Patents by Inventor Ralph C. Solitario, Jr.

Ralph C. Solitario, Jr. 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).

  • Patent number: 10993739
    Abstract: Patient-mounted retractors with varying configurations and/or features are provided, along with additional components for use therewith in provided patient-mounted retractor assemblies. Blade type and tube type patient-mounted retractors that may be re-positioned during the course of a procedure are provided in varying configurations and/or geometries suitable for varying procedures and/or patient anatomies. Applications of re-positionable patient-mounted retractor assemblies are particularly suitable for use in minimally invasive procedures, eliminating the need for table-mounted retraction assemblies and/or cannulas that restrict the operating environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph C. Solitario, Jr., Brian R. Bankoski, Mark Rossney, Santiago Figuereo, Robert Bohinski
  • Patent number: 10441325
    Abstract: A minimally invasive fixation system and method for providing access to a surgical site. The fixation system may include a holding assembly, the holding assembling preferably including a lateral implant holder which may be attached to a pedicle screw and a sleeve positioned in connection with the lateral implant holder to prevent the lateral implant holder from separating from the pedicle screw. The sleeve may further include a tissue protection portion to keep the tissue out of the surgical site. A holding sleeve may be operably connected to the holding assembly and pedicle screw and may be used to insert the pedicle screw into the body. Multiple constructs may be inserted into the body so that a portion of the holding assembly extends from the body and provides access to and visualization of the surgical site. A rod holder may also be used to insert a rod into the head of the screw. The rod may be held by the rod holder so that the rod may be angulated as the rod is inserted into the screw heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Bankoski, Shaun Hanson, Ralph C. Solitario, Jr., Caryn E. Bundra, William N. Woodburn, Sr., Mark Rossney, Eric McDivitt, David S. Rathbun
  • Patent number: 10130399
    Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to introduce a spinal fixation rod into a vertebral implant. When the spinal fixation rod is engaged with the surgical instrument and the surgical instrument is put into a retention configuration, the spinal fixation rod cannot be removed from the surgical instrument until the spinal fixation rod is properly oriented with respect to the surgical construct and the surgical instrument is released from the retention configuration. The surgical instrument includes a surgical instrument body, an actuator, an engagement assembly, and a transfer assembly that extends between the actuator and the engagement assembly. The surgical instrument can also be used as part of a method for introducing a spinal fixation rod or part of a kit for introducing a spinal fixation rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph C. Solitario, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9808281
    Abstract: Patient-mounted retractors with varying configurations and/or features are provided, along with additional components for use therewith in provided patient-mounted retractor assemblies. Blade type and tube type patient-mounted retractors that may be re-positioned during the course of a procedure are provided in varying configurations and/or geometries suitable for varying procedures and/or patient anatomies. Applications of re-positionable patient-mounted retractor assemblies are particularly suitable for use in minimally invasive procedures, eliminating the need for table-mounted retraction assemblies and/or cannulas that restrict the operating environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph C. Solitario, Jr., Brian Bankoski, Mark Rossney, Santiago Figuereo, Robert Bohinski
  • Publication number: 20170311980
    Abstract: Patient-mounted retractors with varying configurations and/or features are provided, along with additional components for use therewith in provided patient-mounted retractor assemblies. Blade type and tube type patient-mounted retractors that may be re-positioned during the course of a procedure are provided in varying configurations and/or geometries suitable for varying procedures and/or patient anatomies. Applications of re-positionable patient-mounted retractor assemblies are particularly suitable for use in minimally invasive procedures, eliminating the need for table-mounted retraction assemblies and/or cannulas that restrict the operating environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: RALPH C. SOLITARIO, JR., BRIAN R. BANKOSKI, MARK ROSSNEY, SANTIAGO FIGUEREO, ROBERT BOHINSKI
  • Publication number: 20170065307
    Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to introduce a spinal fixation rod into a vertebral implant. When the spinal fixation rod is engaged with the surgical instrument and the surgical instrument is put into a retention configuration, the spinal fixation rod cannot be removed from the surgical instrument until the spinal fixation rod is properly oriented with respect to the surgical construct and the surgical instrument is released from the retention configuration. The surgical instrument includes a surgical instrument body, an actuator, an engagement assembly, and a transfer assembly that extends between the actuator and the engagement assembly. The surgical instrument can also be used as part of a method for introducing a spinal fixation rod or part of a kit for introducing a spinal fixation rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Ralph C. Solitario, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170007301
