Patents by Inventor Beat Lechmann

Beat Lechmann 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: 7641676
    Abstract: An implant for use in bone fixation, includes combination of the two materials: metal and plastic. The implant defines several passages with axles (3) running through the implant, which are suitable for receiving a bone fixation device, such as a bone screw. The passages are provided with a peripheral perimeter, which is made of a different materiel than the material of the implant surrounding the perimeter. The implant is, on the one hand, not too rigid and, on the other hand, does not present problems as regards the screw-implant interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventors: Claude Mathieu, Robert Frigg, Marco Spichiger, Beat Lechmann
  • Patent number: 7637956
    Abstract: An endoprosthesis for a joint, in particular a an intervertebral implant with a central axis, a top part, a bottom part and a joint provided between them, wherein the joint comprises at least two articular surfaces A and B that can slide on one another; the top part has a top apposed surface that intersects the central axis and lateral surfaces; the bottom part has a bottom apposed surface that intersects the central axis and lateral surfaces; and wherein the endoprosthesis comprises at least one channel suitable to convey body fluid, said channel terminating in one of the two articular surfaces A and B and connecting it with the exterior of the endoprosthesis for the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventors: Beat Lechmann, Roger Bürki, Dominique Burkard, Robert Frigg, Daniel Odermatt
  • Publication number: 20090210064
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant having a three-dimensional body (10) and a securing plate (1). The three-dimensional body (10) includes an upper side (1) and an underside (2) which are suitable for abutting the end plates of two adjacent vertebral bodies, a left side surface (3) and a right side surface (4), a front surface (5) and a rear surface (6), a horizontal middle plane (7) between the upper side (1) and the underside (2), and a vertical middle plane (12) extending from the front surface (5) to the rear surface (6). The three-dimensional body further includes a plurality of boreholes (9a) passing through the body (10), which are suitable for accommodating longitudinal fixation elements (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Beat Lechmann, Dominique Burkard, Chris M. J. Cain, Claude Mathieu
  • 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: 20090024218
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant, specifically an artificial intervertebral disk, with a central axis, and an upper plate-shaped section, suitable for laying onto the base plate of a vertebral body lying on top, a lower plate-shaped section, suitable for laying onto the cover plate of a vertebral body lying below, wherein a central, plate-shaped section is arranged between the upper and the lower sections, a first circular-cylindrical rod with a longitudinal axle is arranged between the upper section and the central section, and a second circular-cylindrical rod with a longitudinal axle is arranged between the lower section and the central section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Robert FRIGG, Beat LECHMANN
  • Patent number: 7473276
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant (1), including an upper section (10) provided with a ventral side area (11), a dorsal side area (12), two lateral side areas (13,14), a top apposition surface (15) and a bottom surface (16), a lower section (20) provided with a ventral side area (21), a dorsal side area (22), two lateral side areas (23,24), a bottom apposition surface (25) and a top surface (26), wherein the two sections (10,20) are moveable in relation to each other by means of two joints (38;39) arranged between the two sections (10;20), and wherein each of the joints (38;39) has a swivel axle (3;4) and the two swivel axles (3;4) are arranged perpendicular to each other, each of the joints (38;39) comprises at least one axle (34;36) coaxial to the relevant swivel axle (3;4) and a bearing shell (35;37) receiving the axle (34;36), and roll bodies (70) are inserted between the axles (34;36) and the bearing shells (35;37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Max Aebi, Dominique Burkard, Robert Frigg, Beat Lechmann, Robert Mathys, Jr., Paul Pavlov
  • Publication number: 20080300465
    Abstract: A spine retractor and distractor device comprises spinal process clamps and a retractor assembly, which may be rotatably coupled with the spinal process clamps. The retractor assembly may include a retractor ring, or frame, and a plurality of retractor blades adjustably coupled to the frame, e.g., by clamps. The spinal process clamps can maintain a grip on the spinal processes of the patient, and distraction pliers may be used to impart a distraction force on the spinal process clamps to distract the spinal segments. Additionally, other components, features, or tools, e.g., a light source and/or a camera, can be mounted on the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Gregor Feigenwinter, Beat Lechmann, Roger Buerki, Paul W. Pavlov
