Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Vanasse

Thomas M. Vanasse 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: 8518042
    Abstract: An orthopedic plate assembly for supporting a bone can include a y-shaped first plate and a second plate separate from the first plate. The first plate can be attached to the bone and have a center line. The first plate can include an elongate body attachable to a first portion of the bone and extending along the center line and first and second arms transversely extending from an end of the body. The first and second arms can define an aperture in the first plate. The second plate can be attached to the bone. The second plate can have a first end and a second end opposite the first end configured to be disposed on and engaged with the first arm and the second arm, respectively. The second plate can be configured to span the aperture transverse to the center line when engaged with the first and second arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan A. Winslow, Thomas M. Vanasse
  • Patent number: 8506638
    Abstract: A prosthesis is provided and may include a central body having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of arms extending from the central body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The plurality of arms may each include a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and a third planar surface that are each formed at an obtuse angle relative to one another to define an outer shape of the prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Biomets Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Vanasse, Nathan A. Winslow
  • Publication number: 20130178944
    Abstract: The present teachings provide an ulnar head implant. The implant can include a head component adapted to articulate with a portion of the anatomy. The head component can define a coupling bore through a surface. The implant can also include a stem component having a base and a post that extends from the base for insertion into a prepared portion of an anatomy. The base can include a coupling feature. The implant can include an intermediate component receivable within the coupling bore and couplable to the coupling feature to couple the head component to the stem component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: BIOMET MANUFACTURING CORP.
    Inventors: Nathan A. Winslow, Thomas M. Vanasse
  • Patent number: 8425614
    Abstract: A glenoid component used for shoulder arthroplasty is adapted to be implanted into a scapula and engaged by a head of a humeral component. The glenoid component includes a body having a first articulating surface and a second medial surface opposite to the first articulating surface. The first articulating surface is adapted to engage with a humeral head. A plurality of removable fixed pegs each have a first end adapted to engage a cavity formed in the scapula and a second end extending from the medial surface. A central peg fixation mechanism is provided that is configured to couple an optional central fixation peg to the medial surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Nathan A. Winslow, Brian K. Berelsman, Russell M. Parrott, Bryce A. Isch, Thomas M. Vanasse, Kane Wu
  • Patent number: 8377066
    Abstract: A patient-specific alignment guide includes a three-dimensional engagement surface customized in a pre-operating planning stage by computer imaging to closely mate and conform to a corresponding bone portion of a patient's elbow joint. The patient-specific alignment guide defines a first longitudinal guiding bore aligned with a reference axis associated with the elbow joint of patient when the alignment guide is mounted onto the corresponding bone portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Katrana, Thomas M. Vanasse, Robert Metzger
  • Publication number: 20130018475
    Abstract: A prosthesis is provided and may include a central body having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of arms extending from the central body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The plurality of arms may each include a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and a third planar surface that are each formed at an obtuse angle relative to one another to define an outer shape of the prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: BIOMET MANUFACTURING CORP.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Vanasse, Nathan A. Winslow
  • Publication number: 20120323338
    Abstract: A method for replacing a proximal interphalangeal joint with a modular implant assembly is provided. During a first surgical procedure, a first stem component of the implant assembly having a first articulation component removably attached thereto is implanted in a proximal phalanx bone. A second stem component of the implant assembly having a second articulation component removably attached thereto is implanted in a middle phalanx bone. During a second surgical procedure performed after the first surgical procedure, the first articulation component is removed from the first stem component and the second articulation component is removed from the second stem component. A third articulation component is attached to the first stem component and a fourth articulation component is attached to the second stem component. The second surgical procedure is performed without removing the first stem component from the first bone and without removing the second stem component from the second bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: BIOMET MANUFACTURING CORP.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Vanasse
  • Patent number: 8303666
    Abstract: A modular proximal interphalangeal joint implant assembly including a first stem component, a second stem component, and an articulation assembly. The first stem component includes a first locking device and is operable to be implanted in a proximal phalanx bone. The second stem component includes a second locking device and is operable to be implanted in a middle phalanx bone. The articulation assembly includes a first articulation component operable to be removably attached to the first locking device and a second articulation component operable to be removably attached to the second locking device. The articulation assembly can include a semi-constrained articulation assembly or a constrained articulation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Vanasse
  • Publication number: 20120221113
    Abstract: An elbow prosthesis according to the present teachings can include a stem structure and an articulating component. The stem structure can be operable to be positioned in a bone of a joint. The stem structure can include a stem portion that is operable to be positioned in the bone and a C-shaped body portion having a first retaining mechanism formed thereon. The articulating component can have a second retaining mechanism formed thereon. One of the first and second retaining mechanisms can comprise an extension portion and a first anti-rotation portion. The other retaining mechanism can comprise a receiving portion and a second anti-rotation portion. The articulating component can be advanced from an insertion position to an assembled position, such that the first and second mechanisms cooperatively interlock to inhibit translation and rotation of the articulating component relative to the C-shaped body portion of the stem structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: BIOMET MANUFACTURING CORP.