    Abstract: A minimally invasive fixation system and method for providing access to a surgical site. The fixation system may include a holding assembly, the holding assembling preferably including a lateral implant holder which may be attached to a pedicle screw and a sleeve positioned in connection with the lateral implant holder to prevent the lateral implant holder from separating from the pedicle screw. The sleeve may further include a tissue protection portion to keep the tissue out of the surgical site. A holding sleeve may be operably connected to the holding assembly and pedicle screw and may be used to insert the pedicle screw into the body. Multiple constructs may be inserted into the body so that a portion of the holding assembly extends from the body and provides access to and visualization of the surgical site. A rod holder may also be used to insert a rod into the head of the screw. The rod may be held by the rod holder so that the rod may be angulated as the rod is inserted into the screw heads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: BRIAN R. BANKOSKI, SHAUN HANSON, RALPH C. SOLITARIO, JR., CARYN E. BUNDRA, WILLIAM N. WOODBURN, SR., MARK ROSSNEY, ERIC McDIVITT, DAVID S. RATHBUN
  • Patent number: 9526534
    Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to introduce a spinal fixation rod into a vertebral implant. When the spinal fixation rod is engaged with the surgical instrument and the surgical instrument is put into a retention configuration, the spinal fixation rod cannot be removed from the surgical instrument until the spinal fixation rod is properly oriented with respect to the surgical construct and the surgical instrument is released from the retention configuration. The surgical instrument includes a surgical instrument body, an actuator, an engagement assembly, and a transfer assembly that extends between the actuator and the engagement assembly. The surgical instrument can also be used as part of a method for introducing a spinal fixation rod or part of a kit for introducing a spinal fixation rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph C. Solitario, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9498262
    Abstract: A minimally invasive fixation system and method for providing access to a surgical site. The fixation system may include a holding assembly, the holding assembling preferably including a lateral implant holder which may be attached to a pedicle screw and a sleeve positioned in connection with the lateral implant holder to prevent the lateral implant holder from separating from the pedicle screw. The sleeve may further include a tissue protection portion to keep the tissue out of the surgical site. A holding sleeve may be operably connected to the holding assembly and pedicle screw and may be used to insert the pedicle screw into the body. Multiple constructs may be inserted into the body so that a portion of the holding assembly extends from the body and provides access to and visualization of the surgical site. A rod holder may also be used to insert a rod into the head of the screw. The rod may be held by the rod holder so that the rod may be angulated as the rod is inserted into the screw heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Bankoski, Shaun Hanson, Ralph C. Solitario, Jr., Caryn E. Bundra, William N. Woodburn, Sr., Mark Rossney, Eric McDivitt, David Rathbun
  • Patent number: 9131966
    Abstract: A vertebral manipulation assembly includes a vertebral fixation assembly that is configured to be attached to a first vertebra and a second vertebra that is spaced from the first vertebra. The vertebral fixation assembly can include vertebral fixation members that attach to the first and second vertebrae, respectively. The vertebral manipulation assembly can further include a vertebral manipulation instrument that is configured to be coupled to the vertebral fixation assembly, and provide a first compression force that biases the first and second vertebral fixation members to move toward each other, and a second distraction force that biases the first and second vertebral fixation members to move away from each other. The vertebral manipulation instrument can include a coarse adjustment assembly that, when actuated, causes the first and second vertebral fixation members to incrementally move with respect to each other in first increments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph C. Solitario, Jr., Eric Biester
  • Publication number: 20140257312
    Abstract: A vertebral manipulation assembly includes a vertebral fixation assembly that is configured to be attached to a first vertebra and a second vertebra that is spaced from the first vertebra. The vertebral fixation assembly can include vertebral fixation members that attach to the first and second vertebrae, respectively. The vertebral manipulation assembly can further include a vertebral manipulation instrument that is configured to be coupled to the vertebral fixation assembly, and provide a first compression force that biases the first and second vertebral fixation members to move toward each other, and a second distraction force that biases the first and second vertebral fixation members to move away from each other. The vertebral manipulation instrument can include a coarse adjustment assembly that, when actuated, causes the first and second vertebral fixation members to incrementally move with respect to each other in first increments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Ralph C. Solitario, JR., Eric Biester
  • Publication number: 20140121704
    Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to introduce a spinal fixation rod into a vertebral implant. When the spinal fixation rod is engaged with the surgical instrument and the surgical instrument is put into a retention configuration, the spinal fixation rod cannot be removed from the surgical instrument until the spinal fixation rod is properly oriented with respect to the surgical construct and the surgical instrument is released from the retention configuration. The surgical instrument includes a surgical instrument body, an actuator, an engagement assembly, and a transfer assembly that extends between the actuator and the engagement assembly. The surgical instrument can also be used as part of a method for introducing a spinal fixation rod or part of a kit for introducing a spinal fixation rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Ralph C. Solitario, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8641720
