Patents by Inventor Michael J. O'Neil

Michael J. O'Neil 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).

  • Expandable intervertebral tool system and method
    Patent number: 8137352
    Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for loosening of tissue. In one embodiment, an intervertebral tissue removal system includes at least one abrading member for abrading tissue in an area to be cleared and at least one expandable member operable to be expanded from a first condition to a second condition, wherein the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the second condition is greater than the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the first condition, the at least one expandable member operably connected to the at least one abrading member such that as the at least one expandable member expands from the first condition to the second condition, the at least one abrading member is moved from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Neil, Ramone A. Ruberte, Shawn D. Stad, John Riley Hawkins
  • Intra-facet fixation device and method of use
    Patent number: 8133261
    Abstract: A implantable interference device configured for intra-facet placement within a facet joint is provided. The device includes a shank capable of engaging opposing faces of the facet joint. The shank can further include a head extending from a proximal end of the shank wherein the head is configured to engage and/or buttress opposing faces of the joint, and also configured for preventing over-insertion of the device. Optionally, at least a portion of the shank can include or be formed of a fusion-promoting bioactive material. Further, a method for providing fixation of a facet joint by intra-facet placement of an interference device within the facet joint is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Alan Fisher, Hassan A. Serhan, Michael J. O'Neil
  • Disc nucleus removal devices and methods
    Patent number: 8109957
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for removing tissue. In one aspect, a device for removing tissue includes a hollow elongate member having an outer wall and a lumen, a selectively deployable tissue-cutting element extending from the hollow elongate member, and an actuation member extending through the lumen and coupled to the hollow elongate member at a location that is distal to the tissue-cutting element. Movement of the actuation member can cause the tissue-cutting element to move from the insertion configuration where the tissue-cutting element is not deployed to a tissue-cutting configuration where the tissue-cutting element is deployed such that it is radially extended relative to the insertion configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn D. Stad, John Riley Hawkins, Michael J. O'Neil
  • Instruments and Methods for Non-Parallel Disc Space Preparation
    Publication number: 20110319898
    Abstract: Flexible shavers and curved access ports that reduce access and trajectory problems associated with conventional lateral approaches to the lower spine. These devices and methods allow for preparing a disc space in the lower spine at an angle that is parallel to the disc space. Consequently, these devices and methods allow for preparing with less endplate damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Neil, Douglas Raymond, Jonathan Bellas, Derek Shaw
  • Multi-Segment Lateral Cage Adapted to Flex Substantially in the Coronal Plane
    Publication number: 20110320000
    Abstract: The present invention concerns several fusion devices and methods for laterally inserting a fusion device at an initial trajectory that is not parallel to the disc space. Each fusion device incorporates components that enable flexing, bending or pivoting of the device during its final approach to the prepared disc space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Neil, Douglas Raymond, Jonathan Bellas, Andrew Dooris, Alexander Grinberg, Derek Shaw
  • Flexible Vertebral Body Shavers
    Publication number: 20110319899
    Abstract: Several devices and methods for preparing the vertebral endplates while minimizing damage to the vertebral endplates. Each design incorporates flexible means to reduce endplate damage while enabling removal of the cartilage adhered to the endplate cortical bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Neil, Douglas Raymond, John Riley Hawkins
  • Enhanced Cage Insertion Device
    Publication number: 20110319995
    Abstract: A method of delivering a fusion cage to an intervertebral disc space bounded by adjacent vertebral endplates, comprising the step of delivering the fusion cage into the disc space without contacting its teeth to the vertebral endplates during delivery, wherein a sheath is interposed between a cage surface and the endplates to prevent contact therebetween during delivery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: John C. Voellmicke, Michael J. O'Neil, Derek Shaw, Alexander Grinberg
  • Universal Trial for Lateral Cages
    Publication number: 20110319998
    Abstract: A method of trialing an intervertebral disc space, comprising the steps of: a) creating the disc space, b) inserting a trial into the disc space, the trial having i) a distal head having an upper surface and a lower surface connected by a pair of side walls, the side walls defining planes, and ii) a proximal rod, wherein the head and rod form an obtuse angle, and wherein the rod extends through at least one of the planes defined by the side walls of the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Neil, Jonathan Bellas, Cody Cranson, Sheryl Frank, Michael Toto
  • Lateral Spondylolisthesis Reduction Cage
    Publication number: 20110319999
    Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device comprising inferior and superior fusion cage devices that provide an ability to correct spondylolisthesis via in-situ adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Neil, Hassan Serhan, Douglas Raymond, John Riley Hawkins
  • Instrument for Image Guided Applications
    Publication number: 20110313281
    Abstract: A trackable medical instrument for use in a computer assisted image guided surgery system having a digitizer for tracking the position of the instrument in three dimensional space and a display providing an indication of the position of the instrument with respect to images of a body part taken preoperatively, wherein the instrument comprises a tracking array located distally of a rotatable, axially fixed drive handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Alexander Grinberg, Michael J. O'Neil
  • SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS
    Publication number: 20110288452
