Patent US6068630A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6068630A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Spine distraction implant
Assignee: Medtronic Europe SARL
•
Filing: 1998-10-20
•
Granted: 2000-05-30
•
Expires: 2018-10-20
Abstract
Abstract A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.
Inventors
- 👤 James F. Zucherman
- 👤 Ken Y. Hsu
- 👤 Charles J. Winslow
- 👤 Henry A. Klyce
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 20:44
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/02; A61B17/025; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B17/70; A61B17/7062; A61B17/7064; A61B17/7065; A61B17/7068; A61K; A61K31/00; A61K31/33; A61K31/335; A61K31/365; A61K31/366; A61K31/37; A61B17/60; A61B17/66; A61B17/7071; A61B2017/00831; A61B2017/00867; A61B2017/0256; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S606/00; Y10S606/907; Y10S606/91
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 61
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body, a guide and a first wing, said first wing located at a first end of said body and said guide extending from a second end of said body located distally from said first wing, a sleeve provided over said central body, said sleeve at least partially spaced from said central body in order to allow for the deflection of said sleeve toward said central body; a second wing; and a device that secures the second wing to the first unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body, a guide and a first wing, said first wing located at a first end of said body and said guide extending from a second end of said body located distally from said first wing, a sleeve provided over said central body, said sleeve at least partially spaced from said central body in order to allow for the deflection of said sleeve toward said central body; a second wing; and a device that secures the second wing to the first unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said sleeve is cylindrical and is oval in cross-sectional shape.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said sleeve is cylindrical and has a cross-section with a major dimension and a minor dimension.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The implant of claim 3 wherein: said major dimension is substantially perpendicular to a major length of said first wing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said sleeve is comprised of a super-elastic material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said sleeve is comprised of a super-elastic alloy of nickel and titanium.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said central body has at least one elongated groove; and said sleeve includes at least one inwardly directed spoke which is received in said groove in order to space said sleeve from said body.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
The implant of claim 7 wherein: said sleeve has a cross-section with a major dimension and a minor dimension; said first wing has a major dimension; and said major dimension of said sleeve is substantially perpendicular to said major dimension of said first wing with said spoke received in said elongated groove.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said sleeve includes at least one inwardly directed spoke which can contact said central body in order to space said sleeve from said central body.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said central body has at least one outwardly directed spoke which can contact said sleeve in order to space said sleeve from said central body.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said guide is pointed in order to allow the central body to be urged between two spinous processes without alteration to the spinous processes.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
97 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said sleeve has a cross-section with a major dimension and a minor dimension and said major dimension is greater than said minor dimension and less than about two times said minor dimension, and said guide has a cross-section which is adjacent to said sleeve with a guide major dimension about equal to said sleeve major dimension and a guide minor dimension about equal to said sleeve minor dimension; and said guide extends from said central body with a cross-section which reduces in size in a direction away from said central body.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
The implant of claim 2 wherein: said guide is cone-shaped with a base located adjacent to said sleeve and having a base cross-section about the same as the oval cross-section of said sleeve.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
11 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said guide is substantially cone-shaped.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said second wing has a cut-out which is received over said guide.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
29 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said device includes a tab extending from said second wing; and said device includes a fastener that secures said tab to said guide.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
36 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: at least one of said first wing and said second wing is rotated about a major dimension in order to be provided at an acute angle to said central body.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
36 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said device allows said second wing to be secured to said first unit in several configurations such that a spacing between the first and second wing can be selectively varied.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
45 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said central body has cone-shaped ends which hold said sleeve in a spaced relationship from at least a part of said central body such that said sleeve can be deflected toward said at least part of said central body.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said sleeve is comprised of a material which can absorb about 8% recoverable elongation.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
19 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said sleeve can be deflected at about 20 lbs. to 50 lbs. force.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said sleeve can be repeatedly deflected and return to a original shape.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
40 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said sleeve can withstand a threshold stress with a small amount of deforming strain and above said threshold stress exhibit substantially instantaneous deformation stress which is many times said small amount of deformation stress.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
58 words
The implant of claim 1 wherein: said second wing includes upper and lower portions, extending from a middle portion, and at least one of said upper and lower portions is bent relative to said middle portions so as to be closer to the first wing than the middle portion of said second wing is from the first wing.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
105 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body, a guide located at a first end of the body and a stop located at a second end of the body; a sleeve provided over said central body, said sleeve at least partially spaced from said central body in order to allow for the deflection of said sleeve toward said central body; and said sleeve held in place between said guide and said stop.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
