Ronald Burke

US Patent:

20060253198, Nov 9, 2006

Filed:

Nov 8, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/268786

Inventors:

Khin Myint - Shakopee MN, US
Erik Martz - Savage MN, US
Benjamin Carter - Eden Prairie MN, US
Ronald Burke - Deephaven MN, US

Assignee:

Disc Dynamics, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

A61F 2/44

US Classification:

623017120, 623017160

Abstract:

A multi-lumen mold is for the in situ formation of a prosthesis in an annulus located in an intervertebral disc space of a patient. The annulus has at least two openings formed by minimally invasive techniques and at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus is removed to form a nuclear cavity. The multi-lumen mold includes a mold adapted to be located in the nuclear cavity. A first lumen having a distal end is fluidly coupled to a flexible mold at a first location. At least a second lumen having a distal end fluidly coupled to the flexible mold at a second location. The first and second lumens are adapted to extend out through the openings in the annulus when the mold is positioned in the nuclear cavity. One or more securing members can be used to secure the mold in the intervertebral disc space. The securing members can engage with the annulus, the end plates, and/or another surface of a vertebrate.

US Patent:

20060265076, Nov 23, 2006

Filed:

Nov 8, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/268876

Inventors:

Benjamin Carter - Eden Prairie MN, US
Erik Martz - Savage MN, US
Scott Hook - Edina MN, US
Mark Rydell - Golden Valley MN, US
Ronald Burke - Deephaven MN, US
Robert Kohler - Lake Elmo MN, US
Steven Healy - Vadnais Heights MN, US
Bruce Bowman - Eden Prairie MN, US
John Sherman - Wayzata MN, US
Jean-Charles Lehuec - Bordeaux, FR

Assignee:

Disc Dynamics, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

A61F 2/44

US Classification:

623017160, 606108000

Abstract:

A catheter holder designed to deliver a curable biomaterial to an intervertebral disc space. By securing the catheter to the catheter holder, the depth of insertion of the catheter into the disc space can be accurately controlled. The catheter holder optionally helps with insertion of a optional mold through the annulotomy and into the disc space created by the nuclectomy. The catheter holder helps keep the mold from being drawn too far into the disc space or pushed too far out of the disc space during polymer injection.

US Patent:

20090054990, Feb 26, 2009

Filed:

Oct 23, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/256885

Inventors:

Khin Myint - Shakopee MN, US
Erik O. Martz - Savage MN, US
Benjamin F. Carter - Eden Prairie MN, US
Ronald Burke - Deephaven MN, US

Assignee:

Disc Dynamics, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

A61F 2/44

US Classification:

623 1716, 623 1711, 623 1712

Abstract:

A multi-lumen mold is for the in situ formation of a prosthesis in an intervertebral disc space located between adjacent vertebrae of a patient. The multi-lumen mold a flexible mold, a first lumen, a second lumen and a curable biomaterial. The flexible mold is shaped to be positioned in the intervertebral disc space. The first lumen and the second lumen each have a distal end is fluidly coupled to the flexible mold at a first location and a second location, respectively. The first lumen is shaped to extend out through a first opening extending through one of the adjacent vertebrae when the mold is positioned in the intervertebral disc space. The curable biomaterial is delivered into the flexible mold through at least one of the first and second lumens. The first and second locations can optionally be located on generally opposite sides of the mold, on the same side of the mold, or a variety of other configurations. One or more securing members can be used to secure the mold in the intervertebral disc space. The securing members can engage with the annulus, the end plates, and/or another surface of a vertebrae.

US Patent:

20090112221, Apr 30, 2009

Filed:

Jan 16, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/015359

Inventors:

Ronald Burke - Deephaven MN, US
Benjamin F. Carter - Eden Prairie MN, US
Alexander Arsenyev - Eagan MN, US
Jacob John - Eagan MN, US

Assignee:

Disc Dynamics, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

A61B 17/88
A61F 2/46

US Classification:

606102, 606 78, 623 1712

Abstract:

A method and system of evaluating the geometry of the nuclear cavity within the annulus. A three-dimensional mold of the nuclear cavity is created. The three-dimensional mold is preferably removed from the nuclear cavity. The three-dimensional mold can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of the nuclear cavity.

US Patent:

20090131939, May 21, 2009

Filed:

Dec 18, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/338544

Inventors:

Michael Ahrens - Neustadt i.H., DE
Erik O. Martz - Savage MN, US
Ronald Burke - Deep Haven MN, US
Benjamin F. Carter - Eden Prairie MN, US

Assignee:

Disc Dynamics, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

A61B 17/00
A61B 17/58
B28B 7/32
A61F 2/44

US Classification:

606 80, 606300, 264314, 425 2, 623 1711

Abstract:

A system for the in situ formation of prostheses between adjacent vertebrae of a patient. The system includes a first mold adapted to be located in an intervertebral disc space between the adjacent vertebrae and at least a second mold adapted to be positioned between adjacent posterior elements. Lumens are fluidly coupled to each of the molds. One or more in situ curable biomaterials are delivered through the lumens to the molds. The at least partially cured biomaterial and the molds cooperate to maintain a desired alignment and spacing of the intervertebral disc space and the posterior elements.

US Patent:

20070276491, Nov 29, 2007

Filed:

May 24, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/420055

Inventors:

Michael AHRENS - Neustadt I.H., DE
Erik O. MARTZ - Savage MN, US
Ronald BURKE - Deep Haven MN, US
Benjamin F. CARTER - Eden Prairie MN, US

Assignee:

DISC DYNAMICS, INC. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

A61F 2/44

US Classification:

623 1711, 623901

Abstract:

A mold assembly for the in situ formation of a prosthesis in an annulus located in an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae of a patient. The mold assembly includes at least a first mold having at least one interior cavity adapted to be located in the intervertebral disc space. At least a first lumen has a distal end fluidly coupled to the mold at a first location. One or more discrete reinforcing structures are located in the intervertebral disc space with the mold. One or more biomaterials are provided to be delivered to the interior cavity through the first lumen. The at least partially cured biomaterial, the reinforcing structures and the mold cooperating to form the prosthesis.