Expandable spinal devices and method of insertion

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

US007731751B2

United States Patent

Butler et al.

(io) Patent No.: (45) Date of Patent:

US 7,731,751 B2 Jun. 8, 2010

EXPANDABLE SPINAL DEVICES AND
METHOD OF INSERTION

Inventors: Michael S. Butler, St. Charles, IL (US);

Michael J. Milella, Jr., Schaumberg, IL
(US)

Assignee: Life Spine, Inc., Hoffman Estates, IL
(US)

Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 585 days.

Appl.No.: 11/394,719

Filed: Mar. 31, 2006

Prior Publication Data

US 2006/0224241 Al Oct. 5, 2006

Related U.S. Application Data

Provisional application No. 60/666,945, filed on Mar. 31, 2005.

Int. CI.

A61F 2/44 (2006.01)

U.S. CI 623/17.11; 606/279

Field of Classification Search 606/246,

606/248, 249; 623/17.11, 17.12-17.14, 17.15-17.16 See application file for complete search history.

References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

5,390,683 A * 2/1995 Pisharodi 623/17.16

5,658,335 A * 8/1997 Allen 623/17.16

5,658,337 A 8/1997 Kohrs et al.

6,126,689 A * 10/2000 Brett 623/17.16

6,176,882 Bl* 1/2001 Biedermann et al 623/17.15

6,375,682 Bl * 4/2002 Fleischmann et al 623/17.12

A device for insertion into a spinal (intervertebral or intravertebral) space is expandable from a first circumference to a second circumference through axial compression of segments of the device, particularly once the device has been properly situated within a vertebral space. The interbody/ intravertebral body device is characterized by a plurality of axially stacked, individual segments that are provided on a central insertion and deployment rod. Each segment includes a central plate or body to which are pivotally attached plate or leaf structures. Pivoting of the structures provides a collapsed or unexpanded position of the first circumference and an open or expanded position of the second circumference.

32 Claims, 22 Drawing Sheets

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

2005/0131536 Al * 6/2005 Eisermann et al 623/17.11

2005/0143827 Al * 6/2005 Globerman et al 623/17.16

2005/0228391 Al* 10/2005 Levyetal 606/86

2006/0095136 Al * 5/2006 McLuen 623/23.47

2006/0189999 Al * 8/2006 Zwirkoski 606/90

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority for Application No. PCT/US06/12060, date of mailing Apr. 5, 2007, 3 pages. International Preliminary Report on Patentability for Application No. PCT/US06/12060, date of completion Jul. 18, 2007, 3 pages.

* cited by examiner