Patents by Inventor Charles Winslow

Charles Winslow 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: 20080086212
    Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion. An interspinous process implant with a selectably expandable spacer can be placed between adjacent spinous processes. a device implanted between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae of the spine can be used for relieving pain associated with the vertebrae and surrounding tissues and structures by maintaining and/or adding distraction between adjacent vertebrae. A tissue expander can be adapted to move from a first insertion position, for ease of implantation between spinous processes, to a second retention position that prevents displacement of the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: St. Francis Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Charles Winslow, Henry Klyce, Scott Yerby, John Flynn, Steven Mitchell, John Markwart
  • Publication number: 20080071280
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device that is implanted between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae of the spine and used for relieving pain associated with the vertebrae and surrounding tissues and structures by maintaining and/or adding distraction between adjacent vertebrae. The present invention includes a tissue expander adapted to move from a first insertion position, for ease of implantation between spinous processes, to a second retention position that prevents displacement of the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Charles Winslow
  • Publication number: 20080065213
    Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes extending from vertebrae of a targeted motion segment. The implant can be positioned between the adjacent spinous processes and once positioned, the implant can be arranged in a second configuration. When arranged in a second configuration, the distraction guide can act as a second wing. The first wing and the second wing can limit or block movement of the implant along a longitudinal axis of the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Henry Klyce, Charles Winslow, Scott Yerby, John Flynn, Steven Mitchell, John Markwart
  • Publication number: 20080065086
    Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Charles Winslow, Henry Klyce
  • Publication number: 20080065212
    Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes extending from vertebrae of a targeted motion segment. The implant can be positioned between the adjacent spinous processes and once positioned, the implant can be arranged in a second configuration. When arranged in a second configuration, the distraction guide can act as a second wing. The first wing and the second wing can limit or block movement of the implant along a longitudinal axis of the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Henry Klyce, Charles Winslow, Scott Yerby, John Flynn, Steven Mitchell, John Markwart
  • Publication number: 20080065214
    Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes extending from vertebrae of a targeted motion segment. The implant can be positioned between the adjacent spinous processes and once positioned, the implant can be arranged in a second configuration. When arranged in a second configuration, the distraction guide can act as a second wing. The first wing and the second wing can limit or block movement of the implant along a longitudinal axis of the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Henry Klyce, Charles Winslow, Scott Yerby, John Flynn, Steven Mitchell, John Markwart
  • Publication number: 20080058941
    Abstract: A supplemental spine fixation device and method is used in association with a primary spine fixation device. The supplemental spine fixation device includes a guide and spacer for distracting apart adjacent spinous processes and the device has hook members which hook about the first and second spinous processes. With the spinous processes distracted and the hook members about the spinous processes, the hook members can be rigidly secured to a hub in order to rigidly affix the spinous processes about the spacer. The rigidity between the spinous processes assures that the vertebral bodies will be held rigidly in place in order to promote bone growth and fusion. Further additional freedom of movement between the spacer and hub is accomplished with the spacer being pivotably mounted relative to the hub. The hooks have a tissue distracting lead-in guide for allowing the hooks to be easily urged between spinous processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Charles Winslow, Henry Klyce
  • Publication number: 20080051785
    Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, T. Fallin, Charles Winslow, Henry Klyce
  • Publication number: 20080051904
    Abstract: A supplemental spine fixation device and method is used in association with a primary spine fixation device. The supplemental spine fixation device includes a guide and spacer for distracting apart adjacent spinous processes and the device has hook members which hook about the first and second spinous processes. With the spinous processes distracted and the hook members about the spinous processes, the hook members can be rigidly secured to a hub in order to rigidly affix the spinous processes about the spacer. The rigidity between the spinous processes assures that the vertebral bodies will be held rigidly in place in order to promote bone growth and fusion. Further additional freedom of movement between the spacer and hub is accomplished with the spacer being pivotably mounted relative to the hub. The hooks have a tissue distracting lead-in guide for allowing the hooks to be easily urged between spinous processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: James ZUCHERMAN, Ken Hsu, Charles Winslow, Henry Klyce
  • Publication number: 20080051899
    Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes extending from vertebrae of a targeted motion segment. The implant can be positioned between the adjacent spinous processes and once positioned, the implant can be arranged in a second configuration. When arranged in a second configuration, the distraction guide can act as a second wing. The first wing and the second wing can limit or block movement of the implant along a longitudinal axis of the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Charles Winslow, Scott Yerby, John Flynn, Steven Mitchell, John Markwart
  • Publication number: 20080051905