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is configured to introduce a spinal fixation rod into a vertebral implant such that once the spinal fixation rod is engaged with the surgical instrument and the surgical instrument is put into a retention configuration, the spinal fixation rod cannot be removed from the surgical instrument until the spinal fixation rod is properly located and oriented with respect to the surgical construct and the surgical instrument is released from the retention configuration. The surgical instrument for introducing a spinal fixation rod includes a surgical instrument body with an actuator, and an engagement assembly at opposing ends and a transfer assembly extending between the actuator and the engagement assembly. The surgical instrument can also be used as part of a method for introducing a spinal fixation rod. Additionally, the surgical instrument can be part of a kit for introducing a spinal fixation rod, the kit including a plurality of spinal fixation rods of varying shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventor: Ralph C. Solitario, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120029580
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is configured to introduce a spinal fixation rod into a vertebral implant such that once the spinal fixation rod is engaged with the surgical instrument and the surgical instrument is put into a retention configuration, the spinal fixation rod cannot be removed from the surgical instrument until the spinal fixation rod is properly located and oriented with respect to the surgical construct and the surgical instrument is released from the retention configuration. The surgical instrument for introducing a spinal fixation rod includes a surgical instrument body with an actuator, and an engagement assembly at opposing ends and a transfer assembly extending between the actuator and the engagement assembly. The surgical instrument can also be used as part of a method for introducing a spinal fixation rod. Additionally, the surgical instrument can be part of a kit for introducing a spinal fixation rod, the kit including a plurality of spinal fixation rods of varying shapes and sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Ralph C. Solitario, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110130634
    Abstract: Patient-mounted retractors with varying configurations and/or features are provided, along with additional components for use therewith in provided patient-mounted retractor assemblies. Blade type and tube type patient-mounted retractors that may be re-positioned during the course of a procedure are provided in varying configurations and/or geometries suitable for varying procedures and/or patient anatomies. Applications of re-positionable patient-mounted retractor assemblies are particularly suitable for use in minimally invasive procedures, eliminating the need for table-mounted retraction assemblies and/or cannulas that restrict the operating environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph C. Solitario, JR., Brian Bankoski, Mark Rossney, Santiago Figuereo, Robert Bohinski
  • Publication number: 20100268284
    Abstract: A minimally invasive fixation system and method for providing access to a surgical site. The fixation system may include a holding assembly, the holding assembling preferably including a lateral implant holder which may be attached to a pedicle screw and a sleeve positioned in connection with the lateral implant holder to prevent the lateral implant holder from separating from the pedicle screw. The sleeve may further include a tissue protection portion to keep the tissue out of the surgical site. A holding sleeve may be operably connected to the holding assembly and pedicle screw and may be used to insert the pedicle screw into the body. Multiple constructs may be inserted into the body so that a portion of the holding assembly extends from the body and provides access to and visualization of the surgical site. A rod holder may also be used to insert a rod into the head of the screw. The rod may be held by the rod holder so that the rod may be angulated as the rod is inserted into the screw heads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Brian R. Bankoski, Shaun Hanson, Ralph C. Solitario, JR., Caryn E. Bundra, William N. Woodburns, SR., Mark Rossney, Eric McDivitt, David Rathbun
  • Patent number: 7758584
    Abstract: A minimally invasive fixation system and method for providing access to a surgical site. The fixation system may include a holding assembly, the holding assembling preferably including a lateral implant holder which may be attached to a pedicle screw and a sleeve positioned in connection with the lateral implant holder to prevent the lateral implant holder from separating from the pedicle screw. The sleeve may further include a tissue protection portion to keep the tissue out of the surgical site. A holding sleeve may be operably connected to the holding assembly and pedicle screw and may be used to insert the pedicle screw into the body. Multiple constructs may be inserted into the body so that a portion of the holding assembly extends from the body and provides access to and visualization of the surgical site. A rod holder may also be used to insert a rod into the head of the screw. The rod may be held by the rod holder so that the rod may be angulated as the rod is inserted into the screw heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventors: Brian R. Bankoski, Shaun Hanson, Ralph C. Solitario, Jr., Caryn E. Bundra, William N. Woodburn, Sr., Mark Rossney, Eric McDivitt, David Rathbun