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).
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Patent number: 9987053Abstract: 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: March 29, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Bryan D. Milz, Frank Pinal
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Publication number: 20180133021Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2018Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Christine Herrmann, Thomas A. Alheidt, Lee L. Thibodeau
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Patent number: 9962270Abstract: 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 5, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Patent number: 9867713Abstract: A prosthetic intervertebral spacer includes a body having a front end, a rear end, an anterior side, a posterior side, a top surface, and a bottom surface, and an arcuate interface extending away from the body and being connected to the rear end and the posterior side of the body. A method of inserting and positioning the spacer includes engaging a tool to the interface, inserting the spacer at least partially into the intervertebral disc space by moving the tool along an insertion direction, and allowing the spacer to rotate with respect to the insertion direction within the intervertebral disc space while continuing to move the tool along the insertion direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Bryan D. Milz, Christine Herrmann, Thomas A. Alheidt, Lee L. Thibodeau
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Publication number: 20170290671Abstract: 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: April 7, 2017Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
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Publication number: 20170290680Abstract: 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 6, 2017Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: Frank Pinal, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Collin Desens
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Publication number: 20170281249Abstract: 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: March 29, 2016Publication date: October 5, 2017Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Frank Pinal
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Publication number: 20170143382Abstract: A method for fusing vertebral bodies comprising the steps of: mounting a first engagement member of a fixation member to a pedicle of a first vertebra and a second engagement member of the spinal fixation member to a pedicle of a second vertebra, the first engagement member having a first extension engaged with an expansion ring, the second engagement member having a second extension engaged with the expansion ring; inserting screws through the first and second engagement members and into the pedicles of the respective first and second vertebrae; rotating the expansion ring in a first direction, thereby distracting the first and second vertebrae; implanting an intervertebral implant between the first and second vertebrae after rotating the expansion ring in the first direction; and rotating the expansion ring in a second direction after implanting the intervertebral implant, thereby compressing the first and second vertebrae.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2017Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Christine Herrmann, Bryan D. Milz
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Patent number: 9597126Abstract: A method for fusing vertebral bodies comprising the steps of: mounting a first engagement member of a fixation member to a pedicle of a first vertebra and a second engagement member of the spinal fixation member to a pedicle of a second vertebra, the first engagement member having a first extension engaged with an expansion ring, the second engagement member having a second extension engaged with the expansion ring; inserting screws through the first and second engagement members and into the pedicles of the respective first and second vertebrae; rotating the expansion ring in a first direction, thereby distracting the first and second vertebrae; implanting an intervertebral implant between the first and second vertebrae after rotating the expansion ring in the first direction; and rotating the expansion ring in a second direction after implanting the intervertebral implant, thereby compressing the first and second vertebrae.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Christine Herrmann, Bryan D. Milz
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Patent number: 9549825Abstract: An insertion tool for positioning intervertebral spacers into disc spaces. The insertion tool has a proximal end and a distal end, a T-handle secured to the proximal end and a pair of alignment rails extending to the distal end. The insertion tool includes a handle secured to the proximal end of the guide rails, and a shaft that extends through the handle, whereby the shaft has a threaded portion that extends to the T-handle. The insertion tool also includes a blocker that is secured to the distal end of the shaft. The blocker includes stop arms that guide the blocker through the guide rails and toward the distal end of the shaft. The blocker may be provided in a plurality of different sizes corresponding to the sizes of the implants to be inserted into a disc space. A lock is provided for locking the implant to the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Bryan D. Milz, Robert Cipoletti, Thomas A. Alheidt
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Publication number: 20170000619Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2016Publication date: January 5, 2017Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Christine Herrmann, Thomas A. Alheidt, Lee L. Thibodeau
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Patent number: 9445914Abstract: 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: September 3, 2014Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Bryan D. Milz, Christine Herrmann, Thomas A. Alheidt, Lee L. Thibodeau
