Patents by Inventor Ketchen Smith

Ketchen Smith 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: 11911284
    Abstract: A curved expandable interbody device for placement between vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure, and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the curved expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae and actuating the screw mechanism, wherein the deployment tool can lock to the curved expandable interbody device and pivot relative to the curved expandable interbody device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin Huh, Jason Blain, Taylor Semingson, Nicholas Chen, Ketchen Smith, David Ortiz, Geoffrey Toon, Morton Albert
  • Patent number: 11478275
    Abstract: A flexible fastening band connector can comprises a recess to receive a distal end portion of a flexible fastening band and lumen to receive the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band. The lumen guides the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band toward a fastening mechanism. The flexible fastening band connector can comprise an opening to receive a spinal rod. In operation, the spinal rod is coupled to additional devices to secure the spinal rod to portions of one or more vertebra. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed connector is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventors: Ketchen Smith, Gregory Martin
  • Publication number: 20220151659
    Abstract: A flexible fastening band connector can comprises a recess to receive a distal end portion of a flexible fastening band and lumen to receive the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band. The lumen guides the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band toward a fastening mechanism. The flexible fastening band connector can comprise an opening to receive a spinal rod. In operation, the spinal rod is coupled to additional devices to secure the spinal rod to portions of one or more vertebra. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed connector is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Ketchen Smith, Gregory Martin
  • Publication number: 20220151800
    Abstract: A curved expandable interbody device for placement between vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure, and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the curved expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae and actuating the screw mechanism, wherein the deployment tool can lock to the curved expandable interbody device and pivot relative to the curved expandable interbody device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Edwin Huh, Jason Blain, Taylor Semingson, Nicholas Chen, Ketchen Smith, David Ortiz, Geoffrey Toon, Morton Albert
  • Patent number: 11224461
    Abstract: A flexible fastening band connector can comprises a recess to receive a distal end portion of a flexible fastening band and lumen to receive the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band. The lumen guides the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band toward a fastening mechanism. The flexible fastening band connector can comprise an opening to receive a spinal rod. In operation, the spinal rod is coupled to additional devices to secure the spinal rod to portions of one or more vertebra. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed connector is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventors: Ketchen Smith, Greg Martin
  • Patent number: 10932826
    Abstract: The tool and surgical kit are configured to facilitate in-situ reattachment of a screw extender to screw is provided. The surgical kit includes a screw extender, a screw assembly and a tool. The screw extender has a channel extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the screw extender. The screw assembly includes a screw and a set screw. The screw includes a threaded shaft and a head having a pair of sidewalls spaced apart from each. The interior surface of the sidewalls is threaded. The tool includes a first and a second removable shaft, the distal ends of which are configured to respectively engage the screw and the set screw. The tool includes a main shaft, a handle and a hollow housing. The main shaft is configured to fit through the channel, and the hollow housing is configured to receive the screw extender housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Clark Hutton, Ketchen Smith
  • Patent number: 10335209
    Abstract: A rod inserter tool for inserting a rod into a surgical site, and a rod inserter tool assembly is provided. The tool includes a handle disposed at a proximal end of a shaft. An interior rod actuates the rod so as to rotate the rod generally 90 degrees. In one embodiment, the rod inserter tool includes a rack-and-pinion mechanism that is configured to slide out of the shaft and to rotate the rod about an axis orthogonal to the shaft. In another embodiment, the interior rod is rotatably coupled to the rod so as to rotate the rod when driven axially. In one embodiment, the handle is threaded to an interior of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Clark Hutton, Ketchen Smith
  • Patent number: 9913664
    Abstract: A spinal screw assembly adapted to be secured to a vertebrae for providing securement across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a substantially spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion, and an engagement surface in the head portion for driving said screw into the vertebrae, and a body member comprising a tower portion having an open top, a break-away section for manipulation of the screw upon implantation into the vertebrae, a base body at a proximal region of the body member and a break zone which acts as a transition between the base body and the tower portion. A resealably securable setscrew within the body member secures and fully contains the rod within said assembly. The break-away section remains completely outside a wound and is removed or broken off once the screw has been fully assembled inside the vertebrae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Clark Hutton, Ketchen Smith, Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski
