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).

  • Publication number: 20230225822
    Abstract: Optical tracking of objects in arthroscopic surgery. Examples comprise a resection instrument system including: a handpiece; a mechanical resection device comprising a stationary outer hub, an elongate outer tube coupled to and extending away from the stationary outer hub, and a cutter disposed at a distal end of the elongate shaft, the stationary outer hub coupled to the handpiece; a fiducial array; and a sleeve connector. The sleeve connector may include: a sleeve defining a distal end, a proximal end, and a through bore, the sleeve concentrically arranged with the elongate shaft; an array connector coupled to the proximal end of the sleeve, the array connector coupled to the fiducial array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Applicants: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC., SMITH & NEPHEW ORTHOPAEDICS AG, SMITH & NEPHEW ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Alexander TORRIE, Constantinos NIKOU, Nathan Anil NETRAVALI, Nicholas Ryan LABRIOLA
  • Patent number: 11684423
    Abstract: A method for optimizing a knee arthroplasty surgical procedure includes receiving pre-operative data comprising (i) anatomical measurements of the patient, (ii) soft tissue measurements of the patient's anatomy, and (iii) implant parameters identifying an implant to be used in the knee arthroplasty surgical procedure. An equation set is selected from a plurality of pre-generated equation sets based on the pre-operative data. During the knee arthroplasty surgical procedure, patient-specific kinetic and kinematic response values are generated and displayed using an optimization process. The optimization process includes collecting intraoperative data from one or more surgical tools of a computer-assisted surgical system, and using the intraoperative data and the pre-operative data to solve the equation set, thereby yielding the patient-specific kinetic and kinematic response values. A visualization is then provided of the patient-specific kinetic and kinematic response values on the displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignees: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited
    Inventors: Brian W. McKinnon, Ruxandra Cristiana Marinescu Tanasoca, Randy C. Winebarger, William L. Bowers, Jr., James Bennett Wiebe, III, Nathaniel Milton Lenz, Zachary Christopher Wilkinson, Sean M. Haddock, Ryan Lloyd Landon, Constantinos Nikou, Branislav Jaramaz, Paul Alexander Torrie
  • Patent number: 11669232
    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: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Blue Belt Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantinos Nikou, Branislav Jaramaz
  • Publication number: 20230070362
    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 10, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Constantinos NIKOU, Branislav JARAMAZ
  • Publication number: 20230023117
    Abstract: A system for assessing laxity of a joint of a patient is disclosed. The system comprises a tensioner tool having a substantially rigid portion that may be inserted within the joint to apply a force against a bone surface thereof. The system further comprises a tensioner sock having a flexible body with an opening to receive the tensioner tool and a sensor array disposed on the flexible body. Each sensor of the sensor array is configured to contact the bone surface and detect a pressure when the force is applied against the bone surface. The system further comprises a processor configured to receive the detected pressure from each sensor and calculate the force applied to the bone surface based on the detected pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Inventors: Constantinos NIKOU, Branislav JARAMAZ, Michael BOZEMAN
  • Publication number: 20230019543
    Abstract: An ultrasound probe captures real-time images of patient anatomy, which are analyzed by a processor to extract salient features pertaining to an anatomical structure. By tracking the location and orientation of the ultrasound probe, a model of that anatomical structure can be created. A visual indication of the position of segments of the anatomical structure can be presented holographically to a user of an augmented reality headset to provide information extracted from the ultrasound imaging, such as holographic display of a model of the anatomical structure at the approximate location of the visual field of the headset corresponding to the physical location of the actual anatomy being viewed by a user, without presenting the entirety of the ultrasound image to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventor: Constantinos NIKOU
  • Publication number: 20230000556
    Abstract: A method for creating a patient-specific surgical plan includes receiving one or more pre-operative images of a patient having one or more infirmities affecting one or more anatomical joints. three-dimensional anatomical model of the one or more anatomical joints is created based on the one or more pre-operative images. One or more transfer functions and the three-dimensional anatomical model are used to identify a patient-specific implantation geometry that corrects the one or more infirmities. The transfer functions model performance of the one or more anatomical joints as a function of anatomical geometry and anatomical implantation features. surgical plan comprising the patient-specific implantation geometry may then be displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Brian W. MCKINNON, Ruxandra Cristiana MARINESCU TANASOCA, Randy C. WINEBARGER, William L. BOWERS, JR., James Bennett WIEBE, III, Nathaniel Milton LENZ, Sean M. HADDOCK, Ryan Lloyd LANDON, Shawn P. MCGUAN, Constantinos NIKOU, Elizabeth DUXBURY
