Patents by Inventor Stephen D. Ainsworth
Stephen D. Ainsworth 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: 7799033Abstract: Disclosed are surgical tools, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and preparing treatment sites within the spine for subsequent treatment procedures. The treatment site may be an inter-vertebral motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The tool set may comprise introducer tools and bone dilators for accessing and tapping into a targeted site, such as, for example, the anterior surface of the S1 vertebral body. The tool set may also comprise cutters and extractors for preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures. The tool set may additionally comprise a bone graft inserter, an exchange system, and/or a temporary distraction tool for further preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: TranS1 Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Stephen D. Ainsworth, Andrew H. Cragg, Eugene A. Dickhudt
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Patent number: 7799032Abstract: Disclosed are surgical tools, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and preparing treatment sites within the spine for subsequent treatment procedures. The treatment site may be an inter-vertebral motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The tool set may comprise introducer tools and bone dilators for accessing and tapping into a targeted site, such as, for example, the anterior surface of the S1 vertebral body. The tool set may also comprise cutters and extractors for preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures. The tool set may additionally comprise a bone graft inserter, an exchange system, and/or a temporary distraction tool for further preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: TranS1 Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Stephen D. Ainsworth, Andrew H. Cragg, Eugene A. Dickhudt
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Patent number: 7776042Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for the provision of spinal therapy to two or more adjacent motion segments accessed through a trans-sacral approach. The spinal therapies include fusion and dynamic stabilization with and without a distraction of the most cephalad motion segment of the two or more adjacent motion segments provided therapy. The disclosure includes methods and apparatus to impart a distraction on a second more caudal motion segment after providing therapy to the more cephalad motion segment. Related concepts for the extraction of previously inserted devices and the delivery and removal of plugs for plugging the interior cavities of implantable devices are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2005Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: TranS1 Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. Ainsworth, Robert L. Assell, Andrew H. Cragg, Eugene A. Dickhudt, Tawney A. Schwarz, Bradley J. Wessman
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Patent number: 7776068Abstract: Spinal motion preservation assemblies adapted for use in a spinal motion segment are disclosed including the process for delivering and assembling the spinal motion preservation assemblies in the spinal motion segment via an axial channel created with a trans-sacral approach. Many of the spinal motion preservation assemblies make use of a dual pivot. A number of different embodiments of spinal motion preservation assemblies are disclosed which include at least one component adapted for elastic deformation under compressive loads. The disclosed mobility preservation assemblies provide for dynamic stabilization of the spinal motion segment. Other variations and implementations of the teachings are disclosed, including the sheathed delivery of membranes in order to protect the membranes before and during deployment.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: TranS1 Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. Ainsworth, Brandon B. Arthurs, Robert L. Assell, Eugene A. Dickhudt, Bradley J. Wessman
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Patent number: 7763025Abstract: Disclosed are surgical tools, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and preparing treatment sites within the spine for subsequent treatment procedures. The treatment site may be an inter-vertebral motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The tool set may comprise introducer tools and bone dilators for accessing and tapping into a targeted site, such as, for example, the anterior surface of the S1 vertebral body. The tool set may also comprise cutters and extractors for preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures. The tool set may additionally comprise a bone graft inserter, an exchange system, and/or a temporary distraction tool for further preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: TranS1 Inc.Inventors: Robert L Assell, Stephen D Ainsworth, Andrew H Cragg, Eugene A Dickhudt
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Patent number: 7740633Abstract: Disclosed are surgical tools, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and preparing treatment sites within the spine for subsequent treatment procedures. The treatment site may be an inter-vertebral motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The tool set may comprise introducer tools and bone dilators for accessing and tapping into a targeted site, such as, for example, the anterior surface of the S1 vertebral body. The tool set may also comprise cutters and extractors for preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures. The tool set may additionally comprise a bone graft inserter, an exchange system, and/or a temporary distraction tool for further preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: TranS1 Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Stephen D. Ainsworth, Andrew H. Cragg, Eugene A. Dickhudt
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Publication number: 20100145462Abstract: Spinal motion preservation assemblies adapted for use in a spinal motion segment are disclosed including the process for delivering and assembling the spinal motion preservation assemblies in the spinal motion segment via an axial channel created with a trans-sacral approach. The disclosed mobility preservation assemblies provide for dynamic stabilization of the spinal motion segment. Preformed membranes are disclosed for use within an intervertebral disc space. The preformed membrane may include an approximation of the final shape of a filled membrane to limit or eliminate the need for the membrane to stretch during filling. Other variations and implementations of the teachings are disclosed, including the sheathed delivery of membranes in order to protect the membranes before and during deployment.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: TRANS1 INC.Inventors: Stephen D. Ainsworth, Bradley J. Wessman
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Publication number: 20100137991Abstract: Multi-membrane prosthetic nucleus and implants using same are disclosed having an outermost membrane that is semi-compliant and limits the innermost membrane and any intermediate membranes that are highly compliant from bulging out of any opening in the annulus fibrosus. The outermost membrane may help protect the innermost membrane from trauma including any trauma before the innermost membrane is expanded through the injection of prosthetic nucleus material and trauma during the expansion of the innermost membrane in response to the injection of prosthetic nucleus material. Also disclosed is a coated membrane which combines the mechanical properties of the foundation layer with the low permeability to the passage of the flowable prosthetic material of the coating. This coated membrane is semi-compliant and prevents the prosthetic nucleus from bulging out of any openings in the annulus fibrosus. Use is made of injected prosthetic nucleus material that changes to a non-flowable state.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2009Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: TranS1, Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. Ainsworth, Bradley J. Wessman
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Publication number: 20090270902Abstract: Disclosed are surgical tools, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and preparing treatment sites within the spine for subsequent treatment procedures. The treatment site may be an inter-vertebral motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The tool set may comprise introducer tools and bone dilators for accessing and tapping into a targeted site, such as, for example, the anterior surface of the S1 vertebral body. The tool set may also comprise cutters and extractors for preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures. The tool set may additionally comprise a bone graft inserter, an exchange system, and/or a temporary distraction tool for further preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: TRANS1 INC.Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Stephen D. Ainsworth, Andrew H. Cragg, Eugene A. Dickhudt
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Patent number: 7601171Abstract: Spinal motion preservation assemblies adapted for use in a spinal motion segment are disclosed including the process for delivering and assembling the spinal motion preservation assemblies in the spinal motion segment via an axial channel created with a trans-sacral approach. The spinal motion preservation assemblies make use of a dual pivot. A number of different embodiments of spinal motion preservation assemblies are disclosed which include at least one component adapted for elastic deformation under compressive loads. The disclosed mobility preservation assemblies provide for dynamic stabilization (DS) of the spinal motion segment.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: TranS1 Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. Ainsworth, Robert L. Assell, Eugene A. Dickhudt, Bradley J. Wessman
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Patent number: 7588574Abstract: Disclosed are surgical tools, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and preparing treatment sites within the spine for subsequent treatment procedures. The treatment site may be an inter-vertebral motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The tool set may comprise introducer tools and bone dilators for accessing and tapping into a targeted site, such as, for example, the anterior surface of the S1 vertebral body. The tool set may also comprise cutters and extractors for preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures. The tool set may additionally comprise a bone graft inserter, an exchange system, and/or a temporary distraction tool for further preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: TranS1 Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Stephen D. Ainsworth, Andrew H. Cragg, Eugene A. Dickhudt
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Publication number: 20090171446Abstract: The invention provides an improved stent design for repairing vasculature, the stent having rings including struts defining first peaks and second peaks, selected second peaks of adjacent rings being connected by links. The stent design incorporates non-linear links with undulating portions extending generally perpendicular to or circumferentially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the stent and adjacent first peaks with different longitudinal lengths such that stent flexibility is increased without sacrificing stent compression for delivery.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2009Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: ADVANCED CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Stephen D. Ainsworth, Andreina P. Gomez
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Patent number: 7547324Abstract: A spinal mobility preservation apparatus and methods are disclosed. The spinal mobility preservation apparatus may include a proximal body, an intermediate body, a distal body, and an expandable membrane. The proximal body and the distal body secure the mobility preservation apparatus to adjacent vertebral bodies. At least one of an intermediate body and an expandable membrane secure the proximal body to the distal body and provide a degree of support to a spinal motion segment defined by the adjacent vertebral bodies. A single proximal body and an expandable membrane may also compose a spinal mobility preservation apparatus. The proximal body secured to one of a superior or an inferior vertebral body and the expandable membrane extending into the intervertebral disc space to support the spinal motion segment.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: TranS1, Inc.Inventors: Andrew H. Cragg, Robert L. Assell, Stephen D. Ainsworth, Eugene A. Dickhudt, Bradley J. Wessman
