Patents by Inventor Constantinos Nikou

Constantinos Nikou 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).

  • Patent number: 12089831
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing joint laxity measurement are disclosed. A retractor includes a plurality of spacers, such as plates, that are capable of being moved from a central portion of the retractor by a carriage mechanism. In some cases, the carriage mechanism may press against ramps connected to internal sides of the plates, thereby causing the plates to be displaced outwardly. In other cases, the carriage mechanism may include blades that rotate and press against the internal sides of the plates, thereby causing the plates to be displaced outwardly. The retractor is mounted on a surgical device configured to actuate the carriage mechanism. When the retractor is placed in a joint and the carriage mechanism is actuated, a measurement of the joint laxity may be determined based upon characteristics of the retractor and/or the surgical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignees: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited
    Inventors: Cedric Corpa De La Fuente, Constantinos Nikou, Branislav Jaramaz
  • Patent number: 12056337
    Abstract: Systems and methods for virtual implant placement to implement joint gap planning are discussed. For example, a method can include operations for receiving a first implant parameter set based on a surgical plan that was generated while moving the joint through a range of motion. The method can include generating a first set of candidate implant parameter sets that are the result of an incremental change, relative to the first implant parameter set, to at least one parameter of the first parameter set. The method can include calculating a result for at least one candidate implant parameter set and providing a graphical representation of the result according to at least one candidate implant parameter set. The result can be color-coded to correlate to a candidate implant parameter set. The display can include color-coded user interface controls to allow a user to execute incremental changes corresponding to candidate implant parameter sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: Blue Belt Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantinos Nikou, Branislav Jaramaz
  • Publication number: 20240225736
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for determining a surgical plan for an arthroplasty procedure using constraint modeling are disclosed. For example, a method for determining a surgical plan may include determining a constraint model associated with an anatomical model the constraint model configured to indicate at least one valid configuration of an implant model in association with the anatomical model, receiving placement input indicating placement of the implant in association with the anatomical model, and performing, based on the placement input, a violation process based on a violation event responsive to the placement input violating the constraint model, or a placement process positioning the implant according to the placement input. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Applicants: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited
    Inventors: Constantinos Nikou, Branislav Jaramaz, Samuel C. Dumpe, Rahul Khare
  • Patent number: 12029495
    Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning a cut guide using navigation-based techniques are discussed. For example, a system for use in an orthopedic surgery on a target bone can comprise a cut guide adjustably positionable onto the target bone via two or more coupling receptacles created on the target bone. The coupling receptacles can include one or more guide members and a plurality of landing members. The system also includes an input interface that can receive a target bone representation, and a model receiver module that can receive a generic post-coupling bone model. The target bone representation can include a data set representing two or more landing sites of the target bone, and the generic post-coupling bone model can include a data set representing a bone having two or more coupling receptacles each sized, shaped or otherwise configured to receive and secure the respective coupling feature of the landing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Blue Belt Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Branislav Jaramaz, Constantinos Nikou
  • Publication number: 20240138849
    Abstract: A system, method, and device for drilling holes (420, 422) in a target bone (414) are described. For example, the system includes a cutting tool (330), a navigation system (310) configured to track a position of the cutting tool, and a computer-assisted surgical (CAS) system (340) operably connected to the cutting tool and the navigation system. The CAS system can be configured to determine an implant component (100) to be implanted on the target bone (414), determine a cutting block position for preparing the target bone to receive the implant component, determine a plurality of pin locations (420, 422) for securing the cutting block (416) based upon the determined cutting block position, and selectively provide instructions to the cutting tool to cut a hole when the cutting tool is in a position adjacent to at least one of the determined plurality of pin locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Branislav JARAMAZ, Constantinos NIKOU
  • Publication number: 20240130791
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for determining a surgical plan for an arthroplasty procedure using constraint modeling are disclosed. For example, a method for determining a surgical plan may include determining a constraint model associated with an anatomical model the constraint model configured to indicate at least one valid configuration of an implant model in association with the anatomical model, receiving placement input indicating placement of the implant in association with the anatomical model, and performing, based on the placement input, a violation process based on a violation event responsive to the placement input violating the constraint model, or a placement process positioning the implant according to the placement input. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Applicants: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited
    Inventors: Constantinos Nikou, Branislav Jaramaz, Samuel C. Dumpe, Rahul Khare
  • Patent number: 11963725