  • Patent number: 7442208
    Abstract: A prosthesis for use in maintaining an interspinal space is disclosed. The prosthesis may be provided as first and second substantially symmetrical halves. The first and second halves may each have a coupling portion and a process portion. The coupling portions allow the separate halves to be separately fit within the interspinal space and then connected to form a single prosthesis, eliminating the need for cutting connecting ligaments to allow insertion of the prosthesis. Various connection and locking arrangements are disclosed to maintain the halves engaged with each other and the interspinal space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Claude Mathieu, Beat Lechmann, Paul Pavlov
  • 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: 20080133015
    Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis or disk prosthesis comprising a front side, a rear side, an upper side which can be placed on the base plate of vertebral body, a lower side which can be placed on the base plate of a vertebral body, a right side, a left side, a cavity which can receive a fluid hydraulic osteocementum, an opening in the cavity and several outlets out from the cavity. The total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets SV on the front side, the total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets SH on the rear side, the total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets SR on the right side and the total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets on the left side satisfy the following conditions: SL>SR or SR>SL or SH>SV or SV>SH.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Beat Lechmann, Robert Frigg, Roger Buerki
  • Publication number: 20080119933
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant (1), specifically an artificial intervertebral disk, with a central axis (2), an upper section (10), suitable for laying onto the base plate of a vertebral body lying on top and a lower section (20), suitable for laying onto the cover plate of a vertebral body lying below, wherein A) the upper section (10) is provided with a ventral side area (11), a dorsal side area (12), two lateral side areas (13,14), a top apposition surface (15) and a bottom surface (16); B) the lower section (20) is provided with a ventral side area (21), a dorsal side area (22), two lateral side areas (23,24), a bottom apposition surface (25) and a top surface (26); C) the two sections (10,20) are moveable in relation to each other by means of one joint (30) arranged between the two sections (10;20), wherein D) the joint (30) is a universal joint with two swivel axles (3;4) standing perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: Mathys Medizinaltechnik AG
    Inventors: Max Aebi, Dominique Burkard, Robert Frigg, Beat Lechmann, Robert Jun Mathys, Paul Pavlov
  • 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: 20080071284
    Abstract: A manipulation device of hollow intervertebral or disk prostheses and to the supply thereof with a flowable, hydraulic, osteocementum. Said device comprises a tube provided with a front end and a rear end, a handle and a guiding element for the flowable osteocementum. The front end of the tube is embodied in such a manner that the handle or the guiding element for the flowable osteocementum can be coupled thereto. The rear end of the tube is embodied in such a manner that it can be connected in a rotationally fixed and sealed manner to a hollow intervertebral or disk prosthesis. The handle can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the tube and the tube is torsionally fixed in relation to the longitudinal axis thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Beat Lechmann, Robert Frigg, Roger Buerki
  • Publication number: 20080033554
    Abstract: The inventive intervertebral implant (1), in particular an artificial intervertebral disc comprises a central axis (2), a top part (3) and a lower part (4), wherein A) the top part (3) is provided with a top apposition surface (5) which rests on a base plate of a superimposed vertebral body, B) the lower part (4) is provided with a lower apposition surface (6) for resting on the covering plate of an underneath vertebral body, C) one part (3, 4) comprises a convex joint element (12) provided with a convex sliding surface (11) and the other part (3, 4) comprises a joint shell (13) provided with a complementary concave surface, D) the convex joint element (12) and the convex joint shell (13) form a joint (9) by means of which the two parts (3, 4) are rotatable with respect to each other around at least one axis of rotation and E) the intervertebral implant (1) is permeable to x-rays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Beat Lechmann, Roger Buerki, Mario Gago, Robert Frigg, Michael Mayer
  • Publication number: 20070276498
