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: 20210106434Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
-
Publication number: 20210077268Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2020Publication date: March 18, 2021Inventors: Jared Gordon Struck, Robert Clint Boyd, Dane Matthew Johannessen, Jennifer Anne Moore, Bryan D. Milz, Choll Kim, Alex Mohit, Yashar Javidan
-
Publication number: 20210038404Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2020Publication date: February 11, 2021Inventors: 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: 10898344Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 23, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLCInventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
-
Patent number: 10835388Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 19, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLCInventors: 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: 20200281736Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2020Publication date: September 10, 2020Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Zinoviy Sosnov, Thomas A. Alheidt, Anthony Ryan, Steven Greendyk
-
Publication number: 20200246162Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2020Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventors: Christian Karl Schultz, Bryan D. Milz, Zinoviy Sosnov, Brian Haight, Justyna Zielinska, Shawn Graham
-
Publication number: 20200229936Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
-
Publication number: 20200170689Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2019Publication date: June 4, 2020Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Frank Pinal
-
Patent number: 10548738Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 7, 2017Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
-
Patent number: 10517653Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 2, 2018Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Bryan D. Milz, Frank Pinal
-
Publication number: 20190374350Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2019Publication date: December 12, 2019Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Zinoviy Sosnov, Brian Haight, Frank Pinal
-
Publication number: 20190224025Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2019Publication date: July 25, 2019Inventors: Frank Pinal, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Collin Desens
-
Patent number: 10285825Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 6, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: Frank Pinal, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Collin Desens
-
Publication number: 20190083270Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: 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: 20190059956Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
-
Patent number: 10182919Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 12, 2018Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Bryan D. Milz, Christine Herrmann, Thomas A. Alheidt, Lee L. Thibodeau
-
Patent number: 10143499Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 8, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
-
Publication number: 20180317975Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2018Publication date: November 8, 2018Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Frank Pinal
-
Publication number: 20180303625Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2018Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann