Patents by Inventor Michael A. Slivka
Michael A. Slivka 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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Patent number: 8273086Abstract: Methods and devices for treating spinal deformities are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a low-profile spinal anchoring device is provided for receiving a spinal fixation element, such as a tether, therethrough. The device generally includes a staple body that is adapted to seat a spinal fixation element, a fastening element for fixing the staple body to bone, and a locking assembly for coupling a spinal fixation element to the staple body. In one embodiment, the locking assembly includes a washer that is adapted to couple to the staple body such that the spinal fixation is disposed therebetween, and a locking nut that is adapted to engage the staple body to mate the washer to the staple body.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Hassan A. Serhan, Michael A. Slivka, Mathew Hannen, Peter Newton, Michael Nilsson
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Patent number: 8267970Abstract: Various devices and methods are provided for spinal augmentation. In particular, the device can includes a connector element having a superior portion and an inferior portion that is adapted to support adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae and a first superior seating member and a second superior seating member associated with the connector element. The first seating member can be adapted to receive a portion of a lamina of the superior vertebra and the second seating member can be adapted to receive a portion of the lamina of the inferior vertebra. The device can have a variety of configurations, including the connector element and the first and second seating members being unitary and the first and second seating members being separately secured to the connector element.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Hassan A. Serhan, Michael A. Slivka
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Publication number: 20120143339Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for expanding a spinal canal. An implantable device having a shaft with a first cross-sectional dimension distinct from a second cross-sectional dimension can be inserted into an opening in a lamina and rotated 90 degrees to hinge the lamina away from the spinal canal. The implant can have one or more radiused edges, a bulleted tip, one or more lateral extensions for fastening the implantable device to bone, one or more hinged lateral extensions, one or more arcuate protrusions for biting into adjacent bone, an enlarged proximal head to prevent over-insertion, and/or a sleeve disposed therearound to reduce friction. Various embodiments of an insertion apparatus that can be selectively coupled to the implantable device are also disclosed, along with methods of expanding a spinal canal in minimally-invasive procedures using an implantable device and/or an insertion apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: DEPUY SPINE, INC.Inventors: John C. Voellmicke, Michael A. Slivka, Michael A. Fisher
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Patent number: 8133280Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for expanding a spinal canal. An implantable device having a shaft with a first cross-sectional dimension distinct from a second cross-sectional dimension can be inserted into an opening in a lamina and rotated 90 degrees to hinge the lamina away from the spinal canal. The implant can have one or more radiused edges, a bulleted tip, one or more lateral extensions for fastening the implantable device to bone, one or more hinged lateral extensions, one or more arcuate protrusions for biting into adjacent bone, an enlarged proximal head to prevent over-insertion, and/or a sleeve disposed therearound to reduce friction. Various embodiments of an insertion apparatus that can be selectively coupled to the implantable device are also disclosed, along with methods of expanding a spinal canal in minimally-invasive procedures using an implantable device and/or an insertion apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: John C. Voellmicke, Michael A. Slivka, Michael A. Fisher
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Patent number: 8123749Abstract: Methods and devices for treating spinal deformities are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a low-profile spinal anchoring device is provided for receiving a spinal fixation element, such as a tether, therethrough. The device generally includes a staple body that is adapted to seat a spinal fixation element, a fastening element for fixing the staple body to bone, and a locking assembly for coupling a spinal fixation element to the staple body. In one embodiment, the locking assembly includes a washer that is adapted to couple to the staple body such that the spinal fixation is disposed therebetween, and a locking nut that is adapted to engage the staple body to mate the washer to the staple body.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Hassan A. Serhan, Michael A. Slivka, Mathew Hannen, Peter Newton, Michael Nilsson
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Patent number: 8097037Abstract: Method and devices are provided for correction of spinal deformities. The methods and devices are particularly useful for correcting an abnormal curvature of the spine. In one exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices provide a spinal implant that can include a wedged-shape configuration. The wedged implant can be interposed between adjacent vertebrae that form part of an abnormal spinal curvature, thereby realigning the vertebrae and restoring the normal curvature to the spine.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Hassan A. Serhan, Michael A. Slivka
