Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090198241 | SPINE DISTRACTION TOOLS AND METHODS OF USE - An apparatus includes a measurement tool having a size configured to change when the measurement tool is moved between a first configuration and a second configuration. The measurement tool includes a first spacer member and a second spacer member configured to move relative to each other when the tool is moved between the first and second configurations. The measurement tool has a distal actuator having a first actuator surface matingly and movably coupled to the first spacer member, and a second actuator surface matingly and movably coupled to the second spacer member. A proximal actuator is coupled to a proximal end portion of the elongate member and is configured to rotate about an axis substantially parallel to at least a portion of a center line of an elongate member to move the distal actuator. The distal actuator is configured to move the first spacer member relative to the second spacer. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198245 | TOOLS AND METHODS FOR INSERTION AND REMOVAL OF MEDICAL IMPLANTS - Medical devices and related methods for the treatment of spinal conditions are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first elongate member that defines a lumen and a second elongate member that is movably disposed within the lumen of the first elongate member. A distal end portion of the first elongate member is configured to be releasably coupled to a spinal implant. A distal end portion of the second elongate member includes a driving member configured to engage an actuation member of the spinal implant when the first elongate member is coupled to the spinal implant. The driving member is configured to rotate the actuation member to move the spinal implant between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The first elongate member configured to secure the spinal implant to the first elongate member. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198337 | MEDICAL IMPLANTS AND METHODS - An apparatus includes a spacer, a proximal retention member, a distal retention member, and an actuator. The spacer is configured to engage adjacent spinous processes. The proximal retention member is coupled to the spacer such that a portion of the proximal retention member is in contact with a proximal surface of the spacer. An axis within a plane defined by a first surface of the distal retention member is non-parallel to and non-normal to a longitudinal axis of the spacer. The distal retention member is movably coupled to the spacer such that a second surface of the distal retention member contacts a distal surface of the spacer. The actuator is movably coupled to the spacer and is configured to move relative to the spacer along the longitudinal axis. An actuation surface of the actuator is slidably coupled to and substantially parallel to the first surface of the distal retention member. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198338 | MEDICAL IMPLANTS AND METHODS - An apparatus includes a spacer and an actuator. The spacer has a first spacer member configured to engage an endplate of a first vertebra and a second spacer member configured to engage an endplate of a second vertebra. The actuator has a first actuator member and a second actuator member coupled to the first actuator member. Each of the first actuator member and the second actuator member is matingly and movably coupled to the first spacer member and the second spacer member. The actuator is configured to move the spacer between a first configuration and a second configuration. The first spacer member is in contact with the second spacer member when the spacer is in the first configuration. The first spacer member is spaced apart from the second spacer member by a non-zero distance when the spacer is in the second configuration. | 08-06-2009 |
20090240335 | Expandable Devices for Emplacement in Body Parts and Methods Associated Therewith - Disclosed are devices and methods for emplacement of an expandable device in a body part of interest in human and animal subjects. In one embodiment, the expandable device comprises a cage that may be emplaced in the intervertebral disc for use in spine fusion techniques. The device is fashioned so that it may be delivered to the intervertebral disc by percutaneous means, such as via a cannula. Additionally disclosed are systems and kits employing the devices of the invention as well as methods of manufacturing the devices of the invention. | 09-24-2009 |
20090275954 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INSERTING FACET SCREWS - An apparatus includes an insertion tool and a guide wire. The insertion tool has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the insertion tool is configured to retain a bone fixation device. The proximal end portion of the insertion tool defines a threaded opening. The guide wire has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. At least a portion of the guide wire is configured to be disposed within the insertion tool such that the distal end portion of the guide wire is disposed outside of and spaced apart from the distal end portion of the insertion tool. The proximal end portion of the guide wire includes a threaded portion configured to be disposed within and engage the threaded opening of the insertion tool. | 11-05-2009 |
20090275992 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INSERTING FACET SCREWS - In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first shaft, a second shaft, and a locking mechanism. The first shaft has a threaded portion and an engagement portion. The engagement portion of the first shaft is configured to engage a nut. The second shaft has a threaded portion and an engagement portion. The engagement portion of the second shaft is configured to engage a screw. At least a portion of the second shaft is disposed within the first shaft such that the threaded portion of the first shaft is engaged with the threaded portion of the second shaft. The locking mechanism is configured to selectively allow rotation of the second shaft relative to the first shaft. | 11-05-2009 |
