Patents by Inventor Shawn Tebbe
Shawn Tebbe 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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Publication number: 20150150598Abstract: A dilator that facilitates implantation of an interspinous spacer is provided. The dilator includes a proximal portion and a tapered distal portion interconnected by an elongated body portion. The tapered distal portion is ideally suited for splitting ligamentous tissue for creating a posterior midline pathway through the supraspinous ligament as well as for distracting the adjacent spinous processes. Two oppositely located and longitudinally extending channels or grooves are formed in the outer surface of the dilator for stabilizing the dilator with respect to the spinous processes. An accompanying cannula together with the dilator form a system for the distraction of the adjacent spinous processes, stabilization of the spinous processes with respect to the system and creation of a working channel for the implantation of an interspinous spacer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2014Publication date: June 4, 2015Inventors: Shawn Tebbe, Moti Altarac, Yang Cheng
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Patent number: 9039742Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and a mechanical actuation means for delivering and deploying the spacer. The methods involve the implantation of one or more spacers within the interspinous space.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Moti Altarac, Shawn Tebbe, Daniel H. Kim, J. Christopher Flaherty
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Patent number: 8945183Abstract: A percutaneous and minimally invasive instrument system for implanting an interspinous process spacer into a patient is disclosed. The insertion instrument system includes an inserter and a driver. The inserter is configured to releasably clamp to an interspinous process spacer for its delivery, implantation and deployment. The driver is configured for removable insertion into a proximal end of a passageway of the inserter. The driver has a distal spacer engaging portion configured to engage that part of the spacer requiring activation for the deployment of the spacer from at least one undeployed configuration to at least one deployed configuration and vice versa. As the spacer goes from the undeployed to the deployed configuration and vice versa, the system advantageously provides a degree of deployment information to the user via at least one deployment indicator.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: VertiFlex, Inc.Inventors: Moti Altarac, Shawn Tebbe, Daniel H. Kim
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Patent number: 8864828Abstract: An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a receiving portion configured for seating a spinous process of a scoliotic spine or a spine with misaligned spinous processes. Each arm has a proximal caming surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the longitudinal passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, a threaded shaft of the actuator assembly contacts the caming surfaces of arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the superior and inferior arms of the spacer.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2009Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: VertiFlex, Inc.Inventors: Moti Altarac, Shawn Tebbe, Daniel H. Kim
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Patent number: 8845726Abstract: A dilator that facilitates implantation of an interspinous spacer is provided. The dilator includes a proximal portion and a tapered distal portion interconnected by an elongated body portion. The tapered distal portion is ideally suited for splitting ligamentous tissue for creating a posterior midline pathway through the supraspinous ligament as well as for distracting the adjacent spinous processes. Two oppositely located and longitudinally extending channels or grooves are formed in the outer surface of the dilator for stabilizing the dilator with respect to the spinous processes. An accompanying cannula together with the dilator form a system for the distraction of the adjacent spinous processes, stabilization of the spinous processes with respect to the system and creation of a working channel for the implantation of an interspinous spacer.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: VertiFlex, Inc.Inventors: Shawn Tebbe, Moti Altarac, Yang Cheng
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Publication number: 20140081332Abstract: A percutaneous and minimally invasive instrument for inserting an interspinous process spacer into a patient is disclosed. The insertion instrument includes a first assembly connected to a handle assembly. The first assembly includes an inner shaft located inside an outer shaft and configured for relative translational motion with respect to the outer shaft. The relative translational motion causes one of the outer or inner shafts to move with respect to the other and thereby deflect at least one prong formed on one of the inner or outer shafts wherein such deflection causes engagement with a juxtapositioned interspinous spacer. The instrument further includes a driving tool configured for removable insertion into a proximal end of a passageway of the instrument. The driving tool has a distal spacer engaging portion configured to engage that part of the spacer requiring activation for deployment of the spacer from at least one undeployed configuration to at least one deployed configuration and vice versa.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: VERTIFLEX, INC.Inventors: Moti Altarac, Shawn Tebbe, Daniel H. Kim
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Patent number: 8613747Abstract: A percutaneous and minimally invasive instrument for inserting an interspinous process spacer into a patient is disclosed. The insertion instrument includes a first assembly connected to a handle assembly. The first assembly includes an inner shaft located inside an outer shaft; the inner and outer shafts being configured for relative translational motion with respect to each other to thereby deflect at least one prong formed on one of the inner or outer shafts wherein such deflection causes engagement with a juxtapositioned interspinous spacer. The instrument further includes a driving tool configured for removable insertion into a proximal end of a passageway of the instrument. The driving tool has a distal spacer engaging portion configured to engage that part of the spacer requiring activation for deployment of the spacer from at least one undeployed configuration to at least one deployed configuration and vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: VertiFlex, Inc.Inventors: Moti Altarac, Shawn Tebbe, Daniel H. Kim
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Publication number: 20130172932Abstract: An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. Each arm has a proximal earning surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, a threaded shaft of the actuator assembly contacts the earning surfaces of arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: VertiFlex, Inc.Inventors: Moti Altarac, Shawn Tebbe, Joey Camia Reglos, Yang Cheng, Murali P. Kadaba, Daniel H. Kim
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Publication number: 20130172933Abstract: An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. Each arm has a proximal caming surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, a threaded shaft of the actuator assembly contacts the caming surfaces of arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: VertiFlex, Inc.Inventors: Moti Altarac, Shawn Tebbe, Joey Camia Reglos, Yang Cheng, Murali P. Kadaba, Daniel H. Kim