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Publication number: 20110319940Abstract: Methods and devices that utilize segmental fixation between several adjacent vertebrae, thus allowing each vertebrae to be adjusted independently, are provided. In general, the device includes a spinal anchoring element that is adapted to seat at least one spinal fixation element, and a closure mechanism that is adapted to mate to the spinal anchoring element to lock the at least one spinal fixation element in a fixed position relative to the spinal anchoring element.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: DEPUY SPINE, INC.Inventors: Michael A. Slivka, Hassan A. Serhan
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Patent number: 8034085Abstract: Methods and devices that utilize segmental fixation between several adjacent vertebrae, thus allowing each vertebrae to be adjusted independently, are provided. In general, the device includes a spinal anchoring element that is adapted to seat at least one spinal fixation element, and a closure mechanism that is adapted to mate to the spinal anchoring element to lock the at least one spinal fixation element in a fixed position relative to the spinal anchoring element.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Slivka, Hassan A. Serhan
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Publication number: 20110077688Abstract: Spinal anchoring methods and devices are provided that are effective to correct spinal deformities while allowing some flexibility to the spinal. In particular, the methods and devices allow a spinal fixation element to mate to several adjacent vertebrae to maintain the vertebrae at a fixed distance relative to one another, yet to allow the orientation of each vertebrae relative to the fixation element to adjust as the orientation of the patient's spine changes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: DEPUY SPINE, INC.Inventors: Michael A. Slivka, Hassan A. Serhan, Peter Newton
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Patent number: 7909826Abstract: Methods and devices for treating spinal deformities are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a low-profile spinal anchoring device is provided for receiving a spinal fixation element, such as a tether, therethrough. The device generally includes a staple body that is adapted to seat a spinal fixation element, a fastening element for fixing the staple body to bone, and a locking assembly for coupling a spinal fixation element to the staple body. In one embodiment, the locking assembly includes a washer that is adapted to couple to the staple body such that the spinal fixation is disposed therebetween, and a locking nut that is adapted to engage the staple body to mate the washer to the staple body.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Hassan A. Serhan, Michael A. Slivka, Mathew Hannen, Peter Newton, Michael Nilsson
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Patent number: 7901435Abstract: Spinal anchoring methods and devices are provided that are effective to correct spinal deformities while allowing some flexibility to the spine. In particular, the methods and devices allow a spinal fixation element to mate to several adjacent vertebrae to maintain the vertebrae at a fixed distance relative to one another, yet to allow the orientation of each vertebrae relative to the fixation element to adjust as the orientation of the patient's spine changes.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Depuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Slivka, Hassan A. Serhan, Peter Newton
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Patent number: 7879102Abstract: A minimally invasive spinal disc defect repair method is disclosed. The method relates to insertion of disc defect repair materials that are substantially two-dimensionally shaped and which allow for insertion and preferably self retention within the disc defect with plugging of the annulus fibrosis.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Depuy Acromed, Inc.Inventors: Michael Slivka, Hassan Serhan
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Publication number: 20100249935Abstract: An interbody fusion cage having upper and lower canals for receiving the heads of bone screws that have been pre-installed in opposing vertebral body endplates. The proximal wall of the cage preferably has a vertical slot that communicates with each canal and is adapted to allow access by a screwdriver and tightening of the screws.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2009Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventors: Michael A. Slivka, Alexander Grinberg, John Voellmicke, John Riley Hawkins
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Publication number: 20100241165Abstract: A vertebra implant is provided that includes an elongate body with a first end configured to mate the first end to a first location on a vertebra, and a second end having at least one fastener configured to mate the second end to a second location on a vertebra. The elongate body also includes a deformable portion extending between the first and second ends that has an unexpanded configuration in which the deformable portion is configured to allow a tool to cut bone extending between the first and second ends when the first and second ends are mated to first and second locations on a vertebra, and an expanded configuration in which the deformable portion is deformed to increase a distance between the first and second ends such that a gap is created in the cut bone. The deformable portion is configured to maintain the first and second ends at a fixed distance apart when the deformable portion is in the expanded configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2009Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: David D. Konieczynski, John R. Hawkins, Michael A. Slivka, Ed Zalenski, Jayson S. Page, Michael Mazzuca, Michael Jacene