  • Patent number: 11517376
    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 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantinos Nikou, Branislav Jaramaz
  • Publication number: 20220346970
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and computer-implemented and surgical methods for providing and/or using optical, visual, and/or audio feedback when using a surgical instrument, such as to position and orient an implant are disclosed. A device includes a frame and a C-ring. The frame includes a fixation component optionally located at a first end and a tracking array optionally located at an opposing second end. The fixation component can be positioned at or near a center axis of the C-ring and is configured to releasably engage a surgical instrument. The tracking array may include tracking elements, such as reflective surfaces. The C-ring may include a plurality of light sources optionally arranged in a radial pattern. The light sources may be selectively illuminated based on a determined realignment to provide optical feedback with respect to at least a direction in which the surgical instrument should be moved to achieve a planned alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventor: Constantinos NIKOU
  • Patent number: 11478256
    Abstract: A tool for surgically removing tissue of a patient includes a body, a flexible rotating shaft that drives a distal cutting tool and is drivingly coupled to a motor supported by bearings in a flexible tubular sheath to allow the shaft to rotate and be shifted longitudinally. Steering cables in the sheath control the flexion of the sheath. A processor controls the operation to ensure that the cutting tool operates within a predetermined resection area, controlling a combination of motor speed, sheath flexion, and shaft retraction to assist surgery in the resection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantinos Nikou, Christoph Kolja Boese
  • Patent number: 11471169
    Abstract: A tool for surgically removing tissue of a patient includes a body, a flexible rotating shaft that drives a distal cutting tool and is drivingly coupled to a motor supported by bearings in a flexible tubular sheath to allow the shaft to rotate and be shifted longitudinally. Steering cables in the sheath control the flexion of the sheath. A processor controls the operation to ensure that the cutting tool operates within a predetermined resection area, controlling a combination of motor speed, sheath flexion, and shaft retraction to assist surgery in the resection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantinos Nikou, Christoph Kolja Boese
  • Patent number: 11471170
    Abstract: A tool for surgically removing tissue of a patient includes a body, a flexible rotating shaft that drives a distal cutting tool and is drivingly coupled to a motor supported by bearings in a flexible tubular sheath to allow the shaft to rotate and be shifted longitudinally. Steering cables in the sheath control the flexion of the sheath. A processor controls the operation to ensure that the cutting tool operates within a predetermined resection area, controlling a combination of motor speed, sheath flexion, and shaft retraction to assist surgery in the resection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantinos Nikou, Christoph Kolja Boese
  • Publication number: 20220265355
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and devices for performing computer-aided surgical navigation. Specifically, a system for augmented reality assisted trauma fixation, which displays various views of one or more tracked items, including a guide device, a fixation plate, a surgical tracking device, and an augmented reality display. The guide device having a tip, a handle, and a fixation guide. The fixation plate having at least one aperture designed to receive the tip of the guide. The surgical tracking device configured to track one or more trackable objects associated with the guide, fixation plate, and display, and thereby calculate a location of a fixation device, such as a screw, relative to the fixation plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Joseph Michael FERRANTE, Charles Christopher HEOTIS, Namal NAWANA, Constantinos NIKOU, Daniel FARLEY, Brian W. MCKINNON
  • Publication number: 20220233258
    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: April 11, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Samuel C. DUMPE, Brett J. BELL, Constantinos NIKOU, Gene Edward AUSTIN
  • Patent number: 11389304
