Patents by Inventor Peter Thomas Miller

Peter Thomas Miller 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: 20230380872
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient using quick-connect sleeve assemblies. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly can be coupled to a bone fastener assembly in a fast and intuitive way. In one embodiment, a quick-connect sleeve assembly has a detachable member and a movable member. Both members engage a collar of the bone fastener assembly. In one embodiment, the engagement can be locked via one or more locking features to facilitate screwing a bone fastener of the bone fastener assembly onto a vertebral body in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly has a low profile and is particularly shaped for minimally invasive entry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Michael A. Landry, Larry T. Khoo, Charles R. Forton, Brian Bergeron, Bruce A. Riceman, Peter Thomas Miller, Kameron Scott Ely
  • Patent number: 11737794
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient using quick-connect sleeve assemblies. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly can be coupled to a bone fastener assembly in a fast and intuitive way. In one embodiment, a quick-connect sleeve assembly has a detachable member and a movable member. Both members engage a collar of the bone fastener assembly. In one embodiment, the engagement can be locked via one or more locking features to facilitate screwing a bone fastener of the bone fastener assembly onto a vertebral body in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly has a low profile and is particularly shaped for minimally invasive entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Larry T. Khoo, Charles R. Forton, Brian Bergeron, Bruce A. Riceman, Peter Thomas Miller, Kameron Scott Ely
  • Publication number: 20210161562
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient using quick-connect sleeve assemblies. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly can be coupled to a bone fastener assembly in a fast and intuitive way. In one embodiment, a quick-connect sleeve assembly has a detachable member and a movable member. Both members engage a collar of the bone fastener assembly. In one embodiment, the engagement can be locked via one or more locking features to facilitate screwing a bone fastener of the bone fastener assembly onto a vertebral body in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly has a low profile and is particularly shaped for minimally invasive entry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Larry T. Khoo, Charles R. Forton, Brian Bergeron, Bruce A. Riceman, Peter Thomas Miller, Kameron Scott Ely
  • Patent number: 10945772
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient using quick-connect sleeve assemblies. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly can be coupled to a bone fastener assembly in a fast and intuitive way. In one embodiment, a quick-connect sleeve assembly has a detachable member and a movable member. Both members engage a collar of the bone fastener assembly. In one embodiment, the engagement can be locked via one or more locking features to facilitate screwing a bone fastener of the bone fastener assembly onto a vertebral body in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly has a low profile and is particularly shaped for minimally invasive entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Larry T. Khoo, Charles R. Forton, Brian Bergeron, Bruce A. Riceman, Peter Thomas Miller, Kameron Scott Ely
  • Patent number: 10154862
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for vertebral reduction using sleeves detachably coupled to collars of bone fasteners. The reduction can be performed during a minimally invasive procedure for implanting spinal stabilization systems. A sleeve can include internal threads that match threads on the respective collar to form a continuous set of threads. Threads on a closure member can be engaged with the threads on the sleeve and the closure member turned to translate the closure member along the sleeve. The closure member can be used to push a rod relative to the collar to which the sleeve is attached to cause a vertebral body to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Thomas Miller, Charles R. Forton, Bruce A. Riceman, Larry T. Khoo, Reginald J. Davis, Michael Scott Hisey
  • Publication number: 20180092665
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide compression/distraction methods and tools useful for fitting a spinal stabilization system in a patient through minimally invasive surgery. The spinal stabilization system may comprise screws anchored in vertebrae. The vertebrae may need to be compressed or distracted. One embodiment of an instrument disclosed herein may comprise a shaft for engaging one of the screws through an extender sleeve. A driver may engage another screw through an opening of the instrument. Through this engagement, a surgeon may use the rack and pinion of the instrument to compress or distract one or more levels of the vertebrae in a parallel motion, which can be advantageous clinically in certain situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Emily King, Bruce A. Riceman, Charles R. Forton, Peter Thomas Miller
  • Patent number: 9833267
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide compression/distraction methods and tools useful for fitting a spinal stabilization system in a patient through minimally invasive surgery. The spinal stabilization system may comprise screws anchored in vertebrae. The vertebrae may need to be compressed or distracted. One embodiment of an instrument disclosed herein may comprise a shaft for engaging one of the screws through an extender sleeve. A driver may engage another screw through an opening of the instrument. Through this engagement, a surgeon may use the rack and pinion of the instrument to compress or distract one or more levels of the vertebrae in a parallel motion, which can be advantageous clinically in certain situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily King, Bruce A. Riceman, Charles R. Forton, Peter Thomas Miller
