Patents by Inventor Thomas B. Buford
Thomas B. Buford 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: 20240180599Abstract: A system for surgical planning and assessment of spinal deformity correction is provided that has a spinal imaging system and a control unit. The spinal imaging system is configured to collect at least one digitized position of one or more vertebral bodies of a subject. The control unit is configured to receive the at least one digitized position, and calculate, based on the at least one digitized position, an optimized posture for the subject. The control unit is configured to receive one or more simulated spinal correction inputs, and based on the inputs and optimized posture, predict an optimal simulated postoperative surgical correction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2024Publication date: June 6, 2024Inventors: David Skinlo, Thomas B. Buford, Ephraim Akyuz, Thomas Weisel, Roger Pisarnwongs, Adam G. Beckett, Jeffrey Lee Gilbert, Frank Yan Liu, Urs Weber, Edmund J. Roschak, Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Mark T. Dahl
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Patent number: 11957592Abstract: A prosthetic device for use as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device restores stress distribution, stability, and function to the knee joint after removal of the damaged natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the prosthetic device includes an anti-migration feature that inhibits extreme movement within the joint while permitting free floating over a significant range. In one aspect, the anti-migration feature is an enlarged anterior structure or a posterior meniscus remnant engaging channel while in another aspect, the anti-migration feature includes a tethering member. Still further, removable radiopaque features are provided to enhance trialing of the implant prior to final implantation within the joint.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Inventors: Eran Linder-Ganz, Lex R. Giltaij, Richard W. Treharne, Thomas B. Buford, Dvora Galli
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Patent number: 11871971Abstract: A method of changing a bone angle includes creating an osteotomy between a first portion and a second portion of a tibia of a patient; creating a cavity in the tibia by removing bone material along an axis extending in a substantially longitudinal direction from a first point at the tibial plateau to a second point; placing a non-invasively adjustable implant into the cavity, the non-invasively adjustable implant comprising an adjustable actuator having an outer housing and an inner shaft, telescopically disposed in the outer housing, and a driving element configured to be remotely operable to telescopically displace the inner shaft in relation to the outer housing; coupling one of the outer housing or the inner shaft to the first portion of the tibia; coupling the other of the outer housing or the inner shaft to the second portion of the tibia; and remotely operating the driving element to telescopically displace the inner shaft in relation to the outer housing, thus changing an angle between the first portiType: GrantFiled: December 7, 2021Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: David Skinlo, Thomas B. Buford, Ephraim Akyuz, Thomas Weisel, Roger Pisarnwongs, Adam G. Beckett, Jeffrey Lee Gilbert, Frank Yan Liu, Urs Weber, Edmund J. Roschak, Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Mark T. Dahl
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Publication number: 20230380830Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of treating a patient includes: providing a tensioning device having: a connector configured to couple to a soft tissue, and an adjustable anchor configured to couple to the connector and to couple to a bone, wherein the adjustable anchor comprises: a first end and a second end; a housing extending between the first end and the second end; and an adjustable component disposed within the housing; inserting the second end of the adjustable anchor into the bone; connecting the connector to the soft tissue; coupling the connector to the adjustable anchor; and adjusting a tension on the connector by rotating the adjustable component within the housing in response to a wireless signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford, Blair Walker
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Patent number: 11766252Abstract: In one embodiment, an adjustable implant system includes a bone anchor having first and second ends, a bone engagement surface adjacent the first end, and a housing extending between the first and second ends. The adjustable implant system can further include a non-invasively actuatable driving element within the housing and coupled to an adjustment component configured to couple to a flexible elongate tension member which is capable of engaging a patient's soft tissue (e.g., rotator cuff or ACL). Non-invasive actuation of the driving element can cause the adjustment component to change the amount of tension on the flexible elongate tension member and consequently on the patient's soft tissue. The adjustable implant system can include an external adjustment device configured to be placed on or adjacent the patient's skin and comprising at least one energy transferring component configured to energize/actuate the driving element inside the housing of the adjustable implant.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: NUVASIVE SPECIALIZED ORTHOPEDICS, INC.Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford, Blair Walker
