Patents by Inventor Thomas Runco

Thomas Runco 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: 20250387146
    Abstract: Systems and methods for en bloc derotating a spinal column are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method can include manipulating first and second frames coupled respectively to a first set of vertebrae and a second set of vertebrae to derotate the first and second sets of vertebrae relative to one another, and subsequently locking a linkage assembly coupled respectively to the first and second frames to maintain the first and second sets of vertebrae in a derotated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2025
    Publication date: December 25, 2025
    Inventors: Peter Gabos, Thomas Runco, Shawn Harris, Randal Betz
  • Patent number: 12440255
    Abstract: Bone screw drivers are disclosed that apply torque to a threaded shank of a bone screw assembly and receive a cement delivery device to introduce bone cement through the threaded shank. Also disclosed are driver adapters that couple to a driver in order to facilitate application of torque thereto. The driver adapter can decouple from the driver after implanting a bone screw shank to allow the subsequent use of a cement delivery device in combination with the driver. The devices can be reusable and can employ a number of additional components, including retaining and counter-torque sleeves, driving handles, etc. Further, the devices can allow setup of a bone screw inserter assembly outside a surgical field, such that a completed assembly can be passed to a surgeon or other user for immediate use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2025
    Assignee: Medos International Sárl
    Inventors: Lamis Elsawah, Shawn Harris, Thomas Runco, William Miller, Michael Sorrenti, Eric Biester, Brad Schertle
  • Patent number: 12408954
    Abstract: Systems and methods for en bloc derotating a spinal column are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method can include manipulating first and second frames coupled respectively to a first set of vertebrae and a second set of vertebrae to derotate the first and second sets of vertebrae relative to one another, and subsequently locking a linkage assembly coupled respectively to the first and second frames to maintain the first and second sets of vertebrae in a derotated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2025
    Assignee: Medos International Sàrl
    Inventors: Peter Gabos, Thomas Runco, Shawn Harris, Randal Betz, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20250261974
    Abstract: Surgical instruments and methods to aid in reducing or urging a spinal fixation element into a pedicle screw or other implant are disclosed. Disclosed instruments and methods facilitate delivery of a setscrew or other closure, reduction of a rod or other spinal fixation element into a pedicle screw, and securing the rod relative to the pedicle screw using the setscrew. Example instruments and methods can utilize a reducer clip that couples to a proximal end of a pedicle screw receiver head or extension tabs thereof, an inserter-reducer shaft that can couple with a setscrew at its distal end, a reducer handle that can threadably engage with the reducer clip to translate the shaft and thereby reduce a rod, and a driver handle that can rotate the inserter-reducer shaft to engage the setscrew with threads formed on the pedicle screw or extension tabs thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2025
    Publication date: August 21, 2025
    Inventors: Justin Fisk, Thomas Runco
  • Publication number: 20250261983
    Abstract: Bone screw drivers are disclosed that apply torque to a threaded shank of a bone screw assembly and receive a cement delivery device to introduce bone cement through the threaded shank. Also disclosed are driver adapters that couple to a driver in order to facilitate application of torque thereto. The driver adapter can decouple from the driver after implanting a bone screw shank to allow the subsequent use of a cement delivery device in combination with the driver. The devices can be reusable and can employ a number of additional components, including retaining and counter-torque sleeves, driving handles, etc. Further, the devices can allow setup of a bone screw inserter assembly outside a surgical field, such that a completed assembly can be passed to a surgeon or other user for immediate use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2025
    Publication date: August 21, 2025
    Inventors: Lamis Elsawah, Shawn Harris, Thomas Runco, William Miller, Michael Sorrenti, Eric Biester, Brad Schertle
  • Patent number: 12310644
    Abstract: Bone screw drivers are disclosed that apply torque to a threaded shank of a bone screw assembly and receive a cement delivery device to introduce bone cement through the threaded shank. Also disclosed are driver adapters that couple to a driver in order to facilitate application of torque thereto. The driver adapter can decouple from the driver after implanting a bone screw shank to allow the subsequent use of a cement delivery device in combination with the driver. The devices can be reusable and can employ a number of additional components, including retaining and counter-torque sleeves, driving handles, etc. Further, the devices can allow setup of a bone screw inserter assembly outside a surgical field, such that a completed assembly can be passed to a surgeon or other user for immediate use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: Medos International Sárl
    Inventors: Lamis Elsawah, Shawn Harris, Thomas Runco, William Miller, Michael Sorrenti, Eric Biester, Brad Schertle
  • Publication number: 20240382238
    Abstract: Modular surgical instruments and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for performing rod reduction, derotation, and/or set screw insertion during spinal surgery. An exemplary system can include an instrument body configured to couple to a bone anchor assembly to provide a modular platform for carrying out various steps of a surgical procedure. For example, the instrument body can receive a reduction instrument therethrough for reducing a spinal rod into the bone anchor assembly. A derotation instrument can be attached to the reduction instrument for performing derotation maneuvers or applying other manipulation forces. A modular driver or handle adapter can be attached to the reduction instrument and/or to the derotation instrument to facilitate rod reduction. Any of the instrument body, the reduction instrument, and the derotation instrument can include a working channel therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher Mickiewicz, Mark Gracia, Thomas Runco, Sarah Batchelor, Richard Fournier
  • Patent number: 12053213
    Abstract: Modular surgical instruments and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for performing rod reduction, derotation, and/or set screw insertion during spinal surgery. An exemplary system can include an instrument body configured to couple to a bone anchor assembly to provide a modular platform for carrying out various steps of a surgical procedure. For example, the instrument body can receive a reduction instrument therethrough for reducing a spinal rod into the bone anchor assembly. A derotation instrument can be attached to the reduction instrument for performing derotation maneuvers or applying other manipulation forces. A modular driver or handle adapter can be attached to the reduction instrument and/or to the derotation instrument to facilitate rod reduction. Any of the instrument body, the reduction instrument, and the derotation instrument can include a working channel therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: Medos International Sárl
    Inventors: Christopher Mickiewicz, Mark Gracia, Thomas Runco, Sarah Batchelor, Richard Fournier
  • Publication number: 20240099747
    Abstract: Systems and methods for en bloc derotating a spinal column are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method can include manipulating first and second frames coupled respectively to a first set of vertebrae and a second set of vertebrae to derotate the first and second sets of vertebrae relative to one another, and subsequently locking a linkage assembly coupled respectively to the first and second frames to maintain the first and second sets of vertebrae in a derotated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Peter Gabos, Thomas Runco, Shawn Harris, Randal Betz, JR.
  • Patent number: 11849981
    Abstract: Systems and methods for en bloc derotating a spinal column are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method can include manipulating first and second frames coupled respectively to a first set of vertebrae and a second set of vertebrae to derotate the first and second sets of vertebrae relative to one another, and subsequently locking a linkage assembly coupled respectively to the first and second frames to maintain the first and second sets of vertebrae in a derotated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Medos International Sarl
    Inventors: Peter Gabos, Thomas Runco, Shawn Harris, Randal Betz, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230141374
    Abstract: Bone screw drivers are disclosed that apply torque to a threaded shank of a bone screw assembly and receive a cement delivery device to introduce bone cement through the threaded shank. Also disclosed are driver adapters that couple to a driver in order to facilitate application of torque thereto. The driver adapter can decouple from the driver after implanting a bone screw shank to allow the subsequent use of a cement delivery device in combination with the driver. The devices can be reusable and can employ a number of additional components, including retaining and counter-torque sleeves, driving handles, etc. Further, the devices can allow setup of a bone screw inserter assembly outside a surgical field, such that a completed assembly can be passed to a surgeon or other user for immediate use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: Lamis Elsawah, Shawn Harris, Thomas Runco, William Miller, Michael Sorrenti, Eric Biester, Brad Schertle
  • Publication number: 20230085069
    Abstract: Modular surgical instruments and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for performing rod reduction, derotation, and/or set screw insertion during spinal surgery. An exemplary system can include an instrument body configured to couple to a bone anchor assembly to provide a modular platform for carrying out various steps of a surgical procedure. For example, the instrument body can receive a reduction instrument therethrough for reducing a spinal rod into the bone anchor assembly. A derotation instrument can be attached to the reduction instrument for performing derotation maneuvers or applying other manipulation forces. A modular driver or handle adapter can be attached to the reduction instrument and/or to the derotation instrument to facilitate rod reduction. Any of the instrument body, the reduction instrument, and the derotation instrument can include a working channel therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Applicants: Medos International Sarl, Medos International Sarl
    Inventors: Christopher Mickiewicz, Mark Gracia, Thomas Runco, Sarah Batchelor, Richard Fournier
  • Patent number: 11439441
    Abstract: Modular surgical instruments and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for performing rod reduction, derotation, and/or set screw insertion during spinal surgery. An exemplary system can include an instrument body configured to couple to a bone anchor assembly to provide a modular platform for carrying out various steps of a surgical procedure. For example, the instrument body can receive a reduction instrument therethrough for reducing a spinal rod into the bone anchor assembly. A derotation instrument can be attached to the reduction instrument for performing derotation maneuvers or applying other manipulation forces. A modular driver or handle adapter can be attached to the reduction instrument and/or to the derotation instrument to facilitate rod reduction. Any of the instrument body, the reduction instrument, and the derotation instrument can include a working channel therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Medos International Sarl
    Inventors: Christopher Mickiewicz, Mark Gracia, Thomas Runco, Sarah Batchelor, Richard Fournier
  • Publication number: 20200237410
    Abstract: Systems and methods for en bloc derotating a spinal column are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method can include manipulating first and second frames coupled respectively to a first set of vertebrae and a second set of vertebrae to derotate the first and second sets of vertebrae relative to one another, and subsequently locking a linkage assembly coupled respectively to the first and second frames to maintain the first and second sets of vertebrae in a derotated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Peter Gabos, Thomas Runco, Shawn Harris, Randal Betz, JR.
