Patents by Inventor James Zucherman

James Zucherman 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: 20050143820
    Abstract: An implant that can be placed between two vertebrae using a lateral insertion method is described. The implant is characterized by having a first end plate and a second end plate with a hemi-cylindrical spacer extending from the second end plate. The hemi-cylindrical spacer fits within a socket on the first end plate and allows for pivotal or rotational motion and also for twisting motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Applicant: St. Francis Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Charles Winslow, Scott Yerby, Steven Mitchell, John Flynn
  • Publication number: 20050143738
    Abstract: A laterally insertable spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy and other spinal ailments by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a deployable second arm that converts between a first position for insertion and a second position for retention of the implant between adjacent spinous processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Applicant: St. Francis Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Henry Klyce
  • Publication number: 20050143826
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device that is used to repair an injury or defect in the anulus of the intervertebral disk. The implant is characterized by having a flexible structure that is anchored to the vertebral bone. The flexible structure is connected with a patch that the flexible structure sustains over the injury or defect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Applicant: St. Francis Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu
  • Publication number: 20050125065
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implant that can be placed between two adjacent vertebral bodies using a lateral insertion method. The implant is characterized as having a first end plate and a second end plate which a crossbar spacer therebetween. The crossbar spacer preferably fits within a channel on the inner surfaces of the first end plate and the second end plate, whereby the crossbar spacer allows pivots, twisting and/or rotational movement of the spine. The first end plate and the second end plate include a keel extending therefrom, whereby the keel traverses longitudinally between a first lateral side and a second opposed lateral side and is substantially perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the patient's spine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Publication date: June 9, 2005
    Applicant: St. Francis Medical Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Steven Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20050125061
    Abstract: A system and method for replacing degenerated spinal disks in accordance with the present invention can substitute for interbody fusion techniques by replacing degenerated spinal disks with artificial spinal disks. In one embodiment, the system can comprise one or more artificial spinal disks, each comprising an upper and lower housing, a first spacer and a second spacer partially enclosed by a cavity formed by the housings, and a shaft with a spring positioned between the first spacer and the second spacer such that the spacers are urged apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 9, 2005
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Charles Winslow, Scott Yerby, John Flynn, Steve Mitchell, John Markwart
  • Publication number: 20050113926
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implant that can be placed between two adjacent vertebral bodies using a lateral insertion method. The implant is characterized as having a first end plate and a second end plate which a crossbar spacer therebetween. The crossbar spacer preferably fits within a channel on the inner surfaces of the first end plate and the second end plate, whereby the spacer allows pivots, twisting and/or rotational movement of the spine. The first end plate and the second end plate include a keel extending therefrom, whereby the keel traverses longitudinally between a first lateral side and a second opposed lateral side and is substantially perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the patient's spine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Publication date: May 26, 2005
    Applicant: St. Francis Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Steven Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20050101955
    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: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Charles Winslow, Henry Klyce
  • Publication number: 20050075634
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an interspinous process device with a deflectable spacer which can be placed between adjacent spinous processes to limit the movement of the vertebrae. The device limits the range of motion of the spinous processes. The spacer and a lead-in distraction guide or tissue expander can be radiolucent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Charles Winslow, John Flynn, Steve Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20050010298
    Abstract: An implant for positioning between the spinous processes of cervical vertebrae include first and second wings for lateral positioning and a spacer located between the adjacent spinous processes. The implant can be positioned using minimally invasive procedures without modifying the bone or severing ligaments. The implant is shaped in accordance with the anatomy of the spine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: January 13, 2005
    Applicant: St. Francis Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Charles Winslow, John Flynn, Steve Mitchell, Scott Yerby, Jay Markwart
  • Publication number: 20050010293
    Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with embodiment of the present invention can includes a distractible implant comprising a distracting insert and a body having a first part and a second part adapted to be positioned between adjacent spinous processes of cervical vertebrae. The distracting insert can be inserted into cavities of the body, thereby urging apart the first part and second part, and distracting the adjacent spinous processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: January 13, 2005
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Charles Winslow, John Flynn, Steve Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20020183746
    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: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: St. Francis Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Charles Winslow, Henry Klyce
  • Publication number: 20010021850
    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: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Applicant: St. Francis Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Charles Winslow, Henry Klyce