105 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body, a guide located at a first end of the body and a stop located at a second end of the body; a sleeve provided over said central body, said sleeve at least partially spaced from said central body in order to allow for the deflection of said sleeve toward said central body; and said sleeve held in place between said guide and said stop.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
11 words
The implant of claim 25 wherein: said guide is substantially cone-shaped.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
12 words
The implant of claim 25 wherein: said stop is a first wing.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
13 words
The implant of claim 25 wherein: said sleeve is oval in cross-sectional shape.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
19 words
The implant of claim 25 wherein: said sleeve has a cross-section with a major dimension and a minor dimension.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
The implant of claim 25 wherein: said sleeve is comprised of a super-elastic material.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 25 wherein: said sleeve is comprised of a super-elastic alloy of nickel and titanium.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
41 words
The implant of claim 25 wherein: said central elongated body has at least one elongated groove; and said sleeve includes at least one inwardly directed spoke which is received in said groove in order to space said sleeve from said body.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implant of claim 25 wherein: said cylindrical sleeve includes at least one inwardly directed spoke which can contact said central body in order to space said sleeve from said central body.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
31 words
The implant of claim 25 wherein: said central body has at least one outwardly directed spoke which can contact said sleeve in order to space said sleeve from said central body.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
30 words
The implant of claim 25 wherein: said guide is pointed in order to allow the central body to be urged between two spinous processes without alteration to the spinous processes.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
97 words
The implant of claim 25 wherein: said sleeve has a cross-section with a major dimension and a minor dimension and said major dimension is greater than said minor dimension and less than about two times said minor dimension, and said guide has a cross-section which is adjacent to said sleeve with a guide major dimension about equal to said sleeve major dimension and a guide minor dimension about equal to said sleeve minor dimension; and said guide extends from said central body with a cross-section which reduces in size in a direction away from said central body.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
33 words
The implant of claim 28 wherein: said guide is cone-shaped with a base located adjacent to said sleeve and having a base cross-section about the same as the oval cross-section of said sleeve.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
45 words
The implant of claim 25 wherein: said central body has cone-shaped ends which hold said sleeve in a spaced relationship from at least a part of said central body such that said sleeve can be deflected toward said at least part of said central body.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
20 words
The implant of claim 25 wherein: said sleeve is comprised of a material which can absorb about 8% recoverable elongation.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
19 words
The implant of claim 25 wherein: said sleeve can be deflected at about 20 lbs. to 50 lbs. force.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
18 words
The implant of claim 25 wherein: said sleeve can be repeatedly deflected and return to a original shape.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
40 words
The implant of claim 25 wherein: said sleeve can withstand a threshold stress with a small amount of deforming strain and above said threshold stress exhibit substantially instantaneous deformation stress which is many times said small amount of deformation stress.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
119 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body and a first wing: a second wing; and means for selectively securing the second wing to the central body in a plurality of positions in order to adjust the spacing between the first and second wings in order to be adapted to accommodate spinous processes of different sizes; said securing means of said second wing has a mid-section with a plurality of ports through which the second wing can be selectively positioned and secured to the central body.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
119 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body and a first wing: a second wing; and means for selectively securing the second wing to the central body in a plurality of positions in order to adjust the spacing between the first and second wings in order to be adapted to accommodate spinous processes of different sizes; said securing means of said second wing has a mid-section with a plurality of ports through which the second wing can be selectively positioned and secured to the central body.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
131 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body, and a first wing, said first wing located at a first end of said central body, said central body having a second end; a sleeve provided over said central body, said sleeve at least partially spaced from said central body in order to allow for the deflection of said sleeve toward said central body; a second wing; and a device that secures the second wing to the second end of the central body with the sleeve between the first and second wings; and said sleeve is oval in cross-sectional shape.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
131 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body, and a first wing, said first wing located at a first end of said central body, said central body having a second end; a sleeve provided over said central body, said sleeve at least partially spaced from said central body in order to allow for the deflection of said sleeve toward said central body; a second wing; and a device that secures the second wing to the second end of the central body with the sleeve between the first and second wings; and said sleeve is oval in cross-sectional shape.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
137 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body, and a first wing, said first wing located at a first end of said central body, said central body having a second end; a sleeve provided over said central body, said sleeve at least partially spaced from said central body in order to allow for the deflection of said sleeve toward said central body; a second wing; and a device that secures the second wing to the second end of the central body with the sleeve between the first and second wings; and said sleeve has a cross-section with a major dimension and a minor dimension.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
137 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body, and a first wing, said first wing located at a first end of said central body, said central body having a second end; a sleeve provided over said central body, said sleeve at least partially spaced from said central body in order to allow for the deflection of said sleeve toward said central body; a second wing; and a device that secures the second wing to the second end of the central body with the sleeve between the first and second wings; and said sleeve has a cross-section with a major dimension and a minor dimension.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
