Patents by Inventor Mingyan Liu

Mingyan Liu 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).

  • Publication number: 20090222011
    Abstract: A targeting surgical instrument for use in spinal disc replacement includes a first arm, a second arm and a body portion. The first arm is configured to be longitudinally aligned with a mid-line of a spine and to be at least partially received on an endplate of a lower vertebra of spinal cavity. The spinal cavity is defined by a lower vertebra and an upper vertebra of the spinal cavity. The second arm is positioned at an angle relative to the first arm. The second arm defines an insertion angle for a spinal implant. The body portion connects the first arm and the second arm. The body portion includes a plurality of radial opaque markers located to allow alignment of the first arm on the mid-line of the spine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Charles Lehuec, Loic Josse, Mingyan Liu, Lukas Eisermann, Tai Friesem, Hallett H. Mathews, Thomas Zdeblick, Jeffrey Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090222097
    Abstract: A nucleus implant is disclosed. The nucleus implant can be configured to be installed within an intervertebral disc between an inferior vertebra and a superior vertebra. The nucleus implant can include an expandable core and an expandable chamber that can be disposed at least partially around the expandable core. The expandable chamber can be expanded from a deflated position to an inflated position. Further, a hardness of the expandable core when inflated can greater than or equal to a hardness of the expandable chamber when inflated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Mingyan Liu, Jean-Charles LeHuec, Kenneth J. Burkus, Loic Josse
  • Patent number: 7569057
    Abstract: A hand-held instrument, with a rotary power input to a camshaft, has cam and follower arrangement to provide a reciprocating shaft output. A cutter is provided on the output shaft. In one example, rotating cam percussion is transmitted to the cutter by engaging the cutter with the tissue to be cut, and pushing the instrument forward toward the cutter. In another example, rotating cam percussion is transmitted to the cutter by engaging the cutter with the tissue to be cut, and pulling the instrument back toward the user while maintaining engagement of the cutter with the tissue. In both examples, the cutter remains in idle condition until an axially directed load, forward in the one example, or backward on the other example, is placed on the cutter by moving the instrument forward or backward, respectively, while the camshaft is rotating. A distractor with frame is used to spread and maintain space between vertebral bodies, enabling entrance of the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Mingyan Liu, Loic Josse
  • Publication number: 20090164015
    Abstract: A spinal cage implant is adapted to be inserted in a damaged intervertebral disc for restoring the discal height and permitting an arthoesis. The implant comprises a central part with walls and terminal parts for bearing against the cortical bone of the vertebral end plates. The implant bears against the vertebral end plates with terminal parts and contains bone graft material between walls with an opening to permit bone fusion between the two vertebrae. The implant permits restoring the physiological lordosis and the intervertebral height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Mingyan Liu, Philippe Bouquet, Hans-Jorg Meisel, Daniel Chopin
  • Patent number: 7547308
    Abstract: An instrument for separating adjacent vertebrae includes a handle assembly and a distal portion at a distal end of the handle assembly. The distal portion includes first and second members movable from an unexpanded configuration for insertion in the disc space toward an expanded configuration to separate the vertebrae. A cutting member of a cutting instrument can be guided by the instrument to prepare the vertebrae for engagement with an implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Bertagnoli, Tai Friesem, Jean-Charles LeHuec, Hallett H. Mathews, Lukas Eisermann, Mingyan Liu, Loic Josse, Jeffrey Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090105836
    Abstract: This invention relates to devices and instruments for implant insertion through a posterior lateral opening to the disc space. The instruments include an implant inserter, and the devices include a spinal fusion implant engageable by the implant inserter. The implant provides bilateral support of the adjacent vertebrae when inserted into the disc space from a postero-lateral approach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: George Frey, Mingyan Liu, Loic Josse, Lawrence M. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7503934
    Abstract: A prosthetic device for anterior-oblique insertion into an intervertebral space is provided. The prosthetic device includes a first component having a first flange for engaging a first vertebra from an anterior-oblique approach, the first flange being angled relative to the longitudinal and transverse axes of the first component, and a second component having a second flange for engaging a second vertebra from an anterior-oblique approach, the second flange being angled relative to the longitudinal and transverse axes of the second component, and wherein the first and second components cooperate to permit articulating motion between the first and second components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventors: Lukas Eisermann, Tai Friesem, Jean-Charles LeHuec, Mingyan Liu, Jeffrey Zhang, Thomas Zdeblick, Hallet Matthews, Loic Josse
  • Patent number: 7479160
    Abstract: This invention relates to implants formed from donor bone for use in lumbar interbody fusion procedures and instruments for performing such procedures. The implants are formed to include a concave surface formed from a portion of the medullary canal of a long bone. The concaved surface defines a recess in the implant that serves as a depot for osteogenic material. Specific instruments for inserting the implants prepared according to this invention and for preparing the intervertebral space to receive the implants are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Branch, Mingyan Liu, Lawrence M. Boyd, Loic Josse
  • Patent number: 7465305
    Abstract: Tools and methods for spinal fusion are provided. The tool is configured to cut openings into first and second vertebrae to receive a spinal implant between the vertebrae. The tool includes a proximal handle connected to an elongate shaft that extends to a distal end. The distal end includes a first non-cutting portion through which the shaft extends, a cutting portion fixed to the shaft to rotate with rotation of the shaft, and a second non-cutting portion fixed to the cutting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Mingyan Liu, Philippe Bouquet, Hans-Jorg Meisel, Daniel Chopin
  • Patent number: 7431735
    Abstract: An expandable intervertebral device including a body extending generally along a longitudinal axis and including at least two branch portions coupled together adjacent an end portion of the body. The device further includes an expansion member positioned between the at least two branch portions with at least a portion of the expansion member arranged at an angular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis whereby a change in the angular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis urges the at least two branch portions apart to expand the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Sofamor S.N.C.
    Inventors: Mingyan Liu, Loic Josse
  • Publication number: 20080228276
    Abstract: A method of implanting an intervertebral prosthesis in an intervertebral space between a first and a second vertebra of a patient's spinal column may include making a first aperture at a first location to permit access to the intervertebral disc space. The first aperture may be sized to allow passage of at least a portion of the intervertebral prosthesis. A second aperture may be made at a second location to permit access to the intervertebral disc space. The second aperture may be sized to allow passage of a surgical instrument. An intervertebral prosthesis for implantation into an intervertebral space between a first and a second vertebra of a patient's spinal column is also disclosed, along with a surgical instrument for implanting the an intervertebral prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Hallett Mathews, Mingyan Liu, Jeffrey Zhang, Chris Hughes, Lukas G. Eisermann, Jean-Charles LeHuec
  • Publication number: 20080208258
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods and instruments for performing a surgical procedure in a disc space between adjacent vertebrae. A cannula is inserted to create a working channel through the skin and tissue of a patient using a transformational approach to the disc space. A viewing element is used to visualize working end of the cannula and the disc space. A facetectomy is performed through the working channel to access the disc space. The disc space is prepared with various instruments, such as distractors, shims, chisels and distractor-cutters that extend through the working channel. At least implant is inserted into the disc space. The procedure allows bi-lateral support of the adjacent vertebrae with the at least one implant inserted via a unitary, minimally invasive approach to disc space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Kevin T. Foley, John L. White, Bradley T. Estes, Mingyan Liu, Loic Josse, Jeffrey D. Moore
  • Publication number: 20080161856
    Abstract: An anchorage component that can be installed within a spinal stabilization system is disclosed. The anchorage component can include a first lateral half formed with a first spinous process engagement window and a second lateral half formed with a second spinous process engagement window. The first lateral half and the second lateral half can be installed around a spinous process of a vertebra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Mingyan Liu, Loic Josse
  • Publication number: 20080132902