    Abstract: A system and method for tracking position and orientation of a surgical tool during a surgical procedure and providing feedback to a user are described. For example the system includes a surgical tool configured to perform at least a portion of the surgical procedure, a tracking system configured to monitor and record position information related to the surgical tool, a processing system, and a display. The processing system can be configured to receive the position information, determine optimal position information for the surgical tool during the surgical procedure, compare the received position information against the optimal position information to determine a conformance level for the user, and generate a user performance record. The display can be configured to receive and display the user performance record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventor: Constantinos Nikou
  • Patent number: 11937885
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to improved systems and methods for performing computer-aided surgical navigation using augmented reality. A tracking device having one or more optically detectable points is mounted to a patient via surgical hardware. The detectable points are identified by a sensor. One or more augmented reality marker assemblies that each have an augmented reality fiducial marker or symbol are also attached to the tracking device. A computer system generates augmented reality information and transmits it to a display screen, such as a near-eye augmented reality device, for display thereon. The near-eye augmented reality device also has an image capture device capable of capturing the augmented reality symbols, and thereby determining a three-dimensional orientation associated with the tracking device, augmented reality markers, and a user wearing the near-eye reality device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignees: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited
    Inventor: Constantinos Nikou
  • Publication number: 20240096508
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a surgical plan for altering an abnormal bone using a generic normal bone model are discussed. For example, a system for planning a surgery on an abnormal bone can include a model receiver module configured to receive a generic normal bone model. The generic normal bone model, such as a parametric model derived from statistical shape data, can include a data set representing a normal bone having an anatomical origin comparable to the abnormal bone. An input interface can be configured to receive an abnormal bone representation including a data set representing the abnormal bone. A surgical planning module can include a registration module configured to register the generic normal bone model to the abnormal bone representation by creating a registered generic model. A surgical plan formation module can be configured to identify one or more abnormal regions of the abnormal bone using the registered generic model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Constantinos NIKOU, Branislav JARAMAZ
  • Publication number: 20240090951
    Abstract: A system and device (110) for determining bone laxity. For example, the system includes a tracked probe (300) comprising at least one probe marker (310) and a computer assisted surgical (CAS) system (100). The CAS system includes a navigation system (130) and a processing device (110) operably connected to the navigation system and a computer readable medium configured to store one or more instructions that, when executed, cause the processing device to receive location information from the navigation system, generate (820) a surgical plan comprising a post-operative laxity assumption (720), collect (850) first motion information related to movement of the joint through a first range of motion, collect (860) second motion information related to movement of the joint through a second range of motion, determine (870) a post-operative laxity (710), and compare the post-operative laxity and the post-operative laxity assumption to determine laxity results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Constantinos NIKOU, Branislav JARAMAZ
  • Publication number: 20240081784
    Abstract: Methods, non-transitory computer readable media, and ultrasound imaging apparatuses and systems that facilitate improved ultrasound imaging that emphasizes structures of interest are disclosed. With this technology, position data for a transducer assembly is continuously obtained along with ultrasound scan data captured via the transducer assembly. Image processing techniques are applied to ultrasound images generated from the ultrasound scan data to identify structure(s) of interest included therein and highlight the identified structures on a composite representation generated from the ultrasound images. The intensity of portions of the resulting composite representation is then adjusted to reflect the time in which the associated ultrasound scan data was captured. The composite representation is then output to an augmented reality headset or superimposed over an image of the patient to facilitate improved visibility and relation of the structures of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Constantinos NIKOU, Branislav JARAMAZ
  • Publication number: 20240074825
    Abstract: Methods and systems of placing a medical fastener at a predetermined depth in a bone are described. A surgical tool can include an attachment assembly configured to interchangeably engage a medical fastener and a cutting element or bone removal tool and a drive assembly coupled to the attachment assembly. The attachment assembly can be configured to automatically release the medical fastener in response to the drive assembly reaching its end or distal-most position to place the medical fastener at a predetermined depth within the bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Samuel C. DUMPE, Brett J. BELL, Constantinos NIKOU, Gene Edward AUSTIN
  • Patent number: 11896237
    Abstract: A system, method, and device for drilling holes (420, 422) in a target bone (414) are described. For example, the system includes a cutting tool (330), a navigation system (310) configured to track a position of the cutting tool, and a computer-assisted surgical (CAS) system (340) operably connected to the cutting tool and the navigation system. The CAS system can be configured to determine an implant component (100) to be implanted on the target bone (414), determine a cutting block position for preparing the target bone to receive the implant component, determine a plurality of pin locations (420, 422) for securing the cutting block (416) based upon the determined cutting block position, and selectively provide instructions to the cutting tool to cut a hole when the cutting tool is in a position adjacent to at least one of the determined plurality of pin locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Branislav Jaramaz, Constantinos Nikou