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Publication number: 20130150886Abstract: An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the longitudinal passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, the actuator assembly contacts camming surfaces of the arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms providing sufficient distraction to open the neural foramen. An insertion instrument is provided for implanting the interspinous process spacer. The system is configured for implantation through a small percutaneous incision employing minimally invasive techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: VertiFlex, Inc.Inventors: Moti Altarac, Shawn Tebbe
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Patent number: 8425559Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and a mechanical actuation means for delivering and deploying the spacer. The methods involve the implantation of one or more spacers within the interspinous space.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2006Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: VertiFlex, Inc.Inventors: Shawn Tebbe, Moti Altarac, Daniel H. Kim
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Publication number: 20130012998Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and a mechanical actuation means for delivering and deploying the spacer. The methods involve the implantation of one or more spacers within the interspinous space.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: VertiFlex, Inc.Inventors: Moti Altarac, Shawn Tebbe, Daniel H. Kim, J. Christopher Flaherty
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Patent number: 8292922Abstract: A novel implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. Each arm has a proximal camming surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the longitudinal passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, the actuator assembly contacts the camming surfaces of the arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms providing sufficient distraction to open the neural foramen to relieve pain. An insertion instrument is provided for implanting the interspinous process spacer.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: VertiFlex, Inc.Inventors: Moti Altarac, Shawn Tebbe
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Patent number: 8277488Abstract: An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. Each arm has a proximal caming surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, a threaded shaft of the actuator assembly contacts the caming surfaces of arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: VertiFlex, Inc.Inventors: Moti Altarac, Shawn Tebbe, Joey Camia Reglos, Yang Cheng, Murali P. Kadaba, Daniel H. Kim
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Patent number: 8273108Abstract: An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. Each arm has a proximal caming surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, a threaded shaft of the actuator assembly contacts the caming surfaces of arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: VertiFlex, Inc.Inventors: Moti Altarac, Shawn Tebbe, Joey Camia Reglos, Yang Cheng, Murali P. Kadaba, Daniel H. Kim
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Publication number: 20120226315Abstract: A plurality of individual tools is provided where each tool is uniquely configured to perform a step or a portion of a step in a novel procedure associated with the implantation of a stabilizing device (e.g., an interspinous spacer) for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment. The tools are usable individually, or more preferably as a tooling system in which the tools are collectively employed to implant an interspinous spacer, generally in a minimally invasive manner. For example, each of the tools is arranged with coordinated markings and/or other features to ensure consistent depths of insertion, proper orientation of the tools with respect to each other or an anatomical feature of the patient, and precise delivery of the spacer to maintain safe positioning throughout the implantation procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2012Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: VertiFlex, Inc.Inventors: Moti Altarac, Robert Guiterrez, Shawn Tebbe, Daniel H. Kim, J. Christopher Flaherty
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Publication number: 20120158063Abstract: An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes is provided. The spacer includes a body and a wing rotatably connected to the body. The wing includes two U-shaped configurations that together define a substantially H-shaped configuration for retaining the spacer between adjacent spinous processes. An actuator assembly is connected to the body and to the wing with the proximal end of the spacer being connectable to a removable driver that is configured to engage the actuator assembly. While connected to the spacer, the driver is rotatable in one direction to deploy the wing from an undeployed to a deployed configuration and in an opposite direction to undeploy the wing. In the deployed configuration, the spacer acts as a space holder opening up the area of the spinal canal, maintaining foraminal height, reducing stress on the facet joints and relieving pain for the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2012Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: VertiFlex, Inc.Inventors: Moti Altarac, Shawn Tebbe, Joey Camia Reglos, Yang Cheng
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Patent number: 8152837Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and a mechanical actuation means for delivering and deploying the spacer. The methods involve the implantation of one or more spacers within the interspinous space.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Moti Altarac, Shawn Tebbe, Daniel H. Kim, J. Christopher Flaherty
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Patent number: 8128662Abstract: A plurality of individual tools is provided where each tool is uniquely configured to perform a step or a portion of a step in a novel procedure associated with the implantation of a stabilizing device (e.g., an interspinous spacer) for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment. The tools are usable individually, or more preferably as a tooling system in which the tools are collectively employed to implant an interspinous spacer, generally in a minimally invasive manner. For example, each of the tools is arranged with coordinated markings and/or other features to ensure consistent depths of insertion, proper orientation of the tools with respect to each other or an anatomical feature of the patient, and precise delivery of the spacer to maintain safe positioning throughout the implantation procedure.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: VertiFlex, Inc.Inventors: Moti Altarac, Shawn Tebbe, Robert Gutierrez, Daniel H. Kim, J. Christopher Flaherty
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Patent number: 8123782Abstract: An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes is provided. The spacer includes a body and a wing rotatable connected to the body. The wing includes two U-shaped configurations that together define a substantially H-shaped configuration for retaining the spacer between adjacent spinous processes. An actuator assembly is connected to the body and to the wing with the proximal end of the spacer being connectable to a removable driver that is configured to engage the actuator assembly. While connected to the spacer, the driver is rotatable in one direction to deploy the wing from an undeployed to a deployed configuration and in an opposite direction to undeploy the wing. In the deployed configuration, the spacer acts as a space holder opening up the area of the spinal canal, maintaining foraminal height, reducing stress on the facet joints and relieving pain for the patient.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Vertiflex, Inc.Inventors: Moti Altarac, Shawn Tebbe, Joey Camia Reglos, Yang Cheng