Patents by Inventor Bradley T. Estes
Bradley T. Estes 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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Patent number: 8066710Abstract: A method and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion is disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion from a posterior approach to the spine. One instrument is a retractor having a lockable pivotally mounted handle. Another instrument is a template for straddling the dura. A modular distractor is also provided and preferably includes a tapered shaft with a visualization window disposed therein. Yet another instrument is a depth gauge to verify bone opening depth and dimension, preferably including a radiopaque portion. A method contemplates the use of these instruments to prepare a disc space to receive an implant.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Bradley T. Estes, Regis W. Haid, Jr., Eddie F. Ray, III, Jeffrey D. Moore, Gerald E. Rodts, Jr.
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Publication number: 20110288587Abstract: A plate of biocompatible material is provided having curvature in two planes such that it conforms to the curvature of the L5 vertebral body and to the patient's lordotic curve. Holes are provided receiving screws for anchorage in the vertebral body and sacrum. A flange or foot portion on the plate provides a wider base end area for support in the L5-S1 interspace. The foot portion is also arranged for appropriate entry angle of screws into the sacrum such as to improve anchorage in the sacrum. Anti-backout and low profile features are incorporated. The anterior lumbar plate is situated to maintain the anterior interbody bone graft in compression by resisting tensile forces during extension.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey Kozak, Bradley T. Estes, Lawrence M. Boyd
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Patent number: 8038714Abstract: Intervertebral spacers and methods of promoting fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae are provided. The spacers include an elongated body having a first end, a second end and an outer surface. Side walls connect the first and second ends. The elongated body also defines an interior cavity. The side wall defines an opening to the interior cavity in a side of the elongated body. At least one of the first and second ends has a discontinuity, such as a concave surface, for nesting with an adjacent spacer. The methods of promoting fusion bone growth include utilizing the inventive spacers described herein.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence M. Boyd, J. Kenneth Burkus, John D. Dorchak, Bradley T. Estes, Eddie F. Ray, III
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Patent number: 8016863Abstract: A plate of biocompatible material is provided having curvature in two planes such that it conforms to the curvature of the L5 vertebral body and to the patient's lordotic curve. Holes are provided receiving screws for anchorage in the vertebral body and sacrum. A flange or foot portion on the plate provides a wider base end area for support in the L5-S1 interspace. The foot portion is also arranged for appropriate entry angle of screws into the sacrum such as to improve anchorage in the sacrum. Anti-backout and low profile features are incorporated. The anterior lumbar plate is situated to maintain the anterior interbody bone graft in compression by resisting tensile forces during extension.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Kozak, Bradley T. Estes, Lawrence M. Boyd
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Publication number: 20110202091Abstract: This invention relates to orthopedic implants and to methods of treating bone defects. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention is directed to non-metallic implants and to methods for intra-operative assembly and fixation of orthopedic implants to facilitate medical treatment. The non-metallic implant assembly can be secured to underlying tissue by a fastener, such as a bone screw, that is capable of swelling on contact with fluid in the underlying tissue. Alternatively, the non-metallic implant assembly can be assembled intra-operatively using a fastener that is adhesively bonded to a bone plate or the bone plate can be deformed using heat, force, or solvents to inhibit withdrawal of the fastener. In preferred embodiments, both the fastener and the bone plate are formed of biodegradable material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.Inventors: Hai H. Trieu, Jeff R. Justis, Troy D. Drewry, Michael C. Sherman, Bradley J. Coates, Bradley T. Estes
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Patent number: 7993406Abstract: Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers 500? include a body 505? having a wall 506? which defines a chamber 530? and an opening 531? in communication with the chamber 530?. In one embodiment the wall 506? includes a pair of arms 520?, 521? facing one another and forming a mouth 525? to the chamber 530?. Preferably, one of the arms 520? is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel 526. In one aspect the body 505? does a bone dowel comprise an off-center plug from the diathesis of a long bone. The tools 800 include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means 820 includes a plate 821 extendable from the housing 805. In one specific embodiment the plate 821 defines a groove 822 which is disposed around a fastener 830 attached to the housing 805 so that the plate 821 is sliceable relative to the housing 805.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2010Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: John R. Bianchi, Kevin C. Carter, Bradley T. Estes, Larry Boyd, John A. Pafford
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Patent number: 7951177Abstract: This invention relates to orthopedic implants and to methods of treating bone defects. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention is directed to non-metallic implants and to methods for intra-operative assembly and fixation of orthopedic implants to facilitate medical treatment. The non-metallic implant assembly can be secured to underlying tissue by a fastener, such as a bone screw, that is capable of swelling on contact with fluid in the underlying tissue. Alternatively, the non-metallic implant assembly can be assembled intra-operatively using a fastener that is adhesively bonded to a bone plate or the bone plate can be deformed using heat, force, or solvents to inhibit withdrawal of the fastener. In preferred embodiments, both the fastener and the bone plate are formed of biodegradable material.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Hai H. Trieu, Jeff R. Justis, Troy D. Drewry, Michael C. Sherman, Bradley J. Coates, Bradley T. Estes