  • Publication number: 20170273725
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for vertebral reduction using sleeves detachably coupled to collars of bone fasteners. The reduction can be performed during a minimally invasive procedure for implanting spinal stabilization systems. A sleeve can include internal threads that match threads on the respective collar to form a continuous set of threads. Threads on a closure member can be engaged with the threads on the sleeve and the closure member turned to translate the closure member along the sleeve. The closure member can be used to push a rod relative to the collar to which the sleeve is attached to cause a vertebral body to move.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Peter Thomas Miller, Charles R. Forton, Bruce A. Riceman, Larry T. Khoo, Reginald J. Davis, Michael Scott Hisey
  • Patent number: 9707019
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for vertebral reduction using sleeves detachably coupled to collars of bone fasteners. The reduction can be performed during a minimally invasive procedure for implanting spinal stabilization systems. A sleeve can include internal threads that match threads on the respective collar to form a continuous set of threads. Threads on a closure member can be engaged with the threads on the sleeve and the closure member turned to translate the closure member along the sleeve. The closure member can be used to push a rod relative to the collar to which the sleeve is attached to cause a vertebral body to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Thomas Miller, Charles R. Forton, Bruce A. Riceman, Larry T. Khoo, Reginald James Davis, Michael Scott Hisey
  • Publication number: 20170100164
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient using quick-connect sleeve assemblies. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly can be coupled to a bone fastener assembly in a fast and intuitive way. In one embodiment, a quick-connect sleeve assembly has a detachable member and a movable member. Both members engage a collar of the bone fastener assembly. In one embodiment, the engagement can be locked via one or more locking features to facilitate screwing a bone fastener of the bone fastener assembly onto a vertebral body in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly has a low profile and is particularly shaped for minimally invasive entry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Larry T. Khoo, Charles R. Forton, Brian Bergeron, Bruce A. Riceman, Peter Thomas Miller, Kameron Scott Ely
  • Publication number: 20160354119
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide compression/distraction methods and tools useful for fitting a spinal stabilization system in a patient through minimally invasive surgery. The spinal stabilization system may comprise screws anchored in vertebrae. The vertebrae may need to be compressed or distracted. One embodiment of an instrument disclosed herein may comprise a shaft for engaging one of the screws through an extender sleeve. A driver may engage another screw through an opening of the instrument. Through this engagement, a surgeon may use the rack and pinion of the instrument to compress or distract one or more levels of the vertebrae in a parallel motion, which can be advantageous clinically in certain situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Emily King, Bruce A. Riceman, Charles R. Forton, Peter Thomas Miller
  • Patent number: 9445849
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide compression/distraction methods and tools useful for fitting a spinal stabilization system in a patient through minimally invasive surgery. The spinal stabilization system may comprise screws anchored in vertebrae. The vertebrae may need to be compressed or distracted. One embodiment of an instrument disclosed herein may comprise a shaft for engaging one of the screws through an extender sleeve. A driver may engage another screw through an opening of the instrument. Through this engagement, a surgeon may use the rack and pinion of the instrument to compress or distract one or more levels of the vertebrae in a parallel motion, which can be advantageous clinically in certain situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily E. King, Bruce A. Riceman, Charles R. Forton, Peter Thomas Miller
  • Publication number: 20150297264
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide compression/distraction methods and tools useful for fitting a spinal stabilization system in a patient through minimally invasive surgery. The spinal stabilization system may comprise screws anchored in vertebrae. The vertebrae may need to be compressed or distracted. One embodiment of an instrument disclosed herein may comprise a shaft for engaging one of the screws through an extender sleeve. A driver may engage another screw through an opening of the instrument. Through this engagement, a surgeon may use the rack and pinion of the instrument to compress or distract one or more levels of the vertebrae in a parallel motion, which can be advantageous clinically in certain situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: ZIMMER SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Emily E. King, Bruce A. Riceman, Charles R. Forton, Peter Thomas Miller
  • Patent number: 9101414
