Patents by Inventor Thomas Grotz
Thomas Grotz 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).
-
Publication number: 20170266012Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant for application into a knee joint to pad cartilage defects, cushion a joint, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. Rather than using periosteal harvesting for cell containment in joint resurfacing, the walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Inventor: R. Thomas GROTZ
-
Patent number: 9757241Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant for application into a joint to pad cartilage defects, cushion, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. The walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability so as to enable immediate limb use after outpatient surgery. Appendages of the implant may repair or reconstruct tendons or ligaments, and menisci by interpositional inflatable or compliant polymer arthroplasties that promote anatomic joint motion.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Inventor: R. Thomas Grotz
-
Publication number: 20170224506Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2016Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: John E. Ashley, Philip J. Simpson, Walter Dean Gillespie, Damien J. Shulock, Murali Kadaba, David G. Matsuura, George A. Mansfield, III, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti, Dennis Crandall
-
Publication number: 20170216049Abstract: An expandable medical implant is provided with an implantable cage body. The proximal and distal ends of the cage body may each be provided with a tapered or cam portion. The implant may further include a proximal flexure, a distal flexure, a proximal plug member having a tapered portion configured to mate with the tapered portion of the proximal end of the cage body, and a distal plug member having a tapered portion configured to mate with the tapered portion of the distal end of the cage body. The proximal plug member may be configured to move longitudinally such that the distal flexure moves and the circumference of the proximal end of the cage body resiliently expands. The distal plug member may be configured to move longitudinally such that the proximal flexure moves and the circumference of the distal end of the cage body resiliently expands. Methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventor: Robert Thomas GROTZ
-
Patent number: 9662218Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant for application into a knee joint to pad cartilage defects, cushion a joint, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. Rather than using periosteal harvesting for cell containment in joint resurfacing, the walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2014Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Inventor: R. Thomas Grotz
-
Patent number: 9622878Abstract: An expandable medical implant is provided with an implantable cage body. The proximal and distal ends of the cage body may each be provided with a tapered or cam portion. The implant may further include a proximal flexure, a distal flexure, a proximal plug member having a tapered portion configured to mate with the tapered portion of the proximal end of the cage body, and a distal plug member having a tapered portion configured to mate with the tapered portion of the distal end of the cage body. The proximal plug member may be configured to move longitudinally such that the distal flexure moves and the circumference of the proximal end of the cage body resiliently expands. The distal plug member may be configured to move longitudinally such that the proximal flexure moves and the circumference of the distal end of the cage body resiliently expands. Methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Inventor: Robert Thomas Grotz
-
Patent number: 9545316Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: John E. Ashley, Philip J. Simpson, Walter Dean Gillespie, Damien Shulock, Murali Kadaba, David G. Matsuura, George A. Mansfield, III, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti, Dennis Crandall
-
Publication number: 20160135960Abstract: An expandable medical implant is provided with an implantable cage body. The proximal and distal ends of the cage body may each be provided with a tapered or cam portion. The implant may further include a proximal flexure, a distal flexure, a proximal plug member having a tapered portion configured to mate with the tapered portion of the proximal end of the cage body, and a distal plug member having a tapered portion configured to mate with the tapered portion of the distal end of the cage body. The proximal plug member may be configured to move longitudinally such that the distal flexure moves and the circumference of the proximal end of the cage body resiliently expands. The distal plug member may be configured to move longitudinally such that the proximal flexure moves and the circumference of the distal end of the cage body resiliently expands. Methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2015Publication date: May 19, 2016Inventor: Robert Thomas GROTZ
-
Publication number: 20160095706Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant for application into joints to pad cartilage defects, cushion joints, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. Rather than using periosteal harvesting for cell containment in joint resurfacing, the walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2015Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventor: R. Thomas Grotz
-
Publication number: 20160058548Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant for application into joints to pad cartilage defects, cushion joints, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. Rather than using periosteal harvesting for cell containment in joint resurfacing, the walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2015Publication date: March 3, 2016Inventor: R. Thomas Grotz
-
Publication number: 20150289988Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2015Publication date: October 15, 2015Inventors: John E. Ashley, Philip J. Simpson, Walter Dean Gillespie, Damien Shulock, Murali Kadaba, David G. Matsuura, George A. Mansfield, III, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti, Dennis Crandall
