Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080234690 | Volume measuring intervertebral tool system and method - The invention includes a system and method for the loosening of tissue. In one embodiment, a device for use in an intervertebral tissue removal procedure includes a cannula having a first end portion for insertion into tissue, a feed passage within the cannula, a return passage within the cannula, and a loosening member movable within the feed passage and the return passage and at least partially deployable away from the first end portion of the cannula. | 09-25-2008 |
20080243192 | Passive Screw Locking Mechanism - Methods and devices are provided for passively locking a bone screw within a bone plate. In particular, the methods and devices allow a bone screw to be locked within a thru-hole in a bone plate without requiring any additional locking steps. In an exemplary embodiment, an annular feature is provided in a thru-hole of a bone plate, or in a bushing that is disposed within a thru-hole of a bone plate, for engaging a bone screw. The annular feature can be configured such that it allows the bone screw to be inserted through the thru-hole at various insertion angles while still being effective to prevent back-out of the bone screw, thereby locking the screw to the plate. | 10-02-2008 |
20090005870 | Highly Lordosed Fusion Cage - A two-piece fusion cage having opposed interior surfaces, vertical and lateral throughholes adapted to enhance fusion and a dovetail feature mating the opposed interior surfaces. | 01-01-2009 |
20090005873 | Spinous Process Spacer Hammock - An interspinous spacer comprising:
| 01-01-2009 |
20090054902 | TETHER TENSIONING INSTRUMENT - Various methods and devices are provided for tensioning a tether. In one embodiment, a tether tensioning device is provided and includes a tensioning mechanism adapted to couple to a tether extending along a path between at least two bone anchors implanted in adjacent vertebrae. The tensioning mechanism can be adapted to apply a tensioning force to the tether along the path of the tether to thereby move the tether along the path. The device further includes an actuation mechanism movably coupled to the tensioning mechanism such that the actuation mechanism is adapted to effect movement of the tensioning mechanism to control the tensioning force applied to the tether. | 02-26-2009 |
20090088789 | Balloon With Shape Control For Spinal Procedures - In intervertebral operative spinal procedures, using separate or pre-attached spreader blocks to control the directional growth of a distracting balloon. | 04-02-2009 |
20090248076 | Interspinous Process Spacer Having Tight Access Offset Hooks - An interspinous spacer having a pair of hooks that, upon lateral insertion between opposed spinous process, bear upon the opposed spinous processes. | 10-01-2009 |
20090248079 | S-Shaped Interspinous Process Spacer Having Tight Access Offset Hooks - An S-shaped interspinous spacer having a pair of hooks that, upon lateral insertion between opposed spinous process, bear upon the opposed spinous processes. | 10-01-2009 |
20100179578 | SPINAL DISC PREPARATION TOOL - A spinal disc preparation tool is provided that includes an elongate shaft having an inner lumen extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis between proximal and distal ends thereof. A lower jaw is located on a distal end of the elongate shaft for receiving tissue and delivering tissue to the inner lumen, and an upper jaw is pivotally movable relative to the lower jaw. The tool can include various features to facilitate removal and/or collection of tissue. | 07-15-2010 |
20100249935 | Zero Profile Spinal Fusion Cage - An interbody fusion cage having upper and lower canals for receiving the heads of bone screws that have been pre-installed in opposing vertebral body endplates. The proximal wall of the cage preferably has a vertical slot that communicates with each canal and is adapted to allow access by a screwdriver and tightening of the screws. | 09-30-2010 |
20110066192 | Expandable Ring Intervertebral Fusion Device - An expandable tube having a substantially semicircular unexpanded shape is inserted into the disc space after the disc material has been removed therefrom. A plurality of expandable lockable rings are passed over this tube in their unexpanded states and positioned along the anterior edge of the endplates. The tube is then expanded, thereby forcing the rings to expand. The rings hold their final expanded configuration via a one-way locking mechanism. Once sufficient distraction is achieved and the rings locked, the tube is collapsed and removed, thereby leaving the expanded, locked rings behind to support the disc space. | 03-17-2011 |
20110066244 | Minimally Invasive Intervertebral Staple Distraction Devices - Multiple, small, staple-like supports are inserted through a small tube into the disc space then rotated into position on the edge of the vertebral bodies. The tooth-like geometry of the proximal and distal faces of these staples mates with the outer edge of the vertebral body, extending past the front of the endplate anteriorly. The staples have teeth that dig into the endplate on the inside of the rim as well. | 03-17-2011 |
20110118787 | ARTIFICIAL FACET JOINT - Various methods and devices for replacing damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy posterior elements, such as the facet joints, the lamina, the posterior ligaments, and/or other features of a patient's spinal column, are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices are effective to mimic the natural function of the spine by allowing flexion, extension, and lateral bending of the spine, while substantially restricting posterior-anterior shear and rotation of the spine. | 05-19-2011 |
