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).

  • Patent number: 11957592
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventors: Eran Linder-Ganz, Lex R. Giltaij, Richard W. Treharne, Thomas B. Buford, Dvora Galli
  • Patent number: 11871971
    Abstract: 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 porti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20230380830
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford, Blair Walker
  • Patent number: 11766252
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: NUVASIVE SPECIALIZED ORTHOPEDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford, Blair Walker
  • Publication number: 20230248528
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Eran Linder-Ganz, Lex R. Giltaij, Richard W. Treharne, Thomas B. Buford, Dvora Galli
  • Publication number: 20230190340
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Adam G. Beckett, Thomas B. Buford, Youngsam Bae, Edward H. Kim, Matthew Tobias Jacobs
  • Patent number: 11596456
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam G. Beckett, Thomas B. Buford, Youngsam Bae, Edward H. Kim, Matthew Tobias Jacobs
  • Patent number: 11576702
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart A. Green, Blair Walker, Thomas B. Buford, Urs Weber
  • Patent number: 11439510
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Active Implants LLC
    Inventors: Eran Linder-Ganz, Lex R. Giltaij, Richard W. Treharne, Thomas B. Buford, Dvora Galli
  • Publication number: 20220273342
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford
  • Patent number: 11357547
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: NUVASIVE SPECIALIZED ORTHOPEDICS INC.
    Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford
  • Publication number: 20220096136
    Abstract: 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 porti
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    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
  • Patent number: 11213330
    Abstract: 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 porti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 11191579
    Abstract: 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 porti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20210338229
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford, Blair Walker
  • Patent number: 11090039
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford, Blair Walker
  • Publication number: 20210113247
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Jeffrey Schwardt, Michael Moeller, Thomas B. Buford, Vijayendran Somasegaran
  • Publication number: 20210113342
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Eran Linder-Ganz, Lex R. Giltaij, Richard W. Treharne, Thomas B. Buford, Dvora Galli
  • Patent number: 10918425
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Schwardt, Michael Moeller, Thomas B. Buford, Vijayendran Somasegaran
  • Publication number: 20200330135
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Stuart A. Green, Blair Walker, Thomas B. Buford, Urs Weber