20 words
The implant of claim 45 wherein: said major dimension is substantially perpendicular to a major dimension of said first wing.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
132 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body, and a first wing, said first wing located at a first end of said central body, said central body having a second end; a sleeve provided over said central body, said sleeve at least partially spaced from said central body in order to allow for the deflection of said sleeve toward said central body; a second wing; and a device that secures the second wing to the second end of the central body with the sleeve between the first and second wings; and said sleeve is comprised of a super-elastic material.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
132 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body, and a first wing, said first wing located at a first end of said central body, said central body having a second end; a sleeve provided over said central body, said sleeve at least partially spaced from said central body in order to allow for the deflection of said sleeve toward said central body; a second wing; and a device that secures the second wing to the second end of the central body with the sleeve between the first and second wings; and said sleeve is comprised of a super-elastic material.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
136 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body, and a first wing, said first wing located at a first end of said central body, said central body having a second end; a sleeve provided over said central body, said sleeve at least partially spaced from said central body in order to allow for the deflection of said sleeve toward said central body; a second wing; and a device that secures the second wing to the second end of the central body with the sleeve between the first and second wings; and said sleeve is comprised of a super-elastic alloy of nickel and titanium.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
136 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body, and a first wing, said first wing located at a first end of said central body, said central body having a second end; a sleeve provided over said central body, said sleeve at least partially spaced from said central body in order to allow for the deflection of said sleeve toward said central body; a second wing; and a device that secures the second wing to the second end of the central body with the sleeve between the first and second wings; and said sleeve is comprised of a super-elastic alloy of nickel and titanium.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
154 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body, and a first wing, said first wing located at a first end of said central body, said central body having a second end; a sleeve provided over said central body, said sleeve at least partially spaced from said central body in order to allow for the deflection of said sleeve toward said central body; a second wing; and a device that secures the second wing to the second end of the central body with the sleeve between the first and second wings; and said device allows said second wing to be secured to said first unit in several configurations such that a spacing between the first and second wing can be selectively varied.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
154 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body, and a first wing, said first wing located at a first end of said central body, said central body having a second end; a sleeve provided over said central body, said sleeve at least partially spaced from said central body in order to allow for the deflection of said sleeve toward said central body; a second wing; and a device that secures the second wing to the second end of the central body with the sleeve between the first and second wings; and said device allows said second wing to be secured to said first unit in several configurations such that a spacing between the first and second wing can be selectively varied.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
138 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body, and a first wing, said first wing located at a first end of said central body, said central body having a second end; a sleeve provided over said central body, said sleeve at least partially spaced from said central body in order to allow for the deflection of said sleeve toward said central body; a second wing; and a device that secures the second wing to the second end of the central body with the sleeve between the first and second wings; and said sleeve is comprised of a material which can absorb about 8% recoverable elongation.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
138 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body, and a first wing, said first wing located at a first end of said central body, said central body having a second end; a sleeve provided over said central body, said sleeve at least partially spaced from said central body in order to allow for the deflection of said sleeve toward said central body; a second wing; and a device that secures the second wing to the second end of the central body with the sleeve between the first and second wings; and said sleeve is comprised of a material which can absorb about 8% recoverable elongation.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
159 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body, and a first wing, said first wing located at a first end of said central body, said central body having a second end; a sleeve provided over said central body, said sleeve at least partially spaced from said central body in order to allow for the deflection of said sleeve toward said central body; a second wing; and a device that secures the second wing to the second end of the central body with the sleeve between the first and second wings; and said sleeve can withstand a threshold stress with a small amount of deforming strain and above said threshold stress exhibit about substantially instantaneous deformation stress which is many times said small amount of deformation stress.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
159 words
An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column, the implant comprising: a first unit including a central body, and a first wing, said first wing located at a first end of said central body, said central body having a second end; a sleeve provided over said central body, said sleeve at least partially spaced from said central body in order to allow for the deflection of said sleeve toward said central body; a second wing; and a device that secures the second wing to the second end of the central body with the sleeve between the first and second wings; and said sleeve can withstand a threshold stress with a small amount of deforming strain and above said threshold stress exhibit about substantially instantaneous deformation stress which is many times said small amount of deformation stress.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-05-30 | 2003-11-29 | 2004-05-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-05-30 | 2007-11-29 | 2008-05-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-05-30 | 2011-11-29 | 2012-05-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |