Patents by Inventor Sara Dziedzic
Sara Dziedzic 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).
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Patent number: 8236032Abstract: A spinal implant with at least one flexible elongated extension element is provided. The spinal implant has a profile that is lower than standard spinal implants. The spinal implant includes a bone anchor with a head portion and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis of the bone anchor. A head plate is coupled to the bone anchor. The head plate includes a first elongated extension element and a second elongated extension element. The first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element may be formed as a single monolithic element that is attached to the head plate by passing through a pair of openings provided on the head plate. At least one of the first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element is flexible.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Christopher L. Ramsay, Sara Dziedzic, Michael Mahoney
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Patent number: 8172847Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for placing a spinal fixation rod into a rod receiving opening in a spinal anchor and installing a fastener to secure the rod to the spinal anchor. In one embodiment, the system can include a cap having a bore extending therethrough, an elongate drive rod that is adapted to extend through the bore, and a fastener that is disposed on a distal portion of the drive rod. The cap can include a driving element that is adapted to cooperate with a complementary driving element disposed on the rod to form a driving mechanism. Actuation of the driver mechanism can be effective to advance the drive rod through the cap to thereby reduce a spinal rod into a rod receiving opening of the spinal anchor and install the fastener to secure the rod to the spinal anchor.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Sara Dziedzic, Garth G. Baker, Shawn D. Stad, Nicholas Pavento, Paul Beaudoin
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Publication number: 20120078308Abstract: An instrument for reducing a spinal rod includes a reduction member sized and shaped to be positioned about an anchor extension connected to a bone anchor, an actuator assembly connected to the reduction member and operable to move the reduction member distally relative to the anchor extension along a longitudinal axis of the anchor extension, and a connection mechanism for removable and replaceable connection of the actuator assembly to a proximal end of the anchor extension. The connection mechanism is adjustable between a first position in which the connection mechanism connects the actuator assembly to the proximal end of the anchor extension and a second position in which the connection mechanism and the actuator assembly are released from the anchor extension.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Sara Dziedzic, James Donahue, Glen Presbrey
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Publication number: 20110320002Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventors: Ronald GARNER, Sara DZIEDZIC, Michael MAHONEY, Ramon RUBERTE
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Publication number: 20110276139Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Michael Mahoney, Sara Dziedzic, Paul Birkmeyer, Timothy Beardsley, Dale Frank, Ron Naughton
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Patent number: 8034110Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect the first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Garner, Sara Dziedzic, Michael Mahoney, Ramon Roberte
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Publication number: 20110245621Abstract: A surgical access device includes a proximal frame of fixed construction and a plurality of tissue engaging blades connected to the frame. The plurality of tissue engaging blades may include a first blade that is rotatable, independent of other blades, about an axis that is oriented approximately parallel to a plane defined by the proximal frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: William Frasier, Anne Drzyzga, Connie Marchek, Sara Dziedzic, Holly Brideau, Thomas J Runco, Nicholas Pavento
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Patent number: 8016829Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Michael Mahoney, Sara Dziedzic, Paul Birkmeyer, Timothy Beardsley, Dale Frank, Ron Naughton
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Patent number: 7981031Abstract: A surgical access device includes a proximal frame of fixed construction and a plurality of tissue engaging blades connected to the frame. The plurality of tissue engaging blades may include a first blade that is rotatable, independent of other blades, about an axis that is oriented approximately parallel to a plane defined by the proximal frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2006Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Depuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: William Frasier, Anne Drzyzga, Connie Marchek, Sara Dziedzic, Holly Brideau, Thomas Runco, Nicholas Pavento
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Publication number: 20110093015Abstract: A spinal implant with at least one flexible elongated extension element is provided. The spinal implant has a profile that is lower than standard spinal implants. The spinal implant includes a bone anchor with a head portion and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis of the bone anchor. A head plate is coupled to the bone anchor. The head plate includes a first elongated extension element and a second elongated extension element. The first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element may be formed as a single monolithic element that is attached to the head plate by passing through a pair of openings provided on the head plate. At least one of the first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element is flexible.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Inventors: Christopher L. RAMSAY, Sara DZIEDZIC, Michael MAHONEY
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Patent number: 7918792Abstract: A surgical retractor for use with a spinal stabilization system including a plurality of bone anchors and a plurality of anchor extensions. The surgical retractor includes a frame positionable between a first anchor extension connected to a first bone anchor implanted in a first vertebra and a second anchor extension connected to a second bone anchor implanted in a second vertebra and a first retractor blade connectable to the frame for retracting tissue between the first anchor extension and the second anchor extension.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2006Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Anne Drzyzga, William Frasier, Michael Zajack, Michael DeFusco, Connie Marchek, Nicholas Pavento, Ginger Boyer, Sara Dziedzic
