Patents by Inventor Regis Le Couedic

Regis Le Couedic 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: 8323319
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a method of placing a vertebral fixing system on a vertebra. The vertebral fixing system comprises a connecting part with members forming a space into which a rod may be inserted. The members are moveable relative to each other. A portion of a ligature may be passed through the connecting part to form a loop extending from the connecting part. When the rod is inserted in the space between the members, the ligature may be tensioned against the rod. The members of the connecting part may be driven together to hold the ligature in place. An adjustable locking means may be utilized to fix simultaneously in position the connecting part relative to the rod and at least one portion of the ligature relative to the connecting part, so as to prevent relative displacement of the rod and the vertebra in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine S.A.S.
    Inventors: Keyvan Mazda, Régis Le Couedic
  • Publication number: 20120271354
    Abstract: A vertebral attachment system and method for retaining a spinal vertebra (25) on a rod (2) employ a device (1) including a body (3) for attachment to the rod, a flexible strip (4) for linking the vertebra to the attachment body and a means (5) for adjustably locking the flexible strip on the attachment body. The attachment body (3) is made of a single part having a U-shaped cross-section, for passing the rod between the bottom wall (10) of the U and the adjustable locking means. The adjustable locking means (5) consists of a linking part (18) connecting the opposite ends of the two arms (6, 7) of the U, arranged such as to compress the rod against the wall. The arms (6, 7) each include a recess (14) opposite thereof, located on the bottom side of the U, for passing the two ends of the strip between the bottom and the rod in order to form a loop for attachment to a vertebra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: IMPLANET, SOCIETE ANONYME
    Inventors: Christian Baccelli, Regis Le Couedic
  • Patent number: 8236056
    Abstract: The invention provides an intervertebral implant for the lumbo-sacral joint, the implant consisting in a spacer suitable for being placed between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the sacral vertebra articulated thereto, the body of said spacer presenting in its top face a groove extending in the midplane of the spacer and suitable for receiving the spinous process of said lumbar vertebra. A longitudinal housing oriented orthogonally to said groove is formed in the bottom face and is suitable for receiving the top portion of the sacral vertebra. The longitudinal housing is defined by an extension and by a tab of width narrower than the width of the body of the spacer. The section of the housing in the midplane of the space is generally U-shaped, being inclined relative to the bottom of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine
    Inventors: Denis Pasquet, Regis Le Couedic, Jacques Senegas, Christian Renaud
  • Patent number: 8226721
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a method of implanting an intervertebral disk prosthesis that can be assembled and disassembled in a minimally invasive fashion. The prosthesis comprises a first fixing element having an anchoring first face and a cooperation second face; a second fixing element having an anchoring first face and a cooperation second face; a first prosthesis element having an active first face and a cooperation second face, the cooperation faces of the first fixing element and the first prosthesis element serving to fasten the two elements together; a second prosthesis element having an active first face and a cooperation second face, the cooperation faces of the second fixing element and the second prosthesis element serving to fasten the two elements together; and each of the active faces of the prosthesis elements defining at least a portion of a spherical cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine S.A.S.
    Inventors: Karl Belliard, Regis Le Couedic, Jacques Senegas, Paolo Mangione
  • Patent number: 8162946
    Abstract: A surgical system for stabilizing at least a portion of a spine is provided. In at least one embodiment, the system comprises a spinal rod, an implant, and an instrument. The instrument comprises a shaft, a moving part, and a holder. The implant comprises a flexible tie and may further comprise a bearing for bearing against the rod. The tie has at least one end that projects out from the implant. The shaft comprises a distal end configured to bear against the implant. The moving part is configured to move in translation with respect to the shaft and comprises an anti-return system. The holder is configured to hold an end of the tie and is connected to the moving part. The anti-return system engages the shaft for temporarily preventing the moving part from moving in translation relative to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine S.A.S.
    Inventors: Christian Baccelli, Régis Le Couedic, Keyvan Mazda
  • Patent number: 8163025
    Abstract: A disc prosthesis for vertebrae is provided. The disc prosthesis comprises a first plate, a first insert, a second plate, and a second insert. The first plate comprises a first active face and a first anchor face. The second plate comprises a second active face and a second anchor face. The first anchor face is configured to anchor the first plate to a first vertebra. The second anchor face is configured to anchor the second plate to a second vertebra. The first plate comprises a cavity for receiving the first insert. The cavity comprises a concave spherical cap. The second plate comprises an opening that connects the second active face to the second anchor face. The second insert comprises a fastener portion, said fastener portion is friction fit in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Belliard, Régis Le Couëdic, Paolo Mangione, Jacques Senegas
  • Publication number: 20120022596
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a method of placing a vertebral fixing system on a vertebra. The vertebral fixing system comprises a connecting part with members forming a space into which a rod may be inserted. The members are moveable relative to each other. A portion of a ligature may be passed through the connecting part to form a loop extending from the connecting part. When the rod is inserted in the space between the members, the ligature may be tensioned against the rod. The members of the connecting part may be driven together to hold the ligature in place. An adjustable locking means may be utilized to fix simultaneously in position the connecting part relative to the rod and at least one portion of the ligature relative to the connecting part, so as to prevent relative displacement of the rod and the vertebra in opposite directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Keyvan Mazda, Régis Le Couedic
  • Patent number: 8092497
    Abstract: The invention provides an intervertebral implant for the lumbo-sacral joint, the implant comprising a spacer suitable for being disposed between the fifth lumbar vertebra L5 and the vertebra S1 of the sacrum that is articulated to the vertebra L5. The implant comprises a flexible tie having end portions suitable for being fastened to the sacrum with the help of fasteners such as pedicular screws. The flexible tie has an intermediate portion suitable for co-operating with a connection system such as a hook provided on the spacer so that the flexible tie connects the spacer to the sacrum. The flexible tie is put under tension in such a manner as to exert a return force on the spacer towards the vertebra S1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine S.A.S.