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and computer-implemented and surgical methods for providing and/or using optical, visual, and/or audio feedback when using a surgical instrument, such as to position and orient an implant are disclosed. A device includes a frame and a C-ring. The frame includes a fixation component optionally located at a first end and a tracking array optionally located at an opposing second end. The fixation component can be positioned at or near a center axis of the C-ring and is configured to releasably engage a surgical instrument. The tracking array may include tracking elements, such as reflective surfaces. The C-ring may include a plurality of light sources optionally arranged in a radial pattern. The light sources may be selectively illuminated based on a determined realignment to provide optical feedback with respect to at least a direction in which the surgical instrument should be moved to achieve a planned alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignees: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited
    Inventor: Constantinos Nikou
  • Publication number: 20220211451
    Abstract: An implant positioning device and a method of using the device are described. The positioning device includes an end effector configured to contact an implant component during a surgical procedure, the end effector connected to an actuator for imparting an impact force to the implant component during the surgical procedure, a motor mechanically connected to the actuator and configured to move the actuator to produce one or more impacts on the end effector, thereby imparting the impact force to the implant component, and a control circuit coupled to the motor. The control circuit is configured to generate at least one motor control signal, transfer the at least one motor control signal to the motor, and, as a result of the at least one motor control signal, cause the motor to move the actuator to produce one or more impacts on the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Constantinos NIKOU, Branislav JARAMAZ, Benjamin Oliver MCCANDLESS
  • Publication number: 20220211454
    Abstract: Systems and methods for navigation and control of an implant positioning device are discussed. For example, a method can include operations for accessing an implant plan, establishing a 3-D coordinate system, receiving tracking information, generating control signals, and sending the control signals to the implant positioning device. The implant plan can include location and orientation data describing an ideal implant location and orientation in reference to an implant host. The 3-D coordinate system can provide spatial orientation for the implant positioning device and the implant host. The tracking information can identify current location and orientation data within the 3-D coordinate system for the implant positioning device and implant host during a procedure. The control signals can control operation of the implant positioning device to assist a surgeon in positioning the implant according to the implant plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Constantinos NIKOU, Branislav JARAMAZ, Benjamin Oliver MCCANDLESS
  • Publication number: 20220183770
    Abstract: A system for tracking a hand within a surgical environment is disclosed. The system comprises a hand covering including an opening to receive the hand and a plurality of trackable regions that each include at least one tracking feature. The system further comprises a tracking unit including one or more sensors configured to detect a location of each tracking feature. The system further comprises a processor configured to cause the system to receive the location of each tracking feature from the tracking unit, determine a position and an orientation of each trackable region of the hand covering, and calculate an overall position, orientation, and/or pose of the hand. Various actions or settings may be controlled within the surgical workspace by utilizing particular gestures or movements that are identified by the system via the processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventor: Constantinos NIKOU
  • Publication number: 20220183762
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system for utilizing one or more surgical lighting systems to improve/expand the tracking capability of a computer-assisted surgical system. The system may include a surgical light having a handle attachment that can be removed and a modular tracking device that can be attached to the surgical light. The modular tracking device can then track various items in the operating theater and communicate position information of tracked items to a computer-assisted surgical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventor: Constantinos NIKOU
  • Patent number: 11337762
    Abstract: A method for creating a patient-specific surgical plan includes receiving one or more pre-operative images of a patient having one or more infirmities affecting one or more anatomical joints, three-dimensional anatomical model of the one or more anatomical joints is created based on the one or more pre-operative images. One or more transfer functions and the three-dimensional anatomical model are used to identify a patient-specific implantation geometry that corrects the one or more infirmities. The transfer functions model performance of the one or more anatomical joints as a function of anatomical geometry and anatomical implantation features, surgical plan comprising the patient-specific implantation geometry may then be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignees: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited
    Inventors: Brian W. McKinnon, Ruxandra Cristiana Marinescu Tanasoca, Randy C. Winebarger, William L. Bowers, Jr., James Bennett Wiebe, III, Nathaniel Milton Lenz, Sean M. Haddock, Ryan Lloyd Landon, Shawn P. McGuan, Constantinos Nikou, Elizabeth Duxbury