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: 20210378720
    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: July 12, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Bruce M. McCormack, Edward Liou, Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan
  • Publication number: 20210298733
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved tissue retraction and direct visualization tool of a spinal surgical site, such as a site in the cervical spine, including a retractor assembly having a visualization channel, a first retractor member, and a second retractor member, the retractor assembly configured to be coupled to an actuator assembly configured to actuate the retractor assembly. In some aspects, the retractor assembly may transition from an unexpanded state for delivery to an expanded state for visualization. In some aspects, the retractor assembly is expanded with an actuator assembly. A method of using the visualization tool is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Jeffrey D. Smith, Christopher U. Phan, Edward Liou, Christopher Lambert, Nicholas Domek
  • Patent number: 11065039
    Abstract: A spinal implant for implantation within a spinal facet joint is provided. The spinal implant may include a main body including opposing top and bottom surfaces, opposing front or distal and rear or proximal surfaces, and opposing side surfaces. At least one retaining feature may be associated with at least one surface of the main body to frictionally engage the implant within the spinal facet joint. At least one securement feature may be associated with at least one surface of the main body to selectively secure the implant within the spinal facet joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. McCormack, Edward Liou, Shigeru Tanaka, Jeffrey D. Smith, Scott Schneider, Christopher U. Phan, Wesley Wang
  • Patent number: 11058466
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. McCormack, Edward Liou, Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan
  • Publication number: 20210059833
    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 4, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan, Christopher Lambert, Bon Champ, Edward Liou, Jeffrey D. Smith, Nicholas Domek
  • Patent number: 10874447
    Abstract: A system for implanting a bone screw into a vertebra of a vertebral column of a patient to help secure an implant within a joint between the vertebra and an adjacent vertebra may include a bone screw, a bone screw delivery mechanism detachably connected to the bone screw, and a guide tube. The guide tube may have a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen configured to receive the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism, and at least one bend disposed nearer the distal end than the proximal end. The bend in the guide tube may change a trajectory of the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism advancing through the lumen from a first trajectory along a longitudinal axis of the guide tube to a second trajectory that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Jeffrey D. Smith, Christopher U. Phan, Edward Liou
  • Publication number: 20200375633
    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: August 20, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Bruce M. McCormack, Edward Liou, Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan, Jeffrey D. Smith, Todd Sheppard Saunders, Krzysztof Siemionow
  • Patent number: 10682243
    Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, apparatus and methods for accessing the cervical spine via an anterior approach and implanting a spinal fixation member between two vertebrae of the cervical spine in the disc or intervertebral joint space, such as in an ACDF procedure. The delivery device includes a distal end that can be anchored to the spinal fixation member. Once anchored to the spinal fixation member, the delivery device is operable to both advance and attach the spinal fixation member within a cervical disc joint space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher U. Phan, Shigeru Tanaka, Edward Liou, Jeffrey D. Smith, Scott Schneider
  • Publication number: 20200155205
    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: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan, Christopher Lambert, Nicholas Domek, Bon Champ, Edward Liou
  • Patent number: 10653458
    Abstract: A method for implanting a bone screw in a vertebra may first involve inserting the bone screw and a bone screw delivery mechanism through a proximal end of a guide tube along a first trajectory. A proximal end of the bone screw is attached to a distal end of the bone screw delivery mechanism, and a distal end of the guide tube is positioned adjacent the vertebra. The method may next involve advancing the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism through a bend in the guide tube to cause the bone screw to exit the distal end of the guide tube along a second trajectory and contact the vertebra. The method may further involve rotating the delivery mechanism to cause the bone screw to screw into the vertebra and detaching the bone screw delivery mechanism from the bone screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Jeffrey D. Smith, Christopher U. Phan, Edward Liou
  • Publication number: 20190247099
    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: February 11, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Bruce M. McCormack, Edward Liou, Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan
  • Publication number: 20190209227
    Abstract: A system for implanting a bone screw into a vertebra of a vertebral column of a patient to help secure an implant within a joint between the vertebra and an adjacent vertebra may include a bone screw, a bone screw delivery mechanism detachably connected to the bone screw, and a guide tube. The guide tube may have a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen configured to receive the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism, and at least one bend disposed nearer the distal end than the proximal end. The bend in the guide tube may change a trajectory of the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism advancing through the lumen from a first trajectory along a longitudinal axis of the guide tube to a second trajectory that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Jeffrey D. Smith, Christopher U. Phan, Edward Liou
  • Publication number: 20190099241
    Abstract: A dental device includes a mouthpiece configured to sit against an orthodontic aligner on a patient's teeth and a motor connected to the mouthpiece. The motor is configured to vibrate the mouthpiece at a frequency between 60 Hz and 130 Hz such that the mouthpiece places an axial vibratory force on the orthodontic aligner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Applicant: Advanced Orthodontics And Education Association, LLC
    Inventors: Bryce A. WAY, Richard JOHNSON, Phillip ABATELLI, Amin Hadi MIRZAAGHAEIAN, James SIEG, Christopher U. PHAN, Jonathan L. NICOZISIS
  • Patent number: 10245122
    Abstract: A method of increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw having at least one tooth with an orthodontic brace thereon includes: (1) holding a handle of a device, the device having an elongate member extending from the handle and a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member; (2) moving a sleeve along the elongate member to set a length of exposed screw tip; (3) locking the sleeve in place relative to the screw tip; (4) drilling a hole with the screw tip through a cortical bone of a jaw to increase movement of the tooth; and (5) stopping the drilling when the length of exposed screw tip has penetrated the jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Advanced Orthodontics and Education Association, LLC
    Inventors: Bryce A. Way, Christopher U. Phan, Dana Leigh Gelman Keiles, Richard Johnson, Phillip Abatelli
  • Patent number: 10201375
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: PROVIDENCE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce M. McCormack, Edward Liou, Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan
  • Publication number: 20180360565
    Abstract: A method of growing bone or maintaining orthodontic tooth movement provides a dental device which includes a mouthpiece configured to sit against occlusal surfaces of a patient's teeth and a motor connected to the mouthpiece. The motor is configured to vibrate at a predetermined frequency or acceleration. The method focuses on detecting and measuring the frequency or acceleration at or near the patient's teeth and adjusting the vibration to match the predetermined frequency or acceleration in a feedback loop mechanism mediated by the dental device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: Advanced Orthodontics and Education Association, LLC
    Inventors: Bryce A. WAY, Christopher U. PHAN, Dana Leigh GELMAN KEILES, Richard JOHNSON, Phillip ABATELLI, Amin Hadi MIRZAAGHAEIAN
  • Publication number: 20180360518
    Abstract: A method for implanting a bone screw in a vertebra may first involve inserting the bone screw and a bone screw delivery mechanism through a proximal end of a guide tube along a first trajectory. A proximal end of the bone screw is attached to a distal end of the bone screw delivery mechanism, and a distal end of the guide tube is positioned adjacent the vertebra. The method may next involve advancing the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism through a bend in the guide tube to cause the bone screw to exit the distal end of the guide tube along a second trajectory and contact the vertebra. The method may further involve rotating the delivery mechanism to cause the bone screw to screw into the vertebra and detaching the bone screw delivery mechanism from the bone screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Jeffrey D. Smith, Christopher U. Phan, Edward Liou
  • Patent number: D887552
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Edward Liou, Christopher U. Phan, Wesley Wang
  • Patent number: D911525
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan
  • Patent number: D933230
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Providence Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan