Patents by Inventor W. Bret Smith

W. Bret Smith 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: 12102368
    Abstract: A bone positioning guide may include a main body member, a shaft, and a bone engagement member. The shaft can be movably connected to the main body member and have the bone engagement member rotatably coupled to its distal end. The bone engagement member can have a surface configured to engage a bone. The main body member can also include a tip opposite the bone engagement member for engaging a second bone. In use, the bone engagement member may be positioned in contact with a medial side of a first metatarsal while the tip is positioned in contact with a lateral side of a different metatarsal, such as a second metatarsal. The shaft can then be moved to advance the bone engagement member toward the tip, causing realignment of the first metatarsal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Bret Smith, Paul Dayton, Sean F. Scanlan, F. Barry Bays, Carlos Eduardo Gil, John T. Treace, Robert D. Santrock, Daniel J. Hatch, Joe W. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20240307076
    Abstract: A method of placing an implant at one or more bone portions includes inserting a pinning and drilling instrument a first distance into a bone portion at a location at the bone portion such that a pin portion of the pinning and drilling instrument is inserted into the bone portion at the location; after inserting the pinning and drilling instrument the first distance into the bone portion, creating an implant receiving aperture at the location by further inserting the pinning and drilling instrument a second further distance into the bone portion at the location at the bone portion such that a drill portion of the pinning and drilling instrument is inserted into the bone portion to create the implant receiving aperture at the location; and placing an implant at the implant receiving aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Adam Hausman, Adriaan Kuyler, W. Bret Smith, Madeline Lindemann, Sean F. Scanlan, Jason May, Robert D. Santrock, Mark Erik Easley, Paul Dayton, Jody McAleer, William T. DeCarbo, Daniel J. Hatch, Michael Steadham, Steve Norton
  • Publication number: 20240299026
    Abstract: A method of fixating bones for fusion includes positioning an implant guide sleeve at a first bone and a second bone and across a separation between the first bone from the second bone. The method further includes using the implant guide sleeve to guide creation of a first implant hole in the first bone and to guide creation of a second implant hole in the second bone, aligning an inserter, operatively connected to an implant, with the implant guide sleeve, and advancing the inserter, relative to the implant guide sleeve, to position the implant in contact with the first bone and the second bone with the implant bridging between the first bone and the second bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2024
    Publication date: September 12, 2024
    Inventors: Adriaan Kuyler, W. Bret Smith, Madeline Lindemann, Bryan Wilcox, Sean F. Scanlan, Jason May, Robert D. Santrock, Mark Erik Easley, Paul Dayton, Jody McAleer, William T. DeCarbo, Daniel J. Hatch, Steve Norton
  • Publication number: 20240268873
    Abstract: A bone cutting guide may include a support that contains a shaft movable relative to the support. The shaft may carry a guide member having one or more cut guides through which a clinician inserts a cutting member to cut bone positioned under the guide cut guides. In operation, a clinician may fixate the support of the bone cutting guide to a bone and translate the guide member until the one or more cut guides are positioned at a desired cut location. The clinician may then perform a cut through the cut guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2024
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: Paul Dayton, Joe William Ferguson, F. Barry Bays, John T. Treace, W. Bret Smith
  • Publication number: 20240268836
    Abstract: A bone cutting guide may include a support that contains a shaft movable relative to the support. The shaft may carry a guide member having one or more cut guides through which a clinician inserts a cutting member to cut bone positioned under the guide cut guides. In operation, a clinician may fixate the support of the bone cutting guide to a bone and translate the guide member until the one or more cut guides are positioned at a desired cut location. The clinician may then perform a cut through the cut guide. In some examples, the bone cutting guide includes additional components, such as bridging member or secondary cut guide, to provide additional functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2024
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: Paul Dayton, Robert D. Santrock, Daniel J. Hatch, W. Bret Smith, Carlos Eduardo Gil, Sean F. Scanlan, Joe William Ferguson, F. Barry Bays, John T. Treace
  • Publication number: 20240268876
    Abstract: A technique for correcting a bone deformity, such as a bunion, may be performed using an instrument. In some examples, the technique involves inserting the instrument between a first metatarsal and a second metatarsal. The technique further includes preparing an end of the first metatarsal and preparing an end of a medial cuneiform opposing the end of the first metatarsal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2024
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: F. Barry Bays, Robert D. Santrock, Paul Dayton, Daniel J. Hatch, W. Bret Smith, Carlos Eduardo Gil, Sean F. Scanlan, Joe William Ferguson, John T. Treace
  • Patent number: 12059185
