| SPINE WAVE, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120109317 | DEVICE FOR DISTRACTING BODY TISSUE - An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior plates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of expansion members or wafers. The superior and inferior plates include features that at least initially interlock the two plates until the superior plate is dislodged by pressure from the growing wafer stack. The wafers include features on their top and bottom surfaces that interlock the wafers in multiple degrees of freedom so that the wafer stack is not disrupted when the fusion device is fully expanded. Each wafer also includes features that interlock with the inferior plate until the wafer id dislodged by sequential introduction of another wafer. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20110313477 | Surgical Instrument and Method for the Distraction or Compression of Bones - A surgical instrument for the distraction or compression of bones or bone portions comprises a pair of elongate cross members pivotally coupled for relative movement having at one end a respective pair of handles and at the other end a respective pair of jaws. The jaws are generally parallel to each other and define a first plane within which the jaws are relatively movable, the space on both sides of the plane defining a work space between the jaws. The instrument further comprises a fulcrum supported by at least one of the cross members projecting into the work space and having an axis spaced from the jaws. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110313476 | Apparatus and Method for Detecting a Connecting Rod During Percutaneous Surgery - An apparatus for detecting the presence of a connecting rod during percutaneous spinal surgery comprises a tubular member and an elongate strip extending therethrough. The strip has a flag at the proximal end and an elastically flexible rod detection tip projecting outwardly from the distal end for contacting a connecting rod. The strip is supported in the tubular member for pivoting movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the member. A biasing member biases the strip to a first position in which the flag is adjacent a first side of the tubular member and the detection tip at the distal end is adjacent an opposite second side. Upon application of a force to elastically flex the detection tip, in which the force is sufficient to overcome the bias, the flag is shifted to a second position adjacent the second side of the tubular member. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110313475 | Introducer for Inserting a Connecting Rod into a Spine - An introducer is provided for inserting a connecting rod into tissue of a spine that comprises an outer sleeve with an actuatable rod attachment portion at a distal end thereof to releasably pivotally attach to a connecting rod, and an elongate inner shaft movable translationally within the outer sleeve. The proximal end of the shaft is coupled to an actuation mechanism for selectively translating the inner shaft. The distal end of the shaft includes a rod engagement surface that is movable y the actuation mechanism to a first position to engage a cooperative engagement surface on the rod to hold the rod in a selected locked orientation, to a second position to space the rod engagement surface from the cooperative engagement surface of the rod to allow pivoting of the rod, and to a third position to release the rod from the outer sleeve. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110313471 | SCREW DRIVER FOR A MULTIAXIAL BONE SCREW - A screwdriver for driving a multi-axial bone screw into a vertebra of the spine in one configuration includes an elongate shaft defining a driving tip at its distal end for engaging the head of the bone screw for joint rotational movement. The screw driver also includes an outer sleeve within which the inner shaft rotates freely. The outer retention sleeve releasably attaches to the yoke of the bone screw. Rotation of the inner shaft enables rotation of the bone screw threaded shank while the outer sleeve and yoke remain fixed. In another configuration, instead of the outer retention sleeve the screwdriver comprises a screw engagement member affixed to the shaft for joint rotational movement therewith, the screw engagement member comprising a stop sized to seat within a slot of the bone screw yoke, the stop being configured to rotate the yoke upon rotation shaft. A releasable retention member is provided on the screw engagement member for releasably attaching the screwdriver to the bone screw. Rotation of the shaft with the affixed screw engagement member causes common rotation of the entire bone screw including the threaded shank and the yoke. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110313470 | Pedicle Screw Extension for Use in Percutaneous Spinal Fixation - A bone screw extension assembly for use in placing a connecting rod percutaneously into tissue of a patient comprises a multi-axial bone screw and a screw extension releasably coupled to yoke of the bone screw. The screw extension includes coaxially disposed outer sleeve and inner sleeves that are rotatable relative to each other. A screw engaging member projects radially from the distal end the inner sleeve and is configured to engage an extension coupling surface on the outer sleeve upon relative. A securement member including cooperative surfaces is defined adjacent the distal end of the inner and outer sleeves that is operable upon relative radially secure the sleeves together to thereby maintain the engagement of the screw engaging member and the bone screw. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110313464 | METHOD FOR FIXING A CONNECTING ROD TO A THORACIC SPINE - A method of attaching a curved rod to a plurality of pedicle screws in the thoracic region of the spine is disclosed. Preferably, the method is practiced in a procedure for percutaneously fixing the rod to the pedicle screws through slots formed through a plurality of screw extensions releasably attached respectively to the pedicle screws. The method includes the steps of releasably and pivotally attaching the curved rod to a rod introducer having a handle and holding the rod initially in a fixed position. The rod is introduced in the fixed position through the slots in the extensions with the rod curvature defining a lordotic angle relative to the spine. The rod is released from the fixed position without separating the rod from the introducer. While the rod is in the released position the handle is rotated 180° thereby rotating the rod to a kyphotic angle relative to the thoracic region of the spine. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110313463 | Method of Percutaneously Fixing a Connecting Rod to a Spine - A method of attaching an extension to a bone anchor for use in percutaneous spinal surgery is provided that comprises the steps of: providing a bone anchor including a first portion for attachment to a vertebra and a second portion for attachment to a connecting element, the bone anchor including an extension coupling surface; providing an elongate hollow extension having a distal end and a proximal end, the extension having a rotationally movable anchor engaging member projecting radially from the distal end thereof; placing the distal end of the extension adjacent the bone anchor; and rotating the anchor engaging member to engage the extension coupling surface on the anchor and couple the extension and the bone anchor. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110313460 | System for Percutaneously Fixing a Connecting Rod to a Spine - A system for percutaneously fixing a connecting rod to vertebrae comprises first and second bone screws, each with a corresponding hollow bone screw extension mounted thereto, and a connecting rod of length sized for simultaneous receipt in the yokes of the bone screws. A rod introducer is provided for inserting the connecting rod into slots of the screw extensions and into the yokes of the bone screws. A rod persuader may also be provided that is attachable to at least one of the screw extensions, the rod persuader being operable to engage the connecting rod and urge the rod into the slot of the yoke of the corresponding bone screws. A rod detector may also be provided for insertion one of the screw extensions, the rod detector having an indicator sensing the presence of a rod in the slot of the yoke of at least one of the bone screws. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110288593 | Method for Stabilizing a Motion Segment of the Spine of a Patient - A dynamic stabilization device includes end caps that define a bore for receiving a corresponding bone screw therethrough. A spacer is engaged between each end cap and a cable passes through each of the components and is placed in tension to couple the spacer between the two end caps. The spacer is formed of a material that allows some flexible movement after implantation. An alternative stabilization device includes a spacer over-molded about two bushings defining the bores. According to a method of use, a stabilization device is passed along guide wires through a small incision. Once the device is in contact with the vertebrae, the bone screws are advanced along the guide wires and driven into the bone. One fastener bore may include a camming surface that causes distraction of the vertebrae as the bone screw is threaded into the vertebral bone. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110264228 | Method of Providing Spinal Interbody Fusion - An apparatus and method is provided for interbody fusion including distracting, in a given direction, and supporting opposing vertebral bodies. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the vertebral bodies to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the vertebral bodies so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110251693 | EXPANDABLE DEVICE FOR DISTRACTING SPINAL TISSUE SURFACES - An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior endplates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of interlocking expansion members or wafers. The like-configured wafers include features on their top and bottom surfaces that interlock the wafers in multiple degrees of freedom so that the wafer stack is not disrupted when the fusion device is fully expanded. One of the interlocking features includes a plurality of prongs projecting from an upper surface of the wafers and into a recess defined in the lower surface of an adjacent previously inserted like-configured wafer. The prongs and recesses are configured to prevent retrograde movement of each new wafer in a direction opposite the direction of insertion. Other interlocking features prevent movement in the direction of insertion, transverse to the insertion direction and vertically within the stack. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110213465 | EXPANDABLE INTERBODY FUSION DEVICE - An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior plates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of expansion members or wafers. The superior and inferior plates include features that at least initially interlock the two plates until the superior plate is dislodged by pressure from the growing wafer stack. The wafers include features on their top and bottom surfaces that interlock the wafers in multiple degrees of freedom so that the wafer stack is not disrupted when the fusion device is fully expanded. Each wafer also includes features that interlock with the inferior plate until the wafer is dislodged by sequential introduction of another wafer. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110176382 | Systems and Methods for Mixing Fluids - A syringe-to-syringe mixing apparatus comprises first and second syringes adapted to be coupled at their respective outlets to fluidly connect the syringes. The first syringe includes a plunger having a hollow plunger barrel and a distal end defining a lumen therethrough. The lumen is initially closed by a septum, which in one embodiment is an elastomeric stopper mounted over the end of the plunger. The mixing apparatus further includes a third syringe slidably disposed within the plunger barrel. The third syringe includes a hollow needle adapted to pierce the septum to allow fluid from the third syringe to be injected into fluid within the coupled first and second syringes. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110097376 | RADIOPAQUE INJECTABLE NUCLEUS HYDROGEL COMPOSITIONS - A composition suitable for use as replacement material for all or part of a disc nucleus during percutaneous injection, the composition comprising:
| 04-28-2011 |
| 20110009971 | Apparatus and Kit for Distraction of Tissue Surfaces - An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110009870 | apparatus for spinal fusion - An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. An expandable implant includes a plurality of elements are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of elements. The column of elements is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the elements are consecutively added to the column. The expandable implant includes a constraint including a cooperative engagement structure between adjacent elements. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110004217 | Apparatus and Method for Injecting Fluent Material at a Distracted Tissue Site - A system and method is provided for distracting opposite surfaces from the interior of a bone, such as a vertebral body. A working channel cannula provides a working channel through which an inserter and an injection cannula can simultaneously pass. The inserter transports a plurality of wafers into the interior of the bone to form a load-bearing stack bearing against the opposite surfaces. The injection cannula is used to inject a fluent material into and/or around the stack. In certain embodiments, the fluent material is a load-bearing or hardenable material, such as bone cement. In other embodiments, the fluent material can be a BMP, HAP, or other osteo-inductive, osteo-conductive, or pharmaceutical compositions. A syringe containing the fluent material is engaged to the injection cannula and is operable to inject the fluent material into the vertebral body under controlled pressure. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20100318190 | Methods for Injecting a Curable Biomaterial into an Intervertebral Space - A method for treating a diseased or damaged spinal disc comprises the steps of: (a) providing access to the nucleus pulposus through the annulus; (b) removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create an intradiscal space; (c) determining the size of the intradiscal space; and (d) sealably introducing under pressure a curable biomaterial through the annulus directly into the intradiscal space. The step of determining the size of the intradiscal space may be accomplished by expanding a compliant balloon within the intradiscal space using a contrast medium capable of visualization under fluoroscopy. The curable material is sealably introduced through a vented needle inserted through the opening. The curable biomaterial is introduced until a quantity of the material flows into the vent. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100318131 | Devices and Methods for Adding an Additional Level of Fixation to an Existing Construct - A method and assembly is provided for linking an additional vertebral construct to an existing spinal construct having at least two bone screws engaged to corresponding vertebrae and connected by a connecting member. The assembly includes a fastener configured to engage a bone screw of the existing construct and to engage a connecting member connected to the bone screw. The assembly further includes a linking member having an elongated portion configured to connect to a bone screw of the additional construct and a mounting structure configured for mounting on the bone screw of the existing construct. A locking member fixes the orientation of the linking member relative to the bone screw and a clamping member locks the linking member and existing connecting member to the bone screw of the existing construct. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100298882 | Multi-Axial Cross Connector - A cross connector for attachment between two spinal implants comprises a first element having one end and an opposite end configured for engaging one of the two spinal implants, a second element having one end and an opposite end configured for engaging the other of the two spinal implants, an engagement mechanism between the one end of each of the first and second elements, and a locking element for locking the two elements together at the respective one end. The engagement mechanism includes an interface configured to permit relative pivoting between the first element and the second element about at least two non-parallel axes. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100042044 | Systems and Methods for Mixing Fluids - Improvements are provided for a syringe-to-syringe mixing system to improve the mixing characteristics of the system. In one embodiment, a mixing apparatus includes opposite fittings for mounting to a pair of syringes. The mixing apparatus defines a fluid passageway therethrough and includes a flow modifying element disposed within the passageway. The flow modifying element is configured to increase the flow velocity, disrupt the fluid flow or introduce turbulence into the fluid flow between the two syringes. In another embodiment, a nozzle element is disposed within the tip of the syringe, the element configured to increase the fluid flow therethrough. The nozzle element can be a nozzle insert removably mounted within the tip, or an integrally formed nozzle within the tip. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100036417 | MULTI-AXIAL SPINAL FIXATION SYSTEM - A spinal fixation system includes a rod and anchor devices that include a bone engaging fastener having a head defining a spherical socket. A ball insert is placed within the socket and rotated so that the ball insert is juxtaposed with the socket. The anchor device further includes a yoke defining a yoke channel for receiving the rod and a stem engaged to the ball insert captured within the socket. A sleeve disposed between the yoke channel and the fastener head supports the rod. A set screw is operable to clamp the rod against the sleeve and draw the insert into engagement within the socket. A friction element in the form of a wave spring is disposed between the yoke and the fastener head is configured to releasably retain the yoke in at least one discrete position relative to the fastener. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20090254123 | Dynamic Spinal Stabilization System - A dynamic stabilization system includes a stabilization element, such as a spinal rod, a plurality of bone anchors, such as bone bolts, and a like plurality of connectors for connecting the bolts to the spinal rod. At least some of the connectors include a flexible element between the bone anchor and the rod and an adjustment element for adjusting the flexibility of the flexible element, to thereby adjust the dynamic flexibility between the rod and the bone anchor. In one embodiment, the flexible element is a flexible bearing element of a rod end bearing. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090234361 | Tissue Distraction Device - An apparatus and method is provided for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting opposed endplates of a vertebral body. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted within the vertebral body between the two endplates to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the endplates so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090187190 | Transverse Cavity Device and Method - A surgical instrument and method is provided for creating and preparing a cavity in a bony intervertebral body. Asymmetrical cutting structures selectively open a cavity which has a relatively large surface area in the vertical direction. One method pertains to the treatment of a vertebral compression fracture. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090182339 | Tissue Distraction Device - An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090171393 | Tissue Distraction Device - An apparatus and method is provided for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting opposed endplates of a vertebral body. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted within the vertebral body between the two endplates to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the endplates so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column. The method further includes the step of introducing bone filler in contact with the expanded structure. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090131946 | Devices and Methods for the Restoration of a Spinal Disc - A system and method is provided for maintaining a proper intervertebral disc height during the replacement or augmentation of the spinal disc. In one embodiment, a cannulated distractor is used to distract the adjacent vertebrae and maintain a proper disc space height. The cannulated distractor is fluidly connected to a source of fluent material for injection into the disc space. The distraction includes a distraction tip resident within the disc space that includes a central lumen and a number of openings communicating with the lumen to dispense the fluent material within the disc space. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20080300598 | Expandable Interbody Fusion Device - An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior endplates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of interlocking expansion members or wafers. The like-configured wafers include features on their top and bottom surfaces that interlock the wafers in multiple degrees of freedom so that the wafer stack is not disrupted when the fusion device is fully expanded. One of the interlocking features includes a plurality of prongs projecting from an upper surface of the wafers and into a recess defined in the lower surface of an adjacent previously inserted like-configured wafer. The prongs and recesses are configured to prevent retrograde movement of each new wafer in a direction opposite the direction of insertion. Other interlocking features prevent movement in the direction of insertion, transverse to the insertion direction and vertically within the stack. | 12-04-2008 |