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Publication number: 20100331845Abstract: This invention relates to methods and instruments for performing a surgical procedure in a disc space between adjacent vertebrae. The instruments include a distractor and a cutting instrument. In one embodiment the distractor includes a body portion and a pair of flanges extending along opposite sides of the body portion such that a slot is formed between the flanges and the body portion. The cutting instrument is positionable over the body portion and into the slots of the distractor so that the flanges are positioned between the cutting instrument and the adjacent tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: Kevin T. Foley, Jeffrey D. Moore, Bradley T. Estes, Mingyan Liu, Loic Josse
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Publication number: 20100286713Abstract: A guide is disclosed for use in performing spinal surgery to prepare across a spinal disc and adjacent vertebrae an implantation space. The guide is associated with a computer controlled surgical navigation system employing an energy-detecting array to track positions of the guide in three dimensional space relative to a known reference point. The guide comprises a body for providing protected access to prepare across the spinal disc and into the adjacent vertebrae the implantation space. The body has a passage adapted to receive a bone removal device for forming the implantation space through the body. At least one electrically energizable energy emitter array is attached to the body for use in identifying the location of the guide relative to the adjacent vertebrae. A system and method for using the guide in spinal surgery are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2010Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.Inventors: Tony Melkent, Kevin T. Foley, Bradley T. Estes, Joseph Chaudoin
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Patent number: 7828845Abstract: Intervertebral spacers are provided for use in orthopedic treatment of spinals defects. The intervertebral spacer is formed of a shape memory polymer. The spacer can be fabricated into a desired configuration and then deformed into an alternative or deformed configuration. Cooling the deformed spacer effectively freezes the spacer into its deformed conformation. The deformed configuration can be selected to facilitate implantation of the spacer into a prepared disc space between adjacent vertebrae. During operation, the surgeon can heat the spacer to allow it to revert to its original configuration. The spacer in its original conformation is sized to restore and/or maintain the adjacent vertebrae in a desired conformation and disc space height.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Bradley T. Estes, Andrew M. Dickson
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Patent number: 7803161Abstract: This invention relates to methods and instruments for performing a surgical procedure in a disc space between adjacent vertebrae. The instruments include a distractor and a cutting instrument. In one embodiment the distractor includes a body portion and a pair of flanges extending along opposite sides of the body portion such that a slot is formed between the flanges and the body portion. The cutting instrument is positionable over the body portion and into the slots of the distractor so that the flanges are positioned between the cutting instrument and the adjacent tissue.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Kevin T. Foley, Jeffrey D. Moore, Bradley T. Estes, Mingyan Liu, Loic Josse
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Publication number: 20100217396Abstract: Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers 500? include a body 505? having a wall 506? which defines a chamber 530? and an opening 531? in communication with the chamber 530?. In one embodiment the wall 506? includes a pair of arms 520?, 521? facing one another and forming a mouth 525? to the chamber 530?. Preferably, one of the arms 520? is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel 526. In one aspect the body 505? is a bone dowel comprising an off-center plug from the diaphysis of a long bone. The tools 800 include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means 820 includes a plate 821 extendable from the housing 805. In one specific embodiment the plate 821 defines a groove 822 which is disposed around a fastener 830 attached to the housing 805 so that the plate 821 is slideable relative to the housing 805.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: John R. Bianchi, Kevin C. Carter, Bradley T. Estes, Larry Boyd, John A. Pafford
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Patent number: 7776046Abstract: A method and instrumentation particularly adapted for disc space preparation from an anterior approach to the spine. In one aspect, an expandable template is provided having guides to guide a cutting device for bilateral formation of openings in the disc space. In another aspect, an improved guide member is provided for guiding a cutting tool. Still further, the invention provides an improved double barrel guide sleeve with a central distraction extension and lateral non-distracting extensions. Optionally, the guide sleeve includes windows and covers to selectively cover the windows. An improved reamer with an internal chamber and optional modular coupling is also provided. A depth stop is provided to selectively engage a tool shaft and a guide sleeve to control tool penetration into the disc space. A method of using the disclosed instruments is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence M. Boyd, Eddie Ray, III, Bradley T. Estes, Mingyan Liu
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Publication number: 20100198226Abstract: A method and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion is disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion from a posterior approach to the spine. One instrument is a retractor having a lockable pivotally mounted handle. Another instrument is a template for straddling the dura. A modular distractor is also provided and preferably includes a tapered shaft with a visualization window disposed therein. Yet another instrument is a depth gauge to verify bone opening depth and dimension, preferably including a radiopaque portion. A method contemplates the use of these instruments to prepare a disc space to receive an implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: Bradley T. Estes, Regis W. Haid, JR., Eddie F. Ray, III, Jeffrey D. Moore, Gerald E. Rodts, JR.
