompass a hardenable material. A reaction activator may be encompassed by the jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Randy Allard, Kent M. Anderson, Aurelien Bruneau, Eric C. Lange
  • Publication number: 20080065079
    Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and devices that provide for asymmetrical movement of vertebral members. In one embodiment, first and second anchors connect the rod to the vertebral members. The rod may be fixedly connected to the first anchor, and movably connected to the second anchor. A limiting device may be positioned on one or both sides of the second anchor. The limiting device or devices control an extent of movement between the rod and the second anchor during vertebral motion. In one embodiment, the device controls an amount of flexion and extension of the vertebral members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Aurelien Bruneau, Thomas A. Carls, Eric C. Lange, John Durward Pond, Kent M. Anderson, Henry Keith Bonin, Jonathan M. Dewey
  • Publication number: 20080021457
    Abstract: A kit includes a mesh material adapted to engage a zygapophysial joint, and includes an indicator associating the kit with treatment of the zygapophysial joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic Inc.
    Inventors: Kent M. Anderson, Aurelien Bruneau, Eric C. Lange
  • Publication number: 20080021460
    Abstract: A surgical procedure and apparatus according to which force is applied to a member to compress the member, and the member is retained in its compressed state while it is inserted between two anatomical structures. The member is then allowed to move from its compressed state towards its original state and into engagement with the structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic Inc.
    Inventors: Aurelien Bruneau, Eric C. Lange, Kent M. Anderson, Randall Allard