Patents by Inventor Blair Walker
Blair Walker 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).
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Publication number: 20250345055Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of treating a patient includes: providing a tensioning device having: a connector configured to couple to a soft tissue, and an adjustable anchor configured to couple to the connector and to couple to a bone, wherein the adjustable anchor comprises: a first end and a second end; a housing extending between the first end and the second end; and an adjustable component disposed within the housing; inserting the second end of the adjustable anchor into the bone; connecting the connector to the soft tissue; coupling the connector to the adjustable anchor; and adjusting a tension on the connector by rotating the adjustable component within the housing in response to a wireless signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2025Publication date: November 13, 2025Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford, Blair Walker
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Publication number: 20250268635Abstract: A system for surgical planning and assessment of spinal deformity correction is provided that has a spinal imaging system and a control unit. The spinal imaging system is configured to collect at least one digitized position of one or more vertebral bodies of a subject. The control unit is configured to receive the at least one digitized position, and calculate, based on the at least one digitized position, an optimized posture for the subject. The control unit is configured to receive one or more simulated spinal correction inputs, and based on the inputs and optimized posture, predict an optimal simulated postoperative surgical correction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2025Publication date: August 28, 2025Inventors: David Skinlo, Thomas B. Buford, Ephraim Akyuz, Thomas Weisel, Roger Pisarnwongs, Adam G. Beckett, Jeffrey Lee Gilbert, Frank Yan Liu, Urs Weber, Edmund J. Roschak, Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Mark T. Dahl
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Publication number: 20250261970Abstract: A system includes a first pedicle screw, a second pedicle screw, and an adjustable rod having an outer housing coupled to one of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, the outer housing having a threaded shaft secured to one end thereof extending along an interior portion thereof. The system farther includes a hollow magnetic assembly disposed within the outer housing and having a magnetic element disposed therein, the hollow magnetic assembly having an internal threaded surface engaged with the threaded shaft, the magnetic assembly being coupled to the other of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, wherein the hollow magnetic assembly rotates in response to an externally applied magnetic field to thereby lengthen or shorten the distance between the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2025Publication date: August 21, 2025Inventors: Brad Culbert, Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Arvin Chang, Peter P. Tran
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Patent number: 12329374Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of treating a patient includes: providing a tensioning device having: a connector configured to couple to a soft tissue, and an adjustable anchor configured to couple to the connector and to couple to a bone, wherein the adjustable anchor comprises: a first end and a second end; a housing extending between the first end and the second end; and an adjustable component disposed within the housing; inserting the second end of the adjustable anchor into the bone; connecting the connector to the soft tissue; coupling the connector to the adjustable anchor; and adjusting a tension on the connector by rotating the adjustable component within the housing in response to a wireless signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2023Date of Patent: June 17, 2025Assignee: Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics Inc.Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford, Blair Walker
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Patent number: 12318119Abstract: A spinal distraction system includes a distraction rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for affixation to a subject's spine at a first location, the distraction rod having a second end containing a recess having a threaded portion disposed therein. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for affixation relative to the subject's spine at a second location remote from the first location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly, the magnetic assembly affixed at one end thereof to a lead screw, the lead screw operatively coupled to the threaded portion. A locking pin may secure the lead screw to the magnetic assembly. An O-ring gland disposed on the end of the housing may form a dynamic seal with the distraction rod.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2024Date of Patent: June 3, 2025Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker
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Patent number: 12295630Abstract: A system for surgical planning and assessment of spinal deformity correction is provided that has a spinal imaging system and a control unit. The spinal imaging system is configured to collect at least one digitized position of one or more vertebral bodies of a subject. The control unit is configured to receive the at least one digitized position, and calculate, based on the at least one digitized position, an optimized posture for the subject. The control unit is configured to receive one or more simulated spinal correction inputs, and based on the inputs and optimized posture, predict an optimal simulated postoperative surgical correction.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2024Date of Patent: May 13, 2025Assignee: NUVASIVE SPECIALIZED ORTHOPEDICS, INC.Inventors: David Skinlo, Thomas B. Buford, Ephraim Akyuz, Thomas Weisel, Roger Pisarnwongs, Adam G. Beckett, Jeffrey Lee Gilbert, Frank Yan Liu, Urs Weber, Edmund J. Roschak, Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Mark T. Dahl