  • Patent number: 9888945
    Abstract: An exemplary system for correcting a spinal deformity includes a plurality of transverse rods, a longitudinal rod, and at least one node. The plurality of transverse rods each includes a first end for coupling with an extension member of a spinal fixation system and a second end. The longitudinal rod extends transverse to the transverse rods. The at least one node receives the second ends of first and second transverse rods and the longitudinal rod within a receiving portion and an adjustment member selectively secures the second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Carmen Walters, Ketchen Smith, Benjamin Walter Wang
  • Publication number: 20170281232
    Abstract: A flexible fastening band connector can comprises a recess to receive a distal end portion of a flexible fastening band and lumen to receive the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band. The lumen guides the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band toward a fastening mechanism. The flexible fastening band connector can comprise an opening to receive a spinal rod. In operation, the spinal rod is coupled to additional devices to secure the spinal rod to portions of one or more vertebra. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed connector is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Ketchen Smith, Greg Martin
  • Publication number: 20170189072
    Abstract: An exemplary system for correcting a spinal deformity includes a plurality of transverse rods, a longitudinal rod, and at least one node. The plurality of transverse rods each includes a first end for coupling with an extension member of a spinal fixation system and a second end. The longitudinal rod extends transverse to the transverse rods. The at least one node receives the second ends of first and second transverse rods and the longitudinal rod within a receiving portion and an adjustment member selectively secures the second ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Carmen Walters, Ketchen Smith, Benjamin Walter Wang
  • Publication number: 20170143384
    Abstract: A rod inserter tool for inserting a rod into a surgical site, and a rod inserter tool assembly is provided. The tool includes a handle disposed at a proximal end of a shaft. An interior rod actuates the rod so as to rotate the rod generally 90 degrees. In one embodiment, the rod inserter tool includes a rack-and-pinion mechanism that is configured to slide out of the shaft and to rotate the rod about an axis orthogonal to the shaft. In another embodiment, the interior rod is rotatably coupled to the rod so as to rotate the rod when driven axially. In one embodiment, the handle is threaded to an interior of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Clark Hutton, Ketchen Smith
  • Publication number: 20170095272
    Abstract: The tool and surgical kit are configured to facilitate in-situ reattachment of a screw extender to screw is provided. The surgical kit includes a screw extender, a screw assembly and a tool. The screw extender has a channel extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the screw extender. The screw assembly includes a screw and a set screw. The screw includes a threaded shaft and a head having a pair of sidewalls spaced apart from each. The interior surface of the sidewalls is threaded. The tool includes a first and a second removable shaft, the distal ends of which are configured to respectively engage the screw and the set screw. The tool includes a main shaft, a handle and a hollow housing. The main shaft is configured to fit through the channel, and the hollow housing is configured to receive the screw extender housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Clark Hutton, Ketchen Smith
  • Publication number: 20170086884
    Abstract: A nested dilation tube assembly for enabling implantation of a spinal screw assembly into a vertebrae is provided. The dilation tube assembly includes a plurality of dilation tubes. Each dilation tube includes an elongated cylindrical shaft with an outer diameter slightly larger than a preceding dilation tube. After being inserting into a body, the plurality of dilation tubes form a nested, concentric assembly enabling an opening placed in the spinal area and/or vertebrae to be enlarged up to the outer diameter of a last dilation tube. The inner dilation tubes are capable of being removed from outer dilation tubes such that the inner diameter of an inner most remaining dilation tube forms a space for receiving instruments and/or assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Clark Hutton, Ketchen Smith, Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski
  • Patent number: 9585702