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Publication number: 20160213482Abstract: 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 5, 2016Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Patent number: 9320610Abstract: An expandable implant (210, 410) includes top and bottom plates (220, 250, 420, 450) having angled inner surfaces (222, 252, 422, 452) that interact with expansion members (300, 302, 500, 502). The expansion members (300, 302, 500, 502) may be situated on an actuator (280, 480), and may include at least one vertical projection (312, 314, 512, 514) for interacting with a recess (230, 430) in the plates (220, 250, 420, 450). In some instances, rotation of the actuator (280, 480) in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members (300, 302, 500, 502) to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation or collapse of the top and bottom plates (220, 250, 420, 450). Pins (316, 516) may also be associated with the expansion members (300, 302, 500, 502) and received in respective slots (318, 518) in the plates (220, 250, 420, 450).Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Thomas Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Publication number: 20160074073Abstract: A method for fusing vertebral bodies comprising the steps of: mounting a first engagement member of a fixation member to a pedicle of a first vertebra and a second engagement member of the spinal fixation member to a pedicle of a second vertebra, the first engagement member having a first extension engaged with an expansion ring, the second engagement member having a second extension engaged with the expansion ring; inserting screws through the first and second engagement members and into the pedicles of the respective first and second vertebrae; rotating the expansion ring in a first direction, thereby distracting the first and second vertebrae; implanting an intervertebral implant between the first and second vertebrae after rotating the expansion ring in the first direction; and rotating the expansion ring in a second direction after implanting the intervertebral implant, thereby compressing the first and second vertebrae.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2015Publication date: March 17, 2016Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Christine Herrmann, Bryan D. Milz
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Patent number: 9220605Abstract: A spinal fixation device that includes a first engagement member. The first engagement member includes a first body and at least one extension. The first body includes a first aperture for receipt of a fastener. The at least one extension extends outwardly from the first body. Also included in the device, a second engagement member including a second body and a threaded extension that extends from the second body. The second body includes a second aperture for receipt of a fastener. Further, an expansion ring including a first end and a second end is included. The first end includes a threaded surface in threaded communication with the threaded extension. The second end is in rotatable communication with the at least one extension of the first engagement member. Where a torque is applied to the expansion ring, the second engagement member moves with respect to the first engagement member.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Stryker SpineInventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Christine Herrmann, Bryan D. Milz
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Publication number: 20150342755Abstract: An insertion tool for positioning intervertebral spacers into disc spaces. The insertion tool has a proximal end and a distal end, a T-handle secured to the proximal end and a pair of alignment rails extending to the distal end. The insertion tool includes a handle secured to the proximal end of the guide rails, and a shaft that extends through the handle, whereby the shaft has a threaded portion that extends to the T-handle. The insertion tool also includes a blocker that is secured to the distal end of the shaft. The blocker includes stop arms that guide the blocker through the guide rails and toward the distal end of the shaft. The blocker may be provided in a plurality of different sizes corresponding to the sizes of the implants to be inserted into a disc space. A lock is provided for locking the implant to the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2015Publication date: December 3, 2015Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Robert Cipoletti, Thomas A. Alheidt
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Patent number: 9101494Abstract: An insertion tool for positioning intervertebral spacers into disc spaces. The insertion tool has a proximal end and a distal end, a T-handle secured to the proximal end and a pair of alignment rails extending to the distal end. The insertion tool includes a handle secured to the proximal end of the guide rails, and a shaft that extends through the handle, whereby the shaft has a threaded portion that extends to the T-handle. The insertion tool also includes a blocker that is secured to the distal end of the shaft. The blocker includes stop arms that guide the blocker through the guide rails and toward the distal end of the shaft. The blocker may be provided in a plurality of different sizes corresponding to the sizes of the implants to be inserted into a disc space. A lock is provided for locking the implant to the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2014Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Stryker SpineInventors: Bryan D. Milz, Robert Cipoletti, Thomas A. Alheidt
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Publication number: 20150100094Abstract: 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 8, 2014Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
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Publication number: 20140371862Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Christine Herrmann, Thomas A. Alheidt, Lee L. Thibodeau