    Abstract: A supplemental spine fixation device and method is used in association with a primary spine fixation device. The supplemental spine fixation device includes a guide and spacer for distracting apart adjacent spinous processes and the device has hook members which hook about the first and second spinous processes. With the spinous processes distracted and the hook members about the spinous processes, the hook members can be rigidly secured to a hub in order to rigidly affix the spinous processes about the spacer. The rigidity between the spinous processes assures that the vertebral bodies will be held rigidly in place in order to promote bone growth and fusion. Further additional freedom of movement between the spacer and hub is accomplished with the spacer being pivotably mounted relative to the hub. The hooks have a tissue distracting lead-in guide for allowing the hooks to be easily urged between spinous processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: James ZUCHERMAN, Ken Hsu, Charles Winslow, Henry Klyce
  • Publication number: 20080051898
    Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes extending from vertebrae of a targeted motion segment. The implant can be positioned between the adjacent spinous processes and once positioned, the implant can be arranged in a second configuration. When arranged in a second configuration, the distraction guide can act as a second wing. The first wing and the second wing can limit or block movement of the implant along a longitudinal axis of the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Charles Winslow, Scott Yerby, John Flynn, Steven Mitchell, John Markwart
  • Publication number: 20080046085
    Abstract: An embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention can include an implant having a spacer with a thickness and a wing, wherein a first configuration of the wing has a first height substantially similar to the thickness and wherein the wing is adapted to be selectably arranged in a second configuration such that the wing has a second height greater than the first height. A periphery of the implant has a shape generally conformal with a shape of an inner surface of a cannula and a cross-sectional diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the cannula. The cannula is inserted such that a proximal end of the cannula is arranged between the adjacent spinous processes. The implant is then urged into position between the adjacent spinous processes by way of the cannula, and subsequently arranged in a second configuration to fix the implant in position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Henry Hsu, Charles Winslow, Scott Yerby, John Flynn, Steven Mitchell, John Markwart
  • Publication number: 20080045958
    Abstract: An embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention can include an implant having a spacer with a thickness and a wing, wherein a first configuration of the wing has a first height substantially similar to the thickness and wherein the wing is adapted to be selectably arranged in a second configuration such that the wing has a second height greater than the first height. A periphery of the implant has a shape generally conformal with a shape of an inner surface of a cannula and a cross-sectional diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the cannula. The cannula is inserted such that a proximal end of the cannula is arranged between the adjacent spinous processes. The implant is then urged into position between the adjacent spinous processes by way of the cannula, and subsequently arranged in a second configuration to fix the implant in position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Henry Klyce, Charles Winslow, Scott Yerby, John Flynn, Steven Mitchell, John Markwart
  • Publication number: 20080046081
    Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes extending from vertebrae of a targeted motion segment. The implant can be positioned between the adjacent spinous processes and once positioned, the implant can be arranged in a second configuration. When arranged in a second configuration, the distraction guide can act as a second wing. The first wing and the second wing can limit or block movement of the implant along a longitudinal axis of the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Henry Klyee, Charles Winslow, Scott Yerby, John Flynn, Steven Mitchell, John Markwart
  • Publication number: 20080046087
    Abstract: Systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include an implant comprising a spacer for defining a minimum space between adjacent spinous processes, a distraction guide for piercing and distracting an interspinous ligament during implantation, and a binder for limiting or preventing flexion motion of the targeted motion segment. The binder can be secured to a brace associated with the implant during implantation by a capture device. In one embodiment, the capture device includes a fixed piece extending from the brace and a slidable piece associated with the fixed piece. A fastener can be rotated to pinch the binder between the slidable piece and a wall of the brace, securing the binder. A physician need not know the length of the binder prior to implantation, reducing the time required to perform a procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Henry Klyce, Charles Winslow, Scott Yerby, John Flynn, Steven Mitchell, John Markwart
  • Publication number: 20080046086
    Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a spacer and a frame having a central body and a helical shaped wing extending from the central body. The frame can be positioned near about adjacent spinous processes, and can be rotated and urged so that the adjacent spinous processes pass within a groove of the wing, thereby allowing the wing to be arranged on an opposite side of the adjacent spinous processes. The spacer can then be arranged over the frame so that the spacer contacts and distracts the spinous processes, thereby limiting relative movement of the adjacent spinous processes during extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Charles Winslow, John Flynn, Steven Mitchell, Scott Yerby, John Markwart
  • Publication number: 20080039946
    Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Charles Winslow, Henry Klyce, John Flynn
  • Publication number: 20080039859
    Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, T. Fallin, Charles Winslow, Henry Klyce, John Flynn
  • Publication number: 20080039947
    Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes extending from vertebrae of a targeted motion segment. The implant can be positioned between the adjacent spinous processes and once positioned, the implant can be arranged in a second configuration. When arranged in a second configuration, the distraction guide can act as a second wing. The first wing and the second wing can limit or block movement of the implant along a longitudinal axis of the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Charles Winslow, Scott Yerby, John Flynn, Steven Mitchell, John Markwart