Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090088803 | FLEXIBLE MEMBERS FOR CORRECTING SPINAL DEFORMITIES - The present application is directed to devices and methods for correcting a spinal deformity. The devices may include a member attached to one or more vertebral members of a deformed spine. The member may be constructed of a flexible material with elastic properties. The member is attached to the vertebral members in a stressed orientation. Due to the elastic properties of the material, the member exerts a corrective force on the vertebral members. In some embodiments, multiple members are attached to the vertebral members to apply the corrective force. | 04-02-2009 |
20090287250 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REPLACING THE FUNCTION OF FACET JOINTS - A system and method is provided for replacing the functions of a facet joint between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra without necessarily requiring an anatomical implant. The method includes: providing one or more flexible posterior devices to replace main functions of the facet joint; and adapting a first one of the one or more posterior devices for a first attachment to a first pedicle, and a second attachment to a second pedicle. | 11-19-2009 |
20100100137 | Dynamic Anchor Assembly for Connecting Elements in Spinal Surgical Procedures - Devices and methods include a multi-axial anchor assembly engageable to a vertebra and a connecting element positionable through a receiver of the anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a flexible member between the receiver and an anchor member of the anchor assembly, thereby providing a flexible joint in the anchor assembly for allowing limited movement after primary multi-axial capability between the receiver and the anchor member has been arrested. | 04-22-2010 |
20100100185 | Intervertebral Disc Prosthesis Having Viscoelastic Properties - A motion-preserving implant device for insertion between two bones is disclosed. The motion-preserving implant includes a first plate member for engaging with a first bone and a second plate member for engaging with a second bone. A viscoelastic component is positioned between the two plate members that is configured to constrain and dampen the relative motion between the two plate members. | 04-22-2010 |
20110029001 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANNULUS TREATMENT - A system for treating an intervertebral disc includes a plurality of self-closing clips including a first clip and a second clip being deployable adjacent to an opening of the intervertebral disc. The first clip and the second clip are fixed with tissue about the opening and configured to prevent undesired cutting or tearing of the tissue. The clips are disposed in a configuration to facilitate closure of the opening. A suture member is connected to the first clip and the second clip in a configuration such that the suture member is manipulable to draw the opening to a closed position. A locking part is connected to the suture member and is configured to maintain the opening in the closed position. Methods of use are also disclosed. | 02-03-2011 |
20130096568 | MODULAR TOOL APPARATUS AND METHOD - A modular tool apparatus is provided having a handle defining a cannula extending at least partially therethrough and an elastic member disposed therein. The apparatus further provides a separate tool shaft configured to be releasably engaged with the handle by insertion into the cannula. The tool shaft comprises a plurality of teeth configured for ratcheting engagement with the elastic member when the tool shaft is inserted into the cannula. In some embodiments, the cannula extends completely through the handle from a proximal end to a distal end thereof to facilitate cleaning of the handle and separable tool shaft. | 04-18-2013 |
20130245705 | SPINAL IMPLANT SYSTEM AND METHOD - An extender includes a first arm defining a first longitudinal axis and including a first extension and a second extension. The first extension includes an outer surface and a projection extending from the outer surface, the projection including a ramp and a first locking element. The first extension includes an inner surface defining a longitudinal cavity. The projection is transversely moveable between a first configuration such that the projection extends beyond the outer surface and a second configuration whereby the second extension axially translates within the longitudinal cavity and engages the ramp such that the projection is disposed in alignment with the outer surface and the first locking element engages an implant. Methods of use are disclosed. | 09-19-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080255555 | Temporary anchorable tether systems and methods - A surgical apparatus for guiding the position of a medical device to a desired location includes an outer sleeve, a tether, and at least one elastic anchor hook engaged with the tether. The tether may be slideably moveable within the outer sleeve. Additionally, the anchor hook is configured to anchor into bone at the desired location. In certain embodiments, the anchor hook is elastically deformable from an unstressed curved shape to a deformed straightened shape. The anchor hook may be deformed to the straightened shape when positioned within the outer sleeve and may reform to the curved shape upon deployment from the outer sleeve. In certain embodiments, a rod surrounds part of the tether and is used for threading through medical devices to advance the medical devices to the desired location. Additionally, a deployment button may be used to deploy the anchor hooks from the outer sleeve. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255575 | Instruments and methods for sizing a connecting element for positioning along a bony segment - Instruments and methods for determining the spacing between locations in an animal subject are employed to size a connecting element to secure along a bony segment in the animal subject. The instruments and methods include a measuring instrument mountable to proximal ends of extensions extending from anchors engaged to the bony segment. The measuring instrument is configured to provide an indication of the spacing between the anchors even if the extensions are in non-parallel relation to one another. | 10-16-2008 |
20080319477 | Anchor extenders for minimally invasive surgical procedures - Systems for positioning a connecting element adjacent the spinal column in minimally invasive surgical procedures include one or more extenders removably engaged to one or more anchors engaged to a bony segment. The anchor extenders provide a reference to the respective anchor locations within the patient even when the anchor is obstructed by skin and/or tissue of the patient. An inserter can be movably mounted to the one or more anchor extenders, or an inserter can be employed without mounting to the one or more anchor extenders. In either form, the inserter is operable to position a stabilization element relative to the anchors for engagement to the anchors to stabilize the bony segment to which the anchors are engaged. At least one of the one or more anchor extenders includes a reduction assembly that is operable to move one or more portions of the bony segment while maintaining the minimally invasive character of the procedure. | 12-25-2008 |
20090182382 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND TECHNIQUES FOR PERCUTANEOUS PLACEMENT OF SPINAL STABLIZATION ELEMENTS - Systems and methods for positioning a connecting element adjacent the spinal column in minimally invasive procedures include instruments that guide the connecting element from a location remote from one or more anchors to a location proximate to the one or more anchors. The instruments include extensions mountable to anchors, and inserter instruments mountable to the connecting element for positioning the connecting element adjacent the anchors in a minimally invasive procedure. The inserter instruments need not be mounted to the anchors or to the anchor extensions, and are operable independently thereof to position the connecting element into the patient along a minimally invasive insertion path from a location remote from the anchor extensions. | 07-16-2009 |
20110125192 | Anchor Extenders for Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures - Systems for positioning a connecting element adjacent the spinal column in minimally invasive surgical procedures include one or more extenders removably engaged to one or more anchors engaged to a bony segment. The anchor extenders provide a reference to the respective anchor locations within the patient even when the anchor is obstructed by skin and/or tissue of the patient. An inserter can be movably mounted to the one or more anchor extenders, or an inserter can be employed without mounting to the one or more anchor extenders. In either form, the inserter is operable to position a stabilization element relative to the anchors for engagement to the anchors to stabilize the bony segment to which the anchors are engaged. At least one of the one or more anchor extenders includes a reduction assembly that is operable to move one or more portions of the bony segment while maintaining the minimally invasive character of the procedure. | 05-26-2011 |
20140107717 | ANCHOR EXTENDERS FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL PROCEDURES - Systems for positioning a connecting element adjacent the spinal column in minimally invasive surgical procedures include one or more extenders removably engaged to one or more anchors engaged to a bony segment. The anchor extenders provide a reference to the respective anchor locations within the patient even when the anchor is obstructed by skin and/or tissue of the patient. An inserter can be movably mounted to the one or more anchor extenders, or an inserter can be employed without mounting to the one or more anchor extenders. In either form, the inserter is operable to position a stabilization element relative to the anchors for engagement to the anchors to stabilize the bony segment to which the anchors are engaged. At least one of the one or more anchor extenders includes a reduction assembly that is operable to move one or more portions of the bony segment while maintaining the minimally invasive character of the procedure. | 04-17-2014 |