    Abstract: A bone plate can be used to fixate one or more bones. In some examples, the bone plate defines an elongated body having a plurality of fixation holes arrayed at different points along the length of the body. For example, the bone plate may have opposed fixation holes separated by a bridge. The bone plate may be bent or shaped along a central longitudinal axis extending through the elongated body and also twisted around the central longitudinal axis. The bending and twisting can position each fixation hole of the elongated body in a different plane in three-dimensional space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Dayton, Daniel J. Hatch, W. Bret Smith, David L. Brumfield
  • Publication number: 20240260977
    Abstract: A method of modifying a bone surface for receiving an implant includes: positioning a contour guide at a first bone and a second bone and across a separation between the first bone and the second bone; using the contour guide to modify a surface region of at least one of the first bone and the second bone to form a modified surface region at one or both of the first bone and the second bone; and positioning an implant in contact at least with the modified surface region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2024
    Publication date: August 8, 2024
    Inventors: Adriaan Kuyler, W. Bret Smith, Madeline Lindemann, Sean F. Scanlan, Jason May, Robert D. Santrock, Mark Erik Easley, Paul Dayton, Jody McAleer, William T. DeCarbo, Daniel J. Hatch, Steve Norton
  • Publication number: 20240245437
    Abstract: Methods for temporarily fixing an orientation of a bone or bones. Methods of correcting a bunion deformity. Bone positioning devices. Methods of using a bone positioning device. Bone preparation guides. Methods of using a bone preparation guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Inventors: Robert D. Santrock, Paul Dayton, Daniel J. Hatch, W. Bret Smith, F. Barry Bays, Carlos Eduardo Gil, Sean F. Scanlan, Joe W. Ferguson, John T. Treace
  • Publication number: 20240245438
    Abstract: A bone positioning guide may include a main body member, a shaft, and a bone engagement member. The shaft can be movably connected to the main body member and have the bone engagement member rotatably coupled to its distal end. The bone engagement member can have a surface configured to engage a bone. The main body member can also include a tip opposite the bone engagement member for engaging a second bone. In use, the bone engagement member may be positioned in contact with a medial side of a first metatarsal while the tip is positioned in contact with a lateral side of a different metatarsal, such as a second metatarsal. The shaft can then be moved to advance the bone engagement member toward the tip, causing realignment of the first metatarsal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Inventors: W. Bret Smith, Paul Dayton, Sean F. Scanlan, F. Barry Bays, Carlos Eduardo Gil, John T. Treace, Robert D. Santrock, Daniel J. Hatch, Joe W. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 12004789
    Abstract: A metatarsus adductus technique may involve cutting an end of one or both of a second metatarsal and an intermediate cuneiform to create a wedge-shaped opening between the end of the second metatarsal and the intermediate cuneiform. The method may further involve cutting an end of one or both of a third metatarsal and a lateral cuneiform to also create a wedge-shaped opening between the end of the third metatarsal and the lateral cuneiform. The second metatarsal and the third metatarsal can then be moved in a transverse plane to close a metatarsus adductus angle. Movement of the second and third metatarsal may close the wedge-shaped openings forming during bone cutting. With the second and third metatarsals appropriately realigned, the clinician can fixate the moved position of the second metatarsal and the third metatarsal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Jody McAleer, William DeCarbo, Daniel Hatch, Paul Dayton, Robert Santrock, W. Bret Smith, Adriaan Kuyler, Sean Scanlan
  • Patent number: 11963703
    Abstract: A bone cutting guide may include a support that contains a shaft movable relative to the support. The shaft may carry a guide member having one or more cut guides through which a clinician inserts a cutting member to cut bone positioned under the guide cut guides. In operation, a clinician may fixate the support of the bone cutting guide to a bone and translate the guide member until the one or more cut guides are positioned at a desired cut location. The clinician may then perform a cut through the cut guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Dayton, Joe William Ferguson, F. Barry Bays, John T. Treace, W. Bret Smith
  • Publication number: 20240115271
    Abstract: Instruments and surgical techniques may be used to correct a bone deformity, such as a bunion in which a metatarsal is misaligned with respect to a medial cuneiform. In some examples, a bone cutting guide is utilized to cut an end of the metatarsal and/or an end of the medial cuneiform to facilitate realignment of the bones. The cutting guide can have a pivotable cut guide surface along which a cutting instrument is translated to provide a precise bone cut. In some applications, after suitably preparing and aligning the bones, the bones are compressed together using a fixation pin. The fixation pin can be driven through one of the bones, into the second bone, and then further driven to compress the bones together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Daniel J. Hatch, Joe W. Ferguson, Paul Dayton, W. Bret Smith, Lowell Weil, F. Barry Bays
  • Patent number: 11950819
    Abstract: A bone positioning guide may include a main body member, a shaft, and a bone engagement member. The shaft can be movably connected to the main body member and have the bone engagement member rotatably coupled to its distal end. The bone engagement member can have a surface configured to engage a bone. The main body member can also include a tip opposite the bone engagement member for engaging a second bone. In use, the bone engagement member may be positioned in contact with a medial side of a first metatarsal while the tip is positioned in contact with a lateral side of a different metatarsal, such as a second metatarsal. The shaft can then be moved to advance the bone engagement member toward the tip, causing realignment of the first metatarsal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Bret Smith, Paul Dayton, Sean F. Scanlan, F. Barry Bays, Carlos Eduardo Gil, John T. Treace, Robert D. Santrock, Daniel J. Hatch, Joe W. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20240082015
    Abstract: An orthopedic implant system can be used to fixate two vertebral bones relative to each other during a surgical procedure. In some configurations, the implant system includes a staple having at least two legs separated by a bridge. The staple can include at least two couplings on either side of the bridge accessible through a top surface of the staple connectable to two corresponding coupling shafts. The coupling shafts can attach through the top surface of the staple without extending below an underside of the staple. The coupling shafts can be used to bias the at least two legs of the staple away from each other for insertion into holes formed into two bones. By attaching the coupling shafts through the top of the staple, the staple can be inserted flush with the two bones before releasing the shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: W. Bret Smith, Madeline Lindemann, Bryan Wilcox, Sean F. Scanlan, Jason May, Adriaan Kuyler, Robert D. Santrock, Mark Erik Easley
  • Publication number: 20240081816
    Abstract: An orthopedic implant system can be used to fixate two bones (e.g., to portions of a single bone) relative to each other during a surgical procedure. In some configurations, the implant system includes a staple having at least two legs separated by a bridge. The staple can include at least two couplings on either side of the bridge accessible through a top surface of the staple connectable to two corresponding coupling shafts. The coupling shafts can attach through the top surface of the staple without extending below an underside of the staple. The coupling shafts can be used to bias the at least two legs of the staple away from each other for insertion into holes formed into two bones. By attaching the coupling shafts through the top of the staple, the staple can be inserted flush with the two bones before releasing the shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: W. Bret Smith, Madeline Lindemann, Bryan Wilcox, Sean F. Scanlan, Jason May, Adriaan Kuyler, Robert D. Santrock, Mark Erik Easley
  • Publication number: 20240081817
    Abstract: An orthopedic implant system can be used to fixate two bones (e.g., to portions of a single bone) relative to each other during a surgical procedure. In some configurations, the implant system includes a staple having at least two legs separated by a bridge. The staple can include at least two couplings on either side of the bridge accessible through a top surface of the staple connectable to two corresponding coupling shafts. The coupling shafts can attach through the top surface of the staple without extending below an underside of the staple. The coupling shafts can be used to bias the at least two legs of the staple away from each other for insertion into holes formed into two bones. By attaching the coupling shafts through the top of the staple, the staple can be inserted flush with the two bones before releasing the shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: W. Bret Smith, Madeline Lindemann, Bryan Wilcox, Sean F. Scanlan, Jason May, Adriaan Kuyler, Robert D. Santrock, Mark Erik Easley
  • Publication number: 20240081843
    Abstract: Systems, techniques, and devices are described that may be used in a minimally invasive bone realignment procedure. In some examples, a method of performing a minimally invasive metatarsal correction procedure involves using a bone preparation guide having a guide surface with a length less than a diameter of a bone to be cut using the guide surface. The clinician can guide a bone preparation instrument along the guide surface and angle the bone preparation instrument beyond one or both ends of the guide surface to cut the end of the underlying bone beyond one or both of the ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Adriaan Kuyler, Paul Dayton, Mark Erik Easley, William T. DeCarbo, Daniel J. Hatch, Jody McAleer, Robert D. Santrock, W. Bret Smith, Sean F. Scanlan, Jason May, Michael Stedham
  • Patent number: 11911085
    Abstract: Methods for temporarily fixing an orientation of a bone or bones. Methods of correcting a bunion deformity. Bone positioning devices. Methods of using a bone positioning device. Bone preparation guides. Methods of using a bone preparation guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Santrock, Paul Dayton, Daniel J. Hatch, W. Bret Smith, F. Barry Bays, Carlos Eduardo Gil, Sean F. Scanlan, Joe W. Ferguson, John T. Treace
  • Publication number: 20240032944
    Abstract: A bone cutting guide may include a support that contains a shaft movable relative to the support. The shaft may carry a guide member having one or more cut guides through which a clinician inserts a cutting member to cut bone positioned under the guide cut guides. In operation, a clinician may fixate the support of the bone cutting guide to a bone and translate the guide member until the one or more cut guides are positioned at a desired cut location. The clinician may then perform a cut through the cut guide. In some examples, the bone cutting guide includes additional components, such as bridging member or secondary cut guide, to provide additional functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Paul Dayton, Robert D. Santrock, Daniel J. Hatch, W. Bret Smith, Carlos Eduardo Gil, Sean F. Scanlan, Joe William Ferguson, F. Barry Bays, John T. Treace