    Inventors: Denis Pasquet, Régis Le Couëdic, Jacques Senegas
  • Publication number: 20110238125
    Abstract: A method and instrument for tensioning a flexible tie used for fastening an implant on a bony element by forming a first loop around it. In some embodiments, the instrument comprises a shaft having a distal end configured for contact with a rod, a moving part slidably engaged with the shaft, a holder connected to the moving part and configured to hold an end of the flexible tie, and a tension control member comprising a trigger that pivots relative to the moving part. In some embodiments, the method comprises coupling the end of the flexible tie to the instrument and squeezing the trigger to shorten the first loop of the flexible tie around the bony element, causing the moving part and the holder holding the end of the flexible tie to move in translation away from the distal end of the shaft, thereby exerting tension on the flexible tie.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Christian Baccelli, Régis Le Couedic, Keyvan Mazda
  • Publication number: 20110238118
    Abstract: A spinal implant can be fastened on a bony element of a patient via a flexible tie. In some embodiments, the spinal implant has two jaws, each having a recess and an opening. The recess is configured to receive a portion of a rod. A portion of the flexible tie is passed through the opening and between a wall of the recess and a surface of the rod to form a loop that can be placed around the bony element. The two jaws are hinged at one end and engaged at the opposite end via a locking member. The locking member can be adjusted to simultaneously hold the jaws together in a fixed position relative to the rod and lock the flexible tie, which has been properly tensioned, in translation relative to the spinal implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Christian Baccelli, Régis Le Couedic, Keyvan Mazda
  • Patent number: 8012182
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting member for maintaining the spacing between at least two anchor members screwed into vertebrae. The connecting member comprises: a flexible part (10) divided into two branches (12, 14), the ends of said branches being interconnected in pairs and defining a first median plane (Pm), and two rigid rod-forming parts (20, 22) each having a fixing first portion (20?, 22?) and a second portion (20?, 22?), each of said second portions (20?, 22?) of said two rigid parts (20, 22) extending respective ends of said branches interconnected in pairs in opposite directions, so that said connecting member, whose fixing portions (20?, 22?) are fixed to respective anchor members, is able to bend elastically in a direction perpendicular to said median plane (Pm).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine S.A.S.
    Inventors: Régis Le Couedic, Denis Pasquet
  • Publication number: 20110208535
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention relate to a method for monitoring the use of sensitive products (16) in which the products and/or their packaging are marked and identified and then the products are marketed while storing successively their references in a CENTRAL FILE, associated with determined user customers and with suppliers, then in stock-management files (30, 30?) and, gradually as they are used at a user customer, in customer files (34, 34?, etc.). If one or more anomalies are found making it possible to qualify a product of determined type as defective (RD), data comprising the reference of the defective product can be automatically and simultaneously transmitted to all of the media of the various files, the reference of the defective product is automatically compared (35, 35?, etc.) with the product references appearing in the files, and in the event of a positive comparison, a warning signal is immediately or substantially immediately triggered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: IMPLANET
    Inventors: Régis Le Couedic, Erick Cloix
  • Patent number: 8002805
    Abstract: The invention relates to an intervertebral implant comprising a spacer constituted by first and second parts (12, 14), said parts being provided with mutual assembly means comprising first clip-fastener means (54, 56) secured to one of said parts, second clip-fastener means (49, 50) secured to the other part and suitable for cooperating with the first clip-fastener means to achieve releasable clip-fastening between the two parts, and guide means for guiding the two parts (12, 14) during clip-fastening, said guide means being distinct from the clip-fastening means and comprising: a substantially non-deformable first guide assembly (42, 44) secured to one of said parts; and a substantially non-deformable second guide assembly (46, 48) secured to the other part to co-operate with the first guide assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine
    Inventors: Regis Le Couedic, Denis Pasquet
  • Publication number: 20110160863
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a method of implanting an intervertebral disk prosthesis that can be assembled and disassembled in a minimally invasive fashion. The prosthesis comprises a first fixing element having an anchoring first face and a cooperation second face; a second fixing element having an anchoring first face and a cooperation second face; a first prosthesis element having an active first face and a cooperation second face, the cooperation faces of the first fixing element and the first prosthesis element serving to fasten the two elements together; a second prosthesis element having an active first face and a cooperation second face, the cooperation faces of the second fixing element and the second prosthesis element serving to fasten the two elements together; and each of the active faces of the prosthesis elements defining at least a portion of a spherical cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Karl Belliard, Regis Le Couedic, Jacques Senegas, Paolo Mangione
  • Patent number: 7959654
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertebral fixing system adapted to be mounted on a vertebra of the spine to connect it to a rod. Said fixing system comprises: a connecting part adapted to face the rib and/or said transverse process and to be connected to said rod; an elongate flexible ligature adapted to connect together said connecting part and at least one rib and/or one transverse process; and adjustable locking means fastened to said connecting part and adapted to fix simultaneously in position said connecting part relative to said rod and at least one portion of said ligature relative to said connecting part, so as to prevent relative displacement of said rod and said vertebra in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine S.A.S.