20110172722 | Motion Segment Repair Systems and Methods - Various methods and devices are provided for implanting a motion segment repair system. In particular, exemplary methods and devices are provided for implanting a spinal disc implant and/or a PDS device using a posterior surgical approach, including methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae using a posterior surgical approach, methods and devices for posteriorly introducing a spinal implant into a disc space between adjacent vertebrae, and methods and devices for coupling a PDS device to the adjacent vertebrae to provide a complete motion segment repair system that is implanted using a posterior surgical approach. | 07-14-2011 |
20120179183 | DISC NUCLEUS REMOVAL DEVICES AND METHODS - Disclosed herein are devices and methods for removing tissue. In one aspect, a device for removing tissue includes a hollow elongate member having an outer wall and a lumen, a selectively deployable tissue-cutting element extending from the hollow elongate member, and an actuation member extending through the lumen and coupled to the hollow elongate member at a location that is distal to the tissue-cutting element. Movement of the actuation member can cause the tissue-cutting element to move from the insertion configuration where the tissue-cutting element is not deployed to a tissue-cutting configuration where the tissue-cutting element is deployed such that it is radially extended relative to the insertion configuration. | 07-12-2012 |
20120221006 | Method for Manipulating Intervertebral Tissue - A method for manipulating intervertebral tissue in one embodiment includes inserting at least one abrading member for abrading tissue into an area to be cleared, expanding at least one expandable member from a first condition to a second condition, wherein the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the second condition is greater than the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the first condition, moving the inserted at least one abrading member from a first position to a second position by the expansion of the at least one expandable member, manipulating the inserted at least one abrading member to loosen tissue, and removing the loosened tissue from the area to be cleared. | 08-30-2012 |
20120232407 | SMART PEDICLE TOOL - Various methods and devices are provided for navigating through bone. In one embodiment, a bone navigation device is provided and includes a bone penetrating member configured to be implanted in bone and having at least one optical waveguide extending therethrough. The optical waveguide is adapted to illuminate tissue surrounding the device and to receive reflected/transmitted light from the tissue to determine the optical characteristics of the tissue, thus facilitating navigation through the tissue. At least one window can be formed in the bone penetrating member for allowing light from the at least one optical waveguide to illuminate the tissue, and for receiving the reflected light. | 09-13-2012 |
20130053886 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CERVICAL MIDLINE FIXATION - Devices and methods for enhancing the effectiveness of spinal stabilization, and particularly that of cervical spinal stabilization, are provided herein. More specifically, methods and systems are disclosed for effectively positioning occipital plates and spinal fixation assemblies within target vertebrae, while also reducing any associated patient trauma (e.g., muscle stripping, tissue damage, etc.). The systems and methods can utilize trans-lamina delivery of the spinal fixation assemblies to allow for the positioning of the fixation elements along the midline of the patient's spine. | 02-28-2013 |
20130053891 | REVISABLE ORTHOPEDIC ANCHOR AND METHODS OF USE - A revisable orthopedic anchor and method of use for removably securing an anchor in bone, such as compromised or degenerated bone, is described herein. In one embodiment, the anchor makes use of dual probes and vector divergence of the distal tips of the probes to achieve superior bone purchase and pull-out resistance. In such an embodiment, the probes can be inserted one at a time into a hole formed in, for example, the pedicle bone. After the probes are inserted and joined at the proximal end, they have a greater pull-out resistance than a threaded anchor. Removing the anchor involves separating the proximal heads and reversing the implantation process. As a result of the unique bone anchor design disclosed herein, the devices and methods of the present invention allow for less complicated implantation and removal of orthopedic anchors, all while providing enhanced bone purchase when implanted in a patient. | 02-28-2013 |
20130053892 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CERVICAL MIDLINE FIXATION - Devices and methods for enhancing the effectiveness of spinal stabilization, and particularly that of cervical spinal stabilization, are provided herein. More specifically, methods and systems are disclosed for effectively positioning occipital plates and spinal fixation assemblies within target vertebrae, while also reducing any associated patient trauma (e.g., muscle stripping, tissue damage, etc.). The systems and methods can utilize trans-lamina delivery of the spinal fixation assemblies to allow for the positioning of the fixation elements along the midline of the patient's spine. | 02-28-2013 |
