Patents by Inventor Christopher U. Phan

Christopher U. Phan 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: 20260123941
    Abstract: A decortication and grafting device for lumbar fusion procedures includes a distal decortication tip and a tubular portion extending to a proximal handle. The tubular portion is configured to receive and allow passage of a bone graft material therethrough. A graft injection device coupled to the proximal handle of the decortication and grafting device injects graft material into the tubular portion which is then deposited on a bony surface decorticated by the decortication tip. A system for decortication and grafting further includes an access portal device defining a first lumen configured to slidably couple to an anchor device, such as a k-wire, and a second lumen configured to accommodate passage of various surgical instruments, such as a dilation device and the decortication and grafting device, and guide the instruments to a targeted surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2023
    Publication date: May 7, 2026
    Inventors: Christopher U. Phan, Joseph O'Brien, Eric Feuchtbaum
  • Publication number: 20250169961
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for delivering a facet screw assembly to a facet joint. The system includes a facet screw assembly and a delivery device. The distal end of the delivery device includes a facet screw engagement feature, which is keyed to a corresponding delivery device engagement feature. In other embodiments, the system may include a facet screw assembly, a facet access guide, a washer sizer tool removably engaged with the facet access guide, a lateral mass decorticator guide slidably and removably engaged with the washer size tool, a washer implant delivery tool removably engaged with the facet access guide and detachably coupled to the facet screw assembly, and optionally an impact handle detachably coupled to the facet access guide, washer sizer tool, and washer implant delivery tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2025
    Publication date: May 29, 2025
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan, Christopher Lambert, Bon Champ, Edward Liou, Jeffrey D. Smith, Nicholas Domek
  • Publication number: 20250160907
    Abstract: A spinal fixation access and delivery system is disclosed. In some aspects, the system is used to access the cervical facet joint via a posterior access approach. The system may include an access device including a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a chamfered or beveled end feature positioned at the distal portion of the body and configured for insertion at the cervical facet joint. The system may further include a guide device having access device engagement features and a spinal fixation member. The access device includes at least one guide device receiving feature complementary to or keyed to the engagement feature of the guide device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2025
    Publication date: May 22, 2025
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan, Christopher Lambert, Nicholas Domek, Bon Champ, Edward Liou
  • Publication number: 20250152207
    Abstract: The various embodiments described herein provide lateral mass and facet fixation implants, which may be inserted and applied via a posterior approach, using minimally invasive or less invasive techniques. The embodiments described below generally include an intrafacet implant (or “facet implant”) and a lateral mass fixation member attached to or attachable to the facet implant. The lateral mass fixation member can include one or more tabs extending from a middle portion and configured to secure the lateral mass fixation member to lateral masses of adjacent vertebrae. The tabs may be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid, and may be collapsible to facilitate insertion of the device. Methods for delivering the lateral mass and facet fixation implants are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2025
    Publication date: May 15, 2025
    Inventors: Bruce M. McCormack, Edward Liou, Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan, Jeffrey D. Smith, Todd Sheppard Saunders, Krzysztof Siemionow
  • Publication number: 20250152209
    Abstract: A device for accessing and guiding at least one fixation device to a spine may include a distal portion configured to fit in a facet of the spine and a proximal portion extending from the distal portion. The proximal portion may be detachable from the distal portion and may be hollow or solid. A system for accessing and guiding at least one fixation device to a spine may include a distal portion configured to fit in a facet of the spine, a proximal portion extending from the distal portion, and a slidable guide device for sliding over the facet guide device to guide at least one instrument to the spine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2025
    Publication date: May 15, 2025
    Inventors: Bruce M. McCormack, Edward Liou, Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan
  • Publication number: 20250099025
    Abstract: An access instrument system that can identify tissue type and a bone fusion assessment system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the bone fusion assessment system includes a smart implant including: an implant body adapted to be affixed to a bone of a patient and to provide a therapeutic benefit thereto; and a bone fusion measurement system. The bone fusion measurement system includes a processing element; a sensor in electrical communication with the processing element and adapted to measure health data of the patient; and a wireless interface adapted to receive power and transmit the health data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2023
    Publication date: March 27, 2025
