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: 8442621
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Thomas U. Scholl, Eric Finley, Albert C. Kim, Martin Herman
  • Publication number: 20130090568
    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: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Nu Vasive Inc.
    Inventors: James Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Doug Layman, Thomas Scholl, Albert Kim, Albert Pothier, Patrick Miles, Josef Gorek, Mark Peterson
  • Patent number: 8414625
    Abstract: A retraction device comprises at least one retracting blade and a pedicle screw. The retracting blade has a distal end having at least one projection with a passage for engaging a retention pin. The pedicle screw has a threaded body and a movable head. The movable head has at least one recess with a channel that can be aligned with the passage of the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventor: Josef Gorek
  • Patent number: 8376940
    Abstract: A device, system and method for orthopedic spine surgery using a screw-based retractor, are disclosed herein and 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 separating the opposed blades to allow the retractor portions to be pulled out of the wound. The retractor is intended to be made of a flexible metal 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: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventor: Josef Gorek
  • Patent number: 8298138
    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: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, John Kostuik, George Picetti, Kevin R Strauss, Michael Barrus, Larry McClintock, Richard W Woods
  • Publication number: 20120245693
    Abstract: A spinal fixation device includes a proximal surface having a first portion defining a first plane and a second portion defining a second plane. The first and second planes define a first angle in relation to each other. The first and second planes define first through holes and a second through hole, respectively. The first through holes each define a first longitudinal axis, and the second through hole defines a second longitudinal axis. In particular, the first and second longitudinal axes define a second angle in relation to each other. The first through holes define a first center line on the first plane, and the second through hole defines a second center line on the second plane. The first and second center lines are disposed on opposite sides of a center line defined by the proximal surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Scott Jones
  • Patent number: 8255045
    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: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: James Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Doug Layman, Thomas Scholl, Albert Kim, Albert Pothier, Patrick Miles, Josef Gorek, Mark Peterson
  • Patent number: 8246538
    Abstract: A device, system and method for orthopedic spine surgery using a screw-based retractor, are disclosed herein and 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 separating the opposed blades to allow the retractor portions to be pulled out of the wound. The retractor is intended to be made of a flexible metal 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: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventor: Josef Gorek
  • Publication number: 20120190934
    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: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Richard W. Woods
  • Publication number: 20120143011
    Abstract: A device, system and method for orthopedic spine surgery using a screw-based retractor, are disclosed herein and 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 separating the opposed blades to allow the retractor portions to be pulled out of the wound. The retractor is intended to be made of a flexible metal 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: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Josef Gorek
  • Publication number: 20120116460
    Abstract: A retraction device comprises at least one retracting blade and a pedicle screw. The retracting blade has a distal end having at least one projection with a passage for engaging a retention pin. The pedicle screw has a threaded body and a movable head. The movable head has at least one recess with a channel that can be aligned with the passage of the projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: K2M, INC.
    Inventor: Josef Gorek
  • Patent number: 8097026
    Abstract: A retraction device comprises at least one retracting blade and a pedicle screw. The retracting blade has a distal end having at least one projection with a passage for engaging a retention pin. The pedicle screw has a threaded body and a movable head. The movable head has at least one recess with a channel that can be aligned with the passage of the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventor: Josef Gorek
  • Publication number: 20110230918
    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: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Scott Jones
  • Publication number: 20110230920
    Abstract: A bone engaging assembly includes first second bone engaging members. The first bone engaging member defines a first axis and has a first head and a first shaft. The first head defines one or more apertures therethrough. In embodiments, the first head defines a driver interface. The driver interface is defined within the first head and is configured to engage a driving instrument. In one embodiment, the first head includes a post extending from the first head that is configured to engage a rod coupling member. The second bone engaging member defines a second axis. The second bone engaging member defines a second head and a second shaft. The first axis of the first bone engaging member and the second axis of the second bone engaging member define an angle therebetween when the second bone engaging member is positioned within the one or more apertures of the first head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: K2M, INC.
    Inventors: Josef GOREK, Scott JONES
  • Publication number: 20110209821
    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: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: K2M, INC.
    Inventor: Josef Gorek
  • Publication number: 20110184470
    Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes a first bone screw, second bone screw, and a coupler. The first bone screw defines a first axis and the second bone screw defines a second axis. The coupler is operably associated with the first bone screw and the second bone screw. The coupler is adapted to mount the first bone screw and the second bone screw to adjacent bone structures. The first axis of the first bone screw and the second axis of the second bone screw define an angle therebetween. The first bone screw and the second bone screw are securable to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: K2M, INC.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Scott Jones
  • Publication number: 20110054259
    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: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, John Kostuik, George Picetti, Kevin R. Strauss, Mike Barrus, Larry McClintock, Richard W. Woods
  • Publication number: 20100312103
    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: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Eric Finley, Albert C. Kim, Jeff Barnes, Rick Eis
  • Patent number: 7846093
    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: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, John Kostuik, George Picetti, Kevin R. Strauss, Mike Barrus, Larry McClintock, Richard W. Woods
  • Publication number: 20100036384
    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 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Josef Gorek, Thomas U. Scholl, Eric Finley, Albert C. Kim, Martin Herman