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Publication number: 20100179578Abstract: A spinal disc preparation tool is provided that includes an elongate shaft having an inner lumen extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis between proximal and distal ends thereof. A lower jaw is located on a distal end of the elongate shaft for receiving tissue and delivering tissue to the inner lumen, and an upper jaw is pivotally movable relative to the lower jaw. The tool can include various features to facilitate removal and/or collection of tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2009Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: DEPUY SPINE, INC.Inventors: Tony Tannoury, Michael O'Neil, Hassan A. Serhan, Anwar M. Upal, Michael A. Slivka, John Riley Hawkins
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Publication number: 20100161056Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for expanding a spinal canal. An implantable device having a shaft with a first cross-sectional dimension distinct from a second cross-sectional dimension can be inserted into an opening in a lamina and rotated 90 degrees to hinge the lamina away from the spinal canal. The implant can have one or more radiused edges, a bulleted tip, one or more lateral extensions for fastening the implantable device to bone, one or more hinged lateral extensions, one or more arcuate protrusions for biting into adjacent bone, an enlarged proximal head to prevent over-insertion, and/or a sleeve disposed therearound to reduce friction. Various embodiments of an insertion apparatus that can be selectively coupled to the implantable device are also disclosed, along with methods of expanding a spinal canal in minimally-invasive procedures using an implantable device and/or an insertion apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: John C. Voellmicke, Michael A. Slivka, Michael A. Fisher
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Publication number: 20100106195Abstract: Methods and devices for treating spinal deformities are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a low-profile spinal anchoring device is provided for receiving a spinal fixation element, such as a tether, therethrough. The device generally includes a staple body that is adapted to seat a spinal fixation element, a fastening element for fixing the staple body to bone, and a locking assembly for coupling a spinal fixation element to the staple body. In one embodiment, the locking assembly includes a washer that is adapted to couple to the staple body such that the spinal fixation is disposed therebetween, and a locking nut that is adapted to engage the staple body to mate the washer to the staple body.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: DEPUY SPINE, INC.Inventors: Hassan A. Serhan, Michael A. Slivka, Mathew Hannen, Peter Newton, Michael Nilsson
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Patent number: 7655010Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device includes a body having a proximal portion along a major axis of the body and a distal portion along the major axis, and supporting means at the distal portion. The supporting means supports vertebrae in a distracted position while the vertebrae fuse. At least one of the body and the supporting means has a height distinct from a width, whereby the body or supporting means can distract vertebrae, between which the body or the supporting means has been placed, by rotation of the body or the supporting means about the major axis. A method of fusing vertebrae includes the steps of inserting between two vertebrae an intervertebral fusion device and rotating the body or the supporting means, whereby the vertebrae are supported in a distracted position while the vertebrae fuse.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Hassan Serhan, Michael Slivka, Thomas M. DiMauro
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Publication number: 20090163955Abstract: A spinal pedicle rod comprising an internally reinforced polymeric core that is at least partially encased within at least one polymeric coating.A dynamic stabilization device for bones in which flexible rods are combined with a pair of dynamic anchoring devices comprising i) a shank for anchoring into a bone or a vertebra, ii) a head connected to the shank, iii) a receiving part for the head and iv) a mobile element acting on the head.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: Missoum Moumene, Jonathan Fanger, Charles M. Bartish, JR., Michael J. O'Neil, Anwar Upal, Stephen Connolly, John Riley Hawkins, Michael A. Slivka
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Patent number: 7524335Abstract: A fiber-reinforced, polymeric implant material useful for tissue engineering, and method of making same are provided. The fibers are preferably aligned predominantly parallel to each other, but may also be aligned in a single plane. The implant material comprises a polymeric matrix, preferably a biodegradable matrix, having fibers substantially uniformly distributed therein. Inorganic particles may also be included in the implant material. In preferred embodiments, porous tissue scaffolds are provided which facilitate regeneration of load-bearing tissues such as articular cartilage and bone. Non-porous fiber-reinforced implant materials are also provided herein useful as permanent implants for load-bearing sites.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Slivka, Gabriele G. Niederauer, Kristine Kieswetter, Neil C. Leatherbury