    Inventors: Yu Suo, Nicholas Domek, Christopher U. Phan, Shigeru Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20250072908
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improved controlled and targeted decortication of the bone of a spinal facet joint are provided. In one aspect, a decortication tool is provided. The decortication tool may include a shaft with proximal and distal end portions. A handle may be connected to the proximal end portion of the shaft. A decortication head may be coupled to the distal end portion of the shaft. In another aspect, a multi-use instrument for use in a spinal system is provided. The instrument may include a body including opposing first and second sides, and opposing first and second surfaces. A cavity may be defined in the body, the cavity being open to the second surface. The instrument may include a bar attached to the second side of the body. A portion of the bar may extend beyond the second surface of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2024
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan, Nicholas Domek, Christopher Lambert, Bon Champ, Edward Liou, Jamieson Scott Glenn, Alessandro Sensoli, Kehui Chen, Martin Leugers
  • Patent number: 12144513
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improved controlled and targeted decortication of the bone of a spinal facet joint are provided. In one aspect, a decortication tool is provided. The decortication tool may include a shaft with proximal and distal end portions. A handle may be connected to the proximal end portion of the shaft. A decortication head may be coupled to the distal end portion of the shaft. In another aspect, a multi-use instrument for use in a spinal system is provided. The instrument may include a body including opposing first and second sides, and opposing first and second surfaces. A cavity may be defined in the body, the cavity being open to the second surface. The instrument may include a bar attached to the second side of the body. A portion of the bar may extend beyond the second surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan, Nicholas Domek, Christopher Lambert, Bon Champ, Edward Liou, Jamieson Scott Glenn, Alessandro Sensoli, Kehui Chen, Martin Leugers
  • Publication number: 20240268868
    Abstract: The various embodiments described herein provide lateral mass and facet fixation implants, which may be inserted and applied via a posterior approach, using minimally invasive or less invasive techniques. The embodiments described below generally include an intrafacet implant (or “facet implant”) and a lateral mass fixation member attached to or attachable to the facet implant. The lateral mass fixation member can include one or more tabs extending from a middle portion and configured to secure the lateral mass fixation member to lateral masses of adjacent vertebrae. The tabs may be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid, and may be collapsible to facilitate insertion of the device. Methods for delivering the lateral mass and facet fixation implants are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2024
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: Bruce M. McCormack, Edward Liou, Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan, Jeffrey D. Smith, Todd Sheppard Saunders, Krzysztof Siemionow
  • Publication number: 20240206920
    Abstract: A lumbar facet cage or implant and a system and method for delivery of the implant to the lumbar spine to immobilize the spine and promote fusion are described. In one aspect, the system and method are indicated for the fixation of the spine as an aid to fusion through immobilization of the lumbar facet joint. In one aspect, a cage or implant sized for the lumbar facet joint space that fixates the superior articular and inferior articular facets of the treated facet joint is described. In one aspect, the cage or implant includes one or more stop features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher U. Phan, Nicholas Domek
  • Patent number: 12004781
    Abstract: The various embodiments described herein provide lateral mass and facet fixation implants, which may be inserted and applied via a posterior approach, using minimally invasive or less invasive techniques. The embodiments described below generally include an intrafacet implant (or “facet implant”) and a lateral mass fixation member attached to or attachable to the facet implant. The lateral mass fixation member can include one or more tabs extending from a middle portion and configured to secure the lateral mass fixation member to lateral masses of adjacent vertebrae. The tabs may be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid, and may be collapsible to facilitate insertion of the device. Methods for delivering the lateral mass and facet fixation implants are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. McCormack, Edward Liou, Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan, Jeffrey D. Smith, Todd Sheppard Saunders, Krzysztof Siemionow
  • Publication number: 20240032974
    Abstract: A spinal fixation access and delivery system is disclosed. In some aspects, the system is used to access the cervical facet joint via a posterior access approach. The system may include an access device including a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a chamfered or beveled end feature positioned at the distal portion of the body and configured for insertion at the cervical facet joint. The system may further include a guide device having access device engagement features and a spinal fixation member. The access device includes at least one guide device receiving feature complementary to or keyed to the engagement feature of the guide device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan, Christopher Lambert, Nicholas Domek, Bon Champ, Edward Liou
  • Publication number: 20240024121