  • Publication number: 20200205864
    Abstract: Modular surgical instruments and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for performing rod reduction, derotation, and/or set screw insertion during spinal surgery. An exemplary system can include an instrument body configured to couple to a bone anchor assembly to provide a modular platform for carrying out various steps of a surgical procedure. For example, the instrument body can receive a reduction instrument therethrough for reducing a spinal rod into the bone anchor assembly. A derotation instrument can be attached to the reduction instrument for performing derotation maneuvers or applying other manipulation forces. A modular driver or handle adapter can be attached to the reduction instrument and/or to the derotation instrument to facilitate rod reduction. Any of the instrument body, the reduction instrument, and the derotation instrument can include a working channel therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher Mickiewicz, Mark Gracia, Thomas Runco, Sarah Batchelor, Richard Fournier
  • Patent number: 10610269
    Abstract: Modular surgical instruments and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for performing rod reduction, derotation, and/or set screw insertion during spinal surgery. An exemplary system can include an instrument body configured to couple to a bone anchor assembly to provide a modular platform for carrying out various steps of a surgical procedure. For example, the instrument body can receive a reduction instrument therethrough for reducing a spinal rod into the bone anchor assembly. A derotation instrument can be attached to the reduction instrument for performing derotation maneuvers or applying other manipulation forces. A modular driver or handle adapter can be attached to the reduction instrument and/or to the derotation instrument to facilitate rod reduction. Any of the instrument body, the reduction instrument, and the derotation instrument can include a working channel therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Medos International Sarl
    Inventors: Christopher Mickiewicz, Mark Gracia, Thomas Runco, Sarah Batchelor, Richard Fournier
  • Publication number: 20190069934
    Abstract: Modular surgical instruments and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for performing rod reduction, derotation, and/or set screw insertion during spinal surgery. An exemplary system can include an instrument body configured to couple to a bone anchor assembly to provide a modular platform for carrying out various steps of a surgical procedure. For example, the instrument body can receive a reduction instrument therethrough for reducing a spinal rod into the bone anchor assembly. A derotation instrument can be attached to the reduction instrument for performing derotation maneuvers or applying other manipulation forces. A modular driver or handle adapter can be attached to the reduction instrument and/or to the derotation instrument to facilitate rod reduction. Any of the instrument body, the reduction instrument, and the derotation instrument can include a working channel therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher Mickiewicz, Mark Gracia, Thomas Runco, Sarah Batchelor, Richard Fournier
  • Patent number: 7981031
    Abstract: A surgical access device includes a proximal frame of fixed construction and a plurality of tissue engaging blades connected to the frame. The plurality of tissue engaging blades may include a first blade that is rotatable, independent of other blades, about an axis that is oriented approximately parallel to a plane defined by the proximal frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Depuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: William Frasier, Anne Drzyzga, Connie Marchek, Sara Dziedzic, Holly Brideau, Thomas Runco, Nicholas Pavento
  • Publication number: 20080004625
    Abstract: Bottom-loading, for assembly, bone anchor assemblies for fixing a spinal connection element to bone and methods of assembly are described, which are particularly suited for, but not limited to, large diameter bone screws. The assembly includes a receiver member for receiving the spinal connection element, a bone-engaging shank for engaging bone and a retaining member for retaining the head of the shank within the receiver member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Runco, Nicholas Miller
  • Publication number: 20070260261
    Abstract: An instrument for manipulating a spinal fixation element relative to a bone anchor includes a bone anchor grasping mechanism, a first adjustment mechanism, and a second adjustment mechanism. The bone anchor grasping mechanism includes a first arm having a distal end configured to engage an opening provided in the bone anchor. The first adjustment mechanism includes a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm. The second arm has a distal end configured to engage an opening provided in the bone anchor and is operable to adjust a spinal fixation element in a first direction upon pivoting relative to the first arm. The second adjustment mechanism is removably and replaceably coupled to the bone anchor grasping mechanism and is movable relative to the bone anchor grasping mechanism to adjust the spinal fixation element in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, relative to the bone anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Applicant: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Runco, Michael Varieur, Thomas Gamache, Richard Fournier