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system, method, and a surgical kit having a surgical extender apparatus for implanting a surgical screw are disclosed. The extender includes a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a hollow interior passageway disposed between the distal end and the proximal end, a channel disposed along an exterior surface of the housing at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end and configured to at least partially expose the hollow interior passageway, an interior locking mechanism disposed on an interior surface of the housing and substantially adjacent the proximal end, wherein the interior locking mechanism is configured to allow attachment of at least one surgical tool, and at least one flexible member disposed substantially adjacent the distal end. The housing is configured to accommodate placement of a surgical screw implant. The surgical screw implant is secured to the housing using a mating feature in the surgical screw implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Clark Hutton, Ketchen Smith
  • Patent number: 9545271
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system, method, and a surgical kit having a surgical extender apparatus for implanting a surgical screw are disclosed. The extender includes a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a hollow interior passageway disposed between the distal end and the proximal end, a channel disposed along an exterior surface of the housing at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end and configured to at least partially expose the hollow interior passageway, an interior locking mechanism disposed on an interior surface of the housing and substantially adjacent the proximal end, wherein the interior locking mechanism is configured to allow attachment of at least one surgical tool, and at least one flexible member disposed substantially adjacent the distal end. The housing is configured to accommodate placement of a surgical screw implant. The surgical screw implant is secured to the housing using a mating feature in the surgical screw implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Clark Hutton, Ketchen Smith
  • Patent number: 9539036
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system, method, and a surgical kit having a surgical extender apparatus for implanting a surgical screw are disclosed. The extender includes a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a hollow interior passageway disposed between the distal end and the proximal end, a channel disposed along an exterior surface of the housing at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end and configured to at least partially expose the hollow interior passageway, an interior locking mechanism disposed on an interior surface of the housing and substantially adjacent the proximal end, wherein the interior locking mechanism is configured to allow attachment of at least one surgical tool, and at least one flexible member disposed substantially adjacent the distal end. The housing is configured to accommodate placement of a surgical screw implant. The surgical screw implant is secured to the housing using a mating feature in the surgical screw implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Clark Hutton, Ketchen Smith
  • Patent number: 9320550
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system, method, and a surgical kit having a surgical extender apparatus for implanting a surgical screw are disclosed. The extender includes a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a hollow interior passageway disposed between the distal end and the proximal end, a channel disposed along an exterior surface of the housing at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end and configured to at least partially expose the hollow interior passageway, an interior locking mechanism disposed on an interior surface of the housing and substantially adjacent the proximal end, wherein the interior locking mechanism is configured to allow attachment of at least one surgical tool, and at least one flexible member disposed substantially adjacent the distal end. The housing is configured to accommodate placement of a surgical screw implant. The surgical screw implant is secured to the housing using a mating feature in the surgical screw implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Clark Hutton, Ketchen Smith
  • Publication number: 20160015427
    Abstract: An exemplary system for correcting a spinal deformity includes a plurality of transverse rods, a longitudinal rod, and at least one node. The plurality of transverse rods each includes a first end for coupling with an extension member of a spinal fixation system and a second end. The longitudinal rod extends transverse to the transverse rods. The at least one node receives the second ends of first and second transverse rods and the longitudinal rod within a receiving portion and an adjustment member selectively secures the second ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Carmen Walters, Ketchen Smith, Benjamin Walter Wang
  • Patent number: 9060825
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system, method, and a surgical kit having a surgical extender apparatus for implanting a surgical screw are disclosed. The extender includes a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a hollow interior passageway disposed between the distal end and the proximal end, a channel disposed along an exterior surface of the housing at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end and configured to at least partially expose the hollow interior passageway, an interior locking mechanism disposed on an interior surface of the housing and substantially adjacent the proximal end, wherein the interior locking mechanism is configured to allow attachment of at least one surgical tool, and at least one flexible member disposed substantially adjacent the distal end. The housing is configured to accommodate placement of a surgical screw implant. The surgical screw implant is secured to the housing using a mating feature in the surgical screw implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: ALPHATEC SPINE, INC
    Inventors: Clark Hutton, Ketchen Smith