| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080221626 | Force limiting persuader-reducer - An apparatus and method for advancement of a spinal rod in a spinal implant, wherein the apparatus includes a body and a handle attached to the body. A shaft is slidably attached to the body, the shaft is coupled to the handle and has a first end adapted to engage the spinal rod. At least one retractor blade is attached to the body and the spinal implant. The operation of the handle results in the shaft persuading the spinal rod in the spinal implant. The force exerted by the shaft on the spinal rod is limited to a pre-selected force. The apparatus can also be operated in a non-limiting mode when a reduction retractor blade is used. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080255668 | INTERSPINOUS PROCESS SPACERS - Interspinous implants including a spacer configured to fit between first and second adjacent spinous processes of a human spine, to maintain a minimum separation between the spinous processes. An implant also includes a fixation portion coupled to the spacer, in which the fixation portion engages at least one spinous process to hold the spacer in a stable position relative to the spinous process. An implant may be monolithic, non-fillable, and may be inserted between the spinous process from a lateral approach. The fixation portion may be configured as a bracket which can substantially encircle the spinous process, or as flanges which engage lateral sides of the spinous process(es). The spacer may be resilient, and may be expandable along the anterior/posterior direction between the spinous processes. An implant may provide resilient resistance during extension, and/or a uniform extension stop between the spinous processes. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080255669 | INTERSPINOUS PROCESS SPACERS - Interspinous implants including a spacer configured to fit between first and second adjacent spinous processes of a human spine, to maintain a minimum separation between the spinous processes. An implant also includes a fixation portion coupled to the spacer, in which the fixation portion engages at least one spinous process to hold the spacer in a stable position relative to the spinous process. An implant may be monolithic, non-fillable, and may be inserted between the spinous process from a lateral approach. The fixation portion may be configured as a bracket which can substantially encircle the spinous process, or as flanges which engage lateral sides of the spinous process(es). The spacer may be resilient, and may be expandable along the anterior/posterior direction between the spinous processes. An implant may provide resilient resistance during extension, and/or a uniform extension stop between the spinous processes. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080306481 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SURGICAL ACCESS TO A SPINE - A system for accessing a spine from a curved postero-lateral approach may include a curved cannula positioned along a curved path from an opening in the skin to a location proximate the spine. A guide member may be first inserted to establish the path between the tissues and fascia, and one or more intermediate cannulas may be temporarily inserted over the guide member to dilate the tissues prior to insertion of the main cannula. An interbody device may be implanted in an intervertebral space through the cannula. The system may include a guide bar removably coupled to a targeting post. The targeting post may be inserted adjacent the spine to provide a target, and the guide bar may be removably attached to the guide member, to guide it along the path to the target location. An external support arm may be secured to any other component of the system. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080312696 | System and Method for Polyaxially Adjustable Bone Anchorage - An implantable bone anchor assembly for fixing an elongated member such as a spinal rod may include a bone anchor, a coupling head configured to receive the bone anchor and the elongated member, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may provide compressive force to simultaneously fix the position of the elongated member and lock out polyaxial rotation of the bone anchor relative to the coupling head. The locking mechanism may include an engagement member with an oblique surface configured to slide along an oblique surface of the coupling head into engagement with the elongated member. The bone anchor may comprise a head portion and a threaded portion which may be coupled with the coupling head and joined together during manufacture. The assembly may further include a pin and/or a collar to retain the bone anchor. The bone anchor may be side-loaded into the coupling head. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080312697 | System and Method for Polyaxially Adjustable Bone Anchorage - An implantable bone anchor assembly for fixing an elongated member such as a spinal rod may include a bone anchor, a coupling head configured to receive the bone anchor and the elongated member, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may provide compressive force to simultaneously fix the position of the elongated member and lock out polyaxial rotation of the bone anchor relative to the coupling head. The locking mechanism may include an engagement member with an oblique surface configured to slide along an oblique surface of the coupling head into engagement with the elongated member. The bone anchor may comprise a head portion and a threaded portion which may be coupled with the coupling head and joined together during manufacture. The assembly may further include a pin and/or a collar to retain the bone anchor. The bone anchor may be side-loaded into the coupling head. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080312701 | System and Method for Polyaxially Adjustable Bone Anchorage - An implantable bone anchor assembly for fixing an elongated member such as a spinal rod may include a bone anchor, a coupling head configured to receive the bone anchor and the elongated member, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may provide compressive force to simultaneously fix the position of the elongated member and lock out polyaxial rotation of the bone anchor relative to the coupling head. The locking mechanism may include an engagement member with an oblique surface configured to slide along an oblique surface of the coupling head into engagement with the elongated member. The bone anchor may comprise a head portion and a threaded portion which may be coupled with the coupling head and joined together during manufacture. The assembly may further include a pin and/or a collar to retain the bone anchor. The bone anchor may be side-loaded into the coupling head. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20090012568 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SURGICAL ACCESS TO A SPINE - A system for accessing a spine from a curved postero-lateral approach may include a curved cannula positioned along a curved path from an opening in the skin to a location proximate the spine. A guide member may be first inserted to establish the path between the tissues and fascia, and one or more intermediate cannulas may be temporarily inserted over the guide member to dilate the tissues prior to insertion of the main cannula. An interbody device may be implanted in an intervertebral space through the cannula. The system may include a guide bar removably coupled to a targeting post. The targeting post may be inserted adjacent the spine to provide a target, and the guide bar may be removably attached to the guide member, to guide it along the path to the target location. An external support arm may be secured to any other component of the system. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090076615 | Systems and Methods for Vertebral Disc Replacement - The present invention provides artificial disc prostheses, methods and instrumentation for implantation and revision thereof. Each prosthesis may comprise superior and inferior end plates and a nucleus positioned between articular surfaces of the end plates. The end plates may have planar bone engagement surfaces with a plurality of self-cutting teeth. The articular surfaces of the end plates may be planar or include a flattened portion. The nucleus includes superior and inferior articular surfaces which may comprise flattened portions such that when the articular surfaces of the nucleus and the end plates are placed in cooperation in a preferred orientation, the flattened and/or planar portions are aligned. Each prosthesis may provide flexion/extension, anterior/posterior translation, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation degrees of freedom. One embodiment comprises a prosthesis with a first joint providing flexion/extension and anterior/posterior translation, and a second joint providing lateral bending and axial rotation. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090076616 | Systems and Methods for Vertebral Disc Replacement - The present invention provides artificial disc prostheses, methods and instrumentation for implantation and revision thereof. Each prosthesis may comprise superior and inferior end plates and a nucleus positioned between articular surfaces of the end plates. The end plates may have planar bone engagement surfaces with a plurality of self-cutting teeth. The articular surfaces of the end plates may be planar or include a flattened portion. The nucleus includes superior and inferior articular surfaces which may comprise flattened portions such that when the articular surfaces of the nucleus and the end plates are placed in cooperation in a preferred orientation, the flattened and/or planar portions are aligned. Each prosthesis may provide flexion/extension, anterior/posterior translation, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation degrees of freedom. One embodiment comprises a prosthesis with a first joint providing flexion/extension and anterior/posterior translation, and a second joint providing lateral bending and axial rotation. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090099605 | Rod contouring apparatus for percutaneous pedicle screw extension - Anatomic points within the body are projected outside the body through the use of extenders ( | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090125033 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VERTEBRAL DISC REPLACEMENT - Methods and instrumentation for implantation of an intervertebral disc prosthesis are provided. A guide tool with sagittal and coronal reference features guides placement of guide pins relative to a sagittal plane and a coronal plane of the vertebrae. A retainer lockable to the guide pins has a ratcheting mechanism providing distraction or compression. A rasp, planer or other tools may be aligned to the retainer and inserted into the intervertebral space to prepare the vertebral endplates. An interoperatively adjustable trial is alignable to the retainer and measures an angularity of the intervertebral space. A prosthesis with keying features may be mounted to a prosthesis inserter with complementary features, held by pivotable arms and compressed between prongs. The inserter may be aligned to the retainer and advanced to implant the prosthesis in the intervertebral space. A prosthesis remover may grip one prosthetic end plate and extract the entire prosthesis. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090149960 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VERTEBRAL DISC REPLACEMENT - Methods and instrumentation for implantation of an intervertebral disc prosthesis are provided. A guide tool with sagittal and coronal reference features guides placement of guide pins relative to a sagittal plane and a coronal plane of the vertebrae. A retainer lockable to the guide pins has a ratcheting mechanism providing distraction or compression. A rasp, planer or other tools may be aligned to the retainer and inserted into the intervertebral space to prepare the vertebral endplates. An interoperatively adjustable trial is alignable to the retainer and measures an angularity of the intervertebral space. A prosthesis with keying features may be mounted to a prosthesis inserter with complementary features, held by pivotable arms and compressed between prongs. The inserter may be aligned to the retainer and advanced to implant the prosthesis in the intervertebral space. A prosthesis remover may grip one prosthetic end plate and extract the entire prosthesis. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090204150 | Interlaminar Stabilization System - A spinal stabilization system includes vertebral engagement members and an intermediate structure. The vertebral engagement members are configured to be disposed between a first vertebra and a second vertebra. The vertebral engagement members generally include seating surfaces for accommodating at least a portion of a laminar region of adjacent vertebra and are adjustable between an operable and inoperable configuration. The intermediate structure extends between the vertebral engagement members. The structural cooperation of the vertebral engagement members and the intermediate structure is such that the engagement members distract the adjacent vertebrae. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090216234 | Spinal Access Systems and Methods - A system for accessing a spine from a curved postero-lateral approach may include a curved cannula positioned along a curved path from an opening in the skin to a location proximate the spine. The location may be at the L4-L5 vertebral level, and the curved path may lie in a plane oblique to the transverse, coronal and sagittal planes of the spine, and avoid the iliac crest. A targeting post may be inserted adjacent the spine to determine the location, and a guide member may be inserted to establish the curved path. A micrometer assembly may adjust a cephalad-caudal displacement between the post and the guide member. One or more intermediate cannulas may be inserted over the guide member to dilate tissues prior to insertion of the main cannula. An interbody device may be implanted into an intervertebral space through the cannula. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090318968 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR POSTERIOR DYNAMIC STABILIZATION - A system for providing dynamic stabilization and balance control at a vertebral motion segment has first and second bridge elements and at least one bias element. The bridge elements anchor to adjacent vertebrae with polyaxially adjustable anchoring members, and the bias elements attach to each bridge element to span between them. Each bias element has two fixation portions and a bias body extending between the fixation portions. Each bias element may comprise an elastically deformable material to provide dynamic stabilization with motion, or may comprise rigid material to provide rigid stabilization, and both bias element types may be included in one system. The bias elements are attachable to the bridge elements at discrete attachment locations, or at non-discrete attachment locations. Alternate embodiments may include three or more bridge elements on adjacent vertebrae, and multiple bias elements. A tensioning tool may provide adjustable tension to an elastically deformable bias element. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20100087857 | Soft Tissue Repair Device and Method - A soft tissue repair device can include a housing having a handle, a deployment system having an actuation member, and an insertion system having an inserter and a slider. The slider can be coupled to the actuation member and movable relative to the inserter between deployed and retracted positions. First and second anchors can be carried on an external surface of the slider such that the anchors are spaced apart and portions of the anchors are coaxial with the slider and each other. A flexible strand can couple the anchors. The insertion system can cooperate with the deployment system to move the slider to the deployed position to deploy the first anchor upon activating the actuation member a first time, and to move the slider to the deployed position from the retracted position to deploy the second anchor upon actuating the actuation member a second time after the first time. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100100107 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CEREBROSPINAL FLUID REPAIR - A system and method for treating a defect. The system may comprise a first expandable barrier insertable into a defect interior space in a compact state and then expanded once positioned inside the defect. The first expandable barrier is expanded to be positioned against the inner surface of the defect. The system may also comprise a second barrier which may be expandable, positioned against the outer surface of the defect. Each of the first and second barriers may expand laterally to a greater extent than axially. The first and second barriers may be in communication through a connection member which couples the two barriers together. The barriers each obliterate the defect and can prevent subsequent CSF or other fluid leaks. Fibrin glue may be introduced into the defect to seal and secure the barriers to the defect. Each barrier may comprise a mesh, a basket, an umbrella or a balloon. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100106240 | Systems and Methods for Aneurysm Treatment and Vessel Occlusion - A system for treating an aneurysm includes an expandable barrier positionable to bridge an aneurysm neck. The barrier may comprise a fiber mesh, a balloon or a molly anchor member, and may unroll, unfold, or inflate from a compact configuration to an expanded configuration. Expansion of the barrier may be greater radially than axially. A vaso-occlusive member comprising a coil or balloon may be deposited in the aneurysm. Another aneurysm treatment system comprises an outer fenestrated stent and/or an inner fenestrated sleeve, which may be implanted together adjacent an aneurysm neck to regulate blood flow to the aneurysm. The sleeve may be movable relative to the stent to open or occlude the fenestrations, which may vary in size, shape, and distribution. An intra-luminal vessel occlusion device comprises a stent and a sheath. A drawstring may be actuated to gradually close a sheath orifice to control blood flow through the vessel. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100114105 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VERTEBRAL INTERBODY FUSION - A surgical inserter and a fusion cage system which may provide for simplified fusion cage attachment and positioning. The inserter may comprise a collapsible collet with a locking rod. The fusion cage with a rectangular cross-section head may be secured to the inserter through the reverse tapered aperture of the fusion cage. The collet may be inserted into the reverse tapered aperture and the locking rod may control collapse of the collet. The collet may lock the fusion cage to the inserter allowing simplified manipulation of the collet with the inserter. The inserter with the attached fusion cage is inserted into a surgical patient. The fusion cage may be positioned within an intervertebral space. The locking rod may be withdrawn from the collet allowing collapse and withdrawal of the collet from the fusion cage leaving the fusion cage positioned between two vertebrae and the inserter withdrawn from the surgical patient. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100145393 | MEDICAL AND DENTAL POROUS IMPLANTS - A porous PEEK implant system which may provide tissue ingrowth throughout the body of the implant. The implant may comprise a solid or porous PEEK core. The porous PEEK implants may be of general shape and size but provide the structure necessary to carry out the function of the implant. The porous PEEK implant pores may be seeded with agents to encourage tissue ingrowth as well as other agents such as antibiotics, anesthetics, analgesics and the like. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100204737 | INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT WITH INTEGRATED FIXATION - A system for spinal surgery includes a prosthesis comprising a plurality of bone anchors which engage an intervertebral construct for fusion or motion preservation. The fusion construct comprises a spacer optionally encircled by a jacket. The motion preservation construct may comprise an articulating disc assembly or an elastomeric disc assembly. Any of the constructs may occupy the intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae after removal of an intervertebral disc. The anchors slidingly engage the construct to securely fix the prosthesis to the vertebrae. The anchors and jacket of the fusion construct provide a continuous load path across opposite sides of the prosthesis so as to resist antagonistic motions of the spine. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100204739 | INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT WITH INTEGRATED FIXATION - A system for spinal surgery includes a prosthesis comprising a plurality of bone anchors which engage an intervertebral construct for fusion or motion preservation. The fusion construct comprises a spacer optionally encircled by a jacket. The motion preservation construct may comprise an articulating disc assembly or an elastomeric disc assembly. Any of the constructs may occupy the intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae after removal of an intervertebral disc. The anchors slidingly engage the construct to securely fix the prosthesis to the vertebrae. The anchors and jacket of the fusion construct provide a continuous load path across opposite sides of the prosthesis so as to resist antagonistic motions of the spine. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100204796 | INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT WITH INTEGRATED FIXATION - A system for spinal surgery includes a prosthesis comprising a plurality of bone anchors which engage an intervertebral construct for fusion or motion preservation. The fusion construct comprises a spacer optionally encircled by a jacket. The motion preservation construct may comprise an articulating disc assembly or an elastomeric disc assembly. Any of the constructs may occupy the intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae after removal of an intervertebral disc. The anchors slidingly engage the construct to securely fix the prosthesis to the vertebrae. The anchors and jacket of the fusion construct provide a continuous load path across opposite sides of the prosthesis so as to resist antagonistic motions of the spine. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20110040387 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MOBILE BEARING PROSTHETIC KNEE - A knee prosthesis including a femoral implant, a tibial implant, a tibial insert and a cam post. The femoral implant is secured to a femur and has a cam feature and condyles. The tibial implant is secured to a tibia. The tibial insert comprises a medial cavity with a rotational axis. The tibial insert has articulating surfaces that match the contours of the condyles of the femoral implant. The tibial insert has a medial boss that aligns with the medial cavity allowing it to rotate about the rotational axis. A cam post is secured to the tibial implant and passes through a channel of the tibial insert providing anterior and posterior stops for the rotation of the tibial insert about the rotational axis. The cam post interacts with the femoral implant cam feature and, with the tibial insert, allows more anatomically correct rollback and femoral external rotation during knee flexion. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110110716 | QUARTER TURN LOCKING MECHANISM - Apparatus and methods are disclosed for securely, yet releasably, connecting separate parts. A shaft engages a cooperating socket to form a connection capable of sustaining service loads. The shaft has a protruding pin which slides within a slot in the socket to guide the shaft into locked engagement with the socket. The shaft also has a cantilever body which wedges into a tapered region in the socket to frictionally bind the shaft and socket together. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110125202 | INSTRUMENTATION FOR MOBILE BEARING PROSTHETICS - Knee prosthesis instrumentation including an insertion tool and a removal tool. The insertion tool may include an offset to provide clearance from a femoral component of the knee prosthesis. The removal tool may be wedge shaped to at least partially encircle a post of the knee prosthesis for removal. A mallet may be used with the instruments to provide additional force for prosthesis insertion or removal. A slide hammer may be incorporated into the instruments themselves. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110166608 | Joint Arthrodesis and Arthroplasty - An implantable fixation system for fusing a joint between a first bone and a second bone. The system may include an anchor, standoff, bolt, and cortical washer. The system may be implanted across the joint along a single trajectory, the length of the system adjustable to provide compressive force between the anchor and the cortical washer. The system may be implanted across a tibiotalar joint with the anchor positioned in the sinus tarsi. A spacing member may be inserted between the two bones and the fixation system implanted to extend through an opening in the spacing member. The spacing member may be anatomically shaped and/or provide deformity correction. An ankle arthroplasty system may include a tibial plate, a talar plate, and a bearing insert. The plates may be anchored to the tibia and talus along a single trajectory. The ankle arthroplasty system may be revisable to a fusion system. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110166609 | Joint Arthrodesis and Arthroplasty - An implantable fixation system for fusing a joint between a first bone and a second bone. The system may include an anchor, standoff, bolt, and cortical washer. The system may be implanted across the joint along a single trajectory, the length of the system adjustable to provide compressive force between the anchor and the cortical washer. The system may be implanted across a tibiotalar joint with the anchor positioned in the sinus tarsi. A spacing member may be inserted between the two bones and the fixation system implanted to extend through an opening in the spacing member. The spacing member may be anatomically shaped and/or provide deformity correction. An ankle arthroplasty system may include a tibial plate, a talar plate, and a bearing insert. The plates may be anchored to the tibia and talus along a single trajectory. The ankle arthroplasty system may be revisable to a fusion system. | 07-07-2011 |
