Patents by Inventor Bryan D. Milz

Bryan D. Milz 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: 20210106434
    Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20210077268
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an intervertebral implant includes a body and a locking element. The body includes a leading surface and a trailing surface opposite the leading surface. The body also includes first and second bone fastener passageways through the implant body and a cavity in between the first and second passageways. The cavity includes a trailing wall that separates the cavity from the trailing surface. The locking element is disposed in the cavity such that part of the locking element is visible through an access opening in the trailing wall so that the locking element may be rotated from outside of the implant. In a first rotational position, a first part of the locking element is located within one of the first and second passageways and in a second rotational position, the first part of the locking element is inside the body covered by the trailing wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Jared Gordon Struck, Robert Clint Boyd, Dane Matthew Johannessen, Jennifer Anne Moore, Bryan D. Milz, Choll Kim, Alex Mohit, Yashar Javidan
  • Publication number: 20210038404
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spinal implant with a solid frame and a porous inner layer. The implant may have a cavity defined by the porous inner layer. The solid frame may have one or more ribs extending from a medial wall to a lateral wall. The thickness of the porous layer may vary relative the thickness of the solid frame at various locations. An inserter to place a spinal implant and a method to perform same are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Thomas A. Alheidt, Jessica Cetrangol, Christian Karl Schultz, Jason Steinke, Steven Willis, Robert Cipoletti, Charles L. Bush, JR., Brad Juchno
  • Patent number: 10898344
    Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
  • Patent number: 10835388
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spinal implant with a solid frame and a porous inner layer. The implant may have a cavity defined by the porous inner layer. The solid frame may have one or more ribs extending from a medial wall to a lateral wall. The thickness of the porous layer may vary relative the thickness of the solid frame at various locations. An inserter to place a spinal implant and a method to perform same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Thomas A. Alheidt, Jessica Cetrangol, Christian Karl Schultz, Jason Steinke, Steven Willis, Robert Cipoletti, Charles L. Bush, Jr., Brad Juchno
  • Publication number: 20200281736
    Abstract: A spinal fusion system comprising an interbody device includes a leading end, trailing end, and opposed bone contacting sides extending therebetween. The trailing end defines a threaded opening that extends toward the leading end. The system also includes a bone plate that includes inner and outer surfaces and defines a first bone screw opening and connection screw opening extending therethrough. The system further includes a connection screw that includes a head and a threaded shaft. The head is positioned within the connection screw opening of the bone plate and is rotatably connected thereto such that the connection screw is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof but is prohibited from translational movement relative to the bone plate. The threaded shaft extends from the connection screw opening and is configured for threaded engagement with the threaded opening of interbody device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Zinoviy Sosnov, Thomas A. Alheidt, Anthony Ryan, Steven Greendyk
  • Publication number: 20200246162
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system that includes an insertion tool and a drill guide. The insertion tool includes a body with a distal portion and a distal end. The body has a first engagement feature extending longitudinally along the distal portion and two arms extending longitudinally from the distal end of the body. The drill guide includes two bores and an open faced channel therebetween. The open faced channel includes a second engagement feature slidably engageable with the first engagement feature on the body of the insertion tool. The two bores are adapted for the disposal of a fastener driver tool therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Christian Karl Schultz, Bryan D. Milz, Zinoviy Sosnov, Brian Haight, Justyna Zielinska, Shawn Graham
  • Publication number: 20200229936
    Abstract: An expandable interbody implant is expandable from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration by moving opposing first and second vertebral-engaging surfaces apart from one another. The implant includes a locking system for restraining contraction of the implant. The locking system may have a locked configuration, in which the first and second surfaces are prevented from moving back towards the contracted configuration, and the locking system may have an unlocked configuration, in which the first and second surfaces are permitted to move back towards the contracted configuration. The locking system may be controlled by rotation of one or more pinions. The pinions may, in turn, be controlled by linear movement of a rack. The rack may be configured so as to bias the locking system towards the locked configuration. The implant may also include a stop for constraining the maximum expansion of the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
  • Publication number: 20200170689
    Abstract: Various surgical instruments, implants, and their methods of use are disclosed. The surgical instruments are usable to insert various implants into a patient through an access portal in a minimally-invasive manner. The implants are rotatable between different orientations using the instruments to change the footprint of the implant and allow the implant to be inserted through the minimally-invasive access portal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Frank Pinal
  • Patent number: 10548738