20090275993 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INSERTING FACET SCREWS - An apparatus includes a bone screw, a nut, and a washer. The bone screw has a first threaded portion, a second threaded portion, and a recessed portion disposed between the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion. The first threaded portion is configured to be threaded into a bone tissue. The nut is threadedly coupled to the second threaded portion of the bone screw. The nut having a tool engagement portion and a seating portion. The washer is disposed about the bone screw such that a first surface of the washer is disposed about the seating portion of the nut and a retention portion is disposed within the recessed portion of the bone screw. The washer is configured to rotate about an axis substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the bone screw. | 11-05-2009 |
20090275994 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INSERTING FACET SCREWS - A method includes inserting a bone fixation device into a patient's body. The bone fixation device includes a first member and a second member movably coupled to the first member. A passageway is defined within a bone tissue after the bone fixation device is inserted and while the bone fixation device is disposed within the patient's body. At least a portion of the first member of the bone fixation device is disposed within the bone tissue along the passageway. The second member of the bone fixation device is moved relative to the first member of the bone fixation device. | 11-05-2009 |
20100010449 | Cannula Stabilization Device, System, And Method Of Use - A cannula stabilization device, systems and kits comprising the cannula stabilization device, and methods of using the cannula stabilization device can include a collar removably securable about a longitudinal axis of a cannula. The collar can include a locking mechanism adapted to secure the collar about the cannula. When the collar is positioned on the skin, the collar can stabilize the cannula from at least axial movement in a distal direction. Embodiments of the devices, systems, kits, and methods are useful for stabilizing a cannula during minimally invasive surgery or other percutaneous procedures. | 01-14-2010 |
20100063510 | Expandable Intervertebral Prosthesis Device for Posterior Implantation and Related Method Thereof - A method and device for the insertion of a vertebral cage that may be done through a posterior approach that is minimally traumatic and does not require retraction of the spinal cord, dural sac or spinal nerves. The insertion of the cage may therefore be parallel to the spinal cord and the cage will be rotated ninety degrees (or as desired or required) in the vertebral body defect or as applicable to achieve its proper positioning before expansion. | 03-11-2010 |
20100100135 | BONE FIXATION DEVICE HAVING AN EXPANDABLE ANCHOR - An apparatus includes a first elongate member and a second elongate member. The first elongate member has a proximal end portion that includes a threaded portion, and a distal end portion that includes a retention portion. The retention portion of the first elongate member is configured to deform when moved from a first configuration to a second configuration. At least a central portion of the second elongate member is disposed within the first elongate member. The second elongate member has a distal end portion that includes an actuation portion configured to deform the retention portion of the first elongate member from the first configuration to the second configuration. | 04-22-2010 |
20100145340 | Introducer Tool for Bone Measurement - A system for performing a medical procedure includes an introducer and a guide pin that include features that coordinate to indicate the distance the guide pin is extended beyond the tip of the introducer when both are deployed at a target location. By incorporating measurement features into the guide pin/introducer combination, accurate measurement capabilities are provided without requiring dedicated measurement tools. | 06-10-2010 |
20100191291 | BONE FIXATION DEVICE AND METHODS FOR TREATING SPINAL STENOSIS - An apparatus includes a screw, an actuator and a spacer. The screw has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The distal end portion of the screw is configured to be threaded into a bone tissue. The proximal end portion of the screw has a surface. The actuator is threadedly coupled to the screw, and has an actuation surface defining a line substantially non-parallel to and substantially non-normal to a longitudinal axis of the screw. The spacer has a first surface substantially parallel to and in contact with the surface of the proximal end portion of the screw. The spacer has a second surface substantially parallel to and in contact with the actuation surface of the actuator. The actuator is configured to move the spacer relative to the screw between a first position and a second position. | 07-29-2010 |
20100217330 | BONE FIXATION DEVICES AND METHODS - An apparatus includes a bone screw and a retention member. The bone screw has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the bone screw includes a threaded portion. The retention member is coupled to the proximal end portion of the bone screw such that movement of the retention member relative to the bone screw is limited. The retention member is configured to deform when moved from a first configuration to a second configuration. | 08-26-2010 |
20100286701 | DISTRACTION TOOL FOR DISTRACTING AN INTERSPINOUS SPACE - Distraction tools for distracting an interspinous space formed between spinous processes. The distraction tool may include first and second handles connected together at a pivot between first and second ends. First and second prongs may extend outward from the handles. The handles may move about the pivot between a first orientation with the first and second prongs in proximity to each other and a second orientation with the first and second prongs separated in a first direction. A third member may be connected to the first and second handles and include a third outwardly-extending prong. The third member may be positioned together with the first and second prongs to form a unified prong when the first and second handles are in the first orientation. The unified prong is sized and shaped for insertion into the interspinous space. The third prong may separate from the first and second prongs in a second direction when the first and second handles are in the second orientation. The prongs distract the interspinous space when the handles are in the second orientation. | 11-11-2010 |
20100318127 | INTERSPINOUS IMPLANT AND METHODS OF USE - Vertebral implants sized to be inserted into a patient and positioned in an interspinous space. The implants may include a body and a pair of wings that extend outward beyond a first side of the body. The implants are sized and configured for the body to be positioned in the interspinous space with the wings on opposing lateral sides of one of the spinous processes. The wings may be adjusted to various spaced-apart distances to be positioned on the opposing sides of the spinous process. The implants may further be selectively adjustable between a collapsed orientation and a deployed orientation. The collapsed orientation includes one or both wings aligned with the main body to reduce an overall size of the implant to facilitate insertion into a patient. The extended orientation includes the wings extending outward from the first side of the body and along the lateral sides of the spinous process. | 12-16-2010 |
20110077686 | INTERSPINOUS PROCESS IMPLANT HAVING A COMPLIANT SPACER - Medical devices for the treatment of spinal conditions are described herein. The medical device of this invention includes a spacer that is disposed between adjacent spinous processes and has a layer of a soft or compliant material. The layer is preferably thicker along those portions of the spacer directly contacting the adjacent spinous processes and is preferably thinner or non-existent adjacent to the anterior portion of the support member. This preferred asymmetry of the compliant layer allows the spacer to be seated between spinous processes as anteriorly as possible. | 03-31-2011 |
20110172709 | DYNAMIC INTERSPINOUS PROCESS DEVICE - Medical devices for the treatment of spinal conditions are described herein. The medical device includes a pair of superior plates with spikes adapted to be embedded in a superior spinous process and a pair of inferior plates with spikes adapted to be embedded in an adjacent inferior spinous process. The superior plates and inferior plates are connected to each other in such a way as to allow relative motion therebetween. A spacer may be disposed between the adjacent spinous processes. | 07-14-2011 |
20120022540 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR USE OF EXPANDABLE MEMBERS IN SURGICAL APPLICATIONS - In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an elongated member, an expandable member coupled to the elongated member, and an outer sheath. The outer sheath, which can be constructed from a different material than the expandable member, is disposed about the expandable member such that an outer surface of the expandable member is in discontinuous contact with an inner surface of the outer sheath. The expandable member and the outer sheath are configured to cooperatively displace a bone structure when moving between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. | 01-26-2012 |
20120288814 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CAUSING TOOTH MOVEMENT - A device for increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw includes a handle, an elongate member extending from the handle, a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member, and a sleeve. The screw tip is configured to drill into cortical bone of the jaw to increase movement of the tooth. The sleeve is configured to move along the elongate member to vary the length of exposed screw tip. | 11-15-2012 |
20130273490 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR INCREASING BONE DENSITY IN THE MOUTH - A dental device includes a mouthpiece configured to sit against occlusal surfaces of a patient's teeth and a motor connected to the mouthpiece. The motor is configured to vibrate the mouthpiece at a frequency between 60 and 120 Hz and an acceleration between 0.03 G and 0.06 G such that the mouthpiece places an axial vibratory force on the occlusal surfaces. | 10-17-2013 |
20130308416 | SYSTEM FOR USE IN BONE CEMENT PREPARATION AND DELIVERY - A system for use in combining two part preparations, such as bone cement, can include a chamber for intermixing liquid and powder components, a container, a vacuum channel, and a filter. The mixing chamber can be configured to hold a non-liquid, polymer powder component of a bone cement. The container can be configured to hold a liquid component of the bone cement. The vacuum channel can direct a partial vacuum to draw the liquid component from the container into the non-liquid component in the mixing chamber to intermix the components and to thereby provide a settable bone cement. | 11-21-2013 |
20140065569 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CAUSING TOOTH MOVEMENT - A method of increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw having at least one tooth with an orthodontic brace thereon includes: (1) holding a handle of a device, the device having an elongate member extending from the handle and a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member; (2) moving a sleeve along the elongate member to set a length of exposed screw tip; (3) locking the sleeve in place relative to the screw tip; (4) drilling a hole with the screw tip through a cortical bone of a jaw to increase movement of the tooth; and (5) stopping the drilling when the length of exposed screw tip has penetrated the jaw. | 03-06-2014 |
20140322663 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CAUSING TOOTH MOVEMENT - A method of increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw having at least one tooth with an orthodontic brace thereon includes: (1) holding a handle of a device, the device having an elongate member extending from the handle and a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member; (2) moving a sleeve along the elongate member to set a length of exposed screw tip; (3) locking the sleeve in place relative to the screw tip; (4) drilling a hole with the screw tip through a cortical bone of a jaw to increase movement of the tooth; and (5) stopping the drilling when the length of exposed screw tip has penetrated the jaw. | 10-30-2014 |