Patents by Inventor Joseph C. Cauthen

Joseph C. Cauthen 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: 7993405
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for annulus disc repair. The methods and devices are particularly suited to the repair and/or reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, with reduced failure rate as compared to conventional surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Anulex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Cauthen, III, Matthew M. Burns, Lawrence W. Wales, Brian L. Dukart, Bradley J. Wessman, Rodney L. Houfburg, Paul Burmeister
  • Patent number: 7985257
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for annulus disc repair with and without the use of a patch or stent. The methods and devices are particularly suited to the repair and/or reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, with reduced failure rate as compared to conventional surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Anulex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Cauthen, III, Matthew M. Burns, Lawrence W. Wales, Brian L. Dukart, Bradley J. Wessman, Rodney L. Houfburg, Paul Burmeister
  • Patent number: 7963992
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ an expandable treatment device which is deployed at least partially in the subannular space. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which help to secure the treatment device in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Anulex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Cauthen, III, Matthew M. Burns, Lawrence W. Wales, Brian L. Dukart, Bradley J. Wessman, Rodney L. Houfburg, Ishmael Bentley
  • Patent number: 7951201
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices employ a fixation device delivery tool having a curved body portion. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed for placement in intervertebral disc tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Anulex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Cauthen, Matthew M. Burns, Lawrence W. Wales, Rodney L. Houfburg, Joseph D. Farrell
  • Patent number: 7922768
    Abstract: A spinal disc annulus repair device for repair and reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, which may incorporate suture closure or other means of stent insertion and fixation, designed to reduce the failure rate of conventional surgical procedures on the spinal discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Anulex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Cauthen, III, Matthew M. Burns, Thomas R. Hektner, Paul Burmeister, Lawrence W. Wales, Daniel O. Adams, Rodney L. Houfburg
  • Patent number: 7909879
    Abstract: A device for repair and reconstruction of the spinal intervertebral disc wall, or annulus fibrosus, after surgical incision or pathologic rupture, which is inserted through an aperture into the disc. The device can be affixed to surrounding tissue employing a variety of means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Anulex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Cauthen
  • Patent number: 7846208
    Abstract: A spinal disc annulus repair stent for repair and reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, which may incorporate suture closure or other means of stent insertion and fixation, designed to reduce the failure rate of conventional surgical procedures on the spinal discs. In an illustrative embodiment, the design of the spinal disc annulus stent advantageously allows ingrowth of normal cells of healing in an enhanced fashion strengthening the normal reparative process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Anulex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Cauthen, III, Matthew M. Burns, Lawrence W. Wales, Brian L. Dukart, Bradley J. Wessman, Rodney L. Houfburg
  • Patent number: 7828850
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for annulus disc repair with and without the use of a patch or stent. The methods and devices are particularly suited to the repair and/or reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, with reduced failure rate as compared to conventional surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Anulex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Cauthen, III, Matthew M. Burns, Lawrence W. Wales, Brian L. Dukart, Bradley J. Wessman, Rodney L. Houfburg, Paul Burmeister
  • Patent number: 7776096
    Abstract: A stent, or device for repair and reconstruction of the spinal disc wall, or annulus fibrosus, after surgical incision or pathologic rupture, which is inserted through an aperture into the subannular space. The stent has radial extensions which are caused or allowed to expand into an expanded configuration to bridge the aperture. The stent thereby occludes the defective region from the inside of the vertebral disc and prevents the migration of nucleus pulposus therethrough, while also providing a scaffold for tissue growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Anulex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Cauthen
  • Patent number: 7749273
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ an expandable treatment device which is deployed at least partially in the subannular space. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which help to secure the treatment device in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Anulex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Cauthen, III, Matthew M. Burns, Lawrence W. Wales, Brian L. Dukart, Bradley J. Wessman, Rodney L. Houfburg, Ishmael Bentley
  • Publication number: 20100094425