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide compression/distraction methods and tools useful for fitting a spinal stabilization system in a patient through minimally invasive surgery. The spinal stabilization system may comprise screws anchored in vertebrae. The vertebrae may need to be compressed or distracted. One embodiment of an instrument disclosed herein may comprise a shaft for engaging one of the screws through an extender sleeve. A driver may engage another screw through an opening of the instrument. Through this engagement, a surgeon may use the rack and pinion of the instrument to compress or distract one or more levels of the vertebrae in a parallel motion, which can be advantageous clinically in certain situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily E. King, Bruce A. Riceman, Charles R. Forton, Peter Thomas Miller
  • Patent number: 9066763
    Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical instrument disclosed herein can include mechanisms for reduction and distraction as well as compression. Some embodiments of the surgical instrument may comprise a reducer knob having a first passage through which a first shaft of a driver is acceptable, a connecting element coupled to the reducer knob and having a second passage through which the first shaft of the driver is acceptable, a compressor handle coupled to the connecting element at a first end and having a through hole, and a common handle coupled to the compressor handle via the through hole and pivots between the reducer knob and the compressor handle. With embodiments of a surgical instrument disclosed herein, surgical personnel can distract and hold vertebrae in a distracted state and perform a reduction without having to switch or add instruments. Some embodiments disclosed herein can be particularly useful for reducing spondylolisthesis during posterior fixation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry T. Khoo, Peter Thomas Miller, Ryan Carter Harvey, Craig Lee Ford
  • Patent number: 8870919
    Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to embodiments of systems and methods of spinal stabilization. Embodiments include methods that use a dilator to displace tissue proximate to a sleeve. An embodiment of a surgical system can comprise a dilator that may define a working channel from a first opening to a second opening. The dilator can be positioned to displace tissue proximate to the sleeve. The dilator may be shaped to allow a first end of an elongated member to enter the working channel through the first opening and exit the dilator through the second opening to be percutaneously moved to another assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Thomas Miller, Brian J. Bergeron
  • Patent number: 8814914
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide tools and methods for spinal fusion procedures. One embodiment of a tool can be a pedicle access tool that performs the functions of targeting needle, cannula, tap and awl. The cannula of the tool can be used to guide various tools and bone graft or fusion promoting material to a surgical site for a spinal fusion procedure, such as a posterolateral procedure. In other embodiments, a k-wire can be used as the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Thomas Miller, Charles R. Forton, Reginald James Davis
  • Patent number: 8623022
    Abstract: Embodiments include a system for manipulating a portion of the spine. A support body provides support for extender sleeves that are coupled to bone screws implanted in bone. The extender sleeves are coupled to the support body in a manner that allows translation and rotation of the extender sleeves relative to the support body. Movement and rotation of the extender sleeves in selected directions can be allowed while movement and rotation in other directions can be inhibited. The extender sleeves can be manipulated to move the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Forton, Larry T. Khoo, Peter Thomas Miller
  • Patent number: 8603145
    Abstract: A poly-axial bone fastener assembly having a collar and a bone fastener can be coaxially locked to prevent poly-axial movements of the collar relative to the bone fastener while permitting the collar to rotate about an axis of the bone fastener, thereby combining the functions and advantages of a poly-axial bone screw and a fixed angle bone screw. Some embodiments of a coaxial locking mechanism may include a c-clip with a locking pin, a c-clip with hooks, a split ring with square corners, a pin that spins inside the collar, pins that travel about a neck of the bone fastener, a coaxially locking top that screws into the collar over a head of the bone fastener, and a top nut that threads onto the head of the bone fastener inside the collar to trap a flange of the collar between a shoulder of the bone fastener and the top nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Forton, Larry T. Khoo, Peter Thomas Miller, Ryan Carter Harvey
  • Patent number: 8287546
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a combination compressor/distractor useful for fitting a spinal stabilization system in a patient through minimally invasive surgery. The spinal stabilization system may comprise screws anchored in vertebrae. The vertebrae may need to be compressed or distracted. One embodiment of an instrument disclosed herein may comprise a shaft for engaging one of the screws through an extender sleeve. A driver may engage another screw through an opening of the instrument. Through this engagement, a surgeon may use the rack and pinion of the instrument to compress or distract one or more levels of the vertebrae in a parallel motion, which can be advantageous clinically in certain situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily E. King, Bruce A. Riceman, Charles R. Forton, Peter Thomas Miller