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Patent number: 7918857Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for facilitating delivery and implanting of a bone anchor into bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a bone anchor extension is provided for coupling to a bone anchor to facilitate delivery and implanting of the bone anchor in bone. The bone anchor extension can have a generally elongate configuration that allows it to extend from a skin incision in a patient to a site proximate a patient's spine, and it can include a lumen extending therethrough between proximal and distal ends thereof. A distal end of the bone anchor extension can be adapted to engage a bone anchor, such as a bone screw. Various techniques are provided for locking the distal end of the bone anchor extension into engagement with a bone anchor.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2006Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Sara Dziedzic, Shawn D. Stad, Christopher Ramsay
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Publication number: 20110021882Abstract: A surgical access system for providing access to a surgical site in a patient includes a surgical access device defining a port and a light emitter coupled to the surgical access device for illuminating the port. The light emitter preferably comprises an elongated shaft having a light transmitting element housed therein, which emits light transmitted to the elongated shaft from a light source. The elongated shaft is configured to be inserted in an elongated channel in the access device. The elongated channel has or forms a window for transmitting light emitted by the light emitter into the interior of the access device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventors: Sean SELOVER, Sara DZIEDZIC, Steve CONNOLLY, Sheryl FRANK, Lorenzo VACCARELLA
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Patent number: 7874982Abstract: A surgical access system for providing access to a surgical site in a patient includes a surgical access device defining a port and a light emitter coupled to the surgical access device for illuminating the port. The light emitter preferably comprises an elongated shaft having a light transmitting element housed therein, which emits light transmitted to the elongated shaft from a light source. The elongated shaft is configured to be inserted in an elongated channel in the access device. The elongated channel has or forms a window for transmitting light emitted by the light emitter into the interior of the access device.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Sean Selover, Sara Dziedzic, Steve Connolly, Sheryl Frank, Lorenzo Vaccarella
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Publication number: 20110004067Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a plurality of blade assemblies interconnected by a plurality of racks. One or more of the blade assemblies is movable along a rack to selectively expand the retractor. At least one of the blade assemblies includes a blade that is rotatably connected to the blade assembly and that is rotatable independent of other blades of the retractor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventors: Connie Marchek, William Frasier, Anne Kothari, Sara Dziedzic, Holly Brideau, Thomas J. Runco, Nicholas Pavento, Paul Beaudoin
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Publication number: 20090270916Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an implant having a protrusion. The protrusion aids in the insertion and placement of the implant as well as the spinal fixation element. In certain embodiments the protrusion may be configured as a guide for the insertion of the spinal fixation element as well as closure mechanisms for connecting the spinal fixation element to the implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventors: Christopher L. RAMSAY, Sara Dziedzic, Michael Mahoney
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Patent number: 7594888Abstract: An expandable port for minimally invasive surgery includes a first section, a second section, and at least one intermediate section. The port is expandable from a closed configuration in which the first section is proximate the second section along at least a portion of a length of the first section to an expanded configuration in which the first section is spaced apart from the second section. The intermediate portion spans a gap between the first section and the second section when the port is in the expanded configuration.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Depuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Raymond, Shinikequa White, Richard Pellegrino, Anthony Carlone, William Frasier, Connie Marchek, Brian Murphy, Stephen Connolly, Nicholas Pavento, Sara Dziedzic
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Publication number: 20090234392Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inserting a spinal fixation element using minimally invasive surgical techniques. The methods use implants having guide tabs. The guide tabs are used to locate the spinal fixation element along a patient's spine. The guide tabs may be orientated in different ways to accommodate different insertion techniques for the spinal fixation element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Sara Dziedzic, Michael Mahoney, Christopher L. Ramsay, James Roveda
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Publication number: 20090082811Abstract: Methods for delivering a spinal fixation element to a surgical site are provided herein. More specifically, the method includes delivering a plurality of percutaneous access devices to a corresponding number of spinal locations, inserting a spinal fixation element through tissue, and manipulating the element through opposed sidewall openings formed in each access device. In an exemplary embodiment, the method can be optimized for position of large-scale fixation elements (e.g., greater than about 95 mm in length). In addition, a manipulation instrument configured to position such spinal fixation elements is also provided herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: DePUY SPINE, INC.Inventors: Shawn D. Stad, David Greg Anderson, Tony Tannoury, Paul G. Beaudoin, Sara Dziedzic
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Publication number: 20090062860Abstract: The present invention provides an implant that can be inserted on top of a previously placed spinal fixation element. The implant includes a bone anchor and a connector body. The bone anchor includes a proximal head and a distal shaft extending along a longitudinal axis configured to engage bone. The connector body is configured to engage the proximal head of bone anchor and engage a spinal fixation element offset from longitudinal axis of the bone anchor shaft. Because, the implant is inserted over the spinal fixation element, direct visualization of the surgical site is available during insertion. In addition, the implant may provide tactile or audible feedback indicating that the spinal fixation element has been engaged by the implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: William J. Frasier, Nicholas Pavento, Sara Dziedzic, Christina Easterbrooks, Michael Mahoney, Shawn Stad