Patents by Inventor John D. Unger

John D. Unger 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: 9622735
    Abstract: A surgical access system for accessing a surgical target site within a spine includes a retractor and an elongated element. The refractor has a closed configuration defining a lumen with an internal circumference, and an open configuration in which the internal circumference, at least at the distal end of the retractor, is enlarged relative to said closed configuration. The open configuration creates and maintains an operative corridor to said target site. The elongated element is releasably coupled to an interior wall of the retractor and has an extension extending distal of the distal end of the retractor into the surgical target site. When coupled to the retractor, the elongated element covers a body structure at the target site without blocking access to the operative corridor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Pagliuca, John D. Unger, Thomas Davison
  • Publication number: 20150038798
    Abstract: A surgical access system for accessing a surgical target site within a spine includes a retractor and an elongated element. The refractor has a closed configuration defining a lumen with an internal circumference, and an open configuration in which the internal circumference, at least at the distal end of the retractor, is enlarged relative to said closed configuration. The open configuration creates and maintains an operative corridor to said target site. The elongated element is releasably coupled to an interior wall of the retractor and has an extension extending distal of the distal end of the retractor into the surgical target site. When coupled to the retractor, the elongated element covers a body structure at the target site without blocking access to the operative corridor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: James J. Pagliuca, John D. Unger, Thomas Davison
  • Patent number: 8864785
    Abstract: A surgical access system for accessing a surgical target site within a spine includes a retractor and an elongated element. The retractor has a closed configuration defining a lumen with an internal circumference, and an open configuration in which the internal circumference, at least at the distal end of the retractor, is enlarged relative to said closed configuration. The open configuration creates and maintains an operative corridor to said target site. The elongated element is releasably coupled to an interior wall of the retractor and has an extension extending distal of the distal end of the retractor into the surgical target site. When coupled to the retractor, the elongated element covers a body structure at the target site without blocking access to the operative corridor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Pagliuca, John D. Unger, Thomas Davison
  • Publication number: 20130066159
    Abstract: A surgical access system for accessing a surgical target site within a spine includes a retractor and an elongated element. The refractor has a closed configuration defining a lumen with an internal circumference, and an open configuration in which the internal circumference, at least at the distal end of the retractor, is enlarged relative to said closed configuration. The open configuration creates and maintains an operative corridor to said target site. The elongated element is releasably coupled to an interior wall of the retractor and has an extension extending distal of the distal end of the retractor into the surgical target site. When coupled to the retractor, the elongated element covers a body structure at the target site without blocking access to the operative corridor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: ZIMMER SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: James J. Pagliuca, John D. Unger, Thomas Davison
  • Patent number: 8043212
    Abstract: A method for providing treatment at or near a cervical region of the spine of a patient is provided. An incision is formed in the skin of a patient above the cervical region. An elongate body is inserted into the patient through the incision, the elongate body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, an outer surface, and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a passage extending through the elongate body. The elongate body is advanced until a distal end thereof resides at or near the cervical region of the spine. The size of the passage in the distal portion is increased relative to the size of the proximal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun W. Bae, Robert F. Heary, Alan S. Hilibrand, Ashwini D. Sharan, Jeffrey C. Wang, Gene P. DiPoto, John D. Unger
  • Patent number: 7988700
    Abstract: A surgical instrument extendable through a cannula for moving a first bone portion relative to a second bone portion includes a first portion having a longitudinal axis engageable with a first member connected with to the first bone portion. A second portion is engageable with a second member connected with the second bone portion. The second portion is movable relative to the first portion from a first position toward a second position to move the first and second bone portions away from each other. An actuator connected with the second portion moves the second portion relative to the first portion in a direction extending transverse to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan E Shluzas, Stephen J Anderson, James J Pagliuca, John D Unger
  • Patent number: 7985247
    Abstract: In a method of treating the spine of a patient, a fusion device is implanted via an anterior approach in an interbody space between at least two of a first vertebra, a second vertebra and a third vertebra. An access device is inserted into the patient with the access device in a first configuration having a first cross-sectional area at a distal portion thereof. The access device is actuated to a second configuration having an enlarged cross-sectional area at the distal portion thereof such that the distal portion extends across at least a portion of each of the three adjacent vertebrae. A multi-level procedure is performed through the access device across the at least three adjacent vertebrae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Shluzas, James Pagliuca, John D. Unger
  • Patent number: 7985218
    Abstract: A structure for receiving surgical instruments for performing a surgical procedure on a body includes a passage through which the surgical instruments are inserted into the body. The passage has a proximal end and a distal end. An expandable portion enables an increase in the cross-sectional area of the distal end of the passage. The expandable portion has a contracted condition in which the cross-sectional area of the distal end of the passage has a first cross-sectional area. The expandable portion has an expanded condition in which the distal end of the passage has a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area. The second cross-sectional area is greater than a cross-sectional area of the proximal end of the passage when the expandable portion is in the expanded condition. A retaining mechanism resists movement of the expandable portion from the expanded condition toward the contracted condition during the surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene P. Dipoto, William Silver, John D. Unger
  • Patent number: 7850695
    Abstract: A method of fixing first and second vertebrae of a patient together at a surgical site includes inserting a first cannula into the body of the patient. A fusion device is moved through the cannula and inserted between the first and second vertebrae. A first fastener is moved through the cannula and secured to the first vertebra. A second fastener is moved through the cannula and secured to the second vertebra. A first fixation element is moved through the cannula. The first fixation element is fixed to the first and second fasteners. The fusion device has first and second ends, upper and lower surfaces for engaging the first and second vertebrae, and first and second side surfaces extending between the upper and lower surfaces. Each of the first and second side surfaces extend along an arc from the first end of the fusion device to the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Pagliuca, John D. Unger, Thomas W. Davison
  • Patent number: 7815650
    Abstract: A surgical instrument extendable through a cannula for moving a first bone portion relative to a second bone portion includes a first portion having a longitudinal axis engageable with a first member connected with to the first bone portion. A second portion is engageable with a second member connected with the second bone portion. The second portion is movable relative to the first portion from a first position toward a second position to move the first and second bone portions away from each other. An actuator connected with the second portion moves the second portion relative to the first portion in a direction extending transverse to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan E. Shluzas, Stephen J. Anderson, James J. Pagliuca, John D. Unger
  • Patent number: 7713274
    Abstract: A surgical instrument extendable through a cannula for moving a first bone portion relative to a second bone portion includes a first portion having a longitudinal axis engageable with a first member connected with to the first bone portion. A second portion is engageable with a second member connected with the second bone portion. The second portion is movable relative to the first portion from a first position toward a second position to move the first and second bone portions away from each other. An actuator connected with the second portion moves the second portion relative to the first portion in a direction extending transverse to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan E. Shluzas, Stephen J. Anderson, James J. Pagliuca, John D. Unger
  • Patent number: 7682370
    Abstract: A surgical tool for use in expanding a tubular structure having an inner surface defining a passage through the tubular structure for receiving surgical instruments includes a first leg having a first end engageable with the inner surface of the tubular structure. A second leg has a second end engageable with the inner surface of the tubular structure. The first and second ends are movable away from each other to apply a radially outwardly directed force to the inner surface of the tubular structure and cause expansion of the tubular structure to increase a cross-sectional area of the passage along a portion of the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Pagliuca, John D. Unger, James E. Robbins, Thomas W. Davison, Adam Sher
  • Patent number: 7431693
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) supports an endoscope (99) for viewing a surgical site in a patient during surgery on the patient. The apparatus (100) includes a base (110), a first part (200), a second part (300), and a mechanism (400). The base (110) has a guide portion (130). The first part (200) is adapted to be fixed to the endoscope (99). The second part (300) engages the guide portion (130) and is movable relative to the guide portion (130). The second part (300) is secured to the first part (200) such that the first part (200) is movable relative to the guide portion (130). The mechanism (400) is connected between the base (110) and the second part (300). At least a portion of the mechanism (400) is rotatable to slide the first and second parts (200, 300) relative to the guide portion (130) to change a position of the endoscope (99) relative to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Pagliuca, John D. Unger
  • Publication number: 20080221627
    Abstract: A surgical instrument extendable through a cannula for moving a first bone portion relative to a second bone portion includes a first portion having a longitudinal axis engageable with a first member connected with to the first bone portion. A second portion is engageable with a second member connected with the second bone portion. The second portion is movable relative to the first portion from a first position toward a second position to move the first and second bone portions away from each other. An actuator connected with the second portion moves the second portion relative to the first portion in a direction extending transverse to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Alan E. Shluzas, Stephen J. Anderson, James J. Pagliuca, John D. Unger
  • Patent number: 7341594
    Abstract: A surgical instrument extendable through a cannula for moving a first bone portion relative to a second bone portion includes a first portion having a longitudinal axis engageable with a first member connected with to the first bone portion. A second portion is engageable with a second member connected with the second bone portion. The second portion is movable relative to the first portion from a first position toward a second position to move the first and second bone portions away from each other. An actuator connected with the second portion moves the second portion relative to the first portion in a direction extending transverse to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Endius Incorporated
    Inventors: Alan E. Shluzas, Stephen J. Anderson, James J. Pagliuca, John D. Unger
  • Patent number: 7144393
    Abstract: A structure for receiving surgical instruments for performing a surgical procedure on a body includes a passage through which the surgical instruments are inserted into the body. The passage has a proximal end and a distal end. An expandable portion enables an increase in the cross-sectional area of the distal end of the passage. The expandable portion has a contracted condition in which the cross-sectional area of the distal end of the passage has a first cross-sectional area. The expandable portion has an expanded condition in which the distal end of the passage has a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area. The second cross-sectional area is greater than a cross-sectional area of the proximal end of the passage when the expandable portion is in the expanded condition. A retaining mechanism resists movement of the expandable portion from the expanded condition toward the contracted condition during the surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventors: Gene P. DiPoto, William Silver, John D. Unger
  • Patent number: 7056321
    Abstract: A method of fixing first and second vertebrae of a patient together at a surgical site includes inserting a first cannula into the body of the patient. A fusion device is moved through the cannula and inserted between the first and second vertebrae. A first fastener is moved through the cannula and secured to the first vertebra. A second fastener is moved through the cannula and secured to the second vertebra. A first fixation element is moved through the cannula. The first fixation element is fixed to the first and second fasteners. The fusion device has first and second ends, upper and lower surfaces for engaging the first and second vertebrae, and first and second side surfaces extending between the upper and lower surfaces. Each of the first and second side surfaces extend along an arc from the first end of the fusion device to the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Endius, Incorporated
    Inventors: James J. Pagliuca, John D. Unger, Thomas W. Davison
  • Patent number: 7004947
    Abstract: A surgical instrument extendable through a cannula for moving a first bone portion relative to a second bone portion includes a first portion having a longitudinal axis engageable with a first member connected with to the first bone portion. A second portion is engageable with a second member connected with the second bone portion. The second portion is movable relative to the first portion from a first position toward a second position to move the first and second bone portions away from each other. An actuator connected with the second portion moves the second portion relative to the first portion in a direction extending transverse to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Endius Incorporated
    Inventors: Alan E. Shluzas, Stephen J. Anderson, James J. Pagliuca, John D. Unger
  • Patent number: 6821243
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) supports an endoscope (99) for viewing a surgical site in a patient during surgery on the patient. The apparatus (100) includes a base (110), a first part (200), a second part (300), and a mechanism (400). The base (110) has a guide portion (130). The first part (200) is adapted to be fixed to the endoscope (99). The second part (300) engages the guide portion (130) and is movable relative to the guide portion (130). The second part (300) is secured to the first part (200) such that the first part (200) is movable relative to the guide portion (130). The mechanism (400) is connected between the base (110) and the second part (300). At least a portion of the mechanism (400) is rotatable to slide the first and second parts (200, 300) relative to the guide portion (130) to change a position of the endoscope (99) relative to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Endius Incorporated
    Inventors: James J. Pagliuca, John D. Unger
  • Publication number: 20040199170
    Abstract: A surgical instrument extendable through a cannula for moving a first bone portion relative to a second bone portion includes a first portion having a longitudinal axis engageable with a first member connected with to the first bone portion. A second portion is engageable with a second member connected with the second bone portion. The second portion is movable relative to the first portion from a first position toward a second position to move the first and second bone portions away from each other. An actuator connected with the second portion moves the second portion relative to the first portion in a direction extending transverse to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Endius Incorporated
    Inventors: Alan E. Shluzas, Stephen J. Anderson, James J. Pagliuca, John D. Unger