Robert L Conta

US Patent:

6949105, Sep 27, 2005

Filed:

Aug 7, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/923891

Inventors:

Vincent Bryan - Mercer Island WA, US
Alex Kunzler - LaQuinta CA, US
Robert Conta - Mercer Island WA, US
Randy Allard - Germantown TN, US
Richard J. Broman - Monroe WA, US
Anthony Finazzo - Lake Forest Park WA, US
Carlos E. Gil - Collierville TN, US
Jeffrey P. Rouleau - Maple Grove MN, US
Leonard Tokish, Jr. - Issaquah WA, US
David Yager - Monroe WA, US

Assignee:

SDGI Holdings, Inc. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

A61B019/00

US Classification:

606130

Abstract:

The invention relates to a technique for precisely locating a line containing a predetermined point within the surgical site using a series of levels and plumb lines and internal anatomical features of the surgical site, using this location to precisely position and temporarily affix a site preparation scaffold relative to the patient's anatomy so that site preparation instruments can be introduced into the site at precise locations governed by the scaffold geometry and patient anatomy. This precise positioning of the scaffold also provides a way for the surgeon to use patient anatomical features to reliably and precisely prepare the surgical site. Scaffolds having angling features further increase the precise preparation of the surgical site. This increased precision in site preparation increases the probability of a successful procedure, and decreases the likelihood that additional surgery may be needed.

US Patent:

7179262, Feb 20, 2007

Filed:

Dec 4, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/727808

Inventors:

Vincent Bryan - Mercer Island WA, US
Alex Kunzler - Issaquah WA, US
Robert Conta - Mercer Island WA, US
Randy Allard - Germantown TN, US
Richard J. Broman - Monroe WA, US
Anthony Finazzo - Lake Forest Park WA, US
Carlos Gil - Sammamish WA, US
Jeffrey Rouleau - Maple Grove MN, US
Leonard Tokish - Issaquah WA, US
David Yager - Monroe WA, US

Assignee:

SDGI Holdings, Inc. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

A61B 17/00
A61B 17/32

US Classification:

606 79, 606 80, 606 84, 606167

Abstract:

The invention relates to a technique for precisely locating a line containing a predetermined point within the surgical site using a series of levels and plumb lines and internal anatomical features of the surgical site, using this location to precisely position and temporarily affix a site preparation scaffold relative to the patient's anatomy so that site preparation instruments can be introduced into the site at precise locations governed by the scaffold geometry and patient anatomy. This precise positioning of the scaffold also provides a way for the surgeon to use patient anatomical features to reliably and precisely prepare the surgical site. Scaffolds having angling features further increase the precise preparation of the surgical site. This increased precision in site preparation increases the probability of a successful procedure, and decreases the likelihood that additional surgery may be needed.

US Patent:

7601174, Oct 13, 2009

Filed:

Jun 20, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/600052

Inventors:

Aaron Kelly - Snoqualmie WA, US
Leonard Tokish - Issaquah WA, US
Jeff Edfast - Duvall WA, US
David Yager - Monroe WA, US
Alex Kunzler - Issaquah WA, US
Vincent Bryan - Mercer Island WA, US
Randy Allard - Germantown TN, US
Jeff Rouleau - Redmond WA, US
Robert Conta - Mercer Island WA, US
Carlos Gil - Sammamish WA, US

International Classification:

A61F 2/44

US Classification:

623 1713, 623 1715

Abstract:

An implantable endoprosthesis is adapted to articulate with one or more prosthesis surfaces, and is at least partially formed from a material having high wear resistance, which may be a polymeric material such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polyetherether ketone (PEEK), and the like, or a metallic material, such as a cobalt-chrome alloy, or a ceramic material, such as alumina or zirconia. The body member of the endoprosthesis may be formed from a composite material, and includes at least a first component formed from a first material having increased wear resistance as compared to that of a second material forming a second component of the body member. The second material is generally more resilient as compared to the first material.

