Patents by Inventor Thomas Gamache
Thomas Gamache 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: 10779810Abstract: Devices and methods for surgical retraction are described herein, e.g., for retracting nerve tissue, blood vessels, or other obstacles to create an unobstructed, safe surgical area. In some embodiments, a surgical access device can include an outer tube that defines a working channel through which a surgical procedure can be performed. A shield, blade, arm, or other structure can be manipulated with respect to the outer tube to retract an obstacle. For example, an inner blade can protrude from a distal end of the outer tube to retract obstacles disposed distal to the outer tube. The inner blade can be movable between a radially-inward position and a radially-outward position. The radially-inward position can allow insertion of the blade to the depth of the obstacle to position the obstacle adjacent to and radially-outward from the blade. Subsequent movement of the blade to the radially-outward position can retract the obstacle in a radially-outward direction. The blade can be manipulated remotely, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2017Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: Medos International SarlInventors: Judith Flock, Joern Richter, Jan Klett, Daniel Thommen, Michael White, Stephane Gully, Eric Buehlmann, Veronique Christine Zollman, William Kane, Sean Lilienfeld, Joseph Amaral, John Canady, Thomas Gamache
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Publication number: 20200121473Abstract: An angled fixation device, such as an angled screw. This angled fixation device may be used by the surgeon to secure a spacer to a spinal disc space. The proximal end portion of the angled fixation device is driven perpendicular to the anterior wall of the spacer, and so is parallel to the vertebral endplates and in-line with the inserter. The distal end portion of the angled fixation device is oriented at about a 45 degree angle (plus or minus 30 degrees) to the vertebral endplate it enters.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Inventors: Thomas Gamache, Joseph Childs, Derek Shaw, Jonathan Howe, Michael Gorhan, Shawn Stad, Kevin Flaherty
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Publication number: 20200008958Abstract: A method of inserting a screw into a fusion cage, comprising the step of: i) attaching a screw head of a bone screw to a flexible bone screw driver comprising: a) a proximal handle, b) an intermediate shaft, c) a flexible distal end portion comprising a plurality of interlocking segments portion defining a periphery and a distal tip adapted to engage the screw head, and d) a flexible pre-bent sleeve that is configured to be placed radially over and around the plurality of interlocking segments to provide a loaded configuration, wherein the plurality of interlocking segments portion is substantially straight in its unloaded configuration, whereby the pre-bent sleeve pre-determines the trajectory of the tip in the loaded configuration, ii) inserting the bone screw into a threaded throughhole of a fusion cage comprising a front wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a back wall, and top and bottom surfaces adapted for gripping opposed vertebral endplates, wherein the front wall comprises the threaded throType: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2019Publication date: January 9, 2020Applicant: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Gamache, Michael D. Sorrenti
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Patent number: 10369015Abstract: A spinal implant inserter having a) an outer sleeve having a bore, and b) a forked inner shaft having a proximal rod and a pair of distal tynes extending therefrom, each distal tyne comprising an engagement feature having a laterally-extending dovetail feature. An assembly comprising the implant inserter and an implant having a pair of mating dovetail features.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2012Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Gamache, Michael D. Sorrenti
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Publication number: 20190216454Abstract: Connectors for connecting or linking one instrument or object to one or more other instruments or objects are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a connector can include a first arm with a first attachment feature for attaching to a first object, such as a surgical access device, and a second arm with a second attachment feature for attaching to a second object, such as a support. The connector can have an unlocked state, in which the position and orientation of the access device can be adjusted relative to the support, and a locked state in which movement of the access device relative to the support is prevented or limited. Locking the connector can also be effective to clamp or otherwise attach the connector to the access device and the support, or said attachment can be independent of the locking of the connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Daniel Thommen, Eric Buehlmann, Joern Richter, Peter Senn, Veronique Christine Zollmann, Thomas Gamache, Roman Lomeli, Nicholas Pavento, J. Riley Hawkins, Jae Stelzer
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Patent number: 10335289Abstract: An angled fixation device, such as an angled screw. This angled fixation device may be used by the surgeon to secure a spacer to a spinal disc space. The proximal end portion of the angled fixation device is driven perpendicular to the anterior wall of the spacer, and so is parallel to the vertebral endplates and in-line with the inserter. The distal end portion of the angled fixation device is oriented at about a 45 degree angle (plus or minus 30 degrees) to the vertebral endplate it enters.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2015Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Gamache, Joseph Childs, Derek Shaw, Jonathan Howe, Michael Gorhan, Shawn Stad, Kevin Flaherty
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Publication number: 20190083280Abstract: A secondary cover plate that contacts a stand-alone fusion cage without rigidly connecting to the cage, and instead only docks against the cage (or passes through a fixation cage) and is secured into the adjacent bone. The secondary cover plate is the last item that would be added to the fixation cage construct and would at least partially cover the head of one or more angled screws. The secondary cover plate could slidably engage the fixation cage without permanently snapping into any features of the cage itself. The secondary cover plate would then be final positioned by advancing into one or more adjacent vertebral bodies. The secondary cover plate advancing step could be achieved by tapping it into place (into bone) so that it is finally secured into the bone.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Applicant: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Gamache
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Patent number: 10159582Abstract: A secondary cover plate that contacts a stand-alone fusion cage without rigidly connecting to the cage, and instead only docks against the cage (or passes through a fixation cage) and is secured into the adjacent bone. The secondary cover plate is the last item that would be added to the fixation cage construct and would at least partially cover the head of one or more angled screws. The secondary cover plate could slidably engage the fixation cage without permanently snapping into any features of the cage itself. The secondary cover plate would then be final positioned by advancing into one or more adjacent vertebral bodies. The secondary cover plate advancing step could be achieved by tapping it into place (into bone) or rotating it into place (into bone) so that it is finally secured into the bone.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Gamache
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Publication number: 20180214016Abstract: Surgical visualization systems and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for providing visualization during surgical procedures. Systems and methods herein can be used in a wide range of surgical procedures, including spinal surgeries such as minimally-invasive fusion or discectomy procedures. Systems and methods herein can include various features for enhancing end user experience, improving clinical outcomes, or reducing the invasiveness of a surgery. Exemplary features can include access port integration, hands-free operation, active and/or passive lens cleaning, adjustable camera depth, and many others.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARLInventors: Daniel Thommen, Judith Flock, Veronique Christine Zollmann, William Kane, J. Riley Hawkins, Thomas Gamache, John Conidi, Bryant Guffey, Eric Kolb
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Publication number: 20180110503Abstract: Devices and methods for surgical retraction are described herein, e.g., for retracting nerve tissue, blood vessels, or other obstacles to create an unobstructed, safe surgical area. In some embodiments, a surgical access device can include an outer tube that defines a working channel through which a surgical procedure can be performed. A shield, blade, arm, or other structure can be manipulated with respect to the outer tube to retract an obstacle. For example, an inner blade can protrude from a distal end of the outer tube to retract obstacles disposed distal to the outer tube. The inner blade can be movable between a radially-inward position and a radially-outward position. The radially-inward position can allow insertion of the blade to the depth of the obstacle to position the obstacle adjacent to and radially-outward from the blade. Subsequent movement of the blade to the radially-outward position can retract the obstacle in a radially-outward direction. The blade can be manipulated remotely, e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2017Publication date: April 26, 2018Inventors: Judith Flock, Joern Richter, Jan Klett, Daniel Thommen, Michael White, Stephane Gully, Eric Buehlmann, Veronique Christine Zollmann, William Kane, Sean Lilienfeld, Joseph Amaral, John Canady, Thomas Gamache
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Publication number: 20180110506Abstract: Connectors for connecting or linking one instrument or object to one or more other instruments or objects are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a connector can include a first arm with a first attachment feature for attaching to a first object, such as a surgical access device, and a second arm with a second attachment feature for attaching to a second object, such as a support. The connector can have an unlocked state, in which the position and orientation of the access device can be adjusted relative to the support, and a locked state in which movement of the access device relative to the support is prevented or limited. Locking the connector can also be effective to clamp or otherwise attach the connector to the access device and the support, or said attachment can be independent of the locking of the connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2017Publication date: April 26, 2018Inventors: Daniel Thommen, Eric Buehlmann, Joern Richter, Peter Senn, Veronique Christine Zollmann, Thomas Gamache, William Kane, Joseph Amaral, John Pracyk, Bill Horton, John Wright
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Patent number: 9788869Abstract: A spinal fixation element rotation instrument with two lever arms is provided. The lever arms are connected to each other at distal ends thereof. The second lever arm rotates relative to the first lever arm. The distal ends of the first and second lever arms are adapted to couple to a spinal fixation element. The distal ends of the lever arms may have a dual ratchet feature that prevents rotation in a set direction. When one arm rotates back and forth, the other arm is held stationary. As a result, the spinal fixation element rotates in a predetermined direction and is prevented from rotating back toward its initial position. The direction of the rotation of the spinal fixation element may be set using knobs or switches provided at a proximal end of one or both of the lever arms.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Shawn D. Stad, Christopher L. Ramsay, Thomas Gamache, Raymond F. Murphy
