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).

  • Publication number: 20160278649
    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: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: James E. Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Doug Layman, Thomas Scholl, Albert Kim, Albert Pothier, Patrick Miles, Josef Gorek, Mark Peterson
  • Patent number: 9295396
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: James Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Doug Layman, Thomas Scholl, Albert Kim, Albert Pothier, Patrick Miles, Josef Gorek, Mark Peterson
  • Publication number: 20160038182
    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: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, John Kostuik, George Picetti, Kevin R. Strauss, Michael Barrus, Larry Mcclintock, Richard W. Woods
  • Publication number: 20150366630
    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: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Eric Finley, Albert C. Kim, Jeffrey Barnes, Rick Eis
  • Publication number: 20150359528
    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: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin R. Strauss, Josef Gorek, Larry McClintock, John Kostuik
  • Patent number: 9161779
    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: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, John Kostuik, George Picetti, Kevin R. Strauss, Michael Barrus, Larry McClintock, Richard W. Woods
  • Patent number: 9131934
    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: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Strauss, Josef Gorek, Larry McClintock, John Kostuik
  • Patent number: 9119572
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods generally aimed at monitoring the trajectory of surgical instruments and especially for monitoring the trajectory of surgical instrument used during pedicle fixation to ensure the proper placement of pedicle screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Eric Finley, Albert C. Kim, Jeff Barnes, Rick Eis
  • Publication number: 20150157305
    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: February 5, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Linda Krisciunas, Catherine Ross, Jennifer Haggenmaker, Kevin Strauss
  • Patent number: 8979749
    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: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Linda Krisciunas, Catherine Ross, Jennifer Haggenmaker, Kevin Strauss
  • Patent number: 8956284
    Abstract: A minimally invasive retractor assembly includes a posted screw and one or more retractor blades. Each retractor blade is releasably coupled to the posted screw. The retractor blade or blades are manipulated or flexed relative to the posted screw allowing retraction of tissue surrounding the incision. The retractor is made of a biocompatible 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: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Richard W. Woods
  • Patent number: 8926702
    Abstract: A spinal fixation device includes a body defining a proximal surface, a pair of side surfaces, and a pair of angled surfaces extending distally and inwardly from opposite ends of the proximal surface. The proximal surface includes at least one proximal opening. Each angled surface includes at least one screw opening in communication with the proximal opening to define a passage extending through the body. The body is configured for positioning partially within an intervertebral space such that the angled surfaces are disposed in abutting relation with at least a portion of opposed surfaces of the adjacent vertebrae and such that the proximal surface is disposed exteriorly of the intervertebral space to permit insertion of a screw through the screw opening and into one of the opposed surfaces of the adjacent vertebrae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Scott Jones
  • Patent number: 8870878
    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 as a co-molded part of the tulip of a pedicle screw assembly with opposed arms of the retractor spread apart to open the wound proximally. The arms are removed by separating the arms from the tulip and removing them from the incision. The retractor device is intended to be made of a relatively stiff 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: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventor: Josef Gorek
  • Publication number: 20140243602
    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 as an integrally formed part of the tulip of a pedicle screw assembly with opposed arms of the retractor spread apart to open the wound proximally. The arms are removed by separating the arms from the tulip and pulling it out of the wound. The retractor device is intended to be made of a stiff 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: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: K2M, LLC
    Inventor: Josef Gorek
  • Publication number: 20140243605
    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: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: K2M, INC.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, John Kostuik, George Picetti, Kevin R. Strauss, Michael Barrus, Larry McClintock, Richard W. Woods
  • Publication number: 20140213853
    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: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin R. Strauss, Josef Gorek, Larry McClintock, John Kostuik
  • Patent number: 8747407
    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 as a co-molded part of the tulip of a pedicle screw assembly with opposed arms of the retractor spread apart to open the wound proximally. The arms are removed by separating the arms from the tulip and removing them from the incision. The retractor device is intended to be made of a relatively stiff 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: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventor: Josef Gorek
  • Patent number: 8734338
    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 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, John Kostuik, George Picetti, Kevin R. Strauss, Michael Barrus, Larry McClintock, Richard W. Woods
  • Patent number: 8696560
    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 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Strauss, Josef Gorek, Larry McClintock, John Kostuik
  • Publication number: 20130253599
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a desired trajectory and/or monitoring the trajectory of surgical instruments and/or implants in any number of surgical procedures, such as (but not limited to) spinal surgery, including (but not limited to) ensuring proper placement of pedicle screws during pedicle fixation procedures and ensuring proper trajectory during the establishment of an operative corridor to a spinal target site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Thomas Scholl, Eric Finley, Albert Kim, Martin Herman