-
Publication number: 20150216676Abstract: A selectively expanding spine cage has a minimized cross section in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the diameter of the neuroforamen through which it passes in the distracted spine. The cage conformably engages between the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Expanding selectively (anteriorly, along the vertical axis of the spine) rather than uniformly, the cage height increases and holds the vertebrae with fixation forces greater than adjacent bone and soft tissue failure forces in natural lordosis. Stability is thus achieved immediately, enabling patient function by eliminating painful motion. The cage shape intends to rest proximate to the anterior column cortices securing the desired spread and fixation, allowing for bone graft in, around, and through the implant for arthrodesis whereas for arthroplasty it fixes to endpoints but cushions the spine naturally.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2015Publication date: August 6, 2015Inventors: Damien J. Shulock, John E. Ashley, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti
-
Publication number: 20150134064Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one fixation element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to engage a surface of an adjacent vertebral body and secure the implant between two vertebral bodies. Preferably, the implant is expandable and has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it must pass to be deployed within the intervertebral space. Once within the space between vertebral bodies, the implant can be expanded so as to engage the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can be corrected, and natural curvatures restored and maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2015Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventors: R. Thomas Grotz, Rudy A. Pretti
-
Patent number: 9028550Abstract: A selectively expanding spine cage has a minimized cross section in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the diameter of the neuroforamen through which it passes in the distracted spine. The cage conformably engages between the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Expanding selectively (anteriorly, along the vertical axis of the spine) rather than uniformly, the cage height increases and holds the vertebrae with fixation forces greater than adjacent bone and soft tissue failure forces in natural lordosis. Stability is thus achieved immediately, enabling patient function by eliminating painful motion. The cage shape intends to rest proximate to the anterior column cortices securing the desired spread and fixation, allowing for bone graft in, around, and through the implant for arthrodesis whereas for arthroplasty it fixes to endpoints but cushions the spine naturally.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: CoAlign Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Damien J. Shulock, John E. Ashley, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti
-
Patent number: 8992620Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: CoAlign Innovations, Inc.Inventors: John E. Ashley, Philip J. Simpson, Walter Dean Gillespie, Damien J. Shulock, Murali Kadaba, David G. Matsuura, George A. Mansfield, III, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti, Dennis Crandall
-
Patent number: 8956413Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can also be corrected, and natural curvatures restored. Preferably, the implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system preferably having a plurality of locking elements to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: CoAlign Innovations, Inc.Inventors: John E. Ashley, Murali Kadaba, Philip J. Simpson, Walter Dean Gillespie, Thomas Grotz, George A. Mansfield, III, David G. Matsuura, Rudy Pretti
-
Patent number: 8932355Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one fixation element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to engage a surface of an adjacent vertebral body and secure the implant between two vertebral bodies. Preferably, the implant is expandable and has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it must pass to be deployed within the intervertebral space. Once within the space between vertebral bodies, the implant can be expanded so as to engage the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can be corrected, and natural curvatures restored and maintained.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: CoAlign Innovations, Inc.Inventors: R. Thomas Grotz, Rudy A. Pretti
-
Publication number: 20140316526Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant for application into a joint to pad cartilage defects, cushion, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. The walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability so as to enable immediate limb use after outpatient surgery. Appendages of the implant may repair or reconstruct tendons or ligaments, and menisci by interpositional inflatable or compliant polymer arthroplasties that promote anatomic joint motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2012Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventor: R. Thomas Grotz
-
Publication number: 20140257500Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant for application into a knee joint to pad cartilage defects, cushion a joint, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. Rather than using periosteal harvesting for cell containment in joint resurfacing, the walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventor: R. Thomas GROTZ
-
Patent number: 8771363Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant for application into a knee joint to pad cartilage defects, cushion a joint, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. Rather than using periosteal harvesting for cell containment in joint resurfacing, the walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Inventor: R. Thomas Grotz