20130109925 | Method and Devices For A Sub-Splenius / Supra-Levator Scapulae Surgical Access Technique | 05-02-2013 |
20130131634 | Nucleus Augmentation Delivery Device and Technique - A method of performing a procedure on an intervertebral disc includes inserting a cannulated delivery tube through an opening in an annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc, positioning an expandable portion of the tube within the opening in the annulus fibrosus, expanding the expandable portion into contact with the annulus fibrosus about the opening to create a seal between the expandable portion and the annulus fibrosus, performing a procedure through the cannulated delivery tube within the annulus fibrosis, removing the tube, and closing the opening in the annulus fibrosus. | 05-23-2013 |
20130178941 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE INTERVERTEBRAL STAPLE DISTRACTION DEVICES - Multiple, small, staple-like supports are inserted through a small tube into the disc space then rotated into position on the edge of the vertebral bodies. The tooth-like geometry of the proximal and distal faces of these staples mates with the outer edge of the vertebral body, extending past the front of the endplate anteriorly. The staples have teeth that dig into the endplate on the inside of the rim as well. | 07-11-2013 |
20130184710 | Volume Measuring Intervertebral Tool System and Method - The invention includes a system and method for the loosening of tissue. In one embodiment, a method of removing intervertebral tissue includes removing tissue with a loosening member to form a void, inserting a portion of the loosening member into the void, and determining the amount of tissue removed based upon the volume defined by the portion of the loosening member inserted into the void. | 07-18-2013 |
20130197583 | Spinal Anchoring Screw - A spine stabilization system includes at least one bone anchor assembly, the bone anchor assembly including a bone engaging member and a receiver member, wherein the receiver member includes a connecting member cavity, and an elongated connecting member inserted into the connecting member cavity and connected to the receiver member, wherein the connecting member comprises locking features configured to secure the connecting member to the receiver member without the use of a fixation screw extending through a top portion of the receiver member. | 08-01-2013 |
20130238006 | Conformable Soft Tissue Removal Instruments - Surgical curettes or rakes with cutting edges conform or deflect to allow for contouring that follows the bony anatomy. The cutting tips can be pre-sterile, disposable and made from flexible materials including metals and polymers. The disposable tips ensure that a sharp cutting edge is exposed to the endplate for each procedure. The tips can also be adjusted to change the size of the cutting surface and window for retaining shaved disc material. The tips can pivot to provide for a self adjusting angle that allows the cutting edge to have full contact with the endplate at various angles like the pivot on a disposable razor blade. | 09-12-2013 |
20130238095 | Nubbed Plate - A separate nub component between the plate and an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the nub is attached to the plate. The nub lessens the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. It is believed that when the nub fits snugly between the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, it acts as a stop against the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. | 09-12-2013 |
20130261673 | QUAD ANCHOR LATERAL VERTEBRAL BODY FIXATION PLATES - A bone plate secured by both a screw and a post. The head of the post may act as a cam that prevents screw backout. Preferably, the shaft of the first post passes partially through the first post through hole so that the distal unthreaded portion of its shaft substantially extends beyond the plate and the proximal threaded portion of its shaft substantially remains in the first post through hole. | 10-03-2013 |
20130345813 | Dual Anchor Lateral Vertebral Body Fixation Plates - Plate-based fixation system having dual anchors. The plate can include cams. The plates can have a banana-shape. The plates can be adapted to receive a polyaxial bone screw. The plates can be jointed so as to be height-adjustable. | 12-26-2013 |
20140058515 | SURFACE EXPANDING SPACER - An interbody spacer comprising a series of stacked walls connected by a common base, wherein the spacer collapses when pressed into an access delivery tube. During insertion, the walls can flex as a unit, like bending a deck of cards, to traverse bends in the access tube. Upon distally exiting the portal of the access delivery tube, the walls track apart (like spreading fingers) to create a wide base of support for the vertebral body endplate. A graft delivery device that uses a conveyor belt-type approach to deliver bone graft from the device to a location in a patient. In some embodiments, the conveyor-belt is manually actuated. | 02-27-2014 |
20140163686 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE INTERVERTEBRAL STAPLE DISTRACTION DEVICES - Multiple, small, staple-like supports are inserted through a small tube into the disc space then rotated into position on the edge of the vertebral bodies. The tooth-like geometry of the proximal and distal faces of these staples mates with the outer edge of the vertebral body, extending past the front of the endplate anteriorly. The staples have teeth that dig into the endplate on the inside of the rim as well. | 06-12-2014 |