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Katrana, Nathan A. Winslow, Thomas M. Vanasse, Brian K. Berelsman
  • Publication number: 20120095466
    Abstract: An orthopedic plate assembly for supporting a bone can include a y-shaped first plate and a second plate separate from the first plate. The first plate can be attached to the bone and have a center line. The first plate can include an elongate body attachable to a first portion of the bone and extending along the center line and first and second arms transversely extending from an end of the body. The first and second arms can define an aperture in the first plate. The second plate can be attached to the bone. The second plate can have a first end and a second end opposite the first end configured to be disposed on and engaged with the first arm and the second arm, respectively. The second plate can be configured to span the aperture transverse to the center line when engaged with the first and second arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Nathan A. Winslow, Thomas M. Vanasse
  • Publication number: 20120078376
    Abstract: A method of implanting a distal radial wrist implant relative to a host radius while salvaging at least portions of fractured radial bone can include, determining a size of a host radius. A distal radial component can be selected based on the determination. The distal radial component can have a body that includes a first connection portion. A stem portion can be selected based on the determination. The stem portion can have a second connection portion. Portions of the fractured radial bone can be located around the body. The portions of the fractured radial bone can be secured relative to the body. The first connection portion of the distal radial component can be coupled with the second connection portion of the stem portion. The distal radial implant can be implanted relative to the host radius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: BIOMET MANUFACTURING CORP.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Vanasse, Benjamin P. Heilman, Andrew K. Palmer
  • Patent number: 8105388
    Abstract: A prosthesis can replace at least a portion of an anatomical wrist. The prosthesis can include modular portions and bone ingrowth portions for fixation. The modular prosthesis can include selected portions that are assembled for implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Andrew K. Palmer, James W. Strickland, Thomas J. Graham, Brian K. Berelsman, Craig J. Allebach, Bryce A. Isch, Thomas M. Vanasse
  • Patent number: 8105389
    Abstract: A wrist prosthesis system to replace at least a portion of a bone of a wrist of a patient. The system includes a carpal implant to replace at least a portion of a carpal bone of a carpal complex of the patient. The carpal implant includes a base and an augment that replaces at least a portion of the carpal bone. The augment is removably coupled to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Brian K. Berelsman, Thomas J. Graham, Andrew K. Palmer, Thomas M. Vanasse, Nicholas J. Katrana, Nathan A. Winslow
  • Patent number: 8066777
    Abstract: A wrist prosthesis system to replace at least a portion of a bone of a wrist of a patient. The system includes a carpal implant to replace at least a portion of a carpal bone of a carpal complex of the patient. The carpal implant includes a base and an augment that replaces at least a portion of the carpal bone. The augment is removably coupled to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Andrew K. Palmer, Nathan A. Winslow, Thomas M. Vanasse
  • Patent number: 8052756
    Abstract: A method of implanting a distal radial wrist implant relative to a host radius while salvaging at least portions of fractured radial bone can include, determining a size of a host radius. A distal radial component can be selected based on the determination. The distal radial component can have a body that includes a first connection portion. A stem portion can be selected based on the determination. The stem portion can have a second connection portion. Portions of the fractured radial bone can be located around the body. The portions of the fractured radial bone can be secured relative to the body. The first connection portion of the distal radial component can be coupled with the second connection portion of the stem portion. The distal radial implant can be implanted relative to the host radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Vanasse, Benjamin P. Heilman, Andrew K. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20110230972
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing a selected portion of the anatomy is described. In particular, a prosthesis can be provided to replace a portion of an articulating joint, such as an elbow. The apparatus can be modular for various reasons and each of the modular portions can include a different dimension to achieve a selected result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: BIOMET MANUFACTURING CORP.
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Katrana, Thomas M. Vanasse, Adam Finley, William J. Hamman, Robert Metzger, Bryce A. Isch
  • Publication number: 20110184527
    Abstract: A modular proximal interphalangeal joint implant assembly including a first stem component, a second stem component, and an articulation assembly. The first stem component includes a first locking device and is operable to be implanted in a proximal phalanx bone. The second stem component includes a second locking device and is operable to be implanted in a middle phalanx bone. The articulation assembly includes a first articulation component operable to be removably attached to the first locking device and a second articulation component operable to be removably attached to the second locking device. The articulation assembly can include a semi-constrained articulation assembly or a constrained articulation assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: BIOMET MANUFACTURING CORP.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Vanasse
  • Publication number: 20110054478
    Abstract: An orthopedic device for a shoulder joint includes a patient-specific alignment guide. The alignment guide includes a cap having a three-dimensional engagement surface customized in a pre-operative plan by computer imaging to be complementary and closely mate and conform to a humeral head of a proximal humerus of a patient. The alignment guide includes a tubular element extending from the cap and defining a longitudinal guiding bore for guiding an alignment pin at a patient-specific position and orientation determined in the pre-operative plan, and an orientation feature on the cap. The orientation feature is designed to orient the cap relative to the humeral head when the orientation feature is aligned with a landmark of the proximal humerus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Vanasse, Robert Metzger
  • Publication number: 20110035013
    Abstract: A glenoid component used for shoulder arthroplasty is adapted to be implanted into a scapula and engaged by a head of a humeral component. The glenoid component includes a body having a first articulating surface and a second medial surface opposite to the first articulating surface. The first articulating surface is adapted to engage with a humeral head. A plurality of removable fixed pegs each have a first end adapted to engage a cavity formed in the scapula and a second end extending from the medial surface. A central peg fixation mechanism is provided that is configured to couple an optional central fixation peg to the medial surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: BIOMET MANUFACTURING CORP.
    Inventors: Nathan A. Winslow, Brian K. Berelsman, Russell M. Parrott, Bryce A. Isch, Thomas M. Vanasse, Kane Wu
  • Publication number: 20110015636
    Abstract: A patient-specific alignment guide includes a three-dimensional engagement surface customized in a pre-operating planning stage by computer imaging to closely mate and conform to a corresponding bone portion of a patient's elbow joint. The patient-specific alignment guide defines a first longitudinal guiding bore aligned with a reference axis associated with the elbow joint of patient when the alignment guide is mounted onto the corresponding bone portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Katrana, Thomas M. Vanasse, Robert Metzger