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant (1), including an upper section (10) provided with a ventral side area (11), a dorsal side area (12), two lateral side areas (13, 14), a top apposition surface (15) and a bottom surface (16) a lower section (20) provided with a ventral side area (21), a dorsal side area (22), two lateral side areas (23,24), a bottom apposition surface (25) and a top surface (26). The two sections (10,20) are moveable in relation to each other by means of two joints (38;39) arranged between the two sections (10;20), wherein each of the joints (38;39) has a swivel axle (3;4) and the two swivel axles (3;4) are arranged perpendicular to each other, and each joint (38;39) comprises a first joint section (31;32;33) with an elevation (49;50) provided with an edge (51 ;53) for the bearing of a second joint section (31;32;33) in a way that allows titling around the swivel axle (3;4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: Mayhys Medizinaltechnik AG
    Inventors: Max Aebi, Dominique Burkard, Robert Frigg, Beat Lechmann, Robert Mathys, Paul Pavlov
  • Publication number: 20070250168
    Abstract: A modular intervertebral implant (1), particularly an artificial intervertebral disk having a central axis (2) and comprising a first and a second component (3;4) being mutually connectable in a ball-joint like manner, whereby A) the first component (3) is provided with an apposition area (5) which is apt for abutment to an end plate of a first adjoining vertebral body, said first component (3) being further provided with a concave spherical articulation surface (9) which has a radius R; B) the second component (4) is provided with an apposition area (6) which is apt for abutment to an end plate of a second adjoining vertebral body, said second component (4) being further provided with a convex spherical articulation surface (10) having the same radius R as the concave spherical articulation surface (9); C) the first component (3) has a maximum height H1 and the second component (4) has a maximum height H2, such that a maximum overall height H<(H1+H2) results for the assembled intervertebral implant (
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventors: Beat Lechmann, Robert Frigg
  • Patent number: 7270682
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant (1), specifically an artificial intervertebral disk, with a central axis (2), and an upper plate-shaped section (10), suitable for laying onto the base plate of a vertebral body lying on top, a lower plate-shaped section (30), suitable for laying onto the cover plate of a vertebral body lying below, wherein a central, plate-shaped section (20) is arranged between the upper and the lower section (10;30), a first circular-cylindrical rod (40) with a longitudinal axle (41) is arranged between the upper section (10) and the central section (20), and a second circular-cylindrical rod (50) with a longitudinal axle (51) is arranged between the lower section (30) and the central section (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Robert Frigg, Beat Lechmann
  • Publication number: 20070135919
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant (1), including an upper section (10) provided with a ventral side area (11), a dorsal side area (12), two lateral side areas (13,14), a top apposition surface (15) and a bottom surface (16), a lower section (20) provided with a ventral side area (21), a dorsal side area (22), two lateral side areas (23,24), a bottom apposition surface (25) and a top surface (26), wherein the two sections (10,20) are moveable in relation to each other by means of two joints (38;39) arranged between the two sections (10;20), and wherein each of the joints (38;39) has a swivel axle (3;4) and the two swivel axles (3;4) are arranged perpendicular to each other, each of the joints (38;39) comprises at least one axle (34;36) coaxial to the relevant swivel axle (3;4) and a bearing shell (35;37) receiving the axle (34;36), and roll bodies (70) are inserted between the axles (34;36) and the bearing shells (35;37).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventors: Max Aebi, Dominique Burkard, Robert Frigg, Beat Lechmann, Robert Mathys, Paul Pavlov
  • Publication number: 20060229725
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant with a central axis, a top part, a bottom part, a joint comprising a joint part and a joint shell, and a joining means. The top part has a top apposed surface that is suitable for placing it on a vertebra situated above it; The bottom part has a bottom apposed surface, that is suitable for placing it on a vertebra situated below it. One of the two parts is operatively associated with a convex joint part and the other part to a matching joint shell. The joint part and the joint shell are mounted against one another in a sliding manner such that the top part and the bottom part can rotate relative to one another at least about one axis of rotation. The joining means holds the top part and the bottom part together without impairing the capability of the joint to pivot while allowing a clearance between the joint part and the joint shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Inventors: Beat Lechmann, Roger Burki, Robert Frigg