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Publication number: 20230248528Abstract: A prosthetic device for use as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device restores stress distribution, stability, and function to the knee joint after removal of the damaged natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the prosthetic device includes an anti-migration feature that inhibits extreme movement within the joint while permitting free floating over a significant range. In one aspect, the anti-migration feature is an enlarged anterior structure or a posterior meniscus remnant engaging channel while in another aspect, the anti-migration feature includes a tethering member. Still further, removable radiopaque features are provided to enhance trialing of the implant prior to final implantation within the joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2022Publication date: August 10, 2023Inventors: Eran Linder-Ganz, Lex R. Giltaij, Richard W. Treharne, Thomas B. Buford, Dvora Galli
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Publication number: 20230190340Abstract: Systems and related methods for changing the angle of a bone of a subject is provided by the present disclosure. The system may include a non-invasively adjustable implant configured to be placed inside a cavity within the bone. The non-invasively adjustable implant may couple to a first portion of bone and a second portion of bone that is separated or separable from the first portion of bone, such that non-invasive elongation of the adjustable implant causes movement of the first portion of bone and the second portion of bone apart angularly. The system may include an anchor configured to couple the non-invasively adjustable implant to bone. The non-invasively adjustable implant may include an anchor hole configured to receive the anchor therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2023Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Adam G. Beckett, Thomas B. Buford, Youngsam Bae, Edward H. Kim, Matthew Tobias Jacobs
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Patent number: 11596456Abstract: A system, and method of using the system, for changing the angle of a bone of a subject is provided by the present disclosure.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: Adam G. Beckett, Thomas B. Buford, Youngsam Bae, Edward H. Kim, Matthew Tobias Jacobs
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Patent number: 11576702Abstract: In one embodiment, a non-invasively adjustable spinal system for treatment of a subject having spondylolisthesis includes a first implantable actuator having at least one anchoring structure, the anchoring structure configured to facilitate securement of the first implantable actuator to a portion of the sacrum of the subject. The non-invasively adjustable spinal system can further include an adjustment element, configured to be coupled to the first implantable actuator, the adjustment element having an engagement structure configured to engage at least one transverse process of a lumbar vertebra of the subject. The non-invasively adjustable spinal system can further include a driving element, wherein remote activation of the driving element causes movement of the adjustment element in relation to the first implantable actuator.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: Stuart A. Green, Blair Walker, Thomas B. Buford, Urs Weber
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Patent number: 11439510Abstract: A prosthetic device for use as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device restores stress distribution, stability, and function to the knee joint after removal of the damaged natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the prosthetic device includes an anti-migration feature that inhibits extreme movement within the joint while permitting free floating over a significant range. In one aspect, the anti-migration feature is an enlarged anterior structure or a posterior meniscus remnant engaging channel while in another aspect, the anti-migration feature includes a tethering member. Still further, removable radiopaque features are provided to enhance trialing of the implant prior to final implantation within the joint.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Active Implants LLCInventors: Eran Linder-Ganz, Lex R. Giltaij, Richard W. Treharne, Thomas B. Buford, Dvora Galli
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Publication number: 20220273342Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting a curvature of a spine are provided. The systems may include an implant body, an actuator coupled to the implant body, a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a biological condition, a transceiver, and a controller. The transceiver may be configured to transmit data associated with the parameter to an external remote control and receive instructions from the external remote control. Finally, the controller is configured to move the actuator in response to the instructions from the external remote control, wherein the actuator adjusts the implant body. The methods may include measuring a parameter indicative of a biological condition; transmitting data associated with the parameter from the implantable device to an external remote control; transmitting instructions from the external remote control to the implantable device; and actuating the implantable device in response to the instructions from the external remote control.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2022Publication date: September 1, 2022Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford
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Patent number: 11357547Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems and methods for reshaping bone are provided. The systems may include an implant body, an actuator coupled to the implant body, a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a biological condition, a transceiver, and a controller. The transceiver may be configured to transmit data associated with the parameter to an external remote control and receive instructions from the external remote control. Finally, the controller is configured to move the actuator in response to the instructions from the external remote control, wherein the actuator adjusts the implant body. The methods may include measuring a parameter indicative of a biological condition; transmitting data associated with the parameter from the implantable device to an external remote control; transmitting instructions from the external remote control to the implantable device; and actuating the bone growth device in response to the instructions from the external remote control.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: NUVASIVE SPECIALIZED ORTHOPEDICS INC.Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford
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Publication number: 20220096136Abstract: A method of changing a bone angle includes creating an osteotomy between a first portion and a second portion of a tibia of a patient; creating a cavity in the tibia by removing bone material along an axis extending in a substantially longitudinal direction from a first point at the tibial plateau to a second point; placing a non-invasively adjustable implant into the cavity, the non-invasively adjustable implant comprising an adjustable actuator having an outer housing and an inner shaft, telescopically disposed in the outer housing, and a driving element configured to be remotely operable to telescopically displace the inner shaft in relation to the outer housing; coupling one of the outer housing or the inner shaft to the first portion of the tibia; coupling the other of the outer housing or the inner shaft to the second portion of the tibia; and remotely operating the driving element to telescopically displace the inner shaft in relation to the outer housing, thus changing an angle between the first portiType: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Inventors: David Skinlo, Thomas B. Buford, Ephraim Akyuz, Thomas Weisel, Roger Pisarnwongs, Adam G. Beckett, Jeffrey Lee Gilbert, Frank Yan Liu, Urs Weber, Edmund J. Roschak, Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Mark T. Dahl
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Patent number: 11213330Abstract: A method of changing a bone angle includes creating an osteotomy between a first portion and a second portion of a tibia of a patient; creating a cavity in the tibia by removing bone material along an axis extending in a substantially longitudinal direction from a first point at the tibial plateau to a second point; placing a non-invasively adjustable implant into the cavity, the non-invasively adjustable implant comprising an adjustable actuator having an outer housing and an inner shaft, telescopically disposed in the outer housing, and a driving element configured to be remotely operable to telescopically displace the inner shaft in relation to the outer housing; coupling one of the outer housing or the inner shaft to the first portion of the tibia; coupling the other of the outer housing or the inner shaft to the second portion of the tibia; and remotely operating the driving element to telescopically displace the inner shaft in relation to the outer housing, thus changing an angle between the first portiType: GrantFiled: October 12, 2018Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: David Skinlo, Thomas B. Buford, Ephraim Akyuz, Thomas Weisel, Roger Pisarnwongs, Adam G. Beckett, Jeffrey Lee Gilbert, Frank Yan Liu, Urs Weber, Edmund J. Roschak, Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Mark T. Dahl
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Patent number: 11191579Abstract: A method of changing a bone angle includes creating an osteotomy between a first portion and a second portion of a tibia of a patient; creating a cavity in the tibia by removing bone material along an axis extending in a substantially longitudinal direction from a first point at the tibial plateau to a second point; placing a non-invasively adjustable implant into the cavity, the non-invasively adjustable implant comprising an adjustable actuator having an outer housing and an inner shaft, telescopically disposed in the outer housing, and a driving element configured to be remotely operable to telescopically displace the inner shaft in relation to the outer housing; coupling one of the outer housing or the inner shaft to the first portion of the tibia; coupling the other of the outer housing or the inner shaft to the second portion of the tibia; and remotely operating the driving element to telescopically displace the inner shaft in relation to the outer housing, thus changing an angle between the first portiType: GrantFiled: January 31, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: NUVASIVE SPECIALIZED ORTHOPEDICS, INC.Inventors: David Skinlo, Thomas B. Buford, Ephraim Akyuz, Thomas Weisel, Roger Pisarnwongs, Adam G. Beckett, Jeffrey Lee Gilbert, Frank Yan Liu, Urs Weber, Edmund J. Roschak, Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Mark T. Dahl