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Publication number: 20090143809Abstract: Disclosed are surgical tools, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and preparing treatment sites within the spine for subsequent treatment procedures. The treatment site may be an inter-vertebral motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The tool set may comprise introducer tools and bone dilators for accessing and tapping into a targeted site, such as, for example, the anterior surface of the S1 vertebral body. The tool set may also comprise cutters and extractors for preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures. The tool set may additionally comprise a bone graft inserter, an exchange system, and/or a temporary distraction tool for further preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2009Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: TranS1 Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Stephen D. Ainsworth, Andrew H. Cragg, Eugene A. Dickhudt
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Publication number: 20090124859Abstract: Disclosed are surgical tools, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and preparing treatment sites within the spine for subsequent treatment procedures. The treatment site may be an inter-vertebral motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The tool set may comprise introducer tools and bone dilators for accessing and tapping into a targeted site, such as, for example, the anterior surface of the S1 vertebral body. The tool set may also comprise cutters and extractors for preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures. The tool set may additionally comprise a bone graft inserter, an exchange system, and/or a temporary distraction tool for further preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2009Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: TranS1 Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Stephen D. Ainsworth, Andrew H. Cragg, Eugene A. Dickhudt
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Patent number: 7520892Abstract: The invention provides an improved stent design for repairing vasculature, the stent having rings including struts defining first peaks and second peaks, selected second peaks of adjacent rings being connected by links. The stent design incorporates non-linear links with undulating portions extending generally perpendicular to or circumferentially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the stent and adjacent first peaks with different longitudinal lengths such that stent flexibility is increased without sacrificing stent compression for delivery.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2001Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. Ainsworth, Andreina P. Gomez
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Publication number: 20080262502Abstract: Multi-membrane prosthetic nucleus and implants using same are disclosed having an outermost membrane that is semi-compliant and limits the innermost membrane and any intermediate membranes that are highly compliant from bulging out of any opening in the annulus fibrosus. The outermost membrane may help protect the innermost membrane from trauma including any trauma before the innermost membrane is expanded through the injection of prosthetic nucleus material and trauma during the expansion of the innermost membrane in response to the injection of prosthetic nucleus material. Also disclosed is a coated membrane which combines the mechanical properties of the foundation layer with the low permeability to the passage of the flowable prosthetic material of the coating. This coated membrane is semi-compliant and prevents the prosthetic nucleus from bulging out of any openings in the annulus fibrosus. Use is made of injected prosthetic nucleus material that changes to a non-flowable state.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: TRANS1, INC.Inventors: Stephen D. Ainsworth, Brandon B. Arthurs, Robert L. Assell, Bradley J. Wessman
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Publication number: 20080195156Abstract: Spinal motion preservation assemblies adapted for use in a spinal motion segment are disclosed including the process for delivering and assembling the spinal motion preservation assemblies in the spinal motion segment via an axial channel created with a trans-sacral approach. The spinal motion preservation assemblies make use of a dual pivot. A number of different embodiments of spinal motion preservation assemblies are disclosed which include at least one component adapted for elastic deformation under compressive loads. The disclosed mobility preservation assemblies provide for dynamic stabilization (DS) of the spinal motion segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2008Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: TRANS1 INC.Inventors: Stephen D. Ainsworth, Robert L. Assell, Eugene A. Dickhudt, Bradley J. Wessman
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Publication number: 20080154275Abstract: Disclosed are surgical tools, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and preparing treatment sites within the spine for subsequent treatment procedures. The treatment site may be an inter-vertebral motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The tool set may comprise introducer tools and bone dilators for accessing and tapping into a targeted site, such as, for example, the anterior surface of the S1 vertebral body. The tool set may also comprise cutters and extractors for preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures. The tool set may additionally comprise a bone graft inserter, an exchange system, and/or a temporary distraction tool for further preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2008Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: TRANS1 INC.Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Stephen D. Ainsworth, Andrew H. Cragg, Eugene A. Dickhudt
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Patent number: 6929660Abstract: The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implanting in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen. The invention provides for an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by links with apertures and/or undulating links. The apertured links and undulating links provide the stent with a high degree of flexibility in the longitudinal direction, yet the stent has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. Ainsworth, E Tina Cheng