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Patent number: 9566169Abstract: Structural allograft fusion devices containing a single integral piece of cortical bone in combination with one or more pieces of cancellous bone, wherein the cortical and cancellous pieces are pinned together.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.Inventors: Michael Mazzuca, Thomas Gamache
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Publication number: 20160113777Abstract: A secondary cover plate that contacts a stand-alone fusion cage without rigidly connecting to the cage, and instead only docks against the cage (or passes through a fixation cage) and is secured into the adjacent bone. The secondary cover plate is the last item that would be added to the fixation cage construct and would at least partially cover the head of one or more angled screws. The secondary cover plate could slidably engage the fixation cage without permanently snapping into any features of the cage itself. The secondary cover plate would then be final positioned by advancing into one or more adjacent vertebral bodies. The secondary cover plate advancing step could be achieved by tapping it into place (into bone) or rotating it into place (into bone) so that it is finally secured into the bone.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Applicant: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Gamache
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Patent number: 9248028Abstract: A secondary cover plate that contacts a stand-alone fusion cage without rigidly connecting to the cage, and instead only docks against the cage (or passes through a fixation cage) and is secured into the adjacent bone. The secondary cover plate is the last item that would be added to the fixation cage construct and would at least partially cover the head of one or more angled screws. The secondary cover plate could slidably engage the fixation cage without permanently snapping into any features of the cage itself. The secondary cover plate would then be final positioned by advancing into one or more adjacent vertebral bodies. The secondary cover plate advancing step could be achieved by tapping it into place (into bone) or rotating it into place (into bone) so that it is finally secured into the bone.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Gamache
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Patent number: 9211152Abstract: An instrument for holding a bone plate may include a first arm, a second arm connected to and adjustable relative to the first arm, a first connection tip at the distal end of the first arm configured to connect to the first side wall of the bone plate, and a second connection tip at the distal end of the second arm configured to connect to the second side wall of the bone plate. A stabilizing member is connected to the first connection tip. The stabilizing member is distally spaced apart from the first connection tip to form an opening for receiving a portion of bone between the first connection tip and the stabilizing member.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.Inventors: Edward B. Zalenski, Michael D. Sorrenti, Thomas Gamache
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Patent number: 9180022Abstract: An instrument system for performing spinal surgery that helps provide optimal plate selection as well as an improved temporary alignment and retention means, without the need to penetrate the vertebral bodies with temporary fixation pins. The instrument system of the present invention has a clip that possesses features that temporarily center, align and position the plate to the interbody cage. This clip mates with the cage by hugging the outside parameters of the cage, as well as within the window (central through-hole) of the cervical plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2013Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.Inventors: Bacem Georges, Thomas Gamache, Carl Legge, Glen Presbrey
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Publication number: 20150313721Abstract: An angled fixation device, such as an angled screw. This angled fixation device may be used by the surgeon to secure a spacer to a spinal disc space. The proximal end portion of the angled fixation device is driven perpendicular to the anterior wall of the spacer, and so is parallel to the vertebral endplates and in-line with the inserter. The distal end portion of the angled fixation device is oriented at about a 45 degree angle (plus or minus 30 degrees) to the vertebral endplate it enters.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2015Publication date: November 5, 2015Inventors: Thomas Gamache, Joseph Childs, Derek Shaw, Jonathan Howe, Michael Gorhan, Shawn Stad, Kevin Flaherty
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Publication number: 20150297356Abstract: An angled fixation device, such as an angled screw. This angled fixation device may be used by the surgeon to secure a spacer to a spinal disc space. The proximal end portion of the angled fixation device is driven perpendicular to the anterior wall of the spacer, and so is parallel to the vertebral endplates and in-line with the inserter. The distal end portion of the angled fixation device is oriented at about a 45 degree angle (plus or minus 30 degrees) to the vertebral endplate it enters.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2015Publication date: October 22, 2015Inventors: Thomas Gamache, Joseph Childs, Derek Shaw, Jonathan Howe, Michael Gorhan, Shawn Stad, Kevin Flaherty
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Publication number: 20150257893Abstract: Structural allograft fusion devices containing a single integral piece of cortical bone in combination with one or more pieces of cancellous bone, wherein the cortical and cancellous pieces are pinned together.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: September 17, 2015Inventors: Michael Mazzuca, Thomas Gamache