20140275792 | SURGICAL RETRACTORS - The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for surgically manipulating tissue. In general, the methods and devices can include an elongate retractor shaft having a distal retractor tip that is configured to manipulate tissue, for example the tip can be configured to separate muscle and nerve fibers surrounding a vertebra. The elongate retractor shaft can include an illumination source such that at least a portion of the surgical field is illuminated by the device when the device is used in the body. A sensor can also or alternatively be included on the elongate retractor shaft, for example on the blunt retraction tip, such that the sensor can monitor physiological parameters of the tissue in or adjacent to the surgical field. | 09-18-2014 |
20140275981 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR GUIDING SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS USING RADIO FREQUENCY TECHNOLOGY - Methods, systems, and devices are provided for guiding surgical instruments using radio frequency (RF) technology. In general, the methods, systems, and devices can allow a trajectory, e.g., an angular approach, of a surgical instrument relative to a patient to be identified during use of the instrument in a surgical procedure being performed on the patient. The trajectory can be identified using a plurality of RF modules. The methods, systems, and devices can allow the trajectory to be compared to a predetermined trajectory so as to identify whether the trajectory matches the predetermined trajectory. A result of the matching can be communicated to a user of the instrument. Based on the result, the user can maintain the trajectory, e.g., if the trajectory matches the predetermined trajectory, or can adjust the trajectory to closer align the trajectory with the predetermined trajectory, e.g., if the trajectory does not match the predetermined trajectory. | 09-18-2014 |
20140330085 | Methods And Devices For Tissue Retraction - Methods and devices are provided for retracting tissue. In one exemplary embodiment, a retractor is provided that includes a base, a plurality of blades extending from the base, and an actuator coupled to the base and operatively connected to the blades. The actuator can be configured to be actuated to move the blades relative to the base, thereby allowing the blades to retract tissue. The actuator can be self-locking so as to allow the blades to be freely movable within their entire range of motion relative to the base through actuation of the actuator without using another mechanism to lock the blades in a fixed position and to unlock the blades from the fixed position. The retractor can be formed from one or more radiolucent materials. | 11-06-2014 |
20140371858 | INTERVERTEBRAL DISC - This invention relates to an intervertebral motion disc having two motion surfaces and. wherein the radius of the upper articulation surface of the core member is greater than the radius of the lower articulation surface of the core member, and wherein the first articulation surface of the core member is spherical and the second articulation surface of the core member is curved and non-spherical. | 12-18-2014 |
20150032212 | Lateral Spondylolisthesis Reduction Cage - An intervertebral fusion device comprising inferior and superior fusion cage devices that provide an ability to correct spondylolisthesis via in-situ adjustment. | 01-29-2015 |
20150045798 | Device and Method For Manipulating Intervertebral Tissue - A system and method for manipulating intervertebral tissue in one embodiment includes a conduit, a segmented expansion media configured to pass through the conduit, and an expandable node comprising a plurality of abrading strands and operably connected to the intervertebral tissue removal system conduit so as to receive the segmented expansion media therein, the expandable node expandable from a first condition whereat the plurality of abrading strands define at least one opening having a first maximum diameter, to an expanded condition whereat the at least one opening has a second maximum diameter larger than the first maximum diameter, wherein the second maximum diameter is less than a minimum diameter of the segmented expansion media, such that insertion of the segmented expansion media through the intervertebral tissue removal system conduit and into the expandable node causes the expandable node to expand from the first condition to the expanded condition. | 02-12-2015 |
20150045894 | Highly Lordosed Fusion Cage - A two-piece fusion cage having opposed interior surfaces, vertical and lateral throughholes adapted to enhance fusion and a dovetail feature mating the opposed interior surfaces. | 02-12-2015 |
20150088207 | Method of Using Spine Stabilization System With Dynamic Screw - A method of using a spine stabilization system in one embodiment includes inserting a bone fastener shank through a receiver structure cavity and then through a distal opening of the receiver member, positioning a head of the fastener against a bearing surface of the receiver structure, positioning a bearing member on an upper portion of the head, positioning a first pivot bearing portion of a pivot member above the positioned bearing member, positioning a pivot portion of a connector assembly on the positioned first pivot bearing portion, positioning a second pivot bearing portion of the pivot member on an upper portion of the pivot portion, and threading a fixation screw into a threaded portion of the receiver structure, thereby (i) causing the pivot member to clamp the pivot portion, and (ii) clamping the head of the screw between the first bearing and the bearing surface. | 03-26-2015 |