Patents by Inventor W. Loren FRANCIS
W. Loren FRANCIS 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: 11744710Abstract: The present disclosure includes devices, apparatuses, kits, and methods for replacing a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc with an implantable nuclear prosthesis filled with a curable silicone material in situ. Configurations of the present spinal implant devices include a flexible body defining an outer fillable enclosure that defines an outer chamber, an inner fillable enclosure that defines an inner chamber, and a proximal plug configured to be coupled to the inner fillable enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2019Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: W. Loren Francis, Mark A. Novotny, Cory R. A. Hallam, Jake Ganem
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Publication number: 20230218409Abstract: A nuclear disc implant includes an inner fillable enclosure and an outer fillable enclosure. After insertion into a enucleated disc cavity, the inner enclosure is filled with a fluid and the outer fillable enclosure is filled with a curable material. The curable material is allowed to cure and the fluid is removed from the inner enclosure to leave an inner enclosure surrounded by an cured outer enclosure. A reinforcing band may be provided around the nuclear disc implant. An inflation tool to fill the nuclear disc implant is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2023Publication date: July 13, 2023Applicant: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: James D. Lutz, W. Loren Francis, Mark Novotny
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Patent number: 11633287Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation in a de-nucleated intervertebral disc includes a fiber ring-like layer which encloses a polymeric layer to create an annular space. The annular space is inflatable with an in-situ curable liquid polymer and forms an interior cavity. The annular space may be expanded uniformly or differentially to be tailored to the needs of a particular vertebral segment and to achieve optimal disc space width and angle, thereby stabilizing the segment while preserving normal motion of the vertebral segment. The interior cavity provides a void that allows inward deformation of the implant during weight bearing activities and bending. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed through axial elongation to a reduced profile to load into a delivery cannula using pulling techniques.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2020Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Nadi S. Hibri, W. Loren Francis, Mark A. Novotny
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Patent number: 11576793Abstract: A nuclear disc implant includes an inner fillable enclosure and an outer fillable enclosure. After insertion into a enucleated disc cavity, the inner enclosure is filled with a fluid and the outer fillable enclosure is filled with a curable material. The curable material is allowed to cure and the fluid is removed from the inner enclosure to leave an inner enclosure surrounded by an cured outer enclosure. A reinforcing band may be provided around the nuclear disc implant. An inflation tool to fill the nuclear disc implant is provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: James D. Lutz, W. Loren Francis, Mark Novotny
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Patent number: 11523914Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation in a de-nucleated intervertebral disc includes a fiber ring-like layer which encloses a polymeric layer to create an annular space. The annular space is inflatable with an in-situ curable liquid polymer and forms an interior cavity. The annular space may be expanded uniformly or differentially to be tailored to the needs of a particular vertebral segment and to achieve optimal disc space width and angle, thereby stabilizing the segment while preserving normal motion of the vertebral segment. The interior cavity provides a void that allows inward deformation of the implant during weight bearing activities and bending. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed through axial elongation to a reduced profile to load into a delivery cannula using pulling techniques.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Nadi S. Hibri, W. Loren Francis, Mark A. Novotny
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Publication number: 20210077266Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation in a de-nucleated intervertebral disc includes a fiber ring-like layer which encloses a polymeric layer to create an annular space. The annular space is inflatable with an in-situ curable liquid polymer and forms an interior cavity. The annular space may be expanded uniformly or differentially to be tailored to the needs of a particular vertebral segment and to achieve optimal disc space width and angle, thereby stabilizing the segment while preserving normal motion of the vertebral segment. The interior cavity provides a void that allows inward deformation of the implant during weight bearing activities and bending. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed through axial elongation to a reduced profile to load into a delivery cannula using pulling techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2020Publication date: March 18, 2021Applicant: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: NADI S. HIBRI, W. LOREN FRANCIS, MARK A. NOVOTNY
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Patent number: 10786360Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation in a de-nucleated intervertebral disc includes a fiber ring-like layer which encloses a polymeric layer to create an annular space. The annular space is inflatable with an in-situ curable liquid polymer and forms an interior cavity. The annular space may be expanded uniformly or differentially to be tailored to the needs of a particular vertebral segment and to achieve optimal disc space width and angle, thereby stabilizing the segment while preserving normal motion of the vertebral segment. The interior cavity provides a void that allows inward deformation of the implant during weight bearing activities and bending. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed through axial elongation to a reduced profile to load into a delivery cannula using pulling techniques.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2015Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Nadi S. Hibri, W. Loren Francis, Mark A. Novotny
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Publication number: 20200229947Abstract: A nuclear disc implant includes an inner fillable enclosure and an outer fillable enclosure. After insertion into a enucleated disc cavity, the inner enclosure is filled with a fluid and the outer fillable enclosure is filled with a curable material. The curable material is allowed to cure and the fluid is removed from the inner enclosure to leave an inner enclosure surrounded by an cured outer enclosure. A reinforcing band may be provided around the nuclear disc implant. An inflation tool to fill the nuclear disc implant is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Inventors: James D. LUTZ, W. Loren FRANCIS, Mark NOVOTNY