    Abstract: This disclosure presents methods and devices for treating a tear, rent, incision, defect, aperture or delamination of the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ fixation delivery apparatuses, fixation apparatuses, patch delivery tools and patches positioned, at least in part, in or on aspects of an intervertebral disc for treatment of the intervertebral disc or its components. In some aspects, these techniques include the use of this includes a fixation apparatus that includes at least one bone anchor connected to at least one disc anchor by a shortenable elongate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Anulex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ishmael Bentley, Matthew M. Burns, Joseph C. Cauthen, III, Brian L. Dukart, Rodney L. Houfburg, Lawrence W. Wales, Bradley J. Wessman
  • Patent number: 7670379
    Abstract: A stent, or device for repair and reconstruction of the spinal disc wall, or annulus fibrosus, after surgical incision or pathologic rupture, which is inserted through an aperture into the subannular space. The stent has radial extensions which are caused or allowed to expand into an expanded configuration to bridge the aperture. The stent thereby occludes the defective region from the inside of the vertebral disc and prevents the migration of nucleus pulposus therethrough, while also providing a scaffold for tissue growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Anulex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Cauthen
  • Patent number: 7670380
    Abstract: A stent, or device for repair and reconstruction of the spinal disc wall, or annulus fibrosus, after surgical incision or pathologic rupture, which is inserted through an aperture into the subannular space. The stent has radial extensions which are caused or allowed to expand into an expanded configuration to bridge the aperture. The stent thereby occludes the defective region from the inside of the vertebral disc and prevents the migration of nucleus pulposus therethrough, while also providing a scaffold for tissue growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Anulex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Cauthen, III
  • Patent number: 7615076
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ an expandable treatment device which is deployed at least partially in the subannular space. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which help to secure the treatment device in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Anulex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Cauthen, III, Matthew M. Burns, Lawrence W. Wales, Brian L. Dukart, Bradley J. Wessman, Rodney L. Houfburg, Ishmael Bentley
  • Publication number: 20090259260
    Abstract: This disclosure presents methods and devices for treating a tear, rent, incision, defect, aperture or delamination of the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ fixation delivery apparatuses, fixation apparatuses, patch delivery tools and patches positioned, at least in part, in or on aspects of an intervertebral disc for treatment of the intervertebral disc or its components. In some aspects, these techniques include the use of this includes a fixation apparatus that includes at least one bone anchor connected to at least one disc anchor by a shortenable elongate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: ANULEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: ISHMAEL BENTLEY, MATTHEW M. BURNS, JOSEPH C. CAUTHEN, III, BRIAN L. DUKART, RODNEY L. HOUFBURG, LAWRENCE W. WALES, BRADLEY J. WESSMAN
  • Publication number: 20090157184
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ an expandable treatment device which is deployed at least partially in the subannular space. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which help to secure the treatment device in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph C. Cauthen III, Matthew M. Burns, Lawrence W. Wales, Brian L. Dukart, Bradley J. Wessman, Rodney L. Houfburg, Ishmael Bentley
  • Publication number: 20090036989
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ an expandable treatment device which is deployed at least partially in the subannular space. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which help to secure the treatment device in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph C. Cauthen III, Mathew M. Burns, Lawrence W. Wales, Brian L. Dukart, Bradley J. Wessman, Rodney L. Houfburg, Ishmael Bentley
  • Publication number: 20090036937
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ an expandable treatment device which is deployed at least partially in the subannular space. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which help to secure the treatment device in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph C. Cauthen, III, Matthew M. Burns, Lawrence W. Wales, Brian L. Dukart, Bradley J. Wessman, Rodney L. Houfburg, Ishmael Bentley
  • Publication number: 20090036990
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ an expandable treatment device which is deployed at least partially in the subannular space. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which help to secure the treatment device in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph C. CAUTHEN, III, Matthew M. BURNS, Lawrence W. WALES, Brian L. DUKART, Bradley J. WESSMAN, Rodney L. HOUFBURG, Ishmael BENTLEY
  • Publication number: 20090030522
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ an expandable treatment device which is deployed at least partially in the subannular space. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which help to secure the treatment device in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph C. Cauthen, III, Matthew M. Burns, Lawrence W. Wales, Brian L. Dukart, Bradley J. Wessman, Rodney L. Houfburg, Ishmael Bentley