US Patent:

7641692, Jan 5, 2010

Filed:

Aug 8, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/924298

Inventors:

Vincent Bryan - Mercer Island WA, US
Alex Kunzler - Issaquah WA, US
Charles R. Clark - Mercer Island WA, US
Robert Conta - Mercer Island WA, US
Carlos E. Gil - Sammamish WA, US

International Classification:

A61F 2/44

US Classification:

623 1715

Abstract:

The invention relates to a surgical implant that provides an artificial diarthroidal-like D joint, suitable for use in replacing any joint, but particularly suitable for use as an intervertebral disc endoprosthesis. The invention contains two rigid opposing shells, each having an outer surface adapted to engage the surfaces of the bones of a joint in such a way that the shells are immobilized by friction between their outer surfaces and the surfaces of the bone. These outer surfaces are sufficiently rough, while the inner surfaces of the shells are relatively smooth. The central body has a shape that cooperates with the shape of the inner surface of the shell so as to provide a range of motion similar to that provided by a healthy joint.

US Patent:

7927374, Apr 19, 2011

Filed:

Nov 13, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/559215

Inventors:

Neil Duggal - London, CA
Louise Raymond - London, CA
Daniel R. Baker - Seattle WA, US
Robert Conta - Mercer Island WA, US
Carly A. Thaler - Seattle WA, US
David T. Stinson - Woodinville WA, US

Assignee:

Synergy Disc Replacement, Inc. - London, ON

International Classification:

A61F 2/44

US Classification:

623 1714, 623 1715

Abstract:

The present invention relates to methods and devices for the treatment of disc disease and spinal deformities with an artificial disc replacement.

US Patent:

7967862, Jun 28, 2011

Filed:

Jul 28, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/460887

Inventors:

Randall Allard - Germantown TN, US
Alex Kunzler - Issaquah WA, US
Anthony Finazzo - Lake Forest Park WA, US
Vincent Bryan - Quincy WA, US
Carlos Gil - Collierville TN, US
Robert Conta - Mercer Island WA, US

Assignee:

Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. - Warsaw IN

International Classification:

A61F 2/44

US Classification:

623 1711

Abstract:

A method for implanting an articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis into an intervertebral disc space comprises surgically accessing the intervertebral disc space through an opening on a first lateral side of the intervertebral disc space and inserting a first half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis through the opening and into the intervertebral disc space. The method further comprises inserting a second half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis through the opening on the first lateral side of the intervertebral disc space and positioning the first half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis on a second lateral side of the intervertebral disc space. The method also comprises positioning the second half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis on the first lateral side of the intervertebral disc space.

US Patent:

8038716, Oct 18, 2011

Filed:

Sep 30, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/241326

Inventors:

Neil Duggal - London, CA
Louise Raymond - London, CA
Daniel R. Baker - Seattle WA, US
Robert Conta - Mercer Island WA, US
Carly A. Thaler - Seattle WA, US
David T. Stinson - Woodinville WA, US

Assignee:

Synergy Disc Replacement, Inc - London, Ontario

International Classification:

A61F 2/44

US Classification:

623 1714, 623 1715

Abstract:

An artificial disc prosthesis is provided. The prosthesis of the present invention enables spinal segment alignment by having a variable height across its surface. The variable height is achieved by an asymmetric artificial nucleus or by at least one variable height end plate.

US Patent:

8092542, Jan 10, 2012

Filed:

Nov 23, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/624160

Inventors:

Vincent Bryan - Mercer Island WA, US
Alex Kunzler - Issaquah WA, US
Charles R. Clark - Mercer Island WA, US
Robert Conta - Mercer Island WA, US
Carlos E. Gil - Sammamish WA, US

Assignee:

Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. - Warsaw IN

International Classification:

A61F 2/44
A61F 2/28

US Classification:

623 1716, 623 1611

Abstract:

The invention relates to a surgical implant that provides an artificial diarthroidal-like joint, suitable for use in replacing any joint, but particularly suitable for use as an intervertebral disc endoprosthesis. The invention contains two rigid opposing shells, each having an outer surface adapted to engage the surfaces of the bones of a joint in such a way that the shells are immobilized by friction between their outer surfaces and the surfaces of the bone. These outer surfaces are sufficiently rough that large frictional forces strongly resist any slippage between the outer surface and the bone surfaces in the joint. They may be convex, and when inserted into a milled concavity, are immediately mechanically stable. Desirably, the outer surfaces of the shells are adapted to allow for bony ingrowth, which further stabilizes the shells in place. The inner surfaces of the shells are relatively smooth, and adapted to slide easily across a portion of the outer surface of a central body disposed between the shells.