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Blair Walker, Mission Viejo US

Blair Walker, Mission Viejo, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090062825ADJUSTABLE IMPLANT AND METHOD OF USE - A system includes an adjustable implant configured for implantation internally within a subject, the adjustable implant having a permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis of rotation, the permanent magnet operatively coupled to a drive transmission configured to alter a dimension of the adjustable implant. The system further includes an external adjustment device configured for placement on or adjacent to the skin of the subject comprising at least one magnet configured for rotation, the external adjustment device further comprising a motor configured to rotate the at least one magnet, whereby rotation of the at least one magnet of the external adjustment device effectuates rotational movement of the permanent magnet of the adjustable implant and alters the dimension of the adjustable implant. The system includes drive control circuitry configured to drive the motor of the external adjustment device to achieve a target dimension of the adjustable implant.03-05-2009
20090112207SKELETAL MANIPULATION METHOD - A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.04-30-2009
20090112262SKELETAL MANIPULATION SYSTEM - A system for manipulating a portion of the skeletal system in the body of a mammal includes an implant having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion configured for coupling to a first location of the skeletal system and the second portion configured for coupling to a second location of the skeletal system. The system includes an adjustment device configured to change at least one of the distance or force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device having a magnetic element configured for rotation about an axis of rotation, the magnetic element being operatively coupled to a drive element configured to alter at least one of the distance or the force between the first location and the second location. The system also includes an external adjustment device configured to magnetically couple to the adjustment device from a location external to the mammal.04-30-2009
20090112263SKELETAL MANIPULATION SYSTEM - A system for manipulating a portion of the skeletal system of a mammal includes an implant having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion configured for mounting at a first location of the skeletal system and the second portion configured for mounting at a second location of the skeletal system. The system further includes an adjustment device disposed on the implant and configured to apply a biasing force to the skeletal system, the adjustment device including a magnetic element configured for cyclic movement, the magnetic element being operatively coupled to a drive element configured to alter at least one of the distance or the force between the first location and the second location. The system includes an implantable feedback device operatively coupled to the implant that is configured to produce a response that is indicative of a condition of the implant which can be identified non-invasively.04-30-2009
20100121323EXTERNAL ADJUSTMENT DEVICE FOR DISTRACTION DEVICE - A method of positioning an external adjustment device relative to a patient includes placing a magnetic viewing sheet adjacent to a patient and identifying the location of an implanted magnetic assembly using the magnetic viewing sheet by visualizing a magnetic image of the implanted magnetic assembly in the magnetic viewing sheet. The external adjustment device is placed on the patient adjacent to the location where the magnetic image was located.05-13-2010
20100217271SPINAL DISTRACTION SYSTEM - A spinal distraction system includes a distraction rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for affixation to a subject's spine at a first location, the distraction rod having a second end containing a recess having a threaded portion disposed therein. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for affixation relative to the subject's spine at a second location remote from the first location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly, the magnetic assembly affixed at one end thereof to a lead screw, the lead screw operatively coupled to the threaded portion. A locking pin may secure the lead screw to the magnetic assembly. An o-ring gland disposed on the end of the housing may form a dynamic seal with the distraction rod.08-26-2010
20100280551INTERSPINOUS PROCESS DEVICE AND METHOD - An interspinous process device is configured for placement between adjacent spinous processes on a subject's spine. The device includes a housing configured for mounting to a first spinal process, the housing having a lead screw fixedly secured at one end thereof. A magnetic assembly is at least partially disposed within the housing and configured for mounting to a second spinal process. The magnetic assembly includes a hollow magnet configured for rotation within the magnetic assembly, the hollow magnet comprising a threaded insert configured to engage with the lead screw. An externally applied magnetic field rotates the hollow magnet in a first direction or a second, opposite direction. Rotation of the hollow magnet in the first direction causes telescopic movement of the magnetic assembly out of the housing (i.e., elongation) and rotation in the second direction causes telescopic movement of the magnetic assembly into the housing (i.e., shortening).11-04-2010
20110060336BONE GROWTH DEVICE AND METHOD - An intramedullary lengthening device includes a housing and a distraction shaft. The intramedullary lengthening device is placed within a cavity of two bone sections (either already separated or purposely separated for insertion of the device). The distraction shaft of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the one of the bone sections using, for example, one or more attachment screws. The housing of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the second bone section using, for instance, one or more attachment screws. Over the treatment period, the bone is continually distracted, creating a new separation into which osteogenesis can occur. In one embodiment, the intramedullary lengthening device includes an actuator and an extension rod, which can be attached to one other.03-10-2011

Patent applications by Blair Walker, Mission Viejo, CA US