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for delivering a facet screw assembly to a facet joint. The system includes a facet screw assembly and a delivery device. The distal end of the delivery device includes a facet screw engagement feature, which is keyed to a corresponding delivery device engagement feature. In other embodiments, the system may include a facet screw assembly, a facet access guide, a washer sizer tool removably engaged with the facet access guide, a lateral mass decorticator guide slidably and removably engaged with the washer size tool, a washer implant delivery tool removably engaged with the facet access guide and detachably coupled to the facet screw assembly, and optionally an impact handle detachably coupled to the facet access guide, washer sizer tool, and washer implant delivery tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan, Christopher Lambert, Bon Champ, Edward Liou, Jeffrey D. Smith, Nicholas Domek
  • Patent number: 11871968
    Abstract: A spinal fixation access and delivery system is disclosed. In some aspects, the system is used to access the cervical facet joint via a posterior access approach. The system may include an access device including a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a chamfered or beveled end feature positioned at the distal portion of the body and configured for insertion at the cervical facet joint. The system may further include a guide device having access device engagement features and a spinal fixation member. The access device includes at least one guide device receiving feature complementary to or keyed to the engagement feature of the guide device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan, Christopher Lambert, Nicholas Domek, Bon Champ, Edward Liou
  • Patent number: 11813172
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for delivering a facet screw assembly to a facet joint. The system includes a facet screw assembly and a delivery device. The distal end of the delivery device includes a facet screw engagement feature, which is keyed to a corresponding delivery device engagement feature. In other embodiments, the system may include a facet screw assembly, a facet access guide, a washer sizer tool removably engaged with the facet access guide, a lateral mass decorticator guide slidably and removably engaged with the washer size tool, a washer implant delivery tool removably engaged with the facet access guide and detachably coupled to the facet screw assembly, and optionally an impact handle detachably coupled to the facet access guide, washer sizer tool, and washer implant delivery tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan, Christopher Lambert, Bon Champ, Edward Liou, Jeffrey D. Smith, Nicholas Domek
  • Publication number: 20230181327
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for delivering a facet screw assembly to a facet joint. The system includes a facet screw assembly and a delivery device. The distal end of the delivery device includes a facet screw engagement feature, which is keyed to a corresponding delivery device engagement feature. In other embodiments, the system may include a facet screw assembly, a facet access guide, a washer sizer tool removably engaged with the facet access guide, a lateral mass decorticator guide slidably and removably engaged with the washer size tool, a washer implant delivery tool removably engaged with the facet access guide and detachably coupled to the facet screw assembly, and optionally an impact handle detachably coupled to the facet access guide, washer sizer tool, and washer implant delivery tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan, Chrstopher Lambert, Bon Champ, Edward Liou, Jeffrey D. Smith, Nicholas Domek
  • Patent number: 11648128
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for delivering a facet screw assembly to a facet joint. The system includes a facet screw assembly and a delivery device. The distal end of the delivery device includes a facet screw engagement feature, which is keyed to a corresponding delivery device engagement feature. In other embodiments, the system may include a facet screw assembly, a facet access guide, a washer sizer tool removably engaged with the facet access guide, a lateral mass decorticator guide slidably and removably engaged with the washer size tool, a washer implant delivery tool removably engaged with the facet access guide and detachably coupled to the facet screw assembly, and optionally an impact handle detachably coupled to the facet access guide, washer sizer tool, and washer implant delivery tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan, Christopher Lambert, Bon Champ, Edward Liou, Jeffrey D. Smith, Nicholas Domek
  • Publication number: 20230139017
    Abstract: A device for accessing and guiding at least one fixation device to a spine may include a distal portion configured to fit in a facet of the spine and a proximal portion extending from the distal portion. The proximal portion may be detachable from the distal portion and may be hollow or solid. A system for accessing and guiding at least one fixation device to a spine may include a distal portion configured to fit in a facet of the spine, a proximal portion extending from the distal portion, and a slidable guide device for sliding over the facet guide device to guide at least one instrument to the spine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Bruce M. McCormack, Edward Liou, Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan
  • Patent number: D1098431
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2025
    Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher U. Phan, Bon Champ, Brandon Fell
  • Patent number: D1098433
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2025
    Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher U. Phan, Edward Liou, Shigeru Tanaka