    Abstract: Instruments and methods are provided for positioning one or more implants into a spinal disc space. The instruments and methods have application in an anterior lateral approach to the disc space between the L4 and L5 vertebrae. The instruments include a distractor, a housing, a guide member to facilitate positioning of the housing, and a partition member engageable to the housing to facilitate positioning of one or more implants into the disc space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Rudolf Bertagnoli, Mingyan Liu, Loic Josse
  • Publication number: 20080114401
    Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for attaching one or more elongated members to a posterior surface of a vertebral member. The devices may include a body with a first face that contacts the vertebral member and a second opposite face. A hook may extend outward from the first face to engage the vertebral member. The body may also include one or more receivers to receive the elongated members. An engagement member may be movably connected to the body. The engagement member may include a first section that contacts the body, and a second section that includes a second hook. The engagement member may be positioned relative to the body to adjust a distance between the first and second hooks to attach the body to the vertebral member. A fastener may secure the engagement member to the body at the desired position. The fastener may also attach the one or more elongated members to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Mingyan Liu, Loic Josse, Brice Edouard, Jean-Charles LeHuec
  • Patent number: 7361193
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods and instruments for performing disc space preparation and implant insertion from a unilateral approach to the spine through a posterior lateral opening to the disc space. The instruments include spreaders, distractors, reamers, scrapers, cutters, chisels, pushers and implant inserters. A surgical procedure is provided that allows bilateral support of the adjacent vertebrae with at least one interbody fusion device inserted into the disc space via a unilateral approach. Implants for insertion into the disc space are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: George Frey, Mingyan Liu, Loic Josse, Lawrence M. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7326216
    Abstract: Instruments and methods are provided for positioning one or more implants into a spinal disc space. The instruments and methods have application in an anterior lateral approach to the disc space between the L4 and L5 vertebrae. The instruments include a distractor, a housing, a guide member to facilitate positioning of the housing, and a partition member engageable to the housing to facilitate positioning of one or more implants into the disc space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Bertagnoli, Mingyan Liu, Loic Josse
  • Patent number: 7320688
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods and instruments for performing a surgical procedure in a disc space between adjacent vertebrae. A cannula is inserted to create a working channel through the skin and tissue of a patient using a transforaminal approach to the disc space. A viewing element is used to visualize working end of the cannula and the disc space. A facetectomy is performed through the working channel to access the disc space. The disc space is prepared with various instruments, such as distractors, shims, chisels and distractor-cutters that extend through the working channel. At least implant is inserted into the disc space. The procedure allows bi-lateral support of the adjacent vertebrae with the at least one implant inserted via a unitary, minimally invasive approach to disc space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin T. Foley, John L. White, Bradley T. Estes, Mingyan Liu, Loic Josse, Jeffrey D. Moore
  • Publication number: 20070233143
    Abstract: Instruments and methods for preparing a spinal disc space to receive an implant include an annulus template, a footprint template, a distractor for distracting adjacent vertebrae, and a guide member for guiding a chisel. The instruments and methods can be employed in an oblique approach to the spinal disc space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Loic Josse, Mingyan Liu, Jeffrey Zhang, Randy Allard
  • Publication number: 20070191857
    Abstract: A spinal disc replacement surgical instrument includes a first contacting member positionable along an endplate of a first vertebra and a second contacting member positionable along an endplate of second vertebra. The second contacting member is moveable relative to the first contacting member. A handle assembly is coupled to the first contacting member and the second contacting member. At least one actuating member is positioned between the first contacting member and the second contacting member. The at least one actuating member is moveable by the hand assembly from a first position, wherein the first and second contacting members include an unexpanded configuration relative to one another for insertion in the spinal cavity, to a second position providing expanded configuration relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: SDGI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Allard, Loic Josse, Mingyan Liu, Jeffrey Zhang