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Patent number: 12295619Abstract: A system includes a first pedicle screw, a second pedicle screw, and an adjustable rod having an outer housing coupled to one of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, the outer housing having a threaded shaft secured to one end thereof extending along an interior portion thereof. The system farther includes a hollow magnetic assembly disposed within the outer housing and having a magnetic element disposed therein, the hollow magnetic assembly having an internal threaded surface engaged with the threaded shaft, the magnetic assembly being coupled to the other of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, wherein the hollow magnetic assembly rotates in response to an externally applied magnetic field to thereby lengthen or shorten the distance between the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2024Date of Patent: May 13, 2025Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.Inventors: Brad Culbert, Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Arvin Chang, Peter P. Tran
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Publication number: 20240260997Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for evaluating spinal stiffness of a patient. One method may include providing a database model based on existing patient data with normalized spine stiffness data. Segmental stiffness may be measured intraoperatively, for example, using a force-sensing instrument, and compared to the database model. A surgical task, such as osteotomy or ligament release, may be performed based on guidance from the database model to adjust the spinal stiffness of the patient. Segmental stiffness may be measured after each surgical task, thereby updating the database model with each reading on segmental stiffness in real time. Each level may be addressed until targeted stiffness values, such as segmental stiffness and global stiffness, are reached based on the database model.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2024Publication date: August 8, 2024Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Arvin Chang
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Publication number: 20240238012Abstract: A spinal distraction system includes a distraction rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for affixation to a subject's spine at a first location, the distraction rod having a second end containing a recess having a threaded portion disposed therein. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for affixation relative to the subject's spine at a second location remote from the first location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly, the magnetic assembly affixed at one end thereof to a lead screw, the lead screw operatively coupled to the threaded portion. A locking pin may secure the lead screw to the magnetic assembly. An O-ring gland disposed on the end of the housing may form a dynamic seal with the distraction rod.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2024Publication date: July 18, 2024Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker
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Publication number: 20240206926Abstract: An intramedullary lengthening device includes a housing and a distraction shaft. The intramedullary lengthening device is placed within a cavity of two bone sections (either already separated or purposely separated for insertion of the device). The distraction shaft of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the one of the bone sections using, for example, one or more attachment screws. The housing of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the second bone section using, for instance, one or more attachment screws. Over the treatment period, the bone is continually distracted, creating a new separation into which osteogenesis can occur. In one embodiment, the intramedullary lengthening device includes an actuator and an extension rod, which can be attached to one other.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2024Publication date: June 27, 2024Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker
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Publication number: 20240180593Abstract: A system includes a first pedicle screw, a second pedicle screw, and an adjustable rod having an outer housing coupled to one of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, the outer housing having a threaded shaft secured to one end thereof extending along an interior portion thereof. The system farther includes a hollow magnetic assembly disposed within the outer housing and having a magnetic element disposed therein, the hollow magnetic assembly having an internal threaded surface engaged with the threaded shaft, the magnetic assembly being coupled to the other of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, wherein the hollow magnetic assembly rotates in response to an externally applied magnetic field to thereby lengthen or shorten the distance between the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2024Publication date: June 6, 2024Inventors: Brad Culbert, Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Arvin Chang, Peter P. Tran
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Publication number: 20240180599Abstract: A system for surgical planning and assessment of spinal deformity correction is provided that has a spinal imaging system and a control unit. The spinal imaging system is configured to collect at least one digitized position of one or more vertebral bodies of a subject. The control unit is configured to receive the at least one digitized position, and calculate, based on the at least one digitized position, an optimized posture for the subject. The control unit is configured to receive one or more simulated spinal correction inputs, and based on the inputs and optimized posture, predict an optimal simulated postoperative surgical correction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2024Publication date: June 6, 2024Inventors: David Skinlo, Thomas B. Buford, Ephraim Akyuz, Thomas Weisel, Roger Pisarnwongs, Adam G. Beckett, Jeffrey Lee Gilbert, Frank Yan Liu, Urs Weber, Edmund J. Roschak, Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Mark T. Dahl
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Patent number: 11974782Abstract: A method of positioning an external adjustment device relative to a patient includes placing a magnetic viewing sheet adjacent to a patient and identifying the location of an implanted magnetic assembly using the magnetic viewing sheet by visualizing a magnetic image of the implanted magnetic assembly in the magnetic viewing sheet. The external adjustment device is placed on the patient adjacent to the location where the magnetic image was located.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2020Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: NUVASIVE SPECIALIZED ORTHOPEDICS, INC.Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Arvin Chang