  • Patent number: 11890059
    Abstract: Examples of an orthopedic surgical device for use in operating on a target bone and methods for operating a system for use in orthopedic surgery on a bone are generally described herein. An orthopedic surgical device can include an primary positioning block, and a secondary positioning component removably coupled to the primary positioning block. The secondary positioning component can be configured to: engage a prepared engagement feature machined into the target bone, and guide the primary positioning block to a predetermined position on a target bone. The orthopedic surgical device can include a first cutting block configured to: removably couple to the primary positioning block, and guide a cutting tool to cut the target bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Blue Belt Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantinos Nikou, Branislav Jaramaz, Barry M. Fell
  • Patent number: 11864838
    Abstract: A system and device (110) for determining bone laxity. For example, the system includes a tracked probe (300) comprising at least one probe marker (310) and a computer assisted surgical (CAS) system (100). The CAS system includes a navigation system (130) and a processing device (110) operably connected to the navigation system and a computer readable medium configured to store one or more instructions that, when executed, cause the processing device to receive location information from the navigation system, generate (820) a surgical plan comprising a post-operative laxity assumption (720), collect (850) first motion information related to movement of the joint through a first range of motion, collect (860) second motion information related to movement of the joint through a second range of motion, determine (870) a post-operative laxity (710), and compare the post-operative laxity and the post-operative laxity assumption to determine laxity results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantinos Nikou, Branislav Jaramaz
  • Patent number: 11864837
    Abstract: Examples of an orthopedic surgical device for use in operating on a target bone and methods for operating a system for use in orthopedic surgery on a bone are generally described herein. An orthopedic surgical device can include an primary positioning block, and a secondary positioning component removably coupled to the primary positioning block. The secondary positioning component can be configured to: engage a prepared engagement feature machined into the target bone, and guide the primary positioning block to a predetermined position on a target bone. The orthopedic surgical device can include a first cutting block configured to: removably couple to the primary positioning block, and guide a cutting tool to cut the target bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Blue Belt Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantinos Nikou, Branislav Jaramaz, Barry M. Fell
  • Publication number: 20240000514
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a machine learning model to model a normal version of a bone from an abnormal version of the bone. The machine learning model can be trained with a training set including abnormal bone images and corresponding normalized, or post-operative, bone images. The abnormal bone image and the inferred normal bone image can be used to plan a surgery to correct the abnormal bone with a surgical navigation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Applicants: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited
    Inventors: Branislav JARAMAZ, Constantinos NIKOU
  • Patent number: 11862348
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a surgical plan for altering an abnormal bone using a generic normal bone model are discussed. For example, a system for planning a surgery on an abnormal bone can include a model receiver module configured to receive a generic normal bone model. The generic normal bone model, such as a parametric model derived from statistical shape data, can include a data set representing a normal bone having an anatomical origin comparable to the abnormal bone. An input interface can be configured to receive an abnormal bone representation including a data set representing the abnormal bone. A surgical planning module can include a registration module configured to register the generic normal bone model to the abnormal bone representation by creating a registered generic model. A surgical plan formation module can be configured to identify one or more abnormal regions of the abnormal bone using the registered generic model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Blue Belt Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantinos Nikou, Branislav Jaramaz
  • Publication number: 20230404684
    Abstract: A system for performing a surgical procedure on a bone of a patient is disclosed. The system comprises a robotic arm including a proximal mounting portion, a distal tool interface for securing a surgical tool, and a plurality of joints between the proximal mounting portion and the distal tool interface for moving the distal tool interface in six degrees of freedom with respect to the proximal mounting portion. The system further comprises a joystick configured to receive movement instructions for moving the distal tool interface in the six degrees of freedom and a processor configured to receive the movement instructions from the joystick; adjust the movement instructions based on one or more of a surgical plan and user input to generate adjusted movement instructions; and cause one or more of the plurality of joints to move the distal tool interface based on the adjusted movement instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Branislav JARAMAZ, Constantinos NIKOU, Andrew B. MOR
  • Patent number: 11844582
    Abstract: Methods and systems of placing a medical fastener at a predetermined depth in a bone are described. A surgical tool can include an attachment assembly configured to interchangeably engage a medical fastener and a cutting element or bone removal tool and a drive assembly coupled to the attachment assembly. The attachment assembly can be configured to automatically release the medical fastener in response to the drive assembly reaching its end or distal-most position to place the medical fastener at a predetermined depth within the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignees: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited
    Inventors: Samuel C. Dumpe, Brett J. Bell, Constantinos Nikou, Gene Edward Austin