    Abstract: A surgical device. The surgical device may comprise a transducer configured to provide vibrations along a longitudinal axis and an end effector coupled to the transducer and extending from the transducer along the longitudinal axis. The surgical device also may comprise a lower jaw extending parallel to the end effector. The lower jaw may comprise a clamp face extending toward the longitudinal axis. Also, the lower jaw may be slidable relative to the end effector to bring the clamp face toward a distal end of the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Houser, Stephanie J. Muir, Louis T. DeLuca, Daniel W. Price, William D. Boyd, Galen C. Robertson, Michael J. O'Neil
  • Gaseous Sterilization of Impermeable Containers Through Use of Porous Material
    Publication number: 20110284414
    Abstract: A gas-impervious container having a gas-permeable porous insert, wherein the insert contacts a flowable biomedical material, for improving access of the sterilant gas to the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Eric Fischer, Gary Mitchel, Michael J. O'Neil
  • Ceramic disc prosthesis
    Patent number: 8021428
    Abstract: A prosthetic is provided for replacing a vertebral disc. The prosthesis can comprise first and second endplates formed of a ceramic material, each including an articulating contact surface and a bone facing surface. The contact surface of the first endplate can have a shape complementary to the contact surface of the second endplate, thereby facilitating articulation of the first and second endplates while in contact with one another. The device can further include at least one non-ceramic bone attachment element mated with at least one of the bone facing surfaces, such that the bone attachment element covers less than a full area of the bone facing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Bartish, Jr., Jeffrey Brousseau, Patrick Fatyol, Conor McCrea, Michael J. O'Neil, Stephen Connolly
  • Gaseous sterilization of impermeable containers through use of porous material
    Patent number: 8012413
    Abstract: A gas-impervious container having a gas-permeable porous insert, wherein the insert contacts a flowable biomedical material, for improving access of the sterilant gas to the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Fischer, Gary Mitchel, Michael J O'Neil
  • Neural Tissue Retraction and Preservation Device
    Publication number: 20110152627
    Abstract: A self-retaining neural retraction clip, preferably having controlled retraction level and an off-set retraction means. This device can reduce operative site clutter to enhance disc access while providing consistent and stable dural retraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Tony Tannoury, Michael J O'Neil, Derek Shaw, Hassan Serhan
  • Aspirating Implants and Method of Bony Regeneration
    Publication number: 20110137418
    Abstract: Devices and methods for in situ drawing, filtering and seeding cells from the marrow of surrounding bone into a fusion cage without any of the challenges mentioned above. Various implants and devices with aspiration ports that enable in-situ harvesting and mixing of stem cells. These devices may include spinal fusion cages, long bone spacers, lateral grafts and joint replacement devices. Each device utilizes at least one aspiration port for harvesting of stem cell-containing marrow via aspiration from adjacent bony elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Neil, Liesbeth Brown, Nimish Parikh, Daniel Keeley, Shannon Webster
  • Methods and Devices for Correcting Spinal Deformity With Pharmaceutical-Eluting Pedicle Screws
    Publication number: 20110097374
    Abstract: A method of correcting spinal deformity, which includes locating pharmaceutical-loaded implants adjacent to targeted spinal growth plates, and then eluting the pharmaceutical onto the growth plates. Preferably, the method involves correcting spinal deformity by simply inserting a pharmaceutical-eluting pedicle screw onto the concave side of a scoliotic curve. The screw has a cannulated internal reservoir that contains a chondrocyte growth-inducing pharmaceutical (such as a growth factor or small molecule) and at least one fenestration that allows the pharmaceutical to elute onto the vertebral body growth plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Hassan Serhan, Michael J. O'Neil
  • Methods and Devices for Correcting Spinal Deformity With Pharmaceutical-Eluting Pedicle Screws
    Publication number: 20110097377
    Abstract: A method of correcting spinal deformity, which includes locating pharmaceutical-loaded implants adjacent to targeted spinal growth plates, and then eluting the pharmaceutical onto the growth plates. Preferably, the method involves correcting spinal deformity by simply inserting a pharmaceutical-eluting pedicle screw onto the concave side of a scoliotic curve. In some embodiments, the screw has a cannulated internal reservoir that contains a growth-inhibiting pharmaceutical (such as a tetracycline) and at least one fenestration that allows the pharmaceutical to elute onto the vertebral body growth plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Hassan Serhan, Michael J. O'Neil, Sean Lilienfeld, Thomas M. DiMauro
  • Vertebral Body Spool Device
    Publication number: 20110077655
    Abstract: A mandrel is inserted into the tissue to be distracted and a filament is repeatedly wrapped around the mandrel to make a spool. As the mandrel turns, the filament coils around the mandrel to create of spool of increasing diameter. This spool can be used as a distractor, tamp, or implant. A spool implant can be cemented to further stabilize the device in situ, such as a vertebral body. The filament deposition upon the mandrel is controlled by rotation and the volume creation is incremental. This makes the spool ideal for creating highly controlled distraction forces or insertion of bulking material. In some embodiments, fibers having a low glass transition temperature are used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Michael A. Fisher, Thomas M. DiMauro, John Riley Hawkins, Douglas Hester, Michael J. O'Neil, Jamie Lockwood, Matthew Parsons
  • Insert for nucleus implant
    Patent number: 7740659
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for replacing a nucleus of a spinal disc, and in particular for preventing nucleus disc replacement expulsion. The nucleus of a spinal disc can be removed from the annulus by forming a small opening in the annulus. Once the nucleus is removed, one or more insert devices can be implanted within the annulus of a spinal disc and they can be mated to one or both endplates of the adjacent vertebrae. The insert(s) is configured to interact with a nucleus disc replacement implant to prevent expulsion of the implant from the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett R. Zarda, Michael J. O'Neil, Mark T. Hall