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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Patent number: 10751094Abstract: 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: October 9, 2014Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: Stuart A. Green, Blair Walker, Thomas B. Buford, Urs Weber
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Patent number: 10736749Abstract: 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: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Active Implants LLCInventors: Eran Linder-Ganz, Lex R. Giltaij, Richard W. Treharne, Thomas B. Buford, Dvora Galli
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Publication number: 20200205866Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2020Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventors: Adam G. Beckett, Thomas B. Buford, Youngsam Bae, Edward H. Kim, Matthew Tobias Jacobs
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Patent number: 10617453Abstract: 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: April 15, 2018Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, inc.Inventors: Adam G. Beckett, Thomas B. Buford, Youngsam Bae, Edward H. Kim, Matthew Tobias Jacobs
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Publication number: 20190254712Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2019Publication date: August 22, 2019Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford
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Patent number: 10314619Abstract: 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: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford
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Publication number: 20190159817Abstract: 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: January 31, 2019Publication date: May 30, 2019Inventors: 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: 20190150913Abstract: 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: January 25, 2019Publication date: May 23, 2019Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford, Blair Walker
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Patent number: 10226242Abstract: 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 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford, Blair Walker
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Publication number: 20190046252Abstract: 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: October 12, 2018Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: 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: 20190038424Abstract: 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: October 5, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventors: Eran Linder-Ganz, Lex R. Giltaij, Richard W. Treharne, Thomas B. Buford, Dvora Galli
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Publication number: 20190015138Abstract: 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: July 26, 2018Publication date: January 17, 2019Inventors: Jeffrey Schwardt, Michael Moeller, Thomas B. Buford, Vijayendran Somasegaran
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Patent number: 10130405Abstract: 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 28, 2013Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: 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: 20180296256Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2018Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: Adam G. Beckett, Thomas B. Buford, Youngsam Bae, Edward H. Kim, Matthew Tobias Jacobs
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Patent number: 10092408Abstract: 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: October 20, 2017Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Active Implants LLCInventors: Eran Linder-Ganz, Lex R. Giltaij, Richard W. Treharne, Thomas B. Buford, Dvora Galli
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Publication number: 20180036131Abstract: 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: October 20, 2017Publication date: February 8, 2018Inventors: Eran Linder-Ganz, Lex R. Giltaij, Richard W. Treharne, Thomas B. Buford, Dvora Galli
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Publication number: 20170333080Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2015Publication date: November 23, 2017Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford
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Patent number: 9795488Abstract: 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: April 21, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Active Implants LLCInventors: Eran Linder-Ganz, Lex R. Giltaij, Richard W. Treharne, Thomas B. Buford, Dvora Galli
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Publication number: 20160235545Abstract: 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: April 21, 2016Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: ERAN LINDER-GANZ, LEX R. GILTAIJ, RICK TREHARNE, THOMAS B. BUFORD, DVORA GALLI
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Patent number: 9381089Abstract: 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: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Active Implants LLCInventors: Eran Linder-Ganz, Lex R. Giltaij, Richard W. Treharne, Thomas B. Buford, Dvora Galli