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Patent number: 7763035Abstract: A guide is disclosed for use in performing spinal surgery to prepare across a spinal disc and adjacent vertebrae an implantation space. The guide is associated with a computer controlled surgical navigation system employing an energy-detecting array to track positions of the guide in three dimensional space relative to a known reference point. The guide comprises a body for providing protected access to prepare across the spinal disc and into the adjacent vertebrae the implantation space. The body has a passage adapted to receive a bone removal device for forming the implantation space through the body. At least one electrically energizable energy emitter array is attached to the body for use in identifying the location of the guide relative to the adjacent vertebrae. A system and method for using the guide in spinal surgery are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2004Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.Inventors: Tony Melkent, Kevin T Foley, Bradley T Estes, Joseph Chaudoin
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Patent number: 7722618Abstract: A method and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion is disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion from a posterior approach to the spine. One instrument is a retractor having a lockable pivotally mounted handle. Another instrument is a template for straddling the dura. A modular distractor is also provided and preferably includes a tapered shaft with a visualization window disposed therein. Yet another instrument is a depth gauge to verify bone opening depth and dimension, preferably including a radiopaque portion. A method contemplates the use of these instruments to prepare a disc space to receive an implant.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Inventors: Bradley T. Estes, Regis W. Haid, Jr., Eddie F. Ray, III, Jeffrey D. Moore, Gerald E. Rodts, Jr.
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Patent number: 7678149Abstract: Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers 500? include a body 505? having a wall 506? which defines a chamber 530? and an opening 531? in communication with the chamber 530?. In one embodiment the wall 506? includes a pair of arms 520?, 521? facing one another and forming a mouth 525? to the chamber 530?. Preferably, one of the arms 520? is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel 526. In one aspect the body 505? is a bone dowel comprising an off-center plug from the diaphysis of a long bone. The tools 800 include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means 820 includes a plate 821 extendable from the housing 805. In one specific embodiment the plate 821 defines a groove 822 which is disposed around a fastener 830 attached to the housing 805 so that the plate 821 is slideable relative to the housing 805.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Inventors: John R. Bianchi, Kevin C. Carter, Bradley T. Estes, Larry Boyd, John A. Pafford
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Publication number: 20090299474Abstract: This invention relates to a porous bone implant (10, 110, and 210), a method of manufacturing the implant and a method of orthopedic treatment. The mesh implant can be manufactured using extrusion techniques and a variety of cutting and machining processes to provide the implant with the desired structural features and in the required dimensions to be matingly received within the bone defect or cavity. The implant can be used to strengthen bone structures and support bone tissue adjacent to a defect of cavity. Thus, the implant can be used to provide improved treatment of patients having bone defects or diseases with decreased postoperative pain and a shorter recovery time.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Charles L. Branch, John L. White, Bradley T. Estes, Eddie Ray, III
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Publication number: 20090254181Abstract: Intervertebral spacers and methods of promoting fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae are provided. The spacers include an elongated body having a first end, a second end and an outer surface. Side walls connect the first and second ends. The elongated body also defines an interior cavity. The side wall defines an opening to the interior cavity in a side of the elongated body. At least one of the first and second ends has a discontinuity, such as a concave surface, for nesting with an adjacent spacer. The methods of promoting fusion bone growth include utilizing the inventive spacers described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventors: Lawrence M. Boyd, J. Kenneth Burkus, John D. Dorchak, Bradley T. Estes, Eddie F. Ray, III
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Publication number: 20090240255Abstract: An osteogenic material packing device is used to pack osteogenic material onto a spinal fusion device. The packing device has a cavity defined therein, which is adapted to receive the spinal fusion device. The packing device further includes an access port, which intersects the cavity to receive the osteogenic material. A cannula is coupled to the packing device and an inserter is coupled to the fusion device in order to insert the fusion device into the packing device. Osteogenic material is packed through the access port around the fusion device. The fusion device then is slid through the cannula and inserted in the intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2009Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventors: William F. McKay, Bradley T. Estes