Robert A Gutierrez

US Patent:

8096996, Jan 17, 2012

Filed:

Mar 19, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/077462

Inventors:

Robert Gutierrez - Huntington Beach CA, US
Shawn Tebbe - Oceanside CA, US
Moti Altarac - Irvine CA, US
Stanley Kyle Hayes - Mission Viejo CA, US
Joey Camia Reglos - Lake Forest CA, US

Assignee:

Exactech, Inc. - Gainesville FL

International Classification:

A61B 17/70

US Classification:

606 86A, 606246, 606279

Abstract:

A rod reduction instrument for position a rod relative to a seat of a bone anchor in a spinal implant system is provided. The instrument includes three concentric cannulas with circumferentially aligned rod receiving portions formed therein. One cannula is movable with respect to another to lock and unlock the seat of a bone anchor to the rod reduction instrument. The rod to be reduced is positioned inside at least one of the rod receiving portion. One cannula is moved with respect to another to lock the seat of the bone anchor to the rod reduction instrument. Once locked to the bone anchor, the remaining cannula is moved to reduce the distance between the rod and the seat within at least one of the rod receiving portions. The distance between the rod and the seat is reduced until the rod is position inside the seat. A secondary instrument is inserted through a central bore of the rod reduction instrument to introduce a cap and lock the cap to the seat securing the rod to the bone anchor.

US Patent:

8128662, Mar 6, 2012

Filed:

Oct 18, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/582874

Inventors:

Moti Altarac - Irvine CA, US
Shawn Tebbe - Oceanside CA, US
Robert Gutierrez - Huntington Beach CA, US
Daniel H. Kim - Los Altos CA, US
J. Christopher Flaherty - Topsfield MA, US

Assignee:

VertiFlex, Inc. - San Clemente CA

International Classification:

A61B 17/70

US Classification:

606249, 623 1711, 623 1716, 600248

Abstract:

A plurality of individual tools is provided where each tool is uniquely configured to perform a step or a portion of a step in a novel procedure associated with the implantation of a stabilizing device (e. g. , an interspinous spacer) for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment. The tools are usable individually, or more preferably as a tooling system in which the tools are collectively employed to implant an interspinous spacer, generally in a minimally invasive manner. For example, each of the tools is arranged with coordinated markings and/or other features to ensure consistent depths of insertion, proper orientation of the tools with respect to each other or an anatomical feature of the patient, and precise delivery of the spacer to maintain safe positioning throughout the implantation procedure.

US Patent:

20070219556, Sep 20, 2007

Filed:

May 9, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/801186

Inventors:

Moti Altarac - Irvine CA, US
Stanley Hayes - Mission Viejo CA, US
Joey Reglos - Lake Forest CA, US
Robert Gutierrez - Huntington Beach CA, US
J. Flaherty - Topsfield MA, US

International Classification:

A61B 17/58

US Classification:

606064000

Abstract:

A spinal cross-connector for connecting two stabilization rods installed in a patient's spine is provided. The cross-connector includes novel rod attachment elements dynamically connected together by connector elements. The cross-connector provides multi-dimensional adjustability for easy and accurate installation with full lock-down.

US Patent:

20070225712, Sep 27, 2007

Filed:

May 9, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/801194

Inventors:

Moti Altarac - Irvine CA, US
Stanley Hayes - Mission Viejo CA, US
Joey Reglos - Lake Forest CA, US
Robert Gutierrez - Huntington Beach CA, US
J. Flaherty - Topsfield MA, US

International Classification:

A61B 17/58

US Classification:

606064000

Abstract:

A spinal cross-connector for connecting two stabilization rods installed in a patient's spine is provided. The cross-connector includes novel rod attachment elements dynamically connected together by connector elements. The cross-connector provides multi-dimensional adjustability for easy and accurate installation with full lock-down.

US Patent:

20070225713, Sep 27, 2007

Filed:

May 9, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/801319

Inventors:

Moti Altarac - Irvine CA, US
Stanley Hayes - Mission Viejo CA, US
Joey Reglos - Lake Forest CA, US
Robert Gutierrez - Huntington Beach CA, US
J. Flaherty - Topsfield MA, US

International Classification:

A61B 17/58

US Classification:

606064000

Abstract:

A spinal cross-connector for connecting two stabilization rods installed in a patient's spine is provided. The cross-connector includes novel rod attachment elements dynamically connected together by connector elements. The cross-connector provides multi-dimensional adjustability for easy and accurate installation with full lock-down.

US Patent:

20080243126, Oct 2, 2008

Filed:

Mar 25, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/079096

Inventors:

Robert Gutierrez - Huntington Beach CA, US
Tyler Haskins - Oceanside CA, US
Moti Altarac - Irvine CA, US

International Classification:

A61B 17/00

US Classification:

606 84

Abstract:

A scraper instrument for preparing an intervertebral disc space is disclosed. The scraper instrument incorporates a uniquely configured end bit having a cutting head with a cavity for passing debris therethrough. Variations of the scraper instrument include one or more angled portions and shaft assemblies that transmit rotational torque applied at the proximal end of the instrument through the at least one angled portion and to the distally located end bit. An adjustable angled portion in addition to a bayonet-like angled portion is disclosed.

US Patent:

20080249628, Oct 9, 2008

Filed:

Apr 9, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/082303

Inventors:

Moti Altarac - Irvine CA, US
Tyler Jay Haskins - Oceanside CA, US
Robert C. Gutierrez - Huntington Beach CA, US

International Classification:

A61F 2/44

US Classification:

623 1716, 623 1711

Abstract:

A dynamic device for implantation within a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies is disclosed. The device comprises two or more bodies interconnected via at least one connecting means such that at least one body is permitted relative motion with respect to the at least one other body. The device is configured to assume various configurations including a first configuration suitable for minimally invasive insertion and a second configuration suitable for residence within the disc space. Associated variations and insertion instruments are also disclosed.

US Patent:

20080306489, Dec 11, 2008

Filed:

Jun 27, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/215497

Inventors:

Moti Altarac - Irvine CA, US
Stanley Kyle Hayes - Mission Viejo CA, US
Tyler Jay Haskins - Oceanside CA, US
Robert C. Gutierrez - Huntington Beach CA, US

International Classification:

A61B 17/58
A61B 17/00

US Classification:

606 99, 606207

Abstract:

An inserter for implanting a spinal implant such as an intervertebral spacer into a spinal disc space is disclosed. The inserter comprises a jaw assembly connected to a shaft assembly that is connected to a handle assembly. The user operates the handle assembly to open and close the jaw assembly to thereby connect to and release from the implant. Furthermore, the handle assembly is operable to lock and unlock rotation of the jaw assembly while still connected thereto to permit angulation of the jaw assembly relative to the shaft assembly without losing hold of the implant.