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Publication number: 20210338229Abstract: In one embodiment, an adjustable implant system includes a bone anchor having first and second ends, a bone engagement surface adjacent the first end, and a housing extending between the first and second ends. The adjustable implant system can further include a non-invasively actuatable driving element within the housing and coupled to an adjustment component configured to couple to a flexible elongate tension member which is capable of engaging a patient's soft tissue (e.g., rotator cuff or ACL). Non-invasive actuation of the driving element can cause the adjustment component to change the amount of tension on the flexible elongate tension member and consequently on the patient's soft tissue. The adjustable implant system can include an external adjustment device configured to be placed on or adjacent the patient's skin and comprising at least one energy transferring component configured to energize/actuate the driving element inside the housing of the adjustable implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2021Publication date: November 4, 2021Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford, Blair Walker
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Patent number: 11090039Abstract: In one embodiment, an adjustable implant system includes a bone anchor having first and second ends, a bone engagement surface adjacent the first end, and a housing extending between the first and second ends. The adjustable implant system can further include a non-invasively actuatable driving element within the housing and coupled to an adjustment component configured to couple to a flexible elongate tension member which is capable of engaging a patient's soft tissue (e.g., rotator cuff or ACL). Non-invasive actuation of the driving element can cause the adjustment component to change the amount of tension on the flexible elongate tension member and consequently on the patient's soft tissue. The adjustable implant system can include an external adjustment device configured to be placed on or adjacent the patient's skin and comprising at least one energy transferring component configured to energize/actuate the driving element inside the housing of the adjustable implant.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2019Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford, Blair Walker
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Publication number: 20210113247Abstract: A system for bone transport is provided, the system comprising: an adjustable length implant configured for intramedullary placement and comprising a first end configured to be coupled to bone and a second end configured to be coupled to bone, wherein the first end and the second end are displaceable relative to each other along a longitudinal axis; and a driving element configured to be non-invasively activated to displace the first and second ends relative to one another along the longitudinal axis; and a support member having distal and proximal ends, wherein the support member includes a longitudinally extending slot disposed between the distal and proximal ends of the support member, the slot having opposing ends, wherein the slot is configured to pass an elongate anchor such that the elongate anchor is slidable between the first end and the second end of the slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2020Publication date: April 22, 2021Inventors: Jeffrey Schwardt, Michael Moeller, Thomas B. Buford, Vijayendran Somasegaran
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Publication number: 20210113342Abstract: A prosthetic device for use as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device restores stress distribution, stability, and function to the knee joint after removal of the damaged natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the prosthetic device includes an anti-migration feature that inhibits extreme movement within the joint while permitting free floating over a significant range. In one aspect, the anti-migration feature is an enlarged anterior structure or a posterior meniscus remnant engaging channel while in another aspect, the anti-migration feature includes a tethering member. Still further, removable radiopaque features are provided to enhance trialing of the implant prior to final implantation within the joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2020Publication date: April 22, 2021Inventors: Eran Linder-Ganz, Lex R. Giltaij, Richard W. Treharne, Thomas B. Buford, Dvora Galli
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Patent number: 10918425Abstract: A system for bone transport is provided, the system comprising: an adjustable length implant configured for intramedullary placement and comprising a first end configured to be coupled to bone and a second end configured to be coupled to bone, wherein the first end and the second end are displaceable relative to each other along a longitudinal axis; and a driving element configured to be non-invasively activated to displace the first and second ends relative to one another along the longitudinal axis; and a support member having distal and proximal ends, wherein the support member includes a longitudinally extending slot disposed between the distal and proximal ends of the support member, the slot having opposing ends, wherein the slot is configured to pass an elongate anchor such that the elongate anchor is slidable between the first end and the second end of the slot.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Schwardt, Michael Moeller, Thomas B. Buford, Vijayendran Somasegaran