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Patent number: 11944358Abstract: An intramedullary lengthening device includes a housing and a distraction shaft. The intramedullary lengthening device is placed within a cavity of two bone sections (either already separated or purposely separated for insertion of the device). The distraction shaft of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the one of the bone sections using, for example, one or more attachment screws. The housing of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the second bone section using, for instance, one or more attachment screws. Over the treatment period, the bone is continually distracted, creating a new separation into which osteogenesis can occur. In one embodiment, the intramedullary lengthening device includes an actuator and an extension rod, which can be attached to one other.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker
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Patent number: 11918255Abstract: A system includes a first pedicle screw, a second pedicle screw, and an adjustable rod having an outer housing coupled to one of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, the outer housing having a threaded shaft secured to one end thereof extending along an interior portion thereof. The system farther includes a hollow magnetic assembly disposed within the outer housing and having a magnetic element disposed therein, the hollow magnetic assembly having an internal threaded surface engaged with the threaded shaft, the magnetic assembly being coupled to the other of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, wherein the hollow magnetic assembly rotates in response to an externally applied magnetic field to thereby lengthen or shorten the distance between the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics Inc.Inventors: Brad Culbert, Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Arvin Chang, Peter P. Tran
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Patent number: 11918254Abstract: A spinal distraction system includes a distraction rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for affixation to a subject's spine at a first location, the distraction rod having a second end containing a recess having a threaded portion disposed therein. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for affixation relative to the subject's spine at a second location remote from the first location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly, the magnetic assembly affixed at one end thereof to a lead screw, the lead screw operatively coupled to the threaded portion. A locking pin may secure the lead screw to the magnetic assembly. An O-ring gland disposed on the end of the housing may form a dynamic seal with the distraction rod.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics Inc.Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker
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Patent number: 11871974Abstract: A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2021Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Jay R. McCoy, Arvin Chang
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Patent number: 11871971Abstract: A method of changing a bone angle includes creating an osteotomy between a first portion and a second portion of a tibia of a patient; creating a cavity in the tibia by removing bone material along an axis extending in a substantially longitudinal direction from a first point at the tibial plateau to a second point; placing a non-invasively adjustable implant into the cavity, the non-invasively adjustable implant comprising an adjustable actuator having an outer housing and an inner shaft, telescopically disposed in the outer housing, and a driving element configured to be remotely operable to telescopically displace the inner shaft in relation to the outer housing; coupling one of the outer housing or the inner shaft to the first portion of the tibia; coupling the other of the outer housing or the inner shaft to the second portion of the tibia; and remotely operating the driving element to telescopically displace the inner shaft in relation to the outer housing, thus changing an angle between the first portiType: GrantFiled: December 7, 2021Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: David Skinlo, Thomas B. Buford, Ephraim Akyuz, Thomas Weisel, Roger Pisarnwongs, Adam G. Beckett, Jeffrey Lee Gilbert, Frank Yan Liu, Urs Weber, Edmund J. Roschak, Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Mark T. Dahl
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Patent number: 11839410Abstract: A distraction system includes a first distraction device having a first adjustable portion and a first distraction rod configured to telescope within the first adjustable portion, the first adjustable portion having contained therein a first rotatable magnetic assembly mechanically coupled to a first screw configured to axially telescope the first distraction rod. A second distraction device is provided and includes a second adjustable portion and a second distraction rod configured to telescope within the second adjustable portion, the second adjustable portion having contained therein a second rotatable magnetic assembly mechanically coupled to a second screw configured to axially telescope the second distraction rod. An adjustable joint connects one end of the first adjustable portion to one end of the second adjustable portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2020Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: Nuvasive Inc.Inventors: Arvin Chang, Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Peter P. Tran
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Publication number: 20230380830Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of treating a patient includes: providing a tensioning device having: a connector configured to couple to a soft tissue, and an adjustable anchor configured to couple to the connector and to couple to a bone, wherein the adjustable anchor comprises: a first end and a second end; a housing extending between the first end and the second end; and an adjustable component disposed within the housing; inserting the second end of the adjustable anchor into the bone; connecting the connector to the soft tissue; coupling the connector to the adjustable anchor; and adjusting a tension on the connector by rotating the adjustable component within the housing in response to a wireless signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford, Blair Walker