Patents by Inventor Laurent B. Schaller
Laurent B. Schaller 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).
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Publication number: 20230414263Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member at least partially inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. At least one of the first and second elongated members may be formed of a flexible core member with a plurality of rigid veneer members spaced along the length of the core member. At least one of the elongated members may include a shaping member that automatically moves from a generally linear configuration to a generally less linear configuration. A deployment catheter may include a deformable distal end to allow augmentation of the tissue distraction device during implantation. An injection aid may be provided for introducing a filler material into an interior defined by a deployed tissue distraction device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2023Publication date: December 28, 2023Inventors: Patricia McHale, James K. Lee, Douglas M. Lorang, Laurent B. Schaller, Sandeep Kunwar, Richard G. Fessler, Frederick Serrahsu, Helson Pacheco-Serrant
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Patent number: 11771483Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accessing and repairing a vertebral disc include a pad with a central cut-out mounted to the skin of a patient or, alternatively, a pedicle-mounted support. An incision is made and then a corridor is created using an elongated guide and a series of dilating tubes. An access to the disc space is created through the superior articular process and the facet joint using the corridor defined by the dilating tubes. Nucleus material is removed from the disc space and the vertebral endplates are prepared. The disc space may be sized to select a suitable implant, which is advanced through the corridor and into the disc space following discectomy and endplate preparation. Bone graft material may be inserted into the disc space following installation of the implant and then posterior rigid fixation may be achieved using percutaneous pedicle screws, followed by closure of the site.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2020Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.Inventors: Joshua M. Ammerman, Laurent B. Schaller, Douglas M. Lorang, Ricardo J. Simmons, Timothy J. McGrath
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Patent number: 11583327Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member at least partially inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. At least one of the first and second elongated members may be formed of a flexible core member with a plurality of rigid veneer members spaced along the length of the core member. At least one of the elongated members may include a shaping member that automatically moves from a generally linear configuration to a generally less linear configuration. A deployment catheter may include a deformable distal end to allow augmentation of the tissue distraction device during implantation. An injection aid may be provided for introducing a filler material into an interior defined by a deployed tissue distraction device.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2019Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.Inventors: Patricia McHale, James K. Lee, Douglas M. Lorang, Laurent B. Schaller, Sandeep Kunwar, Richard G. Fessler, Frederick Serrahsu, Helson Pacheco-Serrant
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Publication number: 20230051745Abstract: Articulated instruments that include tools for disrupting and/or distracting tissue, and methods of using the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: Helson Pacheco-Serrant, Justin Taber, Douglas M. Lorang, Laurent B. Schaller, Patricia McHale, Michael Baldwin, Richard G. Fessler, Joshua M. Ammerman
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Patent number: 11471145Abstract: Articulated instruments that include tools for disrupting and/or distracting tissue, and methods of using the same.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2020Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.Inventors: Helson Pacheco-Serrant, Justin Taber, Douglas M. Lorang, Laurent B. Schaller, Patricia McHale, Michael Baldwin, Richard G. Fessler, Joshua M. Ammerman
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Publication number: 20220110650Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2021Publication date: April 14, 2022Inventors: Andrew Huffmaster, Jeffrey L. Emery, Ricardo J. Simmons, Douglas M. Lorang, Jeffrey A. Doelling, Russell Borg, Laurent B. Schaller, Ebrahim M. Quddus, Sandeep Kunwar, James K. Lee, Timothy J. McGrath
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Patent number: 11224453Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2019Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Huffmaster, Jeffrey L. Emery, Ricardo J. Simmons, Douglas M. Lorang, Jeffrey A. Doelling, Russell Borg, Laurent B. Schaller, Ebrahim M. Quddus, Sandeep Kunwar, James K. Lee, Timothy J. McGrath
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Publication number: 20210169459Abstract: Articulated instruments that include tools for disrupting and/or distracting tissue, and methods of using the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2020Publication date: June 10, 2021Inventors: Helson PACHECO-SERRANT, Justin Taber, Douglas M. Lorang, Laurent B. Schaller, Patricia McHale, Michael Baldwin, Richard G. Fessler, Joshua M. Ammerman
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Publication number: 20210113252Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accessing and repairing a vertebral disc include a pad with a central cut-out mounted to the skin of a patient or, alternatively, a pedicle-mounted support. An incision is made and then a corridor is created using an elongated guide and a series of dilating tubes. An access to the disc space is created through the superior articular process and the facet joint using the corridor defined by the dilating tubes. Nucleus material is removed from the disc space and the vertebral endplates are prepared. The disc space may be sized to select a suitable implant, which is advanced through the corridor and into the disc space following discectomy and endplate preparation. Bone graft material may be inserted into the disc space following installation of the implant and then posterior rigid fixation may be achieved using percutaneous pedicle screws, followed by closure of the site.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2020Publication date: April 22, 2021Inventors: Joshua M. Ammerman, Laurent B. Schaller, Douglas M. Lorang, Ricardo J. Simmons, Timothy J. McGrath
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Publication number: 20200345401Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member at least partially inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. At least one of the first and second elongated members may be formed of a flexible core member with a plurality of rigid veneer members spaced along the length of the core member. At least one of the elongated members may include a shaping member that automatically moves from a generally linear configuration to a generally less linear configuration. A deployment catheter may include a deformable distal end to allow augmentation of the tissue distraction device during implantation. An injection aid may be provided for introducing a filler material into an interior defined by a deployed tissue distraction device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2019Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventors: Patricia McHale, James K. Lee, Douglas M. Lorang, Laurent B. Schaller, Sandeep Kunwar, Richard G. Fessler, Frederick Serrahsu, Helson Pacheco-Serrant
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Patent number: 10758286Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accessing and repairing a vertebral disc include a pad with a central cut-out mounted to the skin of a patient or, alternatively, a pedicle-mounted support. An incision is made and then a corridor is created using an elongated guide and a series of dilating tubes. An access to the disc space is created through the superior articular process and the facet joint using the corridor defined by the dilating tubes. Nucleus material is removed from the disc space and the vertebral endplates are prepared. The disc space may be sized to select a suitable implant, which is advanced through the corridor and into the disc space following discectomy and endplate preparation. Bone graft material may be inserted into the disc space following installation of the implant and then posterior rigid fixation may be achieved using percutaneous pedicle screws, followed by closure of the site.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Benvenue Medical, Inc.Inventors: Joshua M. Ammerman, Laurent B. Schaller, Douglas M. Lorang, Ricardo J. Simmons, Timothy J. McGrath
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Publication number: 20190216482Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Andrew Huffmaster, Jeffrey L. Emery, Ricardo J. Simmons, Douglas M. Lorang, Jeffrey A. Doelling, Russell Borg, Laurent B. Schaller, Ebrahim M. Quddus, Sandeep Kunwar, James K. Lee, Timothy J. McGrath
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Patent number: 10314605Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2015Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Benvenue Medical, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Huffmaster, Jeffrey L. Emery, Ricardo J. Simmons, Douglas M. Lorang, Jeffrey A. Doelling, Russell Borg, Laurent B. Schaller, Ebrahim M. Quddus, Sandeep Kunwar, James K. Lee, Timothy J. McGrath
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Publication number: 20180271574Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accessing and repairing a vertebral disc include a pad with a central cut-out mounted to the skin of a patient or, alternatively, a pedicle-mounted support. An incision is made and then a corridor is created using an elongated guide and a series of dilating tubes. An access to the disc space is created through the superior articular process and the facet joint using the corridor defined by the dilating tubes. Nucleus material is removed from the disc space and the vertebral endplates are prepared. The disc space may be sized to select a suitable implant, which is advanced through the corridor and into the disc space following discectomy and endplate preparation. Bone graft material may be inserted into the disc space following installation of the implant and then posterior rigid fixation may be achieved using percutaneous pedicle screws, followed by closure of the site.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2018Publication date: September 27, 2018Inventors: Joshua M. Ammerman, Laurent B. Schaller, Douglas M. Lorang, Ricardo J. Simmons, Timothy J. McGrath
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Publication number: 20160008141Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2015Publication date: January 14, 2016Inventors: Andrew Huffmaster, Jeffrey L. Emery, Ricardo J. Simmons, Douglas M. Lorang, Jeffrey A. Doelling, Russell Borg, Laurent B. Schaller, Ebrahim M. Quddus, Sandeep Kunwar, James K. Lee, Timothy J. McGrath
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Patent number: 9161773Abstract: Discectomy or disc preparation system that includes a guide member that is changeable from a deployment configuration for insertion into an intervertebral disc space to a deployed configuration upon being deployed into the intervertebral disc. The system also includes at least one tissue manipulator, such as cutting, scraping and extraction elements, that can be moved or tracked longitudinally along the guide member into and through the intervertebral disc space.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Benvenue Medical, Inc.Inventors: Laurent B. Schaller, Steven S Golden, Jeffrey L. Emery, James K Lee, Mark Y. Hirotsuka, Russell J. Borg
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Patent number: 8961609Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of separating, supporting or both separating and supporting layers of tissue in the human spine. Such methods generally comprise inserting at least one member between layers of tissue in the human spine and changing the configuration of the member to define a support structure between the tissue layers.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Benvenue Medical, Inc.Inventor: Laurent B. Schaller
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Publication number: 20140025171Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of separating, supporting or both separating and supporting layers of tissue in the human spine. Such methods generally comprise inserting at least one member between layers of tissue in the human spine and changing the configuration of the member to define a support structure between the tissue layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: Benvenue Medical, Inc.Inventor: Laurent B. Schaller
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Publication number: 20140012386Abstract: An apparatus for delivering an intravertebral implant into a vertebral body of a vertebra. The apparatus includes a cannula operatively connected to a housing wherein the cannula is adapted for insertion into the vertebral body. The housing includes a drive system for advancing a guide member through the cannula, out of a distal end opening of the cannula and into the vertebral body. Further, the drive system also selectively or simultaneously advances a pushing element that is adapted to push an intravertebral implant along the guide member so that the guide member guides the implant through the cannula, out of the distal end opening of the cannula and into the vertebral body for implantation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: Benvenue Medical, Inc.Inventors: Laurent B. Schaller, David S. Needleman, James K. Lee, Jeffrey L. Emery
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Patent number: 8535327Abstract: An apparatus for delivering an intravertebral implant into a vertebral body of a vertebra. The apparatus includes a cannula operatively connected to a housing wherein the cannula is adapted for insertion into the vertebral body. The housing includes a drive system for advancing a guide member through the cannula, out of a distal end opening of the cannula and into the vertebral body. Further, the drive system also selectively or simultaneously advances a pushing element that is adapted to push an intravertebral implant along the guide member so that the guide member guides the implant through the cannula, out of the distal end opening of the cannula and into the vertebral body for implantation.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Benvenue Medical, Inc.Inventors: Laurent B. Schaller, David S. Needleman, James K. Lee, Jeffrey L. Emery