David Charles Bradford

US Patent:

7156877, Jan 2, 2007

Filed:

May 24, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/154857

Inventors:

Jeffrey C. Lotz - San Mateo CA, US
Olivier K. Colliou - Los Gatos CA, US
David S. Bradford - Sausalito CA, US

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

A61F 2/44

US Classification:

623 1716

Abstract:

A bioactive/biodegradable nucleus implant for repairing degenerated intervertebral discs that is inflated inside the nucleus space after the degenerated nucleus has been removed to re-pressurize the nuclear space within the intervertebral disc. The implant is inflated with a high molecular weight fluid, gel or combination of fluid and elastomer, preferably an under-hydrated HA hydrogel/growth factor mixture with or without host cells. The implant includes an internal, integral, self-sealing valve that allows one-way filling of the implant after it is placed within the disc, and is made from a material that allows fibrous in growth thereby stabilizing the implant. A variety of substances can be incorporated into the implant to promote healing, prevent infection, or arrest pain.

US Patent:

7211055, May 1, 2007

Filed:

Jan 15, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/347164

Inventors:

Chris J. Diederich - Novato CA, US
Jeffrey C. Lotz - San Mateo CA, US
Will Nau - San Francisco CA, US
David S. Bradford - Sausalito CA, US

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

A61F 7/00

US Classification:

601 2, 606 41

Abstract:

An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly effected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C. , and in particular 75 degrees C.

US Patent:

7641691, Jan 5, 2010

Filed:

Aug 16, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/505783

Inventors:

Jeffrey C. Lotz - San Mateo CA, US
Olivier K. Colliou - Los Gatos CA, US
David S. Bradford - Sausalito CA, US

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

A61F 2/44

US Classification:

623 1712

Abstract:

A bioactive/biodegradable nucleus implant for repairing degenerated intervertebral discs that is inflated inside the nucleus space after the degenerated nucleus has been removed to re-pressurize the nuclear space within the intervertebral disc. The implant is inflated with a high molecular weight fluid, gel or combination of fluid and elastomer, preferably an under-hydrated HA hydrogel/growth factor mixture with or without host cells. The implant includes an internal, integral, self-sealing valve that allows one-way filling of the implant after it is placed within the disc, and is made from a material that allows fibrous in growth thereby stabilizing the implant. A variety of substances can be incorporated into the implant to promote healing, prevent infection, or arrest pain.

US Patent:

7819826, Oct 26, 2010

Filed:

Jan 23, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/351450

Inventors:

Chris J. Diederich - Novato CA, US
Jeffrey C. Lotz - San Mateo CA, US
Will Nau - San Francisco CA, US
David S. Bradford - Sausalito CA, US
John P. O'Banion - Fair Oaks CA, US

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

A61B 8/00

US Classification:

601 3, 601 2, 600439

Abstract:

A long-term implantable ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly effected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C. , and in particular 75 degrees C.

US Patent:

8344728, Jan 1, 2013

Filed:

Jul 27, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/829847

Inventors:

Sharmila Majumdar - Alameda CA, US
John Kurhanewicz - South San Francisco CA, US
Jeffrey C. Lotz - San Mateo CA, US
David S. Bradford - Sausalito CA, US
Kayvan Keshari - Stockton CA, US

Assignee:

The Regents of The University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

G01V 3/00

US Classification:

324309, 324307, 600410, 600421

Abstract:

NMR spectroscopy is performed on intervertebral disc tissue. Extent of degeneration is determined based on the NMR spectroscopy. Correlation between NMR spectral regions and at least one of tissue degeneration and pain are made. Accordingly, NMR spectroscopy is used to determine location and/or extent of at least one of degeneration or pain associated with a region of tissue, such as for example in particular disc degeneration, or discogenic pain. NMR spectral peak ratios, such as between N-Acetyl/cho and cho/carb, are readily acquired and analyzed to predict degree of tissue degeneration and/or pain for: tissue samples using HR-MAS spectroscopy; and larger portions of anatomy such as joint segments such as a spine, using clinical 3 T MRI systems with surface head or knee coils; and tissue regions such as discs within spines of living patients using 3 T MRI systems with a surface spine coil, thus providing a completely non-invasive diagnostic toolset and method to image and localize degeneration and/or pain.

US Patent:

8414509, Apr 9, 2013

Filed:

Oct 5, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/898401

Inventors:

Chris J. Diederich - Novato CA, US
Jeffrey C. Lotz - San Mateo CA, US
David S. Bradford - Sausalito CA, US

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

A61N 7/02

US Classification:

601 3, 607 96

Abstract:

A long-term implantable ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly effected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C. , and in particular 75 degrees C.

US Patent:

20060149380, Jul 6, 2006

Filed:

Dec 1, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/292335

Inventors:

Jeffrey Lotz - San Mateo CA, US
David Bradford - Sausalito CA, US

International Classification:

A61F 2/44

US Classification:

623017120, 623017110, 623017160

Abstract:

A bioactive/biodegradable nucleus implant for repairing degenerated intervertebral discs that is inflated inside the nucleus space after the degenerated nucleus has been removed to re-pressurize the nuclear space within the intervertebral disc. The implant is inflated with a high molecular weight fluid, gel or combination of fluid and elastomer, preferably an under-hydrated HA hydrogel/growth factor mixture with or without host cells. The implant includes an internal, integral, self-sealing valve that allows one-way filling of the implant after it is placed within the disc, and is made from a material that allows fibrous in growth thereby stabilizing the implant. A variety of substances can be incorporated into the implant to promote healing, prevent infection, or arrest pain.

US Patent:

20060241576, Oct 26, 2006

Filed:

Feb 27, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/364357

Inventors:

Chris Diederich - Novato CA, US
Jeffrey Lotz - San Mateo CA, US
Will Nau - San Francisco CA, US
David Bradford - Sausalito CA, US

International Classification:

A61B 18/04
A61F 7/00
A61F 7/12

US Classification:

606027000, 607096000

Abstract:

An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C., are used for structural remodeling, whereas lower temperatures achieve other responses without appreciable remodeling.