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Publication number: 20200113705Abstract: The present disclosure includes devices, apparatuses, kits, and methods for replacing a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc with an implantable nuclear prosthesis filled with a curable silicone material in situ. Configurations of the present spinal implant devices include a flexible body defining an outer fillable enclosure that defines an outer chamber, an inner fillable enclosure that defines an inner chamber, and a proximal plug configured to be coupled to the inner fillable enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventors: W. Loren FRANCIS, Mark A. NOVOTNY, Cory R.A. HALLAM, Jake GANEM
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Patent number: 10575967Abstract: A nuclear disc implant includes an inner fillable enclosure and an outer fillable enclosure. After insertion into a enucleated disc cavity, the inner enclosure is filled with a fluid and the outer fillable enclosure is filled with a curable material. The curable material is allowed to cure and the fluid is removed from the inner enclosure to leave an inner enclosure surrounded by an cured outer enclosure. A reinforcing band may be provided around the nuclear disc implant. An inflation tool to fill the nuclear disc implant is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: James D. Lutz, W. Loren Francis, Mark Novotny
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Patent number: 10524923Abstract: An expandable implant for augmenting a damaged or otherwise torn posterior annulus fibrosus. The implant is deployable into an evacuated posterior disc space following a subtotal nuclectomy. The implant includes an inflatable balloon which is fixed to the annulus fibrosus to protect against migration. When inflated with a curable polymer, the posterior wall of the implant is intimately disposed along the inner surface of the annulus fibrosus to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal of the annular tear or defect and reinforce the weakened posterior annulus. The anterior wall of the implant sequesters the nuclear remnant to guard against disc remnant herniation. The implant can restore intradiscal pressure and disc height. An integrated posterior reinforcement band creates a strong, yet flexible and resilient structure, resistant to penetration of the implant through the annular tear or defect.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Nadi S. Hibri, W. Loren Francis, Mark A. Novotny
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Publication number: 20170128222Abstract: An expandable implant for augmenting a damaged or otherwise torn posterior annulus fibrosus. The implant is deployable into an evacuated posterior disc space following a subtotal nuclectomy. The implant includes an inflatable balloon which is fixed to the annulus fibrosus to protect against migration. When inflated with a curable polymer, the posterior wall of the implant is intimately disposed along the inner surface of the annulus fibrosus to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal of the annular tear or defect and reinforce the weakened posterior annulus. The anterior wall of the implant sequesters the nuclear remnant to guard against disc remnant herniation. The implant can restore intradiscal pressure and disc height. An integrated posterior reinforcement band creates a strong, yet flexible and resilient structure, resistant to penetration of the implant through the annular tear or defect.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2016Publication date: May 11, 2017Applicant: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Nadi S. Hibri, W. Loren Francis, Mark A. Novotny
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Publication number: 20170056195Abstract: A nuclear disc implant includes an inner fillable enclosure and an outer fillable enclosure. After insertion into a enucleated disc cavity, the inner enclosure is filled with a fluid and the outer fillable enclosure is filled with a curable material. The curable material is allowed to cure and the fluid is removed from the inner enclosure to leave an inner enclosure surrounded by an cured outer enclosure. A reinforcing band may be provided around the nuclear disc implant. An inflation tool to fill the nuclear disc implant is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: James D. Lutz, W. Loren Francis, Mark Novotny
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Patent number: 9486323Abstract: An expandable implant for augmenting a damaged or otherwise torn posterior annulus fibrosus. The implant is deployable into an evacuated posterior disc space following a subtotal nuclectomy. The implant includes an inflatable balloon which is fixed to the annulus fibrosus to protect against migration. When inflated with a curable polymer, the posterior wall of the implant is intimately disposed along the inner surface of the annulus fibrosus to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal of the annular tear or defect and reinforce the weakened posterior annulus. The anterior wall of the implant sequesters the nuclear remnant to guard against disc remnant herniation. The implant can restore intradiscal pressure and disc height. An integrated posterior reinforcement band creates a strong, yet flexible and resilient structure, resistant to penetration of the implant through the annular tear or defect.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2015Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Spinal Stabilization Technologies LLCInventors: Nadi S. Hibri, W. Loren Francis, Mark A. Novotny
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Publication number: 20160120654Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation in a de-nucleated intervertebral disc includes a fiber ring-like layer which encloses a polymeric layer to create an annular space. The annular space is inflatable with an in-situ curable liquid polymer and forms an interior cavity. The annular space may be expanded uniformly or differentially to be tailored to the needs of a particular vertebral segment and to achieve optimal disc space width and angle, thereby stabilizing the segment while preserving normal motion of the vertebral segment. The interior cavity provides a void that allows inward deformation of the implant during weight bearing activities and bending. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed through axial elongation to a reduced profile to load into a delivery cannula using pulling techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2015Publication date: May 5, 2016Applicant: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Nadi S. HIBRI, W. Loren FRANCIS, Mark A. NOVOTNY