    Abstract: An expandable interbody implant is expandable from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration by moving opposing first and second vertebral-engaging surfaces apart from one another. The implant includes a locking system for restraining contraction of the implant. The locking system may have a locked configuration, in which the first and second surfaces are prevented from moving back towards the contracted configuration, and the locking system may have an unlocked configuration, in which the first and second surfaces are permitted to move back towards the contracted configuration. The locking system may be controlled by rotation of one or more pinions. The pinions may, in turn, be controlled by linear movement of a rack. The rack may be configured so as to bias the locking system towards the locked configuration. The implant may also include a stop for constraining the maximum expansion of the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
  • Patent number: 10517653
    Abstract: Various surgical instruments, implants, and their methods of use are disclosed. The surgical instruments are usable to insert various implants into a patient through an access portal in a minimally-invasive manner. The implants are rotatable between different orientations using the instruments to change the footprint of the implant and allow the implant to be inserted through the minimally-invasive access portal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Frank Pinal
  • Publication number: 20190374350
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end along an axis, the distal end configured to abut an implant, and an anchor rod disposable within the lumen of the body for contacting the implant to secure the implant at the distal end of the body. When the anchor rod is disposed within the lumen of the body in a working configuration, the anchor rod is connected to the body at the proximal end of the body and at the distal end of the body to substantially fix the anchor rod from moving along the axis of the lumen. The body includes a handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle, and a torque limiting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Zinoviy Sosnov, Brian Haight, Frank Pinal
  • Publication number: 20190224025
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft having a distal end connectable with an implant, and a handle connected to a proximal end of the shaft. The instrument defines an internal fluid channel through which a fluid can be passed. A kit includes the instrument and a spinal implant that is expandable through the introduction of the fluid therein. A method of using the instrument includes passing a fluid through an internal fluid channel defined by the instrument and toward the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Frank Pinal, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Collin Desens
  • Patent number: 10285825
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft having a distal end connectable with an implant, and a handle connected to a proximal end of the shaft. The instrument defines an internal fluid channel through which a fluid can be passed. A kit includes the instrument and a spinal implant that is expandable through the introduction of the fluid therein. A method of using the instrument includes passing a fluid through an internal fluid channel defined by the instrument and toward the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Frank Pinal, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Collin Desens
  • Publication number: 20190083270
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spinal implant with a solid frame and a porous inner layer. The implant may have a cavity defined by the porous inner layer. The solid frame may have one or more ribs extending from a medial wall to a lateral wall. The thickness of the porous layer may vary relative the thickness of the solid frame at various locations. An inserter to place a spinal implant and a method to perform same are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Thomas A. Alheidt, Jessica Cetrangol, Christian Karl Schultz, Jason Steinke, Steven Willis, Robert Cipoletti, Charles L. Bush, JR., Brad Juchno
  • Publication number: 20190059956
    Abstract: A surgical system includes an implant having a first attachment mechanism and an insertion instrument having a proximal end, a distal end, and a second attachment mechanism disposed at the distal end for removable connection with the first attachment mechanism. The proximal end of the insertion instrument is pivotable with respect to the implant. The insertion instrument can include an inserter and a guide. A method of using the surgical system is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
  • Patent number: 10182919
    Abstract: A prosthetic intervertebral spacer is disclosed. The spacer preferably includes a body and an interface extending away from the body for use during implantation of the spacer. Methods of implanting the spacer and tools used during such procedure are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Christine Herrmann, Thomas A. Alheidt, Lee L. Thibodeau
  • Patent number: 10143499
    Abstract: A surgical system includes an implant having a first attachment mechanism and an insertion instrument having a proximal end, a distal end, and a second attachment mechanism disposed at the distal end for removable connection with the first attachment mechanism. The proximal end of the insertion instrument is pivotable with respect to the implant. The insertion instrument can include an inserter and a guide. A method of using the surgical system is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
  • Publication number: 20180317975
    Abstract: Various surgical instruments, implants, and their methods of use are disclosed. The surgical instruments are usable to insert various implants into a patient through an access portal in a minimally-invasive manner. The implants are rotatable between different orientations using the instruments to change the footprint of the implant and allow the implant to be inserted through the minimally-invasive access portal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Frank Pinal
  • Publication number: 20180303625
    Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann