Patents by Inventor Josef Gorek

Josef Gorek 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: 11812940
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for minimally open orthopedic spine surgery are disclosed. A first flexible screw-based retractor is designed to be coupled to each pedicle screw inserted into adjacent vertebral bodies. A retractor system is provided in which a first retractor blade is mounted to one of the screws and a second movable retractor blade is moved away from the first blade, in a medial direction, to create a working channel through which the disc space may be accessed for passing instruments and implants. Light may be incorporated into the device to illuminate the surgical field. One or all of the retractor blades may be made of a sterilizable plastic or metal and be disposable or reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Linda Krisciunas, Catherine Ross, Jennifer Haggenmaker, Kevin Strauss
  • Publication number: 20220265189
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods generally aimed at surgery. More particularly, the present invention is directed at a system and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments involving the use of neurophysiology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: James E. Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Doug Layman, Thomas Scholl, Albert Kim, Albert Pothier, Patrick Miles, Josef Gorek, Mark Peterson
  • Publication number: 20220022859
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for minimally open orthopedic spine surgery are disclosed. A first flexible screw-based retractor is designed to be coupled to each pedicle screw inserted into adjacent vertebral bodies. A retractor system is provided in which a first retractor blade is mounted to one of the screws and a second movable retractor blade is moved away from the first blade, in a medial direction, to create a working channel through which the disc space may be accessed for passing instruments and implants. Light may be incorporated into the device to illuminate the surgical field. One or all of the retractor blades may be made of a sterilizable plastic or metal and be disposable or reusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Linda Krisciunas, Catherine Ross, Jennifer Haggenmaker, Kevin Strauss
  • Patent number: 11191592
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods generally aimed at monitoring the angular orientation between two locations within a fluoroscopic image and especially for monitoring the angular orientation between two locations within a fluoroscopic image and a predetermined target angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Eric Finley, Albert C Kim, Jeffrey Barnes, Rick Eis
  • Publication number: 20210346121
    Abstract: A multi-layer pre-drape apparatus is applied to a patient before the patient is moved into the operating room. The multi-layer pre-drape apparatus includes a lower layer with a center aperture and an upper layer that covers the aperture. The multi-layer pre-drape apparatus can be placed on a sterilized area of the patient to maintain the cleanliness of the incision area. Alternatively, the multi-layer pre-drape apparatus can be placed on the patient and sterilization fluid can be applied to the skin of the patient through the aperture. The patient can then be moved into the operating room and the upper layer of the multi-layer pre-drape can be removed to expose the sterilized area of the patient in the aperture. Additional drapes can be added to the pre-drape apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth B Trauner, Josef Gorek
  • Patent number: 11109931
    Abstract: A multi-layer pre-drape apparatus is applied to a patient before the patient is moved into the operating room. The multi-layer pre-drape apparatus includes a lower layer with a center aperture and an upper layer that covers the aperture. The multi-layer pre-drape apparatus can be placed on a sterilized area of the patient to maintain the cleanliness of the incision area. Alternatively, the multi-layer pre-drape apparatus can be placed on the patient and sterilization fluid can be applied to the skin of the patient through the aperture. The patient can then be moved into the operating room and the upper layer of the multi-layer pre-drape can be removed to expose the sterilized area of the patient in the aperture. Additional drapes can be added to the pre-drape apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Work Fluidics, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth B Trauner, Josef Gorek
  • Publication number: 20210186617
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods generally aimed at monitoring the angular orientation between two locations within a fluoroscopic image and especially for monitoring the angular orientation between two locations within a fluoroscopic image and a predetermined target angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Josef GOREK, Eric FINLEY, Albert C. KIM, Jeffrey BARNES, Rick EIS
  • Patent number: 11033350
    Abstract: A multi-layer pre-drape apparatus is applied to a patient before the patient is moved into the operating room. The multi-layer pre-drape apparatus includes a lower layer with a center aperture and an upper layer that covers the aperture. The multi-layer pre-drape apparatus can be placed on a sterilized area of the patient to maintain the cleanliness of the incision area. Alternatively, the multi-layer pre-drape apparatus can be placed on the patient and sterilization fluid can be applied to the skin of the patient through the aperture. The patient can then be moved into the operating room and the upper layer of the multi-layer pre-drape can be removed to expose the sterilized area of the patient in the aperture. Additional drapes can be added to the pre-drape apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth B Trauner, Josef Gorek
  • Publication number: 20200060781
    Abstract: A multi-layer pre-drape apparatus is applied to a patient before the patient is moved into the operating room. The multi-layer pre-drape apparatus includes a lower layer with a center aperture and an upper layer that covers the aperture. The multi-layer pre-drape apparatus can be placed on a sterilized area of the patient to maintain the cleanliness of the incision area. Alternatively, the multi-layer pre-drape apparatus can be placed on the patient and sterilization fluid can be applied to the skin of the patient through the aperture. The patient can then be moved into the operating room and the upper layer of the multi-layer pre-drape can be removed to expose the sterilized area of the patient in the aperture. Additional drapes can be added to the pre-drape apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Kenneth B Trauner, Josef Gorek
  • Publication number: 20200029841
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods generally aimed at surgery. More particularly, the present invention is directed at a system and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments involving the use of neurophysiology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: James E. Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Doug Layman, Thomas Scholl, Albert Kim, Albert Pothier, Patrick Miles, Josef Gorek, Mark Peterson
  • Patent number: 10485529
    Abstract: A retractor having a pair of blades is disclosed. A ring having an opening is attached to one end of the blades. The blades define a channel therebetween. The blades may be pivotally coupled to the ring. The retractor may have at least two conditions. In a first condition, the retractor is insertable through an incision in a patient's skin to an operative site. In a second condition, the retractor may be manipulated for retracting tissue surrounding the operative site. Instruments, prostheses, or tissue may be inserted or removed through the channel of the retractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Strauss, Josef Gorek, Larry McClintock, John Kostuik
  • Patent number: 10405841
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for minimally open orthopedic spine surgery are disclosed. A first flexible screw-based retractor is designed to be coupled to each pedicle screw inserted into adjacent vertebral bodies. A retractor system is provided in which a first retractor blade is mounted to one of the screws and a second movable retractor blade is moved away from the first blade, in a medial direction, to create a working channel through which the disc space may be accessed for passing instruments and implants. Light may be incorporated into the device to illuminate the surgical field. One or all of the retractor blades may be made of a sterilizable plastic or metal and be disposable or reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Linda Krisciunas, Catherine Ross, Jennifer Haggenmaker, Kevin Strauss
  • Publication number: 20180055571
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods generally aimed at monitoring the angular orientation between two locations within a fluoroscopic image and especially for monitoring the angular orientation between two locations within a fluoroscopic image and a predetermined target angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Josef GOREK, Eric FINLEY, Albert C KIM, Jeffrey BARNES, Rick EIS
  • Patent number: 9795451
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods generally aimed at monitoring the angular orientation between two locations within a fluoroscopic image and especially for monitoring the angular orientation between two locations within a fluoroscopic image and a predetermined target angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Eric Finley, Albert C. Kim, Jeffrey Barnes, Rick Eis
  • Publication number: 20170273677
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for minimally open orthopedic spine surgery are disclosed. A first flexible screw-based retractor is designed to be coupled to each pedicle screw inserted into adjacent vertebral bodies. A retractor system is provided in which a first retractor blade is mounted to one of the screws and a second movable retractor blade is moved away from the first blade, in a medial direction, to create a working channel through which the disc space may be accessed for passing instruments and implants. Light may be incorporated into the device to illuminate the surgical field. One or all of the retractor blades may be made of a sterilizable plastic or metal and be disposable or reusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Linda Krisciunas, Catherine Ross, Jennifer Haggenmaker, Kevin Strauss
  • Publication number: 20170258463
    Abstract: A retractor having a pair of blades is disclosed. A ring having an opening is attached to one end of the blades. The blades define a channel therebetween. The blades may be pivotally coupled to the ring. The retractor may have at least two conditions. In a first condition, the retractor is insertable through an incision in a patient's skin to an operative site. In a second condition, the retractor may be manipulated for retracting tissue surrounding the operative site. Instruments, prostheses, or tissue may be inserted or removed through the channel of the retractor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Kevin R. Strauss, Josef Gorek, Larry McClintock, John Kostuik
  • Patent number: 9681863
    Abstract: A retractor having a pair of blades is disclosed. A ring having an opening is attached to one end of the blades. The blades define a channel therebetween. The blades may be pivotally coupled to the ring. The retractor may have at least two conditions. In a first condition, the retractor is insertable through an incision in a patient's skin to an operative site. In a second condition, the retractor may be manipulated for retracting tissue surrounding the operative site. Instruments, prostheses, or tissue may be inserted or removed through the channel of the retractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Strauss, Josef Gorek, Larry McClintock, John Kostuik
  • Patent number: 9675337
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for minimally open orthopedic spine surgery are disclosed. A first flexible screw-based retractor is designed to be coupled to each pedicle screw inserted into adjacent vertebral bodies. A retractor system is provided in which a first retractor blade is mounted to one of the screws and a second movable retractor blade is moved away from the first blade, in a medial direction, to create a working channel through which the disc space may be accessed for passing instruments and implants. Light may be incorporated into the device to illuminate the surgical field. One or all of the retractor blades may be made of a sterilizable plastic or metal and be disposable or reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Linda Krisciunas, Catherine Ross, Jennifer Haggenmaker, Kevin Strauss
  • Publication number: 20170119486
    Abstract: A multi-layer pre-drape apparatus is applied to a patient before the patient is moved into the operating room. The multi-layer pre-drape apparatus includes a lower layer with a center aperture and an upper layer that covers the aperture. The multi-layer pre-drape apparatus can be placed on a sterilized area of the patient to maintain the cleanliness of the incision area. Alternatively, the multi-layer pre-drape apparatus can be placed on the patient and sterilization fluid can be applied to the skin of the patient through the aperture. The patient can then be moved into the operating room and the upper layer of the multi-layer pre-drape can be removed to expose the sterilized area of the patient in the aperture. Additional drapes can be added to the pre-drape apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth B Trauner, Josef Gorek
  • Patent number: 9510858
    Abstract: A device, system and method for orthopedic spine surgery using a novel screw-based retractor, disclosed herein, that allows for access to the spine through a minimally or less invasive approach. The retractor device is designed to be coupled to a pedicle screw and then to have opposed arms of the retractor spread apart to open the wound proximally. The retractor is removed by pulling it out of the wound whereby the retractor is deformed to pass over the pedicle screw head. The retractor is intended to be made of a stiff plastic material, sterile packaged and disposable after one use. A system and method for using the retractor and performing a minimally invasive spine surgical procedure are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, John Kostuik, George Picetti, Kevin R. Strauss, Michael Barrus, Larry Mcclintock, Richard W. Woods