    Inventors: Keyvan Mazda, Regis Le Couedic
  • Patent number: 7896919
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a method of implanting an intervertebral disk prosthesis that can be assembled and disassembled in a minimally invasive fashion. The prosthesis comprises a first fixing element having an anchoring first face and a co-operation second face; a second fixing element having an anchoring first face and a co-operation second face; a first prosthesis element having an active first face and a co-operation second face, the co-operation faces of the first fixing element and the first prosthesis element serving to fasten the two elements together; a second prosthesis element having an active first face and a co-operation second face, the co-operation faces of the second fixing element and the second prosthesis element serving to fasten the two elements together; and each of the active faces of the prosthesis elements defining at least a portion of a spherical cap that is respectively concave or convex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine S.A.S.
    Inventors: Karl P. Belliard, Regis Le Couedic, Jacques Senegas, Pablo Mangione
  • Patent number: 7887596
    Abstract: The invention relates to a distractible intervertebral implant having a first assembly (10) constituted by a first prosthetic plate (16) and a first spacer element (18), the prosthetic plate being secured to the first spacer element; a second assembly (12) constituted by a second prosthetic plate (22) and by a hollow second spacer element (24), having a first end secured to the second prosthetic plate and the first spacer element being suitable for sliding in the second spacer element; and means (14) for preventing the spacer element from moving in translation or in rotation relative to each other, the means having a clamping collar (28) surrounding a portion of the outside surface of the second spacer element, and a lock screw (30) for tightening the collar onto the second spacer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine S.A.S.
    Inventors: Stéphane Douget, Régis Le Couëdic, Gilles Larroque-Lahitette
  • Publication number: 20110034956
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a method of placing a vertebral fixing system on a vertebra. The vertebral fixing system comprises a connecting part with members forming a space into which a rod may be inserted. The members are moveable relative to each other. A portion of a ligature may be passed through the connecting part to form a loop extending from the connecting part. When the rod is inserted in the space between the members, the ligature may be tensioned against the rod. The members of the connecting part may be driven together to hold the ligature in place. An adjustable locking means may be utilized to fix simultaneously in position the connecting part relative to the rod and at least one portion of the ligature relative to the connecting part, so as to prevent relative displacement of the rod and the vertebra in opposite directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Keyvan Mazda, Régis Le Couedic
  • Patent number: 7879073
    Abstract: A locking device for locking two ties which may be coupled to an intervertebral spacer. The locking device includes a body having a first face for facing a wall of the intervertebral spacer, and a second face opposite the first face. The body includes an axial slot opening out into both faces of the body; two lateral slots, each lateral slot opening out into both faces and having dimensions suitable for allowing one tie to pass freely therethrough between opposing side surfaces of the lateral slot; and two presser surfaces defined in the first face, each presser surface extending between one end of the body and the nearer lateral slot. One side surface of each lateral slot converges with the associated presser surface to define a first edge, and the other side surface of each lateral slot converges with the second face to define a second edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine
    Inventors: Denis Pasquet, Régis Le Couedic
  • Publication number: 20100331896
    Abstract: It is a device (1) for anchoring a tissue (2) in a bone (3), which comprises an anchor (6) extended around an axis (7), comprising a head (8) pierced with an eyelet (24) for suture threads (5) to pass through, and a body (9) for inserting and maintaining the head in the bone. The body (9) has an external thread (11) for screwing into the bone. The anchor (6) comprises means (10, 10?) for fastening the head (8) onto the body (9), which means are arranged so as to fasten one to the other in the axial direction and to allow free rotation of one with respect to that other about said axis (7), such that the head can remain immobile when the body is screwed into the bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Régis Le Couedic, Denis Pasquet